Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2013/077603, filed on Dec. 20, 2013, which claims priority to and all the benefits of German Patent Application No. 10 2013 200 925.9, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0002]    The invention concerns a light source module for motor vehicle headlamps as well as headlamps for such a light source module. 
         [0003]    Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being increasingly used as illuminants for vehicle headlamps. The advantages of the LED in comparison to conventional illuminants lies with the higher efficiency and a comparatively long service life. LEDs can also be constructed as compact modules. However, LEDs can often only achieve fairly low lighting intensities as compared to, for example, halogen lamps. 
         [0004]    Laser light sources, particularly semiconductor lasers, offer a number of potentially advantageous properties, such as for example a comparatively small light-emitting area, high radiation intensities and luminance as well as the emission of largely collimated and polarized light beams. Optical systems for laser light can therefore be implemented in small spaces, for example as smaller focal lengths can be chosen than for optical systems for less strongly collimated light beams of for example light bulbs or conventional LEDs. The use of laser light sources can therefore allow for a compact construction of motor vehicle headlamps. 
         [0005]    Generally speaking, one can distinguish between two types of light distributions for motor vehicle headlamps, the dimmed (low beam) distribution as well as the high beam distribution. 
         [0006]    The low beam distribution is primarily intended to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle. This is supposed to prevent other road users, particularly opposing traffic, from being adversely affected (blinded). 
         [0007]    A low beam distribution (such as low beam headlamps, fog lights) therefore often have a light-dark threshold divided into horizontal sections. This division can also exhibit an adjusted contour, for example the light-dark threshold facing the opposing traffic can be vertically lower than the section facing away from the opposing traffic. Particularly, a diagonally ascending section of the light-dark threshold can be provided between these two horizontal sections (a so-called “Z-shape”). 
         [0008]    The high beam distribution can be composed of a comparatively narrow lighting area (spot light distribution) above the light-dark threshold of the low beam distribution and a basic light distribution for the even illumination beneath or in the area of the light-dark threshold of the low beam light distribution. 
         [0009]    In order to prevent adverse effects on other road users, the low beam light distribution is generally of lower intensity than the high beam one. High intensities are generally desired for the high beam distribution in order to illuminate areas that are further away. This is why the use of laser light sources is particularly beneficial for a high beam application. 
         [0010]    Problems regarding the use of laser light sources for motor vehicle headlamps however arise, on one hand, from the fact that lasers generally emit a coherent, monochromatic light or light of a narrow wave length area. White mixed light is, however, usually desired or legally prescribed for the light emitted from motor vehicle headlamps. Furthermore, the emission distributions are supposed to exhibit certain, partially legally prescribed intensity curves (for example as described above). Measures for the conversion into suitable light must therefore be taken. 
         [0011]    To convert monochromatic light into, for example, white mixed light, the use of photo luminescence converts or photo luminescence elements is generally known in the area of white LEDs or luminescence conversion LEDs. These consist, for example, of a photo luminescence coloring agent in a, for example, semi-transparent substrate and are arranged immediately on the light-emitting section of the LED. The light of a colored (for example blue) LED excites the photo luminescence coloring agent to start the photo luminescence process, which causes the photo luminescence coloring agent itself to emit light of a different wavelength (for example yellow). In this manner, at least a part of the emitted light of a wavelength range can be converted into light of a different wavelength range. Usually, another part of the emitted light is scattered by the photo luminescence element. The scattered light and the light emitted by the photo luminescence can then additively superimpose and achieve the desired, for example white, mixed light. 
         [0012]    When using laser light sources, a precise adjustment of the laser light source to the photo luminescence element and possibly required optical devices for guiding, shaping or deflection of the laser light is needed due to the typically heavily collimated light beams with small beam diameters. 
         [0013]    Known motor vehicle headlamps with laser light sources are therefore often fixedly installed inside the housing of the headlamp to prevent a misalignment of the laser light source in reference to the optical devices and/or the photo luminescence element. US 2012/01606178 A1, for example, describes an illumination device with a laser light source that is permanently arranged inside a housing reflector unit. Such arrangements complicate headlamp repairs if the laser light source fails. Manufacturing of a functional headlamp unit can also be complicated as well as complex as the laser light source has to be aligned inside the entire headlamp unit. 
         [0014]    The intention of the invention at hand is to make proper use of the advantages presented by LEDs as well as the advantages of laser light sources for motor vehicle headlamps and to also allow for a comfortable repair and maintenance of the motor vehicle headlamps. 
         [0015]    This task is solved by a light source module in accordance with claim  1  as well as a motor vehicle headlamp in accordance with claim  9 . 
         [0016]    The light source module is comprised of at least one laser light source, preferably a laser diode, used to emit laser light as well as photo luminescence element, which is designed in such a manner that contact of the laser light allows for a mixed light distribution to be emittable using the photo luminescence effect. The photo luminescence element is arranged in such a manner that the laser light of at least one laser light source can come into contact with the photo luminescence element. The emission of the mixed light distribution is particularly provided by a partial conversion of the laser light by photo luminescence and partially by diffuse and/or incoherent scattering of the laser light on the photo luminescence element. The converted light has a different wave length than the emitted laser light and can additively mix to, for example, white light in conjunction with the light scattered on the photo luminescence element. In this respect, the photo luminescence element acts as the actual light source of the mixed light distribution. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, the light source module comprises at least one additional light source, which is provided by a light-emitting diode. This diode serves the purpose of emitting a supplementary light distribution. 
         [0018]    With this light source module, at least one of these laser light sources, the photo luminescence element and at least one light-emitting diode are mounted on a joint carrier component as a single module. 
         [0019]    Such a light source module can be designed as a compact unit. All light-emitting parts as well as other optical and electric components are integrated as modules on the carrier component. With a headlamp that uses light-emitting diodes and laser light sources as illuminants, the light source module simplifies maintenance in the event of a defect. 
         [0020]    As an example, the entire light source module can be replaced as a whole similar to a conventional lamp. 
         [0021]    The light distributions emitted by the laser light source and light-emitting diode can be combined in an advantageous manner. As an example, the mixed light distribution provided by the laser light source, which usually has a high radiation intensity, can feed the high beam distribution of a headlamp unit. The supplementary light distribution can feed the low beam distribution of the headlamp. A light-emitting diode with a comparatively low radiation intensity can be used. This avoids adverse effects on opposing traffic with the low beam distribution. A headlamp unit fitted with the light source module in question can profit from the high intensities and strong beam focus as well as the efficiency and reliability of the light-emitting diode and their comparatively inexpensive manufacturing costs. 
         [0022]    Electrical contacts are provided on the carrier component, preferably independent of one another, for at least one light-emitting diode and at least one laser light source so that the light source module for emitting the mixed light distribution and the supplemental light distribution can be controlled independent of one another. 
         [0023]    The carrier component would preferably be designed as a single piece and can particularly be provided with different from sections (such as the front section, base section, intermediate section, socket section, etc.) as described in the following. 
         [0024]    A laser light source lens can be provided in the beam path between the laser light source and the photo luminescence element, for example a light guide, lens arrangement or radiation filter element. 
         [0025]    The carrier component is preferably provided with a front section for the longitudinally arranged light source unit and a base section located in the rear. Here, at least one light-emitting diode is arranged on the front section, whereas at least one laser light source is provided on the base section. Such a spatial division of the two light source types can, for example, be used to achieve enough space for the use of multiple laser light sources and light-emitting diodes. The spatial separation can also be advantageous in order to ensure an efficient heat dissipation of the individual light sources and to avoid an undesired mutual heating of the light sources. 
         [0026]    The front section is spaced apart from the base section. To this end, the carrier component can be provided with an intermediate section, which would then be located between the front section and the base section. 
         [0027]    The photo luminescence element can also be arranged on the front section. With such an arrangement, all components that emit the actually used light are located on the front section. The base section is primarily used as a mount, power supply and, if required, for cooling the light source module, particularly the laser light source in this case. 
         [0028]    An efficient heat dissipation can, however, also be achieved by the carrier component being provided with at least two spaced apart air gaps, whereas the photo luminescence element is positioned at one sectional gap and the light-emitting is positioned at the other one (geometrical thermal separation of photo luminescence element and light-emitting diode). The carrier component can also have a thermally isolated separating section, which is located between the first and section sections with the photo luminescence element being placed at one section and the light-emitting diode placed at the other (material-based thermal separation of photo luminescence element and light-emitting diode). 
         [0029]    Another advantageous development results from the circumstance that a laser guidance lens (for example a light guide) is used to guide the laser light of at least one laser light source to the photo luminescence element located on the front section. 
         [0030]    The light-emitting diode is preferably provided with its own optical head, which largely leaves the mixed light distribution emitted from the photo luminescence element unaffected. Such an independent optical head for the light-emitting diode can be advantageous in order to collimate the light of the laser-emitting diode independent of the laser light and to form, for example, a light distribution suitable for a low beam application. 
         [0031]    It would also be conceivable to provide a deflection reflector and/or collection reflector for the light-emitting diode, using which only the supplemental light distribution is deflected or focused and which leaves the mixed light distribution largely unaffected. 
         [0032]    Another advantageous development of the carrier component results from this component being provided with a laser transmission channel, which is located between two opposing surfaces of the carrier component and through which light can be emitted. The transmission channel leads to a suitable beam opening on both sides of the surfaces. 
         [0033]    The provisioning of a laser transmission channel through the carrier component makes it possible to provide at least a first and second laser light source, whereas the first and second laser light sources are arranged on the carrier component in such a manner that at least a section of the carrier component is located between the first and second laser light source and/or at least partially between the laser light beams emitted from both laser light sources. In this manner, it is possible to arrange multiple laser light sources on the carrier component. Through the sections of the carrier component between the laser light sources and/or the laser light beams, it is then, for example, possible to provide efficient cooling for the individual laser light sources. 
         [0034]    The transmission channel is preferably arranged inside the intermediate section, which is located between the aforementioned front section and the likewise aforementioned base section of the carrier component. 
         [0035]    As a further development, a beam deflection means used to guide the light of at least one laser light source through the transmission channel is to be provided on the carrier component. 
         [0036]    For example, it is possible to arrange a deflection reflector on one side of the carrier component on which the first laser light source is positioned, which is designed in such a manner that the light of this first laser light source is guided through the transmission channel using the deflection roller. On the other side of the transmission channel, for example in the area of the transmission opening leading to this surface, a beam combination measure or beam unification measure can then be provided, using which laser light of the first laser light source (which passes through the transmission channel) and laser light of a second laser light source (which is, for example, arranged on the first side opposing the second side) can be combined. 
         [0037]    To ensure an efficient cooling of the carrier component, it is preferably manufactured using a thermally conductive material in such a manner that the waste heat of at least one laser light source and/or at least one light-emitting diode and/or the photo luminescence element can be deflected. A material whose thermal conductivity exceeds 20 W/(K*m), particularly above 100 W/(K*m) would be preferred. The carrier component should be made of metal, for example copper, aluminum, iron or an alloy of different metals. The use of thermally conductive ceramics or plastic would, however, also be conceivable. 
         [0038]    The carrier component can be provided with a heat sink section, which is positioned in such a manner that at least one laser light source and/or at least one light-emitting diode and/or the photo luminescence element can be cooled, meaning that the waste heat can be primarily discharged using the heat sink section. The heat sink section can, for example, be connected with the carrier component in one piece. It would, however, also be feasible to provide the heat sink section from a separate heat sink, which is connected with a contact section of the carrier component using a thermally conductive contact. 
         [0039]    As another development, the light source module can be provided with a carrier base, which comprises alignment measures used to align or adjust the light source unit when arranged inside a headlamp and/or mounting fixture for fastening the light source module inside a headlamp unit. The carrier base can be connected to the carrier component as a single piece and be particularly designed as a socket section of this carrier component. The socket section is arranged on the aforementioned base section of the carrier component or covers this base section. It would, however, also be feasible that the carrier base be designed as a separate component on which the carrier component (not a single piece) is mounted. The carrier base is fitted to other components (such as the housing) of a headlamp unit in a releasable manner, for example using bayonet mountings. 
         [0040]    The alignment measures on the carrier base allow for the light source module as a complex unit to be aligned in reference to optical facilities (such as the primary or secondary optics) of a headlamp unit. This ensures a secure assembly in spite of unfavorable assembly conditions (such as darkness). This allows for a comfortable maintenance and repair of the headlamp unit. The alignment measures can, for example, be provided as edges for the engagement into correspondingly shaped recesses on a component of the headlamp unit (for example its housing). A development of the alignment measures as guide holes is also feasible. 
         [0041]    The carrier base allows for the light source module to simply be replaced as a whole in the event of required maintenance. Due to the alignment measures, no complex adjustment is necessary as the laser light source and photo luminescence element as well as the light-emitting diode within the light source module are already arranged in an adjusted manner. The alignment measures can also secure the adjustment of the mixed light and supplemental light distributions created by the light source unit in reference to other optical facilities of the headlamp unit. 
         [0042]    The carrier base preferably comprises contact devices (for example contact areas or plug connections) for the electrical power supply of the laser light source and light-emitting diode. 
         [0043]    Another development results from the carrier base being in thermally conductive contact with a heat sink so that heat emitted by the light sources as well as the photo luminescence element arranged on the carrier component can be discharged through the carrier base. The carrier base can be provided with a heat contact section through which the carrier base is connected to a heat sink or cooling section of the headlamp unit upon installation into such a unit and through which the created heat can be discharged. 
         [0044]    The light source unit is preferably equipped with a laser transmission housing, which surrounds at least a part of the carrier component, whereas the transmission housing has at least one transparent beam transmission area through which the light of the mixed light and supplemental light distribution can exit. The transmission housing is, for example, designed as a transparent tube or bell, made of glass or a transparent, heat-resistant plastic. This transmission housing preferably covers all light-emitting components of the light source module. The transmission housing can be used to form a closed module, which is limited by the transmission housing and the carrier component or, if applicable, the carrier base. Due to this design, all optical and electrical components of the light source unit can be protected from damage while the unit is being accessed (for example when repairing the headlamp unit). 
         [0045]    The transmission housing is also provided with a connective opening, using which it can be attached to the carrier component and using which the transmission housing can be mounted on the carrier component or carrier base. 
         [0046]    The task/problem raised at the beginning of this document is solved by a motor vehicle headlamp, which is equipped with an optical emission unit for converting an initial light distribution of a light source unit into an emittable light distribution of a headlamp. In accordance with this invention, a light source module as described in the aforementioned sections is used to create such an initial light distribution. 
         [0047]    Such a motor vehicle headlamp is particularly maintenance-friendly as the light source unit can be replaced in a simple manner. A complex adjustment of the laser light source in reference to the photo luminescence element and/or the laser light source in reference to the light-emitting diode is not required. 
         [0048]    The initial light distribution of the light source module comprises both the mixed light distribution emitted from the laser light sources as well as the supplemental light distribution emitted by the light-emitting diodes. 
         [0049]    The optical emission unit of the headlamp preferably comprises a primary optical unit for converting the initial light distribution of the light source module into a primarily light distribution as well as a secondary optical unit for converting the primary light distribution into an emittable light distribution of the headlamp unit. 
         [0050]    The primary optics unit can be designed and arranged in such a manner that it only effects the mixed light distribution emitted by the photo luminescence element and leaves the supplemental light distribution unaffected. This can be advantageous, particularly if the light-emitting diode is provided with its own optical head as explained above, which only effects the light distribution emitted by the light-emitting diode. The primary optics unit can, however, be designed and arranged in such a manner that it effects both the mixed light distribution as well as the supplemental light distribution. 
         [0051]    The primary optics unit might, for example, be designed as an optical head for the light source module. It is also feasible that the primary optics unit be designed as a reflector or comprises such a reflector among other facilities. This reflector can at least partially surround the light source module and, for example, be open in the main beam direction of the headlamp. The reflector can be provided with a receptacle section (e.g. for a socket opening) into which the light source module can at least be partially inserted in such a manner that the mixed light and supplemental light distributions can be deflected in the direction of the reflector. 
         [0052]    The secondary optics unit is preferably designed as a projection lens using which the primary light distribution can be projected into the emitted light distribution. The secondary optics unit can also comprise a reflector as well. 
         [0053]    A particularly preferable development of the headlamp unit results from the light source module being arranged and the optical emission unit being designed in such a manner that the mixed light distribution generated by the light source module during operation of the headlamp is converted into a high beam distribution for the headlamp while the supplemental light distribution generated by the light source module is converted into a low beam distribution for the headlamp. To this end, the light-emitting diode or light-emitting diodes of the light source module can be provided with an optical head, which only affects the light emitted by the LEDs and achieves a supplemental light distribution with the properties desired for a low beam light distribution. 
         [0054]    An aperture is preferably arranged within the beam bath, but after the light source module (particularly within the beam path between the light source module and a secondary optics unit, through which the emitted light distribution exits). It is preferably designed in such a manner that the supplemental light distribution can be deactivated in such a manner that the emitted light distribution has a light-dark threshold, if only the light-emitting diode or light-emitting diodes and not the laser light source or the laser light sources are actuated to emit light. To this end, the aperture can particularly be provided with an aperture frame, which matches the light-dark threshold via the secondary optics unit. The aperture can be designed in such a way that it can be moved into the beam path and out of the beam path. 
         [0055]    As the photo luminescence element constitutes the actual light source of the mixed light distribution, inhomogeneities of the photo luminescence element or slight tolerances of the laser light source adjustment with regard to the photo luminescence element can lead to undesired variations in intensity or color for the mixed light distribution. These would have a particularly adverse effect on the headlamp unit, especially the high beam distribution. To counter this, the optical emission unit and/or the light source module can be designed in such a manner that the supplemental light distribution can overlap with such critical areas of the mixed light distribution where undesired intensity variations and/or color variations can occur. The combination of light-emitting diodes and laser light source can, in this manner, improve the reliability of the headlamp unit. It is likewise possible to purposefully adjust the color or color temperature of the emitted light distribution of the headlamp by selecting the color distribution or color temperature of the light-emitting diode or light-emitting diodes through targeted superimposition of the supplemental and mixed light distribution. 
     
    
     
         [0056]    Other details and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the following description, based on which the design variant of the invention shown in the Figures is described and explained in more detail. 
           [0057]    The figures show the following: 
           [0058]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic longitudinal section of a light source module in accordance with the invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic longitudinal section of a motor vehicle headlamp with a light source module in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0060]    To improve clarity, the same reference signs are used in the following description as well as Figures for corresponding features and components of the invention. 
         [0061]      FIG. 1  shows a light source module  10 , which is comprised of a first laser light source  12   a  and a second laser light source  12   b . The laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b  are preferably designed as semiconductor lasers (laser diodes). The first laser light source  12   a  emits a first laser light beam  14   a  while the second laser light source  12   b  emits a second laser light beam  14   b.    
         [0062]    A photo luminescence element  16  is positioned in such a manner that the laser light beams  14   a  and  14   b  emitted from laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b  (if required, after deflection through a laser guidance optics unit, as described below) hit the photo luminescence element  16  and can excite these to emit a mixed light distribution  18 . 
         [0063]    The light source module  10  also comprises a light-emitting diode  12 , which is arranged in regard to an optical head  22  in such a manner that the light emitted from the light-emitting diode  20  is converted into a supplemental light distribution  24 . 
         [0064]    The light sources  12   a ,  12   b ,  20  and the photo luminescence element  16  as well as the optical head  22  (and, if required, additional components described in detail in the following) are arranged on a joint carrier component  26 . The carrier component is preferably provided as a single piece body in the longitudinal direction  27  made of a particularly thermally conductive material. 
         [0065]    The carrier component  26  has a front section  28  in the longitudinal direction  27 . Opposite from this (meaning in the rear with regard to the longitudinal direction  27 ), the carrier component  26  is provided with a base section  30 . There is an intermediate section  32  of the carrier component  26  between the base section  30  and the front section  28 . 
         [0066]    The carrier component  26  is mounted on the carrier base  34  with its base section  30 . In the shown example, the carrier base  34  is provided as a separate component, which is permanently connected with the carrier component  26 , for example using screws. It would, however, also be feasible that the carrier base  34  is formed by a socket section of the carrier component  26 , which connects to the base section  30 . In this manner, the carrier base and carrier component form a coherent, particularly a single-piece, component. 
         [0067]    In the presented example, the connection between the carrier base  34  and carrier component  26  is to be designed in such a manner that the waste heat of the light sources  12   a ,  12   b ,  20  and/or the photo luminescence element  16  is discharged through the carrier component  26  into the carrier base  34 . For cooling purposes, the carrier base  34  is preferably connected with a heat sink  36 , which in the presented example is arranged on the carrier base  34  facing away from the carrier component  26  (in the direction opposing the carrier&#39;s longitudinal direction  27 ). 
         [0068]    It would also be feasible that the heat sink  36  be arranged on the carrier component  26  and/or the carrier base  34  as a single piece. Carrier component  26 , carrier base  34  and heat sink  36  can particularly be provided as a single body made of thermally conductive material. 
         [0069]    The carrier component  26  is positioned within a tube-shaped transmission housing  38 , which has a light-transparent transmission area  40  at least in the area of the front section  28  of the carrier component  26 . The transmission housing  38  can, however, also be provided as a wholly transparent component, for example a glass tube. The transmission housing  38  has a connective opening  42  in the presented example, which is in contact with the carrier base  34 . In the area of the connective opening  42 , the transmission housing  38  is mounted on the carrier base  34 . In this manner, the carrier component  26  as well as the optical and electrical components arranged on it are enclosed and protected by a housing made up of the transmission housing  38  and the carrier base  34 . 
         [0070]    The carrier component  26  is positioned within a tube-shaped transmission housing  38 , which has a light-transparent transmission area  40  at least in the area of the front section  28  of the carrier component  26 . The transmission housing  38  can, however, also be provided as a wholly transparent component, for example a glass tube. The transmission housing  38  has a connective opening  42  in the presented example, which is in contact with the carrier base  34 . In the area of the connective opening  42 , the transmission housing  38  is mounted on the carrier base  34 . In this manner, the carrier component  26  as well as the optical and electrical components arranged on it are enclosed and protected by a housing made up of the transmission housing  38  and the carrier base  34 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary development of the laser guidance optics. Lenses  44  can be provided downstream from the laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b  in the beam path (cf.  FIG. 1 ). These can serve to collimate the laser light beam  14   a  and  14   b  or to shape them in accordance with requirements. 
         [0072]    In the presented example, the carrier component  26  is limited in the vertical direction to the longitudinal direction of the carrier  26  from a first surface  46  and an opposing second surface  48 . The first surface  46  defines a top side, the second surface  48  defines an underside of the carrier component  26 . In the area of the intermediate section  32 , the carrier component  26  has a laser transmission channel  50 . This channel pushes through the carrier component  26  in the rough vertical direction in reference to the carrier&#39;s longitudinal direction and leads to the first surface  46  of the first transmission opening, on the second surface  48  on the second transmission opening so that light from the underside can be emitted through the transmission channel  50  to the top side. 
         [0073]    The first laser light source  12   a  is arranged on the first surface  46  while the second laser light source is arranged on the second surface  48  of the carrier component  26 . The base section  30  of the carrier component  26  is therefore located between the laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b , which allows for an efficient cooling of the laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b  to be provided. 
         [0074]    The intermediate section  32  reaches between the laser light beams  14   a  and  14   b  emitted from the laser light sources  12   a  and  12   b . The first laser light beam  14   a  extends from the side of the carrier component  26  on which the photo luminescence element  16  is arranged as well. The second laser light beam  14   b  on the other hand is directed in the area immediately after the second laser light source  12   b  to the opposing side of the carrier component  26 . In order to also guide the light emitted from the second laser light source  12   b  to the photo luminescence element  16 , a deflection reflector  52  is arranged on the carrier component  26  in such a manner that a second laser light beam  14   b  can be guided through the transmission channel  50  on the top side of the carrier component  26  using the deflection reflector  52 . 
         [0075]    A beam division element  54  is arranged in the area where the transmission opening of the transmission channel  50  flows into the first surface  46 , using which the emitted first laser light beam  14   a  can be joined with the laser light beam  14   b  flowing through the transmission channel  50  and forms a collective light beam  14 ′. The collective light beam  14 ′ then hits the photo luminescence element  16  along the further beam path. 
         [0076]    Such a combination using a beam division element  54  is particularly beneficial as laser light sources usually emit linearly polarized light. For example, the polarization direction of the laser light source  12   a  can be selected vertically to the polarization direction of the laser light source  12   b . The beam division element  54  is then preferably provided as a polarization beam divider, which can combine the light of a first polarization direction (in the first laser light beam  14   a ) and the light of a second polarization direction (in the second laser light beam  14   b  coming through the transmission channel  50 ) to one collective light beam  14 ′, practically without loss. 
         [0077]    To simplify the manufacturing of the light source module  10 , the carrier component  26  can be provided with adjustment means, for example installation edges on which the individual components (light sources  12   a ,  12   b ,  20 ; photo luminescence element  16 ; optical head  22 ; beam divider  54 , etc.) can be mounted for assembly and thereby kept in their positions. Likewise, markings can be provided on the surfaces of the carrier component  26 , which define the positions of the components to be arranged. 
         [0078]    The  FIG. 2  shows a motor vehicle headlamp  100  used to generate an emittable light distribution  102 , which is preferentially focused on a main beam direction  104  of the headlamp  100 . 
         [0079]    The motor vehicle headlamp  100  comprises a light source module  10  as described above. In the presented example, the module is arranged inside a receptacle section  106  of the headlamp  100  designed as a socket opening. In the presented example, the receptacle section  106  is located in a section of the motor vehicle headlamp  100  that is opposite from the main beam direction  104 . 
         [0080]    The motor vehicle head lamp  100  also comprises an optical emission unit  108 , which entails both a primary optics unit as well as a secondary optics unit  112  in the presented example. The secondary optics unit  112  forms a section of the headlamp through which the emittable light distribution  102  passes during operation of the headlamp  100 . 
         [0081]    The primary optics unit  110  is designed as a primary reflector section  114  of a headlamp housing  116  in the presented example. The secondary optics unit  112  is designed as a projection lens. 
         [0082]    The receptacle section  106  is designed as a socket opening, through which the tube-shaped transmission housing  38  of the light source module  10  can be slid into the inner part of the headlamp housing  116 . In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 2 , the carrier base  34  of the light source unit  10  is in contact with the receptacle section  106  that is limiting the socket opening. Preferably, there are matching mounting measures provided on the headlamp housing  116  as well as the carrier base  34 . These are not shown in detail as part of the Figure. 
         [0083]    In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 2 , the carrier component  26  is arranged in combination with the attached optically effective components (cf.  FIG. 1 ) in reference to the optical emission unit in such a manner that the mixed light distribution  18  emitted by the light source module  10  hits the primary reflector section  114  and is therefore deflected by the primary optics unit  110 . The supplemental light distribution  24  emitted by the light-emitting diode  20  of the light source module  10  does, on the other hand, not hit the primary reflector section  114  in the presented example, but spreads in the direction of the secondary optics unit  112  from the optical head  22  irrespective of the primary optics unit  110 . 
         [0084]    With this type of headlamp  100 , the optical emission unit  108  is designed and the light source module  10  is arranged in such a manner in reference to the optical emission unit  108  that during operation of the headlamp, the mixed light distribution  108  feeds a spot light distribution of the headlamp  100 , which, for example, allows for an intensive illumination of a central area of the emittable light distribution  102  (long-range spot). The supplemental light distribution  24  is, on the other hand, preferably used in a light distribution intended for an even illumination of a larger area. 
         [0085]    An aperture  118  can be arranged along the beam path between the optical head  22  of the light-emitting diode and the secondary optics unit  112  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). Using this aperture  118 , it is possible to fade a definable share of the supplemental light distribution  24  prior to it hitting the secondary optics unit  112  in such a way that the share of the emittable light distribution  102  provided by the supplemental light distribution  24  exhibits a light-dark threshold. 
         [0086]    The aperture  118  can also, for example, feature an at least partially horizontal (primarily vertical to the main beam direction  104 ) aperture edge  120 . This aperture edge  120  is preferably positioned in such a manner that it passes through the focal point of the secondary optics unit  112  acting as a projection lens. This leads to the circumstance that the light-dark transition of the supplemental light distribution defined by the aperture edge is projected into a light-dark threshold of the emittable light distribution  102  of the headlamp  100  via a secondary optics unit  102 . In the presented example, the aperture fades those beams of the supplemental light distribution  24 , which would be deflected upward of the light-dark threshold by the secondary optics unit  112 . 
         [0087]    The mixed light distribution  18  is converted into a primary light distribution  122  by the primary optics unit  110 . The aperture  118  is preferably arranged in such a manner (cf.  FIG. 2 ) that the primary light distribution  122  is partially screened by the aperture  118 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , a part of the beams of the primary light distribution  122  hits the aperture  118  beneath the aperture edge  120  while another part misses the aperture  118  above the aperture edge  120  and hits the secondary optics unit  112  (projection lens) instead. The center of the mixed light beam preferably hits the aperture  118  slightly beneath the aperture edge  120 . The aperture therefore screens all beams of the primary light distribution  122 , which would be deflected above the light-dark threshold by the secondary optics unit  112 . This means that using this arrangement, it is possible to achieve an emittable light distribution  102  with a light-dark threshold, an evenly wide illumination (provided by the supplemental light distribution  24 ) and an additional, bright long-range spot adjoining the light-dark threshold beneath the light-dark threshold. 
         [0088]    The aperture  118  can also be provided as a movable (for example folding) mechanism between a low beam position (where it is in the beam path of the primary light distribution  122  and the supplemental light distribution  24 , cf.  FIG. 2 ) and a neutral position (where the aperture  118  is swiveled out of the beam path, meaning that it leaves the light distributions  122  and  24  largely unaffected). 
         [0089]    In the neutral position, the aperture  118  (open aperture) forms an intensive high beam distribution using the mixed light distribution  18  converted by the primary optics unit  110  and the secondary optics unit  112 . The supplemental light distribution  24  forms a wide, horizontal light distribution intended for even illumination after passing through the secondary optics unit  112 . This finally results in a high beam configuration with a maximum range and an even illumination. 
         [0090]    In the low beam position (closed aperture), the secondary optics unit  112  generates a low beam light distribution as shown in  FIG. 2  through projection of the aperture edge  120  and the light beams emitting past it. Depending on the application, the supplemental light distribution  24  can be sufficient here by itself. The mixed light distribution  18  is, however, capable (if required after conversion into the primary light distribution  122 ) to provide a long-range spot beneath the light-dark threshold if needed (see above with regards to  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0091]    The laser light source and the light-emitting diode can be actuated to emit light or turned on/off independently of one another. This makes it possible to provide an adaptive emittable light distribution  102  with a mixed light distribution  18  added as needed (or a primary light distribution  122 ) to provide a long-range spot (for example with a closed aperture, cf.  FIG. 2 ). Regarding the use as a motor vehicle headlamp, this can, for example, be advantageous for fast driving on country roads, whereas the long-range spot can be deactivated in other situations, such as city traffic. 
         [0092]    Variants without an aperture  118  would also be conceivable. The headlamp  100  can then provide a high beam function with an intensive spot and a widely illuminated supplemental light distribution. 
         [0093]    As the light-emitting diode  20  already has its own optical head  22  used to form a suitable basic light distribution and the mixed light distribution  18  can be converted into the desired light distribution by a primary optics unit  110 , the secondary optics unit  112  can also be omitted for a motor vehicle headlamp  100 . In this case, the light-emitting diode  20  can, for example, directly feed the light distribution of the headlamp through the optical head  22 . The primary light distribution  122  converted into the mixed light distribution  18  by the primary optics unit  110  can then provide the intensive high beam component at the same time. The supplemental light distribution  24  can also be provided with its own secondary optics unit (for example a projection lens) in addition to the optical head  22  of the light-emitting diode  20 , which leaves the light distributions  18 ,  122  unaffected. In particular, variants are conceivable, where the secondary optics unit  112  only affects the supplemental light distribution  24 , but not the mixed light distribution  18  or the primary light distribution  122 . 
         [0094]    In order to actuate the low beam and high beam distributions independently of one another, the light source module  10  in accordance with this invention is preferably provided with contacts for the electrical power supply in the area of the carrier base  34  and/or the carrier component  26  that are independent of one another and are assigned to the laser light sources  12   a ,  12   b  on one side and the light-emitting diode  20  on the other. From these contacts, electrical power supply lines can run to the light sources  12   a ,  12   b  and  20 . 
         [0095]    These can be routed along a surface of the carrier component  26  or be embedded in the carrier component  26 .

Technology Category: f