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EP3719391B1 - Partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3719391B1
EP3719391B1 EP20165557.8A EP20165557A EP3719391B1 EP 3719391 B1 EP3719391 B1 EP 3719391B1 EP 20165557 A EP20165557 A EP 20165557A EP 3719391 B1 EP3719391 B1 EP 3719391B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
high beam
light source
beam module
partial high
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20165557.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3719391A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Dr. Hoßfeld
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Marelli Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Germany GmbH
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Marelli Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Germany GmbH
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Publication of EP3719391A1 publication Critical patent/EP3719391A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/285—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S41/24 - F21S41/2805
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F21W2102/13—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region
    • F21W2102/135—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions
    • F21W2102/16—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions having blurred cut-off lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a partial high beam module is from DE 10 20011 054 234 A1 famous.
  • the known partial high-beam module has a light source array that has n light sources arranged in pairs adjacent to one another in a row, where n is greater than or equal to 3, and each of the light sources is set up to emit light in a light beam having a main light emission direction.
  • the well-known partial high-beam module has a primary optical field that n Has primary optics sub-areas, each primary optics sub-area having exactly one converging lens, which has a light entry surface and a light exit surface, which is convexly curved in two spatial directions.
  • each converging lens is assigned to exactly one light source and each light source to exactly one converging lens in that the converging lens lies in the light beam emanating from the assigned light source and intersects the main emission direction of this light source.
  • the known partial high-beam module has secondary optics that are set up and arranged to project a light distribution occurring on the light exit surfaces of the primary optics field when the light sources are switched on into a spatial area in front of the headlight.
  • the well-known motor vehicle headlight is used to generate what is known as a glare-free high beam.
  • the darkening takes place automatically on the basis of signals from sensors that detect such road users in front of the vehicle. Examples of such sensors are visible light cameras, infrared radiation sensors and radar sensors.
  • One possibility is a To divide high beam distribution into several adjacent, strip-shaped light fields, each of which is generated by light from one of the light sources and imaging the light exit surface of the converging lens, which is illuminated by this light source.
  • the individual light fields have relatively sharp vertical boundaries. By dimming or switching off individual light sources, it is possible to darken individual fields in the high beam in which oncoming traffic or road users driving ahead are detected.
  • an intermediate image is generated from the light from a number of light sources with the aid of primary optics, the light fields of which are preferably directly adjacent to one another and do not overlap.
  • the light sources are preferably semiconductor light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes, whose luminous flux can be controlled individually for each light-emitting diode and thus for each light source.
  • this intermediate image is projected by secondary optics as an external high beam distribution in front of the vehicle headlight.
  • the secondary optics are usually imaging optics that focus on the intermediate image.
  • the object of the present invention is to specify a motor vehicle headlight as described at the outset the type mentioned, in which an outer light field of the projected light distribution at its outer edge, which is not adjoined by any other light field, has no sharp light-dark boundary and instead has a gradual, to some extent soft transition from the bright light field to a darker one further out area.
  • the optical element introduced in the preamble has a light exit surface which, due to its arrangement lying further outwards, is also imaged further outwards by the secondary optics than the light exit surface of the converging lens of the associated primary optics partial area. Because of this position, the optical element only absorbs light from the light source that is assigned to the converging lens of this primary optics subarea and which light propagates past this converging lens.
  • each converging lens has an optical axis and that the optical axis lies in one line with the main emission direction of the light source that is assigned to this converging lens. This ensures that as much of the light emanating from the light source as possible is absorbed by the converging lens, which has a positive effect on the optical efficiency (amount of light that arrives in the projected light distribution divided by the amount of light emanating from the light source). .
  • the optical element has at least one light exit surface in which straight lines can lie.
  • a light exit surface can be, for example, a flat surface, a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a partial surface of such a surface.
  • the at least one light exit surface is a section of a conical surface.
  • the optical element has several Has light exit surfaces, each of which is a section of a conical surface and wherein the conical surfaces are arranged concentrically.
  • the geometry of the light exit surfaces is defined during the design and manufacture of the optical element and is therefore variable. This variability opens up degrees of freedom for defining the distribution of light occurring through the optical element, which degrees of freedom are greater than the corresponding degrees of freedom that result from an optical element that has only one light exit surface.
  • the optical element has a reflection surface that can be illuminated by the associated light source.
  • the reflection surface is arranged in such a way that light incident from the associated light source undergoes at least one total internal reflection.
  • a further preferred configuration is characterized in that the secondary optics have at least one concave mirror reflector.
  • the secondary optics has at least one projection lens.
  • each light source has at least one Has semiconductor light source. Due to their small size, semiconductor light sources are particularly suitable for generating a light distribution that is composed of individual light fields whose brightness should be individually controllable.
  • FIG. 1 a motor vehicle headlight 10 with a housing 12, the light exit opening is covered by a transparent cover plate 14.
  • the light exit opening faces a direction of travel x.
  • the y-direction is parallel to a transverse axis of the motor vehicle and the z-direction is parallel to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle.
  • 1 shows the motor vehicle headlight in a plan view, the motor vehicle headlight being cut open and the cutting plane lying horizontally.
  • Each of the light sources is set up to emit light in a light beam 20 having a main light emission direction 18 .
  • the light sources are preferably semiconductor light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes. It is also preferred that the light-emitting diodes have a flat light exit surface.
  • the radiated light bundles then have approximately a Lambertian radiation characteristic, which is represented in each case by the representation of the light bundles 20 as circles. As is well known, the length of the directional arrows within a circle then indicates the radiation intensity prevailing in this direction. In this respect, each circle illustrates a single light bundle 20.
  • Each primary optics section contains a converging lens. The assignment takes place in that a light entry surface of this converging lens lies in the light bundle emanating from this light source and intersects the main light emission direction of this light source. This definition results in a clear assignment.
  • the primary optics field 22 has a light entry side 26 and a light exit side 28 .
  • the shape and arrangement of the individual converging lenses of the primary optics field 22 are preferably designed to reduce the aperture angle of the light incident on them. It is particularly preferred that the converging lenses are shaped and arranged in such a way that the light fields forming on the light exit side 28 of the primary optics field 22 when the light sources are switched on touch but not overlap.
  • a field is individually brightly illuminated or darkened by switching the associated light source on and off. The sum of these light fields represents an inner light distribution, which is converted by a secondary optics 30 into an outer light distribution, which appears in front of the motor vehicle headlight and thus in front of the motor vehicle that has this motor vehicle headlight.
  • the secondary optics can be designed as a converging lens, as a parabolic mirror or as an optical system made up of several lenses and/or mirrors.
  • the secondary optics can also be modified in such a way that vertical and/or horizontal scattering is superimposed on the image of the intermediate image in order to generate a light distribution that conforms to the rules.
  • the internal light distribution is converted into an external light distribution by means of secondary optics 30 by projecting the internal light distribution into a spatial area in front of the motor vehicle headlight.
  • the inner light distribution corresponds to the intermediate image mentioned earlier. If all light sources are switched on at the same time, the result is a high beam distribution.
  • the main beam characteristic results from the fact that an area above the horizon is illuminated.
  • a partial high beam distribution is generated by switching individual light sources on and off.
  • the light source field 16 forms, together with the primary optics field 22 and the secondary optics 30 Partial high-beam module 24.
  • a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention can have additional light modules in addition to one or more partial high-beam modules, for example one or more basic light modules or low-beam modules, without this enumeration being meant to be exhaustive.
  • the semiconductor light sources can be dimmed and/or switched on and off individually.
  • Each semiconductor light source consists of at least one light-emitting diode.
  • the light-emitting diodes are set up to generate white light, as prescribed for headlight light distributions.
  • Semiconductor light sources that emit blue light and are coated with a wavelength converter are used for this purpose. The wavelength converter converts part of the blue light to yellow-red light. The white light is then created by mixing blue and yellow-red light.
  • the light sources are arranged in a row. In the direction of the row, the distance between two adjacent semiconductor light sources increases from the center of the row inwards (in the figure 2 to the left) and outwards (in the figure 2 to the right) to.
  • the outward direction is the positive y-direction.
  • the distances increase more towards the outside than towards the inside.
  • the light sources arranged on the outside in the y-direction in particular the light source 16.8 lying furthest on the outside, are higher in the z-direction than the inner semiconductor light sources, for example the light source 16.4.
  • This arrangement is reversed in the case of the projection taking place through the secondary optics: the light fields generated by the outer semiconductor light sources tend to lie deeper in the z-direction than the light fields generated by the semiconductor light sources lying further inwards.
  • FIG figure 3 shows a primary optical field 22 of a partial high beam module together with a printed circuit board 32 according to FIG figure 2 and a support frame 34 of the primary optics array.
  • the holding frame defines the primary optics field relative to the printed circuit board and is also used to attach the printed circuit board to a heat sink 36 has a light exit surface. At least the light exit surface is convexly curved in two spatial directions.
  • each converging lens is curved in a convex manner in a plane parallel to the xy plane and in a plane parallel to the yz plane.
  • Each converging lens is assigned to exactly one light source and each light source is assigned to exactly one converging lens in that the converging lens lies in the light beam emanating from the assigned light source and intersects the main emission direction of this light source.
  • figure 4 shows a high beam distribution as generated by such a partial high beam module when all semiconductor light sources are switched on.
  • a high beam distribution occurs on a vertical wall 25 m away from the motor vehicle headlight.
  • the degrees characterizing a point of the light distribution indicate the angle that lies between a main emission direction of the motor vehicle headlight and a straight line that goes from the motor vehicle headlight to this point of the light distribution.
  • the closed curves are lines of equal brightness (along each curve). The brightness decreases outwards from curve to curve. The density of the curves is a measure of the brightness gradient.
  • the right and thus the outer end of the light distribution is estimated at approx. 18° (angle in an xy plane to the main direction of emission).
  • the lines of equal brightness are still so dense there that the Light-dark transition is still perceived as abrupt.
  • the figures 5 and 6 show a first exemplary embodiment of a partial high beam module 24 of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention.
  • these figures show a printed circuit board 32 with a primary optics array 22 which are attached together to a heat sink 36 .
  • figure 5 12 also shows secondary optics 30, with which the internal light distribution occurring on the light exit surfaces of primary optics field 22 is projected in front of the motor vehicle headlight.
  • the secondary optics 30 is a projection lens in the illustrated embodiment. However, the secondary optics can also be implemented as a reflector.
  • the primary optics field 22 is characterized in that a primary optics partial area 22.n arranged furthest to the outside at one end of the row of semiconductor light sources has, in addition to its converging lens 38.n, an optical element 40 arranged even further outside next to its converging lens. Due to its optical properties and its arrangement, the optical element is set up to direct light incident on the secondary optics 30 from the semiconductor light source assigned to this primary optics partial area 22.n.
  • figure 7 shows a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board 32 equipped with semiconductor light sources as light sources 16.i with i equal to 1 to n and a primary optics field 22 of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention.
  • Each converging lens 38.1 to 38.n of the primary optics subregions has an optical axis which lies in a line 42 with the main emission direction of the light source which is assigned to this converging lens.
  • the primary optics subregions have different widths in the horizontal y-direction when used as intended, and they are also projected by the secondary optics with correspondingly different widths.
  • the primary optics partial region 22.n lying furthest to the outside in the y-direction has an optical element 40 in addition to its converging lens 38.n.
  • the optical element 40 consists of arcuate prisms.
  • the area in which the light 44 from the external light source 16.n is bundled and directed in the direction of the secondary optics can be expanded by the prisms. As a desired result, the light field illuminated by the light source 16.n associated with this primary optics portion 22.n becomes wider.
  • the optical element 40 is characterized in that it has at least one light exit surface in which straight lines can lie.
  • the possible straight lines lie in the drawing plane, which is the xy plane here.
  • the prisms also have a shape curved around the perimeter of the outer converging lens. This bending occurs in the yz plane and is in the figures 5 and 6 recognizable.
  • figure 8 shows a high beam distribution generated by a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention.
  • This high beam distribution is overall to the outside (in the figure 8 to the right) wider than the light distribution generated with the known headlight, and the distance between adjacent lines of the same brightness is greater at the outer right edge than in the light distribution generated with the known headlight, which in figure 4 is shown.
  • the outer area of the forefield illuminated by the motor vehicle headlight is more illuminated and the transition from the brightly illuminated area of the light distribution to the dark area is less abrupt, which means that the gradient of the brightness distribution at the outer right edge is less steep than at the light distribution generated with the known headlight.
  • the light distribution of the outermost partial high beam segment is designed in such a way that this partial high beam segment becomes wider and tapers off softly to the side. This achieves better side illumination and annoyingly abrupt light-dark transitions are eliminated in this area.
  • figure 9 shows a second embodiment of a primary optics of a partial high beam module of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention.
  • the primary optics sub-area arranged furthest to the outside at one end of the row has, in addition to its converging lens 38.n, an optical element 40 which is arranged even further to the outside next to its converging lens 38.n and which is set up to receive light from the light source assigned to this primary optics sub-area Directing light onto the secondary optics.
  • the optical element is implemented here as a catadioptric optical element.
  • FIG 10 shows a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board 32 equipped with semiconductor light sources and a primary optics field of the second exemplary embodiment.
  • each converging lens of a primary optics subregion has an optical axis that lies in a line with the main emission direction of the light source that is assigned to this converging lens.
  • the optical element 40 is characterized in that it has a refracting light entry surface, a totally reflecting (or specularly coated) reflection surface 42 and a refracting light exit surface.
  • the optical element has at least one reflection surface 42 in which straight lines can lie. This is the case, for example, when the reflective surface 42 is a section of a conical surface. In this case they are Lines of intersection that arise when a plane containing the central line of the cone's surface intersects the cone's surface, straight lines.
  • the reflection surface 42 is arranged in such a way that light incident from the light source 16.n, which is assigned to this primary optics partial area, experiences at least one total internal reflection, with which the light is directed to the light exit surface of the optical element 40.
  • figure 11 shows a high beam distribution generated with the second embodiment.
  • This high beam distribution is overall towards the outside (in the figure 11 to the right) wider than the light distribution generated with the known headlight, and the distance between adjacent lines of the same brightness is greater at the outer right edge than in the light distribution generated with the known headlight, which in figure 4 is shown.
  • the outer area of the forefield illuminated by the motor vehicle headlight is more illuminated and the transition from the brightly illuminated area of the light distribution to the dark area is less abrupt, which means that the gradient of the brightness distribution at the outer right edge is less steep than at the light distribution generated with the known headlight.
  • the light distribution of the outermost partial high beam segment is designed in such a way that this partial high beam segment becomes wider and tapers off softly to the side. This achieves better side illumination and eliminates annoying abrupt light-dark transitions in this area.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Teilfernlichtmodul für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Ein solches Teilfernlichtmodul ist aus der DE 10 20011 054 234 A1 bekannt.The present invention relates to a partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a partial high beam module is from DE 10 20011 054 234 A1 famous.

Das bekannte Teilfernlichtmodul weist ein Lichtquellenfeld auf, das n einander paarweise benachbart in einer Reihe angeordnete Lichtquellen aufweist, wobei n größer oder gleich 3 ist und wobei jede der Lichtquellen dazu eingerichtet ist, Licht in einem eine Hauptlichtabstrahlrichtung aufweisenden Lichtbündel abzustrahlen. Darüber hinaus weist das bekannte Teilfernlichtmodul ein Primäroptikfeld auf, das n Primäroptikteilbereiche aufweist, wobei jeder Primäroptikteilbereich genau eine Sammellinse aufweist, die eine Lichteintrittsfläche und eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist, die in zwei Raumrichtungen konvex gewölbt ist. Dabei ist jede Sammellinse genau einer Lichtquelle und jede Lichtquelle genau einer Sammellinse dadurch zugeordnet, dass die Sammellinse in dem von der zugeordneten Lichtquelle ausgehenden Lichtbündel liegt und die Hauptabstrahlrichtung dieser Lichtquelle schneidet. Außerdem weist das bekannte Teilfernlichtmodul eine Sekundäroptik auf, die dazu eingerichtet und angeordnet ist, eine sich auf den Lichtaustrittsflächen des Primäroptikfeldes bei eingeschalteten Lichtquellen einstellende Lichtverteilung in einen Raumbereich vor dem Scheinwerfer zu projizieren.The known partial high-beam module has a light source array that has n light sources arranged in pairs adjacent to one another in a row, where n is greater than or equal to 3, and each of the light sources is set up to emit light in a light beam having a main light emission direction. In addition, the well-known partial high-beam module has a primary optical field that n Has primary optics sub-areas, each primary optics sub-area having exactly one converging lens, which has a light entry surface and a light exit surface, which is convexly curved in two spatial directions. Each converging lens is assigned to exactly one light source and each light source to exactly one converging lens in that the converging lens lies in the light beam emanating from the assigned light source and intersects the main emission direction of this light source. In addition, the known partial high-beam module has secondary optics that are set up and arranged to project a light distribution occurring on the light exit surfaces of the primary optics field when the light sources are switched on into a spatial area in front of the headlight.

Der bekannte Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer dient dazu, ein sogenanntes blendungsfreies Fernlicht zu erzeugen. Darunter versteht man eine Fernlichtverteilung, in der Teilbereiche gezielt abgedunkelt werden können, um eine Blendung anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer zu vermeiden. Die Abdunkelung erfolgt dabei automatisch auf der Basis von Signalen von Sensoren, die solche Verkehrsteilnehmer im Vorfeld des Fahrzeugs detektieren. Beispiele solcher Sensoren sind im Bereich sichtbaren Lichts arbeitende Kameras, Infrarotstrahlungssensoren und Radarsensoren.The well-known motor vehicle headlight is used to generate what is known as a glare-free high beam. This means a high beam distribution in which specific areas can be darkened in order to avoid dazzling other road users. The darkening takes place automatically on the basis of signals from sensors that detect such road users in front of the vehicle. Examples of such sensors are visible light cameras, infrared radiation sensors and radar sensors.

Es gibt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, ein blendungsfreies Fernlicht zu erzeugen. Eine Möglichkeit besteht darin, eine Fernlichtverteilung in mehrere aneinander angrenzende, streifenförmige Lichtfelder zu unterteilen, von denen jedes durch Licht einer der Lichtquellen und Abbildung der Lichtaustrittsfläche der Sammellinse, die von dieser Lichtquelle beleuchtet wird, erzeugt wird. Die einzelnen Lichtfelder weisen dabei relativ scharfe vertikale Begrenzungen auf. So ist es möglich, durch Dimmen oder Ausschalten einzelner Lichtquellen einzelne Felder im Fernlicht abzudunkeln, in denen entgegenkommende oder vorausfahrende Verkehrsteilnehmer detektiert werden.There are various ways to create a glare-free high beam. One possibility is a To divide high beam distribution into several adjacent, strip-shaped light fields, each of which is generated by light from one of the light sources and imaging the light exit surface of the converging lens, which is illuminated by this light source. The individual light fields have relatively sharp vertical boundaries. By dimming or switching off individual light sources, it is possible to darken individual fields in the high beam in which oncoming traffic or road users driving ahead are detected.

Eine solche Lichtverteilung wird in der Regel und so auch bei der vorliegenden Erfindung in zwei Stufen erzeugt. Zunächst wird mit Hilfe einer Primäroptik aus dem Licht von mehreren Lichtquellen ein Zwischenbild erzeugt, dessen Lichtfelder vorzugsweise unmittelbar aneinander angrenzen und sich dabei nicht überschneiden. Die Lichtquellen sind dabei bevorzugt Halbleiterlichtquellen, insbesondere Leuchtdioden, deren Lichtstrom jeweils Leuchtdiodenindividuell und damit Lichtquellen-individuell steuerbar ist. In einem zweiten Schritt wird dieses Zwischenbild durch eine Sekundäroptik als äußere Fernlichtverteilung vor den Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer projiziert. Meist ist die Sekundäroptik eine abbildende Optik, die auf das Zwischenbild fokussiert.Such a light distribution is generated in two stages as a rule and thus also in the case of the present invention. First, an intermediate image is generated from the light from a number of light sources with the aid of primary optics, the light fields of which are preferably directly adjacent to one another and do not overlap. The light sources are preferably semiconductor light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes, whose luminous flux can be controlled individually for each light-emitting diode and thus for each light source. In a second step, this intermediate image is projected by secondary optics as an external high beam distribution in front of the vehicle headlight. The secondary optics are usually imaging optics that focus on the intermediate image.

Ausgehend von dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik besteht die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung in der Angabe eines Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers der eingangs genannten Art, bei dem ein außen liegendes Lichtfeld der projizierten Lichtverteilung an seinem Außenrand, an den sich kein weiteres Lichtfeld mehr anschließt, keine scharfe Hell-Dunkel-Grenze aufweist und stattdessen einen allmählichen, gewissermaßen weichen Übergang vom hellen Lichtfeld in einen weiter außen liegenden dunklen Bereich aufweist.Proceeding from the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of the present invention is to specify a motor vehicle headlight as described at the outset the type mentioned, in which an outer light field of the projected light distribution at its outer edge, which is not adjoined by any other light field, has no sharp light-dark boundary and instead has a gradual, to some extent soft transition from the bright light field to a darker one further out area.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Dabei unterscheidet sich die vorliegende Erfindung von dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik durch seine kennzeichnenden Merkmale.This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. The present invention differs from the prior art mentioned at the outset by its characterizing features.

Das noch im Oberbegriff eingeführte optische Element weist eine Lichtaustrittsfläche auf, die wegen ihrer weiter außen liegenden Anordnung von der Sekundäroptik auch weiter außen als die Lichtaustrittsfläche der Sammellinse des zugehörigen Primäroptikteilbereiches abgebildet wird. Aufgrund dieser Lage nimmt das optische Element nur Licht der Lichtquelle auf, die der Sammellinse dieses Primäroptikteilbereiches zugeordnet ist und welches Licht an dieser Sammellinse vorbei propagiert.The optical element introduced in the preamble has a light exit surface which, due to its arrangement lying further outwards, is also imaged further outwards by the secondary optics than the light exit surface of the converging lens of the associated primary optics partial area. Because of this position, the optical element only absorbs light from the light source that is assigned to the converging lens of this primary optics subarea and which light propagates past this converging lens.

Die Intensität dieses Lichtes ist im Vergleich zu dem von der Sammellinse umgelenkten Licht eher gering und nimmt nach außen hin ab. Im Endeffekt ergibt sich für den außen liegenden Primäroptikteilbereich ein Lichtfeld, dass zu dem nächstbenachbarten Lichtfeld des nächstbenachbarten Primäroptikteilbereiches scharf begrenzt ist und das nach außen hin nicht scharf begrenzt ist, sondern mit allmählicher abnehmender Helligkeit in den noch weiter außen liegenden, nicht beleuchteten Bereich übergeht.The intensity of this light is rather low compared to the light deflected by the converging lens and decreases towards the outside. Ultimately, a light field results for the outer primary optics sub-area that is sharply delimited to the next-neighboring light field of the next-neighboring primary optics sub-area and that after is not sharply delimited on the outside, but merges into the non-illuminated area further out with gradually decreasing brightness.

Eine bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass jede Sammellinse eine optische Achse aufweist und dass die optische Achse mit der Hauptabstrahlrichtung der Lichtquelle, die dieser Sammellinse zugeordnet ist, in einer Linie liegt. Auf diese Weise ist gewährleistet, dass ein möglichst großer Teil des von der Lichtquelle ausgehenden Lichtes von der Sammellinse aufgenommen wird, was sich positiv auf die optische Effizienz (Lichtmenge, die in der projizierten Lichtverteilung ankommt, geteilt durch die von der Lichtquelle ausgehende Lichtmenge) auswirkt.A preferred embodiment is characterized in that each converging lens has an optical axis and that the optical axis lies in one line with the main emission direction of the light source that is assigned to this converging lens. This ensures that as much of the light emanating from the light source as possible is absorbed by the converging lens, which has a positive effect on the optical efficiency (amount of light that arrives in the projected light distribution divided by the amount of light emanating from the light source). .

Bevorzugt ist auch, dass das optische Element wenigstens eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist, in der Geraden liegen können. Eine solche Lichtaustrittsfläche kann zum Beispiel eine ebene Fläche, eine Zylinderfläche oder eine Kegelmantelfläche oder jeweils eine Teilfläche einer solchen Fläche sein.It is also preferred that the optical element has at least one light exit surface in which straight lines can lie. Such a light exit surface can be, for example, a flat surface, a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a partial surface of such a surface.

Weiter ist bevorzugt, dass die wenigstens eine Lichtaustrittsfläche ein Ausschnitt aus einer Kegelmantelfläche ist.It is further preferred that the at least one light exit surface is a section of a conical surface.

Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass das optische Element mehrere Lichtaustrittsflächen aufweist, von denen jede ein Ausschnitt aus einer Kegelmantelfläche ist und wobei die Kegelmantelflächen konzentrisch angeordnet sind. Die Geometrie der Lichtaustrittsflächen wird beim Entwurf und der Fertigung des optischen Elements festgelegt und ist insofern variabel. Diese Variabilität eröffnet Freiheitsgrade für das Festlegen der durch das optische Element erfolgenden Verteilung von Licht, die größer sind als die korrespondierenden Freiheitsgrade, die sich bei einem optischen Element ergeben, das nur eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist.Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the optical element has several Has light exit surfaces, each of which is a section of a conical surface and wherein the conical surfaces are arranged concentrically. The geometry of the light exit surfaces is defined during the design and manufacture of the optical element and is therefore variable. This variability opens up degrees of freedom for defining the distribution of light occurring through the optical element, which degrees of freedom are greater than the corresponding degrees of freedom that result from an optical element that has only one light exit surface.

Bevorzugt ist auch, dass das optische Element eine von der zugeordneten Lichtquelle beleuchtbare Reflexionsfläche aufweist.It is also preferred that the optical element has a reflection surface that can be illuminated by the associated light source.

Weiter ist bevorzugt, dass die Reflexionsfläche so angeordnet ist, dass von der zugeordneten Lichtquelle her einfallendes Licht wenigstens eine interne Totalreflexion erfährt.It is further preferred that the reflection surface is arranged in such a way that light incident from the associated light source undergoes at least one total internal reflection.

Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Sekundäroptik wenigstens einen Hohlspiegelreflektor aufweist.A further preferred configuration is characterized in that the secondary optics have at least one concave mirror reflector.

Bevorzugt ist auch, dass die Sekundäroptik wenigstens eine Projektionslinse aufweist.It is also preferred that the secondary optics has at least one projection lens.

Weiter ist bevorzugt, dass jede Lichtquelle wenigstens eine Halbleiterlichtquelle aufweist. Halbleiterlichtquellen sind aufgrund ihrer geringen Größe besonders für die Erzeugung einer Lichtverteilung geeignet, die sich aus einzelnen Lichtfeldern zusammensetzt, deren Helligkeit individuell steuerbar sein soll.It is further preferred that each light source has at least one Has semiconductor light source. Due to their small size, semiconductor light sources are particularly suitable for generating a light distribution that is composed of individual light fields whose brightness should be individually controllable.

Weitere Vorteile ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, den Zeichnungen und den Unteransprüchen. Es versteht sich, dass die vorstehend genannten und die nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in der jeweils angegebenen Kombination, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung verwendbar sind, ohne den Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung zu verlassen.Further advantages result from the following description, the drawings and the dependent claims. It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und werden in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert.Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Dabei zeigen, jeweils in schematischer Form:

Figur 1
einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem Teilfernlichtmodul;
Figur 2
eine Draufsicht auf eine mit Halbleiterlichtquellen bestückte Leiterplatte eines Teilfernlichtmoduls;
Figur 3
eine Primäroptik eines Teilfernlichtmoduls zusammen mit einer Leiterplatte und einem Halterahmen der Primäroptik;
Figur 4
eine von einem bekannten Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer erzeugte Fernlichtverteilung;
Figur 5
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Teilfernlichtmoduls eines erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfers;
Figur 6
einen vergrößerten Teilbereich aus der Figur 5;
Figur 7
einen horizontalen Schnitt durch eine Anordnung aus einer mit Halbleiterlichtquellen bestückten Leiterplatte und einer Primäroptik eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers gemäß Figur 5 und Figur 6;
Figur 8
eine von einem erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer erzeugte Fernlichtverteilung;
Figur 9
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Primäroptik eines Teilfernlichtmoduls eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers
Figur 10
einen horizontalen Schnitt durch eine Anordnung aus einer mit Halbleiterlichtquellen bestückten Leiterplatte und einer Primäroptik eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers zusammen mit Lichtstrahlen; und
Figur 11
eine von einem erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer erzeugte Fernlichtverteilung.
Show, each in schematic form:
figure 1
a motor vehicle headlight with a partial high beam module;
figure 2
a plan view of a circuit board equipped with semiconductor light sources of a partial high-beam module;
figure 3
a primary optics of a partial high beam module together with a circuit board and a primary optics holding frame;
figure 4
a high beam distribution generated by a known motor vehicle headlight;
figure 5
a first embodiment of a partial high beam module of a headlight according to the invention;
figure 6
an enlarged portion of the figure 5 ;
figure 7
a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board equipped with semiconductor light sources and a primary optics of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention figure 5 and figure 6 ;
figure 8
a high beam distribution generated by a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention;
figure 9
a second exemplary embodiment of a primary optics of a partial high beam module of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention
figure 10
a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board equipped with semiconductor light sources and a primary optics motor vehicle headlight according to the invention together with light beams; and
figure 11
a high beam distribution generated by a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention.

Im Einzelnen zeigt Figur 1 einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer 10 mit einem Gehäuse 12, dessen Lichtaustrittsöffnung durch eine transparente Abdeckscheibe 14 abgedeckt wird. Bei einer bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung des Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers in einem Kraftfahrzeug ist die Lichtaustrittsöffnung einer Fahrtrichtung x zugewandt. Die y-Richtung liegt parallel zu einer Querachse des Kraftfahrzeugs und die z-Richtung liegt zu einer Hochachse des Kraftfahrzeugs parallel. Fig. 1 zeigt den Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer in einer Draufsicht, wobei der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer aufgeschnitten ist und die Schnittebene horizontal liegt.In detail shows figure 1 a motor vehicle headlight 10 with a housing 12, the light exit opening is covered by a transparent cover plate 14. When the motor vehicle headlight is used as intended in a motor vehicle, the light exit opening faces a direction of travel x. The y-direction is parallel to a transverse axis of the motor vehicle and the z-direction is parallel to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle. 1 shows the motor vehicle headlight in a plan view, the motor vehicle headlight being cut open and the cutting plane lying horizontally.

Der dargestellte Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer weist ein Lichtquellenfeld 16 auf, dass hier n = 3 Lichtquellen 16.1, 16.2, 16.3 enthält. Die Zahl n der Lichtquellen ist bevorzugt größer als n = 3. Jede der Lichtquellen ist dazu eingerichtet, Licht in einem eine Hauptlichtabstrahlrichtung 18 aufweisenden Lichtbündel 20 abzustrahlen. Bei den Lichtquellen handelt es sich bevorzugt jeweils um Halbleiterlichtquellen, insbesondere Leuchtdioden. Bevorzugt ist auch, dass die Leuchtdioden eine ebene Lichtaustrittsfläche besitzen. Die abgestrahlten Lichtbündel besitzen dann näherungsweise eine Lambert'sche Strahlungscharakteristik, was jeweils durch die Darstellung der Lichtbündel 20 als Kreise repräsentiert wird. Die Länge der innerhalb eines Kreises liegenden Richtungspfeile gibt dann bekanntlich die in dieser Richtung herrschende Strahlungsintensität an. Jeder Kreis veranschaulicht insofern ein einzelnes Lichtbündel 20.The motor vehicle headlight shown has a light source field 16 that here contains n=3 light sources 16.1, 16.2, 16.3. The number n of light sources is preferably greater than n=3. Each of the light sources is set up to emit light in a light beam 20 having a main light emission direction 18 . The light sources are preferably semiconductor light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes. It is also preferred that the light-emitting diodes have a flat light exit surface. The radiated light bundles then have approximately a Lambertian radiation characteristic, which is represented in each case by the representation of the light bundles 20 as circles. As is well known, the length of the directional arrows within a circle then indicates the radiation intensity prevailing in this direction. In this respect, each circle illustrates a single light bundle 20.

Fig. 1 zeigt auch ein Primäroptikfeld 22, das für jede der hier n = 3 Lichtquellen genau einen Primäroptikteilbereich 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 aufweist, welcher der jeweiligen Lichtquelle zugeordnet ist. Jeder Primäroptikteilbereich enthält eine Sammellinse. Die Zuordnung erfolgt dadurch, dass eine Lichteintrittsfläche dieser Sammellinse in dem von dieser Lichtquelle ausgehenden Lichtbündel liegt, und die Hauptlichtabstrahlrichtung dieser Lichtquelle schneidet. Durch diese Definition ergibt sich eine eindeutige Zuordnung. Die Fig. 1 zeigt ein Beispiel einer solchen Zuordnung. Das Primäroptikfeld 22 weist eine Lichteintrittsseite 26 und eine Lichtaustrittsseite 28 auf. 1 1 also shows a primary optics field 22, which for each of the n=3 light sources here has exactly one primary optics partial area 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, which is assigned to the respective light source. Each primary optics section contains a converging lens. The assignment takes place in that a light entry surface of this converging lens lies in the light bundle emanating from this light source and intersects the main light emission direction of this light source. This definition results in a clear assignment. the 1 shows an example of such an assignment. The primary optics field 22 has a light entry side 26 and a light exit side 28 .

Die einzelnen Sammellinsen des Primäroptikfeldes 22 sind bevorzugt durch ihre Form und Anordnung dazu eingerichtet, den Öffnungswinkel des jeweils auf sie einfallenden Lichtes zu verringern. Dabei ist besonders bevorzugt, dass die Sammellinsen so geformt und angeordnet sind, dass sich die auf der Lichtaustrittsseite 28 des Primäroptikfeldes 22 bei eingeschalteten Lichtquellen bildenden Lichtfelder berühren, aber nicht überlappen. Durch Einschalten und Ausschalten der jeweils zugehörigen Lichtquelle wird ein Feld individuell hell beleuchtet oder abgedunkelt. Die Summe dieser Lichtfelder stellt eine innere Lichtverteilung dar, die von einer Sekundäroptik 30 in eine äußere Lichtverteilung überführt wird, die sich vor dem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer und damit vor dem Kraftfahrzeug einstellt, das diesen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer aufweist.The shape and arrangement of the individual converging lenses of the primary optics field 22 are preferably designed to reduce the aperture angle of the light incident on them. It is particularly preferred that the converging lenses are shaped and arranged in such a way that the light fields forming on the light exit side 28 of the primary optics field 22 when the light sources are switched on touch but not overlap. A field is individually brightly illuminated or darkened by switching the associated light source on and off. The sum of these light fields represents an inner light distribution, which is converted by a secondary optics 30 into an outer light distribution, which appears in front of the motor vehicle headlight and thus in front of the motor vehicle that has this motor vehicle headlight.

Die Sekundäroptik kann als Sammellinse, als Parabolspiegel oder als optisches System von mehreren Linsen und/oder Spiegeln ausgeführt sein. Die Sekundäroptik kann auch dahin abgewandelt werden, dass der Abbildung des Zwischenbildes eine vertikale und/oder horizontale Streuung überlagert wird, um eine regelkonforme Lichtverteilung zu erzeugen. Die Überführung der inneren Lichtverteilung in eine äußere Lichtverteilung erfolgt mittels einer Sekundäroptik 30 durch Projektion der inneren Lichtverteilung in einen Raumbereich vor dem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer. Die innere Lichtverteilung entspricht dem weiter vorn erwähnten Zwischenbild. Wenn alle Lichtquellen gleichzeitig eingeschaltet sind, ergibt sich eine Fernlichtverteilung. Die Charakteristik als Fernlicht ergibt sich dadurch, dass ein oberhalb des Horizontes liegender Bereich beleuchtet wird. Durch das Einschalten und Ausschalten einzelner Lichtquellen wird eine Teilfernlichtverteilung erzeugt.The secondary optics can be designed as a converging lens, as a parabolic mirror or as an optical system made up of several lenses and/or mirrors. The secondary optics can also be modified in such a way that vertical and/or horizontal scattering is superimposed on the image of the intermediate image in order to generate a light distribution that conforms to the rules. The internal light distribution is converted into an external light distribution by means of secondary optics 30 by projecting the internal light distribution into a spatial area in front of the motor vehicle headlight. The inner light distribution corresponds to the intermediate image mentioned earlier. If all light sources are switched on at the same time, the result is a high beam distribution. The main beam characteristic results from the fact that an area above the horizon is illuminated. A partial high beam distribution is generated by switching individual light sources on and off.

Das Lichtquellenfeld 16 bildet zusammen mit dem Primäroptikfeld 22 und der Sekundäroptik 30 ein Teilfernlichtmodul 24. Ein erfindungsgemäßer Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer kann über ein oder mehrere Teilfernlichtmodule hinaus weitere Lichtmodule aufweisen, zum Beispiel ein oder mehrere Grundlichtmodule oder Abblendlichtmodule, ohne dass diese Aufzählung abschließend gemeint ist.The light source field 16 forms, together with the primary optics field 22 and the secondary optics 30 Partial high-beam module 24. A motor vehicle headlight according to the invention can have additional light modules in addition to one or more partial high-beam modules, for example one or more basic light modules or low-beam modules, without this enumeration being meant to be exhaustive.

Die Figur 1 zeigt damit insbesondere ein Teilfernlichtmodul 24 für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer 10, mit einem Lichtquellenfeld 16, das n einander paarweise benachbart in einer Reihe angeordnete Lichtquellen 16.1 mit i = 1 bis n aufweist, wobei n größer oder gleich 3 ist und wobei jede der Lichtquellen dazu eingerichtet ist, Licht in einem eine Hauptlichtabstrahlrichtung 18 aufweisenden Lichtbündel 20 abzustrahlen, und mit einem Primäroptikfeld 22, das n Primäroptikteilbereiche aufweist.the figure 1 shows in particular a partial high-beam module 24 for a motor vehicle headlight 10, with a light source field 16, which has n light sources 16.1 arranged adjacent to one another in pairs in a row, with i=1 to n, where n is greater than or equal to 3 and with each of the light sources being set up for this purpose , to emit light in a light beam 20 having a main light emission direction 18, and with a primary optics field 22, which has n primary optics partial regions.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine mit n = 8 Halbleiterlichtquellen als Lichtquellen 16.1 bis 16.8 bestückte Leiterplatte 32 eines Teilfernlichtmoduls. Die Halbleiterlichtquellen können individuell gedimmt und/oder eingeschaltet und ausgeschaltet werden. Jede Halbleiterlichtquelle besteht aus wenigstens einer Leuchtdiode. Die Leuchtdioden sind dazu eingerichtet, weißes Licht zu erzeugen, wie es für Scheinwerferlichtverteilungen vorgeschrieben ist. Dazu werden blaues Licht emittierende Halbleiterlichtquellen verwendet, die mit einem Wellenlängenkonverter beschichtet sind. Der Wellenlängenkonverter wandelt einen Teil des blauen Lichtes in gelb-rotes Licht um. Das weiße Licht ergibt sich dann durch Mischung von blauem und gelb-roten Licht. figure 2 1 shows a plan view of a printed circuit board 32 of a partial high beam module equipped with n=8 semiconductor light sources as light sources 16.1 to 16.8. The semiconductor light sources can be dimmed and/or switched on and off individually. Each semiconductor light source consists of at least one light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diodes are set up to generate white light, as prescribed for headlight light distributions. Semiconductor light sources that emit blue light and are coated with a wavelength converter are used for this purpose. The wavelength converter converts part of the blue light to yellow-red light. The white light is then created by mixing blue and yellow-red light.

Die Lichtquellen sind in einer Reihe angeordnet. In Richtung der Reihe nimmt der Abstand zwischen jeweils zwei benachbarten Halbleiterlichtquellen von der Reihenmitte ausgehend nach innen (in der Figur 2 nach links) und nach außen (in der Figur 2 nach rechts) zu. Die Richtung nach außen hin ist die positive y-Richtung. Nach außen hin nehmen die Abstände stärker zu als nach innen. Darüber hinaus liegen die in y-Richtung außen angeordneten Lichtquellen, insbesondere die am weitesten außen liegende Lichtquelle 16.8 in z-Richtung höher als die inneren Halbleiterlichtquellen, z.B. die Lichtquelle 16.4. Bei der durch die Sekundäroptik erfolgenden Projektion kehrt sich diese Anordnung um: Die von den äußeren Halbleiterlichtquellen erzeugten Lichtfelder liegen in z-Richtung tendenziell tiefer als die von den weiter innen liegenden Halbleiterlichtquellen erzeugten Lichtfelder.The light sources are arranged in a row. In the direction of the row, the distance between two adjacent semiconductor light sources increases from the center of the row inwards (in the figure 2 to the left) and outwards (in the figure 2 to the right) to. The outward direction is the positive y-direction. The distances increase more towards the outside than towards the inside. In addition, the light sources arranged on the outside in the y-direction, in particular the light source 16.8 lying furthest on the outside, are higher in the z-direction than the inner semiconductor light sources, for example the light source 16.4. This arrangement is reversed in the case of the projection taking place through the secondary optics: the light fields generated by the outer semiconductor light sources tend to lie deeper in the z-direction than the light fields generated by the semiconductor light sources lying further inwards.

Figur 3 zeigt ein Primäroptikfeld 22 eines Teilfernlichtmoduls zusammen mit einer Leiterplatte 32 gemäß der Figur 2 und einem Halterahmen 34 des Primäroptikfeldes. Der Halterahmen legt das Primäroptikfeld relativ zu der Leiterplatte fest und dient auch zur Befestigung der Leiterplatte an einem Kühlkörper 36. Jeder Primäroptikteilbereich 22.i mit i = 1 bis n weist genau eine Sammellinse auf, die eine Lichteintrittsfläche und eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist. Wenigstens die Lichtaustrittsfläche ist in zwei Raumrichtungen konvex gewölbt. Im dargestellten Beispiel ist jede Sammellinse in einer zur x-y-Ebene parallelen Ebene und in einer zur y-z-Ebene parallelen Ebene jeweils konvex gewölbt. Jede Sammellinse ist genau einer Lichtquelle und jede Lichtquelle ist genau einer Sammellinse dadurch zugeordnet, dass die Sammellinse in dem von der zugeordneten Lichtquelle ausgehenden Lichtbündel liegt und die Hauptabstrahlrichtung dieser Lichtquelle schneidet. figure 3 shows a primary optical field 22 of a partial high beam module together with a printed circuit board 32 according to FIG figure 2 and a support frame 34 of the primary optics array. The holding frame defines the primary optics field relative to the printed circuit board and is also used to attach the printed circuit board to a heat sink 36 has a light exit surface. At least the light exit surface is convexly curved in two spatial directions. In the example shown, each converging lens is curved in a convex manner in a plane parallel to the xy plane and in a plane parallel to the yz plane. Each converging lens is assigned to exactly one light source and each light source is assigned to exactly one converging lens in that the converging lens lies in the light beam emanating from the assigned light source and intersects the main emission direction of this light source.

Figur 4 zeigt eine Fernlichtverteilung, wie sie von einem solchen Teilfernlichtmodul erzeugt wird, wenn alle Halbleiterlichtquellen eingeschaltet sind. Eine solche Fernlichtverteilung ergibt sich im dargestellten Beispiel auf einer 25m von dem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer entfernten senkrechten Wand. Die einen Punkt der Lichtverteilung kennzeichnenden Gradzahlen geben jeweils den Winkel an, der zwischen einer Hauptabstrahlrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers und einer Geraden liegt, die vom Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer aus zu diesem Punkt der Lichtverteilung geht. Die geschlossenen Kurven sind Linien gleicher Helligkeit (längs jeweils einer Kurve). Die Helligkeit nimmt von Kurve zu Kurve nach außen hin ab. Die Dichte der Kurven ist ein Maß für den Gradienten der Helligkeit. Das rechte und damit hier äußere Ende der Lichtverteilung liegt geschätzt bei ca. 18° (Winkel in einer x-y-Ebene zur Hauptabstrahlrichtung). Die Linien gleicher Helligkeit liegenden dort noch so dicht, dass der Hell-Dunkel-Übergang noch als abrupt empfunden wird. figure 4 shows a high beam distribution as generated by such a partial high beam module when all semiconductor light sources are switched on. In the example shown, such a high beam distribution occurs on a vertical wall 25 m away from the motor vehicle headlight. The degrees characterizing a point of the light distribution indicate the angle that lies between a main emission direction of the motor vehicle headlight and a straight line that goes from the motor vehicle headlight to this point of the light distribution. The closed curves are lines of equal brightness (along each curve). The brightness decreases outwards from curve to curve. The density of the curves is a measure of the brightness gradient. The right and thus the outer end of the light distribution is estimated at approx. 18° (angle in an xy plane to the main direction of emission). The lines of equal brightness are still so dense there that the Light-dark transition is still perceived as abrupt.

Die Figuren 5 und 6 zeigen ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Teilfernlichtmoduls 24 eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers. Im Einzelnen zeigen diese Figuren eine Leiterplatte 32 mit einem Primäroptikfeld 22, die zusammen an einem Kühlkörper 36 befestigt sind. Figur 5 zeigt darüber hinaus eine Sekundäroptik 30, mit der die sich auf den Lichtaustrittsflächen des Primäroptikfeldes 22 einstellende innere Lichtverteilung vor den Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer projiziert wird. Die Sekundäroptik 30 ist im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel eine Projektionslinse. Die Sekundäroptik kann aber auch als Reflektor realisiert sein. Das Primäroptikfeld 22 zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass ein an einem Ende der Reihe der Halbleiterlichtquellen am weitesten außen angeordneter Primäroptikteilbereich 22.n zusätzlich zu seiner Sammellinse 38.n ein noch weiter außen neben seiner Sammellinse angeordnetes optisches Element 40 aufweist. Dabei ist das optische Element durch seine optischen Eigenschaften und seine Anordnung dazu eingerichtet, von der diesem Primäroptikteilbereich 22.n zugeordneten Halbleiterlichtquelle her einfallendes Licht auf die Sekundäroptik 30 zu richten.the figures 5 and 6 show a first exemplary embodiment of a partial high beam module 24 of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention. In detail, these figures show a printed circuit board 32 with a primary optics array 22 which are attached together to a heat sink 36 . figure 5 12 also shows secondary optics 30, with which the internal light distribution occurring on the light exit surfaces of primary optics field 22 is projected in front of the motor vehicle headlight. The secondary optics 30 is a projection lens in the illustrated embodiment. However, the secondary optics can also be implemented as a reflector. The primary optics field 22 is characterized in that a primary optics partial area 22.n arranged furthest to the outside at one end of the row of semiconductor light sources has, in addition to its converging lens 38.n, an optical element 40 arranged even further outside next to its converging lens. Due to its optical properties and its arrangement, the optical element is set up to direct light incident on the secondary optics 30 from the semiconductor light source assigned to this primary optics partial area 22.n.

Figur 7 zeigt einen horizontalen Schnitt durch eine Anordnung aus einer mit Halbleiterlichtquellen als Lichtquellen 16.i mit i gleich 1 bis n bestückten Leiterplatte 32 und einem Primäroptikfeld 22 eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers. Jede Sammellinse 38.1 bis 38.n der Primäroptikteilbereiche weist eine optische Achse auf, die mit der Hauptabstrahlrichtung der Lichtquelle, die dieser Sammellinse zugeordnet ist, in einer Linie 42 liegt. figure 7 shows a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board 32 equipped with semiconductor light sources as light sources 16.i with i equal to 1 to n and a primary optics field 22 of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention. Each converging lens 38.1 to 38.n of the primary optics subregions has an optical axis which lies in a line 42 with the main emission direction of the light source which is assigned to this converging lens.

Die Primäroptikteilbereiche sind in der bei bestimmungsgemäßer Verwendung horizontalen y-Richtung unterschiedlich breit, und sie werden von der Sekundäroptik auch entsprechend unterschiedliche breit projiziert.The primary optics subregions have different widths in the horizontal y-direction when used as intended, and they are also projected by the secondary optics with correspondingly different widths.

Der in der in der y-Richtung am weitesten außen liegende Primäroptikteilbereich 22.n weist neben seiner Sammellinse 38.n ein optisches Element 40 auf. Das optische Element 40 besteht im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel aus bogenförmigen Prismen. Durch die Prismen kann der Bereich, in dem Licht 44 der äußeren Lichtquelle 16.n gebündelt und in Richtung zur Sekundäroptik gelenkt wird, erweitert werden. Als erwünschte Folge wird das Lichtfeld, das von der diesem Primäroptikteilbereich 22.n zugeordneten Lichtquelle 16.n beleuchtet wird, breiter.The primary optics partial region 22.n lying furthest to the outside in the y-direction has an optical element 40 in addition to its converging lens 38.n. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the optical element 40 consists of arcuate prisms. The area in which the light 44 from the external light source 16.n is bundled and directed in the direction of the secondary optics can be expanded by the prisms. As a desired result, the light field illuminated by the light source 16.n associated with this primary optics portion 22.n becomes wider.

Das optische Element 40 zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass es wenigstens eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist, in der Geraden liegen können. Die möglichen Geraden liegen in der Zeichnungsebene, die hier die x-y-Ebene ist. Die Prismen besitzen im Übrigen eine um die äußere Begrenzung der äußeren Sammellinse gebogene Form. Diese Biegung ergibt sich in der y-z-Ebene und ist in den Figuren 5 und 6 erkennbar.The optical element 40 is characterized in that it has at least one light exit surface in which straight lines can lie. The possible straight lines lie in the drawing plane, which is the xy plane here. The prisms also have a shape curved around the perimeter of the outer converging lens. This bending occurs in the yz plane and is in the figures 5 and 6 recognizable.

Figur 8 zeigt eine von einem erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer erzeugte Fernlichtverteilung. Diese Fernlichtverteilung ist insgesamt nach außen (in der Figur 8 nach rechts) breiter als die mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugte Lichtverteilung, und der Abstand voneinander benachbarten Linien gleicher Helligkeit ist am äußeren rechten Rand größer als bei der mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugten Lichtverteilung, die in Figur 4 abgebildet ist. Als erwünschte Folge wird der äußere Bereich des von dem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer beleuchteten Vorfeldes weiter ausgeleuchtet und der Übergang vom hell beleuchteten Bereich der Lichtverteilung zum dunklen Bereich erfolgt weniger abrupt, was damit gleichbedeutend ist, dass der Gradient der Helligkeitsverteilung am äußeren rechten Rand weniger steil verläuft als bei der mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugten Lichtverteilung. figure 8 shows a high beam distribution generated by a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention. This high beam distribution is overall to the outside (in the figure 8 to the right) wider than the light distribution generated with the known headlight, and the distance between adjacent lines of the same brightness is greater at the outer right edge than in the light distribution generated with the known headlight, which in figure 4 is shown. As a desired result, the outer area of the forefield illuminated by the motor vehicle headlight is more illuminated and the transition from the brightly illuminated area of the light distribution to the dark area is less abrupt, which means that the gradient of the brightness distribution at the outer right edge is less steep than at the light distribution generated with the known headlight.

Mit der Erfindung wird die Lichtverteilung des äußersten Teilfernlichtsegments so gestaltet, dass dieses Teilfernlichtsegment breiter wird und zur Seite hin weich ausläuft. Dadurch wird eine bessere Seitenausleuchtung erreicht, und störend abrupte Hell-Dunkel-Übergange werden in diesem Bereich beseitigt.With the invention, the light distribution of the outermost partial high beam segment is designed in such a way that this partial high beam segment becomes wider and tapers off softly to the side. This achieves better side illumination and annoyingly abrupt light-dark transitions are eliminated in this area.

Figur 9 zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Primäroptik eines Teilfernlichtmoduls eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers. Auch bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel weist der an einem Ende der Reihe am weitesten außen angeordnete Primäroptikteilbereich zusätzlich zu seiner Sammellinse 38.n ein noch weiter außen neben seiner Sammellinse 38.n angeordnetes optisches Element 40 auf, das dazu eingerichtet ist, von der diesem Primäroptikteilbereich zugeordneten Lichtquelle her einfallendes Licht auf die Sekundäroptik zu richten. Das optische Element ist hier als katadioptrisches optisches Element realisiert. figure 9 shows a second embodiment of a primary optics of a partial high beam module of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention. Also at In this exemplary embodiment, the primary optics sub-area arranged furthest to the outside at one end of the row has, in addition to its converging lens 38.n, an optical element 40 which is arranged even further to the outside next to its converging lens 38.n and which is set up to receive light from the light source assigned to this primary optics sub-area Directing light onto the secondary optics. The optical element is implemented here as a catadioptric optical element.

Figur 10 zeigt einen horizontalen Schnitt durch eine Anordnung aus einer mit Halbleiterlichtquellen bestückten Leiterplatte 32 und einem Primäroptikfeld des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels. Auch hier weist jede Sammellinse eines Primäroptikteilbereichs eine optische Achse auf, die mit der Hauptabstrahlrichtung der Lichtquelle, die dieser Sammellinse zugeordnet ist, in einer Linie liegt. figure 10 shows a horizontal section through an arrangement of a printed circuit board 32 equipped with semiconductor light sources and a primary optics field of the second exemplary embodiment. Here, too, each converging lens of a primary optics subregion has an optical axis that lies in a line with the main emission direction of the light source that is assigned to this converging lens.

Das optische Element 40 zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass es eine brechende Lichteintrittsfläche, eine totalreflektierende (oder spiegelnd beschichtete) Reflexionsfläche 42 und eine brechende Lichtaustrittsfläche besitzt.The optical element 40 is characterized in that it has a refracting light entry surface, a totally reflecting (or specularly coated) reflection surface 42 and a refracting light exit surface.

In einer Ausgestaltung weist das optische Element wenigstens eine Reflexionsfläche 42 auf, in der Geraden liegen können. Dies ist zum Beispiel dann der Fall, wenn die Reflexionsfläche 42 ein Ausschnitt aus einer Kegelmantelfläche ist. In diesem Fall sind die Schnittlinien, die dadurch entstehen, dass eine die zentrale Mittellinie des Kegelmantels enthaltende Ebene den Kegelmantel schneidet, Geraden.In one configuration, the optical element has at least one reflection surface 42 in which straight lines can lie. This is the case, for example, when the reflective surface 42 is a section of a conical surface. In this case they are Lines of intersection that arise when a plane containing the central line of the cone's surface intersects the cone's surface, straight lines.

Die Reflexionsfläche 42 ist dabei so angeordnet, dass von der Lichtquelle 16.n, die diesem Primäroptikteilbereich zugeordnet ist, her einfallendes Licht wenigstens eine interne Totalreflexion erfährt, mit der das Licht zur Lichtaustrittsfläche des optischen Elements 40 gerichtet wird.The reflection surface 42 is arranged in such a way that light incident from the light source 16.n, which is assigned to this primary optics partial area, experiences at least one total internal reflection, with which the light is directed to the light exit surface of the optical element 40.

Figur 11 zeigt eine mit dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel erzeugte Fernlichtverteilung. Für diese Fernlichtverteilung gelten die Ausführungen zur Figur 8: Diese Fernlichtverteilung ist insgesamt nach außen (in der Figur 11 nach rechts) breiter als die mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugte Lichtverteilung, und der Abstand voneinander benachbarten Linien gleicher Helligkeit ist am äußeren rechten Rand größer als bei der mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugten Lichtverteilung, die in Figur 4 abgebildet ist. Als erwünschte Folge wird der äußere Bereich des von dem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer beleuchteten Vorfeldes weiter ausgeleuchtet und der Übergang vom hell beleuchteten Bereich der Lichtverteilung zum dunklen Bereich erfolgt weniger abrupt, was damit gleichbedeutend ist, dass der Gradient der Helligkeitsverteilung am äußeren rechten Rand weniger steil verläuft als bei der mit dem bekannten Scheinwerfer erzeugten Lichtverteilung. Insgesamt wird die Lichtverteilung des äußersten Teilfernlichtsegments so gestaltet, dass dieses Teilfernlichtsegment breiter wird und zur Seite hin weich ausläuft. Dadurch wird eine bessere Seitenausleuchtung erreicht, und störende abrupte Hell-Dunkel-Übergänge werden in diesem Bereich beseitigt. figure 11 shows a high beam distribution generated with the second embodiment. For this high beam distribution, the statements on figure 8 : This high beam distribution is overall towards the outside (in the figure 11 to the right) wider than the light distribution generated with the known headlight, and the distance between adjacent lines of the same brightness is greater at the outer right edge than in the light distribution generated with the known headlight, which in figure 4 is shown. As a desired result, the outer area of the forefield illuminated by the motor vehicle headlight is more illuminated and the transition from the brightly illuminated area of the light distribution to the dark area is less abrupt, which means that the gradient of the brightness distribution at the outer right edge is less steep than at the light distribution generated with the known headlight. Overall, the light distribution of the outermost partial high beam segment is designed in such a way that this partial high beam segment becomes wider and tapers off softly to the side. This achieves better side illumination and eliminates annoying abrupt light-dark transitions in this area.

Claims (10)

  1. Partial high beam module (24) for a motor vehicle headlight (10), with a light source field (16) comprising n adjacent, successive pairs of light sources (16.1, ..., 16.n), whereby n is greater than or equal to 3 and whereby each of the light sources is designed to radiate light in a light bundle (20) comprising a primary light radiation direction (18), with a primary optic field (22) comprising n primary optic sub-areas (22.1, ..., 22.n), whereby each primary optic sub-area comprises exactly one collecting lens (38.1, ..., 38.n) comprising a light intake surface and a light output surface, convexly shaped in two spatial directions, whereby each collecting lens is assigned exactly one light source and each light source is assigned exactly one collecting lens such that the collecting lens lies in the light bundle emitted by the assigned light source and divides the primary radiation direction of this light source, and with a secondary optic unit (30) designed and arranged to project a light distribution in a space before the headlight that is based on the light output surfaces of the primary optic field when the light sources are activated and comprising multiple adjacent, striped light fields, whereby each projected light field is generated by light from one of the light sources and formation of the light output surface of the collecting lens illuminated by this light source, whereby a primary optic sub-area (22.n) the furthest out to the side, in addition to its collecting lens (38.n), comprises an additional optic element (40) positioned next to its collecting lens, characterised in that the optic element (40) is designed to direct light cast from the light source assigned to this primary optic sub-area (22.n), propagated past this collecting lens, onto the secondary optic unit, whereby the intensity of this light is minor compared to that of the light redirected by the collecting lens, and becomes less intense with distance, so that, for the outermost primary optic sub-area, there is a light field that is sharply demarcated from the closest adjacent light field of the adjacent primary optic sub-area and that is not outwardly sharply demarcated, and rather gradually fades into the non-illuminated area even further outward.
  2. Partial high beam module (24) as per claim 1, characterised in that each collecting lens (38.1, ..., 38.n) comprises an optic axis and that the optic axis is in alignment with the main direction of illumination of the light source assigned to this collecting lens.
  3. Partial high beam module (24) as per claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the optic element (40) comprises at least one light output surface in which straight lines can be positioned.
  4. Partial high beam module (24) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one light output surface is a segment of a conical lateral surface.
  5. Partial high beam module (24) as per one of the claims 1 through 3, characterised in that the optic element (40) comprises multiple light output surfaces, of which each is a segment of a conical lateral surface and whereby the conical lateral surfaces are concentrically arranged.
  6. Partial high beam module (24) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the optic element (40) comprises a reflective surface that the assigned light source can illuminate.
  7. Partial high beam module (24) as per claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the reflective surface is arranged such that light cast by the assigned light source undergoes at least internal total reflection.
  8. Partial high beam module (24) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary optic unit (30) comprises at least one concave mirror reflector.
  9. Partial high beam module (24) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary optic unit (30) comprises at least one projection lens.
  10. Partial high beam module (24) as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each light source (16.1, ..., 16.n) comprises at least one semiconductor light source.
EP20165557.8A 2019-03-29 2020-03-25 Partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight Active EP3719391B1 (en)

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DE102019108232.3A DE102019108232A1 (en) 2019-03-29 2019-03-29 Partial high beam module for a motor vehicle headlight

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004043706B4 (en) * 2004-09-09 2010-04-01 Oec Ag Optical system for a motor vehicle headlight, lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight and motor vehicle headlight
DE102011006380A1 (en) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-04 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Motor vehicle headlight with a semiconductor light source
DE102011054234B4 (en) * 2011-10-06 2020-03-12 HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Lighting device
DE102013214116C5 (en) * 2013-07-18 2018-07-05 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Headlamp for a glare-free high beam
DE102014215785B4 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-03-31 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Projection light module for a motor vehicle headlight

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