EP2306075B1 - Motor vehicle headlamp with semiconductor sources for generating different light distributions - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a motor vehicle headlight is from DE 10 2008 044 967 A1 known.

From the DE 10 2008 013 603 A1 a headlight with light exit surfaces arranged like a matrix is known, which preferably have a square shape. By specifically switching off individual semiconductor light sources or groups of individual semiconductor light sources when the other semiconductor light sources are otherwise switched on, the associated light exit areas or groups of light exit areas appear dark in the otherwise brightly shining interface of the primary optics, so that the light distribution on the interface and thus also the light distribution in front of the headlight can be controlled on the road by switching semiconductor light sources on and off.

The well-known headlight serves as a high beam and partial high beam headlight. A partial high beam distribution arises from the high beam distribution by specifically switching off those semiconductor light sources whose light would dazzle oncoming traffic. The position of the oncoming traffic is automatically determined by appropriate sensors and signal processing, for example by infrared or radar sensors in conjunction with hardware and software for image processing, and used for automatically switching on and / or switching off and / or dimming the semiconductor light sources.

Due to the square shape, the areas of the light distribution that can be switched on and off have both horizontally running light-dark boundaries and vertical light-dark boundaries.

As is known, low beam distributions differ from high beam distributions in that they have a light-dark boundary which is higher on the side facing away from the oncoming traffic than on the side facing the oncoming traffic. This prevents oncoming traffic from being dazzled, and at the same time the side facing away from oncoming traffic is illuminated with a comparatively large range. In the case of a headlight of the type mentioned initially set up to generate high beam distributions and partial high beam distributions, this can be done, for example, by switching off semiconductor light sources whose light would be projected into an area above a light-dark boundary.

Known headlights, which are set up to generate low beam distributions, generally have design measures for generating an asymmetrical low beam distribution. Examples of such measures are asymmetrically shaped screens, the edge of which is mapped into the area in front of the headlight as a light-dark border in a projection system, as well as free-form reflectors of reflection systems that are shaped so that they reflect the light from a light source preferably in the area below a prescribed light-dark border.

The known headlights designed to generate low beam accordingly have structural differences, depending on whether they are designed for right-hand traffic or for left-hand traffic, which makes construction and production complex and makes storage difficult. There is therefore a need for headlights that are used both for generating low beam distributions for right-hand traffic and for Generation of low beam distributions are suitable for left-hand traffic.

A headlight of the type mentioned above that is set up to generate high beam and / or partial high beam is initially not particularly suitable as a low beam headlight for left-hand traffic nor as a low beam headlight for right-hand traffic, since the respective regulations for the course of the light-dark boundaries with those from the DE 10 2008 013 603 A1 known shapes of the light exit surfaces are not only insufficiently satisfactory. In order to save space and costs and to gain creative freedom, it is fundamentally desirable to fulfill as many light functions as possible with the same optical structures as light sources, primary and secondary optics. The one from the DE 10 2008 044 967 A1 known headlights has a row with diamond-shaped light exit surfaces of the light guide sections.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to specify a headlight of the type mentioned, with which both a high beam distribution, various partial high beam distributions and a rule-compliant low beam distribution adapted for right-hand traffic and a rule-compliant low beam distribution adapted and rule-compliant for left-hand traffic by controlling the activity of the Can generate semiconductor light sources.

In a headlight of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

This configuration of the middle matrix line allows the line to appear light on each side up to one of the V-shaped edges converging on one another and to make the complementary side appear dark. As a result, an inclined light-dark border is generated within the line mentioned, which, due to its inclined course, is compatible with the requirements for asymmetrical light distribution.

The shape of the light exit areas of the adjacent row, which deviates from the shape of the light exit areas of the middle row, allows optimization of other light distributions, in particular partial high beam distributions.

The edges running towards each other in a V-shape can intersect, creating a triangular structure. A triangular shape with a truncated tip, for example a trapezoidal shape, however, also has V-shaped edges that run towards one another.

In this context, a middle line is understood to mean, in particular, a line that lies between two adjacent lines. In the case of n lines z1 to zn, the middle line can therefore be any line zi with 1 <i <n. For example, the middle line can be the second of three lines, the second of four lines, or the third of four lines. The number of lines is therefore not limited to even numbers or odd numbers.

A preferred embodiment provides that the light exit areas adjacent to the central light exit area of the middle row are also V-shaped arranged edges are limited, which run in groups parallel to one of the V-shaped arranged edges of the central area.

This refinement allows the light exit areas to be connected seamlessly along a sloping edge, which allows their images to be connected seamlessly to one another in the projected light distribution. Depending on whether both light exit areas involved are dark or light or whether one of the two light exit areas appears dark and the other light, the projected light distribution shows an evenly dark, an evenly light or a pattern divided by an inclined light-dark border.

It is also preferred that the upper edges of the central light exit area of the middle row and its adjacent light exit areas in the same row are aligned and that the lower edges of the central light exit area and its adjacent light exit areas in the same row are aligned.

This refinement allows the creation of light-dark boundaries in the projected light distribution that run in an alignment in sections. Depending on which light exit areas of the middle row and a row above and / or below appear light or dark, a z-shape low beam distribution can be generated. A z-shape light distribution is understood to mean a light distribution that has a light-dark boundary with horizontally extending sections which are offset in height and which are connected to one another by an inclined or vertical section of the light-dark boundary. It is also preferred that the upper edges and the lower edges run horizontally in the installed position of the headlight, because this allows a regulation-compliant generation of light-dark boundaries, which run horizontally in sections on a measuring screen in front of the vehicle.

It is further preferred that the light exit surfaces of the light guide sections of the middle row have a flat or a curved triangular shape. Another embodiment provides a pentagonal shape which is based on such a triangular shape. In this embodiment, the light exit surfaces of the light guide sections of the middle row have a flat or a curved pentagonal shape, which is composed of a triangle and a rectangle, the two V-shaped edges converging to one another form a tip of the triangle and one side of the rectangle that of the Pointed opposite side of the triangle bounded.

By means of light exit surfaces with these shapes, both obliquely and horizontally running sections of light-dark boundaries can be generated in the projected light distribution. By illuminating the associated light exit surfaces of the primary optics according to a desired light distribution by means of the matrix-like arranged semiconductor light sources, it is possible to generate a low beam distribution for right-hand traffic and for left-hand traffic with an adapted inclination of a light-dark boundary.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one first row of the matrix adjoining the middle row is arranged relative to the middle row in such a way that the light exit surfaces of this first adjoining row are affected by the secondary optics are mapped so that their images appear in the projected light distribution below the images of the light exit areas of the middle line and seamlessly follow the images of the light exit areas of the middle line.

This embodiment allows the generation of low beam distributions for both right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic. For example, the lower line creates a symmetrical light distribution and the middle line creates an additional light component with a greater range on the side facing away from oncoming traffic.

In the case of a vehicle that is equipped with a GPS system (GPS = Global Positioning System), one embodiment provides that the position of the vehicle is determined by the GPS system and, by comparison with stored position data, it is determined whether the position is in one Land with right-hand traffic or with left-hand traffic lies, and, depending on the comparison result, a correspondingly rule-compliant low beam distribution is generated when the low beam is switched on.

In addition, it is preferred that at least one second row of the matrix adjoining the middle row of the matrix is arranged relative to the middle row so that the light exit surfaces of this adjoining second row are imaged by the secondary optics so that their images in the projected light distribution above the Images of the light exit areas of the middle line appear and seamlessly follow the images of the light exit areas of the middle line.

This configuration also allows the generation of a long-range high beam and / or partial high beam.

It is also preferred that the light exit areas of the line, which in the light distribution projected by the secondary optics generate images above the images of the light exit areas of the middle line, have edges that run perpendicular to one of the horizontally extending edges.

This allows the generation of vertically running light-dark boundaries in the projected light distribution, which is advantageous for generating partial high beam bundles. If possible, a partial high beam should only appear dark where other road users could be dazzled and appear light to the right and left of it. The vertically running light-dark borders allow a close fade out of possibly dazzling light components and a far-reaching illumination of the rest of the area in front of the motor vehicle.

It is also preferred that the light exit areas of both the line above and below the middle row have a square shape, the sides of which adjoining the horizontally running edges of the light exit areas of the middle line each abut an edge of a light exit area of the middle side and each precisely are as long as the edges of the light-emitting surface of the middle row on which they lie.

This refinement has the desired consequence that adjacent light exit surfaces have common corners and allows to a large extent avoidance of disruptive step-like courses, since the adjustable light-dark boundaries across such a corner point run in an alignment or change their direction in the corner point only by a bend.

Further advantages emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the attached figures.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

drawings

Figur 1

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers;

Figur 2

eine Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik;

Figur 3

Hauptabstrahlrichtungen und Nebenabstrahlrichtungen von in dem Scheinwerfer propagierendem Licht;

Figur 4

eine Merkmale der Erfindung aufweisende Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik;;

Figur 5

eine Grenzfläche der Primäroptik im Zustand einer Abblendlichtverteilung für Rechtsverkehr;

Figur 6

eine Grenzfläche der Primäroptik im Zustand einer Abblendlichtverteilung für Linksverkehr;

Figur 7

eine Grenzfläche der Primäroptik im Zustand einer Fernlichtverteilung;

Figur 8

eine Grenzfläche der Primäroptik im Zustand einer ersten Teilfernlichtverteilung;

Figur 9

eine Grenzfläche der Primäroptik im Zustand einer zweiten Teilfernlichtverteilung;

Fig. 10

perspektivische Darstellungen einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit eckigen Lichteintrittsflächen;

Fig. 11

perspektivische Darstellungen einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit runden Lichteintrittsflächen;

Fig. 12

eine Grenzfläche einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit viereckigen Lichtaustrittsflächen einer mittleren Zeile;

Fig. 13

eine Grenzfläche einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit fakultativ drei oder fünf Zeilen;

Fig. 14

eine Grenzfläche einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit einer mittleren Zeile aus dreieckigen Lichtaustrittsflächen und fünfeckigen Lichtaustrittsflächen; und

Fig. 16

eine Grenzfläche einer Ausgestaltung einer Primäroptik mit einer mittleren Zeile aus dreieckigen Lichtaustrittsflächen und fünfeckigen Lichtaustrittsflächen.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. The same reference numerals denote the same elements in the various figures. They show, each in schematic form:

Figure 1

a sectional view of a motor vehicle headlight;

Figure 2

an embodiment of a primary optics;

Figure 3

Main emission directions and secondary emission directions of light propagating in the headlight;

Figure 4

an embodiment of a primary optics having features of the invention ;;

Figure 5

a boundary surface of the primary optics in the state of low beam distribution for right-hand traffic;

Figure 6

an interface of the primary optics in the state of a low beam distribution for left-hand traffic;

Figure 7

an interface of the primary optics in the state of high beam distribution;

Figure 8

an interface of the primary optics in the state of a first partial high beam distribution;

Figure 9

an interface of the primary optics in the state of a second partial high beam distribution;

Fig. 10

perspective representations of an embodiment of a primary optics with angular light entry surfaces;

Fig. 11

perspective representations of an embodiment of a primary optics with round light entry surfaces;

Fig. 12

a boundary surface of a configuration of a primary optics with square light exit surfaces of a middle row;

Fig. 13

an interface of a configuration of a primary optics with optionally three or five lines;

Fig. 14

an interface of an embodiment of a primary optics with a middle row of triangular light exit surfaces and pentagonal light exit surfaces; and

Fig. 16

an interface of an embodiment of a primary optics with a middle row of triangular light exit surfaces and pentagonal light exit surfaces.

In detail, the Fig. 1 a sectional view of a motor vehicle headlight 1 with a light module 2, which has a matrix-like arrangement of semiconductor light sources, primary optics 3 and secondary optics 4.

The light module 2 is arranged in a housing 5 of the motor vehicle headlight 1. The housing 5 has a light exit opening which is covered by a transparent cover plate 6. In the embodiment shown, the matrix-like arrangement of semiconductor light sources is on a circuit board 7 arranged.

In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board 7 is a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board. A flexible printed circuit board has the advantage that it allows a spatially curved, in particular concavely curved, connection surface for the semiconductor light sources, which already has a certain bundling effect. Rigid circuit boards, on the other hand, have the advantage of lower costs and better manageability in the manufacture of the headlight and greater stability.

It is also preferred that the circuit board is designed as a structural unit with cooling elements for the semiconductor light sources in order to be able to reliably dissipate the electrical heat loss occurring during operation.

An optical axis 8 extends essentially horizontally from the arrangement of the semiconductor light sources on the board, starting through the primary optics 3 and the secondary optics 4. Fig. 1 shows a headlight 1 cut along the optical axis 8 from the side, ie from a viewing direction lying transversely to the optical axis 8.

The light module 2 preferably has at least one reflecting and / or absorbing surface 9. In the embodiment shown, the surface 9 represents a shutter element which is arranged in a tube 10 on the side of a wall and which extends transversely to the optical axis 8 into the interior of the light module 2.

The secondary optics 4 is preferably an achromatic arrangement of two lenses 11, 12 with different refractive index, which represents a color error correcting double lens due to the respective material and the shape of the two lenses 11, 12.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a primary optics 3 together with an arrangement of semiconductor light sources 13, 14, 15, 16. The semiconductor light sources are in FIG Fig. 2 only for the sake of clarity without the board 7 from the Fig. 1 shown. In one embodiment, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as semiconductor light sources 13, 14, 15, 16.

Depending on the design, the semiconductor light sources have a rectangular light exit surface or a light exit surface that deviates from the rectangular shape due to the desired light distribution and emit light in the approximately white color desired for headlight light distributions. In an alternative embodiment, RGB LEDs are used, that is to say combinations of red, blue and green LEDs which in total result in a colorless white light or which in total result in a desired mixed color.

The primary optics 3 have semiconductor light source-individual light guide sections 17, 18, 19, 20 and an interface 25 composed of light exit surfaces 21, 22, 23, 24 arranged in a matrix-like manner.

Each light guide section picks up light from a semiconductor light source or group of semiconductor light sources that is individually structurally assigned to it and essentially lets this light exit via a light exit surface structurally assigned to it.

The structural assignment results from the fact that a imaginary extension of the longitudinal axis of a light guide section intersects both the structurally assigned semiconductor light source and the structurally assigned light exit surface.

As a result, a light distribution is generated on the interface 25, in which the pattern of the switched-on and switched-off semiconductor light sources is reproduced.

The secondary optics 4, as shown in one embodiment in FIG Fig. 1 is set up to project a light distribution occurring on the interface 25 into an area in front of the headlight 1. Because the semiconductor light sources can each be switched on and off individually or in groups, the projected light distribution can be influenced by targeted switching on and off of semiconductor light sources.

A respective first light guide section 18 and a respective first light exit surface 22 are set up to direct light received by a respective first semiconductor light source 14 in a main emission direction 26 onto the secondary optics. The rays 27 and 28 represent secondary emission directions. The light emitted in these directions 27, 28 should not influence the light distribution generated by the secondary optics from the light of the main emission directions.

Each elongated light guide section 17, 18, 19, 20 is arranged with its end opposite its light exit surface 21, 22, 23, 24 directly in front of the semiconductor light source 13, 14, 15, 16 or group of semiconductor light sources assigned to it, in order to receive light emanating from it. The light to be picked up will initially coupled into the interior of the light guide section by refraction and then passed on in the direction of its light exit surface mainly by total reflection occurring on lateral transport surfaces. In this context, lateral surfaces are characterized in that their surface normal is oriented transversely to the optical axis 8.

Due to its special shape, which is characterized by a cross-section that grows and thus expands in the direction of light propagation, and due to multiple reflections on the transport walls, the light guide reduces the opening angle of the light beam penetrating it. The light is bundled and thus homogenized. In this context, homogeneous light is understood to mean a light that uniformly illuminates the light exit surface of the light guide section. The light exit surface is illuminated homogeneously with light in a similar direction of propagation.

The widening cross-section is preferably achieved by side surfaces running in the direction of light propagation, which are at least partially curved conically and / or concavely and thereby define a funnel-shaped structure.

In the embodiment shown, the transport surfaces of adjacent light guide sections approach one another with increasing approach to the light exit surfaces. Depending on the configuration, the primary optics 3 consists of individual, separate light guide sections or is implemented as a one-piece arrangement of light guide sections.

In any case, it is preferred that the light guide sections are optically coupled to one another at their light exit surface-side end. An optical coupling is understood here to mean that certain portions of the light propagating in a light guide section are not coupled out via its light exit surface, but rather first enter an adjacent light guide section. This light ultimately leaves the primary optics via the light exit surface of the adjacent light guide section.

In comparison to light which is incident on a light exit surface without changing the light guide section, the light incident from an adjacent light guide section has a comparatively flat angle of incidence. It is therefore not refracted in main emission directions 26, as in FIG Fig. 3 are shown, but it is refracted in secondary radiation directions 27, 28.

In a preferred embodiment, the light exit surfaces 21, 22, 23, 24 are set up to further reduce the opening angles of the exiting light bundles that reach the subsequent imaging secondary optics 4. For this purpose, they preferably have a convex pillow-like shape. Due to the multiple reflection in the light guide sections and the further bundling at the light exit surfaces, a homogeneous luminance distribution is combined on the interface 25, which has no or strongly suppressed grid structures and which does not depict the spatial separation between the semiconductor light sources. The spatial separation between the semiconductor light sources is advantageous for their electrical connectivity and also for the dissipation of electrical heat loss that arises during operation in the semiconductor light sources.

At the same time, adjacent light exit surfaces divert light components that cause inhomogeneities, which propagate in the secondary emission directions 27, 28, for example, away from the imaging secondary optics, so that these light components cannot contribute to the image and no disruptive light-dark structures in the light distribution generated on the roadway to generate.

Fig. 3 shows how the light bundle delimited by main emission directions 26, which is coupled out from the light guide section lying directly above the optical axis 8, reaches the imaging secondary optics 4. In addition, the Fig. 3 how a suitable arrangement of diaphragm or shutter surfaces 9 prevents the disruptive light components of the secondary emission directions 27 and 28 from reaching the lane in front of the motorist and disturbing a desired light distribution there.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of primary optics 3 having features of the invention in a perspective illustration. The primary optics 3 has semiconductor light source-individual light guide sections 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 as well as further light guide sections which are not provided with their own reference numerals for reasons of clarity. It also shows Fig. 4 one of light exit surfaces 32.1, 32.2 arranged in a matrix-like manner. 32.3, 32.4 of the light guide sections 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 as well as the further light guide sections combined interface 25 with a middle row 34 with respect to the matrix-like arrangement.

The middle row 34 is composed of at least three light exit areas 36, 38, 40. In the Fig. 4 These are a left light exit area 36 comprising eight triangular or pentagonal light exit areas, a central light exit area 38 comprising three triangular or pentagonal light exit areas shown hatched, and a light exit area 40 comprising eight triangular or pentagonal light exit areas Presentation. It is only essential that each of the three light exit areas has at least one light exit area.

The light exit areas 42 of the middle row 34 differ in shape from the light exit areas 32.1, 32.4 of the adjacent lines 44, 46. While the light exit areas 32.1, 32.4 of the lines 44 and 46 have four corners in the illustrated embodiment, the light exit areas 42 of the light guide sections have the middle row has a flat or a curved triangular shape or a flat or a curved pentagonal shape.

In the embodiment shown, the light exit surfaces 42 are convexly arched in the manner of a pillow and, as can be seen from the details of the light exit surface 42 shown, are composed of a triangle and a rectangle, the two V-shaped edges converging to form a point of the triangle and where one side of the rectangle delimits the side of the triangle opposite the apex. One width of the triangle therefore corresponds to one width of the rectangle. The in the Fig. 3 The light exit surfaces shown are pentagonal.

The triangular design and the pentagonal design have in common that they allow a structure of the middle row 34 in which a middle light exit area 38 of the middle row 34 when viewed from the secondary optics through two non-parallel, V-shaped edges converging 48, 50 is separated from the adjacent light exit regions 36, 40 of the middle row 34. What these configurations also have in common is that they allow a structure of the middle row 34 in which the light outlet areas 36, 40 arranged adjacent to the middle light outlet area 38 of the middle row 34 are also delimited by V-shaped edges that are grouped parallel to one of the V-shaped edges of the central area run.

It is preferred here that the edges are implemented as kink-shaped, that is to say having a V-shaped cross-section, depressions in an otherwise integrally connected interface 25 of the primary optics 3. In the configuration that is included in the Fig. 4 is shown, the primary optics 3 is composed of a rear part and a front part.

Both parts are preferably integral components of a one-piece basic shape. The rear part comprises the light guide sections running separately from one another. The front part lies between the rear part and the cushion-like structured boundary surface 25, via which the light homogenized by the primary optics is decoupled in the direction of the secondary optics and via which interfering light components are additionally decoupled in the secondary emission directions.

The primary lens 3 is preferably made of silicone. Silicone is a highly transparent material and has a high temperature resistance up to approx. 260 ° C. Heated silicone is particularly thin and can therefore be injected into relatively filigree structures during the injection molding process. In other configurations, they are made of glass, plastic or a technically comparable material.

The secondary optics 4 map the light exit areas of the line 46 such that their images appear in the projected light distribution above the images of the light exit areas of the middle line 34 and seamlessly follow the images of the light exit areas of the middle line 34.

Analogously, the secondary optics map the light exit areas of the line 44 so that their images appear in the projected light distribution below the images of the light exit areas of the middle line 34 and seamlessly follow the images of the light exit areas of the middle line 34.

The Figures 5 to 9 show different light distributions generated on the interface 25. The areas outlined in bold each represent the entirety of the light exit areas that appear bright on the boundary surface 25. These light distributions are projected by the secondary optics 4 into the area in front of the headlight 1. In the case of an image through a single lens or through a double lens designed as an achromatic secondary lens 4, the light distribution generated in front of the headlight 1 is upside down compared to the light distribution pattern on the interface 25 and is laterally reversed.

Fig. 5 shows a light distribution on the interface 25 which meets the requirements for a low beam for right-hand traffic. The line 44 generates a symmetrically distributed brightness pattern above the horizontally lying edge 51. For this purpose, in one embodiment, all half-light light sources that belong to the line 44 are switched on. The line 34 generates a horizontally lying edge 52 lying lower to the right than the edge 51 and an inclined edge 53 connecting the edges 51 and 52. For this purpose, the semiconductor light sources are switched on in the illustrated embodiment, the light exit surfaces of the to the left of the edge 53 Line 34 belong. The remaining semiconductor light sources belonging to row 34 remain switched off. In addition, the semiconductor light sources belonging to row 46 remain switched off.

The result is a compared to Fig. 5 reversed and upside-down light distribution is generated on the roadway, in which the roadway is illuminated further on the right than on the left, with the illuminated areas being delimited on both sides by horizontally running light-dark boundaries created as images of the edges 51, 53, and with different widths , or light-dark borders lying at different heights in front of the vehicle are connected by an oblique image of the edge 53.

Together with a further edge 54, the edge 53 forms a pair of edges that run towards one another in a V-shape and separate a central light exit area of the middle row 34 from adjacent light exit areas of the middle row 34. Notwithstanding the design that is in connection with the Figure 4 has been explained, the middle light exit area here only one light exit surface 55.

The Fig. 5 shows how the Figures 6 to 9 , an interface 25 composed of matrix-like arranged light exit areas of light guide sections of a primary optics 3 with a central row 34 with respect to the matrix-like arrangement, which is composed of at least three light exit areas, each of which has at least one light exit area, the shape of the light exit areas of the middle row differ from the light exit areas of the adjacent row, and wherein a middle light exit area of the middle line is separated from the adjacent light exit areas of the middle line by two V-shaped edges 53, 54 when viewed from the secondary optics.

The Figures 5 to 9 further illustrate how the Fig. 4 that the lower edges of the central light exit area 55 or the light exit area 38 in the Fig. 4 , and its adjacent light exit areas in the same row are aligned 56, and that the upper edges of the central light exit area of the middle row 34 and its adjacent light exit areas in the same line 34 are aligned 57. See also Fig. 4 .

The upper edges and lower edges lying in alignment 57 or 56, in a preferred embodiment, run horizontally when the headlight 1 is installed.

The light exit surfaces of the line 46, which are in the Secondary optics 4 produce projected light distribution above the images of the light exit areas of the middle line 34, have edges 58 which run perpendicular to one of the horizontally running edges 51, 52. The vertically running edges allow, among other things, a minimization of areas that have to be darkened for a partial high beam in order to reduce the glare of other road users.

However, it is disadvantageous that, as a result of a mosaic-like composition of the desired light distribution, for example a partial high beam distribution, which is desirable per se, color fringes result at the light-dark boundaries of the projected light distribution. They result in particular from the fact that the edges of a sub-area of a high beam distribution that is darkened to avoid a glare effect have both vertically and horizontally running light-dark borders and the usual color correction by means of only horizontally scattering structures in the light exit surface of the secondary optics the color errors that result of light-dark borders that run in different directions do not compensate sufficiently. A scattering structure that scatters both horizontally and vertically would be advantageous here. In this context, it should be mentioned that designing the secondary optics as an achromat allows a significant reduction in the color fringes that would otherwise occur more intensely with orthogonal light-dark boundaries.

The light exit surfaces both above and below the middle row 34 running lines 44, 46 have a quadrangular shape, the sides adjoining the horizontally running edges of the light exit surfaces of the middle row each on an edge of a The light exit surface of the middle side and are exactly as long as the edges of the light exit surface of the middle row on which they are applied.

Fig. 6 shows a light distribution pattern on a boundary surface 25 of a primary optics with which a requirement-compliant low beam distribution for left-hand traffic is generated.

The Fig. 7 shows a light distribution pattern on a boundary surface 25 of a primary optics, with which a far-reaching, symmetrically distributed high beam is generated. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, all of the semiconductor light sources in the rows are activated. In a further embodiment, some of the semiconductor light sources are dimmed so that the outer light exit surfaces appear less bright than the inner light exit surfaces. As a result, the driver's attention is intuitively directed more strongly to the comparatively brighter illuminated central areas of the light distribution, which is desirable in the case of high beam distribution.

The Figures 8 and 9 represent configurations of light distributions on a boundary surface 25 of a primary optics, with which various partial high beam distributions are generated. The partial high beam distributions result from the high beam distribution in that individual light exit areas 59, 60 in the form of individual light exit areas or groups of light exit areas are not illuminated by their associated semiconductor light sources and thus appear dark. The two embodiments of partial high beam distributions that are in the Figures 8 and 9 illustrate how the shape, width and position of darkened areas, which result as images of the light exit areas 59, 60, can be varied in a partial high beam distribution by varying the number and the arrangement of the non-illuminated light exit areas.

The light exit areas of both the line above and below the middle row preferably have a quadrangular shape, the sides of which adjoining the horizontally running edges of the light exit areas of the middle line each bear against an edge of a light exit area of the middle side and are each just as long like the edges of the light-emitting surface of the middle row, on which they lie.

How Figures 8 and 9 show, this embodiment has the desired consequence that adjacent light exit surfaces have common corners. This allows an extensive avoidance of disruptive step-like courses, since the adjustable light-dark boundaries run in alignment over such a corner point or change their direction in the corner point only by a kink.

Fig. 10 shows perspective representations of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with angular light entry surfaces 62 (cf. Figure 10a ) and pentagonal light exit surfaces 64 of a middle line 66 (cf. Figure 10b )

Fig. 11 shows perspective representations of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with round light entry surfaces 68 (cf. Figure 11a ) and pentagonal light exit surfaces 70 of a middle row 72 (compare Figure 11b ).

Fig. 12 shows a boundary surface 25 of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with square light exit surfaces 74 of a middle row 76. The light exit surfaces 74 are bounded on the right and left by V-shaped edges running towards one another and above and below by horizontally and parallel edges. The longer of the two horizontally extending edges delimits a light exit surface 75 which is larger than a light exit surface 77 which is delimited by the shorter of the two horizontally extending edges. In order to achieve approximately the same brightness of the light exit areas 75 and 77 despite the different sizes of the light exit areas, one embodiment provides that the larger of the two light exit areas is divided into a first sub-area and a second sub-area, each from its own semiconductor light source via its own Light guide section is illuminated. In the configuration that is included in the Fig. 12 is shown, this optional subdivision is illustrated by the vertical dashed line 78.

Fig. 13 shows an interface 25 of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with a middle row 80 of triangular light exit surfaces 82. The middle row 80 lies between at least one upper row and a lower row, the light exit surfaces of which are rectangular in the embodiment shown. The horizontally running dashed lines 84 and 86 illustrate an optional subdivision of the light exit areas above the middle row 80 into upper sub-areas 88 and lower sub-areas 90 and the light exit areas below the middle line 80 into upper sub-areas 92 and lower sub-areas 94 is also illuminated here by its own semiconductor light source via its own light guide section. With the described subdivision, the Fig. 13 primary optics shown on five lines. Without this subdivision, it has three lines.

Fig. 14 shows an interface 25 of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with a middle row 96, which is composed of triangular light exit surfaces 98, 100 and pentagonal light exit surfaces 102 and 104.

16 shows an interface 25 of an embodiment of a primary optics 3 with a middle line 106, which is composed of triangular light exit surfaces 108, 110 and pentagonal light exit surfaces 102 and 104.

Claims (10)

1. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) having a light module (2) which has a matrix-like arrangement of semiconductor light sources (13, 14, 15, 16), a primary optic (3) and a secondary optic (4), wherein the primary optic (3) comprises light guide sections (17, 18, 19, 20) individual to the semiconductor light sources and a boundary surface (25) which is composed of light exit surfaces (21, 22, 23, 24) of the light guide sections arranged in a matrix-like arrangement, and has a a central row (34) with respect to the matrix-like arrangement, which is composed of at least three light exit regions (36, 38, 40), each of which comprises at least one light exit surface, and wherein the secondary optics (4) is adapted to image a light distribution occurring on the boundary surface (25) into a front area lying in front of the headlamp (1), and wherein the light exit surfaces of the central row (34) differ in shape from the light exit surfaces of an adjacent row (44, 46), characterised in that a central light exit region (55) of the central row (34) is separated from the adjacent light exit regions of the central row (34) by two edges (53, 54) converging in a V-shape when viewed from the secondary optics (4).
2. Headlamp (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the light exit regions adjacent to the central light emission area of the central row (34) are also delimited by edges arranged in a V-shape, which run in groups parallel to one of the edges (53, 54) of the central region (55) arranged in a V-shape.
3. Headlamp (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that upper edges of the central light exit region (38; 55) of the central row (34) and its light exit regions (36, 40) adjacent in the same row (34) lie in an alignment (57) and that lower edges of the central light exit region (38; 55) and its light exit regions (36, 40) adjacent in the same row (34) lie in an alignment (56).
4. Headlamp (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper edges and the lower edges extend horizontally in the installation position of the headlamp (1).
5. Headlamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light exit surfaces of the light guide sections of the middle row (34) have a flat or a curved triangular shape.
6. Headlamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the light exit surfaces of the light guide sections of the central row (34) have a flat or a curved pentagon shape which is composed of a triangle and a rectangle, wherein the two edges converging in a V-shape form an apex of the triangle and one side of the rectangle delimits the side of the triangle opposite the apex.
7. Headlamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a first row (44) of the matrix adjacent to the central row (34) is arranged relative to the central row (34) in such a way that the light exit surfaces of this adjacent row (44) are imaged by the secondary optics (4) in such a way that their images appear in the projected light distribution below the images of the light exit regions of the central row (34) and are seamlessly connected to the images of the light emission region of the central row (34).
8. Headlamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one second row (46) adjacent to the central row (34) of the matrix is arranged relative to the central row (34) in such a way that the light emission areas of this adjacent row (46) are imaged by the secondary optics (4) in such a way that their images appear in the projected light distribution above the images of the light emission areas of the central row (34) and are seamlessly connected to the images of the light emission areas of the central row (34).
9. Headlamp (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the light exit surfaces of the row (46), which produce images lying above the images of the light exit areas of the central row (34) in the projected light distribution by the secondary optics (4), have edges (58) which are perpendicular to one of the horizontally extending edges.
10. Headlamp (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the light exit surfaces of both the row (44, 46) extending above and below the central row (34) have a square shape whose sides adjacent to the horizontally extending edges of the light exit surfaces of the central row each abut an edge of a light exit surface of the central side and are each exactly as long as the edges of the light exit surface of the central row against which they abut.

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