EP3037717B1 - Motor vehicle headlamp with hollow mirror reflectors - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a headlight is from the EP 2 363 320 A1 known.

Such headlights, implemented using reflection technology and working with light-emitting diodes as semiconductor light sources, are known from various publications. So reveals the EP 2 532 951 a reflection system with a reflector chamber, wherein the light source is moved when switching between the low beam light function, in which a low beam light distribution is generated, and the high beam light function, in which a high beam light distribution is generated.

In addition, from the JP 2011129283 a reflection system with a fixed light source working with LEDs as semiconductor light sources with a reflector chamber known. Corresponding systems with several reflector chambers are from the DE 103 40 432 or US 2014/198 517 A1 known.

The object of the present invention is to provide a headlamp for dipped and high beam which works with semiconductor light sources such as LEDs, which is inexpensive and which has a good level with regard to the volume of light it provides and the quality of the light distributions it generates.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

The motor vehicle headlight according to the invention has an arrangement of a first semiconductor light source and a first concave mirror reflector, a second semiconductor light source and a second concave mirror reflector and a third semiconductor light source and a third concave mirror reflector. Each semiconductor light source consists of at least two separate semiconductor chips. The second semiconductor light source consists of a first group of semiconductor chips and a second group of semiconductor chips. In this application, the term “chip” always refers to a coherent, continuous light-emitting semiconductor surface (which is normally coated with phosphor), in particular a light-emitting diode (LED). Each chip initially represents an element that is separate from other chips. In one embodiment, several such elements are combined to form a coherent, inherently rigid component. To distinguish it from such a component combining several elements, components that contain only one chip are also referred to below as single-chip light sources and components that contain exactly two chips are referred to as double-chip light sources. The headlight has a control circuit which is set up to operate either the first semiconductor light source without the third semiconductor light source or the third semiconductor light source without the first semiconductor light source when the headlight is switched on, and exclusively to a first part of the semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source together with the first semiconductor light source operate and operate at least a second part of the semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source together with the third semiconductor light source.

The first semiconductor light source illuminates the first reflector; the second semiconductor light source illuminates the second reflector, and the third semiconductor light source illuminates the third reflector. The arrangement of the first reflector and the first semiconductor light source thus forms a first reflection module. The arrangement of the second reflector and the second semiconductor light source thus forms a second reflection module. The arrangement of the third reflector and the third semiconductor light source thus forms a third reflection module. The combination of three reflection modules makes it possible to generate the light distributions to be generated by superimposing partial light distributions, each partial light distribution is generated by a reflection module composed of a concave mirror reflector and a semiconductor light source and with an advantageously large luminous flux overall. The individual reflection modules can be optimized so that each reflection module fulfills a specific function particularly well.

At least one of the reflection modules is set up by the shape of its concave mirror reflector to generate a basic light distribution. Another of the reflection modules is preferably set up to generate a concentrated spot light distribution, preferably for high beam. Another reflection module is preferably set up to generate a medium-wide light distribution. The basic light distribution is preferably wider than the medium-wide light distribution, and this is preferably wider than the spot light distribution. The different widths are generated, for example, by different shapes of the concave mirror reflectors, the width depending in particular on the shape in the horizontal direction when used as intended.

In addition, one reflection module or two reflection modules are preferably set up to generate a cut-off line required for generating a rule-compliant low beam distribution. Such a light-dark boundary runs at least partially horizontally when the headlight is used as intended.

Normally, semiconductor light sources with 1 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 4 or 1 x 5 LEDs per row are installed on a common carrier substrate in LED headlights used. The fact that the present invention uses semiconductor light sources which consist of at least two separate semiconductor chips (that is to say not arranged on a common carrier substrate), that is to say of single-chip light sources, results in a cost saving.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that each reflector forms a reflection module with a light source and that two reflection modules each form a first pair of reflection modules that can be activated to generate a low beam light distribution, and that two reflection modules each have a second pair of Form reflection modules that can be activated to generate a high beam light distribution.

It is also preferred that at least one reflection module is set up to generate a light-dark boundary required for generating a rule-compliant low beam distribution.

It is also preferred that the light exit surfaces of the reflectors are of the same size and that the reflectors are arranged in such a way that their light exit surfaces adjoin one another.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that each semiconductor light source consists of at least two separate semiconductor chips.

It is also preferred that the semiconductor chips are each arranged along a row, which row is arranged with its longitudinal extent transverse to the main emission direction of the reflector in a horizontal plane.

It is also preferred that one of the three semiconductor light sources has a row of semiconductor chips which is arranged obliquely in a horizontal plane when the headlight is used as intended.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that one of the reflection modules is set up to generate both part of a low beam light distribution and part of a high beam light distribution, and that this reflection module has two groups of semiconductor chips that are arranged in lines.

It is also preferred that two reflection modules are set up to generate a high beam light distribution.

Furthermore, it is preferred that a first reflection module is set up through the shape of the first reflector to generate a partial low beam distribution with a light / dark boundary for a rule-compliant low beam distribution. For the generation of the cut-off line, the shape of the sections of the reflector, which are vertically aligned when used as intended, is particularly important. Whenever a vertical or horizontal arrangement is mentioned in the following, this should always relate to intended use.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that a second reflection module is a bifunctional module that is involved both in the generation of the low beam and in the generation of the high beam.

It is also preferred that a third reflection module is set up to generate a partial high beam light distribution without a cut-off line that occurs when a proper use of the headlight protrudes above the horizon in front of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one of the reflection modules is set up through the shape of its concave mirror reflector to generate a basic light distribution, another reflection module is set up to generate a concentrated spot light distribution, and yet another reflection module is set up to provide a to generate medium-wide light distribution, the basic light distribution being wider than the medium-wide light distribution, and this being wider than the spot light distribution.

A shape of a reflector in essentially vertical sections of the reflector is also referred to below as a vertical shape. A shape of a reflector in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector is also referred to below as a horizontal shape.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that a first reflection module is set up through the one vertical shape of its reflector to generate the light-dark boundary, and through its horizontal shape is set up to generate a medium-wide light distribution during a second reflection module is set up by the horizontal shape of its reflector to generate a wide basic light distribution.

It is also preferred that the second reflection module is set up by the vertical shape of its reflector to generate a light-dark boundary, and by the horizontal shape of its reflector is set up to to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the first reflection module is set up by a horizontal shape of its reflector to generate a wide light distribution.

Furthermore, it is preferred that both the first reflection module and the second reflection module are set up by the vertical shape of the respective reflector to generate the cut-off line, and the second reflection module is set up by the horizontal shape of its reflector to have a medium width To generate light distribution, while the first reflection module is set up by the horizontal shape of its reflector focal length to generate a wide light distribution.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that both the first reflection module and the second reflection module are set up by the vertical shape of the respective reflector to generate the cut-off line, and the first reflection module by the horizontal shape of its reflector is set up to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the second reflection module is set up by the horizontal shape of its reflector to generate a wide light distribution.

It is also preferred that at least one of the semiconductor light sources has a single-chip light source or a double-chip light source. Such a semiconductor light source having a single-chip light source or a double-chip light source can be any semiconductor light source from the group of the first semiconductor light source, the second semiconductor light source and the third semiconductor light source act.

Further advantages emerge from the following description, the drawings and the subclaims. 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.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Figur 1

eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers von vorne;

Figur 2

einen Querschnitt des Gegenstands der Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht auf die Halbleiterlichtquellen aus der Figur 1, zusammen mit zur Steuerung der Halbleiterlichtquellen dienenden Vorrichtungen wie einer Steuerschaltung;

Figur 4

eine Steuerschaltung, welche zwei Gruppen von Halbleiterchips der zweiten Halbleiterlichtquelle gemeinsam steuert;

Figur 5

eine Steuerschaltung zusammen mit drei Halbleiterlichtquellen in einer weiteren Ausgestaltung steuert; und

Figur 6

eine Ausgestaltung, bei der die Halbleiterlichtquellen und Gruppen von Halbleiterchips jeweils einzeln und unabhängig voneinander eingeschaltet und ausgeschaltet werden können, die nicht unter die vorliegende Erfindung fällt.

Show, each in schematic form:

Figure 1

a view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention from the front;

Figure 2

a cross section of the object of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3

a plan view of the semiconductor light sources from FIG Figure 1 , together with devices such as a control circuit for controlling the semiconductor light sources;

Figure 4

a control circuit which controls two groups of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source in common;

Figure 5

controls a control circuit together with three semiconductor light sources in a further embodiment; and

Figure 6

a configuration in which the semiconductor light sources and groups of semiconductor chips can each be switched on and off individually and independently of one another, which does not fall under the present invention.

The Figure 1 shows in detail a view of an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight 10 according to the invention from the front. The headlight 10 has a housing 12, the light exit opening of which is covered by a transparent cover plate 14. When the headlight is used as intended in a motor vehicle, the x direction lies parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle. The y-direction is parallel to the vertical axis and the z-direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis and indicates the main radiation direction of the headlight.

The headlight 10 has an arrangement of a first semiconductor light source 16 and a first concave mirror reflector 18, a second semiconductor light source 20 and a second concave mirror reflector 22 and a third semiconductor light source 24 and a third reflector 26.

The first semiconductor light source 16 together with the first concave mirror reflector 18 forms a first reflection module 28. Analogously, the second semiconductor light source 20 together with the second concave mirror reflector 22 forms a second reflection module 30, and the third semiconductor light source 24 together with the third reflector 26 forms a third reflection module 32 A reflection module with the light source switched on is also referred to below as an active reflection module.

The Figure 2 FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the article of FIG Figure 1 along the line II-II in the Figure 1 . Light 34 radiated downward from the semiconductor light source 16 into the half-space is collected by the concave mirror reflector 18 and radiated into the area in front of the headlamp, bundled around a main radiation direction z.

The light sources are at the subject of Figure 1 and 2 arranged in the reflectors above. In an alternative embodiment, the reflection modules can also be used in a position pivoted through 180 ° around the horizontal, so that the light sources are arranged at the bottom in the headlight. This applies both to each reflection module individually and in conjunction with one or both of the other reflection modules. All light sources can be arranged above or all light sources below or at least one light source above and one light source below.

The light exit surfaces of the reflectors are preferably of the same size, and the reflectors are preferably arranged in such a way that the light exit surfaces merge into one another, so that a coherent appearance results for the viewer.

The Figure 3 FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the semiconductor light sources 16, 20, 24 from FIG Figure 1 . The Figure 3 is intended to illustrate a possible arrangement and composition of these semiconductor light sources from separate semiconductor chips in schematic form and is not to scale to FIG Figure 1 based.

Each semiconductor light source 16, 20, 24 consists of at least two separate semiconductor chips. In the illustrated embodiment, there is the first semiconductor light source 16 from n = 2 semiconductor chips 16.1, 16.2. The second semiconductor light source 20 consists of a first group 36 of m = 4 semiconductor chips 36.i and a second group 38 of k = 4 semiconductor chips 38.j. The third semiconductor light source 24 consists of l = 2 semiconductor chips 24.1, 24.2. The values of n, m, k and l are not limited to the specified values. However, they are preferably each greater than or equal to 2.

As already mentioned, semiconductor light sources with 1 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 4 or 1 x 5 LEDs per row on a common carrier substrate are normally used in LED headlights. The headlight manufacturer then has to use the mass-produced semiconductor light source that best meets his requirements.

High-power semiconductor light sources are now also available that have single chips or double chips that are suitable for low beam light distributions and for high beam light distributions. In order to be able to use such single chips and double chips, the carrier, for example carrier 24.3, may only protrude slightly beyond the light-emitting surface of the chip so that a total luminous area can be put together from several single-chip LEDs, which has only small non-luminous spacing areas between the luminous light exit areas .

The fulfillment of this requirement is hampered by technical restrictions that result from requirements for the positioning accuracy of the chip on the carrier and the thermal behavior of the chip on the carrier. A semiconductor light source used to implement the invention The Oslon compact from Osram appears to be suitable. Advantages of using such single or double chip light emitting diodes result in particular from their comparatively lower prices. LEDs implemented as a single chip are less expensive than multi-chip LEDs on a common carrier. A further advantage of single-chip and double-chip LEDs over multiple chips results from greater flexibility in the arrangement of the light exit surfaces in the reflector and the coordination of the luminous fluxes in different applications and the individual components with one another. In particular, LEDs with two chips packed closely together as a double chip come into consideration as double chips. An example of such a double chip is the Oslon Black Flat 1 X 2. Such a double chip then replaces two single chips. If necessary, the double chips can also be flexibly grouped to form larger light sources. This is also advantageous because the shape of the reflectors and the exact spatial division of the three reflector areas can differ from one headlight type to another, i.e. in the case of headlights for different vehicle types. Effects of these differences on the light distributions generated by the different headlights can be compensated more easily when using single or double chips than when using components that have more than two light exit surfaces, because the possibility of determining the exact arrangement and / or number of the individual and / or to vary double chips relative to one another, provides further degrees of freedom which do not exist in the case of a restriction to the use of components with more than two light exit surfaces which are arranged spatially invariably to one another.

The semiconductor chips are arranged on a common circuit board 40. The common circuit board is preferably thermally coupled to a heat sink, which absorbs and dissipates the heat released during operation of the semiconductor light sources.

One of the three semiconductor light sources, preferably one that is involved in generating the low beam and high beam, has, in a preferred embodiment, a row of semiconductor chips that are inclined in the horizontal plane when used as intended, which is the xz plane here is.

Homogenization measures can be provided to compensate for the interruptions in the luminous area caused by the distances between the light exit areas of the individual semiconductor chips. An example of such a measure is the arrangement of front optics directly in front of the light exit surfaces of the semiconductor chips. A coherent light exit surface and thus, so to speak, a substitute light source are preferably generated with the auxiliary optics. Another example of a homogenization measure consists in modulation of the reflector surfaces, in which the reflector surfaces are designed in such a way that they blur inhomogeneities in the appearance.

In the illustrated embodiment, a control circuit 42 is also arranged on the board. The control circuit can also be arranged separately from the circuit board in the headlight or on the inside or outside of the headlight. It is set up, in particular programmed, to control the luminous flux of the individual semiconductor light sources, which in particular switches on and off and controls the Includes brightness. This control circuit is part of the invention regardless of its arrangement. The control circuit for its part is preferably controlled by a higher-level control device 44 of the vehicle, which for this purpose receives, for example, a driver's request signal from a light switch 46. The higher-level control device 44 signals to the control circuit 42 whether and, if so, which light distribution is to be generated, and the control circuit 42 then controls the individual semiconductor chips in such a way that the desired light distribution results.

The Figure 4 shows the control circuit 42 together with the three semiconductor light sources 16, 20 and 24 and two switches 48, 50 with which the control device 44 controls the light emission of the three semiconductor light sources in a further embodiment. The first switch 48 is used to switch on a power supply for the semiconductor light sources and the second switch 50 is used to switch on either the first semiconductor light source together with a first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20, or to switch on the third semiconductor light source 24 together with a second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light sources.

For this purpose, either the first 16 or the third semiconductor light source 24 is connected to the first switch 48 via the second switch 50. The first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 is always connected to the first semiconductor light source 16 in this exemplary embodiment.

The second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 is always connected to the third semiconductor light source 24 in this exemplary embodiment.

When the first switch 48 is closed, either the first semiconductor light source 16 emits light together with the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20, with the third semiconductor light source 24 remaining switched off, or there is the third semiconductor light source 24 together with the second group 38 of semiconductor chips the second semiconductor light source 20 from light, wherein the first semiconductor light source 16 remains switched off.

The Figure 4 shows the first alternative, in which a current flows from a supply potential (+) via the first switch 48, the second switch 50 and the first semiconductor light source 16 to ground and with a further current path from the supply potential via the first switch, the second switch and the first group of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source leads to ground. In this configuration, the two groups of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source are controlled separately from one another.

The Figure 5 shows a control circuit 42 together with the three semiconductor light sources 16, 20 and 24 and three switches 48, 50 and 52 with which the control device 44 controls the light emission of the three semiconductor light sources in a further embodiment. The first switch 48 is used to switch on a power supply for the semiconductor light sources and the second switch 50 is used to switch on the first semiconductor light source 16 alternatively, the third semiconductor light source 24 being switched off or the third semiconductor light source 24 turn on, wherein the first semiconductor light source 16 is turned off. The second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 is here always electrically connected to the third semiconductor light source 24 and is therefore switched on and off together with it. The first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 is optionally connected to the first semiconductor light source 16 or the second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 via the third switch 52. The second switch 50 is actuated together with the third switch 52.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 is always switched on when the first switch 48 is closed.

When the first switch 48 is closed, either the first semiconductor light source 16 emits light together with the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source, the second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 and the third semiconductor light source 24 remaining switched off, or there is the third Semiconductor light source 24 together with the first group 36 and the second group 38 of semiconductor chips from the second semiconductor light source 20, the first semiconductor light source 16 remaining switched off. The first alternative is used to generate a low beam light distribution, and the second alternative is used to generate a high beam light distribution.

The Figure 5 shows the first alternative, in which a current from a supply potential via the first switch 48, the second switch 50, and in parallel via the first semiconductor light source 16 and via the third switch 52 and the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 to ground.

In the switching position for high beam, not shown, the third switch 52 connects the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 to the second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20, and the second switch 50 connects the combination of the second semiconductor light source 20 and the third Semiconductor light source 24 with the side of the first switch 48, which is connected to the semiconductor light sources.

In this embodiment, too, the two groups of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source are controlled separately from one another.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which a fourth switch 54 together with the first semiconductor light source 16 lies in a first current path between ground and the supply potential, a fifth switch 56 together with the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 in a second current path between ground and the supply potential, a sixth switch 58 together with the second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20 lies in a third current path between ground and the supply potential, and a seventh switch 60 together with the third semiconductor light source 24 in a fourth current path between ground and the Supply potential lies. The four switches in this embodiment are only to distinguish them from the three switches from the Figures 4 and 5 referred to as fourth through seventh switches.

In this embodiment, the switches 54 - 60 mentioned can be switched independently of one another, so that any combinations of switch-on states and switch-off states of the first semiconductor light source 16, the first group 36 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20, the second group 38 of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source 20, and the third semiconductor light source 24 can be adjusted. The switching states of these switches 54 - 60 are controlled by the control device 44.

The Figures 4 to 6 represent configurations of headlights, with two reflection modules each forming a first pair of reflection modules that can be activated to generate a low beam light distribution, and two reflection modules each forming a second pair of reflection modules that can be activated to generate a high beam light distribution. One of the reflection modules, here the second reflection module 30, is involved in both the generation of a low beam light distribution and the generation of a high beam light distribution and has two groups 36, 38 of semiconductor chips, which are in particular arranged in lines. A first of these groups is switched on in addition to the first semiconductor light source for generating the low beam. A second of these groups is switched on in addition to the third semiconductor light source for generating the high beam. To generate the high beam, in one embodiment both of these groups are switched on in addition to the third semiconductor light source.

For further explanation, reference is first made again to the Figures 1 to 3 Referred to:
The headlight 10 has a reflection system with three reflectors 18, 22, 26. A semiconductor light source 16, 20, 24 is assigned to each reflector, so that each reflector forms a reflection module 28, 30, 32 with a light source. Two of the three reflection modules are used to generate a low beam light distribution. The subject of Figures 1 to 3 these are the first reflection module which is formed by the first reflector and the first semiconductor light source, and the second reflection module which is formed by the second reflector and the second semiconductor light source.

When used as intended, the first reflection module is preferably arranged closer to the outside of the vehicle. The third reflection module 32 is arranged closer to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The second reflection module is arranged between the first reflection module and the second reflection module.

Two reflection modules are also used to generate high beam light distribution. The subject of Figures 1 to 3 these are the second reflection module formed by the second reflector and the second semiconductor light source, and the third reflection module formed by the third reflector and the third semiconductor light source.

One of the three reflection modules is used both to generate the low beam light distribution and to generate the high beam light distribution and thus represents a bifunctional module Figures 1 to 3 this is the second reflection module which is formed by the second reflector and the second semiconductor light source.

This bifunctional module has two groups of semiconductor light sources. The groups consist of single chips or double chips, which are arranged along a line within each group. The line lies with its longitudinal extent transversely to the main emission direction in a horizontal plane. The two lines are preferably offset from one another in the z direction (main emission direction of the reflector). The distance between the light-emitting surfaces is as small as possible, preferably smaller than a shortest side length of the light-emitting surfaces, but greater than zero, so that the light-emitting surfaces do not touch. The light exit surfaces are therefore arranged in the manner of a transverse helix.

The shape of the first reflector means that the first reflection module is preferably set up to generate a partial low beam distribution with a light-dark boundary for a rule-compliant low beam distribution. This is achieved in that the first reflector is shaped in such a way that its helical images, i.e. the images of the chip areas that the reflector projects into its area in front of it, do not extend beyond a certain line. Each surface element of the reflector creates such a helical image, for example can be made visible on a screen. The position of the spiral pattern on the screen can be predetermined by the shape of the reflector. It can also be established, for example, that all or at least the vast majority of such spiral images lie on one side of a specific line on the screen, from which the light-dark boundary then results in the sum of all spiral images results. When the headlight is used as intended, the essentially horizontal cut-off line is roughly level with the horizon in front of the vehicle.

The third reflection module preferably generates a partial high beam light distribution without a light / dark boundary. When the headlight is used as intended, the high beam light distribution protrudes above the horizon in front of the vehicle.

The second reflection module generates switchable partial light distributions for a low beam light distribution or a high beam light distribution. Only one of the three reflection modules is preferably switchable. The invention is not limited to the fact that only one of three reflection modules generates different partial light distributions in a switchable manner.

Overall, each of the three reflection modules generates a partial light distribution that is different from the partial light distribution of each of the two other reflection modules.

A total of four alternatives are preferred. What these four alternatives have in common is that the second reflection module is a bifunctional module in the sense described, that is, it is involved in both the generation of the low beam and the generation of the high beam. Another common feature is that the spot light distribution is generated by the third reflection module.

In a first alternative, the first reflection module is essentially by a shape of its reflector vertical sections of the reflector set up to generate a cut-off line, and set up by a shape of its reflector in substantially horizontal sections of the reflector to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the second reflection module is set up by a shape of its reflector substantially horizontal sections of the reflector is set up to produce a wide light distribution.

In a second alternative, the second reflection module is set up by a shape of its reflector in essentially vertical sections of the reflector to generate the cut-off line, and it is set up by a shape of its reflector in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector, to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the first reflection module is set up by a shape of its reflector in substantially horizontal sections of the reflector focal length to generate a wide light distribution.

In a third alternative, both the first reflection module and the second reflection module are set up by a shape of their respective reflector in substantially vertical sections of the respective reflector to generate the light-dark boundary, and the second reflection module is designed by a shape of its reflector set up in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the first reflection module is set up by a shape of its reflector in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector to generate a wide light distribution.

In a fourth alternative, both the first reflection module and the second reflection module are set up by a shape of their respective reflector in essentially vertical sections of the respective reflector to generate the light-dark boundary, and the first reflection module is designed by a shape of its reflector set up in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the second reflection module is set up by a shape of its reflector in essentially horizontal sections of the reflector to generate a wide light distribution.

With this list of four alternatives, only one reflection module is implemented as a switchable bifunction module. It would also be possible to implement a further reflection module as a bifunctional module, which then enables further alternatives.

It is preferred that a reflection module generates a somewhat more broadly scattered basic light. In the exemplary embodiments and configurations presented here, this is the first reflection module.

It is also preferred that a reflection module generates a concentrated spot light distribution, preferably for high beam. In the exemplary embodiments and configurations presented here, this is the third reflection module.

It is also preferred that a reflection module generates a medium-wide light distribution. In the exemplary embodiments and configurations presented here, this is the second reflection module. One or two modules generate the the light-dark border. These are preferably the first reflection module and the second reflection module.

All alternatives preferably have in common that a reflection module involved in the generation of the low-beam light distribution, which does not generate a light-dark boundary, distributes its light up to a few tenths of a degree below the light-dark boundary, so that this module is not tolerance-critical.

One of the reflection modules, preferably the reflection module serving as a spot module, is implemented as a partial high beam module that has a vertical light-dark border in its part of the light distribution above the horizon, whereby a high beam with an adaptively masked zone for road users is made possible in advance of your own motor vehicle. This vertical light-dark boundary separates, for example, a light area of the light distribution lying on the own traffic side from a dark area of the light distribution lying on the opposite traffic side.

Claims (16)

1. A motor vehicle headlamp (10) having an assembly comprising a first semiconductor light source (16), a second semiconductor light source (20), a first concave mirror reflector (18), a second concave mirror reflector (22), a third semiconductor light source (24) and a third concave mirror reflector (26), wherein each semiconductor light source is composed of at least two separate semiconductor chips (16.1, 16.2, 36.i, 38.j, 24.1, 24.2), characterised in that the second semiconductor light source (20) is composed of a first group (36) of semiconductor chips and a second group of (38) of semiconductor chips, and having a control circuit (42) configured for operating, when the headlamp is switched on, either the first semiconductor light source without the third semiconductor light source, or the third semiconductor light source without the first semiconductor light source, and to operate exclusively the first group (36) of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source together with the first semiconductor light source, and to operate at least the second group (38) of semiconductor chips of the second semiconductor light source together with the third semiconductor light source.
2. The headlamp (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in each case, one reflector with a light source forms a reflection module (28, 30, 32), and in that, in each case, two reflection modules (28, 30) form a first pair of reflection modules, which can be activated for generating a low-beam light distribution, and in that, in each case, two reflection modules (30, 32) form a second pair of reflection modules, which can be activated for generating a high-beam light distribution.
3. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one reflection module is configured to generate a light/dark border necessary for generating a low-beam light distribution conforming to regulations.
4. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the light exit surfaces of the reflectors are the same size and in that the reflectors are disposed such that their light exit surfaces border on one another.
5. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that each semiconductor light source has semiconductor chips that are each disposed along a row, which row is disposed such that its longitudinal extension is transverse to the main beam direction of the reflector in a horizontal plane.
6. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that one of the three semiconductor light sources has a row of semiconductor chips that is disposed slantwise in a horizontal plane with an intended use of the headlight.
7. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that two reflection modules (30, 32) are configured for generating a high-beam light distribution.
8. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a first reflection module (28) is configured, by the shape of the first reflector, to generate a partial low-beam light distribution having a light/dark border for a low-beam light distribution conforming to regulations.
9. The headlamp (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that a second reflection module (30) is a bi-functional module, which is configured to generate both a portion of a low-beam light distribution as well as a portion of a high-beam light distribution, and in that this reflection module has two groups (36, 38) of semiconductor chips, which are disposed in rows.
10. The headlamp (10) according to one of the Claims 8 to 9, characterized in that a third reflection module (32) is configured to generate a partial high-beam light distribution without a light/dark border, which extends beyond the height of the horizon in front of the vehicle with an intended use of the headlamp.
11. The headlamp (10) according to one of the Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that at least one reflection module is configured, by the shape of its concave mirror reflector, to generate a fundamental light distribution, another of the pair is configured to generate a concentrated spot light distribution, and another pair is configured to generate a medium-wide light distribution, wherein the fundamental light distribution is wider than the medium-wide light distribution, and this is wider than the spot light distribution.
12. The headlamp (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that a first reflection module (28) is configured, by the vertical shape of its reflector, to generate the light/dark border, and by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the second reflection module (30) is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a wide fundamental light distribution.
13. The headlamp (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that a second reflection module (30) is configured, by the vertical shape of its reflector, to generate the light/dark border, and by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the first reflection module (28) is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a wide light distribution.
14. The headlamp (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that both the first reflection module (28) as well as a second reflection module (30) are configured, by the vertical shape of the respective reflector, to generate the light/dark border, and the second reflection module is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the first reflection module is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a wide light distribution.
15. The headlamp according to Claim 11, characterized in that both the first reflection module (28) as well as a second reflection module (30) are configured, by the vertical shape of their respective reflector, to generate the light/dark border, and the first reflection module is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a medium-wide light distribution, while the second reflection module is configured, by the horizontal shape of its reflector, to generate a wide light distribution.
16. The headlamp (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the semiconductor light sources (16, 20, 24) has a single chip light source or a double chip light source.

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