AT517307B1 - Lighting device for vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting device for a vehicle headlamp, which comprises a primary light module (AM), a secondary light module (FM), an additional module (ZM) for generating an additional light distribution, wherein the primary light module (AM) in a vehicle-mounted state in a Area in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined total light distribution (A), and the secondary light module (FM) in a vehicle-mounted state in an area in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined partial light distribution (F), and at the same time illuminated primary light module (AM) and secondary light module (FM) the first total light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution (F), so that a second total light distribution (LV) is formed, activating the additional module (ZM) the second unmodified total light distribution (LV) modified to a modified second total light distribution (LV '), wherein the modified second total light htverteilung (LV ') has a greater width than the unmodified second total light distribution (LV).

Description

description

LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS

The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle headlamp, comprising a primary light module, a secondary light module, an additional module for generating an additional light distribution, wherein the primary light module in a built-in vehicle state in a region in front of the motor vehicle a first generates predetermined total light distribution, and the secondary light module generates a first predetermined partial light distribution in a vehicle-mounted state in an area in front of the motor vehicle, and at the same time illuminated primary light module and secondary light module, the first total light distribution at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution, so a second total light distribution is formed.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle headlight with at least one such lighting device.

Moreover, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one, preferably with two such vehicle headlights.

According to the legal provisions have light distribution of vehicle headlights to meet a number of conditions. In addition to legal requirements, customer requirements often also have to be met, for example. be implemented in terms of width and homogeneity of a light distribution.

The measurement of the light distribution values is usually done by a measuring screen is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the lighting device and illuminated at a certain distance in front of the lighting device (for example, a headlight). A special orthogonal coordinate pair is defined on the screen - hh line (coordinate H) and vv line (coordinate V). The location of a spot on the screen is expressed in degrees with respect to the HV point, i. with respect to the intersection of the hh and vv lines. The light intensity values are recorded in the form of a two-dimensional light distribution and displayed, for example, as an isolux line diagram. Depending on the region of the world, different requirements for minimum widths of main beam distributions are enshrined in the relevant laws. For example, the main beam distribution according to ECE-R 112 (Economic Commission for Europe) should illuminate a minimum range between H = -5 ° and H = + 5 °. Again, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 regulations, which apply primarily in the US, mandate high beam distributions that illuminate a minimum range between H = -12 ° and H = + 12 °.

In ferry mode, however, a broader or dynamic light distribution is desirable, which is why in headlights often movable elements or even additional light modules - as shown for example in the publications DE 102004053320 A1, EP1870283B1 and DE102008036193A1 - are used to the road in cornering light To illuminate situations. In this case, a partial light distribution is radiated from the motor vehicle in a lying in front of the vehicle lane area whose maximum light intensity is the side of the vv line. Movable elements are cost-intensive (stepper motors), space-critical (swivel paths) and increase the complexity of the headlamp. The use of movable elements or complex optical attachments often occurs in the prior art when LEDs are used as light sources in light modules (see, for example, DE 102005041234 A1, DE 10009782 B4, DE 102010047697 A1). It is therefore desirable to be able to dispense with moving elements, or additional light modules, or complex attachment optics and still illuminate the road as well as possible when cornering.

Possible approaches to address the above-mentioned problem of the movable elements are, for example, in the applications US 2004223337 A1 and WO 2014148028 A1 and in US 2008239744 A1 thematized. Thus, US 2004223337 A1 shows a vehicle headlight for generating a low beam with a cornering light function with 12 light modules, which are combined into 3 groups of 4 light modules. A disadvantage of this invention that the control of the light modules is directly related to the position of the steering wheel and therefore makes it possible to increase the width of the low beam only when cornering. WO 2014148028 A1 discloses a possibility to combine several "lamp units" in a space-saving manner However, the technical solution in WO 2014148028 A1 is to achieve a superposition of light distributions by varying the size of the imaging and / or projection lenses D2 is formed by superimposing a plurality of different diffused light patterns, whereby an adaptation of the width to cornering or even other driving situations by switching and / or activating an additional light module is not addressed US 2008239744 A1 discloses a vehicle headlight, which consists of 3 groups of light modules Groups consist of one light module each and a group consists of 3 light modules.The individual light distributions of the groups overlap each other and do not increase the width of the total light distribution but increase their homogeneity.

The disadvantages of the prior art described are to be eliminated. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a lighting device capable of realizing a photograph that satisfies the legal requirements while having a higher width of the high beam distribution in cornering situations.

The above-described object is achieved with an aforementioned lighting device according to the invention that a first control unit is assigned to at least one of the modules - the primary light module and the secondary light module - a second control unit is assigned to the additional module, the second control unit correlated with the first control unit so that the add-on module is activated / deactivated simultaneously with at least one of the modules - the primary light module and the secondary light module - activating the add-on module modifies the second unmodified total light distribution to a modified second total light distribution, the modified one second total light distribution has a greater width than the unmodified second total light distribution.

It may prove additionally useful if the modified second total light distribution is asymmetrical with respect to the vv line.

This advantage comes especially in cornering situations to light. Depending on the orientation of the curve, the second total light distribution may be wider either to the right (for a right turn) or to the left (for a left turn) from the vv line.

Further advantageous, but non-limiting developments of the invention are as follows: In one of the preferred embodiments, it is provided that the width of the unmodified second total light distribution above the hh line in a horizontal angle range between 17 ° and Is 23 °, preferably 20 °, and the width of the modified second total light distribution above the hh line in a horizontal angle range between 29 ° and 35 °, preferably 32 °.

It is also conceivable that the additional module is formed from at least one, preferably three or more, additional light modules.

It is expedient that each additional light module comprises at least one light source and at least one optical element, wherein each optical element is designed as a light deflecting means, in particular as a reflector or as a lens or as a mirror.

This results in a practical design, if the at least one light source is designed as an LED.

It is particularly advantageous that each additional light module is mounted pivotably about one, two or three axes.

This advantage can be exploited if e.g. a broader than already radiatable light distribution is prescribed, as in the case of an export of an ECE-compliant vehicle to the United States.

It is advantageously provided that the additional module is formed of three additional light modules, and each additional light module is an imaging optics, i. at least one reflector and / or at least one lens, wherein the first imaging optics and the second imaging optics are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the primary light module and the third imaging optics laterally adjacent to the first imaging optics or laterally adjacent to the second imaging optics is arranged.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the additional module is formed of three additional light modules, and each additional module has an imaging optics, the first imaging optics and the second imaging optics are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the secondary light module and the Third imaging optics is arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics or laterally adjacent to the second imaging optics.

The selection of the arrangement of the third reflector can emerge, for example, from the consideration of whether the overall arrangement of the three reflectors for the right or for the left headlight is determined.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the first, the second reflector and the third reflector have a segmented reflector surface, which reflector surface has one, two or more facets.

This results in greater design freedom to form the light image generated by the respective reflector.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the facets are arranged matrix-like, preferably have a 4 x 2 matrix arrangement.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the light source of the primary light module is formed from two or more LEDs and each group of LEDs are assigned one, two or more optical elements.

It is advantageously provided that the second control unit is controlled separately from the first control unit.

In addition, it has proven to be expedient that in a built-in vehicle state, the second control unit receives a generated by the rotational movement of the vehicle steering wheel control signal, processed and based on this signal controls the additional module.

The achieved by activating the additional module modification of the second unmodi-ficated total light distribution is that in the modified second total light distribution at least one further light spot - a segment - can be seen. In this case, this at least one segment is at least partially outside the unmodified second total light distribution. In this way, an enlargement of the illuminating surface is achieved and, among other things, the width of the second total light distribution is increased.

It is expedient that the second modified total light distribution has one, two or more segments, which segments for a left turn left of the vv line or for a right turn right of the vv line.

It is advantageously provided that the second modified total light distribution has one, two or more segments, wherein at least one segment has at least one vertical sharp HD boundary.

It is advantageous that the second modified total light distribution has three or more than three segments, wherein at least one segment has at least one, preferably exactly one, vertical sharp HD boundary and at least one further segment has two vertical sharp HD boundaries ,

It is also conceivable that the second modified total light distribution has exactly three segments, wherein the first segment has exactly one vertical sharp HD boundary and the second and the third segment have two vertical sharp HD boundaries.

It is expedient that the maximum light intensity of the first segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -19 ° and -23 °, preferably at -21 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 19 ° and 23 °, preferably at 21 °; the maximum light intensity of the second segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -16 ° and -20 °, preferably at -18 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 16 ° and 20 °, preferably 18 ° , and the maximum light intensity of the third segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -13 ° and -17 °, preferably at -15 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 13 ° and 17 °, preferably at 15 ° is.

The present invention is illustrated below with reference to preferred non-limiting embodiments with reference to the figures still in detail. 1 shows a plan view of one of the preferred embodiments of the illumination device according to the invention with three additional light modules each having a reflector, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the illumination device according to the invention with three imaging optics in each case 3 shows an unmodified second total light distribution, FIG. 4 shows a modified second total light distribution, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an additional module having a reflector and a light source, [0040] FIG 6 is a 4x2 array arrangement of the reflector facets, and [0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the lighting apparatus.

Reference is first made to Figs. 1 and 2, which show two principally different embodiments of the present invention schematically.

Fig. 1 shows a lighting device comprising a primary light module AM, a secondary light module FM and an additional module, which additional module comprises three each a reflector R1, R2, R3 and at least one light source having additional light modules. In this case, for example, the primary light module AM generate the first dimmed light distribution and the secondary light module FM the high beam distribution. The light generated by each additional light module forms a segment that modifies the second unmodified total light distribution LV to the second modified total light distribution LV. Alternatively, the additional light modules R1 - R3 may be associated with the secondary light module. The reflectors R1 and R2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the corresponding light module OA or OF. The third reflector R3 can, as shown in FIG. 1, be arranged laterally of the second reflector R2 or (not shown in FIG. 1) laterally of the first reflector R1. This allows the arrangement of the headlamp be taken into account in the vehicle. The arrangement shown in Fig. 1 is particularly advantageous for a left-hand headlamp, but is by no means limiting.

Fig. 2 shows a lighting device having a primary light module AM, secondary light module FM and an additional module, which additional module includes three additional light modules ZM1, ZM2, ZM3. Since the additional light modules ZM1 - ZM3 themselves can produce a light distribution, their arrangement with respect to the other two light modules AM and FM does not play a significant role and arises from structural engineering considerations of a person skilled in the art.

The total light distribution generated by the primary light module AM may, for example, be a low-beam distribution A, which overall light distribution is superimposed by a first partial light distribution generated by the secondary module FM, for example a high-beam distribution F, thus forming the second unmodified total light distribution LV. The second total light distribution LV consisting of a superposition of the low-beam distribution A and the high-beam distribution F is shown in FIG. 3.

4, the modified second total light distribution is shown. In this case, the second modified total light distribution comprises, inter alia, two segments SV1, SV2, wherein the first segment SV1 has a sharp HD boundary 10, which HD boundary 10 overlaps a first HD boundary 10 of the second segment SV2. The second segment SV2 also has a second HD boundary 11. The modified second total light distribution LV 'thus has a greater width than the second unmodified total light distribution LV on FIG. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a reflector R with a segmented reflector surface. For example, as discussed above, the add-on module ZM may be formed from such reflectors. It is expedient to arrange the reflector R in the headlight (not shown) such that it is pivotably mounted about at least one axis SA1, preferably about two mutually orthogonal axes SA1, SA2. By pivoting the reflector, the position of the associated segment can be adjusted.

In a preferred embodiment, the reflector surface has a 4x2 array arrangement of facets (segments). This arrangement is shown schematically in FIG.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram for controlling the modules. Therein, the first to the primary light module AM and / or secondary light module FM associated control unit SE1 and the second additional module ZM associated control unit SE2 can be seen. The information flow is shown with directed edges. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the first control unit SE1 can control only the primary light module AM and / or the secondary light module FM, and information with the second control unit SE2, for example the information as to whether the primary light module AM and / or the secondary light module FM are just running is switched on, exchange.

Both control units can with a (not shown here) central control and / or computing unit, for example, from an on-board computer present in a vehicle, signals that contain relevant information exchange. Such relevant information may be, for example, the information containing the Einlenklage the vehicle steering wheel. Depending on this situation, the additional module can be activated / deactivated in a left and / or right headlight.

The invention has been described with reference to reflectors as lichtverteilungsformende elements, since these are particularly advantageous in the existing space situation. In principle, however, the invention can also be implemented in conjunction with other optical elements such as, for example, mirrors or lenses. Each individual element is associated with a light source (LED, HID discharge lamps, halogen filament lamps).

Claims (21)

claims 1. A lighting device for vehicle headlights, comprising: - a primary light module (AM), - a secondary light module (FM), - an additional module (ZM) for generating an additional light distribution, wherein - the primary light module (AM) in an in a vehicle installed state in a region in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined total light distribution (A), and - the secondary light module (FM) generates a first predetermined partial light distribution (F) in a vehicle-mounted state in an area in front of the motor vehicle, and - at the same time illuminated primary light module (AM) and secondary light module (FM), the first total light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution (F), so that a second total light distribution (LV) is formed, characterized in that a first Control unit (SE1) is associated with at least one of the modules - the primary light module (AM) and the secondary light module (FM) - a second control unit (SE2) is associated with the additional module (ZM), the second control unit (SE2) cooperates correlated with the first control unit (SE1), so that the additional module (ZM) simultaneously with at least one of the modules - the primary light module (AM) and the secondary Light module (FM) - activated / deactivated, activating the add-on module (ZM) modifies the second unmodified total light distribution (LV) to a modified second total light distribution (LV), wherein the modified second total light distribution (LV) has a greater width than the unmodified second Total light distribution (LV) has. 2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the modified second total light distribution (LV) with respect to the vv line (vv) is asymmetric. 3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width of the unmodified second total light distribution (LV) above the hh line (hh) in a horizontal angle range between 17 ° and 23 °, preferably 20 °, and the Width of the modified second total light distribution (LV) is above the hh line (hh) in a horizontal angle range between 29 ° and 35 °, preferably 32 °. 4. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the additional module (ZM) is formed from at least one, preferably from three or more, additional light modules. 5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that each additional light module comprises at least one light source and at least one optical element, wherein each optical element as a light deflecting means, in particular as a reflector (R1, R2, R3) or as a lens or as a mirror formed is. 6. Lighting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one light source is designed as an LED. 7. Lighting device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each additional light module about two or three axes (SA1, SA2, OA) is pivotally mounted. 8. Lighting device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the additional module (ZM) is formed of three additional light modules, and each additional module (ZM) has an imaging optics (R1 - R3), the first imaging optics (R1) and the second imaging optics (R2) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the primary light module (OA) and the third imaging optics (R3) are arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics (R1) or laterally next to the second imaging optics (R2) , 9. Lighting device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the additional module (ZM) is formed of three additional light modules, and each additional module (ZM) has an imaging optics (R1 - R3), the first imaging optics (R1) and the second imaging optics (R2) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the secondary light module (OF) and the third imaging optics (R3) are arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics (R1) or laterally next to the second imaging optics (R2) , 10. Lighting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the imaging optics (R1-R3) are reflectors, wherein the first, the second and the third reflector having a segmented reflector surface (SR), which reflector surface has one, two or more facets , 11. Lighting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the facets (F11 - F24) are arranged matrix-like, preferably have a 4 x 2-matrix arrangement. 12. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the light source of the primary light module (AM) of two or more LEDs is formed and each group of LEDs one, two or more optical elements are assigned. 13. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second control unit (SE2) separately from the first control unit (SE1) is controllable. 14. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in a built-in vehicle state, the second control unit (SE2) receives a generated by the rotational movement of the vehicle steering control signal, processed and based on this signal, the additional module (ZM) controls. 15. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second modified total light distribution (LV) one, two or more segments (SV), which segments for a left turn left of the vv line (vv) or for a Right turn right from the vv line (vv). 16. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second modified total light distribution (LV) one, two or more segments (SV), wherein at least one segment has at least one vertical sharp HD boundary (10, 11) , 17. Lighting device according to claim 4 or any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the second modified total light distribution (LV) has three or more than three segments (SV), wherein at least one segment at least one, preferably exactly one, vertical sharp HD boundary (10) and at least one further segment has two vertical HD sharp edges (10,11). 18. Lighting device according to claim 4 or any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second modified total light distribution (LV) has exactly three segments (SV), wherein the first segment (SV1) has exactly one vertical sharp HD boundary and the second (SV2) and the third segment (SV3) have two vertical HD sharp edges. 19. Lighting device according to claim 18, characterized in that the light intensity maximum of the first segment (SV1) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -19 ° and -23 °, preferably at -21 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle Range is between 19 ° and 23 °, preferably 21 °; the maximum light intensity of the second segment (SV2) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -16 ° and -20 °, preferably at -18 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 16 ° and 20 °, preferably at Is 18 °, and the maximum light intensity of the third segment (SV3) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -13 ° and -17 °, preferably at -15 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 13 ° and 17 °, preferably at 15 °. 20. A vehicle headlamp with at least one lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 19. 21. Motor vehicle with at least one, preferably with two vehicle headlights according to claim 20.