EP0303072B1 - Fitting for vehicle headlamps - Google Patents

Fitting for vehicle headlamps Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0303072B1
EP0303072B1 EP88111645A EP88111645A EP0303072B1 EP 0303072 B1 EP0303072 B1 EP 0303072B1 EP 88111645 A EP88111645 A EP 88111645A EP 88111645 A EP88111645 A EP 88111645A EP 0303072 B1 EP0303072 B1 EP 0303072B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lens
crystals
light
equipment according
reflector
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EP88111645A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0303072A3 (en
EP0303072A2 (en
Inventor
Rainer Dr.-Phys. Neumann
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/63Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F21S41/64Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by changing their light transmissivity, e.g. by liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
    • F21S41/645Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by changing their light transmissivity, e.g. by liquid crystal or electrochromic devices by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/40Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/43Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades characterised by the shape thereof
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/40Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for headlights, in particular for motor vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the brake light of the prior art consists of a reflector and an incandescent lamp arranged therein and has optical means arranged in the beam path of the light for influencing the rays reflected by the reflector.
  • An electro-optical disk is inserted between the reflector and the optical means and is connected to an electrical power source.
  • the disc In day mode, the disc is under tension and is then completely translucent, so that all the light emitted by the reflector is transmitted.
  • only a reduced voltage is applied, so that only part of the light beam is let through and the rest is shadowed.
  • An electro-optical pane as used in the prior art is not suitable for a low-beam headlamp.
  • a plate that completely absorbs light cannot be arranged in the dipped-beam headlamp, but so much light must be radiated onto the roadway that driving safety is ensured.
  • With electrical signals applied to the electro-optical plate no individual zones form on the pane. It is not possible to shade different zones on the electro-optical plate.
  • the invention is based on the idea of using optically bistable crystals in connection with headlights.
  • Optically bistable crystals have the property that when the optical input power is weak and when a threshold value is exceeded, they suddenly have a high output power and when the input power is reduced, with a certain hysteresis effect, they suddenly jump back from the high output power to the weak output power. If such optically bistable crystals are applied to a disk in the beam path emanating from the reflector, the light distribution and thus the illumination of the road can be optimized in accordance with the prevailing influencing factors. This makes vehicle steering easier and essentially avoids risky traffic situations. Good visibility is achieved in every road situation. With the device according to the invention, the light distribution of a headlight is automatically controlled and if the apron is too bright, the apron zones are damped.
  • an automatic switching from low beam to high beam and vice versa is achieved and an adjustment of the light distribution to the lighting conditions of the environment, that is, fog, snow or rain.
  • the device according to claim 9 enables a deflection device to use the rays emanating from the incandescent lamp arranged in the reflector to control the crystals.
  • the number of zones to be switched on the lens can be increased in an advantageous manner.
  • FIG. 1 shows a high-beam and low-beam headlamp of a conventional type with a lens in a spatial representation
  • 2 shows a diagram of the behavior of the bistable crystals as a function of the light intensity supplied to the emitted light intensity, that is to say the light transmittance or opacity
  • FIG. 3 shows a high-beam and low-beam headlight with imaging optics, likewise in a spatial representation.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device for headlights, in particular for motor vehicles, with a reflector 10 and an incandescent lamp 11 arranged therein.
  • the incandescent lamp 11 emits rays which are deflected by the reflector 10. Two of the deflected beams 14, 15 are shown, the beam path of the reflector go to the optical disc 12, which in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 is a diffusion disc 16.
  • Optically bistable crystals are arranged on the inside of the lens 16.
  • the bistable crystals which are made of semiconductor materials such. B. GaAs, InSb, CuCl, etc., have the property of being opaque at a basic light intensity and only switching from opaque to translucent at a certain light intensity radiating onto them.
  • the light rays emanating from the headlight reflector have the above basic light intensity or light intensity which is not sufficient to switch the crystals.
  • another light radiation onto the bistable crystals is required to switch the crystals.
  • the semiconductor materials or bistable crystals react to increasing light intensity, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the light intensity I0 is shown on the abscissa and the light intensity that passes through the crystals is shown on the ordinate.
  • the incandescent lamp 11 is switched on, the light intensity I sw (see FIG. 2) radiates onto the crystals, which at this light intensity still absorb all of the light.
  • the further luminous intensity I s is also required to reach the luminous intensity I g .
  • the bistable crystals At the luminous intensity I g , the luminous intensity comes above the threshold at the reference point 17 in FIG. 2 and the bistable crystals suddenly switch from opaque to translucent.
  • the bistable crystals When the light intensity I0 is increased, the bistable crystals follow the course of the diagram curve 18 in FIG. 2.
  • the bistable crystals When the additional light intensity I s is reduced, the bistable crystals again follow the diagram curve 18 and return to the value I sw with a hysteresis effect . At this value I sw of light intensity, the bistable crystals again absorb almost all of the light.
  • the additional light intensity that is necessary for switching the optically bistable crystals is generated by a control light source, in particular a laser 20 or 30 (FIG. 1).
  • the laser must shine with the light intensity that is necessary to reach the light intensity J g .
  • a radiation splitter 32 is introduced into the laser beam of the laser light sources, which is set such that it irradiates certain zones. The more zones that are irradiated by laser light sources, the greater the resolution at the lens.
  • the laser light sources 20 and 30 were selected as examples for many, on which the function is explained in detail.
  • the incandescent lamp 11 is switched on and generates light beams which are deflected by the reflector and go in the direction of the lens 16.
  • One of these light beams emanating from the reflector 10 is the light beam 15 which strikes the diffusing screen 16.
  • the diffusing screen 16 In this zone of the diffusing screen 16, in which the light beam 15 strikes, no laser beam strikes.
  • the bistable crystals attached to the inside of the lens 16 therefore do not switch to translucency. This single zone of the lens thus blocks the light rays coming from the reflector 10.
  • Another light beam 14 coming from the reflector 10 strikes another individually separate zone of the diffusing screen 16.
  • the laser beam 31 of the laser light source 30 also radiates on this zone of the diffusing screen 16.
  • This laser beam 31 is a laser beam with a suitable wavelength (coherent light) and is switched to the light intensity which switches the bistable crystals of this zone on the inside of the lens 16 to light transmission. Switching requires only a low power, in the milliwatt range, and a point beam from the laser light source (20, 30) is sufficient for switching the individual zones. As a result, the rays from the reflector can pass through the lens 16 onto the roadway unhindered.
  • the light beam 41 which comes from the reflector 11, strikes a mirror 43 attached to the circumference of the reflector 11 and movable via a mechanical device 42.
  • the mirror is connected to a filter 44 through which the light beams coming from the reflector 10 pass and light beams more predetermined Wavelength are filtered out.
  • the filtered light beam is also suitable for switching the bistable crystals to light transmission.
  • the individual zones of the diffusing screen can be illuminated by appropriate settings of the individual mirrors 43 of the deflection devices 40. Consequently, zones that let light through and zones that block light can also be switched on the lens.
  • the laser light sources 20, 30 or the deflection device 40 are connected to devices 42 and 45, which are not shown in detail and are movable in all degrees of freedom, and which allow the laser light sources to be set in such a way that individual translucent and opaque zones are formed on the lens.
  • the devices 45 of the laser light source and the mechanical devices 42 are controlled by a data processing system 50.
  • the data processing system 50 receives its signals from a sensor system, which can also consist of a single sensor 51.
  • the sensor 51 scans the area in front of the vehicle, i. H. it determines whether an illuminated vehicle is coming towards it. whether street lights are switched on or whether there are special weather conditions such as snow, rain or fog. Consequently, it records the roadway situation in front of the vehicle in general and forwards the signals to the data processing system 24 via the connection 52.
  • the data processing system 50 has stored a variety of lane situations.
  • the data processing system 50 compares the signals of the sensor 51 with the specified values of the individual roadway situations in a target / actual comparison and now in turn outputs a certain control variable via the line 53 to the devices 42, 45 or in alternative embodiment to the laser light sources 20 and 30 further. These devices are then set on the basis of the values coming from the data processing system 50 in such a way that certain translucent and opaque zones form on the lens. This also enables an automatic high beam / low beam switching and vice versa.
  • FIG. Headlights of this type have a reflector 10, with an incandescent lamp 11 arranged in the reflector 10 and a diaphragm 3, in front of the reflector 10 and a downstream collecting lens 4 arranged in the beam direction.
  • the diaphragm 3 is a disc which is only on the side facing the reflector Side is coated with optically bistable crystals and it is in turn divided into several separate zones. If a zone of this aperture, like Described above in FIG. 1, illuminated with a predetermined light intensity, the optically bistable crystals become translucent.
  • FIG. 1 A headlight with imaging optics
  • the light beam 14 coming from the reflector 10 strikes a zone of the diaphragm 3, on which the light beam 31 also strikes, and therefore a translucent zone 55 is created here.
  • a translucent zone 55 is created here.
  • the automatic light distribution controls with optically bistable crystals can be used with ECE and SAE light distributions, with polyellipsoid headlights and in connection with conventional parabolic, homofocal and segmented reflectors.
  • the described invention can also be operated with gas discharge lamps instead of incandescent lamps.

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung für Scheinwerfer, insbesondere für Kraftfahrzeuge nach der Gattung des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device for headlights, in particular for motor vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1.

Aus der DE-OS 22 09 338 ist eine Tag- und Nachtschaltung einer Blink- und Bremsleuchte bekannt. Die Bremsleuchte des Standes der Technik besteht aus einem Reflektor und einer darin angeordneten Glühlampe und hat im Strahlengang der Leuchte angeordnete optische Mittel zur Beeinflussung der vom Reflektor reflektierten Strahlen. Zwischen dem Reflektor und dem optischen Mittel ist eine elektro-optische Scheibe eingesetzt, die mit einer elektrischen Stromquelle in Verbindung steht. In Tagschaltung steht die Scheibe unter Spannung und ist dann vollkommen lichtdurchlässig, so daß alles vom Reflektor abgestrahlte Licht durchgelassen wird. In der Nachtschaltung hingegen, wird nur eine verminderte Spannung angelegt, so daß nur ein Teil des Lichtbündels hindurchgelassen und der Rest abgeschattet wird.From DE-OS 22 09 338 a day and night switching of a flashing and brake light is known. The brake light of the prior art consists of a reflector and an incandescent lamp arranged therein and has optical means arranged in the beam path of the light for influencing the rays reflected by the reflector. An electro-optical disk is inserted between the reflector and the optical means and is connected to an electrical power source. In day mode, the disc is under tension and is then completely translucent, so that all the light emitted by the reflector is transmitted. In contrast, in the night circuit, only a reduced voltage is applied, so that only part of the light beam is let through and the rest is shadowed.

Eine elektro-optische Scheibe, wie sie im Stand der Technik Anwendung findet, ist für einen Abblendscheinwerfer nicht geeignet. Im Abblendscheinwerfer kann nicht eine Platte angeordnet sein, die Licht völlig absorbiert, sondern es muß so viel Licht auf die Fahrbahn gestrahlt werden, daß die Fahrsicherheit gewährleistet ist. Mit elektrischen Signalen, die an der elektro-optischen Platte anliegen, bilden sich keine einzelnen Zonen auf der Scheibe. Eine Abschattung verschiedener Zonen auf der elektro-optischen Platte ist nicht möglich.An electro-optical pane as used in the prior art is not suitable for a low-beam headlamp. A plate that completely absorbs light cannot be arranged in the dipped-beam headlamp, but so much light must be radiated onto the roadway that driving safety is ensured. With electrical signals applied to the electro-optical plate, no individual zones form on the pane. It is not possible to shade different zones on the electro-optical plate.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Mit der Erfindung nach Anspruch 1 werden die im zuvor erwähnten Stand der Technik dargelegten Probleme in technisch einfacher Weise gelöst.With the invention according to claim 1, the problems set out in the aforementioned prior art are solved in a technically simple manner.

Der Erfindung liegt der Gedanke zugrunde, optisch bistabile Kristalle im Zusammenhang mit Scheinwerfern einzusetzen. Optisch bistabile Kristalle haben die Eigenschaft, daß sie bei schwacher optischer Eingangsleistung und beim Überschreiten eines Schwellenwertes plötzlich eine hohe Ausgangsleistung aufweisen und beim Vermindern der Eingangsleistung mit einem gewissen Hysterese-Effekt plötzlich wieder von hoher Ausgangsleistung auf die schwache Ausgangsleistung zurückspringen. Bringt man solche optisch bistabilen Kristalle auf eine Scheibe in dem vom Reflektor ausgehenden Strahlengang auf, so kann damit die Lichtverteilung und mithin die Ausleuchtung der Fahrbahn entsprechend den jeweils vorherrschenden Einflußfaktoren optimiert werden. Hierdurch wird die Fahrzeuglenkung erleichtert und riskante Verkehrssituationen im wesentlichen vermieden. Es werden gute Sichtverhältnisse bei jeder Fahrbahnsituation erreicht. Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung wird die Lichtverteilung eines Scheinwerfers automatisch gesteuert und bei zu hellem Vorfeld wird eine Dämpfung der Vorfeldzonen ermöglicht.The invention is based on the idea of using optically bistable crystals in connection with headlights. Optically bistable crystals have the property that when the optical input power is weak and when a threshold value is exceeded, they suddenly have a high output power and when the input power is reduced, with a certain hysteresis effect, they suddenly jump back from the high output power to the weak output power. If such optically bistable crystals are applied to a disk in the beam path emanating from the reflector, the light distribution and thus the illumination of the road can be optimized in accordance with the prevailing influencing factors. This makes vehicle steering easier and essentially avoids risky traffic situations. Good visibility is achieved in every road situation. With the device according to the invention, the light distribution of a headlight is automatically controlled and if the apron is too bright, the apron zones are damped.

Mit der Einrichtung nach Anspruch 6 wird eine automatische Umschaltung von Abblendlicht auf Fernlicht und umgekehrt erreicht und eine Anpassung der Lichtverteilung an die Lichtverhältnisse der Umgebung, also an Nebel, Schnee oder Regen ermöglicht.With the device according to claim 6, an automatic switching from low beam to high beam and vice versa is achieved and an adjustment of the light distribution to the lighting conditions of the environment, that is, fog, snow or rain.

Die Einrichtung nach Anspruch 9 ermöglicht durch eine Umlenkeinrichtung, die Strahlen, die von der im Reflektor angeordneten Glühlampe ausgehen, zur Steuerung der Kristalle zu verwenden.The device according to claim 9 enables a deflection device to use the rays emanating from the incandescent lamp arranged in the reflector to control the crystals.

Mit der Einrichtung nach Anspruch 10, kann in vorteilhafter Weise die Anzahl der zu schaltenden Zonen auf der Streuscheibe erhöht werden.With the device according to claim 10, the number of zones to be switched on the lens can be increased in an advantageous manner.

Zeichnungdrawing

Zwei Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt und in der Figurenbeschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen: Figur 1 einen Fern- und Abblendscheinwerfer herkömmlicher Bauart mit Streuscheibe in räumlicher Darstellung; Figur 2 ein Schaubild des Verhaltens der bistabilen Kristalle in Abhängigkeit von der zugeführten Lichtintensität zur abgegebenen Lichtintensität, das heißt der Lichtdurchlässigkeit oder Lichtundurchlässigkeit und Figur 3 einen Fern- und Abblendlichtscheinwerfer mit abbildender Optik ebenfalls in räumlicher Darstellung.Two embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the description of the figures. FIG. 1 shows a high-beam and low-beam headlamp of a conventional type with a lens in a spatial representation; 2 shows a diagram of the behavior of the bistable crystals as a function of the light intensity supplied to the emitted light intensity, that is to say the light transmittance or opacity, and FIG. 3 shows a high-beam and low-beam headlight with imaging optics, likewise in a spatial representation.

Beschreibung der AusführungsbeispieleDescription of the embodiments

In Figur 1 ist eine Einrichtung für Scheinwerfer, insbesondere für Kraftfahrzeuge dargestellt, mit einem Reflektor 10 und einer darin angeordneten Glühlampe 11. Die Glühlampe 11 sendet Strahlen aus, die durch den Reflektor 10 abgelenkt werden. Zwei der abgelenkten Strahlen 14, 15 sind dargestellt, deren Strahlengang vom Reflektor aus auf die optische Scheibe 12, die im Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1 eine Streuscheibe 16 ist, gehen. Auf der Innenseite der Streuscheibe 16 sind optisch bistabile Kristalle angeordnet. Die bistabilen Kristalle, die aus Halbleitermaterialien wie z. B. GaAs, InSb, CuCl etc. bestehen, haben die Eigenschaft, bei einer Basislichtintensität lichtundurchlässig zu sein und erst bei bestimmter auf sie strahlender Lichtintensität von Lichtundurchlässigkeit auf Lichtdurchlässigkeit zu schalten.FIG. 1 shows a device for headlights, in particular for motor vehicles, with a reflector 10 and an incandescent lamp 11 arranged therein. The incandescent lamp 11 emits rays which are deflected by the reflector 10. Two of the deflected beams 14, 15 are shown, the beam path of the reflector go to the optical disc 12, which in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 is a diffusion disc 16. Optically bistable crystals are arranged on the inside of the lens 16. The bistable crystals, which are made of semiconductor materials such. B. GaAs, InSb, CuCl, etc., have the property of being opaque at a basic light intensity and only switching from opaque to translucent at a certain light intensity radiating onto them.

Ist das Scheinwerferlicht eingeschaltet, haben die von dem Scheinwerferreflektor ausgehenden Lichtstrahlen obige Basislichtintensität oder Lichtstärke, die nicht ausreicht, um die Kristalle umzuschalten. Zur Umschaltung der Kristalle ist neben den Lichtstrahlen, die von Reflektor ausgehen, eine weitere Lichtstrahlung auf die bistabilen Kristalle erforderlich. Die Halbleitermaterialien oder bistabilen Kristalle reagieren auf zunehmende Lichtstärke, wie in Figur 2 dargestellt. Auf der Abszisse ist die zugeführte Lichtstärke I₀ dargestellt und auf der Ordinate die Lichtstärke, die durch die Kristalle geht. Bei eingeschalteter Glühlampe 11 strahlt die Lichtstärke Isw (vgl. Figur 2) auf die Kristalle, die bei dieser Lichtstärke noch das ganze Licht absorbieren. Es ist noch die weitere Lichtstärke Is erforderlich, um auf die Lichtstärke Ig zu kommen. Bei der Lichtstärke Ig kommt die Lichtstärke über den Schwellenwert am Bezugspunkt 17 der Figur 2 und die bistabilen Kristalle schalten schlagartig von Lichtundurchlässigkeit auf Lichtdurchlässigkeit um. Bei Erhöhung der Lichtstärke I₀ folgen die bistabilen Kristalle dem Verlauf der Diagrammkurve 18 in Figur 2. Beim Zurücknehmen der zusätzlichen Lichtstärke Is folgen die bistabilen Kristalle wiederum der Diagrammkurve 18 und gehen mit einem Hystereseeffekt wieder auf den Wert Isw zurück. Bei diesem Wert Isw der Lichtstärke absorbieren die bistabilen Kristalle wieder nahezu das gesamte Licht.If the headlight light is switched on, the light rays emanating from the headlight reflector have the above basic light intensity or light intensity which is not sufficient to switch the crystals. In addition to the light rays emanating from the reflector, another light radiation onto the bistable crystals is required to switch the crystals. The semiconductor materials or bistable crystals react to increasing light intensity, as shown in FIG. 2. The light intensity I₀ is shown on the abscissa and the light intensity that passes through the crystals is shown on the ordinate. When the incandescent lamp 11 is switched on, the light intensity I sw (see FIG. 2) radiates onto the crystals, which at this light intensity still absorb all of the light. The further luminous intensity I s is also required to reach the luminous intensity I g . At the luminous intensity I g , the luminous intensity comes above the threshold at the reference point 17 in FIG. 2 and the bistable crystals suddenly switch from opaque to translucent. When the light intensity I₀ is increased, the bistable crystals follow the course of the diagram curve 18 in FIG. 2. When the additional light intensity I s is reduced, the bistable crystals again follow the diagram curve 18 and return to the value I sw with a hysteresis effect . At this value I sw of light intensity, the bistable crystals again absorb almost all of the light.

Die zusätzliche Lichtstärke, die zur Umschaltung der optisch bistabilen Kristalle notwendig ist, erzeugt eine Steuerlichtquelle, insbesondere ein Laser 20 oder 30 (Figur 1).The additional light intensity that is necessary for switching the optically bistable crystals is generated by a control light source, in particular a laser 20 or 30 (FIG. 1).

Der Laser muß mit der Lichtstärke leuchten, die notwendig ist, um zu der Lichtstärke Jg zu kommen. Entsprechend der Anzahl der auf der Streuscheibe aufgebrachten einzelnen getrennten Zonen sind entweder die gleiche Anzahl von Laserlichtquellen erforderlich oder in den Laserstrahl der Laserlichtquellen wird ein Strahlungsteiler 32 eingebracht, der so eingestellt ist, daß er bestimmte Zonen bestrahlt. Je mehr Zonen von Laserlichtquellen bestrahlt werden, um so größer ist die Auflösung an der Streuscheibe.The laser must shine with the light intensity that is necessary to reach the light intensity J g . Depending on the number of individual separate zones applied to the lens, either the same number of laser light sources is required or a radiation splitter 32 is introduced into the laser beam of the laser light sources, which is set such that it irradiates certain zones. The more zones that are irradiated by laser light sources, the greater the resolution at the lens.

Von einer Vielzahl um den Reflektor 10 angeordneten Laserlichtquellen wurden die Laserlichtquellen 20 und 30 (Figur 1) exemplarisch für viele herausgegriffen, an denen die Funktion im einzelnen erklärt wird.From a large number of laser light sources arranged around the reflector 10, the laser light sources 20 and 30 (FIG. 1) were selected as examples for many, on which the function is explained in detail.

Die Glühlampe 11 ist eingeschaltet und erzeugt Lichtstrahlen, die vom Reflektor abgelenkt werden und in Richtung Streuscheibe 16 gehen. Einer von diesen vom Reflektor 10 ausgehenden Lichtstrahlen ist der Lichtstrahl 15, der auf die Streuscheibe 16 trifft. In dieser Zone der Streuscheibe 16, in der der Lichtstrahl 15 auftrifft, trifft kein Laserstrahl auf. Die auf der Innenseite der Streuscheibe 16 angebrachten bistabilen Kristalle schalten daher nicht auf Lichtdurchlässigkeit um. Diese einzelne Zone der Streuscheibe sperrt folglich die vom Reflektor 10 kommenden Lichtstrahlen.The incandescent lamp 11 is switched on and generates light beams which are deflected by the reflector and go in the direction of the lens 16. One of these light beams emanating from the reflector 10 is the light beam 15 which strikes the diffusing screen 16. In this zone of the diffusing screen 16, in which the light beam 15 strikes, no laser beam strikes. The bistable crystals attached to the inside of the lens 16 therefore do not switch to translucency. This single zone of the lens thus blocks the light rays coming from the reflector 10.

Ein weiterer, vom Reflektor 10 kommender Lichtstrahl 14, trifft auf eine andere einzeln, voneinander getrennte Zone der Streuscheibe 16. Auf dieser Zone der Streuscheibe 16 strahlt auch der Laserstrahl 31 der Laserlichtquelle 30. Dieser Laserstrahl 31 ist ein Laserstrahl mit geeigneter Wellenlänge (kohärentes Licht) und ist auf die Lichtstärke geschaltet, die die bistabilen Kristalle dieser Zone auf der Innenseite der Streuscheibe 16 auf Lichtdurchlässigkeit schaltet. Zur Umschaltung ist nur eine geringe, im Milliwatt-Bereich liegende Leistung erforderlich, und ein Punktestrahl der Laserlichtquelle (20, 30) reicht für die Umschaltung der einzelnen Zonen aus. Folglich können die Strahlen vom Reflektor ungehindert durch die Streuscheibe 16 auf die Fahrbahn gelangen.Another light beam 14 coming from the reflector 10 strikes another individually separate zone of the diffusing screen 16. The laser beam 31 of the laser light source 30 also radiates on this zone of the diffusing screen 16. This laser beam 31 is a laser beam with a suitable wavelength (coherent light) and is switched to the light intensity which switches the bistable crystals of this zone on the inside of the lens 16 to light transmission. Switching requires only a low power, in the milliwatt range, and a point beam from the laser light source (20, 30) is sufficient for switching the individual zones. As a result, the rays from the reflector can pass through the lens 16 onto the roadway unhindered.

Eine weitere die Umschaltung steuernde Steuerlichtquelle, die Strahlung vorbestimmter Intensität oder Lichtstärke auf die optisch bistabilen Kristalle sendet, ist in alternativer Ausführung in Figur 1 ein Lichtstrahl 41, der von der Glühlampe 11 kommt und von einer von vielen um den Reflektor 10 angeordneten Umlenkeinrichtungen 40 abgelenkt wird. Der Lichtstrahl 41, der vom Reflektor 11 kommt, trifft auf einen am Umfang des Reflektors 11 angebrachten, über eine mechanische Einrichtung 42 beweglichen Spiegel 43. Der Spiegel ist mit einem Filter 44 verbunden, durch den die vom Reflektor 10 kommenden Lichtstrahlen gehen und Lichtstrahlen vorbestimmter Wellenlänge herausgefiltert werden. Der herausgefilterte Lichtstrahl ist gleichfalls geeignet, die bistabilen Kristalle auf Lichtdurchlässigkeit zu schalten. Durch entsprechende Einstellungen der einzelnen Spiegel 43 der Umlenkeinrichtungen 40 können die einzelnen Zonen der Streuscheibe angestrahlt werden. Folglich können auch damit auf der Streuscheibe Zonen, die Licht durchlassen, und Zonen, die Licht sperren, geschaltet werden.Another control light source that controls the switchover and that sends radiation of predetermined intensity or light intensity to the optically bistable crystals is, in an alternative embodiment in FIG becomes. The light beam 41, which comes from the reflector 11, strikes a mirror 43 attached to the circumference of the reflector 11 and movable via a mechanical device 42. The mirror is connected to a filter 44 through which the light beams coming from the reflector 10 pass and light beams more predetermined Wavelength are filtered out. The filtered light beam is also suitable for switching the bistable crystals to light transmission. The individual zones of the diffusing screen can be illuminated by appropriate settings of the individual mirrors 43 of the deflection devices 40. Consequently, zones that let light through and zones that block light can also be switched on the lens.

Die Laserlichtquellen 20, 30 oder die Umlenkeinrichtung 40 sind mit nicht im Detail dargestellten, in allen Freiheitsgraden beweglichen Einrichtungen 42 und 45 verbunden, die eine solche Einstellung der Laserlichtquellen erlauben, daß einzelne lichtdurchlässige und lichtundurchlässige Zonen auf der Streuscheibe gebildet werden.The laser light sources 20, 30 or the deflection device 40 are connected to devices 42 and 45, which are not shown in detail and are movable in all degrees of freedom, and which allow the laser light sources to be set in such a way that individual translucent and opaque zones are formed on the lens.

Die Einrichtungen 45 der Laserlichtquelle und die mechanischen Einrichtungen 42 werden von einem Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 gesteuert. Das Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 erhält seine Signale von einem Sensorsystem, das auch aus einem einzigen Sensor 51 bestehen kann. Der Sensor 51 tastet den Bereich vor dem Fahrzeug ab, d. h. er stellt fest, ob ein beleuchtetes Fahrzeug entgegenkommt. ob Straßenbeleuchtungen eingeschaltet sind oder ob besondere Witterungsverhältnisse wie Schnee, Regen, Nebel herrschen. Er erfaßt folglich ganz allgemein die Fahrbahnsituation vor dem Fahrzeug und gibt die Signale über die Verbindung 52 an das Datenverarbeitungssystem 24 weiter. Das Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 hat eine Vielzahl von Fahrbahnsituationen gespeichert. Über eine fest verankerte, einprogrammierte Logik vergleicht das Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 in einem Soll/Ist-Vergleich, die Signale des Sensors 51 mit den vorgegebenen Werten der einzelnen Fahrbahnsituationen und gibt nun seinerseits eine bestimmte Steuergröße über die Leitung 53 an die Einrichtungen 42, 45 oder in alternativer Ausführung an die Laserlichtquellen 20 und 30 weiter. Diese Einrichtungen werden aufgrund der vom Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 kommenden Werte dann so eingestellt, daß sich auf der Streuscheibe bestimmte lichtdurchlässige und lichtundurchlässige Zonen bilden. Damit wird auch eine automatische Fernlicht/Abblendlicht-Schaltung und umgekehrt erreicht.The devices 45 of the laser light source and the mechanical devices 42 are controlled by a data processing system 50. The data processing system 50 receives its signals from a sensor system, which can also consist of a single sensor 51. The sensor 51 scans the area in front of the vehicle, i. H. it determines whether an illuminated vehicle is coming towards it. whether street lights are switched on or whether there are special weather conditions such as snow, rain or fog. Consequently, it records the roadway situation in front of the vehicle in general and forwards the signals to the data processing system 24 via the connection 52. The data processing system 50 has stored a variety of lane situations. Using a firmly anchored, programmed logic, the data processing system 50 compares the signals of the sensor 51 with the specified values of the individual roadway situations in a target / actual comparison and now in turn outputs a certain control variable via the line 53 to the devices 42, 45 or in alternative embodiment to the laser light sources 20 and 30 further. These devices are then set on the basis of the values coming from the data processing system 50 in such a way that certain translucent and opaque zones form on the lens. This also enables an automatic high beam / low beam switching and vice versa.

In Figur 3 ist ein Scheinwerfer mit abbildender Optik dargestellt. Scheinwerfer dieser Art haben einen Reflektor 10, mit im Reflektor 10 angeordneter Glühlampe 11 und einer Blende 3, vor dem Reflektor 10 und einer nachgeschalteten in Strahlenrichtung vor der Blende angeordneten Sammellinse 4. Die Blende 3 ist eine Scheibe, die nur an der dem Reflektor zugewandten Seite mit optisch bistabilen Kristallen beschichtet ist und sie ist wiederum in mehrere voneinander getrennte Zonen unterteilt. Wird eine Zone dieser Blende, wie oben bei Figur 1 beschrieben, mit vorbestimmter Lichtstärke angestrahlt, so werden die optisch bistabilen Kristalle lichtdurchlässig. In Figur 3 trifft der vom Reflektor 10 kommende Lichtstrahl 14 auf eine Zone der Blende 3 auf, auf der auch der Lichtstrahl 31 auftrifft und daher entsteht hier eine lichtdurchlässige Zone 55. Auch bei dieser Ausführung sind, wie in Figur 2 beschrieben, mehrere Laser oder/und Umlenkeinrichtungen vorhanden. Daher können sich, entsprechend der vom Datenverarbeitungssystem 50 kommenden Signale, verschiedene Formen der Blende 3 bilden.A headlight with imaging optics is shown in FIG. Headlights of this type have a reflector 10, with an incandescent lamp 11 arranged in the reflector 10 and a diaphragm 3, in front of the reflector 10 and a downstream collecting lens 4 arranged in the beam direction. The diaphragm 3 is a disc which is only on the side facing the reflector Side is coated with optically bistable crystals and it is in turn divided into several separate zones. If a zone of this aperture, like Described above in FIG. 1, illuminated with a predetermined light intensity, the optically bistable crystals become translucent. In FIG. 3, the light beam 14 coming from the reflector 10 strikes a zone of the diaphragm 3, on which the light beam 31 also strikes, and therefore a translucent zone 55 is created here. Also in this embodiment, as described in FIG. 2, there are several lasers or / and deflection devices available. Different forms of the aperture 3 can therefore be formed in accordance with the signals coming from the data processing system 50.

Die automatischen Lichtverteilungssteuerungen mit optisch bistabilen Kristallen sind bei ECE und SAE-Lichtverteilungen, bei Polyellipsoidscheinwerfern und im Zusammenhang mit herkömmlichen Parabol-, Homofokal- und segmentierten Reflektoren einsetzbar.The automatic light distribution controls with optically bistable crystals can be used with ECE and SAE light distributions, with polyellipsoid headlights and in connection with conventional parabolic, homofocal and segmented reflectors.

Weiterhin kann die beschriebene Erfindung auch mit Gasentladungslampen anstelle von Glühlampen betrieben werden.Furthermore, the described invention can also be operated with gas discharge lamps instead of incandescent lamps.

Claims (10)

  1. Equipment for headlights, especially for motor vehicles, having a reflector (10) and an incandescent lamp (11) or gas discharge lamp disposed therein and having a lens (3; 12) of variable optical transmittance, which lens is disposed at a distance from the reflector (10) in the direction of the light beams (14, 15) reflected by the reflector (10), to influence the light beams (14, 15) reflected by the reflector (10), and further having a diffusing lens (16) disposed behind the lens (3; 12) in the beam path in the direction of the light beams (14, 15) reflected by the reflector (10), characterized in that optically bistable crystals are applied to at least one zone of the lens (12), and in that controllable control light sources (20, 30) emitting coherent light transmit light beams (31) of predetermined intensity to the crystals, the magnitude of the radiation intensity switching over the crystals from optical transmittance to blocking of the light and vice versa.
  2. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lens (12) and the diffusing lens (16) are integrally formed, and in that the crystals are disposed on one side, especially on the inside of the diffusing lens (16).
  3. Equipment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lens (3) is a diaphragm, and in that the crystals are disposed on one side of the diaphragm (3).
  4. Equipment according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the crystals are composed of a semiconductor material.
  5. Equipment according to Claim 4, characterized in that the semiconductor material is GaAs, InSb or CuCl.
  6. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control light sources (20, 30) are controlled by a data processing system (50) in dependence upon control signals of a sensor device (51) detecting the optical conditions of the roadway on which the motor vehicle is moving.
  7. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control light source (20, 30) is a supplementary lamp.
  8. Equipment according to Claim 7, characterized in that the supplementary lamp (20, 30) emits a laser light.
  9. Equipment according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the incandescent lamp (11) or gas discharge lamp serves as the control light source, a deflecting device (40) being provided, which device directs light beams (41) coming from the incandescent lamp (11) or gas discharge lamp through a filter (44) which is disposed in the beam path of the light beams (41) and filters out the light of a predetermined wavelength.
  10. Equipment according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a plurality of control light sources (20, 30) are provided, and in that with each individual control light source (20, 30) there is associated a respective zone with crystals on the lens (3; 12).
EP88111645A 1987-08-08 1988-07-20 Fitting for vehicle headlamps Expired - Lifetime EP0303072B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19873726478 DE3726478A1 (en) 1987-08-08 1987-08-08 DEVICE FOR HEADLIGHTS, ESPECIALLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
DE3726478 1987-08-08

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EP0303072A2 EP0303072A2 (en) 1989-02-15
EP0303072A3 EP0303072A3 (en) 1990-03-07
EP0303072B1 true EP0303072B1 (en) 1994-06-01

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EP88111645A Expired - Lifetime EP0303072B1 (en) 1987-08-08 1988-07-20 Fitting for vehicle headlamps

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EP (1) EP0303072B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2608931B2 (en)
DE (2) DE3726478A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3844364C2 (en) * 1988-12-30 1996-07-25 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method for controlling the light emission of a headlight arrangement of a vehicle and headlight arrangement for carrying out the method
DE19548485A1 (en) 1995-12-22 1997-06-26 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Low beam headlights for vehicles
DE19750495B4 (en) * 1997-11-14 2009-12-03 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Headlamp system for vehicles
US6742918B2 (en) 2002-04-12 2004-06-01 Guide Corporation Movable condenser lens
JP5584023B2 (en) * 2010-06-25 2014-09-03 シャープ株式会社 Headlight
JP7425262B2 (en) * 2020-12-01 2024-01-30 シグニファイ ホールディング ビー ヴィ laser-based lighting devices

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1261195A (en) * 1968-07-05 1972-01-26 Lucas Industries Ltd Lighting systems for road vehicles
DE2209338A1 (en) * 1972-02-28 1973-09-06 Bosch Gmbh Robert LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
US4306772A (en) * 1977-07-06 1981-12-22 Harrigan Roy Major Photochromic light lens
FR2590965B1 (en) * 1985-11-29 1989-02-17 Cibie Projecteurs TWO-LIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT FOR VEHICLE SUCH AS A MOTOR VEHICLE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0303072A3 (en) 1990-03-07
JP2608931B2 (en) 1997-05-14
DE3726478A1 (en) 1989-02-16
JPS6489101A (en) 1989-04-03
EP0303072A2 (en) 1989-02-15
DE3889803D1 (en) 1994-07-07

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