DE102004014900B4 - Vehicle headlight system - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle headlamp device (FS), in particular for a road motor vehicle, with a light source (LQ), wherein the headlamp device (FS) comprises a light signal device (LH), which is designed strip-shaped, characterized in that a direction indicator (BL) is also formed strip-shaped and extending at least partially around a light-emitting device of the light-signaling device (LH), wherein the light-signaling device (LH) and the direction indicator (BL) have a common light-conducting element (LL).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device, in particular for a road motor vehicle.

Headlamps on road vehicles may be designed especially for the generation of low beam or high beam. Accordingly, the luminosity and directional characteristics of the light emitted from the headlamp are different. There have also been proposed headlights that are designed to produce either low beam or high beam.

A disadvantage of these headlamps is that luminosity and directional characteristics are fixed.

From the DE 6 11 752 A , of the CH 2 20 335 A as well as the FR 7 59 082 A In each case vehicle headlight devices are known with a light source, wherein an iris diaphragm is arranged in the beam path of at least part of the light emitted or to be emitted by the light source.

From the DE 100 09 782 A1 is a lighting device for vehicles with a plurality of distributed in a matrix arranged semiconductor light sources and at least one optically active element in the beam path of the emitted light from the semiconductor light sources known, wherein in different defined subregions of the matrix arranged subsets of semiconductor light sources are independently operable.

From the DE 196 52 159 A1 is a lighting device for vehicles with a housing and with a light-emitting opening of the housing closing translucent cover known, wherein the illumination device elements are provided to form a marker light. In this case, the elements for forming a limiting light on at least one light guide, is coupled into the emitted light from a light source, wherein the at least one light guide extends at least over part of the outline of the illumination device and from the at least one light guide over its course at least a part from the lateral surface light emerges. The part of the outline may be a strip.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a headlamp device which enables a more flexible light distribution.

The solution of the technical problem results from an article having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The vehicle headlamp device with a light source has a light signal device (for example a so-called flare horn), which is strip-shaped. Further, the vehicle headlamp device on a direction indicator, which is also strip-shaped and extends at least partially around a light-emitting device of the light signal device around, wherein the light signal device and the direction indicator have a common light-conducting element.

For example, the light signal device extends from a main headlight body for generating the headlight light from transverse to the direction of the headlight to be generated and laterally from the main headlight body. The strip-shaped design creates an unusual, characteristic appearance. Due to the arrangement outside the main headlight body, the light signal device can be operated independently of the main headlight. By a possible arrangement in the edge region of the main headlight, however, there is still a common lighting device, with advantages z. B. for the supply of cables.

The common light-conducting element is made of glass and / or plastic, for example. In this case, the light of the light signal device can also be generated and directed such that it passes through the common light-conducting element only in a partial area or does not pass through at all.

The light source or the light sources of the light signal device and the direction indicator can be arranged such that the light emitted by them or them is radiated in the direction of radiation from behind into the light-conducting element. The light source or the light sources of the light signal device, or at least a part thereof, may alternatively be integrated into the light-conducting element. For this purpose, the element may for example have a cavity, a recess and / or a bore for receiving the light source or the light sources. In the case of a hole, it is possible, in particular in the production of the spotlight device, to introduce the light source (s) from an opening of the hole or the respective hole to a position in which the respective light source is to be located. The common light-conducting element is used in particular to the light of the light sources of the turn signal device and / or the light signal device via an indirect path in a desired direction radiate. In this way, z. B. the turn signal light both straight ahead to radiate out of the light-conducting element out as well as z. B. initially radiate back out of the light-conducting element out and then in turn reflected in a forward direction. However, a deflection can also take place within the common light-conducting element.

In one embodiment, an iris diaphragm is arranged in the beam path of at least part of the light emitted or to be emitted by the light source. In this case, a shape and / or size of a diaphragm opening of the iris diaphragm can be changed in order to adjust the direction and / or the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the headlamp device.

Iris diaphragm irrespective of the respective construction is understood to mean a diaphragm whose diaphragm aperture has an adjustable shape and / or size. Common constructions are known in particular from photography and have z. B. a plurality of fins that can be moved to open or close the panel. A fully closable iris diaphragm which can be used in embodiments of the present invention is e.g. B. from the DE 32 28 184 A1 known. Preferably, however, an iris diaphragm is used with an adjustable, approximately circular aperture, which can not be completely closed. In this way you can see when the light sources and closed iris diaphragm already light leak from the headlight. Such an iris diaphragm is common, for example, in camera technology and can be used with little structural modifications for the present invention. As a rule, an iris diaphragm of the headlamp device will have larger dimensions than in camera technology, in particular a larger maximum diaphragm aperture.

The iris diaphragm can be arranged so that the light emerging from the headlight must pass completely or almost completely through the iris diaphragm aperture. Alternatively, the iris diaphragm may be arranged so that only a portion of the light emitted by the light source has to pass through the aperture before it exits the headlamp. For example, the headlamp may include a reflector for reflecting light emitted by the light source opposite to the exit direction of the headlamp. In this way, in particular when using conventional thermo-optical light sources (eg halogen lamps, filament lamps), the luminous efficacy can be increased and / or a directional characteristic can be predetermined.

The iris diaphragm is z. B. between the light source and the reflector or between the light source and the outlet opening of the headlamp, d. H. from the perspective of the reflector beyond the light source.

The iris diaphragm can fulfill different functions. On the one hand, an aesthetic purpose can be achieved by opening or closing the iris diaphragm at the beginning and / or end of operation of the headlamp. The opening or closing can be delayed with respect to switching on or off the headlight. Alternatively or additionally, the actual headlight function, the illumination of rooms or areas with headlights, by adjusting the size of the aperture can be influenced. For example, the aperture is increased to produce high beam. At smaller aperture, however, low beam is generated. Furthermore, parking light can be generated with even smaller aperture. In contrast to conventional headlights, there may be a variety of different directional characteristics and / or light intensities of the headlight, which are adjusted by adjusting the aperture of the iris diaphragm. The shape and / or size of the aperture and a reflector of the headlamp can be coordinated. In particular, it is possible to change the shape and / or size of the aperture continuously and therefore make any settings between maximum open and maximum closed iris.

The aperture can be adjusted during operation of the vehicle. It is therefore not necessarily limited to one or two predetermined luminous intensity and directional characteristics.

Alternatively or additionally, light signals of short duration can also be generated by the main headlight. For example, the aperture of the iris diaphragm is changed for a short time for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

The light-signaling device and / or the direction-of-travel indicator can also have at least one light-emitting diode as the light source. Preferably, a plurality of light emitting diodes according to the strip-shaped configuration of the light signal device and / or the direction indicator are arranged in series next to each other. However, other light sources may be used.

The headlamp device can be a transparent pane for a light passage of the Having spotlight having hemispherical structures and / or in a plane extending transversely to the light passage direction circular segment-shaped structures. In this way, an advantageous scattering of the passing light can be achieved. Also, for an observer of the headlamp an unusual, reminiscent of pollen or planet appearance is achieved.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therein, identical and similar elements and components are sometimes designated by the same reference numerals. The individual figures of the drawing show:

1 the right in the direction of travel part of a front view of a road vehicle with a particularly preferred embodiment of the headlamp device according to the invention,

2 a schematic representation of a front view of a main headlamp of in 1 illustrated headlight device with a laterally extending from the main headlight strip-shaped combined device for turn signals and light signal generation,

3 a light-conducting element of the headlamp device according to 1 and 2 .

4 a further embodiment of the light-conducting element of the headlamp device,

5 a schematic representation of light sources and a scattered light disk of the main headlight according to 1 .

6 a board with light emitting diodes and a heat sink,

7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a main headlamp of the headlamp device,

8th a schematic representation of another embodiment of the main headlamp of the headlamp device,

9 a schematic representation of a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the main headlamp of the headlamp device,

10 a main headlamp of the headlamp device according to 1 in the unmounted state,

11 Parts of the main headlight according to 1 . 9 and 10 in perspective from the side,

In the 1 a headlamp device FS is shown, comprising a main headlight SH, a direction indicator BL and a light signal device LH. The direction indicator BL and the light signal device extending from the main headlights SH starting line-like and approximately in the horizontal direction to the vehicle center. The light signal device LH assumes, for example, the function of a flasher. 2 can be taken that four elements of a light signal device LH are arranged in series one behind the other in the middle of the strip. They are apparently bordered by two strip-shaped, arranged above and below the elements areas of a diaphragm BP and worn. The diaphragm BP is made of an aluminum profile, for example. Like the sectional view of 3 However, although the diaphragm BP surrounds a light-guiding element LL of the light-signaling device LH. However, this is not supported by the diaphragm BP. Rather, there is a distance between the diaphragm BP and the light-conducting element LL, on the one hand enables cooling of the element LL by passing air and on the other hand protects the element LL and produces a high-quality appearance.

On both sides (above and below) of the diaphragm BP extend lateral edges of the light-conducting element LL, which thus has approximately the profile of a trident. The middle spike extends further forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle than the two outer spikes. These are connected via a web-like connection with the middle spike. Perpendicular to the image direction of 3 the profile of the light-conducting element is approximately constant.

The diaphragm BP has an elongated opening extending in a horizontal direction in the central area to allow the light of the four elements (eg, four individual light sources) of the light-signaling device LH to exit. This is indicated by an arrow with the reference symbol a3. The light source or the light sources of the light signal device LH is / are arranged, for example, at the front end of the central tine. Alternatively, however, the light of the light signal device can also be coupled to the rear side of the light-conducting element LL and guided within the middle point to its front end.

The light-conducting element LL is preferably mirror-coated on surface regions in which light emission is undesirable, in particular provided with a light-reflecting layer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light-signaling device LH LEDs as light sources, which are arranged approximately at the front end of the central point.

The lateral flanks of the light-conducting element serve to distribute the light for the turn signal, which also has a plurality of light-emitting diodes as light sources in the exemplary embodiment. One of the light-emitting diodes is denoted by the reference symbol LED in the middle region of the light-conducting element LL. The turn signal light can emerge (as indicated by a ray with the reference numeral a4) directly forward from the light-conducting element LL and / or (as indicated by a beam with the reference numeral a5) first emerge to the rear from the light-conducting element LL and reflected by a reflector RF in turn forward.

4 shows a further embodiment of a light-conducting element LL, which has a bore B, through which extends a line ZL for electrically connecting the light-signaling device LH. At the end (right in 4 ) is a light emitting diode LED of the light signal device LH, which is electrically connected to the line ZL. As indicated by arrows at a point by the reference numeral a8, the light of the light signal device BL (the turn signal) is radiated over a wide range with different directions from the light-conducting element LL. For this purpose is z. For example, it is essentially a matter of scattering that occurs within the material of the light-conducting element LL. In addition, a roughness of the surface of the light-conducting element LL. Preferably, the light of the turn signal is at least approximately evenly distributed over the entire externally visible surface of the light-conducting element LL.

As in 5 is shown, in a preferred embodiment, the main head SH according to 1 a variety of LEDs on. The LEDs are arranged side by side in a plane which is transverse to the radiation direction of the headlight light. In the direction of radiation behind this plane, a transparent pane SL, preferably made of plastic (eg PMMA), is arranged. The disk SL may be referred to as a scattered light disk, since it has structures that lead to a scattering of the light passing through it. Radiation directions of the scattered light are indicated by arrows. Within a circular, magnifying magnification, the structure is more clearly visible. It has in the cross section shown a surface course with a plurality of contiguous circle line segments. However, the circular line segments may also be spaced apart from each other differently than shown. In this case, the surface between the circular line segments can be straight. In particular, the circular line segments may be semicircular lines that correspond to hemispherical areas of the disk. The pollen - like or planet - like light effect, which thereby offers the viewer of the headlight, is in 1 indicated by a plurality of circles.

6 shows a light source LQ for the main headlight SH. The light source LQ has a circular circuit board FL with a plurality of round recesses, in each of which a light-emitting diode LED is accommodated. At the back of the board P1 a finned heat sink LK is arranged for cooling the LEDs LED. A cable KA with a plurality of wire pairs serves for the electrical connection of the LEDs LED. Each part of the light emitting diodes is electrically connected via one of the wire pairs, so that these parts can be switched on and off individually. The luminosity of the light source LQ can thus be varied.

7 schematically shows a structure of a main headlight SH, which has a reflector RF, a light source LQ, a lens LI and an iris IB. The exit opening AO of the main headlight SH is located on the right in the figure. Starting from the end of the main headlight SH which is opposite the outlet opening AO, the light source LQ, then the lens LI and then the iris diaphragm IB, follow on the reflector RF. The iris diaphragm IB is thus arranged between the lens LI and the outlet opening AO. Light rays emitted backward from the light source LQ are reflected by the reflector RF in a forward direction and thus enhance the light radiation directed from the light source LQ forward toward the exit opening AO. The directional characteristic of this light radiation is changed by the lens LI. The light radiation passes through the aperture BO of the iris diaphragm IB before it leaves the main headlight SH through the outlet opening AO. For protection, between the iris diaphragm IB and the outlet opening AO a transparent disc z. B. be arranged of glass. Unlike in the 7 to 9 illustrated, the aperture BO of the iris IB can be approximately as large as the outlet opening AO.

The in 8th Structure shown differs from that in 7 shown construction in that the iris IB is disposed between the light source LQ and the reflector RF.

In 9 a particularly preferred embodiment of the main headlight SH is shown schematically. The light source LQ is as shown from 6 described designed. It has a circuit board PL with a plurality of recesses in which light-emitting diodes LED are arranged. A heat sink LK is connected to the circuit board PL and has on its rear side a plurality of cooling fins KR. In order to increase the luminous efficacy, the edge surfaces of the recesses and / or the rear sides of the recesses can be designed to be reflective. Also, the recesses, unlike shown, can expand in the direction of the light occurring. As seen from the light source LQ in the direction of the exit opening AO, the beam path initially follows already with reference to FIG 5 explained disc SL, through which the light is scattered. Subsequently, it passes through the diaphragm opening BO of the iris diaphragm IB and reaches the outlet opening AO, on which a lens LI is arranged. The lens LI serves to generate a predetermined directional characteristic of the light, wherein the directional distribution of the light also depends on the shape and size of the diaphragm opening BO.

10 shows the main headlight SH of the headlight device FS according to 1 in enlarged, perspective view. In the 10 It can be seen that the iris diaphragm IB arranged behind the lens LI has a multiplicity of lamellae LA which surround the diaphragm opening BO. The iris diaphragm IB is almost completely closed in the illustrated state, so that the approximately circular diaphragm opening BO located centrally in the circular outlet opening AO occupies only a very small part of the area of the outlet opening. For example, this is the state with the main headlight SH turned off. Therefore, immediately after turning on the main headlight SH light can pass through the shutter opening BO, before the shutter opening BO is increased. However, it is also possible to first increase the aperture BO and then turn on the light. If the light is initially switched on, the iris diaphragm IB can be opened automatically, for example. For a viewer, this looks like the vehicle is awakening. Conversely, first, the shutter BO can be completely or almost completely closed to achieve a corresponding aesthetic effect when turning off the main headlight SH before the light is turned off.

The iris diaphragm IB is fan-shaped, for example, like a camera shutter. It thus controls, depending on the aperture BO, the luminous flux through the outlet opening AO, and in particular the luminous flux through the lens LI. For example, depending on whether main beam or low beam is to be generated, the diaphragm opening BO more or less wide open. The iris diaphragm IB allows a stepless transition between high beam and low beam.

An additional or alternative possibility for controlling the light intensity through the outlet opening and / or for controlling the directional characteristic at the outlet opening AO offers an embodiment of the spotlight device in which the light emitting diodes of the light source can be switched on and / or off in groups and switched off. This is a major advantage of a light source with a variety of light emitting diodes to see. Also, by the successive switching on or off of the light-emitting diodes, an effect can be achieved, which is reminiscent of a waking up or falling asleep of a living being. This method can be combined with opening the aperture BO combined. For example, first light-emitting diodes in a central region of the light source (in particular circular circuit board) can be turned on and then gradually from the perspective of the central region further outboard LEDs are turned on, while the aperture is increased. With the opening of the aperture can be started before or during the switching of the LEDs. Accordingly, further exterior lights of the vehicle can be controlled (eg tail lights), so that the entire vehicle apparently wakes up or falls asleep.

When the light is switched on, the awakening can additionally be simulated by virtue of the fact that the individual light sources arranged in a linear manner follow the light-signaling device LH 2 sequentially and sequentially light up, for example, from outside to inside. When switching off the light, the individual light sources can be activated in reverse order to light up. The individual light sources can z. B. during the opening or closing of the aperture of the iris flash.

Preferably, the operation is not performed immediately when switching off the light when the ignition of an internal combustion engine is turned off (ignition off) or when the user of the vehicle is otherwise a signal to turn off the light. Rather, the process is started a little later, with the time interval up to the beginning of the process z. B. may be fixed or may be adjustable. This functionality can be referred to as "coming home functionality". Depending on the length of the time interval, it is thereby possible to illuminate an environment of the vehicle spatially and / or temporally at least partially, when the vehicle is already parked for parking and the occupants still get off or still on the walk to their respective destination in the Environment are.

For example, the light of the main headlight SH may be automatically turned on when a person approaches the vehicle, and / or a corresponding signal may be generated by means of a remote control. The headlight may be adjustable via controls and / or sensors and / or control devices.

Preferably surfaces of the headlamp device are at least partially provided with a so-called nano-coating to prevent the accumulation of dirt. This effect is also known as the lotus flower effect.

In 11 is a housing 20 of the main headlight SH, which is made in particular of metal. It is used to record the light source and the basis of 5 described disc SL in the arrangement according to 9 , Furthermore, at the front in the radiation direction end (above in 11 ) a trumpet-shaped ring 29 arranged, which defines the outlet opening of the headlamp. At the same time, the outer surface of the ring tapers 29 in the radiation direction of the headlight light. Through a gap between the ring and the top of the case 20 is the disc SL recognizable with their spherical segment-shaped structures that lead to the already described optical effect of a pollen cluster or a plurality of planets.

The ring 29 is about a lot of cooling fins 31 with the housing 20 connected. Through the cooling fins 31 the main headlight gets a relaxed design. In addition, the main headlamp can be effectively cooled by natural convection or forced convection of air. At its inner edge, the ring 29 a bracket 33 for holding the iris diaphragm. At the housing 20 extends over a part of its outer circumference a sprocket 27 that with a worm shoot 25 interacts. The dread instinct 25 in turn, via a gearbox 23 and a wave 21 are driven. For example, in this way, a servomotor that drives the shaft 21 drives the sprocket 27 and that with it. connected parts of the housing 20 rotate around a central axis of rotation of the main headlamp in the direction of radiation of the headlamp light, so that the on the holder 33 retained iris diaphragm is opened or closed. For this purpose, the sprocket 27 for example, in an outside of the housing 20 arranged groove movably guided and transmits a corresponding torque over parts not shown on the iris diaphragm. The cooling fins 31 cause moreover a pleasing appearance when parking light when the iris diaphragm is largely closed, since then reflected light from the panel can escape laterally between the cooling fins. As a result, the headlamp lights up laterally diffuse.

Other parts of the main headlamp, in particular the lens are in the illustration according to 11 omitted. In particular, the lens may have an annular rim as in a hat. The rim may in turn have an annular cover which surrounds the rim on its outer circumference.

In an alternative embodiment of an arrangement for opening and closing the iris diaphragm, springs are used, as is known from cameras, in order to be able to open and close the iris diaphragm quickly.

Claims (8)

Vehicle headlamp device (FS), in particular for a road motor vehicle, with a light source (LQ), wherein the headlamp device (FS) comprises a light signal device (LH), which is designed strip-shaped, characterized in that a direction indicator (BL) is also formed strip-shaped and extending at least partially around a light-emitting device of the light-signaling device (LH), wherein the light-signaling device (LH) and the direction indicator (BL) have a common light-conducting element (LL). A headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that an iris diaphragm (IB) is arranged in the beam path of at least part of the light emitted or to be emitted by the light source (LQ). A headlamp device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light source (LQ) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED). A headlamp device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the iris diaphragm (IB) is arranged between the light source (LQ) and a light outlet opening (AO) of the headlamp device (FS). A headlamp device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the headlamp device (FS) a housing ( 20 ), on which a sprocket ( 27 ) is arranged, and that the headlight device (FS) is designed such that the iris diaphragm (IB) by a movement of the sprocket ( 27 ) in the circumferential direction of the housing ( 20 ) can be closed and / or opened. A headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light signal device (LH) extends from a main headlight body (SH) for generating the headlight light viewed transversely to the direction of the headlight to be generated and laterally from the main headlight body (SH). A headlamp device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transparent pane (SL) is provided for light passage of the headlamp light, the hemispherical structures and / or in a direction transverse to the light passage direction has circular-segment-shaped structures. A headlamp device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a housing ( 20 ) and a trumpet-shaped ring ( 29 ), which via cooling fins ( 31 ) are connected.

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