DE10037197A1 - Car headlamp, especially curve lamp or fog lamp has reflector forming light spot possessing concentration region in neighborhood of focal line and displaced sideways in relation to optical axis - Google Patents

Abstract

A car headlamp, especially a curve lamp or fog lamp has a single light source 910), a reflector (20) and a lens (40). The light source is located in a first focal region of the reflector and the lens possesses a focal line that is located in a second focal region of the reflector, extending both sides of an optical axis of the lens. This is so that the lens projects the image of a light spot onto the street which is formed by the reflector in its second focal region by the radiation emitted from the light source. The reflector can form a light spot that possesses a concentration region which lies in the neighborhood of the focal line and is displaced sideways in relation to the optical axis of the lens. It also possesses a propagation region that is subdivided in the neighborhood of this focal line.

Description

The present invention relates generally to vehicle applications lighting and especially auxiliary headlights that have a low beam Supplement the light beam on the side, so-called curve light thrower, and at the same time, for example, as a fog lamp or low beam headlights can serve.

According to the state of the art, a headlight is already included proposed a light source, which is in a reflector is brought, which is optionally between a first position, in which the headlamp creates a beam of light that one by one special low beam headlights glare beam can extend laterally, and a second Position is pivotable, in which the headlight is one for the A suitable light beam is generated by the fog light function.

Generally, however, in particular because of the production costs and for reasons of reliability preferred headlights kon in which the reflector (s) are fixed (apart from the possibilities to adapt the Height angle and the azimuth of the light beam during assembly or in operation to compensate for level fluctuations in driving stuff).

However, it is understood that the use of such fixed reflector with for curve / fog lights known solutions is not compatible.

It may also involve the aforementioned, with a common one Headlamps with swiveling reflector difficult to design the reflector in such a way that it is also a satisfactory beam of cornering lights and produces a satisfactory fog light beam.  

The present invention has for its object curves to provide headlights for left and right curves that using a single light source (typically a light bulb or a discharge lamp) on the one hand predetermined light beam, for example a low beam, effectively supplement in a given lateral direction and the on the other hand generate another type of light beam, the be comply with certain regulations, for example a fog light bundle, without an optical component of the headlight (typically the reflector) in any way to have to.

The present invention is also based on the aim de to accomplish this task with an ellipsoid headlight lichen, which as such for its compactness and for the good utilization of the light emitted by the lamp is known.

The present invention therefore proposes a motor vehicle headlights in front, especially a curve / fog light, with a single light source, a reflector and one Lens, the light source in a first focus area of the reflector and the lens is a focal line has that in a second focal area of the reflector is arranged and on both sides of an optical axis of the Lens extends so that the lens is imaging a light projected onto the street by the reflector in the second focal area through that of the light source sent radiation is formed, characterized in that the Reflector a spot of light with a concentration range that is close to the focal line and in relation to the optical one Axis of the lens is laterally offset, and a spread can form the area near this focal line laterally is distributed.

Preferred but non-limiting features of the headlamp according to the invention are the following:

• - The reflector is by successive, essentially elliptical vertical sections formed, each one have vertical convergence point, a first lateral cher area of the reflector the general shape of a rotation has sellipsoid segments, in the first focus of which the light source is located and where all sections are one have a common vertical convergence point, which by its second focal point is formed, which has been on the focal line since Lich is offset and the formation of this concentration empire, and with a second side area of the Reflector has a large number of vertical convergence points, that are distributed near the focal line.
• - The vertical convergence points are of the aforementioned variety essentially between the common vertical convergence point of the first area and one on the other side of the vertical axis of convergence distributed.
• - The expansion of the ellipsoid segment in a horizontal Axial plane is determined by a pair of marginal rays that in this plane is the effective entry surface of the lens from the can reach common vertical convergence point from.
• - The main axis of the ellipsoid is in relation to the optical one Axis of the lens inclined.
• - The main axis of the ellipsoid is horizontal.
• - The light source is in relation to the optical axis of the lens laterally offset.
• - The vertical convergence points of the aforementioned variety have a position measured transversely to the optical axis of the lens on a vertical plane in which the optical axis of the reflector lies in a constant manner changes according to the angle of a plane in which the subject fende section of the reflector.  
• - The vertical convergence points of the aforementioned variety fluctuate between two extreme values that are symmetrical of both on the optical axis of the lens.
• - One of these extreme values, the one at the first range adjacent edge of this second reflector area corresponds, essentially coincides with the common vertical conver of the first area.
• - At least some of the vertical convergence points mentioned th variety are in relation to the focal line of the lens to the front or moved backwards so that the corresponding part of the Light beam is amplified.
• - The reflecting surface of the reflector is continuous.
• - The headlamp also includes a bezel that is nearby the focal line of the lens is arranged and in that of the Lens projected light bundles an upper cut-off line should form.
• - The concentration range of the light spot is arranged so that it is around by the lens with respect to the optical axis of the lens about 30 ° to 40 ° is projected laterally.

The present invention also proposes a left and right right pair of headlights for motor vehicles, in particular Curve / fog lights, characterized in that there are two headlights as defined above, wherein the Right headlight reflector with left headlight thrower is identical except for a rotation of 180 °.

The concentration range of the light is advantageous the left headlight projected to the left side of the street, and the concentration range of the light of the right headlight on the right side of the road.  

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments tion forms of the invention clarified with reference to the attached drawings by way of example and not restricting them the way further aspects, goals and advantages of the lying invention.

Fig. 1 shows, in a horizontal axially sectioned view of the basic structure of a headlamp reflector according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows an axially vertical sectional view of parts of the headlight from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 shows a point for the construction of the headlamp of FIG. 1 and 2 legitimately used ness to the development of vertical concentration in a graph,

Fig. 4 shows a variant of the invention with respect to the focal lines of the reflector,

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the periphery of the reflector by surface lines,

Fig. 6 shows in analogy to Fig. 5 is a view from behind,

Fig. 7 shows analogous to Figs. 5 and 6 a side view,

Fig. 8 shows, similarly to Fig. 5 to 7, a perspective view,

Fig. 9 shows with a series of Isocandela curves the United course of the light beam generated by a headlight according to the invention without a diaphragm.

In Fig. 1 and 2, a headlamp is partially shown having a single light source 10 as the filament of an incandescent lamp (z. B. of the standardized type "H1" or similar) or the light arc of a gas discharge lamp.

This schematically shown in the form of a cylinder light source 10 is axially aligned in a reflector 20 , which can form a concentrated light spot in the vicinity of an aperture or cover device 30 , the light image being formed by the cover device 30 partially shielded spot is projected onto the road by a lens 40 .

For the sake of simplicity, the other components of the headlight fers, such as housing, cover plate, regulating device, to conclusions etc. not shown in the drawings.

The reflector has a first area 21 , which is to form a relatively small concentrated light spot in the vicinity of the aperture 30 and which is mounted such that this spot typically sets laterally in relation to the roadway axis by 30 to 40 °, in this case after right, is projected onto the road to perform a lighting function in the curve when the vehicle turns to the right. The second region 22 of the reflector is intended to fan out the light on both sides of the road axis in order to generate fog lighting.

The construction of the region 21 will now be described.

First, the focal line LF of the lens 40 or the line of the focal points parallel to the axis is determined, which is formed at the point of intersection of the surface of the focal points parallel to the axis with the horizontal axial plane and which has a curved symmetrical shape with respect to the optical axis XL of the lens.

Then a for a light concentration range desired lateral inclination determines that of the curves light function of the headlamp corresponds. Like him already  thinks a satisfactory bend light beam in general mean achieved with a light concentration peak that in Relative to the road axis by approx. 35 to 40 ° to the outside of the vehicle is offset.

This inclination θv corresponds to a point Fv on the Focal line LF.

A desired depth P2 is then determined for the reflector 20 and the maximum acceptable distance P1 between a first base focal point F1 of the reflector and the reflector rear wall, this distance generally being predetermined by the distance of the light source of the lamp in relation to its base. In connection with this depth and this distance fixed horizontal lines L0, L1 and L2 were drawn in Fig. 1, the reflector between the lines L0 and L2 erstrec ken and the focal point F1 should be on the line L1.

Then, with respect to the angular extent of the effective part of the entrance surface 41 of the lens 40, as seen from point Fv, the reflected edge rays Rg and Rd are determined, which limit this angular extent as shown. Ray Rd intersects line L2 at a particular point designated Xd, while ray Rg intersects line L0 at another particular point designated Xg.

Based on these various specifications, the position of the focal point F1 along the line L1 is now determined by solving the following equation:

FvXd + F1Xd = F1Fv + 2F1Xg

This equation gives the relationship between the distances again, from one by the extreme reflection point Xd passing beam and one through the outermost reflection point Xg extending beam are covered, and made possible  the determination of the point at which the focal point F1 must be located.

It is then constructed a reflective surface 21 of the reflector 20 , which consists of a segment of an ellipsoid of revolution whose main axis GA runs through the points F1 and Fv and whose two focal points lie at these points; the light source 10 is essentially centered on the point F1.

The reflecting surface 21 thus concentrates the light emanating from the light source in the vicinity of the point Fv in such a way that the angle of detection of the light below this point essentially corresponds to the angular extent which is from the effective part of the entrance surface 41 of the lens 40 is covered.

In this case, it can be seen that, in the precise example shown, a focus F1 results from the procedure described above, which is laterally offset to the left with respect to the optical axis XL of the lens, and a main axis GA of the ellipsoid 21 , which in Is slightly inclined to the left with respect to said axis. The axis of the reflector, which forms the mounting axis of the lamp, is designated XM.

According to the available parameters, and in particular also depending on the effective diameter and the focal length of the lens 40 and the values selected for the distances P1 and P2, extremely different configurations can occur with regard to the position of the focal point F1, the inclination of the main axis GA and the Limits Xd and Xg of the ellipsoid segment 21 result.

Will a lens with a diameter of 40 mm and one Focal length of 30 mm is used and P1 = 20 mm and P2 = 95 mm fixed, this leads to a in a concrete example lateral shift of the focal point F1 to the left by unsung about 10 mm with respect to the axis XL.  

The region 22 of the reflector, which extends from the point Xg to the right, is used to ensure that the light is essentially symmetrical on both sides of the optical axis XL.

This range is preferred according to that in FR-A-2 704 044 the applicant described manner so that starting from the vertical reflector section through the Verify point Xg to the right up to the right edge of the reflector runs, the vertical convergence points gradually by one Change point fag up to a point fad that corresponds to the optical axis XL of the lens preferably symmetrical to the point Fag is arranged.

Advantageously, the point Fag coincides with the point Fv, which serves to define the region 21 of the reflector, so as to ensure a good transition of the light spot between its concentration region defined by the region 21 and its spread region defined by the region 22 .

Thanks to this light distribution provided by the area 22 of the reflector, a light spot is provided which is extremely uniformly fanned out in width, which, thanks to the area 21, also includes a concentration peak projected to the right onto the road to ensure the cornering light function.

This entire light spot is partially shielded by the diaphragm 30 , which in this case has an upper edge located in the horizontal axial plane, the profile of which adapts to the focal line LF, as shown in FIG. 1, so that a clearly sharp bright Dark boundary is guaranteed in order to obtain a light beam after the projection which is limited by a horizontal light-dark boundary.

FIG. 3 shows how the position (abscissa y measured perpendicular to XM, with the zero point being in XM) with respect to a vertical plane running through the axis XM as the reference plane changes as a function of the angle θr of a vertical plane along the line LF , in which lie the rays which are emitted by the light source to a reflector section which also lies in this plane.

In this example, the separation between the areas 21 and 22 takes place at a value θr approximately zero (other configurations can lead to separations with correspondingly different angles). If the values θr are negative (region 21 ), the value y remains negative and unchanged, which corresponds to the point Fv. If the values θr are positive (area 22 ), the value y gradually increases by the value corresponding to Fv and Fag up to the positive and in this case the same absolute value which corresponds to the point Fad.

As far as the fog light beam generated by the area 22 of the reflector is concerned, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that with the described design the right part of this light beam, which is generated by the light which is directed through the area 22 into the area of the point Fag has a greater gain than the left part generated by the light directed by the area 22 in the area of the point Fad. The images of the light source 10 generated by the reflector rear wall are namely substantially larger than the images of the light source which are generated by the side regions of the reflector which are at a substantially greater distance from the light source than the reflector rear wall.

In order to compensate for this lack of uniformity of the fog light beam part, it is advantageous to change the position of the line on which the vertical convergence points of the region 22 of the reflector are shifted in relation to the focal line LF of the lens 40 . FIG. 4 therefore shows the focal line LF, which corresponds to the line from FIG. 1 with an identical lens; a line LCV of vertical convergence points is also shown, which clearly differs from the line LF in the right part. Since the vertical convergence of the light is not achieved on the line LF, but at a distance from it, the light emitted by the reflector to the right area of the line LF is amplified in this way.

The distance between the lines LF and LCV becomes more appropriate Equalized, can be caused by the light bundle part, which corresponds to the fog light function, over its ver essentially constant over the entire extent is strengthened.

The shape of the reflector 20 of a headlamp according to the invention is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 to 8. The clear asymmetry of the reflector with respect to a vertical axial plane can be seen here, while it is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal axial plane.

Fig. 9 shows on a graduated projection screen based on a series of Isocandela curves, the United course of the light beam, as it is projected onto the road by the headlights shown in Fig. 1 to 3, without equalizing the light distribution as with Described with reference to FIG. 4 and without the action of the aperture 30 .

It can be seen that the light beam follows one at approximately 37 ° has the first concentrated light spot appearing on the right, (Cornering light function) and a less pronounced second concentrated light spot in the lane axis and one out shaped lateral fanning on both sides of this second spot (Fog light function).

It turns out in this case that due to the ge called symmetry of the reflector in relation to a horizontal Axial plane the same reflector in the left and right glow thrower of the vehicle can be used and only around Must be rotated 180 ° around itself from the right Side (the example described above) to the left switch.  

The curve / fog lights according to the invention are typically controlled from the dashboard of the vehicle as follows:

• - Fog light mode: both headlights are with their nominal line power on;
• - Cornering light mode: the left or right headlight becomes in addition to the low beam headlights of the vehicle depending on the curves traveled by the vehicle (for Example using suitable sensors on the steering column); the Headlights can either completely or not at all, or be switched on with increasing power, depending on how large is the curvature of the curve traveled by the vehicle.

The present invention is of course not in any Way in the manner described above and in the drawings illustrated embodiments limited. Numerous variants th or changes can be carried out by a specialist the.

It is understood that changes made to the profile of the top edge 31 of the diaphragm and to the regularity of the distribution of the vertical convergence points (see Fig. 3) according to the principles described in FR-A-2 704 044, in particular a headlight can also be provided, which can produce a concentrated cornering light beam and various types of light beams, in particular a low beam light beam.

Claims (16)

1. Motor vehicle headlights, in particular curve / fog headlights, with a single light source ( 10 ), a Re reflector ( 20 ) and a lens ( 40 ), the light source being arranged in a first focal point region (F1) of the reflector and the lens one Has focal line (LF), which is arranged in a second focal region of the reflector and extends on both sides of an optical axis (XL) of the lens, so that the lens projects the image of a light spot onto the road from the reflector in its second focal region the radiation emitted by the light source is formed, characterized in that the reflector ( 20 ) can form a light spot which has a concentration range which is close to the focal line (LF) and laterally with respect to the optical axis (XL) of the lens is offset, and has an expansion area which is distributed in the vicinity of this focal line since. 2. Headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector ( 20 ) is formed by successive, substantially elliptical vertical sections, each having a vertical convergence point (Fv, Fag, Fad), and in that a first lateral region ( 21 ) of the reflector has the general shape of a rotation ellipsoid segment, in the first focal point (Fl) of which the light source ( 10 ) is located and in which all sections have a common vertical convergence point (Fv), which is formed by a second focal point which is on the Focal line (LF) is laterally offset and which allows the formation of this concen tration area, and that a second lateral area ( 22 ) of the reflector has a plurality of vertical convergence points (Fag,..., Fad), which near the focal point line (LF) are distributed. 3. Headlamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the vertical convergence points (Fag, Fad) from said plurality substantially between the common vertical convergence point (Fv) of the first region ( 21 ) and one on the other side of the optical axis (XL ) the vertical convergence point (fad) lying on the lens are distributed. 4. Headlight according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the expansion of the ellipsoid segment in a horizontal axial plane by a pair of edges (Rg, Rd) is determined, which in this plane is the effective entry surface ( 41 ) of the lens reach the common vertical convergence point (Fv). 5. headlight according to claim 4, characterized in that the main axis (GA) of the ellipsoid is inclined with respect to the optical axis (XL) of the lens. 6. headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that the main axis (GA) of the ellipsoid is horizontal. 7. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the light source ( 10 ) with respect to the optical axis (XL) of the lens is laterally offset. 8. Headlight according to one of claims 2 to 6 or according to claim 7 in dependence on these claims, characterized in that the vertical convergence points (Fag,..., Fad) of the said plurality measured a transverse to the optical axis (XL) of the lens Have position (y) which changes monotonically with respect to a vertical plane in which the optical axis (XM) of the reflector lies as a function of the angle (θr) of a plane in which the relevant section of the reflector ( 20 ) lies. 9. headlight according to claim 8, characterized in that the vertical convergence points (Fag, Fad) of the aforementioned variety between two extreme values (Fag, Fad) fluctuate, the symmetrical on both sides of the optical Axis (XL) of the lens. 10. Headlight according to claim 9, characterized in that one (Fag) of these extreme values, which corresponds to an edge of this second reflector region ( 22 ) adjoining the first region ( 21 ), essentially with the common vertical convergence point (Fv) of the first region coincides. 11. Headlight according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that at least some of the vertical Convergence points (Fag, Fad) of the named variety in relation to the Focal line (LF) of the lens shifted forwards or backwards are so that the corresponding part of the light beam is amplified becomes. 12. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the reflecting surface of the reflector ( 20 ) is continuous. 13. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises an aperture ( 30 ) which is arranged in the vicinity of the focal line of the lens and in the light beam projected by the lens ( 40 ) an upper chiaroscuro -Border should form. 14. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the concentration range of the light spot is arranged so that it projects laterally from the lens ( 40 ) with respect to the optical axis (XL) of the lens by about 30 ° to 40 ° becomes. 15. pair of headlights from left and right headlights for motor vehicles, in particular curve / fog lights, characterized in that it comprises two headlights according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reflector ( 20 ) of the right headlight with that of the left headlight up to a rotation through 180 ° is identical. 16. pair of headlights according to claim 15, characterized in that the concentration range of the Projection light from the left headlight to the left side of the street is adorned and the concentration range of the light of the right Headlights to the right side of the street.