DE19526023A1 - Headlamp for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The headlamp has a light source, a reflector and at least one contour generating imaging device (5) for producing definite light-dark boundaries. A device (8-10) for at least partially deflecting and coupling out the light beam (L4,L5) is arranged in the light beam path from the reflector to the imaging device. The device has reflection devices (8,10) for deflecting the light beam which are partially transmissive, esp. for frequencies in the invisible region. One of the reflection devices can have a curved reflective surface. The device for deflecting and coupling out the light beam can contain a totally reflecting element.

Description

The invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle with a light source, a reflector and contour-generating Imaging means for generating defined light / dark sizes Zen.

A group of modern headlights for motor vehicles has to produce asymmetrical low beam with a larger Visibility on the right edge of the lane above in the focal plane of the optical system of the headlights arranged contours de imaging agents, e.g. B. Apertures that are precisely defined Project light / dark boundaries (cf. automotive hand book, Bosch, 20th edition, 1987, page 580). Special meaning wins this group of headlights through the computerge supported development of polyellipsoid reflectors and gas discharge lamps with high luminous efficacy.

A headlight of this type with a fixed aperture that is on Height of one of the focal points of the reflector perpendicular to the main beam direction of the headlamp is from the DE 36 28 421 A1 known. For deflecting light into a screen ten range of the motor vehicle, whereby the lateral Lichtver division to be improved is the aperture of the known Headlamp designed so that light between the reflector and the cover in the edge area of the headlight on there arranged light guiding means (diffuser with prisms) that falls the incident light into a side area of the Steer motor vehicle. That on the opaque aperture falling light is absorbed or scattered and does not stand more than useful light available. Because of the light absorption  at the bezel this heats up, causing thermal expansion and thus a shift of the diaphragm edge to generate the Light / dark limit results, whereby there is already a small expansion effects on the course of the glare limit. On due to the special importance of glare for the Ver Sweeping safety must be carried out with great design effort to have negative effects of heating the aperture on to avoid the emitted light.

From DE-PS 11 72 556 is a lamp, especially back light, known for motor vehicles, the light bulb through a Windows also illuminated the trunk. This is inside of the lamp housing a reflector-like in the area of the incandescent lamp Lich trained arm provided by the bulb Light rays hitting the back of the Luminaire housing arranged windows.

The invention has for its object a headlight of the type mentioned in such a way that the on the contour-generating imaging agents hitting her conventional construction unused part of the light ner can be used for other purposes and / or that the heating tion of the imaging agent is greatly reduced.

This object is achieved in that the imaging means in Beam path from through the reflector to the imaging means reflected light beams a device for at least at least partially deflecting and decoupling these light beams bundle is assigned. The one device for redirecting and Coupling is either directly to the figure with or at a distance from the imaging media in the beam path arranged. The proportion of light in the headlamp that was previously used by contour-generating imaging agents, such as. B. an aperture the light beam reflected by the reflector is hidden and has been absorbed, can now be redirected and decoupled and thus used for other purposes. This is now preferred additionally available light to strengthen the Ab  glare from radiation in the area of the main beam path, as a fan-shaped emitted fog light or as above high beam placed at the glare limit. However, there are other uses and combinations of the previous Embodiments mentioned conceivable. Because that on the contu generating imaging agent light according to the invention no longer absorbed, but completely reflected or is diverted and decoupled, no essential He finds heating of the imaging agent instead, so that a shift the glare limit due to thermal expansion effects below remains. The invention is particularly suitable for use in electronics suitable for vehicles because one light is on each time source simultaneously or selectively several beam paths provides and so the power consumption can be kept low.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device for deflection ken and decoupling reflection means for deflecting the light beam bundle. The direction; the density and size of the Light beam is due to the shape and number of reflect Xionsmittel adaptable to the respective requirements. The redirected light can also be emitted in areas that neither by the headlights, nor by the rear lights of the Motor vehicle are detectable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the reflections medium at least one curved, reflective surface. The curvature can be concave or convex.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device for redirecting and decoupling the light beams totally reflecting agents. As such means are, for example prismatic body provided.

In a further embodiment of the invention, means for changing the reflectivity or transmittance of the Refle Xionsmittel provided. This makes it possible for the rays to influence the path of the deflected light. That’s it  possible to use the redirected light for other uses put or not. By influencing the beam path it is also possible to use the redirected and decoupled light to superimpose the main beam path of the headlight, whereby a greater light intensity, for example for a ver strong low beam, can be achieved. To function as a ne the horizontal Winkelbe range of redirected and decoupled light ter than the main beam path. Besides, is it is possible to see the main beam path at least in the visible area To influence the frequency range so that no more light in the Angular range between the glare limit of the main beam path and the top of the redirected and decoupled light beam can reach. If two facilities for order direct and decouple the light beams are provided, it is possible to use the redirected and decoupled light beam to influence lengang, especially to strengthen. When on Set of at least two reflection means at the same height it is also possible to use two beam paths for deflected and to achieve decoupled light, both the additional Angle ranges for fog light as well as for high beam, and so that the angle areas relevant to traffic technology are covered.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device Light guiding elements, in particular at least one light well or an optical fiber. The light passing through rays can be favorably by electronically switchable Absorbents, such as LCD panels or the like, are affected. When using an optical fiber, it is possible to to design the entrance optics of the optical waveguide so that they act as contour-generating edges.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device for redirecting and decoupling between defined positions adjustable elements. This measure also means that Influences of the beam paths of the reverse described above deflected and decoupled beams of light achievable.  

It goes without saying that this is included for deflecting and decoupling Light with the help of the corresponding parts and elements the device for deflecting and decoupling also inside the Can be blasted from the vehicle. It is also possible to side body Provide openings through which the appropriate light radiation beam radiated laterally outwards in the area to those who are neither from the headlights nor from the rear lights th of the vehicle are detectable.

In a further embodiment of the invention is a control unit for coordinated change and adjustment of the facility as well as parts of this facility. Depending on how many different functions within the motor vehicle by using the redirected and decoupled light rays are to be detected, the control unit expediently ßig a control electronics to which the appropriate radio tion elements are connected and can be activated if required.

By creating one above the low beam illuminated area lying light beam, from which by zwi switched filters all below the ultraviolet fre quota range have been decoupled, he gives itself a particularly advantageous and road-safe exit layout. This light is not for the human eye visible and can therefore not be dazzling. As soon as it but strikes objects that are fluorescent, phosphorescent rend or similar properties, that is returned emitted light shifted into the visible frequency range and thus the early recognition of oneself is not yet in the Be dimmed objects. Take an appropriate filter from the beam path or makes it ineffective, the same thing works now Visibly emitted light beams as high beams. By the one bring a second device for deflection and decoupling on the one hand it is in the main beam path of the headlight possible to ver the already decoupled light beam strengthen, and secondly, that in the main radiation direction  reduce the blasted portion. This will cause self-glare avoided in fog. This additionally decoupled part of the main light can be used as a fog lamp where by reinforcing the fog lamp and reducing it self-glare can be achieved.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the subclaims and from the description below of preferred embodiments of the invention based on of the drawings are shown.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a longitudinal section of an embodiment of a headlamp according to the invention with a device for deflecting and decoupling light beams, which are reflected on the surface of the contour-generating imaging means,

A schematic plan view of the headlamp of FIG. 1 in the direction of the light reflected by the headlamp reflector light beams, in particular the loading rich Fig. 2 is largely the contour forming edges,

Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic section through a further implementation form of a headlight according to the invention, wherein the deflection of the light beam is made by the main beam path of the headlamp through,

A schematic plan view of headlamps and tail lamps of a motor vehicle, wherein the front coupling headlight with a direction for deflecting and off certain light beams are provided Fig. 4,

Fig. 5 in a schematic longitudinal section of a further implementation form of a headlight according to the invention, which is provided with a secondary system in the form of a Fernscheinwer fers, fed-ray beam through the extracted light,

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a headlight according to the invention, in which the coupling of the light beam lenbündel generates an additional light, such as a fog light, and an amplification of another light and

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a headlamp according to the invention, the verse with three different possibilities of use for the hidden light rays is hen.

A headlight ( 1 ) according to FIGS. 1 and 2 has a light source ( 2 ), a concave mirror reflector ( 3 ) and a lens ( 4 ), which can also represent a lens system made up of several lenses. The headlight ( 1 a) has as a contour-generating image a diaphragm ( 5 ) which protrudes from below into the beam path of the light reflected by the reflector ( 3 ) and serves part of the light reflected by the reflector ( 3 ) and Hide light coming directly from the light source ( 2 ). The passing on the aperture ( 5 ) light beam (L2) forms an upper edge ( 5 a, 5 b) of the aperture ( 5 ) (see Fig. 2) as a sharp glare limit in the beam path of the headlight ( 1 a). The main beam path (L1), which is not influenced, is passed through the reflector ( 3 ) to the lens ( 4 ) and emerges from there through a lens ( 6 ) to the outside. The main beam path (L1) and the boundary beam path (L2) form the light that can be used in the lens ( 4 ). The light beams (L4, L5), which are emitted from the reflector ( 3 ) to the diaphragm ( 5 ), are by a reflective means ( 8 ) before hitting the diaphragm ( 5 ), which is attached to a painter ( 7 ) is deflected approximately vertically down into a light shaft ( 9 ). The light beams (L4 and L5) therefore do not strike the screen ( 5 ) and therefore cannot lead to heating of the screen ( 5 ). The Refle xionsmittel ( 8 ) is mounted in the embodiment at the entrance of the light well ( 9 ). At the exit of the light well ( 9 ) a further reflection means ( 10 ) is mounted, which deflects the coupled light beams (L4, L5) approximately parallel to the main beam path (L1) to the front. The decoupled light beams (L4, L5) meet a lens ( 11 ) or a corresponding lens system, through which a secondary beam path is achieved, which can be used as a fog lamp ( 1 b) or as a high beam. Another lens or lens ( 12 ) is connected downstream of the lens ( 11 ). Since the painter ( 7 ) in contrast to the prior art no longer has to compensate for the heating of the contour-generating imaging agent, for example the diaphragm, or the resulting displacement of the contour-generating edges ( 5 a, 5 b), this mal ter can comparatively easily be executed. The non-contour-generating edges are denoted by ( 5 c) in the illustration according to FIG. 2. All elements for deflecting, decoupling and using the light beams (L4 and L5) are part of the device for deflecting and decoupling.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the headlight ( 1 a) has the same elements for achieving a main beam as the headlight according to FIGS. 1 and 2, which is made clear by using the same reference numerals. In this headlamp ( 1 a), the reflection means of the device for deflecting and decoupling the light beams emitted to the aperture are not arranged at a distance from the aperture, but directly on the aperture ( 8 c). For this purpose, the aperture ( 8 c) for a vertical deflection of the light beam del (L4 and L5) has a reflective surface ( 8 d). The aperture as the contour-generating imaging means is in this way integrated with the device for deflecting and decoupling the light beam as an integral optical element. Due to the largely reflective upper surface ( 8 d), the heating effect of the aperture ( 8 c) is reduced as a contour-generating imaging agent in such a way that the contour-generating edges ( 8 a, 8 b) remain sufficiently stabilized. The light beams (L4 and L5) are deflected across the main beam path (L1) of the headlight ( 1 a) while avoiding a light shaft. Another Refle xionsmittel ( 13 ) - also part of the device for deflecting and decoupling -, in the embodiment, a concave concave mirror, directs the light beams (L4, L5) against the direction of the main beam path (L1) through a disc ( 14 ) to the rear from. Correspondingly, a deflection to the side can also be achieved, as a result of which the disk ( 14 ) forms a side marking light in a corresponding lateral body opening. Due to the curvature of the reflection by means of ( 13 ), the light beams (L4 and L5) are concentrated, whereby a high luminosity can be achieved even with wide light paths. The advantage of such a headlight can be seen in the arrangement according to FIG. 4. A motor vehicle ( 15 ) according to FIG. 4 has two tail lights ( 16 ) and two headlights ( 1 a) (only one shown). The tail lights ( 16 ) illuminate an angular range (γ), the headlights ( 1 a) illuminate an angular range (β). With (L6) through the side diffuser ( 14 ) emerging part of the light beam (L4 and L5) is designated. (L7) denotes the portion of the light beams (L4 and L5) lost inside the body. This allows the conventional lighting system, consisting of headlights ( 1 a) and tail lights ( 16 ), not detected angle range (α) to the side of the vehicle to be fully illuminated without the need for additional lights.

The headlamp according to Fig. 5 modifies the headlamp system of Fig. 1, wherein the secondary system is designed to (1 b) as a headlight, the light beam (L4 and L5) above the main beam path (L1, L2) of the primary system (1 a) the remote sign rich illuminates. The through the reflection means ( 8 ) ausekop pelte bundles of light rays (L4 and L5) pass through a filter system having a filter disc ( 18 ), a socket ( 17 ) and an actuator ( 30 ). The filter system suppresses all visible frequency ranges, so that light rays (L8) passing through the filter disk ( 18 ) only consist of invisible ultraviolet light. This is emitted through the second reflection means ( 10 ), the lens (L5) and the lens ( 12 ) through into the high beam area and can be converted there to fluorescent, phosphorescent or similar surfaces in visibly reflected light. The filter system can be easily removed from the beam path by means of the actuator ( 30 ), the socket ( 17 ) with the filter disc ( 18 ) in the position ( 17 a) is moved. The light beams (L4 and L5) thus pass through the filter plane (F) unhindered and are emitted as visible high beam. In this case, the light rays (L8) behind the filter plane (F) encompass all spectral components of (L4) and (L5). Here too, all the elements described for decoupling the light beams (L4 and L5) are parts of the device for deflecting and decoupling.

In its basic structure, the headlamp ( 1 a, 1 b) according to FIG. 6 corresponds to the headlamp according to FIG. 1. The bundles of light rays deflected by the reflecting means ( 8 ) in front of the diaphragm ( 5 ) (L4, L5) again deflecting reflecting means ( 23 ), however, are designed in this embodiment on the one hand as a concave mirror and on the other hand arranged pivotably. For this purpose, an adjusting device ( 22 ) is assigned to the reflection means ( 23 ). The reflection means ( 23 ) are pivotable between the position ( 23 ) and the position ( 23 a), in which they do not cause deflection of the light beams (L4 and L5). As soon as the reflection means ( 23 ) are pivoted into their deflection position, the light beams (L4 and L5) are directed into a diffusing area ( 19 b) of a diffusing screen ( 19 ), which is assigned a specific function. A further device for deflecting and decoupling light beams is assigned to the headlight according to FIG. 6, the reflection means ( 21 ) being inserted and removed in the form of a mirror. This can be delivered to the main beam path (L1, L2). An adjusting device ( 20 ) serves to adjust the reflection means ( 21 ) between its position ( 21 a) that is out of operation and its operating position. In the pivoted-in operating position, the mirror ( 21 ) deflects the light bundles (L1, L2) of the main beam so that they fall via reflection means ( 24 and 25 ) onto the lens area ( 19 a) of the lens ( 19 ) optimized for these light rays. This results in different conditions of use, with the secondary system ( 1 b) serving as a fog lamp and the primary system ( 1 a) as a low-beam headlamp. The possible uses are either low beam and fog light, or only low beam, or enhanced fog light.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the headlight consists of three light-emitting subsystems ( 1 a, 1 b and 1 c). These different subsystems define low beam, fog light and high beam. The device for deflecting and decoupling the light beam (L4 and L5) emitted by the reflector ( 3 ) towards the diaphragm ( 5 ) has in the area in front of the diaphragm ( 5 ) as a reflection means a mirror ( 26 ) coated on both sides, which is a plane and has a concave surface on opposite sides. This is pivotable between a position ( 26 ) and a position ( 26 a), the light beams (L4 and L5) being arranged either on a mirror ( 23 ) for the lenses ( 19 ) or on one above the reflector ( 3 ) Mirrors ( 27 ) for a lens ( 28 ) can be deflected. The light beams (L4 and L5) therefore function either as fog light or as high beam. In each function as high beam, the light beams (L4 and L5) are designated by the reference symbols (L4 'and L5'). The mirror ( 23 ) is pivotable into a rest position ( 22 a), which corresponds to the "fog light off" function. When the movable Spie brought (26 a) (dotted representation) by means of its actuator not shown in the position of gel (26), drop the light beam (L4 and L5) to the concave surface of the mirror (26). You are deflected into the beam path (L4 'and L5') by leaving the subsystem ( 1 c) as high beam after deflection by means of the mirror ( 27 ) through the lens ( 28 ) and the lens ( 29 ).

The invention is not shown in the drawings th and described embodiments limited. By ent speaking arrangement, number and design of reflections means, light wells or refractive agents are bige further application possibilities for the use of from a headlamp decoupled light can be configured. Next the provision of headlamp systems as described above Any other types of are already described Lighting devices on motor vehicles or in motor vehicles can be supplied with the outcoupled light beams.

Claims (15)

1. Headlight for a motor vehicle with a light source, a reflector and at least one contour-generating imaging means for generating defined light / dark limits, characterized in that the imaging means ( 5 , 8 c) in the beam path from through the reflector ( 3 ) on the imaging means ( 5 , 8 c) reflected light beams (L4, L5) means ( 8 , 9 , 10 ; 8 d, 13 ; 17 , 18 ; 23 , 26 ) for at least partially deflecting and decoupling these light beams (L4 , L5) is assigned to. 2. Headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has reflection means ( 8 , 8 d, 10 , 23 , 26 , 27 ) for deflecting the light beam (L4, L5). 3. Headlight according to claim 2, characterized in that the reflection means ( 8 d) are partially transparent, in particular for frequencies in the non-visible area, are designed. 4. Headlamp according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the reflection means reflect at least one curved one have surface.   5. headlight according to claim 2, characterized in that the device for deflecting and decoupling the light beam lenbündel total reflection means. 6. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Means for changing the reflection or transmission ver are provided for the reflecting means. 7. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has light guiding elements, in particular at least one light shaft ( 9 ), in particular with reflecting inner walls, or an optical waveguide. 8. headlight according to claim 7, characterized in that the light shaft in the area of its walls is a light permeability for certain frequency ranges. 9. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means ( 17 , 18 ) are provided for influencing the beam path of the deflected light beams. 10. Headlight according to claim 9, characterized in that the means comprise at least one filter ( 17 , 18 ) for filtering out visible frequencies. 11. Headlight according to claim 9, characterized in that a liquid crystal diaphragm with variable light transmission liquid is provided.   12. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for deflecting and decoupling between defi ned positions adjustable elements. 13. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit for coordinated change and ver position of the facility and parts of this facility tion depending on the desired usage requirements see is. 14. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device for at least partial deflection and off couple the light beam and the imaging agent integrated by a component that fulfills both functions are realized. 15. Headlight according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that means ( 20 , 21 ) are provided for optional deflection or suppression of the main radiation beam (L1, L2) not reflected on the imaging means.