DE102008010028B4 - Projection headlights for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Projection headlights for vehicles with a reflector device (1), with at least one of the reflector device (1) associated LED lighting element (2), with a light in the direction of light (3) in front of the reflector device (1) arranged lens device (4) and with a in the range of Focal point of the lens device arranged aperture device (5), which is arranged in the light emission in front of the reflector device (1) and which is adjustable to produce different light distributions, characterized in that the reflector means (1) at least one reflector (6, 23, 24) with a Reflection surface (8) whose distance (A) to an optical axis (7) of the lens device (4) in the light emitting direction (3) decreases, that the LED lighting element (2) is arranged at a distance from the optical axis (7) in that the diaphragm device (5) has a plurality of diaphragm surfaces (20, 20 ') segmented in the light emission direction (3). ) and / or diaphragm edges (32), such that in dependence on an activation position in the region of the focal point of the lens device (4) at least three different light distributions can be generated, wherein in a first position of the diaphragm device (5) one of the reflector (6 ) Reflected light beam (21) by means of the lens device (4) to a first light distribution (40), in a second position of the diaphragm device by the same reflector (6) reflected light beam by means of the lens device (4) a second light distribution (42) and in one third position of the diaphragm device (5, 23) reflects the light beam reflected by the same reflector (6) and / or a further second reflector (24) of the reflector device (1) arranged opposite to the optical axis and reflected by a further reflector (24) associated second LED light emitting element (2) emitted second light beam by means of the lens device (4) a r third light distribution (43) is imaged.

Description

The invention relates to a projection headlight for vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1. From the DE 10 2004 047 301 A1 a projection headlight for vehicles is known, which has a reflector device, a number of the reflector device associated lighting elements, a lens device and a diaphragm device. The reflector device has two half-shell-shaped reflectors, to each of which a light source is assigned, which are arranged in the region of an optical axis of the lens device. The light sources are arranged on a common carrier, which extends in the light emission direction of the headlamp in a front edge of the reflector reaching out range. A front edge of this carrier plate forms the diaphragm device for imaging a light-dark boundary of the light distribution. A disadvantage of the known projection headlight is that only a single predetermined light distribution or partial light distribution can be generated by the interaction of the respective light sources, the reflector, the diaphragm device and the lens device relative to the reflector.

From the DE 10 2006 051 029 A1 a projection headlight for vehicles is known, which comprises a light-emitting element as a light source, a reflector device, a diaphragm device and a lens device. The reflector is half-shell-shaped. The luminous element and the diaphragm device extend in the vicinity of an optical axis of the lens device. The diaphragm device is mounted linearly displaceable, so that a low-beam distribution and with the release of a partial light beam reflected at the reflector as a result of the adjustment of the diaphragm device, a high-beam distribution can be generated. The linear adjustability of the diaphragm device enables the generation of two different light distributions. However, the number of light distributions that can be generated is limited.

From the DE 10 2004 033 737 A1 and the DE 10 2004 025 433 A1 Headlamps are known with aperture devices, which is provided by a diaphragm shaft with a plurality of fins to produce different light distributions. The diaphragm device thus has a rotary shutter with corresponding cut-off edges.

From the DE 103 38 772 A1 is a projection headlamp with a diaphragm device is known, which is formed as a roller. Depending on the rotational position of the roller either a low beam or a high beam distribution is adjustable.

From the DE 10 2006 061 637 A1 a headlight for vehicles is known, which has a reflector device and a lens device. An aperture device is not provided. The reflector device has a reflection surface whose distance from the optical axis decreases in the light emission direction.

From the DE 10 2004 045 881 A1 is known a projection headlight for vehicles, which has a diaphragm device. The diaphragms of the diaphragm device are arranged to be movable relative to one another, wherein a plurality of diaphragms contribute to a diaphragm contour. The aperture contour is always formed by a fixed aperture and by a movably formed aperture.

From the DE 10 2006 008 188 A1 is a projection headlamp with a diaphragm device known which has a plurality of each movably arranged Blendkantenabschnitte. The Blendkantenabschnitte contribute together to produce a light distribution. The known aperture device is arranged segmented transversely to the light emission direction.

From the JP 2007-287 610 A is a projection headlamp with two light sources and each associated with the light source reflector known by means of which a low beam and high beam distribution can be generated. An aperture device of the projection headlight thus only allows the generation of two light distributions.

The object of the present invention is to develop a projection headlight for vehicles in such a way that the generation of a plurality of light functions or light distributions, preferably more than two light functions, is ensured in an efficient and space-saving manner.

To solve this problem, the invention has the features of claim 1. Advantageously, the invention enables an efficient and space-saving provision of at least three different light distributions, so that a driving situation-dependent switching to the appropriate light function is made possible. For example, depending on parameters such as the speed of the vehicle, the light function may be switched from "city light" to "highway light". By virtue of the segmented arrangement according to the invention of a number of diaphragm edges and / or diaphragm surfaces, each of which has a predetermined profile (surface geometry), a predetermined light distribution can be generated by bringing it into the vicinity of the focal point of the lens device. Advantageously, the invention allows a steady transition of Light distribution between the light functions to be set.

According to the invention, the reflector device has at least one reflector with such a geometry that a distance of the reflection surface of the reflector to an optical axis of the lens device decreases in the light emission direction. The reflection surface of the reflector is thus tapered in the light emission direction. The at least one LED lighting element associated with the reflector is arranged at a distance from the optical axis and thus extends substantially at a greater distance from the optical axis of the lens device than the reflection surfaces of the reflector. Advantageously, by the edge of the headlamp facing arrangement of the LED luminous element, an improved removal of the heat generated by the LED luminous element done. In particular, in a "twin arrangement" of two opposing reflectors with respect to the optical axis, the opposite LED lighting elements have a relatively large distance from each other. A concentrated heat generation in the center of the headlamp can thus be effectively avoided.

According to a first variant of the invention, the diaphragm device has a diaphragm shaft, which is adjustable in a plurality of rotational positions about a rotational axis extending transversely to the optical axis. The diaphragm shaft has a lateral surface with a plurality of segmented diaphragm surfaces or diaphragm edges, which in each case can be brought into an activation position as a function of driving conditions in which they can have a shading effect or reflection effect. This can be dependent on the angle at which the light rays strike the diaphragm surface or diaphragm edge.

According to a development of the invention, the diaphragm shaft is at least partially arcuate in cross-section, wherein distributed in the circumferential direction arranged aperture surfaces have a different distance from the axis of rotation of the diaphragm shaft. Preferably, the lateral surface of the diaphragm shaft extends in ^order circumferential direction by an acute or obtuse angle, so that a plurality of optically effective differently acting diaphragm surfaces and / or diaphragm edges can be provided. Advantageously, a plurality of different light functions can thereby be generated relatively quickly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm shaft may have a recess portion, such that the light beam of a reflector passes under passing of the diaphragm shaft on the lens device and thus in particular a high beam distribution can be generated. Advantageously, an optically effective diaphragm surface or diaphragm edge can be moved from an activation position into a deactivation position by rotating the diaphragm shaft at an acute angle, in which the recess section of the diaphragm shaft is effective.

According to a further variant of the invention, the diaphragm device can have at least two diaphragm elements which can be moved linearly independently of one another. Depending on the given light distribution, a predetermined blend edge contour can be adjusted relatively quickly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm device may have only a single linearly movable diaphragm element, so that depending on the vertical position of the diaphragm element different light distributions, such as dipped beam, motorway light or the like can be generated. The light-dark boundary is determined only by the local position of the Blendkantenkontur the single aperture element. By moving the diaphragm element out of the light beam area, the light-dark boundary of a high beam distribution is "switched off".

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further subclaims. Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 a front perspective view of a projection headlamp omitting a lens device thereof,

2 3 shows a schematic cross section through the projection headlight according to a first embodiment in a first position of a diaphragm device,

3 a schematic cross section through the projection headlamp according to a second embodiment in a first position of a diaphragm device,

4 a schematic cross section through the projection headlamp according to a third embodiment in a first position of a diaphragm device,

5a Representation of a low-beam distribution for right-hand traffic on a measuring screen,

5b Representation of a low-beam distribution for left-hand traffic on the screen,

5c Presentation of a motorway light distribution on the screen and

5d Representation of a high beam distribution on the screen.

A projection headlight for vehicles essentially consists of a reflector device 1 a number of the reflector means 1 associated LED lighting elements 2 (LED chip), one in light emission direction 3 the reflector device 1 upstream lens device 4 and one in the region of a focal point or focal line B of the lens device 4 arranged aperture device 5 ,

According to a first embodiment of the projection headlamp according to 1 and 2 has the reflector device 1 a reflector 6 which is essentially above an optical axis 7 the lens device 4 extends. The reflector 6 has several bowl-shaped reflection surfaces 8th on whose distance A to the optical axis 7 the lens device 4 in the light emission direction 3 decreases. The reflector 6 thus extends tapered in the direction of the lens device 4 , The reflection surfaces 8th go in light emission direction 3 in a flat or slightly inclined extension section 9 over, which may also have reflective surfaces.

Near a front edge 10 of the extension section 9 is one as aperture device 5 trained aperture shaft 11 arranged around a horizontal, transverse to the optical axis 7 extending axis of rotation 12 is rotatably mounted.

The aperture shaft 11 has a cross-sectionally arc-shaped jacket (lateral surface 13 ), which is at an acute or obtuse angle in the direction of rotation 14 extends. To the lateral surface 13 closes in the circumferential direction a recess portion 15 the shutter shaft 11 on, which is formed as a flat surface, which is the axis of rotation 12 cuts. The recess section 15 extends at an angle of approximately 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the diaphragm shaft 11 ,

The lens device 4 has an imaging projection lens 17 on.

Alternatively, the projection headlight may have a plurality of reflector means described above 1 , LED light element 2 , Lens device 4 and aperture device 5 composite optical units on. These optical units can be arranged side by side in rows and / or columns. Alternatively, they may also be arranged in an arcuate or circular manner. The LED lighting elements 2 of the projection headlamp can be designed variably controllable in intensity. For example, the LED lighting elements 2 be executed in groups switched on and off.

How out 2 it can be seen has the lateral surface 13 the shutter shaft 11 in the circumferential direction to a different curvature. At a first end 18 the lateral surface 13 the curvature is less than at an opposite second end 19 , In the circumferential direction of the lateral surface 13 are a plurality of differently contoured segments (aperture segments 20 ) arranged as the diaphragm surfaces and / or diaphragm edges in the 5a to 5d shown light distributions 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 (Light functions) correspond. Is one of the segments 20 in an activation position, that is, a diaphragm surface or diaphragm edge of the corresponding segment 20 is near the optical axis 7 , becomes a reflection surface 8th of the reflector 6 reflected light beam 21 of the LED light element 2 at the aperture 20 ' reflected to form a low beam distribution in legal traffic according to 5a , For this purpose, the aperture is 20 ' highly reflective formed. How out 1 it can be seen, the diaphragm surface extends 20 ' in the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm shaft 11 forming an inclined surface, by means of which a 15 ° increase in a light-dark boundary HDG of the light distribution shown by way of example 40 is shown. The respective light distributions 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 associated aperture surfaces or aperture segments 20 . 20 ' extend in the extension direction of the diaphragm shaft 11 , wherein by the contouring of the respective segments 20 . 20 ' the light-dark boundary of the respective light distributions 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 is determined.

In the present embodiment, the diaphragm shaft 11 go adjacent aperture segments 20 . 20 ' or aperture surfaces in the circumferential direction continuously into each other. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, aperture surfaces can also be made sublime to adjacent aperture surfaces raised. For example, an aperture edge can be raised with respect to the adjacent lateral surface.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, individual aperture surfaces 20 the shutter shaft 11 also diffuse reflective or absorbent.

The diaphragm shaft according to the invention 11 can thus purely shading segments on the one hand and light-reflecting segments 20 . 20 ' on the other hand.

According to a further embodiment of the invention according to the 3 can the reflector device 1 a twin reflector 22 comprising, from a first reflector 23 and a second reflector integrally connected thereto 24 consists. The first reflector 23 extends substantially above the optical axis 7 , The second reflector 24 extends substantially below the optical axis 7 , The first reflector 23 and the second reflector 24 each have reflective surfaces 8th on, by means of which one of the respectively associated LED lighting elements 2 emitted partial light bundles 25 respectively. 26 in the direction of the lens device 4 be reflected. The same components or component functions of the embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals.

The first reflector 23 and the second reflector 24 are formed uniformly and extend on both sides of a horizontal center plane M, in which the optical axis 7 runs. In light emission direction 3 the two reflectors run in front 23 . 24 to a common extension section 27 together, near the aperture shaft 11 is arranged. The extension section 27 has on opposite sides in each case a plate-shaped reflection surface 28 on, so that of the LED lighting elements 2 radiated light rays optionally several times at the reflection surfaces of the first reflector 23 or second reflector 24 can be reflected.

In accordance with 3 shown rotational position of the diaphragm shaft 11 are the aperture segments 20 . 20 ' the same in a deactivation position, in which that of the first reflector 23 reflected partial light bundles 25 and that of the second reflector 24 reflected second partial light bundles 26 passing the aperture shaft 11 on a Einkoppelseite the lens device 4 meets. By superposition of the partial light bundles 25 and 26 a high beam distribution is generated. This contributes to the second reflector 24 reflected partial light bundles 26 essentially to the luminous flux at, which runs above the horizontal HH.

It can be seen that the aperture shaft 11 at least three aperture areas 20 . 20 ' has, each offset in the circumferential direction by an acute angle to an adjacent diaphragm surface and parallel to the axis of rotation 12 are arranged running. These aperture surfaces 20 . 20 ' can each be brought into an activation position in which the corresponding aperture area 20 . 20 ' in the vertical direction above the axis of rotation 12 is arranged and thus with respect to the incident light beam 21 is optically effective. Thus, depending on the rotational position of the diaphragm shaft 11 different light distributions are generated. Because of the diaphragm shaft 11 Provides space in the circumferential direction for at least three diaphragm segments or diaphragm segments 20 . 20 ' can be generated relatively timely and space saving a picture of more than two light figures or light distributions.

According to a further embodiment of the invention according to 4 has the aperture device 5 in contrast to the embodiment according to 2 a plurality of linearly movably arranged in the vertical direction diaphragm elements 31 on. In the present embodiment, three aperture elements 31 provided, which are independently engageable in a vertical upper activation position, in which the contour of a at the upper end of the respective panel element 31 extending diaphragm edge 32 the cut-off by means of the lens device 4 is imaged according to a predetermined light distribution. In the present example, the three aperture elements allow 31 the illustration of four different light distributions.

According to an alternative embodiment, the diaphragm edges 32 different aperture elements 31 also be combined with each other, so that more than three different light distributions can be generated.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, not shown, the diaphragm device may have only a single diaphragm element, which can be brought in different working positions in the vertical direction. In this case, the light-dark boundary of the light distribution to be imaged is set by means of a diaphragm edge of the diaphragm element. By raising the diaphragm element, for example, a low-beam distribution or motorway light distribution can be set. By lowering the aperture element from the light beam area, a high beam distribution can be adjusted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

reflector device

2

LED light element (LED chip)

3

light emission

4

lens means

5

aperture means

6

reflector

7

optical axis

8th

reflecting surface

9

Extension portion

10

front edge

11

shutter shaft

12

axis of rotation

13

lateral surface

14

direction of rotation

15

recess portion

17

lens

18

first end

19

Second end

20, 20 '

segments

21

light beam

22

Twin reflector

23

first reflector

24

second reflector

25

Divided light beam

26

Divided light beam

27

Extension portion

28

plate-shaped reflection surface

31

diaphragm element

32

diaphragm edge

40

Low beam distribution for right-hand traffic

41

Low beam distribution for left-hand traffic

42

Motorway light distribution

43

Beam light distribution

B

focal line

A

distance

M

midplane

R

distance

Claims (13)

Projection headlights for vehicles with a reflector device ( 1 ), with at least one of the reflector device ( 1 ) associated LED lighting element ( 2 ), with one in light emission direction ( 3 ) in front of the reflector device ( 1 ) arranged lens device ( 4 ) and with a arranged in the region of a focal point of the lens device aperture device ( 5 ), which in the light emission direction in front of the reflector device ( 1 ) is arranged and which is designed to be adjustable to produce different light distributions, characterized in that the reflector device ( 1 ) at least one reflector ( 6 . 23 . 24 ) with a reflection surface ( 8th ) whose distance (A) to an optical axis ( 7 ) of the lens device ( 4 ) in light emission direction ( 3 ) decreases that the LED light element ( 2 ) at a distance to the optical axis ( 7 ) is arranged, that the aperture device ( 5 ) a plurality of in the light emitting direction ( 3 ) segmented aperture surfaces ( 20 . 20 ' ) and / or diaphragm edges ( 32 ), such that in dependence on an activation position in the region of the focal point of the lens device ( 4 ) at least three different light distributions can be generated, wherein in a first position of the diaphragm device ( 5 ) one of the reflector ( 6 ) reflected light beam ( 21 ) by means of the lens device ( 4 ) to a first light distribution ( 40 ), in a second position of the diaphragm device that of the same reflector ( 6 ) reflected light beam by means of the lens device ( 4 ) a second light distribution ( 42 ) and in a third position of the diaphragm device ( 5 . 23 ) that of the same reflector ( 6 ) reflected light bundles and / or one of a to the optical axis oppositely arranged further second reflector ( 24 ) of the reflector device ( 1 ) and reflected by a further reflector ( 24 ) associated LED lighting element ( 2 ) emitted second light beam by means of the lens device ( 4 ) a third light distribution ( 43 ) is displayed. Projection headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the diaphragm device ( 5 ) in the vicinity of at least one in light emission direction ( 3 ) front edge ( 10 ) the at least one reflector ( 6 . 23 . 24 ) reflector device ( 1 ) is arranged. Projection headlight according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diaphragm device ( 5 ) a diaphragm shaft ( 11 ) with a lateral surface ( 13 ), which is about a horizontal, transverse to the optical axis ( 7 ) of the lens device ( 4 ) extending axis of rotation ( 12 ) is adjustable in a plurality of rotational positions, wherein a predetermined diaphragm edge and / or diaphragm surface of the lateral surface can be brought into the activation position. Projection headlight according to claim 3, characterized in that the diaphragm shaft ( 11 ) is at least partially arcuate in cross-section, wherein circumferentially distributed adjacent aperture surfaces ( 20 . 20 ' ) of the lateral surface ( 13 ) a different distance (R) to the axis of rotation of the diaphragm shaft ( 11 ) exhibit. Projection headlight according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the adjacent diaphragm surfaces ( 20 . 20 ' ) of the lateral surface ( 13 ) continuously merge into one another in the circumferential direction. Projection headlight according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the diaphragm surfaces ( 20 . 20 ' ) of the lateral surface ( 13 ) in the extension direction of the diaphragm shaft ( 11 ) and in each case have such a contour that the light-dark boundary (HDG) a predetermined light distribution is generated. Projection headlight according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the lateral surface ( 13 ) of the shutter shaft ( 11 ) extends in the circumferential direction at an acute or obtuse angle, wherein a to the lateral surface ( 13 ) subsequent recess section ( 15 ) is provided, such that in a predetermined position of the shutter shaft ( 11 ) the light beam reflected from the at least one reflector passing through the aperture ( 11 ) on the lens device ( 4 ) applies to the generation of the high beam distribution. Projection headlight according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the axis of rotation ( 12 ) of the shutter shaft ( 11 ) in one Distance to the optical axis ( 7 ) of the lens device ( 4 ) is arranged. Projection headlight according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reflector device ( 1 ) two reflectors ( 23 . 24 ), each in the light emission direction ( 3 ) tapered reflecting surfaces ( 8th ) and to a common extension section ( 27 ) converging with the optical axis ( 7 ) forms a common plane and on opposite sides in each case a plate-shaped reflection surface ( 28 ) having. Projection headlight according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the LED lighting elements ( 2 ) are formed as LED chips and that the LED lighting elements ( 2 ) are variably controllable in intensity. Projection headlight according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the aperture device ( 5 ) at least two independently movable linearly movable diaphragm elements ( 31 ) having. Projection headlight according to claim 11, characterized in that the diaphragm elements ( 32 ) transverse to the optical axis ( 7 ) and are arranged displaceably in the vertical direction and that the diaphragm elements ( 31 ) one transverse to the optical axis ( 7 ) running diaphragm edge ( 32 ) have such a contour that the at least one light distribution by means of a contour of a single diaphragm edge ( 32 ) or multiple diaphragm edges ( 32 ) is displayed. Projection headlight according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the aperture device ( 5 ) has at least one linearly movable diaphragm element, such that depending on the position of the diaphragm element, a light-dark boundary of the light distribution can be raised and / or lowered.

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