DE102016108847B4 - Lighting device for vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting device for vehicle headlights, which comprises: - a primary light module (AM), - a secondary light module (FM), - an additional module (ZM) for generating additional light distribution, the primary light module (AM) in a vehicle installed state in an area in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined overall light distribution (A), and - when installed in a vehicle, the secondary light module (FM) generates a first predefined partial light distribution (F) in an area in front of the motor vehicle, and when the primary light module (AM) and the secondary light module (FM) are illuminated at the same time, the first overall light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution (F), so that a second overall light distribution (LV) is formed, with the activation of the additional module (ZM) the second unmodified total light distribution (LV) modified to a modified second total light distribution (LV '), wherein the modified second total light distribution division (LV ') has a greater width than the unmodified second overall light distribution (LV), characterized in that the second modified overall light distribution (LV') has exactly three segments (SV), the first segment (SV1) having exactly one vertical sharp HD Limit and the second (SV2) and the third segment (SV3) have two vertical sharp HD boundaries, and the maximum luminous intensity of the first segment (SV1) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -19 ° and -23 °, preferably at - 21 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 19 ° and 23 °, preferably at 21 °; the light intensity maximum of the second segment (SV2) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -16 ° and -20 °, preferably at -18 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 16 ° and 20 °, preferably at 18 °, and the light intensity maximum of the third segment (SV3) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -13 ° and -17 °, preferably -15 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 13 ° and 17 °, preferably 15 °.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle headlight, as shown in the preamble of claim 1. It thus comprises a primary light module, a secondary light module and an additional module for generating an additional light distribution, the primary light module generating a first predetermined overall light distribution in an area in front of the motor vehicle when it is installed in a vehicle, and the secondary light module in When the primary light module and secondary light module are illuminated at the same time, the first overall light distribution at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution, so that a second overall light distribution is formed.

The invention further relates to a vehicle headlight with at least one such lighting device.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with at least one, preferably with two such vehicle headlights.

According to legal regulations, the light distribution of vehicle headlights has to meet a number of requirements. In addition to the legal requirements, customer requirements, e.g. with regard to the width and homogeneity of a light distribution, often have to be implemented.

The light distribution values are usually measured by arranging and illuminating a measuring screen perpendicular to the optical axis of the lighting device at a certain distance in front of the lighting device (for example a headlight). A special orthogonal coordinate pair - hh line (coordinate H) and vv line (coordinate V) - is defined on the measurement screen. The position of a point on the measuring screen is given in degrees with respect to the HV point, i.e. with respect to the intersection of the hh and vv lines. The light intensity values are recorded in the form of a two-dimensional light distribution and displayed, for example, as an isolux line diagram.

Depending on the world region, different requirements for minimum widths of high beam distributions are anchored in the relevant laws. For example, the high beam distribution according to ECE-R 112 (Economic Commission for Europe) should illuminate a minimum area between H = 5 ° and H = + 5 °. Again, in accordance with the FMVSS 108 regulations (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) that apply primarily in the USA, high beam distributions are prescribed that illuminate a minimum range between H = -12 ° and H = + 12 °.

When driving, however, a broader or dynamic light distribution is desirable, which is why moving elements or even additional light modules in headlights - such as in the publications, for example DE 102004053320 A1 , EP1870283B1 and DE102008036193A1 shown - can be used to illuminate the road even in cornering light situations. A partial light distribution is emitted from the motor vehicle into a lane area in front of the vehicle, the maximum light intensity of which is to the side of the vv line. Movable elements are cost-intensive (stepper motors), space-critical (swiveling paths) and increase the complexity of the headlamp. In the prior art, movable elements or complex optical attachments are often used when LEDs are used as light sources in light modules (see e.g. DE 102005041234 A1 , DE 10009782 B4 , DE 102010047697 A1 ). It is therefore desirable to be able to dispense with movable elements or additional light modules or complex lens attachments and still illuminate the road in the best possible way even when cornering.

Representing a headlight, which in general has, in addition to an LED for low beam and an LED for high beam, a further additional light module with several LEDs, which can be controlled individually in order to generate further separate but also overlapping illumination areas WO 2015/005377 A1 (or. US 2016/0167566 A1 ) to the state of the art.

The described disadvantages of the prior art are to be eliminated. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a lighting device with which a light image can be realized which fulfills the legal values and at the same time has a greater width of the high beam distribution in cornering situations.

The above-described object is achieved according to the invention with a lighting device mentioned at the beginning in that the activation of the additional module modifies the second unmodified overall light distribution to a modified second overall light distribution, the modified second overall light distribution having a greater width than the unmodified second overall light distribution.

It can also prove to be expedient if the modified second overall light distribution is asymmetrical with respect to the vv line.

This advantage is particularly evident in cornering situations. Depending on the direction of the curve, the second overall light distribution can be wider either to the right (for a right curve) or to the left (for a left curve) of the vv line.

• Bei einer der bevorzugten Ausführungsformen ist vorgesehen, dass die Breite der unmodifizierten zweiten Gesamtlichtverteilung oberhalb der hh-Linie in einem Horizontal-Winkelbereich zwischen 17° und 23° liegt, vorzugsweise 20° beträgt, und die Breite der modifizierten zweiten Gesamtlichtverteilung oberhalb der hh-Linie in einem Horizontal-Winkelbereich zwischen 29° und 35° liegt, vorzugsweise 32° beträgt.

Further advantageous but non-limiting developments of the invention are as follows:

• In one of the preferred embodiments it is provided that the width of the unmodified second overall light distribution above the hh line is in a horizontal angular range between 17 ° and 23 °, preferably 20 °, and the width of the modified second overall light distribution above the hh line lies in a horizontal angular range between 29 ° and 35 °, preferably 32 °.

It is also conceivable that the additional module is formed from at least one, preferably from three or more, additional light modules.

It is expedient that each additional light module comprises at least one light source and at least one optical element, each optical element being designed as a light deflection means, in particular as a reflector or as a lens or as a mirror.

This results in a practical implementation if the at least one light source is designed as an LED.

It is particularly advantageous that each additional light module is mounted pivotably about one, two or three axes.

This advantage can be used if, for example, a wider light distribution than that which can already be emitted is prescribed, such as when a vehicle that meets ECE standards is exported to the USA.

It is advantageously provided that the additional module is formed from three additional light modules, and each additional light module has imaging optics, ie at least one reflector and / or at least one lens, the first imaging optics and the second imaging optics being symmetrical with respect to the vertical one the plane containing the optical axis of the primary light module are arranged and the third imaging optics are arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics or laterally next to the second imaging optics.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the additional module is formed from three additional light modules, and each additional module has imaging optics, the first imaging optics and the second imaging optics are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the secondary light module and the third imaging optics are arranged laterally is arranged next to the first imaging optics or laterally next to the second imaging optics.

The selection of the arrangement of the third reflector can arise, for example, from considering whether the overall arrangement of the three reflectors is intended for the right or for the left headlight.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the first, the second reflector and the third reflector have a segmented reflector surface, which reflector surface has one, two or more facets.

This results in a greater scope for design in order to shape the light image generated with the help of the respective reflector.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the facets are arranged in a matrix-like manner, preferably have a 4 × 2 matrix arrangement.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the light source of the primary light module is formed from two or more LEDs and one, two or more optical elements are assigned to each group of LEDs.

It is expedient that a first control unit is assigned to the primary light module and the secondary light module and a second control unit is assigned to the additional module.

It is advantageously provided that the second control unit can be controlled separately from the first control unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the second control unit interacts in a correlated manner with the first control unit, so that the additional module is activated / deactivated simultaneously with the primary light module and / or with the secondary light module.

In addition, it has proven to be expedient that, when installed in a vehicle, the second control unit receives a control signal generated by the rotational movement of the vehicle steering wheel, processes it and controls the additional module on the basis of this signal.

The modification of the second unmodified overall light distribution achieved by activating the additional module consists in that at least one further light spot - a segment - is recognizable in the modified second overall light distribution. This at least one segment is at least partially outside the unmodified one second overall light distribution. In this way, the area to be illuminated is enlarged and, among other things, the width of the second overall light distribution is increased.

It is provided according to the invention that the second modified overall light distribution has exactly three segments, the first segment having precisely one vertical sharp HD border and the second and third segment having two vertical sharp HD borders. It is useful here that the segments of the second modified overall light distribution lie to the left of the vv line for a left turn or to the right of the vv line for a right turn.

The invention provides that the light intensity maximum of the first segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -19 ° and -23 °, preferably at -21 °, and for a right turn in a horizontal angle range between 19 ° and 23 ° , is preferably at 21 °; the light intensity maximum of the second segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -16 ° and -20 °, preferably at -18 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 16 ° and 20 °, preferably at 18 ° , and the light intensity maximum of the third segment for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -13 ° and -17 °, preferably at -15 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 13 ° and 17 °, preferably at 15 ° ° lies.

• 1 eine Draufsicht einer der bevorzugten Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit drei jeweils einen Reflektor aufweisenden Zusatz-Lichtmodulen,
• 2 eine perspektivische Sicht einer anderen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit drei jeweils eine Abbildungsoptik aufweisenden Zusatz-Lichtmodulen,
• 3 eine unmodifizierte zweite Gesamtlichtverteilung,
• 4 eine modifizierte zweite Gesamtlichtverteilung,
• 5 eine perspektivische Sicht eines als einen Reflektor und eine Lichtquelle aufweisenden Zusatzmoduls,
• 6 eine 4x2-Matrixanordnung der Reflektorfacetten, und
• 7 ein schematisches Blockdiagramm einer Ausführungsform der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung,

The present invention is illustrated in detail below with the aid of preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. It shows:

• 1 a top view of one of the preferred embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention with three additional light modules each having a reflector,
• 2 a perspective view of another embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention with three additional light modules each having imaging optics,
• 3 an unmodified second overall light distribution,
• 4th a modified second overall light distribution,
• 5 a perspective view of an additional module having a reflector and a light source,
• 6th a 4x2 matrix arrangement of the reflector facets, and
• 7th a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the lighting device,

First of all, the 1 and 2 Reference, the two principally different embodiments of the present invention show schematically.

1 shows a lighting device that has a primary light module AT THE , a secondary light module FM as well as an additional module, which additional module has three each a reflector R1 , R2 , R3 and comprises at least one additional light module having a light source. For example, the primary light module AT THE the first shielded light distribution and the secondary light module FM generate the high beam distribution. The light generated by the respective additional light module forms a segment that is the second unmodified overall light distribution LV to the second modified overall light distribution LV ' modified. Alternatively, the additional light modules R1 - R3 be assigned to the secondary light module. The reflectors R1 and R2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane containing the optical axis of the corresponding light module OA or OF. The third reflector R3 can like it in 1 is shown on the side of the second reflector R2 or in 1 not shown) on the side of the first reflector R1 be arranged. The arrangement of the headlight in the vehicle can thereby be taken into account. In the 1 The arrangement shown is particularly advantageous for a left headlight, but is in no way restrictive.

2 shows a lighting device that has a primary light module AT THE , Secondary light module FM as well as an additional module, which additional module has three additional light modules ZM1 , ZM2 , ZM3 includes. As the additional light modules ZM1 - ZM3 can even produce a light distribution, their arrangement with respect to the other two light modules plays AT THE and FM does not play an essential role and arises from structural considerations of a specialist.

The one from the primary light module AT THE The overall light distribution generated can be, for example, a low beam distribution A, which overall light distribution is from a first from the secondary module FM generated partial light distribution, for example a high beam distribution F, is superimposed and so the second unmodified overall light distribution LV forms. The second overall light distribution consisting of an overlay of the low beam distribution A and the high beam distribution F LV is on the 3 shown.

On 4th the modified second overall light distribution is shown. The second modified overall light distribution has, among other things, two segments SV1 , SV2 on, being the first segment SV1 a sharp HD border 10 has which HD limit 10 a first HD limit 10 of the second segment SV2 overlaps. The second segment SV2 also has a second HD limit 11 on. The modified second overall light distribution LV ' accordingly has a greater width than the second unmodified overall light distribution LV on 3 .

5 shows a reflector R with a segmented reflector surface. As discussed above, the add-on module ZM be formed for example from such reflectors. It is expedient to arrange the reflector R in the headlight (not shown) in such a way that it can be pivoted about at least one axis SA1, preferably about two axes SA1, SA2 which are orthogonal to one another. The position of the associated segment can be adjusted by pivoting the reflector.

In a preferred embodiment, the reflector surface has a 4 × 2 matrix arrangement of facets (segments). This arrangement is shown schematically on 6th shown.

7th shows a block diagram for controlling the modules. The first in it is the primary light module AT THE and / or secondary light module FM associated control unit SE1 and the second to the additional module ZM associated control unit SE2 can be seen. The flow of information is shown with directed edges. In this exemplary embodiment, the first control unit SE1 can only use the primary light module AT THE and / or secondary light module FM control and with the second control unit SE2 information, for example the information whether this is the primary light module AT THE and / or secondary light module FM is currently switched on, replace it.

Both control units can exchange signals containing relevant information with a central control and / or arithmetic unit (not shown here), for example from an on-board computer present in a vehicle. Such relevant information can be, for example, the information that contains the steering position of the vehicle steering wheel. Depending on this position, the additional module can be activated / deactivated in a left and / or right headlight.

The invention has been described using reflectors as light distribution-shaping elements, since these are particularly advantageous in the existing installation space situation. In principle, however, the invention can also be implemented in connection with other optical elements such as, for example, mirrors or lenses. A light source (LED, HID discharge lamps, halogen filament lamps) is assigned to each individual element.

Claims (19)

Lighting device for vehicle headlights, which comprises: - a primary light module (AM), - a secondary light module (FM), - an additional module (ZM) for generating additional light distribution, wherein - the primary light module (AM) in a vehicle installed state in an area in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined total light distribution (A), and - the secondary light module (FM) in a state installed in a vehicle in an area in front of the motor vehicle generates a first predetermined partial light distribution (F), and - When the primary light module (AM) and the secondary light module (FM) are illuminated at the same time, the first overall light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution (F), so that a second overall light distribution (LV) is formed, with the activation of the additional module (ZM) the second unmodified overall light distribution (LV) modified to a modified second overall light distribution (LV '), wherein the modified second Gesamtli right distribution (LV ') has a greater width than the unmodified second overall light distribution (LV), characterized in that the second modified overall light distribution (LV') has exactly three segments (SV), the first segment (SV1) having exactly one vertical sharp HD Limit and the second (SV2) and the third segment (SV3) have two vertical sharp HD boundaries, and the light intensity maximum of the first segment (SV1) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -19 ° and -23 °, preferably at - 21 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 19 ° and 23 °, preferably at 21 °; the light intensity maximum of the second segment (SV2) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -16 ° and -20 °, preferably at -18 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 16 ° and 20 °, preferably at 18 °, and the light intensity maximum of the third segment (SV3) for a left turn in a horizontal angle range between -13 ° and -17 °, preferably at -15 °, and for a right turn for in a horizontal angle range between 13 ° and 17 °, preferably 15 °. Lighting device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the modified second overall light distribution (LV ') is asymmetrical with respect to the vv line (vv). Lighting device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the width of the unmodified second overall light distribution (LV) above the hh line (hh) is in a horizontal angular range between 17 ° and 23 °, preferably 20 °, and the width of the modified second overall light distribution (LV ' ) is above the hh line (hh) in a horizontal angular range between 29 ° and 35 °, preferably 32 °. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the additional module (ZM) is formed from at least one, preferably from three or more, additional light modules. Lighting device according to Claim 4 , characterized in that each additional light module comprises at least one light source and at least one optical element, each optical element being designed as a light deflection means, in particular as a reflector (R1, R2, R3) or as a lens or as a mirror. Lighting device according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the at least one light source is designed as an LED. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 4 to 6th , characterized in that each additional light module is mounted pivotably about two or three axes (SA1, SA2, OA). Lighting device according to one of the Claims 5 to 7th , characterized in that the additional module is formed from three additional light modules, and each additional module has imaging optics (R1 - R3), the first imaging optics (R1) and the second imaging optics (R2) symmetrically with respect to the vertical the optical axis of the primary Light module (OA) containing plane are arranged and the third imaging optics (R3) is arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics (R1) or laterally next to the second imaging optics (R2). Lighting device according to one of the Claims 5 to 7th , characterized in that the additional module is formed from three additional light modules, and each additional module has imaging optics (R1 - R3), the first imaging optics (R1) and the second imaging optics (R2) symmetrically with respect to the vertical the optical axis of the secondary Light module (OF) containing plane are arranged and the third imaging optics (R3) is arranged laterally next to the first imaging optics (R1) or laterally next to the second imaging optics (R2). Lighting device according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the first (R1), the second reflector (R2) and the third reflector (R3) have a segmented reflector surface (SR), which reflector surface has one, two or more facets. Lighting device according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the facets (F11-F24) are arranged in a matrix-like manner, preferably have a 4 x 2 matrix arrangement. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the light source of the primary light module (AM) is formed from two or more LEDs and one, two or more optical elements are assigned to each group of LEDs. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 1 to 12th , characterized in that the primary light module (AM) and the secondary light module (FM) are assigned a first control unit (SE1) and a second control unit (SE2) is assigned to the additional module (ZM). Lighting device according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the second control unit (SE2) can be controlled separately from the first control unit (SE1). Lighting device according to Claim 13 or 14th , characterized in that the second control unit (SE2) interacts in a correlated manner with the first control unit (SE1), so that the additional module (ZM) is activated / deactivated simultaneously with the primary light module (AM) and / or with the secondary light module (FM) becomes. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , characterized in that, when installed in a vehicle, the second control unit (SE2) receives a control signal generated by the rotational movement of the vehicle steering wheel, processes it and controls the additional module (ZM) on the basis of this signal. Lighting device according to one of the Claims 1 to 16 , characterized in that the segments for a left turn are to the left of the vv line (vv) or for a right turn are to the right of the vv line (vv). Vehicle headlights with at least one lighting device according to one of the Claims 1 to 17th . Motor vehicle with at least one, preferably with two vehicle headlights Claim 18 .

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