DE102009022848B4 - Headlamp assembly and headlamp system for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Headlight assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two independently switchable light sources (17; 17 ', 17' '; 40; 42) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the form of light visible to the human eye, at least one primary optic (17; 48) for bundling the radiation emitted by the light sources (17, 17 ', 17 ", 40, 42) at a focal point (34) or a focal plane and a secondary optics for imaging the light source (18, 18; by the at least one primary optics (18, 26; 18 ', 18' '; 48) bundled radiation (30; 32) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, wherein in the beam path of the focused radiation (30; 32) arranged secondary optics as a diverging lens (20), which is arranged between the at least one primary optics (18, 26, 18 ', 18 ", 48) and the focal point (34) or the focal plane of the focused radiation (30, 32), characterized in that in that at least one first light source (1 7; 40; 42) in cooperation with a first primary optic (18; 26; 48) and the diverging lens (20) produces a first divisional light distribution having a substantially vertical light-dark boundary (46) and at least one second light source (17; 40; 42) interacting with a second primary optics (18; 26; 48 ) and the diverging lens (20) generates a second divisional light distribution having a substantially vertical light-dark boundary (46).

Description

The present invention relates to a headlamp assembly for a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention comprises a headlamp system for a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 13.

A headlamp assembly of the type mentioned is for example from the DE 10 2007 061 304 A1 known.

Various types of automotive headlamps are known in the art. The present invention relates to working on the projection principle headlights. A primary optic (eg a reflector or an optical attachment with totally reflecting properties) bundles emitted radiation from the light source. The bundled radiation is projected onto the road ahead of the vehicle in order to generate a desired light distribution by secondary optics, preferably in the form of a projection lens. For generating a horizontal light-dark boundary, for example, for low beam or fog light, a diaphragm arrangement is arranged in the known headlamps in the beam path between primary and secondary optics, whose upper edge is projected by the secondary optics as a light-dark boundary on the road.

Today there are projection systems for vehicle headlights, which can project different light distributions and light-dark boundaries onto the road by switching. The different light functions are realized by motorized or magnetically adjustable diaphragms, which are arranged in the diaphragm plane of the projection systems. The individual light distributions are thus realized by targeted shading of light bundles, which usually come from a single light source, usually from a gas discharge lamp.

Various light functions can also be generated by switching between different light sources which are arranged in the headlight or in a lamp. Preferred light functions of the headlamp are low beam, high beam, fog light, static or dynamic cornering light, motorway light, country road light, city lights or a so-called "glare-free high beam" or "partial high beam" in which areas of the high beam, where oncoming or leading road users are targeted hidden , As light sources, lamps, for example. Gas discharge lamps and filament lamps but also light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used.

When LEDs are used as the light source in the headlight, arrays of LEDs, so-called LED chips or LED arrays, are generally required to generate a required light intensity and, in addition, a large number of associated front optics (primary optics), so that the total light distribution of LEDs Headlamps is essentially formed by the superposition of light distributions of multiple light modules. In the attachment optics, the radiation emitted by the LEDs in a relatively large radiation angle is focused in a targeted manner by means of total reflection. The attachment optics may additionally include optical lenses and reflectors. In part, it is now being attempted to use the introduced in gas discharge light modules movable panels in LED projection systems, so as to integrate multiple low-beam and / or high beam functions in a light module. However, a modulation of larger luminous fluxes by shading is particularly disadvantageous here because of the currently system-induced low light output of the LED light modules.

From the DE 100 21 053 A1 a headlamp is known in which a lamp comprises two light sources, which are both associated with the same reflector. By switching from one to the other light source, a different light distribution of the light emitted by the headlight can be achieved. In this case, two different variants of a low beam are generated.

Further prior art is the documents US 2002/0145 370 A1 and DE 10 2007 028 658 A1 educated.

The object of the invention is to design a headlamp assembly of the type mentioned in such a way and further develop that the headlamp assembly without the use of a variable aperture arrangement for generating different light distributions can be switched. The headlamp assembly should also be compact in construction and inexpensive to manufacture and assembly.

This object is achieved on the basis of the headlamp assembly of the type mentioned by a headlamp assembly with the features of claim 1. In particular, the secondary optics arranged in the beam path of the collimated radiation is designed as a diverging lens, which is arranged between the at least one primary optics and the focal point or the focal plane of the collimated radiation. The focal point or the focal plane of the focused radiation is a virtual focal point or

a virtual focal plane, since the collimated radiation impinges on the diverging lens before reaching the focal point or the focal plane, which fanning the beam path. Furthermore, at least one first light source, in cooperation with a first primary optics and the diverging lens, generates a first sub-beam light distribution with a substantially vertical light-dark boundary, and at least one second light source in cooperation with a second primary optics and the diverging lens produces a second sub-beam light distribution with a substantially vertical light-dark border.

Usually, in a conventional projection headlamp for generating a desired light distribution on the roadway in front of the vehicle, a convexly designed projection lens is used as secondary optics, which is arranged at the focal point of the radiation focused by the primary optics. The focus of the lens is preferably arranged in the focal point or in the focal plane of the focused beams. This structure has the consequence that each light source or primary optics must be associated with a adapted secondary optics. The invention is based on the idea to be able to operate a plurality of light sources with a single secondary optics, which works as projection optics.

This can be achieved according to the invention in that the so-called Galilei principle is used in a projector-type headlamp. In the case of the Galilei principle, concentrated radiation impinges on a diverging lens concave at least on the light entry side, the diverging lens being arranged in front of an image-side, virtual focal plane of the collimated light beams. The lens is thinner in the center than at the edge. This results in a scattering effect on parallel light. Alternatively, the lens may be thicker in the center than at the edge. This results in a collecting effect on parallel light up to the focal point, and after the focal point, the light is scattered. The light beams do not have to intersect in a single focal point. It is quite conceivable that the light beams intersect at one or more focal points of the focal plane. On the image side of the diverging lens thereby creates an upright image, d. H. the image is not rotated by 180 ° as in the case of using a convex condenser lens. The direction of the radiation on the light exit side is essentially determined by the configuration of the diverging lens on the light exit side, which can be configured concave, convex or planar.

For the technical application of the Galilei principle described above to the motor vehicle headlight, this means that, for example, an area below an optical axis of the diverging lens is used by a first light source of the headlamp assembly and an area above the optical axis by a second light source of the headlamp assembly. A light distribution on the light exit side can be a resulting light distribution of both light sources, in that the partial light distributions of the two light sources supplement the overall light distribution, wherein a slight overlap of the partial light distributions is conceivable. However, the entire light distribution can also be generated selectively by the first or the second light source alone. Both light sources must be independently switchable. It is also conceivable that the concentrated radiation of the two light sources already overlaps on the light input side of the diverging lens. The arrangement of the diverging lens in front of an image-side, virtual focal plane and by dispensing with a diaphragm arrangement with their actuating mechanism for the individual diaphragm elements and on the electrical supply advantageously a very compact design of the headlamp assembly can be realized. This reduces the manufacturing costs and saves installation space in the front end of the motor vehicle.

Further features which are important for the invention can also be found in the following description and in the drawing, wherein the features, both alone and in different combinations, can be important for the invention without any explicit reference being made thereto. Advantageous developments can be found in the subclaims.

Important for the generation of a desired light distribution is the emission and the subsequent processing of the light emitted by the light sources. It is advantageous if the light sources in each case comprise at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a light-emitting diode array and that the at least one light-emitting diode or the light-emitting diode array of a light source is assigned a separate primary optics, wherein in each case a light source and the associated (n) Primary optics (s) are combined to form a light module. The primary optics may comprise a reflector and / or a transparent body with totally reflecting properties (attachment optics) and / or a lens. When using an optical attachment, the light beams emitted by the LEDs are usually coupled to the rear optics at a rear side, are totally reflected therein at least partially, and at the same time bundled due to the shape of the optics and finally decoupled again at a front side. The attachment optics may also include a lens on the light exit side. Advantageous for the invention are also front optics in which the beam path is shared, for example, a first beam is projected through a lens and at least one further beam is reflected at a total reflecting interface of the optical attachment.

Alternatively, it is possible that the light sources each comprise at least one filament of a single filament lamp. In a preferred embodiment, exactly two light sources are provided, wherein each light source comprises exactly one filament and the filaments of the light sources are combined in a two filament incandescent lamp, for example in the form of an H4 lamp. The primary optic here is a reflector. In this case, the reflector in the axial direction preferably has the shape of an ellipsoid, in particular an ellipsoid of revolution, in order to bundle the light beams emitted by the light source in the desired manner. The second focus of the ellipsoidal reflector is in the virtual focus of the diverging lens. These. Embodiment is particularly compact, since only one light module is needed, which integrates two separately switchable light sources in a single lamp, which radiate in different directions and thus can be used to generate different light distributions.

It is particularly advantageous that at least one first light source in cooperation with a first primary optics and the diverging lens of the headlamp produces a dimmed light distribution with a substantially horizontal cut-off and that at least one second light source in cooperation with a second primary optics and the diverging lens High beam distribution generated. For this purpose, the light sources are preferably arranged one below the other in the vehicle-mounted headlight arrangement, so that the first light source can be arranged below a horizontal plane of the diverging lens which encompasses the optical axis and the second light source can be arranged above the plane. This arrangement benefits from the fact that according to the Galilei principle, the entire surface of the light entrance surface of the concave diverging lens can be divided between the two light modules and also no reflection of the image takes place at the horizontal plane comprising the optical axis. This means that the region of the diverging lens below the horizontal axis encompassing the optical axis can be used to produce the dimmed light distribution with an illumination of the area lying below a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary and the area of the diverging lens above the horizontal plane can be used to generate a high beam distribution with an illumination of lying above the substantially horizontal light-dark boundary area. There is no or only a slight overlap of the light beams from your upper and the lower area of the diverging lens. But it is also possible that the light modules for generating the low beam and the high beam are arranged at an angle, preferably at a right angle, relative to each other in the headlamp assembly.

The respective light distribution - including the generation of the light-dark boundary in the dimmed light distribution - is advantageously achieved only by the optical interaction of the primary optics and the diverging lens (secondary optics), ie without moving diaphragms or diaphragm arrangements. The light distribution is generated in the image-side, virtual focal plane of the diverging lens. In contrast to conventional projection systems, the use of an aperture arrangement for the generation of the cut-off line can be dispensed with altogether, since the intermediate image is only virtual and lies in front of the diverging lens (on the image side). The generation of the high beam can be an individual function of the light source arranged above the optical axis and the corresponding region of the diverging lens. However, it can also be a resulting combined function of the dimmed light distribution and the high beam distribution, ie the two light sources, with the lower partial light distribution (low beam distribution) and the upper partial light distribution complementing the high beam distribution.

Primarily, it is attempted to use a simply designed lens, preferably with rotational symmetry, and to preform the light distribution through the reflectors or attachment optics in a suitable manner. But it is also conceivable to design the upper half and the lower half of the lens according to the light distributions. A preferred variant is a lens which is symmetrical to a plane which is spanned by the vertical axis of the light distribution and the optical axis.

In order to generate the light distributions for dipped beam and main beam, the auxiliary optics and the diverging lens can be designed with a relatively large focal length. Nevertheless, the headlamp assembly can be made compact. Due to the large focal lengths can be a particularly sharp cut-off. The integration of two light functions in a headlamp assembly, the secondary optics, cooling of the headlamp assembly, a mechanism for a basic adjustment of the headlamp assembly and possibly a Schwenkaktorik for realizing a headlamp leveling or cornering function for both functions can be shared. This sharing and the lack of movable panels or aperture arrangement makes the headlamp assembly simpler in construction and overall more cost effective.

At least one second light source, in cooperation with a second primary optics and the diverging lens, generates a partial long-distance light distribution and the sub-beam has a substantially vertical cut-off. The light module comprising the at least second light source and the second primary optics is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. The term partial remote light is understood here as a division of the total distance light distribution in a relation to the road right (on the own traffic side) and left (on the opposite side) share, the two Teilfernlichtverteilungen with the vertical light-dark boundary together the total high beam distribution generate, with the Teilfernlichtverteilungen adjacent to each other or slightly overlap and so complement the high beam distribution.

In this case, a first Teilfernlichtverteilung is generated with a on a first side of the vehicle, eg. The right side of the vehicle, arranged headlamp assembly and projected onto the corresponding first side of the road, eg. The right side of the road and a second Teilfernlichtverteilung with a on the other side of the vehicle, eg The left side of the vehicle arranged arranged headlamp assembly and projected onto the corresponding other side of the road, for example. The left side of the road, so that complement the Teilfernlichtverteilungen the two headlamp assemblies to a total high beam distribution of the headlamp system. It is inherently expedient that the light module for generating the low beam with the horizontal cut-off in relation to the light module for generating the partial high beam with the vertical cut-off line are arranged at an angle of 90 ° to each other in the headlamp assembly. By the light module in a horizontal position to the roadway, a horizontal cut-off line is preferably generated. By means of a vertical position of the light module arranged at an angle to the first light module relative to the roadway, a vertical light-dark boundary of a partial long-distance light distribution is preferably produced. The use of partial high-beam allows the realization of a greater light intensity on the road, since the light intensity of the total light distribution of two light modules is composed. This is particularly advantageous in the case of an application of currently still less faint LEDs or LED arrays as light sources.

In the case of the split-beam light, a light distribution is thus produced in which a sector of the light distribution above approximately vertical = -1 ° to 0 ° and laterally in the horizontal direction of the vertical light-dark boundary at approximately horizontal = 0 ° (approximately -5 ° to + 15 °) is hidden. It is advantageous if the light modules arranged on both sides of the vehicle headlamp assemblies can be pivoted about a vertical axis. This can be combined, for example, with a dynamic curve light function. To realize the dynamic curve light function, a curve can be determined with the aid of suitable sensors and / or a navigation device by a control device of the motor vehicle and after its evaluation, the direction of the light distribution can be automatically adapted to the curve. Suitable sensors are, for example, a camera, stereo camera, radar, lidar, a combination of camera and radar or camera and lidar (signal transit time acquisition).

It is also advantageous that at least one of the light sources is associated with a diaphragm, preferably a reflective diaphragm made of metal, for shading at least part of the radiation emitted by the light source. The aperture is placed above the light source. When using commercially available two-filament lamps (eg H4 lamps), such an aperture is already included in the lamp for limiting the radiation emitted by the low-beam filament upwards. Some LED arrays are also supplied ex works with apertures that at least partially mask one or more LEDs. As a result, the light-dark boundary can be displayed sharper in front of the vehicle and the luminous surface of the light source can be sharperly limited by the metallic diaphragms (by shading the luminous edge), thereby advantageously controlling the illuminance gradient relevant to the range of the headlamp assembly in a vertical section through the Light-dark border can be further improved.

Brief description of the figures

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to FIGS. Show it:

1 a headlamp assembly having two mutually arranged on a heat sink light sources in a first embodiment and with a reflector and a lens;

2 a headlamp assembly in a second embodiment with two arranged on a heat sink at an angle of 90 ° to each other light sources for sub-beam;

3 a headlamp assembly in a third embodiment with two arranged on opposite sides of a heat sink light sources and with two reflectors;

4 a representation of an active principle of the headlamp assembly of 3 for producing a low beam and a high beam;

5 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 3 for producing a low beam;

6 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 3 for the production of a high beam;

7 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 1 for producing a low beam;

8th one through the headlight assembly 7 produced low beam light distribution on a screen;

9 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 1 for the production of a high beam;

10 one through the headlight assembly 9 generated high beam distribution on a screen;

11 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 1 for producing a combined dipped beam and driving beam;

12 one through the headlight assembly 11 generated light distribution of a combined dipped and high beam on a screen;

13 a perspective view of a headlamp assembly in a fourth embodiment with an incandescent filament lamp for producing a low beam and a high beam;

14 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly 13 for producing a low beam;

15 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly 13 for the production of a high beam;

16 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 2 for producing a partial high-beam distribution with a vertical light-dark boundary on a measuring screen;

17 a schematic representation of the principle of action of the headlamp assembly of 2 for generating a low beam distribution on the roadway;

18 a possible beam path in a front optics, as it can be used in the headlamp assembly according to the invention; and

19 a view from the front of the projection lens of the headlamp assembly according to the invention.

Detailed description of the figures

Known projection systems for vehicle headlamps project either light distributions with or without light-dark boundaries on the road. The different light functions are known to be realized by motorized aperture, which are arranged in a diaphragm plane of the projection system. The individual light distributions are thus realized by targeted shading of light bundles, which usually come from a single lamp, usually from a gas discharge lamp.

In addition, LED lighting units are known, which usually produce from a plurality of semiconductor light sources by means of projection or reflection optics low beam or high beam distributions. In contrast to headlamps with lamps, LED headlamps usually need not only multiple light sources, d. H. LED chips or LED arrays, but also a variety associated projection or reflection optics (attachment optics), so that the overall light distribution of LED headlights is generally formed by the superposition of the light distributions of multiple light modules. In part, it was attempted to use the introduced in headlamps with lamps movable panels or aperture arrangements in LED projection systems, so as to integrate several low-beam and / or high beam functions in a light module. However, the modulation of larger luminous fluxes by shadowing is particularly disadvantageous here because of the system-induced low light output of the LED light modules.

The headlight assembly according to the invention can produce at least two different light distributions by simply switching over two light sources (ie without using movable or variable diaphragms for varying the arrangement and / or the course of the light-dark boundary of the light distribution).

1 shows in a first preferred embodiment, in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 designated headlight assembly according to the invention. For better clarity, however, headlight housing with light exit opening and this occlusive transparent cover were not shown. 1 shows only the generation of the Light bundle required and essential for the invention components.

The order 10 includes a heat sink 12 , preferably of metal, in particular die-cast aluminum. On the heat sink 12 is in 1 in an upper area, a first light module 14 arranged, which works on the reflection principle. This is on an electrically contacted circuit board 16 an LED or an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs (not visible) arranged. The LED (s) send electromagnetic radiation, preferably light radiation visible to the human eye, in the direction of a primary optic 18 (designed here as a reflector) for bundling the emitted rays. The primary optics may alternatively or additionally have an attachment optics with totally reflective properties or a lens. Of course, it is conceivable that the LEDs also emits invisible radiation, for example. Infrared radiation. The circuit board 16 with the LEDs arranged thereon, the description will be used hereinafter as the light source 17 designated. The headlight arrangement 10 further includes a secondary optics, which serves as a diverging lens 20 is formed and acts as a projection lens. The diverging lens 20 is thinner in the center than on the edge. On a light entry side, it may be concave or planar and concave, convex or planer on a light exit side (see the sectional views of the lenses 20 in the 4 to 11 ). All combinations are conceivable. That of the light module 14 emitted light strikes a partial area, in particular on an upper partial area arranged above a horizontal plane encompassing the optical axis of the arrangement, the secondary optics 20 ,

Below the light module 14 is in the embodiment of 1 a second light module 22 on the heat sink 12 arranged, which works on the projection principle. The light module 22 includes a pedestal 24 , under which also an LED or an LED array of several LEDs on an electrically contacted circuit board (in 1 not visible) are arranged, wherein printed circuit board and LEDs) also here as a light source 17 be designated. The emitted light of the LEDs meets a primary optic, which acts as a condensing lens 26 is designed. In addition or as an alternative to the condensing lens 26 trained primary optics, this can also include an attachment optics or a reflector. The condenser lens 26 focuses the incident light and directs this to a portion of the entrance surface of the diverging lens 20 , in particular one below the optical axis 28 the diverging lens 20 comprehensive sub-area arranged substantially horizontal plane. The light sources 17 the two modules 14 and 22 can be switched separately from each other, so that the arrangement 10 can be used to produce different light distributions.

2 shows a headlamp assembly 10 in a second embodiment. For the entire description of the figures, it is generally true that those elements and regions which are functionally equivalent to elements and regions of the headlamp assembly in previously described embodiments bear the same reference numerals and will not be explained again. In the headlight assembly 10 are on the heat sink 12 two similarly designed reflection modules 14 ' and 14 '' arranged at an angle of 90 ° to each other. The heat sink 12 is designed essentially parallelepiped with two adjoining surfaces, which for receiving and fixing the circuit boards 16 ' and 16 '' with the LEDs (light sources 17 ' and 17 '' ) serve. Both reflectors 18 are configured in this embodiment only half round as so-called. Half-shell reflectors. The reflected light of the reflectors 18 ' and 18 '' irradiates only a portion of the light entry surface of the diverging lens 20 , The light sources 17 ' and 17 '' can be switched separately from each other, so that the headlamp assembly 10 out 2 can also be used to produce different light distributions.

3 shows a headlamp assembly 10 in a third embodiment. In the headlight assembly 10 are on the heat sink 12 on two opposite sides, so offset by 180 ° to each other, two reflection modules 14 ' and 14 '' arranged. Both reflectors 18 ' and 18 '' are also executed half round and send the reflected light each on a portion of the diverging lens 20 ,

A light beam path and thus an operating principle of the headlamp assembly 10 out 3 is in 4 shown. However, the statements apply equally to the embodiments of the 1 and 2 , The light module 14 ' preferably produces a high beam distribution. The reflector 18 ' of in 4 Reflection module shown above 14 ' is shaped so that the emitted, collimated light rays 30 on an area of the diverging lens 20 above the optical axis 28 to take a comprehensive horizontal plane. The reflector 18 ' has essentially an ellipsoidal shape. The light source 17 ' is in the range of a first focal point of the reflector 18 ' arranged. The reflected rays 30 meet in the area of a virtual focal point 34 , the second focus of the reflector 18 ' ,

The light module 14 '' preferably produces a low-beam distribution or another dimmed light distribution, for example fog light, city light, o. Ä. The reflector 18 '' of in 4 reflection module shown below 14 '' is shaped such that the reflected light rays 32 to an area below the optical axis 28 the diverging lens 20 to meet. The rays of light 32 be ahead of the reflector 18 '' spread, that is the beam 32 is widened, so that from the lower reflector 18 '' reflected light rays 32 diverge. The reflector 18 '' is preferably formed as a free-form reflector, wherein portions of the reflector 18 '' are formed ellipsoidal. The further away from the apex of the reflector 18 '' a section of the reflector 18 '' is arranged, the farther into the distance, the light striking this section is reflected. The reflector 18 ' and the reflector 18 '' can have different focal areas.

The headlight arrangement 10 is designed so that it is optional with the reflection module 14 ' or the reflection module 14 '' generates a different light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle. For this the Galilei principle is used. Here is the diverging lens 20 between a screen-side, virtual focal plane or a virtual focal point 34 the one by the primary optics 18 ' . 18 '' bundled beams of light 30 arranged. The bundled radiation 30 . 32 meets the concave light entry side of the diverging lens 20 , On the picture side of the diverging lens 20 arises in contrast to the application of a convergent lens an upright image.

The course of the radiation on the light exit side is due to the interaction of the primary optics 18 and 26 respectively. 18 ' and 18 '' shaped radiation 30 and 32 on the one hand and on the specific design of the diverging lens 20 on the other hand. In this case, the diverging lens 20 on the light exit side concave, convex or plan be designed. Influencing factors for achieving a desired light distribution on the road are the curvature of the diverging lens 20 on the light entry side and on the light exit side, as well as the distance of the diverging lens 20 from the virtual focal plane 34 ,

Due to the adapted design of the reflectors 18 ' and 18 '' , as well as the design and arrangement of the diverging lens 20 It is possible, optionally - depending on which of the light sources 17 is activated - with the reflection module 14 ' a high beam distribution (see 6 ) or with the reflection module 14 '' a low beam distribution (see 5 ) on the roadway in front of the vehicle. It is important that the diverging lens 20 in the light exit direction in front of the virtual focal point 34 is positioned.

7 shows a schematic representation of the principle of action of the embodiment of 1 , It is of the two separately activatable light sources 17 only the lower light source 17 switched on. This is the lower projection module 22 the headlamp assembly 10 active. In this case, the headlamp assembly generates 10 in a direction of light exit towards the headlight 10 arranged screen a light distribution with a horizontal cut-off 36 (eg for dipped beam or fog light), which is slightly below the horizontal HH and as shown in 8th is shown. The projection module 22 bundles and shapes that from the lower light source 17 emitted light in the way that the rays 32 only on the in 7 lower area of the diverging lens 20 meet and that on the light exit side of the diverging lens 20 all light rays on or below the cut-off line 36 be imaged. The out of the diverging lens 20 emerging light rays run partially parallel to the optical axis 28 or are deflected down to the roadway. The from the diverging lens 20 Projected light forms a low-beam distribution which extends in the horizontal direction over the entire roadway and a relatively sharp, substantially horizontal cut-off 36 having. The concrete course of the horizontal cut-off line 36 may be governed by the law in different countries or regions. It is conceivable, for example, that the light-dark border 36 just runs horizontally (as in 8th represented, without jump and without kink) or on the own traffic side has a higher course than on the oncoming traffic side, whereby the transition from the on the own traffic side located portion of the cut-off-border to the section located on the opposite side a stepped or a may have an oblique course (eg a 15 ° rise).

9 shows the same headlamp assembly 10 as in 7 shown, but after switching to the second light module, the reflection module 14 , for generating a high beam, the resulting high beam distribution on a screen in 10 is shown. The reflector 18 bundles and shapes that from the upper light source 17 emitted light in such a way that the light rays 30 only on an upper area of the diverging lens 20 to meet. Through the diverging lens 20 become the rays 30 deflected so that they are on the light exit side of the diverging lens 20 - if present with optical elements in the cover - the in 10 form the high beam distribution shown. The Isolux lines of light distribution show that the area of greatest illuminance lies approximately in the area of the intersection HV of the horizontal axis HH and the vertical axis VV, the optical axis 28 the arrangement 10 by the intersection HV runs. The light rays run in the light exit direction almost parallel and mostly above the optical axis 28 ,

11 shows the same headlamp assembly 10 like in the 7 and 9 , where both light sources 17 are turned on, so the projection module 22 and the reflection module 14 are activated. By overlaying and supplementing the low beam distribution of the lower module 22 and the high beam distribution of the upper module 14 results in a combined light distribution, which in 12 is shown. It can be clearly seen that in the combined light distribution on the one hand (in contrast to the high beam distribution off 10 ) the near zone below the cut-off line 36 or the horizontal HH is very well lit and on the other hand (in contrast to the low beam distribution off 8th ) also the far range above the cut-off line 36 or the horizontal HH is very well lit.

The 13 to 15 show representations of another embodiment of a headlamp assembly according to the invention 10 , The two separately controllable light sources are two filaments 40 . 42 a two-filament lightbulb 38 , z. B. a H4 lamp. A construction of the headlight arrangement 10 According to this embodiment, the perspective view in FIG 13 , The headlight arrangement 10 comprises two reflection modules, each with one in 13 illustrated upper and lower paraboloid reflector half-shell 18 ' and 18 '' , wherein in the region of the focal points of the two reflector half-shells 18 ' and 18 '' the filaments 40 . 42 the two-filament lightbulb 38 are arranged. In light exit direction is behind the reflector half shells 18 ' and 18 '' but before the virtual focus 34 the collimated light rays reflected at the reflector half shells the diverging lens 20 arranged. In this case, the optical axes of the reflector 18 ' . 18 '' and the lens 20 identical.

In the two-filament lightbulb 38 are two separately switchable light sources 40 and 42 integrated. The light sources 40 and 42 are in the light exit direction substantially on the optical axis 28 positioned one behind the other and are configured such that they transmit their light into at least one of the reflector half-shells 18 ' or 18 '' radiate.

The 14 and 15 show possible beam paths of the headlight assembly 10 from 13 , 14 shows the generation of low beam. It is only the light source 40 switched on. The light source 40 sends light rays only in the lower reflector half shell 18 '' , Light rays entering the reflector half shell 18 ' would radiate through a metallic aperture 44 that is close above the light source 40 is arranged (so-called Schatter), shaded or on the lower half shell 18 '' reflected. In this case, the dipped beam is similar to the already with reference to the 7 and 8th generated method described.

15 shows the generation of high beam through the headlamp assembly 10 from 13 , It is only the light source 42 switched on. The light source 42 is not through a Schatter 44 covered so that they emit light in both reflector shells 18 ' and 18 '' can radiate. The generated high beam distribution corresponds approximately to the in 10 shown illustration. The high beam distribution is generated substantially in such a way that the upper reflector shell 18 ' the light distribution fraction in the area above the horizontal HH axis ( 10 ) and the reflector shell 18 '' generates the light distribution component in the area below the HH axis. The two light distribution components complement each other according to the high beam distribution 12 , where they can overlap slightly or partially.

All previously described embodiments of the headlamp assembly 10 produce in the case of high beam a full high beam distribution on the road. It is also conceivable that a total distance light distribution from a plurality of separately generated Teilfernlichtverteilungen on the road in front of the vehicle is assembled. This is useful, for example, for generating a light distribution with a larger light intensity. Thus, for example, a first light module arranged on the vehicle can move right to the left through a vertical cut-off line 46 generate a limited proportion of the total distance distribution on the roadway and a second vehicle mounted on the light module a left to the right by a vertical cut-off 46 generate a limited proportion of the total distance distribution on the roadway. The vertical light-dark boundaries 46 the two partial light distributions can be adjacent to each other on the road or overlap slightly. 16 shows by way of example the (as seen from the driver) right part of a total distance light distribution, so the right part of the high beam distribution, with the vertical cut-off 46 ,

To create the vertical cut-off line 46 and the horizontal cut-off line 36 The second embodiment of the headlamp assembly is particularly suitable 10 as they are in 2 is shown. The side, vertically arranged reflection module 14 ' generates the split-beam distribution (cf. 16 ) and the lower, horizontally arranged reflection module 14 '' a low beam distribution (cf. 17 ). In particular, by the arranged at an angle of 90 ° to each other reflection modules 14 ' and 14 '' can easily create a vertical or horizontal cut-off line be there in the headlamp assembly 10 by a horizontal position of the lower light module to the roadway, in particular by the position of the half-shell reflector 14 '' , preferably a horizontal cut-off line 36 can be generated. In a corresponding manner, by the vertical position of the lateral light module (or the half-shell reflector 14 ' ) to the roadway preferably a vertical cut-off 46 be generated.

In summary, the invention includes a projection system 10 that works according to the Galileo principle. This brings particular advantages for use in a lighting device for motor vehicles. A decisive advantage is the small size of the system according to the invention 10 , especially the shallow depth, as well as the possibility of using a single projection system 10 with several independently switchable light sources 17 . 17 ' . 17 '' . 40 or 42 different light distributions (eg dipped beam and main beam or dipped beam and sub-beam or right and left sub-beam) to produce. It can even have a common projection lens 20 be used. The system 10 includes several light modules, each with its own focusing primary optics 18 . 18 ' , 18 '' or 26 is assigned to the emitted light 30 or 32 in the image-side virtual focal point 34 an imaging diverging lens 20 focus (cf. 4 and the following). The diverging lens 20 projects those from the focusing primary optics 18 . 18 ' . 18 '' or 26 formed light distribution to produce a desired distribution of light on the road. The light sources 17 . 17 ' . 17 '' can advantageously be designed as individual LED light sources or as LED arrays, wherein an LED array consists of several LEDs. It is also conceivable the system 10 for conventional incandescent lamps, for example for a two-filament incandescent lamp 38 (see. 13 to 15 ). The focusing primary optics 18 . 18 ' . 18 '' or 26 can as conventional reflectors 18 . 18 ' . 18 '' , as totally reflecting attachments optics and / or as lenses 26 be executed.

Particularly advantageous is the use of attachment optics 48 as a primary optics, in which the beam path of a light source 49 (eg an LED) emitted light is shared. Such an attachment optics is in 18 shown. It consists of a transparent material, preferably a plastic or glass. It includes one along its optical axis 50 extending central lens portion and a surrounding annular reflecting portion. In this case, a bundle of rays is projected through the lens section, and further beam bundles are totally reflected at a totally reflecting boundary surface of the reflection section.

In such a front optics 48 you can basically distinguish two optical paths: on the one hand, the close to the optical axis 50 extending beams with a small opening angle, that of two refractive surfaces 52 and 54 be focused on Lichteintritts- and light exit side of the lens portion with Sammellinseneigenschaften. On the other hand, the rays that are emitted with an opening angle that is so great that they are no longer on the lens 52 but on a cylindrical or conical surface 56 meet, which limits the lens portion and at the same time represents the light input surface of the reflection section. The light coupling surface may differ from the embodiment 18 also be realized in other ways. Thus, for example, the light incoupling surface may also have the shape of a truncated pyramid, a convex surface or the like. All these possible embodiments of the light coupling surface are at a sharp angle on the optical axis and converge conically in the direction of the optical axis. The rays are over the cylindrical or conical surface 56 outward on interface 58 steered, reflected there or totally reflected and by the refractive optics 54 coupled in light exit direction. With skillful design, the surfaces 58 designed so that at the interfaces 58 always a total reflection condition applies. The interfaces 58 however, may also be provided with a reflective coating (eg, a metallization) for further freedom in the design of the refractive surfaces 54 to obtain. By the possibility of using the described attachment optics 48 To be able to produce a plurality of separate light bundles, the properties of the light distribution generated on the road can be extended, since the individual light bundles in cooperation with the secondary optics (diverging lens 20 ) can better illuminate preferred areas on the roadway. Thus, for example, in the case of low beam, a lateral area to a roadway edge can be particularly illuminated by additional light bundles or, in the case of high beams, the nearer area in front of the vehicle by additional light bundles.

Because of the projection systems 10 According to the Galilei principle typical compact design, the primary optics 18 . 18 ' . 18 '' or 26 and the diverging lens 20 be performed with relatively large focal lengths. This allows a sufficiently sharp cut-off line 36 or 46 represent, without that an additional aperture in the beam path is required. Unlike conventional projection systems, your use of an aperture can create a chiaroscuro limit 36 or 46 be omitted, since an intermediate image is only virtual and (on the image side) in front of the diverging lens 20 lies. Instead, the boundaries of the light source are imaged on the road in such a way that a light distribution with sharp cut-off 36 . 46 is produced. Optionally, the luminous surface of the light source 17 . 17 ' . 17 '' . 40 or 42 by additional, preferably metallic diaphragms 44 even more sharply limited (by shading a luminous edge of the light source), which makes up for the range of the headlamp assembly 10 relevant illuminance gradient in vertical section through the cut-off line 36 can be further improved. The additional panels 44 Be tight over one of the light sources 40 arranged and limit or shadow at least one edge of the light source 40 from. When using commercially available two-filament lamps (eg H4 lamp) is such a panel 44 for limiting the light emitted by the low-beam filament light already in the lamp (see. 14 and 15 ). Some LED arrays are also shipped from the factory with diaphragms that mask one or more edges of the LED array (not shown).

If the system is to produce, in addition to a low-beam light distribution, a split-beam light distribution, ie a light distribution in which a sector is above approximately V = -1 ° to 0 ° (ie on the horizontal HH) and laterally on a vertical light-dark boundary 46 is hidden at about H = 0 ° (ie on the vertical VV), the light modules of both vehicle headlights must be able to be rotated by a motor about a vertical axis. In this regard, for example, a dynamic cornering function of the headlamp can be used.

19 shows a view from the front of the projection lens 20 the headlamp assembly according to the invention. So it's gonna be a lens 20 for the projection of the light distributions of both light modules 14 ' . 14 '' used. In the embodiments according to the 1 . 3 to 6 . 7 . 9 . 11 and 13 to 15 the lens is symmetrical to the y-axis. There are sections I and II of the lens 20 for projecting the high beam of the first light module 14 ' , The sections III and IV are used to project the dimmed light beam of the second light module 14 '' , In the embodiments according to the 2 the lens is formed symmetrically to the x-axis. The subsections II and III or I and IV are each used to produce a part of the sub-beam distribution (II, III: Right, I, IV: left).

Claims (13)

Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two independently switchable light sources ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 ''; 40 ; 42 ) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the form of light visible to the human eye, at least one primary optic ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) for bundling the light sources ( 17, 17 ', 17''; 40 . 42 ) emitted radiation in a focal point ( 34 ) or a focal plane and a secondary optics for imaging by the at least one primary optics ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, wherein in the beam path of the bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ) arranged secondary optics as a diverging lens ( 20 ) formed between the at least one primary optic ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) and the focal point ( 34 ) or the focal plane of the bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ), characterized in that at least one first light source ( 17 ; 40 ; 42 ) in cooperation with a first primary optic ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) and the diverging lens ( 20 ) a first partial long-distance distribution with a substantially vertical light-dark boundary ( 46 ) and that at least one second light source ( 17 ; 40 ; 42 ) in cooperation with a second primary optic ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) and the diverging lens ( 20 ) a second sub-beam distribution having a substantially vertical cut-off ( 46 ) generated. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light sources ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 '' ) each comprise at least one light emitting diode or a light emitting diode array with a plurality of light emitting diodes. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that each light source ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 '' ) a separate primary optic ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ), wherein in each case a light source ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 '' ) with the associated primary optics ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) a light module ( 14 ; 14 '; 14 ''; 22 ). Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light sources ( 40 ; 42 ) at least one filament ( 40 . 42 ) of an incandescent lamp ( 38 ). Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the headlamp assembly ( 10 ) exactly two light sources ( 40 ; 42 ) and each light source ( 40 ; 42 ) as exactly one filament ( 40 ; 42 ) of a two-thread incandescent lamp ( 38 ) is trained. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the two-thread incandescent lamp ( 38 ) is formed as an H4 lamp. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the primary optics ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) a reflector ( 18 ; 18 ' . 18 '' ) and / or an attachment optics ( 48 ) in the form of a transparent body with totally reflecting properties and / or a lens ( 52 . 54 ). Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the diverging lens ( 20 ) is concave on its light entry side and convex or plan on its light exit side or flat on its light entrance side and concave on its light exit side or concave on its light entrance side and on its light exit side. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first light source ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 ''; 40 ; 42 ) in cooperation with a first primary optic ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) and the diverging lens ( 20 ) a dimmed light distribution with a substantially horizontal cut-off ( 36 ) generated. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one second light source ( 17 ; 40 ; 42 ) in cooperation with a second primary optic ( 18 ; 26 ; 48 ) and the diverging lens ( 20 ) generates a high beam distribution. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light modules ( 14 ; 14 ' . 14 ''; 22 ) are pivotable about a substantially vertical axis to produce a Teilfernlichtverteilung. Headlamp assembly ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the light sources ( 40 ; 42 ) an aperture ( 44 ), preferably a metallic diaphragm, for shading at least a part of the at least one light source ( 40 ; 42 ) is assigned to emitted radiation. A headlamp system of a motor vehicle, comprising two headlamp arrangements arranged at a distance from one another at a front side of the motor vehicle ( 10 ), each headlamp assembly ( 10 ) at least two independently switchable light sources ( 17 ; 17 ' . 17 ''; 40 ; 42 ) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the form of light visible to the human eye, at least one primary optic ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) for bundling the light sources ( 17 ; 40 . 42 ) emitted radiation in a focal point ( 34 ) or a focal plane and a secondary optics for imaging by the at least one primary optics ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, wherein in the beam path of the bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ) arranged secondary optics as a diverging lens ( 20 ) formed between the at least one primary optic ( 18 . 26 ; 18 ' . 18 ''; 48 ) and the focal point ( 34 ) or the focal plane of the bundled radiation ( 30 ; 32 ) is arranged, characterized in that a arranged on the right side of the vehicle first headlamp assembly ( 10 ) a first light module ( 14 ; 14 ' ) for generating a first sub-beam distribution, which mainly illuminates a right-hand side of the road, with a substantially vertical light-dark boundary and a second light module ( 26 ; 14 '' ) for generating a dimmed light distribution, and that a arranged on the left side of the vehicle second headlamp assembly ( 10 ) a first light module ( 14 ; 14 ' ) for generating a second partial high beam distribution, which mainly illuminates a left side of the roadway, with a substantially vertical light-dark boundary and a second light module (US Pat. 26 ; 14 '' ) for generating a dimmed light distribution, and that the two headlight assemblies ( 10 ) are arranged, are arranged and aligned on the front side of the vehicle such that the partial high beam distributions of the two headlight assemblies ( 10 ) to a total high beam distribution of the headlight system or overlap.

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