EP2963334A2 - Light conductor assembly for use in a lighting device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle lighting device with such a light conductor assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical waveguide arrangement (10) for use in a lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle, which has at least one semiconductor light source (14). The light guide arrangement (10) comprises: a light coupling section (15) having a light entry surface (16) for coupling in the light emitted by the light source (14), - A Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (17) having a plurality of Lichtauskoppelelementen (18) for deflecting the injected light in the direction of a lens portion (13), and - The lens portion (13) having a longitudinal extent (11) transversely to a light exit direction (3) and a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal extent (11) convex lens-shaped light exit surface (19) over which the deflected from the coupling-out portion (17) light emerges from the light guide arrangement (10). It is proposed that, viewed in cross section, a first focal point (20) of the lens section (13) at the level of a lower edge of a decoupling element (18) and a second focal point (21) at a large distance to the light exit surface (19), preferably at infinity, lies so that the lens portion (13) the lower edges of the decoupling elements (18) as a horizontal light-dark boundary of the resulting light distribution (32; 33) sharp images.

Description

• mindestens einen Lichteinkoppelabschnitt mit mindestens einer Lichteintrittsfläche zum Einkoppeln zumindest eines Teils des von der mindestens einen Lichtquelle ausgesandten Lichts,
• einen Lichtauskoppelabschnitt mit einer Vielzahl von entlang einer Rückseite der Lichtleiter-Anordnung angeordneten Lichtauskoppelelementen zum Umlenken zumindest eines Teils des eingekoppelten Lichts in Richtung eines Linsenabschnitts der Lichtleiter-Anordnung, und
• den Linsenabschnitt, der eine Längserstreckung quer zu einer Lichtaustrittsrichtung der Lichtleiter-Anordnung und eine in einem Querschnitt quer zur Längserstreckung konvexe linsenförmige Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist, über die zumindest ein Teil des von dem Auskoppelabschnitt umgelenkten Lichts aus der Lichtleiter-Anordnung austritt.

The present invention relates to a light guide arrangement for use in a lighting device of a motor vehicle, which has at least one semiconductor light source. The light guide arrangement comprises:

• at least one light coupling section having at least one light entry surface for coupling in at least part of the light emitted by the at least one light source,
• a Lichtauskoppelabschnitt with a plurality of along a rear side of the light guide arrangement arranged Lichtauskoppelelementen for deflecting at least a portion of the coupled light in the direction of a lens portion of the light guide assembly, and
• the lens portion having a longitudinal extent transverse to a light exit direction of the light guide assembly and a convex in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal extent Lenticular light exit surface over which exits at least a portion of the deflected from the coupling-out light from the light guide assembly.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle with a semiconductor light source for emitting light and at least one light guide arrangement for generating at least a portion of a dimmed light distribution.

Such a light guide arrangement is, for example, from the EP 0 766 037 A1 or from the EP 2 045 515 A1 known. The from the EP 0 766 037 A1 known light guide arrangement comprises a flat, plate-shaped light guide, which serves to produce a low beam base light with a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary. However, the known optical waveguide arrangement can only generate the low beam basic light if the plate-shaped optical waveguide is arranged vertically, and the external appearance of the switched-on optical waveguide arrangement (so-called night design) thus produces a vertical luminous line. If the appearance of the optical fiber assembly is to be a horizontally or obliquely arranged luminous stroke, the known light guide arrangement can not produce a dimmed light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary. Rather, the light-dark boundary would always be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the exit surface of the light guide, in a horizontal or obliquely oriented light guide so vertical or oblique.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to design a light guide arrangement of the type mentioned in such a way and further that they can produce a dimmed light distribution, wherein the light-dark boundary is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the light guide arrangement or a lens arrangement forming the light exit surface, so that with a horizontally oriented light guide arrangement, a substantially horizontal bright-dark boundary can be generated.

To solve this problem, an optical waveguide arrangement with the features of claim 1 is proposed. In particular, viewed in cross-section, a first focal point of the lens section at the level of a lower edge of a decoupling element and a second focal point at a large distance to the light exit surface, preferably at infinity, so that the lens portion of the lower edge of the decoupling element as part of a horizontal light-dark boundary of a resulting dimmed light distribution Focusing light guide arrangement.

With the present invention, it is possible to produce a dimmed light distribution with a light-dark boundary through an optical waveguide arrangement whose longitudinal extent runs essentially parallel to the course of the light-dark boundary. In particular, a dimmed light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary can be generated by a horizontally oriented light guide arrangement.

On at least one side of the light guide, for example on an end face of the light guide, the light guide arrangement has a light coupling-in section with at least one light entry face. At least one light source of the illumination device is positioned in front of the least one light entry surface. A Main emission of the light source is preferably arranged perpendicular to the at least one light entrance surface. The light guide has on its back Auskoppelelemente, which are formed for example as decoupling prisms. The rear side of the optical waveguide is the side of the optical waveguide which is directed counter to the exit direction of light from the optical waveguide arrangement. A light exit surface of the light guide arrangement is arranged opposite the outcoupling elements on the front side of the light guide and has a lenticular cross section.

A first focal point of the lens section or the light exit surface lies on a lower edge of a Auskoppelements, and a second focal point of the lens section or the light exit surface is in the light exit direction at infinity or at a very large distance in front of the light exit surface. The decoupling of the Auskoppelabschnitts are preferably all arranged with their lower edges at the same height, ie on a common horizontal plane. The first focal point is located anywhere on this horizontal plane, but in any case on the lower edge of the decoupling elements.

The focal points of several cross sections through the lens section are preferably on a focal line. The extension of the focal line runs parallel to the longitudinal extension of the lens section. The lower edges of the decoupling elements are preferably close to the focal line of the elongated lens-shaped light exit surface, so that the lower edges sharp at infinity (or at a great distance to the light guide arrangement) as a substantially horizontal chiaroscuro limit resulting dimmed light distribution are sharply displayed.

The light sources of the illumination device are preferably designed as semiconductor light sources, in particular as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The Lichteinkoppelabschnitt between the at least one light source and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt can be designed in a special way to influence the light distribution in the light guide assembly. In particular, the light coupling-in section, starting from the light coupling-in surface, can have conically diverging reflection surfaces in order to achieve collimating of the coupled-in light. The collimated, substantially parallel light beams then preferably strike the outcoupling elements of the outcoupling section without further reflection at outer boundary surfaces of the light guide. It is likewise conceivable for the coupling-in section to be curved, that is to say to have curved reflection surfaces.

The decoupling elements of the Lichtauskoppelabschnitts are preferably designed as decoupling prisms having a longitudinal extent and in a section transverse to the longitudinal extent of a triangular shape. The longitudinal extension of the decoupling prisms runs perpendicular to the main exit direction of the light from the light guide arrangement and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lens section.

In their longitudinal extension, the decoupling prisms have a certain height h. The height h of the prisms directly determines the vertical width of the resulting light distribution, in particular down into the apron a motor vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to the invention. Towards the top, the light distribution is limited by the essentially horizontal light-dark boundary. The larger the prism height h is selected, the greater the vertical width of the light distribution, that is, the more the apron is illuminated. Different levels of decoupling prisms allow the light distribution to be influenced in terms of intensity and vertical width. For example, it is conceivable to provide alternately different output coupling prisms in the outcoupling section of the lightguide arrangement, wherein the lower edges of the outcoupling prisms preferably lie at the same height (in the same horizontal plane), preferably on the focal line of the first focal points of the elongated, convexly curved lenticular prisms light-emitting surface. Prism surfaces may be curved to scatter light passing or spread over a larger area.

The lens section or the convex lens-shaped light exit surface may be configured in one piece with the light guide arrangement. But it is also conceivable that the lens-shaped light exit surface or the lens section and the remaining light guide arrangement comprising the at least one Lichteinkoppelabschnitt and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt are formed as separate components. The convex lenticular light exit surface is then part of a separate, separate from the rest of the light guide arrangement designed lens portion. In particular, it is conceivable that the optical waveguide arrangement and the lens section are separated in a substantially vertical sectional plane which is perpendicular to a main light exit direction of the optical waveguide arrangement decoupled light and perpendicular to a horizontal cross section through the lens section. The multi-part design of the light guide arrangement according to the invention has the advantage that the coupled into the light guide light can propagate only in the light guide, so that the volume in which the light can propagate, or the dimension in the cross section of the light guide in the light exit direction is reduced. As a result, the coupled-in light is incident on a coupling-out element of the light coupling-out section with a higher probability and frequency and is coupled out of the optical waveguide. In general, the smaller the volume or the dimension of the optical waveguide in the light exit direction, in particular the depth of the optical waveguide in a main outcoupling direction of the light coupled out of the optical waveguide arrangement, the more light is coupled out over the same length of the optical waveguide arrangement. As a result of the depth of the light guide or the light guide cross section in the main exit direction of the light guide arrangement, the amount of light to be coupled out of the light guide arrangement can be adjusted to achieve a desired light distribution with a desired intensity profile.

The optical waveguide arrangement can be movably arranged in a headlamp or luminaire housing, so that the light-dark boundary can be adjusted for basic adjustment, adjustment and / or headlight range control. For example, at the end of an assembly or production line of a headlight or a luminaire equipped with an optical waveguide arrangement according to the invention, a light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary can be converted into a desired or legal one default setting can be brought. Likewise, during operation of the optical waveguide arrangement, a light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary can be adjusted in the vertical direction to realize a headlamp leveling. Accordingly, during operation of the light guide arrangement, the light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary can be adjusted in the horizontal direction to realize a cornering light function.

It is conceivable that the decoupling elements of the light outcoupling section of the optical waveguide arrangement have a different width, that is to say have a different extent in the longitudinal extension of the lens section. The probability and frequency that light coupled into the optical waveguide arrangement strikes a wider outcoupling element is greater than the probability that the coupled-in light will encounter a narrower outcoupling element. If, therefore, the decoupling of a larger amount of light at a certain point of the light guide arrangement is desired, the width of the decoupling elements can be increased at this point. Accordingly, it is also conceivable to vary the distance between adjacent light outcoupling elements in order to set the decoupled light quantity while the width of the light output elements remains the same. In particularly close coupled outcoupling elements, a larger amount of light is coupled out, as when the light outcoupling elements are arranged at a greater distance from each other.

In a separate embodiment of the light guide on the one hand and the lens section on the other an air gap is preferably formed between the light guide and the lens section. On the light passage surface of the coupling-out section, via which the light deflected by the decoupling elements emerges from the light guide, and / or the light passage surface of the lens section, via which the light emitted from the light guide enters the lens section, any optically active elements (so-called. Scattering geometries) are arranged, which scatter the light passing through, in particular in the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the depth (extension in light exit direction) of the light guide tapers, starting from the at least one light entry surface of the light coupling section along the longitudinal extension of the light guide, that is viewed in the light exit direction, the light guide cross section, starting from the light entry surface to an opposite end of the light guide from.

It is conceivable that in a multi-part embodiment of the light guide arrangement with a light guide and a lens section separate therefrom, the light guide has a rectangular cross-sectional area transverse to its longitudinal extent. The cross-sectional area of the rectangular light guide is preferably designed to be just as high as the outcoupling elements. In other words, the coupling-out elements extend over the entire height of the rear side of the light guide opposite the light passage surface of the light guide. The lens section arranged at a distance from the light passage surface of the light guide preferably has a greater height than the light guide with the substantially rectangular cross-sectional area. Due to the smaller dimensions of the light guide, in particular by its lower height, relative to the lens portion results in a smaller cross-sectional area and thus a smaller volume of the light guide, so that in the light guide transported light over a given length more often hits a Lichtauskoppelelement and thus more light per Length emerges from the light guide and is represented by the lens portion as a dimmed light distribution with a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary on the road ahead of the motor vehicle.

The front in the light exit direction of the light passage surface of the light guide is preferably located with its lower edge at the height of the lower edges of the decoupling elements. The focal line of the lens section with the first focal points preferably lies on or in the vicinity of the lower edge of the light passage surface of the light guide. Due to the separate configuration of the light guide and the lens section, the lens section can be configured as desired without affecting the light in the light guide, in particular its transport in the light guide and its coupling out of the light guide. The cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide can be made smaller than that of the lens section to improve the coupling-out efficiency.

The light guide configured separately from the lens section can be designed as a rod-shaped light guide with a constant cross-sectional area along its longitudinal extent or with a cross-sectional area decreasing over the longitudinal extent starting from the light entry area. It is also conceivable that instead of a rod-shaped Optical fiber, a sickle-shaped light guide is used, as for example from the DE 10 2011 018 508 is known. In such a crescent-shaped light guide, light from at least one light source is collimated or parallelized by a collimator element after entering the crescent-shaped, plate-shaped light guide. The entire collimated light impinges on a light output surface of the crescent-shaped light guide, through which the entire light is deflected in the direction of a light exit surface of the light guide. The deflected light strikes the light passage surface of the crescent-shaped light guide so steeply that it is coupled out of the light guide and is imaged by the lens section arranged in front of the light exit surface to produce the desired dimmed light distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary on the road ahead of the motor vehicle. In this case too, a focal line of the lens section arranged in front of the crescent-shaped light guide runs along the lower edge of the light exit surface of the light guide in the light exit direction and another focal line of the lens section at infinity or at a very large distance from the light exit surface of the lens section. By collimating the coupled-in light beams in the crescent-shaped light guide, the light beams can be directed more targeted in a desired direction, so that less loss light arises in comparison to a conventional bar light guide. The entire coupled light initially strikes a decoupling element before it exits through the front light passage surface and is projected onto the roadway through the lens section arranged in front of it.

In a separate embodiment of the light guide and the lens portion of the light guide arrangement according to the invention, the light guide may be straight, but also curved. In particular, it is conceivable that the optical waveguide is curved in a horizontal plane which includes the focal line of the lens section with the first focal points, such that the light outcoupling surface of the optical waveguide rearward in the light exit direction has a smaller longitudinal extent than the front light transmittable surface of the optical waveguide. The lens section can accordingly be designed curved. It is conceivable that the curvature of the lens section is chosen so that over the entire longitudinal extent of the light guide arrangement results in a substantially constant distance between the light guide or its light exit surface and the lens portion. However, it would also be conceivable for the distance between the curved optical waveguide and the curved lens section to vary over the longitudinal extent, preferably to increase continuously or to decrease continuously, starting from the light entry surface of the optical waveguide. With a varying distance between the optical waveguide and the lens section over the longitudinal extent of the optical waveguide arrangement, the focal length with the first focal points of the light exit surface or of the lens section across the different lens cross sections could then vary, so that despite the varying distance the focal line is always on the front side the decoupling or on the front light passage surface of the light guide is located. The variation of the first focal length is conceivable both in the case of curved optical waveguide arrangements and in the case of straight light waveguide arrangements, as long as the first focal line is at height the lower edge of the decoupling elements extends. Even when using a crescent-shaped optical fiber, as described above, it is conceivable that the distance between the light exit surface of the crescent-shaped optical fiber and the lens portion varies.

Finally, it is also conceivable to provide not only one of the described optical fiber arrangements in a motor vehicle lighting device, but several. Each of the operated optical fiber assemblies can generate a part of a dimmed light distribution. Thus, it is conceivable that a first, for example, horizontally oriented light guide arrangement generates a low beam basic light with a horizontal light-dark boundary, which runs on a spaced at a distance to the motor vehicle measuring screen substantially parallel to and just below a horizontal. A further light guide arrangement, which is arranged obliquely to the first light guide arrangement, preferably at a 15 ° angle to this, could be arranged next to the first light guide arrangement. The further optical waveguide arrangement could produce a dimmed light distribution with a light-dark boundary rising obliquely starting from the horizontal light-dark boundary, which preferably increases at a 15 ° angle. The further light guide arrangement could be designed to generate a low beam spot. The low beam spotlight could produce the rising part of a low beam distribution on the own road side according to the ECE regulation. The two light distributions together thus produce a conventional, corresponding to ECE regulations asymmetric low beam with a first horizontal section on the opposite side (from the first Light guide arrangement) and a second, rising portion on the own traffic side (of the further light guide arrangement).

Figur 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung eines Kraftfahrzeugs gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung als Teil einer Kraftfahrzeugbeleuchtungseinrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 3

die Lichtleiter-Anordnung aus Figur 2 in einer Ansicht von vorne entgegen einer Lichtaustrittsrichtung;

Figur 4

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 5

Vergleich von Lichtleitern als Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Lichtleiter-Anordnung mit unterschiedlich großen Querschnittsflächen beziehungsweise Tiefen;

Figur 6

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit Lichtauskoppelelementen variabler Breite in einer Ansicht von vorne entgegen einer Lichtaustrittsrichtung;

Figur 7

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einem Lichtleiter mit einer entlang einer Längserstreckung konstanten Querschnittsfläche in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 8

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einer sich entlang der Längserstreckung verjüngenden Querschnittsfläche des Lichtleiters in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 9

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 10

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 11

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einem sichelförmigen Lichtleiter in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 12

die Lichtleiter-Anordnung aus Figur 11 im Querschnitt;

Figur 13

die Lichtleiter-Anordnung aus Figur 11 mit Streuelementen auf eine Lichtdurchtrittsfläche des sichelförmigen Lichtleiters gegenüber einem Linsenabschnitt in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 14

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform im Querschnitt;

Figur 15

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einem gekrümmten Lichtleiter und gekrümmtem Linsenabschnitt in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 16

zwei nebeneinander angeordnete erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnungen, die zueinander verkippt sind, und resultierende Lichtverteilungen auf einem Messschirm;

Figur 17

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung mit zwei Abschnitten und einem Knick zwischen den Abschnitten sowie von den Abschnitten erzeugte Lichtverteilungen auf einem Messschirm;

Figur 18

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 19

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 20

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 21

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt;

Figur 22

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Querschnitt; und

Figur 23

eine erfindungsgemäße Lichtleiter-Anordnung gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einem Zusatzprisma im unteren Bereich einer Lichtaustrittsfläche des Linsenabschnitts.

Further features, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1

a lighting device according to the invention of a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2

an inventive light guide arrangement as part of a motor vehicle lighting device according to a preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 3

the light guide assembly off FIG. 2 in a view from the front against a light exit direction;

FIG. 4

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 5

Comparison of light guides as part of the light guide arrangement according to the invention with different sized cross-sectional areas or depths;

FIG. 6

an inventive light guide arrangement according to another preferred embodiment with Lichtauskoppelelementen variable width in a front view against one Light emission direction;

FIG. 7

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment with a light guide having a constant along a longitudinal extension cross-sectional area in a plan view;

FIG. 8

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment with a along the longitudinal extension of the tapered cross-sectional area of the light guide in a plan view;

FIG. 9

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 10

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 11

an inventive light guide arrangement according to another preferred embodiment with a crescent-shaped light guide in a plan view;

FIG. 12

the light guide assembly off FIG. 11 in cross-section;

FIG. 13

the light guide assembly off FIG. 11 with scattering elements on a light passage surface of the crescent-shaped light guide opposite a lens portion in a plan view;

FIG. 14

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in cross section;

FIG. 15

an inventive light guide assembly according to another preferred embodiment with a curved light guide and curved lens portion in a plan view;

FIG. 16

two juxtaposed light guide assemblies according to the invention, which are tilted to each other, and resulting light distributions on a measuring screen;

FIG. 17

an optical waveguide arrangement according to the invention with two sections and a kink between the sections as well as light distributions generated by the sections on a measuring screen;

FIG. 18

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 19

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 20

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 21

an inventive light guide arrangement according to another preferred embodiment in a cross section;

FIG. 22

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in a cross section; and

FIG. 23

an inventive light guide arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment with an additional prism in the lower region of a light exit surface of the lens portion.

In FIG. 1 a lighting device according to the invention of a motor vehicle is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. The lighting device 1 is designed as a motor vehicle headlight. Alternatively, the lighting device according to the invention could also be designed as a motor vehicle light, for example as a tail, front or side light. The lighting device 1 comprises a housing 2, which is preferably made of plastic. A light exit opening 4 formed in front of the housing 2 in the light exit direction 3 of the illumination device 1 is closed by means of a transparent cover 5. The cover 5 may be formed without optically active elements as a clear disc or at least partially with optically active elements (eg cylindrical lenses or prisms) as a diffuser.

Inside the housing 2, at least one light module can be arranged. In FIG. 1 two light modules 6, 7 are shown by way of example. The light modules 6, 7 can be arranged fixed or pivotable in the housing 2. In particular, the light modules 6, 7 for realizing a headlight range control about a horizontal axis and / or for realizing a cornering light function about a vertical axis pivotally mounted in the housing 2. The light modules 6, 7 can be designed to produce a headlight light distribution or a part thereof. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, for the light modules 6, 7 to produce one or more of the following light distributions, either individually or in cooperation with each other: dipped beam, high beam, fog light, or any adaptive light distribution which depends on parameters of the motor vehicle and / or weather conditions is varied in the environment of the motor vehicle. Examples of adaptive light distribution are city light, country light, motorway light, bad weather light, partial high beam, which corresponds to a high beam in which areas where other road users were detected in front of the vehicle are shaded, or a marker light, in the front of the vehicle detected objects specifically with a spatially limited light beam, which is preferably arranged above a horizontal light-dark boundary of a dimmed light distribution, are illuminated. The light modules 6, 7 can be designed as reflection modules or as projection modules.

Also in the interior of the housing 2 of the lighting device 1, a light guide arrangement according to the invention shown only by way of example and shown only schematically, which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10. The optical waveguide arrangement 10 can be arranged fixedly in the housing 2 or can be pivoted in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. In this way, with the light guide assembly 10 a Curved light function and / or a headlamp leveling can be realized. The optical waveguide arrangement 10 has a longitudinal extension 11, which is oriented substantially horizontally and, in the case of a headlamp 1 built into a motor vehicle, runs essentially transversely to a vehicle longitudinal axis. The light guide arrangement 10 serves to produce a dimmed light distribution with a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary. In this context, essentially horizontal means that the light-dark boundary runs horizontally at least in sections. Also included here is a so-called asymmetric light-dark border, as prescribed, for example, in accordance with the relevant ECE regulations within the European Union. An asymmetric chiaroscuro border comprises a horizontal section comprising a oncoming traffic lane. The horizontal section of the light-dark border avoids dazzling oncoming traffic. On the own traffic side, the asymmetrical chiaroscuro border has a higher section to improve the visibility for the driver of the motor vehicle. The higher portion of the light-dark boundary preferably also has a horizontal course. However, it is also conceivable that the higher portion of the asymmetric light-dark boundary has an obliquely ascending course and, starting from the horizontal section, for example, rises at a 15 ° angle. Between the horizontal section on the oncoming traffic side and the elevated section on the own traffic side, an intermediate section of the asymmetrical light-dark boundary may be provided, which for example runs vertically or obliquely, in particular at a 15 ° angle.

Particularly preferred is the light guide assembly 10 for Forming a low beam base light formed having a horizontal light-dark boundary over its entire width, which runs on a arranged at a distance from the headlight 1 screen just below and parallel to a horizontal. Furthermore, the low beam basic light has a relatively large horizontal extent and no pronounced, spatially limited intensity maxima. The low beam basic light may be part of a conventional low beam distribution according to ECE regulation with asymmetric chiaroscuro. The low beam basic light can be superimposed for the realization of the ECE low beam by a so-called low beam spot, which has a smaller width than the low beam basic light, pronounced intensity maxima in the center of the low beam spot and an obliquely increasing light-dark boundary. Due to the low-beam spot, the intensity maxima in the center of the resulting low-beam distribution according to ECE regulation and the higher section of the light-dark border on the own traffic side are generated. On the other hand, the low beam basic light provides sufficient lateral illumination of the resulting low beam distribution according to ECE regulation.

Based on FIGS. 2 and 3 a first preferred embodiment of a light guide assembly 10 according to the invention will be explained in more detail. In this embodiment, the light guide assembly 10 is integrally formed, that is, a light guide section 12 for transporting coupled light along the longitudinal extension 11 of the light guide assembly 10 and for coupling the light out of the light guide section 12 and a lens section 13 for imaging the light from the Optical fiber section 12 on the roadway in front of the motor vehicle to produce the desired resulting dimmed light distribution are formed as a common, integral component.

The optical waveguide arrangement 10 comprises at least one light source 14 which comprises one or more semiconductor light sources, in particular in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The optical waveguide arrangement 10 has a light coupling-in section 15 with at least one light entry surface 16 for coupling in at least part of the light emitted by the at least one light source 14. Furthermore, the optical waveguide arrangement 10 comprises a light coupling-out section 17 having a plurality of light outcoupling elements 18 arranged along a rear side of the optical waveguide arrangement 10 for deflecting at least part of the coupled-in light in the direction of the lens section 13 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10. The lens section 13 has an im Cross section transverse to the longitudinal extent 11 (see. Fig. 2 ) convex lenticular light exit surface 19, exits via the deflected from the coupling-out section 17 light from the light guide assembly 10. In the illustrated example, the lens section 13 comprises, for example, a cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens can have 11 identical, but also different focal lengths over its longitudinal extent. The lens section 13 has, seen in a cross-section, a first object-side focal point 20 and a second image-side focal point 21. All the first focal points 20 of the lens section 13 of the different cross sections along the longitudinal extension 11 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10 lie on a focal line. If the lens section 13 has the same focal lengths over its longitudinal extension 11, the focal line is a straight line. If the focal lengths vary over the longitudinal extension 11 of the lens section 13, the focal line forms an arbitrarily different curved line. An essential aspect of the present invention is that viewed in a cross section of the optical waveguide arrangement 10, the first focal point 20 of the lens section 13 or the light exit surface 19 is at the level of a lower edge of a decoupling element 18 of the coupling-out section 17. The focal point 20 thus lies at the same height as the lower edge of the decoupling element 18. As a result, the lens section 13 or the light exit surface 19 forms the lower edge of the decoupling element 18 as part of a horizontal bright-dark boundary of the resulting dimmed light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle sharply. In this way, a light-dark boundary can be produced with the light guide arrangement 10, the course of which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension 11 of the light guide arrangement 10. It is particularly preferred if the first focal points 20 of different cross sections of the light exit surface 19 or of the lens section 13 lie on a focal line that runs along the lower edge of the decoupling elements 18, so that the light exit surface 19 or the lens section 13, the lower edge of the decoupling elements 18 as horizontal Bright-dark border of the resulting dimmed light distribution maps. Thus, the relation of object-side focal point 20 and image-side focal point 21 is described. The two focal points 20, 21 represent the image on the optical axis 22 of the lens section 13. The object-side focal point 20 may lie on the lower edge of a decoupling element 18.

In particular, it is proposed that the first focal point 20 lies on a front side of the decoupling element 18 directed in the light exit direction 3. Furthermore, lies in Cross-section views a second focal point 21 at a large distance to the light exit surface 19 of the lens portion 13 and even at infinity.

While the lower edges of the individual decoupling elements 18 preferably lie in a common, preferably horizontally aligned plane, a height h of the individual decoupling elements 18 can be varied as desired. By varying the height h of the decoupling elements 18, it is possible to set how far the resulting dimmed light distribution radiates downwards, that is to say how close to the motor vehicle the front apron of the vehicle is illuminated. Larger heights h of the decoupling elements 18 lead to a stronger illumination of the apron to closer to the vehicle front zoom.

The light coupling section 15 may be specially shaped to influence the light distribution in the light guide section 12. For example, it would be conceivable for the coupling-in section 15, starting from the entry surface 16, to have conically diverging reflection surfaces (cf. FIG. 3 ) to collimate the light. It would also be conceivable that the coupling-in section 15 is curved.

By means of different levels of outcoupling elements 18, the resulting dimmed light distribution can be influenced with regard to intensity maxima, vertical width and vertical profile of the intensity distribution. In FIG. 3 For example, decoupling elements 18 with different heights h are shown, with decoupling elements 18 'having the greatest height h ₁ , decoupling elements 18 "having medium heights h ₂ and decoupling elements 18'" having smaller heights h ₃ (h ₁ > h ₂ > h ₃ ). It can be clearly seen that the lower edges of the Decoupling elements 18 ', 18 ", 18'" lie on a common plane.

The decoupling elements 18 are formed for example as decoupling prisms, which have a longitudinal extent, which is preferably perpendicular to an optical axis 22 of the optical fiber assembly 10 comprehensive horizontal plane. A longitudinal extent of the decoupling prisms 18 is in FIG. 3 exemplified by the reference numeral 23. The longitudinal extension 23 of the decoupling prisms 18 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extension 11 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10.

In FIG. 4 a further embodiment of a light guide assembly 10 according to the invention is shown. In this case, the light guide section 12 and the lens section 13 are formed as separate components. The two sections 12, 13 are preferably separated from one another along a vertical sectional plane. The sectional plane is perpendicular to the light exit direction 3 of the arrangement 10 and perpendicular to the optical axis 22 comprehensive horizontal plane. Between the two sections 12, 13, an air gap 24 is preferably formed. That is, the light transported along the light guide section 12 and deflected by means of the coupling-out elements 18 emerges from the optical waveguide section 12 via a light passage surface 24 'lying opposite the coupling-out section 17. The leaked light then enters the light section 24 "of the lens section 13 after passing through the air gap 24. The physical division of the light guide arrangement 10 into the sections 12, 13 can significantly improve the efficiency of the light guide arrangement 10 Optical fiber section 12 serves exclusively for transporting the coupled-in light along the longitudinal extension 11 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10 and for decoupling the coupled-in light. The coupled light transported in the light guide section 12 along the longitudinal extent 11 of the light guide arrangement 10 is preferably reflected by means of total reflection at the outer boundary surfaces of the light guide section 12. When the light beams strike a decoupling element 18 of the coupling-out section 17, they are deflected in such a way that they impinge steeper on the outer boundary surfaces and exit the light guide section 12 through them. Of course, it is also conceivable to design the outer boundary surfaces of the light guide section 12 at least partially mirrored.

On the other hand, the lens portion 13 serves only for imaging the light leaked from the light guide section 12 on the road ahead of the motor vehicle and for generating the resulting light distribution. Also in this embodiment, the lens portion 13 has viewed in cross section (see. FIG. 4 ) a first focal point 20, which is arranged at the level of the lower edge of the decoupling elements 18 of the coupling-out section 17 and preferably on the front side of the decoupling elements 18. A second focal point 21 of the lens section 13 lies at infinity or at a large distance from the light exit surface 19. In this way, the lower portion of the light output element 18, the lower edges of the light output elements 18 as light-dark boundary of the resulting light distribution at infinity.

Due to the division of the light guide assembly 10 in the Section 12, 13, the area (the light guide section 12), in which the coupled light can propagate along the longitudinal extent 11 of the light guide assembly 10 is reduced and the light hits with a higher probability and thus with a higher frequency on one of Decoupling elements 18 and is decoupled from the light guide section 12. In general, the smaller a depth t of the light guide cross section in the light exit direction 3, the more light is output on the same length 1 as seen in the longitudinal extension 11. This principle is based on the FIG. 5 illustrated. FIG. 5 shows two light guides 12 'and 12 ", which have different depths t ₁ and t _2. The lengths l ₁ and l _{2 of} the two light guides 12', 12" are identical (l ₁ = l ₂ and t ₁ <t ₂ ). It can be clearly seen that a light beam transported along the longitudinal extension 11 of the light guides 12 ', 12 "more often strikes the coupling-out section 17 when the depth t of the light guide 12 is small the narrower optical fiber with the depth t ₁ twice onto the decoupling portion 17, whereas the light beam 11 "hits the decoupling portion 17 only once in the lower optical fiber 12" with the depth t ₂ , through the narrower optical fiber 12 'with the smaller depth t ₁ can therefore be coupled out on the same length l ₁ = l ₂ more light.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a light guide assembly 10 having Auskoppelelemente 18 with variable width. The light guide arrangement 10 is in FIG. 6 from the front, that is opposite to a light exit direction 3, shown.

In the FIGS. 7 and 8 Other embodiments of the light guide assembly 10 according to the invention are shown in a plan view. In this case, the light guide arrangement 10 is formed in two parts and has a light guide section 12 and a separate lens section 13, between which an air gap 24 is formed. The light guide section 12 off FIG. 7 has a constant depth t seen over the longitudinal extension 11 of the light guide arrangement 10. In contrast, in the optical fiber assembly 10 is made FIG. 8 the optical waveguide section 12 has a depth t that tapers from the light entry surface 16 or the light coupling section 15 over the longitudinal extent 11. In this way it can be ensured that the entire light coupled into the light guide section 12 has been coupled out of it by the end of the light guide section 12, which is opposite to the light entry surface 16. Thereby, the efficiency of the assembly 10 can be improved.

In FIG. 9 a further embodiment of the light guide assembly 10 according to the invention is shown. To further improve the efficiency of the optical waveguide arrangement 10, the optical waveguide section 12 has a reduced height, which corresponds to the height h of the outcoupling elements 18 of the outcoupling section 17. In this case, the light outcoupling section 17 is thus formed with the light outcoupling elements 18 over the entire height of the rear side at the rear side of the light guide section 12. A special feature of this embodiment provides that in a cross section of the lens section 13 of the first focal point 20 while still on the lower edge of the decoupling elements 18, but not on the front of the Decoupling elements 18, but on a front light passage surface 24 'of the light guide section 12 is arranged. The lower edge of the light passage surface 24 'of the light guide section 12 is thus imaged sharply at infinity by the lens section 13 in order to produce the light-dark boundary of the resulting light distribution.

A further preferred embodiment of the light guide arrangement 10 according to the invention will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 11 to 13 explained in more detail. In this case, the arrangement 10 is likewise designed in several parts and has a light guide section 12 and a lens section 13 separate therefrom. The light guide section 12 is instead of rod-shaped (see. FIGS. 2 to 10 ) sickle-shaped. Such a light guide arrangement 10 is, for example, from the DE 10 2011 018 508 known, with respect to the construction and operation of the crescent-shaped optical fiber 12 and the entire optical fiber assembly 10 reference is made. The content of DE 10 2011 018 508 is incorporated by reference into the present application. The crescent-shaped light guide 12 has at least one light incident surface 16 facing the semiconductor light source 14, via which at least part of the light emitted by the semiconductor light source 14 is coupled into the light guide 12. The light entry surface 16 preferably runs perpendicular to a main emission direction of the semiconductor light source 14, but it may also be inclined to the main emission direction.

Furthermore, the crescent-shaped optical waveguide section 12 comprises two, each having a base surface forming, opposing interfaces 25 with total reflective properties for reflection of at least a portion of coupled light. In the plan view ( FIGS. 11 and 13 ), only the upper of the two interfaces 25 is visible. At the interfaces 25, in particular flat incident light beams are reflected by total reflection. Furthermore, the light guide 12 in the region of the light coupling-in section 15 comprises at least one collimator element 26 for bundling at least part of the coupled-in light. The collimator element 26 has a plan view (cf. FIGS. 11 and 13 ) parabolic reflecting surface. In a cross section perpendicular to the plane of the drawing FIGS. 11 and 13 the collimator element 26 has either a planar or a curved shape. At the collimator element 26 incident light beams can be reflected by total reflection or conventional specular reflection. In addition, the light guide 12 has a light passage surface 24 '(see. FIG. 13 , Section A), are decoupled by the steeply incident light rays. Finally, the light guide 12 comprises a coupling-out section 17 for deflecting at least part of the coupled-in light in the direction of the light passage surface 24 '. The light coupling-out section 17 comprises a multiplicity of outcoupling elements 18 which, for example, are designed as prisms, reflector surfaces or deflecting mirrors which deflect the light in the direction of the light passage surface 24 '.

The deflection of the light at the light output element 17 can be done either by normal reflection or by total reflection. In reflection by reflection, the outside of the light guide 12 in the region of the light output elements 18 is preferably provided with a reflective coating. In the beam path of the coupled-out light, the lens section 13 is arranged for beam shaping. The lens portion 13 is in the illustrated embodiment as a cylindrical lens with a longitudinal extension 11 is formed.

A section through the crescent-shaped optical fiber section 12 in the plane of the FIGS. 11 and 13 is also called a meridional section. A section through the crescent-shaped light guide 12 in the plane of the FIG. 12 , ie perpendicular to the plane of the FIGS. 11 and 13 , also known as sagittal section. The meridional section thus runs along a longitudinal or surface extension of the light guide 12. The sagittal section runs along a transverse extent of the light guide 12. The meridional section and the sagittal section are perpendicular to one another. Both the meridional section and the sagittal section contain the optical axes of the optical waveguide 12. The crescent-shaped optical waveguide 12 comprises different optical axes, for example a main emission direction 27 of the semiconductor light source 14, which corresponds to a light input direction of the light into the optical waveguide 12, an optical axis 22 of the optical waveguide 12 , as well as the light exit direction. 3

The mode of operation of the crescent-shaped optical waveguide section 12 or the optical waveguide arrangement 10 according to the invention will be described in more detail below. The at least one semiconductor light source 14 emits a light beam in the main emission direction 27 into a 180 ° half-space above the light source 14. At least a part of the emitted light rays enters the light guide 12 as a divergent beam 28 'through the light entry surface 16 and then impinges on the collimator element 26. When the light rays enter the light guide 12, the light is refracted at the entrance surface 16. The corresponding beam path in the meridional section is in FIG. 11 drawn by way of example. By means of the collimator element 26, the initially divergent beam 28 'is optimally collimated (parallelized) in the meridional section, ie the diagonal of the beam is reduced. In FIG. 11 the parallelized light beams 28 "are clearly visible.

The light beams 28 "directed in this way propagate in a straight line in the meridional section of the light guide 12. However, in the sagittal section, the light beams 28" are preferably not bundled or parallelized, in particular if the collimator element 26 is a surface that is flat in cross section, so that the light beams 28 "on their way from the collimator element 26 to the coupling-out section 17 can be reflected once or several times between the opposite boundary surfaces 25 of the light guide 12. The light beams 28" strike the light coupling-out section 17 or the coupling-out elements 18 formed there the decoupling elements 18 designed as stair-step-like deflection mirror, which are inclined by about 45 ° to the main light exit direction 3. The light coupling-out section 17 deflects the beam path 28 ", so that the deflected light beams 28 '" meet approximately perpendicular to the light passage surface 24' of the light guide section 12 and exit from the light guide 12. The leaked light rays enter the light passage surface 24 "of the lens section 13. Since the light rays 28 '" are substantially parallel in the meridional section, practically no bundling of the light passing through takes place through the lens section 13 in the meridional section. The lens section 13 forms the lower edges of the coupling-out elements 17 as a light-dark boundary of the dimmed light distribution at infinity or at a great distance from the light guide assembly 10 from.

Viewed in the sagittal section, the light beams emitted by the at least one semiconductor light source 14 are refracted on entering the entrance surface 16 on entering the light guide 12 and the divergent beam in the light guide 12 is forwarded by a plurality of total reflections between the two approximately parallel interfaces 25 of the light guide 12. In the sagittal section, the coupled light is thus guided between two largely parallel surfaces 25 in the manner typical for light guides by means of multiple total reflections. The light beams finally strike the light coupling-out section 17 or the reflectors / deflecting mirrors 18, are deflected in the direction of the light passage surface 24 'and exit from the light guide 12 through them.

The passage of the light rays 28 '' through the passage surface 24 'takes place in the sagittal section obliquely or inclined to the surface 24', so that the coupled-out light forms a divergent light bundle in the sagittal section The lens section 13 arranged downstream of the light guide section 12 in the light exit direction 3 bundles the light beam decoupled light beams 28 '"in Sagitallschnitt. When the light passes through the lens section 13, therefore, the opening angle of the light beam through the cylindrical lens 13 decreases with the light guide assembly 10 according to the invention, it is possible, the bundle of the coupled light 28 'in the meridional section with the help of the collimator 26 at the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt 15 well to concentrate, while in Sagittalschnitt largely no focus within the Optical fiber section 12 takes place.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the collimator element 26 bundles not only in the meridional section, but also in the sagittal section incident light beams. For this purpose, the collimator element 26 may also have the shape of a parabola or a circular section, for example in cross-section. Preferably, the collimator element 26 is convexly curved in cross section. As a result, the reflected light beams 28 "would be bundled in the sagittal section and, for example, even substantially parallel to each other and on their way to the decoupling element 17 - if at all - rarely meet one of the interfaces 25 and be reflected by them.

The optical waveguide arrangement 10 according to this exemplary embodiment has the advantage that due to the very directed beam path in the meridional section (cf. FIG. 11 ) by targeted coordination of the collimator 26 and the Auskoppelabschnitts 17 is possible to achieve a very good homogeneity in the appearance of the light guide section 12. The bundling of the light rays through the lens section 13 in the sagittal section causes a focus and thus an improvement in the optical efficiency of the light guide assembly 10. It is also particularly advantageous that the light guide section 12 can be realized with particularly small wall thicknesses (distance between the side surfaces 25).

On at least a part of at least one of the light passage surfaces 24 '; 24 "(cf. FIG. 13 ) of the coupling-out section 17 or of the light guide section 12 and / or the lens portion 13 may be arranged optically active elements 24 '", which scatter the light passing through, in particular in the horizontal direction FIG. 13 For example, scattering optics 24 "in the form of pillow optics or cylindrical lenses are exemplarily formed on the light passage surface 24 '.

FIG. 14 shows a further variant of an optical waveguide arrangement 10 for producing a dimmed light distribution, for example. A low beam basic light, wherein here, the light guide section 12 separated from the lens portion 13 is formed. The lens portion 13 does not have the shape of a cylindrical lens, but is configured differently. Furthermore, the lens section 13 is arranged at a greater distance from the light passage surface 24 'of the light guide section 12. In addition, the optical waveguide assembly 10 has a light guide section 12 with two collimator elements 26 arranged one above the other, designated 26 'and 26 ".The collimator elements 26' and 26" direct the collimated light onto a common outcoupling section 17 of a common part of the light guide section 12. Here, too, the first focal point 20 or the corresponding focal line of the lens section 13 is arranged at the level of the lower edge of the decoupling elements 18 of the decoupling section 17. In the illustrated example, the first focal point 20 or the corresponding focal line is positioned on the front light passage surface 24 'of the optical waveguide section 12.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment with in the optical axis 22 comprehensive horizontal plane curved rod-shaped light guide section 12. The lens portion 13 is curved in a corresponding manner, so that a Air gap 24 between the two sections 12, 13 preferably over the entire longitudinal extension 11 of the light guide assembly 10 has a constant width. With varying focal length of the different cross sections of the lens section 13, the lens section 13 may also have a different curvature than the light guide section 12, so that the distance between the two sections 12, 13 in the region of the air gap 24 along the longitudinal extension 11 also varies.

It is also conceivable, in a lighting device 1 more of the individually described light guide assemblies 10 side by side or one above the other. Such an embodiment with two juxtaposed optical fiber assemblies 10 is in FIG. 16 shown. In this case, one of the optical waveguide arrangements, namely the optical waveguide arrangement 10 ', is arranged in the illumination device 1 with a substantially horizontal longitudinal extent 11a. The other optical waveguide arrangement 10 "is arranged with longitudinal extent 11b tilted at an angle α with respect to the longitudinal extension 11a of the first optical waveguide arrangement 10. The angle α is preferably 15 ° at a distance from the illumination device 1 or the optical waveguide arrangements 10 ', 10 ", a measuring screen 29 is arranged. On the measuring screen 29, a horizontal 30 and a vertical 31 is located. Although the FIGS. 16 and 17 show two screens, it is always the same screen 29, on the one hand, the light distribution 32 generated by the first light guide assembly 10 'and on the other hand, the light distribution 33 generated by the second light guide assembly 10 "is shown.

The first resulting light distribution 32 is a Low beam basic light, which has a relatively large horizontal dispersion and thus ensures good illumination of the side areas. The low-beam base light 32 has a horizontal light-dark boundary that extends completely below the horizontal 30. Areas of the same illuminance are designated by so-called isolux lines 34. It can be clearly seen that a region 35 with particularly large illuminance values extends just below the light-dark boundary and over a large part of the horizontal extent of the light distribution 32. The dipped-beam base light 32 thus has no pronounced intensity maxima. The second resulting light distribution 33 is a low-beam spot which has a smaller horizontal extent than the low-beam base light 32 and pronounced intensity maxima in a central area 36 of the light distribution 33. In addition, the light distribution 33 has a light-dark boundary which is at a 15 ° angle to the horizontal 30 rises and extends approximately through an intersection between the horizontal 30 and the vertical 31. Due to the low beam spotlight, particularly high illuminance values can be achieved in the center of a resulting overall light distribution.

The two light distributions 32, 33 are superposed to produce the resulting overall light distribution, for example an asymmetrical low-beam distribution according to the ECE regulation. Of course, it is conceivable to generate other light distributions 32, 33 by suitable design of the optical waveguide arrangements 10 ', 10 ", which then overlap to other total light distributions, for example a dipped-beam distribution according to the SAE regulation (for USA), TRIAS (for Japan) or CCC (for China).

The two separate optical fiber assemblies 10 'and 10 "from FIG. 16 can also be combined to form a common, bent optical waveguide arrangement 10 with sections 10 '''and10''' FIG. 17 shown. The sections 10 '", 10""produce the light distributions 32, 33 corresponding to the optical fiber assemblies 10', 10" in the manner described above.

In FIG. 18 is a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the light guide assembly 10 has a thin rectangular light guide section 12 with a roller-like lens as the lens section 13 for focusing.

In FIG. 19 is shown a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the light guide assembly 10 has a thin rectangular optical fiber section 12 with a focusing reflector 13a for focusing.

In FIG. 20 a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the optical waveguide assembly 10 has a thin rectangular light guide section 12 with a roller-like lens as a lens section 13 for focusing, wherein a light exit surface of the lens 13 is tilted with respect to the optical axis 22 of the assembly 10.

In FIG. 21 a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the optical fiber assembly 10 two juxtaposed or superimposed thin rectangular optical fiber sections 12 ', 12 "with roller-like lenses as lens sections 13', 13" has to focus. The two roller-type light disks 13 ', 13 "are combined to form a common component, but it would also be conceivable that they are formed separately from one another.

In order to influence the resulting light distribution 32, 33 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10, various structures, recesses or protrusions may be attached to the light waveguide section 12. One such example is in FIG. 22 shown. The optical fiber assembly 10 has a thin rectangular optical fiber portion 12 having a roller-like lens as a lens portion 13 for focusing. At the top of the light guide portion 12, a flattening 12a for light distribution design is formed.

The resulting light distribution 32, 33 of the optical waveguide arrangement 10 can also be influenced by forming various structures, recesses or protrusions on the lens section 13. One such example is in FIG. 23 shown. The lens section 13 has in the lower area an additional prism 13b for shaping the light distribution, is deflected by the light passing through down, for example. In the apron.

Furthermore, the decoupling prisms 18 may be tilted at the light extraction section 17 by an angle α with respect to a vertical forward (and down) (see. Figures 10 and 23 ). As a result, light in the light distribution can be shifted to a desired position. The reference numeral 37 denotes a retaining pin.

Claims (19)

Optical fiber arrangement (10) for use in an illumination device (1) of a motor vehicle, which has at least one semiconductor light source (14), the light guide arrangement (10) comprising: at least one light coupling section (15) having at least one light entry surface (16) for coupling in at least part of the light emitted by the at least one light source (14), - A Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (17) having a plurality of along a rear side of the light guide arrangement (10) arranged Lichtauskoppelelementen (18) for deflecting at least a portion of the coupled light in the direction of a lens portion (13) of the light guide assembly (10), and - The lens portion (13) having a longitudinal extent (11) transversely to a light exit direction (3) of the light guide assembly (10) and in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal extent (11) convex lens-shaped light exit surface (19) over the at least one Part of the deflected from the coupling-out portion (17) deflected light from the light guide assembly (10),
characterized in that viewed in cross-section, a first focal point (20) of the lens section (13) at the level of a lower edge of a decoupling element (18) and a second focal point (21) at a great distance to the light exit surface (19), preferably at infinity in that the lens section (13) sharply images the lower edge of the decoupling element (18) as part of a horizontal light-dark boundary of a resulting dimmed light distribution (32; 33) of the optical waveguide arrangement (10). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, viewed in cross-section, the first focal point (20) of the lens section (13) lies on a front side of the outcoupling element (18) directed in the light exit direction (3). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of first focal points (20) of different cross sections of the lens section (13) lie on a focal line which extends along the lower edges of the decoupling elements (18), so that the lens section (FIG. 13) sharp images the lower edges of the decoupling elements (18) as a horizontal bright-dark border of the resulting dimmed light distribution. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the decoupling elements (18) are designed as prisms whose longitudinal extension (23) transversely to the longitudinal extension (11) of the lens section (13) and to the light exit direction (3). the light guide assembly (10) extends. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a height (h) of the outcoupling elements (18) is selected such that the resulting dimmed light distribution (32; 33) after exiting the light guide arrangement (10) has a predetermined vertical extent. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a height (h) of the decoupling elements (18) is selected differently, wherein the lower edges of the decoupling elements (18) all extend at the same height. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a height (h) of the outcoupling elements (18) is selected to be alternately higher and lower. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one Lichteinkoppelabschnitt (15) and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (17) are integrally formed as an integral component (12). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outcoupling section (17) and the lens section (13) are formed as separate components, wherein a subdivision of decoupling portion (17) and lens portion (13) along the Longitudinal extent (11) of the lens portion (13) and transverse to the light exit direction (3) of the light guide assembly (10). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the subdivision of Auskoppelabschnitt (17) and lens portion (13) in a vertical sectional plane parallel to the longitudinal extent (11) of the lens portion (13). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that between a light passage surface (24 ') of the Auskoppelabschnitts (17), via which the deflected from the coupling elements (18) light exiting from the coupling-out section (17), and a Light passage surface (24 ") of the lens portion (13), via which the leaked from the coupling-out portion (17) light enters the lens portion (13), an air gap (24) is formed. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that on at least one part of at least one of the light passage surfaces (24 '; 24 ") of the outcoupling section (17) and / or the lens section (13) optically active elements (24'") are arranged, which scatter the light passing through, in particular in the horizontal direction. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the light outcoupling section (17) has a longitudinal extent which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension (11) of the lens section (13) and a cross-sectional area of the light outcoupling section (17) extending transversely to its longitudinal extension, starting from the light coupling section (15) over the longitudinal extension of the Lichtauskoppelabschnitts decreases. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one light coupling-in section (15) has means (26) for bundling the coupled-in light. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the means (26) for bundling to opposite sides of a light entrance surface (16) of the at least one Lichteinkoppelabschnitts (15) arranged, conically diverging reflective surfaces or a front optics made of a transparent material comprising a central lens and these surrounding totally reflecting interfaces, wherein a bundling of the coupled-in light by the attachment optics by means of refraction at a light entrance surface and / or total reflection takes place at the interfaces. Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the optical waveguide arrangement (10) has exactly one Lichteinkoppelabschnitt (15) and that the coupling-in section (15) and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (17) as a flat, crescent-shaped Light guide (12) are formed with a surface extension, which extends in a plane which is parallel to the light exit direction (3) of the light guide assembly (10) and perpendicular to the cross section of the lens portion (13). Optical waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the optical waveguide arrangement (10) is designed to produce a part (32; 33) of a dimmed light distribution, in particular of a low beam base light (32) having a relatively large horizontal dispersion and without pronounced Intensity maxima or a low-beam spot (33) with a low horizontal scattering and pronounced intensity maxima approximately in the center (36) of the light distribution (33). Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one semiconductor light source (14) for emitting light and at least one light guide arrangement (10) for generating at least part of a dimmed light distribution, characterized in that the light guide arrangement (10) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 17. Lighting device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the illumination device (1) a plurality of optical fiber assemblies (10 ', 10 ") according to claim 17, wherein the longitudinal extent (11a) of an optical fiber assembly (10') is substantially horizontal and the longitudinal extension (11b) of another light guide arrangement (10 ") extends obliquely thereto, preferably at a 15 ° angle, the horizontal light guide arrangement (10 ') producing a low beam base light (32) and the oblique Fiber optic assembly (10 ") for generating a low beam spot (33) are formed.

Images