DE102010046021A1 - Motor vehicle headlight with a multi-function projection module - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a motor vehicle headlight (12) with a multi-function projection module (14) which is adapted to transfer light from a first light source (16) in a first beam path in a front of the projection module (14) lying first light distribution, and light one second light source (22) in a second beam path in a prior to the projection module (14) lying second light distribution to transfer. A diaphragm 26, which has a diaphragm edge (40), consists of a composite of a transparent support body (30) and a layer (32), which consists of a different material than the transparent support body (30), wherein the transparent support body (30 ) has a light exit side (36) and one of the light exit side (36) limited aperture surface (38) on which the layer (32) rests adhering.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle headlamp with a multi-function projection module according to the preamble of claim 1. In contrast to a reflection module in which a reflector collects the light of a light source and images in a desired light distribution, a projection module generally characterized by the fact that it a light distribution generated in the headlight is reflected in a light distribution lying in the run-up to the Schweinwerfers. The light distribution generated in the headlight can be the light distribution in a light exit surface of a light source. In most cases, however, such a light distribution will be a light distribution generated by a primary optics and a diaphragm in the focal plane of the projection lens as an intermediate image of the light source.

Today, there are headlamps that produce low-beam or high-beam distributions from the light of several semiconductor light sources, inter alia by means of projection optics. Such headlights are also referred to below as LED headlights. Unlike headlights equipped with gas discharge lamps as light sources, which are also referred to below as xenon headlights, LED headlights usually require not only multiple light sources, d. H. LED chips, but also a variety of associated projection or reflection optics. As a result, the overall light distribution of LED headlamps is generally formed by the superposition of the light distributions of multiple light modules.

In part, it is now being attempted to use the introduced in xenon headlamps movable panels in LED projection modules, so as to meet several low-beam and / or high beam functions by a single light module can. The low beam distribution is generated by shading a portion of the high beam distribution. The shading required for larger light flows is particularly disadvantageous here because of the low light output of the LED light modules.

These disadvantages are avoided if the beam paths for the respective light functions are divided in the diaphragm plane of the projection module, so that the beam bundles associated with the light functions can be generated from different, independently switchable light sources. This makes it possible to display several light functions without moving screens. It is switched between the different lighting functions only by turning on and off the light sources.

The division of the beam path can now be achieved depending on the physical principle by refraction, reflection or absorption.

In this context, it is from the DE 10 2007 052 696 A1 It is known to form a high beam and a low beam beam path by internal total reflections at an interface of a glass body, the edge of which generates the cut-off line in the low-beam light fall. The high-beam beams are coupled into the same glass body as the low-beam beams, but at significantly steeper angles they impinge on the said interface so that they are not reflected but pass through the surface and illuminate the area above the cut-off line and so on form a high beam distribution.

From the DE 10 2009 008 631 A1 It is known to guide a beam path through a glass body with an integrally formed mirror surface on which internal total reflections take place. The beam path is limited by the total reflecting surface in the focal plane of the projection lens so that a sharp cut-off line (HDG) is formed. Further beam paths are guided past the glass body in order to realize high beam functions.

For mirrors, which according to the DE 10 2007 052 696 A1 or according to the DE 10 2009 008 631 A1 work according to the total reflection principle, it must be ensured that as many of the rays that couple into the glass body, leave controlled via the light exit surface on the front side. In addition, as few rays on the side surfaces of the glass body should escape because such rays could generate unwanted stray light and / or cause glare.

In addition, care must be taken that no too large proportion of the beam path, which is to be guided past the glass body, impinges on the glass body and there by a to the solder of the interface at the point of impact of the beam out refraction into the glass body couples. These rays are lost for the desired light distribution because they can not leave the vitreous in the rule.

An alternative approach to the use of internal total reflections is in the US 2006/0120094 A1 and in the DE 10 2008 036 192 A1 Here, the beam path above and below the cut-off line is divided by two reflecting surfaces, which terminate sharply in the focal plane of the lens to a knife edge. This edge has the contour of the desired cut-off line and is projected onto the road through the lens of the projection module. This system can also be implemented with absorbent surfaces, but then there are losses in efficiency compared to a variant with reflective surfaces.

In these systems, there is a difficulty associated with creating a cut-off in the desired light distribution. The difficulty lies in the fact that the beam paths of the different light functions are separated in such a way that no unwanted light is scattered beyond the cut-off line (no crosstalk) and in the high-beam case no dark or colored line at the position of the dipped beam light. Dark border remains.

The present invention is based on the alternative approach and in particular on the state of the art according to the DE 10 2008 036 192 A1 in which the beam path above and below the cut-off line is divided by two reflecting surfaces, which terminate sharply in the focal plane of the lens to form a knife edge.

The multi-function projection module of the headlamp known from this document is adapted to convert light from a first light source in a first beam path in a front of the projection module lying first light distribution, and light of a second light source in a second beam path in a front of the projection module to transfer the second light distribution. The projection module has a diaphragm with a diaphragm edge which delimits a part of the diaphragm projecting into the first beam path and into the second beam path and is imaged as a light-dark boundary of the first light distribution and the second light distribution. In this case, a bright region of the first light distribution lies in a dark region of the second light distribution, and a bright region of the second light distribution lies in a dark region of the first light distribution.

The diaphragm is a plate-shaped flat diaphragm element which has an upper bevelled portion on an upper surface and a lower bevelled portion on a lower surface. Both bevelled sections are delimited by a front edge, so that the panel element tapers in the form of a knife blade in cross-section towards its front edge.

The manufacture of such a panel is problematic in view of the undesirable dark line. The known diaphragms have finite wall thicknesses (and radii) of a few tenths of a millimeter at the diaphragm edge. This has the consequence that the bright areas of the two light distributions generated in the run-up to the headlight do not adjoin one another directly along their light-dark boundaries. The thickness of the aperture is perceivable in the superimposition of both light distributions as a clearly visible shadow in the area of the cut-off line. In other words, the superimposition of the two light distributions, which is typically set as the high-beam distribution, has a disturbing dark line which lies between the brightly illuminated regions of the two light distributions.

Against this background, the object of the invention in the specification of a headlamp of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that the superposition of the first light distribution and the second light distribution has no dark line between the brightly illuminated areas of the two light distributions.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The invention differs from the known headlamp in that the panel is a composite of a transparent support body and a layer which consists of a different material than the transparent support body, wherein the transparent support body has a light entrance side, a light exit side and one of the light exit side has limited diaphragm surface on which the layer rests adhering.

The fact that the panel is realized as adhering to a support body layer, it gives the support body its stability. Therefore, the layer need not have a self-supporting structure and / or dimensions that would give it a self-supporting stability. The aperture can therefore be made extremely thin. A coating of the order of a few micrometers is sufficient for the optical function of the diaphragm. This is one to two orders of magnitude lower strength than the known aperture.

In comparison with the prior art, the thickness of the diaphragm of the headlamp according to the invention is virtually zero. Accordingly thin is the only theoretically expected, practically imperceptible dark line between the contributions of the individual light distributions to the total light distribution.

Because the support body is transparent, the diaphragm and in particular the diaphragm edge can also be illuminated from the support body side, which is a prerequisite for the function of the multi-function projection module. The fact that the layer consists of a different material than the support body, resulting between layer and support body, an interface which is required for the aperture effect also from this side.

The invention thus provides in particular a motor vehicle headlight with a multi-functional Projection module prepared due to the special diaphragm, whose strength is virtually zero, takes place in the focal plane / Petzvalfläche the projection lens division of a Abblendlicht- and a high-beam beam path into two complementary light distributions. The division takes place in such a way that both light distributions adjoin one another while the first and second light sources are switched on along the light-dark boundary of the low-beam distribution, and in particular not by a dark line running along the respective light-dark boundary of a single one of the two light distributions are separated.

The diaphragm surface is preferably realized as a surface lying along the optical axis which, because of its optical reflection and / or absorption and / or transmission properties, separates a half space lying above the diaphragm surface from a half space lying below the diaphragm surface. The light entry surface and the light exit surface of the support body each enclose an angle with the diaphragm surface.

Further advantages will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the attached figures.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

drawings

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show, in schematic form:

1 an embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention;

2 Light distributions, as they appear on a screen in the run-up to the headlamp 1 yield;

3 a perspective view of a projection module of the 1 ;

4 the projection module from the 1 and 3 with a first beam path;

5 the projection module from the 1 and 3 with a second beam path;

6 an embodiment of an optical element that fulfills functions of a transparent support body and a primary optics as an integral unit;

7 a projection module using such an optical element in a low-beam light path; and

8th the projection module from the 7 with a high beam beam path.

The same reference numerals designate the same or at least their main function according to the same elements throughout.

In detail, the shows 1 one along an optical axis 10 cut car headlights 12 , The headlight 12 has a multi-function projection module 14 which in turn is a first source of light 16 with a first primary optic 20 , a second light source 22 with a second primary optic 24 , a panel 26 and a secondary optics 28 having. The aperture 26 is a composite of a transparent support body 30 and a layer 32 , The transparent support body 30 has a light entry surface 34 , a light exit surface 36 and one of the light exit surface 36 limited aperture area 38 on top of that the layer 32 sticking. The diaphragm surface is preferably realized as a surface lying along the optical axis which, because of its optical and / or absorption and / or transmission properties, separates a half space lying above the diaphragm surface from a half space lying below the diaphragm surface. The light entry surface and the light exit surface of the support body each enclose an angle with the diaphragm surface.

The transparent support body has in one embodiment the illustrated shape, in which the light entry surface and the light exit surface are plane-parallel surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, the transparent support body has a curved light entry surface and / or curved light exit surface, whence the curvature can be vertical and / or horizontal to produce a predetermined optical effect, e.g. B. to achieve a collection or scattering effect.

One of the secondary optics 28 facing end of the layer 32 forms an aperture edge 40 , The first primary optic 20 collects light from the first light source 16 and direct this to the bezel edge 40 , These are the first primary optics 20 and the first light source 16 relative to the layer 32 so in the multi-function projection module 14 arranged that they are the light of the first light source 16 along a first beam path on the diaphragm edge 40 do not straighten that through the transparent support body 30 runs.

The second primary optic 24 collects light from the second light source 22 and direct this to the bezel edge 40 , Here are the second primary optics 24 and the second light source 22 relative to the layer 32 so in the multi-function projection module 14 arranged that they are the light of the second light source 22 along a second beam path on the diaphragm edge 40 straighten that through the transparent support body 30 runs.

The aperture edge 40 runs at least in an environment of the optical axis 10 in the sharpening level of secondary optics, also referred to as the Petzval plane 28 , The aperture edge 40 is therefore in the vicinity of the optical axis 10 at a distance from the secondary optics 28 , the focal length f of secondary optics 28 equivalent. The aperture edge 40 is thus at least in one of the optical axis 10 adjacent area in the focal plane of the projection lens 28 , It is preferred that the adjacent area is an angular range of plus / minus 5 ° about the optical axis 10 is around, as it is plotted on a standard screen for the distribution of light along a horizontal H, as shown in the 2 is apparent.

The illumination along the first beam path results at a distance f from the secondary optics 28 a light distribution in the area of the diaphragm edge 40 , The projecting into the first beam path part of the aperture 26 passing through the bezel edge 40 is limited, shadows part of this light distribution. The aperture edge 40 is used as a cut-off line in an advance of the projection module 14 and the headlight 12 lying first light distribution shown. Quite analogous to the first beam path, a light distribution resulting from the second beam path in the focus plane of the secondary optics also becomes 28 from the bezel edge 40 limited. The aperture edge 40 is therefore also shown as a light-dark boundary in a second light distribution, due to the second beam path in advance of the projection module 14 and the headlight 12 results. In this case, a beam path is here understood in each case the sum of all possible paths on which light from a light source reaches the light distribution generated by this light source in front of the headlight.

2 illustrates such light distributions as they appear on a screen in the run-up to the headlamp 12 result. The orientation of the screen is orthogonal to the optical axis 10 , The screen thus extends in the direction of a horizontal H and a vertical V, each orthogonal to each other and to the optical axis 10 of the projection module 14 lie. The light distributions are each by curved Isoluxlinien 42 . 44 . 46 which is characterized in that the light intensity is constant along a line and from line to line from outside to inside and thus from the line 42 over the line 44 to the line 46 increases.

2a shows a first light distribution 48 who are the subject of the 1 resulting from the first beam path and below a first cut-off 50 lies. The first light distribution 48 Imagine if only the first light source 16 is turned on.

2 B shows a second light distribution 52 , which are the subject of the 1 resulting from the second beam path and the above a second cut-off 54 lies. The second light distribution 52 especially if only the second light source 22 is turned on. The location of the first light-dark border 50 and the second cut-off 54 also depends on the thickness of the layer 32 from. The thicker the layer 32 is, the lower is the first cut-off 50 with respect to the horizontal H and the higher the second cut-off 54 lie in relation to the horizontal H. In other words, the thicker the layer 32 , the greater the distance between the cut-off lines 50 and 54 which is visible as an unwanted dark line.

2c shows a cumulative light distribution that results when the first light source 16 and the second light source 22 are switched on at the same time. Due to the geometry of the object of the 1 is the second light distribution 52 complementary to the first light distribution 50 , so that the cumulative light distribution 56 has the shape shown. As the thickness of the layer 32 in the motor vehicle headlight according to the invention by the special design of the panel 26 as a composite of a transparent support body 30 and a thin layer 32 practically goes to zero, are the cut-off limits 50 and 52 the first light distribution 48 and the second light distribution 56 practically on top of each other. In the cumulative light distribution 56 are these chiaroscuro borders 52 . 54 therefore no longer recognizable. This is in the 2c by the dashed lines as a line shown course of the light-dark boundaries 52 and 54 clarified.

The cumulative light distribution 56 is characterized in particular by the fact that they do not have a dark line between the two light distributions 48 and 52 lets recognize. The bright area of the first light distribution 48 lies in particular in the dark region of the second light distribution and a bright region of the second light distribution lies in a dark region of the first light distribution.

The 1 thus shows in particular a motor vehicle headlight 12 with a Multifunction projection module 14 , which is adapted to a first light source 16 in a first beam path in one in advance of the projection module 14 lying first light distribution 48 to transfer, and light a second light source 22 in a second beam path in one in advance of the projection module 14 lying second light distribution 52 to convict and that a diaphragm 26 a bezel edge 40 which has a part of the diaphragm projecting into the first beam path and into the second beam path 26 limited and as a light-dark boundary of the first light distribution 48 and the second light distribution 52 is shown, with a bright area of the first light distribution 48 in a dark area of the second light distribution 52 lies and a bright area of the second light distribution 52 in a dark area of the first light distribution 48 lies. According to the invention, the aperture 26 a composite of the transparent support body 30 and a layer 32 , which is made of a different material than the transparent support body 30 , wherein the transparent support body 30 a light entry surface 34 , a light exit surface 36 and one of the light exit surface 36 limited aperture area 38 has on which the layer 32 sticking. The light sources 16 . 22 are independently switched on and off. In a preferred embodiment, the light entry surface 34 and / or the light exit surface coated with a reflection reducing layer.

The projection module 14 is alone or together with other light modules in a housing 58 of the headlight 12 arranged through a transparent cover 60 is closed. In one embodiment, the projection module 14 pivotable about a horizontal axis, for example, to allow a headlight range control. A further embodiment provides that the projection module is additionally pivotable about a vertical axis in order to realize a cornering light function.

3 shows a perspective view of the projection module 14 from the 1 , 3 shows in particular an embodiment in which the diaphragm edge 40 a substantially horizontally extending first section 40.1 and a sloping section 40.2 having. As a result of this configuration, asymmetrical first light distributions are produced in each case 48 and 52 generated. The first light distribution 48 is due to the asymmetry shown, a typical low beam distribution for right-hand traffic, in which the range on the left side is lower due to the lower relative to the horizontal H light-dark boundary than on the right side.

The secondary optics 28 is in the illustrated embodiment a convergent lens with one of the aperture 26 facing light entrance side and one of the light entrance side opposite Lichtauntrittsseite. It preferably consists of glass or a transparent plastic such as PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or one of the below with respect to the material of the transparent support body 30 mentioned alternatives. The light exit surface is preferably curved, while the light entry surface is preferably flat or at least less strongly curved than the light exit surface.

In one embodiment with a pivotable projection module 14 the horizontal pivot axis and the vertical pivot axis runs so that both pivot axes intersect. In this embodiment, the curvature of the light exit side corresponds to the secondary optics 28 preferably, the curvature of an imaginary surface resulting from pivotal movements of the projection module about the two pivot axes. In this case, the imaginary surface is the envelope of the movement of the furthest point from the point of intersection of the light exit surface of the lens of the secondary optics 28 educated.

In a further preferred embodiment, the lens 28 light-scattering elevations or depressions in their light exit surface and / or in their light entry surface. Such scattering structures make the light-dark boundary that is visible when the dipped beam is switched on a little less sharp than would be the case without these scattering structures. The concomitant less pronounced contrast between light and dark is perceived as less strenuous especially with vertical movements of the cut-off line, as they occur in bad distance. The deliberately scattered light also has the advantage that it also helps to obscure the separation of the light distributions.

The supporting body 30 the aperture 26 preferably consists of an organic or of an inorganic, transparent glass. Organic glasses include polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), polymethacrylmethylimide (PMMI) or polysulfone (PSU).

The light entry surface 34 and the light exit surface 36 of the transparent support body are designed in a preferred embodiment so that they contribute by refraction for light shaping and / or for focusing the passing beam path. For this purpose, the surfaces mentioned can be arched at least in places.

In particular, the light exit surface 36 , alternatively or additionally, but also the light entry surface 34 , In a preferred embodiment focusing microlenses and / or scattering structures 62 on.

The on the aperture surface 38 of the support body 30 adherent layer 32 is executed in a preferred embodiment as a reflective layer, in particular as a thin metallization. A further embodiment provides that the metallization is not completely covered as partial mirroring realized. In this case, a partial mirroring is understood to mean a reflective coating in which the layer 32 so thin is that it still has some transmission. As a result, a mixing of the two beam paths that can be controlled by the layer thickness can be achieved, with which the difference in brightness between the bright region of the generated light distribution and its shadowed dark region can be reduced. As a result, in particular, a certain residual transmission may be provided in an area in the vicinity of the diaphragm edge, in order to reduce the brightness gradient at the light-dark boundary, so that an intentionally induced blurring of the cut-off line adjusts itself. Alternatively or additionally, a further embodiment provides that the layer has openings which are specifically arranged so that the light passing through the openings illuminates certain area in a predetermined manner above the cut-off line. Such light is also called sign-light, as it facilitates the detection of traffic signs. The required brightness values are also referred to as overhead values.

In an alternative embodiment, the layer 32 realized as an absorbing layer, which can be achieved for example with a paint job. However, this reduces the efficiency of the optical system, since the reflected at the diaphragm surface rays are now absorbed before the projection lens.

In any case, there is the layer 32 but of a different material than the support body 30 , so that there is an optically effective interface.

For manufacturing reasons, it is preferred that the edge with which the diaphragm surface 38 through the light exit surface 36 of the support body 30 is limited, has a phase or a curvature. The radius of curvature is preferably less than 0.5 millimeters, in particular less than 0.2 millimeters. The same applies to the dimensions of a said edge breaking phase, which may be provided as an alternative to a curvature. Viewed in detail, these embodiments result in a curved or even separation surface between the light exit surface 36 and the aperture area 38 , It is preferred that the layer 32 only on the aperture 38 rests and does not run into the curved or flat transition area.

It is preferred that the aperture 26 relative to secondary optics 28 is arranged so that not about the said transition region, but the diaphragm edge 40 even in the focal plane of secondary optics 28 lies. This will ensure that actually the boundary edge of the layer 32 as a light-dark border in the apron of the projection module 14 is shown.

By the curved or straight out of the plane of the aperture 38 If the course of the transitional region occurs, it is ensured that no total reflections occurring in such a transitional region also contribute to a significant aperture effect.

The light sources 16 and 22 are realized in a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, as semiconductor light sources. Each semiconductor light source consists in particular of a light-emitting diode or of a group of light-emitting diodes combined on a chip. The chip is in each case on its side opposite the light exit surface of the semiconductor light sources on a mounting bracket 64 . 66 mounted, for mechanical fastening, for electrical contact and for dissipating heat from the chip in a heat sink 68 serves.

As is well known, the electrical heat lost from the operation of semiconductor light sources is not emitted by the light, but is released in the chip itself and has to be dissipated by a special cooling device. The need for cooling results from the fact that semiconductor light sources can deliver the desired light color and brightness only in a specific temperature window and can be easily destroyed due to overheating that occurs with insufficient cooling.

The heat sink 68 is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive metal with a high heat capacity such as an aluminum or magnesium alloy and has to improve the delivery of the absorbed heat to the environment cooling fins 70 on. The cooling effect generated thereby can be further increased in one embodiment in that the heat sink 68 is impinged by a cooling fan with air.

The primary optics 20 and 24 are adapted to light the respectively associated first light source 16 or the second light source 22 to collect, bundle and distribute light in the Surrounding the diaphragm edge 40 to generate that from the aperture 26 is limited.

Such a primary optic can be realized as a reflective coated reflector shell, in the interior of which the respective light source is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the primary optics may have a refractive optic in the form of a condenser lens.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the primary optics 20 . 24 realized as light-conducting attachment optics that use the effect of total internal reflection for light bundling. For an explanation is again on the primary optics 20 from the 1 However, this explanation is just as for the second primary optics 24 applies. The primary optics 20 has a Lichteinkoppelseite, a Lichtaunkoppelseite and a side surface 76 on. The Lichteinkoppelseite the primary optics 20 is her decoupling surface 74 opposite and is designed and arranged so that they light as much as possible on the mounting bracket 64 arranged semiconductor light source coupled.

A part of the coupled-in light, in particular one in the vicinity of an optical axis of the primary optics 20 coupled-in part of the light, then directly to the light output surface 74 propagate and leave there. The light input side and the light output surface 74 are preferably shaped so that they form by their refraction of light a converging lens, the light in the desired area near the diaphragm edge 40 and on the layer 32 judge. The side surface 76 is preferably designed so that they light incident from the Lichteinkoppelseite by total internal internal reflections on the light output surface 74 deflects, so that too light to the illumination of the surroundings of the bezel edge 40 contributes.

4 shows the projection module 14 from the 1 and 3 with a first beam path 78 how it turns out, if only the first light source 16 is turned on. The first beam path 78 corresponds to a Abblendlichtstrahlengang in the illustrated embodiment. The rays of the Abblendlichtstrahlenganges 78 that's passing through the layer 32 mirrored panel 38 from the coated support body 30 existing aperture 26 be reflected, go through the upper area of secondary optics 28 ,

5 shows the projection module 14 from the 1 and 3 with a second beam path 79 how it turns out, if only the second light source 22 is turned on. The second light source 22 then typically becomes the first light source 16 be switched when a high beam distribution is to be generated. In this respect, the second beam path 79 also be referred to as a high-beam beam path, although the high beam distribution itself to some extent by the joint effect of the two beam paths 78 and 79 is produced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the high-beam beam path 79 through the transparent support body 30 guided. The rays of the high beam path 79 that at the layer 32 within the transparent support body 30 be reflected, go through the lower part of the secondary optics 28 ,

If a photoconductive and internally totally reflective optical attachment is used as a primary optic, it can be made of the same material as the transparent support body 30 the aperture 26 consist. For such a case, provides a further preferred embodiment, the primary optics of that beam path through the transparent support body 30 is performed as a one-piece optical element 80 realized is that both the functions of the transparent support body 30 as well as the functions of primary optics 20 Fulfills.

The 6 shows an embodiment of such an optical element 80 , The optical element 80 has the already explained with reference to the preceding figures features in the form of the layer 32 adhered to an aperture surface of a transparent support body 30 rests, the aperture edge 40 and the light exit surface 36 of the transparent support body 30 one as primary optics 82 shaped light coupling side up.

In the optical element 80 this results in terms of primary optics 20 of the 1 to 3 described collective lens effect of coupling side and decoupling surface in particular by the configured as a light-bundling decoupling surface light exit surface 36 of the optical element 82 , The Lichteinkoppelseite preferably has a recess 84 due to their shape and arrangement in the mounted projection module 14 is adapted to receive light from a semiconductor light source and either directly to the light output surface or on the internally totally reflective side surface 76 to judge.

7 shows a projection module 14 in which such an optical element 80 as a one-piece structural unit of a diaphragm and a primary optics in a Abblendlichtstrahlengang 86 used by a first light source 16 emanates. In this embodiment, the Abblendlichtstrahlengang 86 through that as a shutter 26 acting transparent optical element 80 carried out.

8th shows the projection module 14 from the 7 with a high beam beam path 88 from a second light source 22 is produced.

Overall, headlights are presented in the present application, which have a multi-function projection light module with a plurality of independently switchable light sources and represent at least two different light distributions in at least two beam paths, of which at least one beam path produces a low beam light distribution.

Each beam path comprises at least one independently switchable light source, with at least one primary optics, which can generate a corresponding light distribution according to the projection and / or the reflection principle. With the aid of the primary optics, each beam path generates a light distribution in an intermediate image plane which lies in the sharpness plane / Petzval surface of a common projection lens and is projected onto the road by it.

At least two independent beam paths are combined to produce at least one light distribution.

In order to avoid counter traffic glare, the at least one low-beam light distribution in the intermediate image plane of a projection light module is limited by a diaphragm, so that a sharp cut-off is generated by imaging the diaphragm edge through the projection lens. At least one further beam path illuminates the area beyond this cut-off line in order to produce a high-beam light distribution together with the low beam beam path in this way.

Since the front edge of the aperture is sharply imaged by the projection lens, both beam paths are separated by the shaded areas of the aperture. In order for the diaphragm to separate the at least two beam paths in such a way that an almost seamlessly closed main beam distribution arises again when the beam paths are superposed, the diaphragm is preferably designed as follows:
The diaphragm has a transparent support body in the beam path of a projection light module with a plurality of independent beam paths. At least one of these beam paths passes through the support body. At least one side of the support body has an absorbing or reflective diaphragm layer, which is delimited by a diaphragm edge. The diaphragm edge is arranged in or at least in the immediate vicinity of the focal plane of the projection lens.

The transparent support body also has at least one second uncoated surface, which acts as a light entry surface and is coupled into the support body through which at least one beam path of the light module. This beam path thus enters the support body through the light entry surface and leaves it through the light entry surface.

The diaphragm edge is contoured so that it limits the low-beam light distribution in the intermediate image plane along a predominantly horizontal cut-off line.

The multi-function projection module has two independently switchable light sources with one cooling device and one primary optic each for the low-beam and high-beam beam path. The illustrated primary optics have a split beam path, wherein rays near the optical axis are refracted by a collimated lens geometry, while the light beams emitted to the side are directed to a totally reflecting reflector surface where they are collimated.

Overall, headlamps are thus presented in the present application, in which beam paths for the respective light functions in the diaphragm plane of the projection module are divided, so that the light functions associated beam from different, independently switchable light sources can be generated. This makes it possible to represent multiple light functions without moving diaphragms, wherein the representation of different light functions, ie the generation of different light distributions such as low beam, high beam, fog light, wide and kurzreichweitiges city light, narrow and long-range motorway light, and so on, only by switching the light sources , The invention is particularly useful for bi-or multi-function LED light modules and in particular for low beam high beam light modules in which the bright-dark boundary of a light module is not outshined by a spotlight module. However, the invention can also be used for multifunction basic light modules

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007052696 A1 [0006, 0008]
• DE 102009008631 A1 [0007, 0008]
• US 2006/0120094 A1 [0010]
• DE 102008036192 A1 [0010, 0012]

Claims (14)

Motor vehicle headlights ( 12 ) with a multi-function projection module ( 14 ), which is adapted to light a first light source ( 16 ) in a first beam path in an advance of the projection module ( 14 ), and light of a second light source ( 22 ) in a second beam path in an advance of the projection module ( 14 ) lying second light distribution, and the one aperture ( 26 ) with a diaphragm edge ( 40 ), which projecting into the first beam path and into the second beam path part of the diaphragm ( 26 ) and is depicted as a light-dark boundary of the first light distribution and the second light distribution, wherein a bright area of the first light distribution lies in a dark area of the second light distribution and a bright area of the second light distribution lies in a dark area of the first light distribution, characterized in that the aperture ( 26 ) a composite of a transparent support body ( 30 ) and a layer ( 32 ), which consists of a different material than the transparent support body ( 30 ), wherein the transparent support body ( 30 ) a light entry side ( 34 ), a Lichtauntrittsseite ( 36 ) and one of the light exit side ( 36 ) limited aperture area ( 38 ) on which the layer ( 32 ) rests adhering. Headlights ( 12 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the diaphragm edge ( 40 ) at least in one of the optical axis ( 10 ) of the headlamp ( 12 ) horizontally adjacent area in the focal plane of a secondary optics ( 28 ) of the projection module ( 14 ), wherein the adjacent area is an angle range of plus / minus 5 ° about the optical axis ( 10 ) is around. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer ( 32 ) is absorbent. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the layer ( 32 ) is metallic and reflective on both sides. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of claims 3-4, characterized in that the layer ( 32 ) is completely non-transparent. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of claims 3-4, characterized in that the layer ( 32 ) is partially transparent and / or has openings. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources ( 16 . 22 ) Are semiconductor light sources. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one of the two light distributions is a low-beam distribution. Headlights ( 12 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that both light distributions together form a high beam distribution. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light exit surface ( 36 ) so at an angle to the diaphragm surface ( 38 ) encounters that the edge formed thereby the aperture surface ( 38 ) and the layer ( 32 ) limited. Headlights ( 12 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the edge is broken or rounded, wherein the radius of curvature of the rounding is less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.2 mm. Headlights ( 12 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the light entry surface ( 34 ) and / or the light exit surface ( 36 ) of the transparent support body ( 30 ) is arched. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the light exit surface ( 36 ) of the supporting body ( 30 ) concentrating microlenses and / or scattering structures ( 62 ) in the form of elevations and / or depressions. Headlights ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent supporting body ( 30 ) and a primary optic of one of the two light sources ( 16 . 22 ) a one-piece optical element ( 80 ) form.

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