DE102011012742A1 - Projection module for a vehicle headlight and vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection module (3 to 6) for a vehicle headlight (2), comprising a plurality of light sources (7 to 9), a reflector arrangement (10) and a first diaphragm (11) running transversely in the reflector arrangement (10), the light sources (7 to 9) and the first diaphragm (11) are arranged such that a low beam area (AB) for generating a low beam distribution (AV1 to AV4) and a high beam area (FB) for generating a high beam distribution (FV1 to FV5) in the reflector arrangement ( 10) are formed. According to the invention, a vertically extending second diaphragm (12) is arranged in the high beam area (FB), which divides the high beam area (FB) into a first high beam partial area (FTB1) for generating a first partial high beam distribution (TFV1) and a second high beam partial area (FTB2) for generating a second partial high beam distribution (TFV2) shares. The invention further relates to a vehicle headlight (2) with a plurality of projection modules (3 to 6), the projection modules (3 to 6) each being arranged at a fixed angle (α1 to α3) to one another and being activatable individually or in groups, and a vehicle headlight ( 2) with at least one projection module (3 to 6), the projection module (3 to 6) being arranged horizontally and / or vertically pivotably in the vehicle headlight (2).

Description

The invention relates to a projection module for a vehicle headlight, comprising a plurality of light sources, a reflector arrangement and a first in the reflector arrangement transverse aperture, wherein the light sources and the first diaphragm are arranged such that a low beam range for generating a low beam distribution and a high beam range for generating a high beam distribution are formed in the reflector assembly.

The invention further relates to a vehicle headlight.

From the DE 20 2005 010 205 U1 a headlamp for a vehicle is known, wherein an adaptive light can be generated by means of the headlamp. The headlamp comprises at least one light source and a reflector for reflecting light emitted by the at least one light source. The reflector is segmented in such a way and individual reflector segments are arranged at least partially deviating from an original reflector surface such that by means of the headlamp in a generation of a low beam with a high beam distance compared to a low beam with a lower beam range required target light reduction in a near field of illumination is feasible. The reflector is divided into four quadrants by an imaginary horizontal midplane and an imaginary vertical midplane.

Furthermore, from the DE 10 2009 008 631 A1 a projection module for a headlamp for a vehicle for generating at least one predetermined light distribution known. The projection module comprises a plurality of light sources for emitting electromagnetic radiation, at least one primary optics for bundling the radiation emitted by the light sources and a secondary optic arranged in the beam path of the focused radiation for imaging a beam on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle. The light sources are subdivided into at least two groups, wherein the different light source groups can be activated independently of one another to produce at least two different light distributions, wherein an optical element is arranged in the beam path of a radiation beam emitted by a first light source group between the at least one primary optics and the secondary optics. The radiation beam emitted by the first light source group is coupled into the optical element and decoupled again to produce a low-beam light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary. To generate a high-beam distribution, a further light source group can additionally be activated, with the beam emitted by the further light source group illuminating a region of the light distribution above the cut-off line. The optical element is designed as a totally reflecting optical body. In a substantially horizontal plane, comprising an optical axis of the projection module, a diaphragm formed as a partition wall is arranged which covers at least part of the area between two reflectors. The partition is reflective coated. By means of the projection module, a low-beam light distribution with a horizontal bright-dark boundary and a high beam light distribution or alternatively a low beam light distribution and a split high beam light distribution with a horizontal and a vertical cut-off line can be generated.

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved projection module for a vehicle headlight and a vehicle headlight.

With regard to the projection module, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1 and in terms of the vehicle headlamp by the features specified in claim 8.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A projection module for a vehicle headlight comprises a plurality of light sources, a reflector arrangement and a first aperture running transversely in the reflector arrangement, wherein the light sources and the first diaphragm are arranged such that a low-beam range for generating a low beam distribution and a high beam range for generating a high beam distribution in the reflector assembly are. According to the invention, a vertically extending second diaphragm is arranged in the high beam area, which divides the high beam area into a first high beam portion for generating a first split beam distribution and a second high beam portion for generating a second split beam distribution.

Due to the subdivision of the high beam area according to the invention, it is possible in a particularly advantageous manner, in addition to the low beam distribution and high beam distribution to produce the Teilfernlichtverteilungen with a vertical bright-dark boundary, to generate the Teilfernlichtverteilungen no moving parts within the projection module are required. Thus, the projection module is very robust against vibrations and shocks and thus is particularly suitable for use in trucks and other vehicles, which have large vibrations and shocks during driving. In particular, the projection module is characterized by a vibration resistance of at least 5 g, ie more as 5 × 9.81 m / s ² . Due to the design of the panels as fixed components of the projection module a simple construction with low material and assembly costs is possible. Also for other vehicles, such as passenger cars and motorcycles, a robust design of vehicle headlights is possible due to the inventive design of the projection module in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Preferably, the first panel and the second panel are a common and essentially T-shaped formed part. Thus, during production of the projection module, handling of the diaphragms is simplified and misplacement of the diaphragms relative to one another is avoidable.

According to an advantageous development of the projection module, the reflector arrangement comprises a plurality of reflectors, wherein the low-beam region and each high-beam partial region is assigned at least one reflector. This makes it possible to produce the respective light distributions very accurately and with optimized bright-dark boundaries and a high light output.

Furthermore, at least one light source, which can be switched independently of one another, is preferably assigned to the low-beam light region and each high-beam partial region in each case. Thus, the various light distributions are easily generated by means of a projection module.

In one refinement, the at least one light source associated with the first high beam subarea and the at least one first high beam subarea and the at least one reflector associated with the second high beam subarray are arranged symmetrically to one another, to the first diaphragm and / or to the second diaphragm , It follows in particular that with simultaneously activated light source of the first high-beam partial area and the second high-beam partial area, the second diaphragm has no influence on the generated high-beam distribution. That is, the second aperture "disappears" virtually.

To further improve the optical properties, in particular to realize the virtual "disappearance", the first diaphragm and / or the second diaphragm are expediently designed to be at least partially reflecting light.

In another embodiment, the reflectors are ellipsoidal reflectors. Thus, at the same time a compact design of the projection module is possible with a high light output.

To achieve a particularly long service life of the projection module, the light sources comprise light-emitting diodes as light-emitting diodes. In particular, lifetimes of more than 30,000 hours can be achieved, which has a particularly advantageous effect, especially in trucks with long operating times, since maintenance and repair costs are reduced.

Particularly preferably, an asymmetrical part of the low-beam light distribution can be generated by means of the low-beam light region, wherein the first diaphragm is inclined at least in sections by a predetermined angle to a particular horizontally extending parting plane of the reflector arrangement. Thus, it is possible to use a basic light module in addition to the projection module, by means of which a so-called basic light can be generated permanently. In the case of a horizontal pivotability of the projection module, in particular for generating a cornering light function and / or cornering light function, in addition to the partial high beam and high beam, the asymmetrical low beam component can thus additionally be pivoted, with the basic light in front of the vehicle simultaneously being maintained. Thus, an optimized illumination and consequently an optimized view for the driver of the vehicle can be realized.

In a vehicle headlamp with a plurality of projection modules, the projection modules according to the invention are each arranged at a fixed predetermined angle to one another and can be activated individually or in groups. Thus, the advantages of the projection modules mentioned can be achieved by means of the vehicle headlamp and at the same time dynamic light functions, in particular a cornering and / or cornering without moving and swiveling parts can be realized, so that the vehicle headlamp is very robust against vibrations and shocks and thus especially for use in Lorries and other vehicles, which have large vibrations and shocks during driving, is suitable. By means of the vehicle headlight according to the invention is in various horizontal orientations in the generation of the cornering light and / or cornering light, the generation of Abblendlicht-, Teilfernlicht- and / or high beam distribution possible.

Alternatively, the vehicle headlight according to the invention comprises at least one projection module, wherein the projection module is arranged horizontally and / or vertically pivotable in the vehicle headlight. Thus, variable and continuously adjustable dynamic light functions, in particular a cornering light and / or cornering light can be generated in a simple manner. Also in this embodiment of the vehicle headlight by means of the vehicle headlamp according to the invention in different horizontal orientations in the generation of the cornering light and / or cornering light, the generation of the low beam, Teilfernlicht- and / or high beam distribution possible.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 schematically a basic light module for a vehicle headlight and a generated basic light distribution,

2 schematically several projection modules according to the invention for a vehicle headlight and light distributions generated by the latter,

3 schematically a vehicle headlamp according to the invention with a basic light module according to 1 and four projection modules according to 2 and a generated total light distribution,

4 schematically two light distributions of a single projection module according to 2 .

5 schematically a perspective view of an exploded view of a projection module according to 2 .

6 schematically a cross section of the projection module according to 2 .

7 schematically a sectional view of a reflector assembly of a projection module according to 2 .

8th schematically a means of a projection module according to 2 generated asymmetric part of a low-beam distribution,

9 schematically a means of a projection module according to 2 generated partial high-beam distribution, and

10 schematically a means of a projection module according to 2 generated high beam distribution.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

In 1 are a basic light module 1 for a in 3 shown vehicle headlights 2 and one by means of the basic light module 1 produced basic light distribution GL shown. To generate the basic light distribution GL, the basic light module comprises 1 a light source 1.1 which preferably comprises light-emitting means designed as light-emitting diodes.

2 shows four projection modules according to the invention 3 to 6 for the vehicle headlight 2 and by means of these generated light distributions P11 to PL4. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection module 4 activated, which generates the light distribution PL2. The means of further projection modules 3 . 5 . 6 can be generated light distributions PL1, PL3, PL4 are shown in dashed lines.

The generated light distributions PL1 to PL4 are each made up of a high beam distribution FV1 to FV4 and an asymmetrical part AT1 to AT4 of an in 3 formed low beam distribution AV1 to AV4 formed.

To generate the illustrated and horizontally staggered light distributions PL1 to PL4 are the projection modules 3 to 6 each arranged at a fixed angle α1 to α3 to each other.

In 3 schematically is a vehicle headlight according to the invention 2 shown, the vehicle headlights 2 the basic light module 1 and the according to 2 each at the predetermined angle α1 to α3 arranged four projection modules 3 to 6 includes. By means of the basic light module 1 and the projection module 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a total light distribution GESL is generated. The projection modules 3 to 6 can be activated individually or in groups.

In non-illustrated embodiments, various arrangements and a different number of the basic light module and the projection modules are possible.

The basic light distribution GL has a low beam range but large illumination width, so that a close range in front of and next to a vehicle, which the vehicle headlight 2 comprises, is illuminated by the basic light distribution GL. The basic light distribution GL is preferably designed such that dazzling of other road users is avoided.

To generate the low-beam distribution AV2 is additionally by means of the projection module 4 the asymmetrical part AT2 is generated, wherein the basic light module 1 and the projection module 3 are aligned with each other so that the low-beam distribution AV2 is generated.

To generate the illustrated total light distribution GESL is additionally by means of the projection module 4 generates the high beam distribution FV2.

The exemplary embodiment shown represents a total light distribution GESL during a straight-ahead travel of the vehicle or when deactivated Curve lighting function and / or deactivated cornering function. When driving through a right turn or right turn are in addition to or alternative to the projection module 4 the projection module 5 and / or the projection module 6 activated in order to achieve optimized illumination in the direction of turning or turning. When driving through a left turn or when turning left, in addition to or as an alternative to the projection module 4 the projection module 3 activated.

Activation of the projection modules 3 to 6 is preferably carried out as a function of a radius of curvature or radius of the turn, wherein the radii are determined based on a steering angle. Switching between the projection modules 3 to 6 takes place preferably on the basis of speed-dependent dimming ramps.

Due to the illustrated design, arrangement and control of the basic light module 1 and the projection modules 3 to 6 are the cornering light and cornering light for the low-beam distribution AV1 to AV4 and the high beam distributions FV1 to FV4 generated.

To generate the total light distribution GESL is the basic light module 1 always activated, wherein in addition depending on the total light distribution GESL to be generated at least one of the projection modules 3 to 6 is activated.

In non-illustrated embodiments, the vehicle headlamp comprises 2 alternatively at least one projection module 3 to 6 , which is horizontally pivotable for the realization of turning and cornering light. In addition, a vertical pivoting is preferably also provided.

4 shows two light distributions PL5, PL6 of a single projection module 3 to 6 , wherein the light distribution PL5 is formed by a high beam distribution FV5 and an asymmetrical part AT5.

The light distribution PL6 shows that a high-beam distribution FV6 is formed from a first divided beam light distribution TFV1 and a second divided beam light distribution TFV2. The first partial long-distance light distribution TFV1 and the second divided-wide light distribution TFV2 are designed such that they each form one half of the high-beam distribution FV6. Due to the generation of the sub-beam distributions TFV1, TFV2 in conjunction with the in 3 illustrated and described embodiment of the vehicle headlamp 2 It is possible for the driver of the vehicle to produce an optimized illumination of the own lane while avoiding dazzling other road users.

In the 5 and 6 is an inventive projection module 3 shown in an exploded view and a cross section. The other projection modules 4 to 6 have the same structure as the projection module described in more detail below 3 on.

To produce in the 2 to 3 more detailed light distribution PL1 includes the projection module 3 several light sources 7 to 9 , a reflector arrangement 10 and one in the reflector assembly 10 transverse first aperture 11 , The first aperture 11 separates a low beam area AB of the reflector assembly 10 for generating the low-beam distribution AV1 from a high-beam area FB of the reflector arrangement 10 for generating the high beam distribution FV1.

The first aperture 11 is in this case for generating the asymmetrical part AT1 of the low-beam distribution AV1 sections by a predetermined angle β to a particular horizontally extending parting line T of the reflector assembly 10 inclined. The angle β is in particular 15 ° or 45 °. The aperture 11 is totally reflective, especially mirrored.

For generating the asymmetrical part AT1 of the low-beam distribution AV1, the reflector arrangement comprises 10 a first reflector 10.1 , which is designed as Ellipsiod reflector.

Furthermore, the projection module includes 3 one in the high beam area FB of the reflector arrangement 10 arranged second aperture 12 which divides the high beam area FB into a first high beam area FTB1 and a second high beam area FTB2, so that the divided beam distributions TFV1, TFV2 can be generated. The second aperture 12 is arranged in particular vertically.

The first aperture 11 and the second aperture 12 are preferably formed as a molding and together form a nearly T-shaped aperture.

Also the second aperture 12 is totally reflective, especially mirrored. The reflector arrangement 10 includes a second reflector 10.2 , which is associated with the first high beam section FTB1, and a third reflector 10.3 which is associated with the second high beam subarea FTB2. The reflectors 10.2 . 10.3 are each formed as Ellipsiod reflector.

Both the low beam area AB and the high beam areas FB1, FB2 are each one of the light sources 7 to 9 associated with the light sources 7 to 9 for generating the low beam distribution AV, the high beam distribution FV and the Partial beam distributions TFV1, TFV2 are independently controllable.

Thus, when the light source is activated 7 the asymmetrical part AT1 of the low-beam distribution AV1 and, together with the basic light distribution GL, the low-beam distribution AV1 can be generated. Are all light sources 7 to 9 activated, the low-beam distribution AV1 and the high beam distribution FV1 can be generated.

When the light source is activated 7 and activated light source 8th the low-beam distribution AV1 and the first split-beam distribution TFV1 can be generated. When the light source is activated 7 and activated light source 9 the low-beam distribution AV and the second partial high-beam distribution TFV2 can be generated.

The light sources 7 to 9 preferably comprise light-emitting means designed as light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are arranged in particular in so-called light-emitting diode arrays and, according to one embodiment, can be controlled individually or in groups, so that a large number of different light distributions PL1 can be generated.

The light distribution PL1 can be generated dynamically, in particular as a function of environmental information acquired by means of at least one detection unit. The detection unit is a camera or another imaging sensor, by means of which objects present in the surroundings of the vehicle are detected. Depending on a detected position, direction of movement and / or type of objects, depending on vehicle parameters, such as a speed and the steering angle, and / or depending on environmental parameters, the light sources 7 to 9 and the projection modules 3 to 6 so controlled that glare of the objects is avoided and at the same time a maximum view for the driver is achieved. The environmental parameters include, among other things, information as to whether the vehicle is inside or outside closed towns, what type of road the vehicle is in, and what the road is. The environment data are stored for example in a navigation system, not shown.

For focusing and distribution of the generated light as light distribution PL1 in front of the vehicle comprises the projection module 3 an optical lens 13 , which in the light exit direction in front of the reflector assembly 10 is arranged.

7 shows the reflector assembly 10 in a sectional view in the area of the high beam area FB, wherein the second aperture 12 the high beam area FB in the high beam partial areas FTB1, FTB2 divided.

In order to produce an optimal light distribution PL1, the light source associated with the first high beam subarea FB1 is 8th and the light source associated with the second high beam portion FB2 9 symmetrical to each other and to the second aperture 12 arranged. Also the reflectors 10.2 . 10.3 are symmetrical to the second aperture 12 arranged.

Due to such an arrangement of the light sources 8th . 9 and the reflectors 10.2 . 10.3 falls each of the two light sources 8th . 9 with a virtual mirror image together, so that when both light sources 8th . 9 are activated, the second aperture 12 virtually "disappears". In other words: the reflectors 10.2 . 10.3 , the light sources 8th . 9 and the second aperture 12 are arranged symmetrically to each other, so that their generated light L is reflected such that the two generated by the high beam partial areas FTB1, FTB2 Teilfernlichtbereiche TFV1, TFV2, ie high beam halves, seamlessly to the high beam distribution FV1 to FV5 result.

In 8th is the by means of the projection module 3 generated asymmetrical part AT1 of the low-beam light distribution AV1, wherein a light power from a maximum in a rimmed central area B1 to a minimum in a rimmed outer area Bn of the asymmetrical part AT1 decreases.

9 shows the means of the projection module 3 generated asymmetric part AT1 of the low beam distribution AV1. In addition, by means of the projection module 3 generates the sub-distance light distribution TFV2, wherein the light power decreases from the maximum in the bordered central area B1 to the minimum in the bordered outer area Bn. The generated light distribution PL1 shown is particularly suitable for illuminating a lane of its own maximum and avoiding objects in oncoming traffic and thus avoiding glare while simultaneously maximizing visibility for the driver of the own vehicle.

A transition between the asymmetrical part AT1 of the low-beam distribution AV1 and the split-beam distribution TFV2 is seamless. This training is by means of a suitable arrangement of the light sources 7 . 8th to the first aperture 11 achieved.

Furthermore, the seamless transition results from the totally reflective design of the first panel 11 ,

In 10 is the by means of the projection module 3 generated asymmetric part AT1 of the Low beam distribution AV1 shown. In addition, by means of the projection module 3 generates the Teilfernlichtverteilungen TFV1, TFV2, wherein the seamlessly merging Teilfernlichtverteilungen TFV1, TFV2 together form the high beam distribution FV1. The light output in turn decreases from the maximum in the bordered middle region B1 to the minimum in the bordered outer region Bn.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Basic light module

1.1

light source

2

vehicle headlights

3 to 6

projection module

7 to 9

light source

10

reflector assembly

10.1

reflector

10.2

reflector

10.3

reflector

11

first aperture

12

second aperture

13

lens

FROM

low beam

AT1 to AT6

asymmetrical part

AV1 to AV4

low beam

B1 to Bn

Area

FB

High beam area

GL

Basic light distribution

GESL

Overall light distribution

FTB1

first high beam subarea

FTB2

second high beam subarea

FV to FV5

Beam light distribution

L

light

PL1 to PL6

light distribution

TFV1, TFV2

Part beam distribution

T

parting plane

α1 to α3

angle

β

angle

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 202005010205 U1 [0003]
• DE 102009008631 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) for a vehicle headlight ( 2 ) comprising a plurality of light sources ( 7 to 9 ), a reflector arrangement ( 10 ) and one in the reflector assembly ( 10 ) transverse first aperture ( 11 ), the light sources ( 7 to 9 ) and the first aperture ( 11 ) are arranged such that a low beam range (AB) for generating a low beam distribution (AV1 to AV4) and a high beam range (FB) for generating a high beam distribution (FV1 to FV5) in the reflector assembly ( 10 ) are formed, characterized in that in the high beam area (FB) a vertically extending second aperture ( 12 ) which divides the high beam area (FB) into a first high beam subarea (FTB1) for generating a first split beam light distribution (TFV1) and a second high beam subarea (FTB2) for generating a second split beam light distribution (TFV2). Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector arrangement ( 10 ) several reflectors ( 10.1 to 10.3 ), wherein the low beam area (AB) and each high beam area (FB) at least one reflector ( 10.1 to 10.3 ) assigned. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the low-beam region (AB) and each high-beam partial region (FB) in each case at least one independently switchable light source ( 7 to 9 ) assigned. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one light source associated with the first high-beam partial area (FTB1) ( 9 ) and the at least one light source (FTB2) associated with the second high beam portion ( 8th ) and / or the at least one reflector associated with the first high-beam partial area (FTB1) ( 10.2 ) and the at least one reflector associated with the second high beam partial area (FTB2) ( 10.3 ) symmetrically to one another and / or to the first diaphragm ( 11 ) and / or the second diaphragm ( 12 ) are arranged. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first diaphragm ( 11 ) and / or the second diaphragm ( 12 ) are formed at least partially reflective light. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the reflectors ( 10.1 to 10.3 ) Ellipsiod reflectors are. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources ( 7 to 9 ) comprise light-emitting diodes designed as bulbs. Projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an asymmetrical part (AT1 to AT4, AT5, AT6) of the low-beam light distribution (AV1 to AV4) can be generated by means of the low-beam region (AB), the first diaphragm ( 11 ) at least in sections by a predetermined angle (β) to a particular horizontally extending parting plane (T) of the reflector assembly ( 10 ) is inclined. Vehicle headlights ( 2 ) with several projection modules ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the projection modules ( 3 to 6 ) are each arranged at a fixed predetermined angle (α1 to α3) to each other and individually or in groups can be activated. Vehicle headlights ( 2 ) with at least one projection module ( 3 to 6 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the projection module ( 3 to 6 ) horizontally and / or vertically pivotable in the vehicle headlight ( 2 ) is arranged.

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