EP3329179B1 - Light device for a vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Light device for a vehicle headlamp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3329179B1
EP3329179B1 EP16750359.8A EP16750359A EP3329179B1 EP 3329179 B1 EP3329179 B1 EP 3329179B1 EP 16750359 A EP16750359 A EP 16750359A EP 3329179 B1 EP3329179 B1 EP 3329179B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
lighting device
guiding
row
guiding elements
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EP16750359.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3329179A1 (en
Inventor
Lukas Taudt
Josef Plank
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ZKW Group GmbH
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ZKW Group GmbH
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/285—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S41/24-F21S41/28
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/143—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting device for a headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a plurality of light sources, a light guide with a plurality of light guide elements and a downstream imaging optical element, each light guide each having a light input surface and a respective light exit surface, wherein the light guide in at least one row are arranged, wherein the light-guiding elements are arranged in at least one row, and the light-guiding elements of at least one row are formed as high-beam light-guiding elements and form a high beam row, each high-beam Lichtleitelement each comprises a lower Lichtleitization.
  • Such lighting units which are also referred to as pixel light modules, are common in the automotive industry and serve, for example, the imaging of glare-free high beam by the light is usually emitted by a plurality of artificial light sources and by a corresponding plurality of juxtaposed light guides (attachment optics / Primary optics) is focused in the emission direction.
  • the light guides have a relatively small cross-section and therefore emit the light of the individual light sources each associated with very concentrated in the emission direction.
  • Pixel light emitters are very flexible in terms of light distribution because for each pixel, i. For every light guide, the illuminance can be controlled individually and any light distribution can be realized.
  • the concentrated radiation of the light guides is desired, for example, to comply with legal requirements regarding the light-dark line of a motor vehicle headlight or implement adaptive flexible Ausblendszenarien, on the other hand, this creates disturbing inhomogeneities in areas of the light image in which a uniform, concentrated and directed illumination desired is, as for example in the high beam distribution.
  • the US 8,011,803 B2 relates to a fog lamp, the collimating attachment optics with attached wavy deflection, which is inclined to the main emission of the LED includes. As a result, on the one hand, the light is deflected but also scattered, so that the homogeneity is improved.
  • the DE 2009 053 581 B3 refers to the primary optics of a matrix / pixel module.
  • the frontal exit surface of the optic is provided with a wavy padding structure.
  • the DE 10 2008 005 488 A1 discloses a fine structure surface for the optical unit having a plurality of structural elements with which the light spots are widened in the horizontal direction. If the light spots overlap, the edges blur, resulting in a more homogeneous overall light distribution.
  • the DE 10 2010 027 322 A1 describes refractive micro-optic components at the light exit surface of a primary optic.
  • the EP 2 587 125 A2 discloses microstructures on the light exit surface of the primary optics of a pixel headlamp.
  • the US 5,727,108 discloses prismatic boundary surfaces for compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) alignment optics.
  • the US 2015/0131324 A1 discloses a lighting device for a headlamp, with light-guiding elements, which are arranged in a row and form a high beam row.
  • a lighting device for headlamps of the type mentioned which is inventively characterized in that the lower Lichtleit Structure at least in the region in which the light beams are reflected, at least partially structures, wherein the structures in that region of the lower light guide surface, which is adjacent to the light exit surface and in which the light is reflected, are formed, and that the structures are groove-shaped , wherein the grooves are oriented transversely to an optical axis of the lighting device and have a width of 0.2-0.4 mm and a height of 0.015-0.03 mm.
  • the invention is a technically simple and cost-effective measure to locally influence the light distribution in the respective high-beam light guide elements and thus to realize a more homogeneous high beam distribution.
  • the basic structure of light-guiding elements and attachment optics for pixel light lighting devices for headlights is known per se.
  • the light-guiding elements are made, for example, of plastic, glass or any other suitable materials for light transmission.
  • the light guide elements are made of a silicone material.
  • the light-guiding elements are typically embodied as solid bodies and preferably consist of a single continuous optical medium, wherein the light conduction takes place within this medium.
  • the light-guiding elements typically have a substantially square or rectangular cross section and usually expand in the light emission direction in a manner known per se.
  • the light-guiding elements can be realized as open collimators.
  • the light emitted by the light source and light coupled into the light guide is expediently totally reflected by the lower light guide surface.
  • the grooves formed on the lower light guiding surface have a periodic geometry.
  • the structure of a lighting device for pixel light is particularly efficient when the light-guiding elements are arranged in exactly three rows arranged one above the other, which together form a high beam distribution.
  • the upper row may be formed as a leading row, the middle row as an asymmetrical row and the lower row as a high beam row, the high beam row being provided by high beam light guiding elements having structures as described herein.
  • the bottom row is the high beam row.
  • all the light-guiding elements can be designed as high-beam light-guiding elements which are arranged in exactly one row.
  • Such lighting devices are also referred to as pixel high beam modules.
  • the light-conducting elements of the rows are preferably arranged as close as possible to each other, whereby inhomogeneities in the photograph can be further reduced.
  • the light exit surfaces of the individual light guide elements can therefore be part of a common light exit surface, with the individual light exit surfaces adjoining one another.
  • the common light exit surface is typically a curved surface, usually following the Petzval surface of the imaging optics (e.g., an imaging lens).
  • the imaging optics e.g., an imaging lens
  • Another object of the invention relates to a headlamp, in particular a motor vehicle headlamp, which comprises a lighting device according to the invention as disclosed herein. Headlights of this type are also referred to as pixel light.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the basic structure of a lighting device 1 according to the invention.
  • the attachment optics 10 comprises light guide elements 11, 12, 13, which are arranged in three rows and the radiating side to a common end plate 26 extend.
  • the end plate 26 is the emission side limited by a light exit surface 23 ', wherein the light exit surfaces 23 of the individual light guide elements (see Fig. 7 ) are each part of the common light exit surface 23 ', wherein individual light exit surfaces 23 adjoin one another.
  • the common light exit surface 23 ' is typically a curved surface, usually following the Petzval surface of the imaging lens 200. For certain applications, deliberate deviations in the curvature of the common light exit surface 23 'can also be used in order to use aberrations for light homogenization in the edge region.
  • Each light-guiding element 11, 12, 13 is a per se known per se LED light source 100 (see FIG. Fig. 7 ). For each light guide element 11, 12, 13, the illuminance can be controlled individually, which is why arbitrary light distributions can be realized.
  • the upper row is formed as a front row row consisting of a plurality of apron light-guiding elements 13.
  • the middle row is formed as asymmetry series consisting of a plurality of asymmetry light guide elements 12 and the lower row is formed as a high beam row consisting of a plurality of high beam light-guiding elements 11.
  • the three rows together form a high beam distribution in the activated state.
  • the high-beam light guide elements 11 are on their lower light guide surface 24 (see Fig. 7 ) are provided with a groove structure 25, wherein the grooves 25 are oriented transversely to an optical axis 16 of the lighting device 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the attachment optics 10 Fig. 1 in the light propagation direction.
  • the light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 can be made, for example, of silicone, plastic, glass or any other suitable materials for light conduction.
  • the light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 are designed as solid bodies and consist of a single continuous optical medium, wherein the light conduit takes place within this medium.
  • the light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section and expand in the light emission direction, where they finally as described above radiation side to the common end plate 26, the emission side by a light exit plane 23 '(see. Fig. 3 ) is limited.
  • Fig. 4 shows a side view of a high-beam light guide element 11 'according to the prior art.
  • the high-beam light-conducting element 11 ' is a solid body having a light coupling surface 21, via which the light emitted by the LED light source is coupled into the light-conducting element 11'.
  • the light is conducted forward along the high-beam light-conducting element 11 'to a light exit surface 23.
  • Fig. 4 also shows exemplary beam paths emanating from the light incoupling surface 21, wherein the beams 50 represent the direct light exit and the beams 51, which are reflected at a lower light guide surface 24, represent the indirect light exit.
  • the upper light guide surface 22 is formed along its entire length as a smooth reflection surface (optimized for the use of total reflection).
  • Fig. 5 shows by way of example a luminous intensity distribution 30 (photometric ray tracing simulation with a luminous intensity sensor, wherein a grayscale image is obtained in accordance with the luminous intensity) of a high-beam light-conducting element 11 ' Fig. 4 ,
  • an intensity maximum 31 can be detected;
  • Fig. 6 shows an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 5 in which the counter-rise 33 is clearly visible.
  • the cause of the inhomogeneity lies in particular in the transition and the insufficient overlap between the directly emitted light 50 and the light 51 reflected at the lower light guide surface 24.
  • Fig. 7 shows a side view of a high beam light guide element 11 according to the invention.
  • the high-beam light guide 11 according to the invention differs from that of the prior art (high-beam light guide 11 ', see Fig. 4 ) in that groove-shaped structures 25 are formed on the lower light guide surface 24 in the region in which the beams 52 are reflected.
  • the remaining structure of the high-beam light-guiding element 11 corresponds to that of the Fig. 4 and reference is made to the description above.
  • Fig. 7 also shows exemplary beam paths emanating from the light incoupling surface 21, wherein the beams 50 represent the direct light exit and the beams 52, which are reflected at the groove structure 25 of the light guide surface 24, represent the indirect light exit.
  • the groove structure 25 scatters and shapes the light 52 precisely in that region which lies in the transition between the directly emitted light 50 and the light 52 reflected at the groove structure 25 of the lower light guide surface 24.
  • the light distribution can be influenced and as a result there is an improvement in the light homogeneity.
  • Fig. 8 shows by way of example a luminous intensity distribution 30 '(photometric ray tracing simulation with a luminous intensity sensor, a grayscale image being obtained in accordance with the luminous intensity) of a high-beam light-conducting element 11 according to the invention Fig. 7 ,
  • the intensity maximum 31 can be detected;
  • a continuous drop in intensity is generally recognizable and the light image is much more homogeneous compared to the prior art.
  • Fig. 9 shows an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 8 from which the continuous intensity drop and the improved homogeneity (in Fig.
  • Fig. 10 shows a vertical section through a high-beam light-conducting element 11 according to the invention.
  • the grooves 25 extend transversely to the optical axis (or light propagation direction) and are formed along a (imaginary) carrier curve TK on the lower light guide surface 24.
  • a total of 9 grooves are formed starting from the light exit surface 23.
  • the grooves 25 have a width of 0.3 mm and a height of 0.015-0.03 mm.
  • Fig. 11 shows a detail Fig. 10 (in Fig. 10 indicated by a dashed circle).
  • the carrier curve TK is the boundary of a light-guiding element.
  • the three points Pi, Si, Pi + 1 are the nodes of a spline curve.
  • the magnitude of the amplitude is iteratively varied, with the respective geometry a photometric simulation is carried out according to a conventional manner. By comparing the obtained light images (or the gradient curve), the best amplitude is determined. This process must be repeated for each groove, since the distance from the light source (LED light source 100) determines the angle of incidence on the support curve and thus the location of the inhomogeneity.
  • the boundary surface of the groove itself is an extension surface of the determined spline curve, wherein the extension direction is normal to the vertical center plane of the light guide, and wherein each groove has its own amplitude.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Leuchteinrichtung für einen Scheinwerfer, insbesondere einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, umfassend eine Mehrzahl von Lichtquellen, eine Lichtleiteinrichtung mit einer Mehrzahl von Lichtleitelementen und ein nachgeschaltetes Abbildungsoptikelement, wobei jedes Lichtleitelement je eine Lichteinkoppelfläche und je eine Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweist, wobei die Lichtleitelemente in zumindest einer Reihe angeordnet sind, wobei die Lichtleitelemente in zumindest einer Reihe angeordnet sind, und die Lichtleitelemente zumindest einer Reihe als Fernlicht-Lichtleitelemente ausgebildet sind und eine Fernlichtreihe bilden, wobei jedes Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement je eine untere Lichtleitfläche umfasst.The invention relates to a lighting device for a headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a plurality of light sources, a light guide with a plurality of light guide elements and a downstream imaging optical element, each light guide each having a light input surface and a respective light exit surface, wherein the light guide in at least one row are arranged, wherein the light-guiding elements are arranged in at least one row, and the light-guiding elements of at least one row are formed as high-beam light-guiding elements and form a high beam row, each high-beam Lichtleitelement each comprises a lower Lichtleitfläche.

Derartige Leuchteinheiten, die auch als Pixellicht-Module bezeichnet werden, sind im Fahrzeugbau gebräuchlich und dienen beispielsweise der Abbildung von blendfreiem Fernlicht, indem das Licht in der Regel von einer Mehrzahl von künstlichen Lichtquellen ausgestrahlt wird und von einer entsprechenden Mehrzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Lichtführungen (Vorsatzoptik/Primäroptik) in Abstrahlrichtung gebündelt wird. Die Lichtführungen weisen einen relativ geringen Querschnitt auf und senden das Licht der ihnen je zugeordneten einzelnen Lichtquellen daher sehr konzentriert in die Abstrahlrichtung aus. Pixellichtscheinwerfer sind hinsichtlich der Lichtverteilung sehr flexibel, da für jedes Pixel, d.h. für jede Lichtführung, die Beleuchtungsstärke individuell geregelt werden kann und beliebige Lichtverteilungen realisiert werden können.Such lighting units, which are also referred to as pixel light modules, are common in the automotive industry and serve, for example, the imaging of glare-free high beam by the light is usually emitted by a plurality of artificial light sources and by a corresponding plurality of juxtaposed light guides (attachment optics / Primary optics) is focused in the emission direction. The light guides have a relatively small cross-section and therefore emit the light of the individual light sources each associated with very concentrated in the emission direction. Pixel light emitters are very flexible in terms of light distribution because for each pixel, i. For every light guide, the illuminance can be controlled individually and any light distribution can be realized.

Einerseits ist die konzentrierte Abstrahlung der Lichtführungen erwünscht, um beispielsweise gesetzliche Vorgaben bezüglich der Hell-Dunkel-Linie eines Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers zu erfüllen oder adaptive flexible Ausblendszenarien umzusetzen, andererseits entstehen dadurch störende Inhomogenitäten in Bereichen des Lichtbildes, in welchen eine gleichmäßige, konzentrierte und gerichtete Ausleuchtung erwünscht ist, wie beispielsweise bei der Fernlichtverteilung.On the one hand, the concentrated radiation of the light guides is desired, for example, to comply with legal requirements regarding the light-dark line of a motor vehicle headlight or implement adaptive flexible Ausblendszenarien, on the other hand, this creates disturbing inhomogeneities in areas of the light image in which a uniform, concentrated and directed illumination desired is, as for example in the high beam distribution.

Dieses Problem könnte verbessert werden, indem man die Höhe der Fernlichtverteilung reduziert, was allerdings im Widerspruch zu Kundenanforderungen steht. Es besteht daher ein Bedarf nach verbesserten Maßnahmen zur Homogenisierung der Fernlichtverteilung.This problem could be improved by reducing the height of the high beam distribution, which is in contradiction to customer requirements. There is therefore a need for improved measures for homogenizing the high beam distribution.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind verschiedene Maßnahmen bzw. Methoden bekannt, die einerseits auf der Defokussierung und andererseits auf der Lichtstreuung, beispielsweise mittels lichtstreuenden Strukturen, beruhen.Various measures or methods are known from the prior art, which are based on the one hand on the defocusing and on the other hand on the light scattering, for example by means of light-scattering structures.

Die US 8,011,803 B2 betrifft einen Nebelscheinwerfer, der kollimierende Vorsatzoptiken mit angehängter gewellter Umlenkfläche, die zur Hauptabstrahlrichtung der LED geneigt ist, umfasst. Dadurch wird einerseits das Licht umgelenkt aber auch gestreut, sodass die Homogenität verbessert wird.The US 8,011,803 B2 relates to a fog lamp, the collimating attachment optics with attached wavy deflection, which is inclined to the main emission of the LED includes. As a result, on the one hand, the light is deflected but also scattered, so that the homogeneity is improved.

Die DE 2009 053 581 B3 bezieht sich auf die Primäroptik eines Matrix/Pixel-Moduls. Die stirnseitige Austrittsfläche der Optik ist mit einer gewellten Polsterstruktur versehen.The DE 2009 053 581 B3 refers to the primary optics of a matrix / pixel module. The frontal exit surface of the optic is provided with a wavy padding structure.

Die DE 10 2008 005 488 A1 offenbart eine Feinstrukturfläche für die Optikeinheit mit einer Mehrzahl von Strukturelementen, mit welchen die Lichtflecken in horizontaler Richtung aufgeweitet werden. Bei Überlagerung der Lichtflecken verschwimmen die Kanten, wodurch eine homogenere Gesamtlichtverteilung entsteht.The DE 10 2008 005 488 A1 discloses a fine structure surface for the optical unit having a plurality of structural elements with which the light spots are widened in the horizontal direction. If the light spots overlap, the edges blur, resulting in a more homogeneous overall light distribution.

Die DE 10 2010 027 322 A1 beschreibt refraktive Mikrooptikkomponenten an der Lichtaustrittsoberfläche einer Primäroptik.The DE 10 2010 027 322 A1 describes refractive micro-optic components at the light exit surface of a primary optic.

Die EP 2 587 125 A2 offenbart Mikrostrukturen auf der Lichtaustrittsfläche der Primäroptik eines Pixel-Scheinwerfers.The EP 2 587 125 A2 discloses microstructures on the light exit surface of the primary optics of a pixel headlamp.

Die US 5,727,108 offenbart prismatische Begrenzungsflächen für eine Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)-Vorsatzoptik.The US 5,727,108 discloses prismatic boundary surfaces for compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) alignment optics.

Die US 2015/0131324 A1 offenbart eine Leuchteinrichtung für einen Scheinwerfer, mit Lichtleitelementen, die in einer Reihe angeordnet sind und eine Fernlichtreihe ausbilden.The US 2015/0131324 A1 discloses a lighting device for a headlamp, with light-guiding elements, which are arranged in a row and form a high beam row.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der Erfindung eine Leuchteinrichtung für Scheinwerfer zu schaffen, die einerseits eine homogenere Fernlichtverteilung und andererseits eine konzentrierte und gerichtete Ausleuchtung eines Fernlichtbereichs zu ermöglicht.It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting device for headlights, on the one hand allows a more homogeneous high beam distribution and on the other hand, a concentrated and directed illumination of a high beam area.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit einer Leuchteinrichtung für Scheinwerfer der eingangs genannten Art gelöst, die erfindungsgemäß dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass die untere Lichtleitfläche zumindest in jenem Bereich, in welchem die Lichtstrahlen reflektiert werden, zumindest bereichsweise Strukturen aufweist, wobei die Strukturen in jenem Bereich der unteren Lichtleitfläche, der an die Lichtaustrittsfläche angrenzt und in welchem das Licht reflektiert wird, ausgebildet sind, und dass die Strukturen rillenförmig ausgebildet sind, wobei die Rillen quer zu einer optischen Achse der Leuchteinrichtung orientiert sind und eine Breite von 0,2 - 0,4 mm und eine Höhe von 0,015 - 0,03 mm aufweisen.This object is achieved with a lighting device for headlamps of the type mentioned, which is inventively characterized in that the lower Lichtleitfläche at least in the region in which the light beams are reflected, at least partially structures, wherein the structures in that region of the lower light guide surface, which is adjacent to the light exit surface and in which the light is reflected, are formed, and that the structures are groove-shaped , wherein the grooves are oriented transversely to an optical axis of the lighting device and have a width of 0.2-0.4 mm and a height of 0.015-0.03 mm.

Die Erfindung stellt eine technisch einfache und kostengünstige Maßnahme dar, die Lichtverteilung in den jeweiligen Fernlicht-Lichtleitelementen lokal zu beeinflussen und damit eine homogenere Fernlichtverteilung zu realisieren. Durch Anordnen der rillenförmigen Strukturen nur in der Nähe der Lichtaustrittsfläche der jeweiligen Fernlicht-Lichtleitelemente der Fernlichtreihe kann speziell die Überlagerung von einmalreflektierenden Lichtstrahlen zum direkt abgestrahlten Licht verbessert werden.The invention is a technically simple and cost-effective measure to locally influence the light distribution in the respective high-beam light guide elements and thus to realize a more homogeneous high beam distribution. By arranging the groove-shaped structures only in the vicinity of the light exit surface of the respective high-beam light guide elements of the high beam row, specifically, the superposition of the once-reflected light beams to the directly emitted light can be improved.

Der prinzipielle Aufbau von Lichtleitelementen und Vorsatzoptiken für Pixellicht-Leuchteinrichtungen für Scheinwerfer ist an sich bekannt. Die Lichtleitelemente sind beispielsweise aus Kunststoff, Glas oder beliebigen anderen zur Lichtleitung geeigneten Materialien gefertigt. Vorzugsweise sind die Lichtleitelemente aus einem Silikonmaterial gefertigt. Die Lichtleitelemente sind typischerweise als Vollkörper ausgeführt und bestehen vorzugsweise aus einem einzigen durchgehenden optischen Medium, wobei die Lichtleitung innerhalb dieses Mediums erfolgt. Die Lichtleitelemente besitzen typischerweise einen im Wesentlichen quadratischen oder rechteckigen Querschnitt und weiten sich üblicherweise nach an sich bekannter Art in Lichtabstrahlrichtung auf. In einer alternativen Ausführungsform können die Lichtleitelemente als offene Kollimatoren realisiert werden.The basic structure of light-guiding elements and attachment optics for pixel light lighting devices for headlights is known per se. The light-guiding elements are made, for example, of plastic, glass or any other suitable materials for light transmission. Preferably, the light guide elements are made of a silicone material. The light-guiding elements are typically embodied as solid bodies and preferably consist of a single continuous optical medium, wherein the light conduction takes place within this medium. The light-guiding elements typically have a substantially square or rectangular cross section and usually expand in the light emission direction in a manner known per se. In an alternative embodiment, the light-guiding elements can be realized as open collimators.

Das von der Lichtquelle abgestrahlte Licht und in das Lichtleitelement eingekoppelte Licht wird von der unteren Lichtleitfläche zweckmäßigerweise totalreflektiert.The light emitted by the light source and light coupled into the light guide is expediently totally reflected by the lower light guide surface.

Mit Vorteil besitzen die auf der unteren Lichtleitfläche ausgebildeten Rillen eine periodische Geometrie.Advantageously, the grooves formed on the lower light guiding surface have a periodic geometry.

Bei einer Variante ist vorgesehen, dass, ausgehend von der Lichtaustrittsfläche, 6-15 Rillen auf der unteren Lichtleitfläche ausgebildet sind.In a variant, it is provided that, starting from the light exit surface, 6-15 grooves are formed on the lower light guide surface.

Erfahrungsgemäß ist der Aufbau einer Leuchteinrichtung für Pixellichtscheinwerfer besonders effizient, wenn die Lichtleitelemente in genau drei übereinander angeordneten Reihen angeordnet sind, die gemeinsam eine Fernlichtverteilung bilden. Bei einer solchen Anordnung kann die obere Reihe als Vorfeldreihe, die mittlere Reihe als Asymmetriereihe und die untere Reihe als Fernlichtreihe ausgebildet sein, wobei die Fernlichtreihe aus Fernlicht-Lichtleitelementen mit Strukturen wie hierin beschrieben geoffenbart versehen ist. Zweckmäßigerweise ist die unterste Reihe die Fernlichtreihe.Experience has shown that the structure of a lighting device for pixel light is particularly efficient when the light-guiding elements are arranged in exactly three rows arranged one above the other, which together form a high beam distribution. In such an arrangement, the upper row may be formed as a leading row, the middle row as an asymmetrical row and the lower row as a high beam row, the high beam row being provided by high beam light guiding elements having structures as described herein. Conveniently, the bottom row is the high beam row.

Bei einer anderen Ausführungsform können alle Lichtleitelemente als Fernlicht-Lichtleitelemente, die in genau einer Reihe angeordnet sind, ausgebildet sein. Derartige Leuchteinrichtungen werden auch als Pixel-Fernlicht-Module bezeichnet.In another embodiment, all the light-guiding elements can be designed as high-beam light-guiding elements which are arranged in exactly one row. Such lighting devices are also referred to as pixel high beam modules.

Die Lichtleitelemente der Reihen sind vorzugsweise möglichst nahe aneinander angeordnet, womit Inhomogenitäten im Lichtbild nochmals reduziert werden können. In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung können die Lichtaustrittsflächen der einzelnen Lichtleitelemente daher Teil einer gemeinsamen Lichtaustrittsfläche sein, wobei die einzelnen Lichtaustrittsflächen aneinander angrenzen. Die gemeinsame Lichtaustrittsfläche ist typischerweise eine gekrümmte Fläche, die üblicherweise der Petzval-Fläche der Abbildungsoptik (z.B. eine Abbildungslinse) folgt. Für bestimmte Anwendungen können aber auch bewusste Abweichungen in der Krümmung eingesetzt werden, um im Randbereich Abbildungsfehler zur Lichthomogenisierung zu nutzen.The light-conducting elements of the rows are preferably arranged as close as possible to each other, whereby inhomogeneities in the photograph can be further reduced. In one development of the invention, the light exit surfaces of the individual light guide elements can therefore be part of a common light exit surface, with the individual light exit surfaces adjoining one another. The common light exit surface is typically a curved surface, usually following the Petzval surface of the imaging optics (e.g., an imaging lens). For certain applications, however, deliberate deviations in the curvature can also be used in order to use aberrations for light homogenization in the edge region.

Ein weiterer Gegenstand der Erfindung betrifft einen Scheinwerfer, insbesondere einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, der eine erfindungsgemäße Leuchteinrichtung wie hierin geoffenbart umfasst. Scheinwerfer dieser Art werden auch als Pixellichtscheinwerfer bezeichnet.Another object of the invention relates to a headlamp, in particular a motor vehicle headlamp, which comprises a lighting device according to the invention as disclosed herein. Headlights of this type are also referred to as pixel light.

Die Erfindung und deren Vorteile werden im Folgenden anhand von nicht einschränkenden Beispielen näher beschrieben, die in den beiliegenden Zeichnungen veranschaulicht sind. Die Zeichnungen zeigen in:

  • Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Grundaufbaus einer Leuchteinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 2 eine Darstellung der Gesamtlichtverteilung, die mit der Leuchteinrichtung aus Fig. 1 erhalten wird,
  • Fig. 3 eine Detailansicht auf die Vorsatzoptik aus Fig. 1 in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung,
  • Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
  • Fig. 5 eine Lichtstärkenverteilung (Lichtstärke-Simulation) eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements aus Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6 eine Intensitätsverlaufskurve der Lichtstärkenverteilung aus Fig. 5,
  • Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements gemäß der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 8 eine Darstellung der Lichtstärkenverteilung des Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements aus Fig. 7,
  • Fig. 9 eine Intensitätsverlaufskurve der Lichtstärkenverteilung aus Fig. 8,
  • Fig. 10 einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement gemäß der Erfindung, und
  • Fig. 11 ein Detail aus Fig. 10.
The invention and its advantages are described in more detail below by way of non-limiting examples, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in:
  • Fig. 1 a perspective view of the basic structure of a lighting device according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 a representation of the total light distribution, with the lighting device off Fig. 1 is obtained
  • Fig. 3 a detailed view of the attachment optics Fig. 1 in the direction of light propagation,
  • Fig. 4 a side view of a high-beam light guide according to the prior art,
  • Fig. 5 a light intensity distribution (light intensity simulation) of a high-beam light-guiding element Fig. 4 ,
  • Fig. 6 an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 5 .
  • Fig. 7 a side view of a high-beam light-conducting element according to the invention,
  • Fig. 8 a representation of the light intensity distribution of the high-beam light-guiding element Fig. 7 .
  • Fig. 9 an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 8 .
  • Fig. 10 a vertical section through a high-beam light-conducting element according to the invention, and
  • Fig. 11 a detail from Fig. 10 ,

Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung des Grundaufbaus einer Leuchteinrichtung 1 gemäß der Erfindung. Die Leuchteinrichtung 1 umfasst eine Mehrzahl an in Fig. 1 nicht näher dargestellten LED-Lichtquellen 100 (vgl. hierzu jedoch Fig. 7) und eine in Lichtabstrahlrichtung positionierte Vorsatzoptik 10 (= Primäroptik) sowie eine nachgeschaltete Abbildungsoptik 200 (dargestellt als Einzellinse 200). Die Vorsatzoptik 10 umfasst Lichtleitelemente 11, 12, 13, die in drei Reihen angeordnet sind und die abstrahlseitig zu einer gemeinsamen Stirnplatte 26 verlaufen. Die Stirnplatte 26 ist abstrahlseitig durch eine Lichtaustrittsfläche 23' begrenzt, wobei die Lichtaustrittsflächen 23 der einzelnen Lichtleitelemente (siehe Fig. 7) jeweils Teil der gemeinsamen Lichtaustrittsfläche 23' sind, wobei einzelne Lichtaustrittsflächen 23 aneinander angrenzen. Die gemeinsame Lichtaustrittsfläche 23' ist typischerweise eine gekrümmte Fläche, die üblicherweise der Petzval-Fläche der Abbildungslinse 200 folgt. Für bestimmte Anwendungen können auch bewusste Abweichungen in der Krümmung der gemeinsamen Lichtaustrittsfläche 23' eingesetzt werden, um im Randbereich Abbildungsfehler zur Lichthomogenisierung zu nutzen. Jedem Lichtleitelement 11, 12, 13 ist nach an sich bekannter Art je eine LED-Lichtquelle 100 (vgl. Fig. 7) zugeordnet. Für jedes Lichtleitelement 11, 12, 13 kann die Beleuchtungsstärke individuell geregelt werden, weshalb beliebige Lichtverteilungen realisiert werden können. Bei der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Vorsatzoptik 10 ist die obere Reihe als Vorfeldreihe bestehend aus einer Mehrzahl an Vorfeld-Lichtleitelementen 13 ausgebildet. Die mittlere Reihe ist als Asymmetriereihe bestehend aus einer Mehrzahl an Asymmetrie-Lichtleitelementen 12 und die untere Reihe ist als Fernlichtreihe bestehend aus einer Mehrzahl an Fernlicht-Lichtleitelementen 11 ausgebildet. Die drei Reihen bilden im aktivierten Zustand gemeinsam eine Fernlichtverteilung aus. Die Fernlicht-Lichtleitelemente 11 sind auf ihrer unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 (siehe hierzu Fig. 7) mit einer Rillenstruktur 25 versehen, wobei die Rillen 25 quer zu einer optischen Achse 16 der Leuchteinrichtung 1 orientiert sind. Fig. 3 zeigt eine Detailansicht auf die Vorsatzoptik 10 aus Fig. 1 in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the basic structure of a lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 comprises a plurality of in Fig. 1 not shown LED light sources 100 (see, however Fig. 7 ) and a mounted in Lichtabstrahlrichtung attachment optics 10 (= primary optics) and a downstream imaging optics 200 (shown as a single lens 200). The attachment optics 10 comprises light guide elements 11, 12, 13, which are arranged in three rows and the radiating side to a common end plate 26 extend. The end plate 26 is the emission side limited by a light exit surface 23 ', wherein the light exit surfaces 23 of the individual light guide elements (see Fig. 7 ) are each part of the common light exit surface 23 ', wherein individual light exit surfaces 23 adjoin one another. The common light exit surface 23 'is typically a curved surface, usually following the Petzval surface of the imaging lens 200. For certain applications, deliberate deviations in the curvature of the common light exit surface 23 'can also be used in order to use aberrations for light homogenization in the edge region. Each light-guiding element 11, 12, 13 is a per se known per se LED light source 100 (see FIG. Fig. 7 ). For each light guide element 11, 12, 13, the illuminance can be controlled individually, which is why arbitrary light distributions can be realized. At the in Fig. 1 shown attachment optics 10, the upper row is formed as a front row row consisting of a plurality of apron light-guiding elements 13. The middle row is formed as asymmetry series consisting of a plurality of asymmetry light guide elements 12 and the lower row is formed as a high beam row consisting of a plurality of high beam light-guiding elements 11. The three rows together form a high beam distribution in the activated state. The high-beam light guide elements 11 are on their lower light guide surface 24 (see Fig. 7 ) are provided with a groove structure 25, wherein the grooves 25 are oriented transversely to an optical axis 16 of the lighting device 1. Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the attachment optics 10 Fig. 1 in the light propagation direction.

Die Lichtleitelemente 11, 12, 13 können beispielsweise aus Silikon, Kunststoff, Glas oder beliebigen anderen zur Lichtleitung geeigneten Materialien gefertigt sein. Die Lichtleitelemente 11, 12, 13 sind als Vollkörper ausgeführt und bestehen aus einem einzigen durchgehenden optischen Medium, wobei die Lichtleitung innerhalb dieses Mediums erfolgt. Die Lichtleitelemente 11, 12, 13 besitzen einen im Wesentlichen quadratischen bzw. rechteckigen Querschnitt und weiten sich in Lichtabstrahlrichtung auf, wo sie schließlich wie oben beschrieben abstrahlseitig zur gemeinsamen Stirnplatte 26, die abstrahlseitig durch eine Lichtaustrittsebene 23' (vgl. Fig. 3) begrenzt ist, verlaufen.The light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 can be made, for example, of silicone, plastic, glass or any other suitable materials for light conduction. The light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 are designed as solid bodies and consist of a single continuous optical medium, wherein the light conduit takes place within this medium. The light-guiding elements 11, 12, 13 have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section and expand in the light emission direction, where they finally as described above radiation side to the common end plate 26, the emission side by a light exit plane 23 '(see. Fig. 3 ) is limited.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Darstellung der Gesamtlichtverteilung (= Pixellichtverteilung) mit Blick durch die Abbildungslinse auf einem Meßschirm, die mit der Leuchteinrichtung 1 aus Fig. 1 gewonnen werden kann. Es sind darin um eine horizontale Achse U und eine vertikale Achse V matrixförmig und in drei Reihen angeordnete Felder erkennbar, wobei die obere Reihe, die eine Mehrzahl an Fernlichtstreifen umfasst, zur Ausleuchtung des Fernlichtbereichs, die mittlere Reihe zur Ausleuchtung im Asymmetriebereich (Ausbildung einer Hell-Dunkel-Grenze) und die untere Reihe zur Ausleuchtung des Vorfelds eines Pixellicht-Scheinwerfers dient. Insgesamt bildet die Lichtverteilung eine Fernlichtverteilung aus. Nebeneinander angeordnete Felder berühren sich bzw. überlappen einander, wodurch das Lichtbild für einen Betrachter im Wesentlichen homogen erscheint. Fig. 2 shows a representation of the total light distribution (= pixel light distribution) with a view through the imaging lens on a measuring screen, with the lighting device 1 off Fig. 1 can be won. It is about a horizontal axis U and a vertical Axis V matrix-shaped and arranged in three rows fields recognizable, the upper row, which includes a plurality of high beam strips, for illumination of the high beam area, the middle row for illumination in the asymmetry area (forming a cut-off) and the lower row for illumination the apron of a pixel light spotlight is used. Overall, the light distribution forms a high beam distribution. Adjacent fields touch or overlap each other, making the light image appear substantially homogeneous to a viewer.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11' gemäß dem Stand der Technik. Das Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement 11' ist ein Vollkörper mit einer Lichteinkoppelfläche 21, über die das von der LED-Lichtquelle ausgestrahlte Licht in das Lichtleitelement 11' eingekoppelt wird. Das Licht wird entlang des Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11' nach vorne zu einer Lichtaustrittsfläche 23 geleitet. Fig. 4 zeigt ferner von der Lichteinkoppelfläche 21 ausgehende beispielhafte Strahlengänge, wobei die Strahlen 50 den direkten Lichtaustritt und die Strahlen 51, die an einer unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 reflektiert werden, den indirekten Lichtaustritt darstellen. Ebenfalls ersichtlich ist die obere Lichtleitfläche 22, wohingegen die den Vollkörper seitlich begrenzenden Lichtleitflächen aus Gründen der Darstellbarkeit nicht mit Bezugszeichen versehen sind. Die Lichtstrahlen werden an den Lichtleitflächen totalreflektiert. Wie aus der Fig. 4 gut ersichtlich ist, ist die untere Lichtleitfläche 24 eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11' gemäß dem Stand der Technik entlang ihrer gesamten Länge als eine glatte Reflexionsfläche (auf die Nutzung der Totalreflexion optimiert) ausgebildet. Fig. 4 shows a side view of a high-beam light guide element 11 'according to the prior art. The high-beam light-conducting element 11 'is a solid body having a light coupling surface 21, via which the light emitted by the LED light source is coupled into the light-conducting element 11'. The light is conducted forward along the high-beam light-conducting element 11 'to a light exit surface 23. Fig. 4 also shows exemplary beam paths emanating from the light incoupling surface 21, wherein the beams 50 represent the direct light exit and the beams 51, which are reflected at a lower light guide surface 24, represent the indirect light exit. Also visible is the upper light guide surface 22, whereas the side of the solid body limiting light guide surfaces are not provided with reference numerals for reasons of representability. The light rays are totally reflected at the light guide surfaces. Like from the Fig. 4 As can be seen, the lower light guide surface 24 of a prior art high-beam light guide element 11 'is formed along its entire length as a smooth reflection surface (optimized for the use of total reflection).

Fig. 5 zeigt beispielhaft eine Lichtstärkenverteilung 30 (lichttechnische Raytracing-Simulation mit einem Lichtstärkesensor, wobei ein Graustufen-Bild entsprechend der Leuchtstärke erhalten wird) eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11' aus Fig. 4. Im unteren Bereich des Fernlichtsegments ist ein Intensitätsmaximum 31 feststellbar; im oberen Bereich des Fernlichtsegments gibt es hingegen zuerst einen Intensitätsabfall 32, welcher durch einen Gegenanstieg 33 der Intensität zu einer deutlich sichtbaren Inhomogenität führt. Fig. 6 zeigt eine Intensitätsverlaufskurve der Lichtstärkenverteilung aus Fig. 5, in welcher der Gegenanstieg 33 gut zu erkennen ist. Die Ursache für die Inhomogenität liegt insbesondere im Übergang und der mangelhaften Überlappung zwischen dem direkt abgestrahlten Licht 50 und dem an der unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 reflektierten Licht 51. Fig. 5 shows by way of example a luminous intensity distribution 30 (photometric ray tracing simulation with a luminous intensity sensor, wherein a grayscale image is obtained in accordance with the luminous intensity) of a high-beam light-conducting element 11 ' Fig. 4 , In the lower part of the high beam segment, an intensity maximum 31 can be detected; In the upper area of the high beam segment, on the other hand, there is first an intensity drop 32, which leads to a clearly visible inhomogeneity due to a rise 33 of the intensity. Fig. 6 shows an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 5 in which the counter-rise 33 is clearly visible. The cause of the inhomogeneity lies in particular in the transition and the insufficient overlap between the directly emitted light 50 and the light 51 reflected at the lower light guide surface 24.

Fig. 7 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11 gemäß der Erfindung. Das Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement 11 gemäß der Erfindung unterscheidet sich von jenem aus dem Stand der Technik (Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement 11', siehe Fig. 4) dadurch, dass auf der unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 in jenem Bereich, in welchem die Strahlen 52 reflektiert werden, rillenförmige Strukturen 25 ausgebildet sind. Der übrige Aufbau des Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11 entspricht jenem aus der Fig. 4 und es wird auf die Beschreibung hierzu weiter oben verwiesen. Fig. 7 zeigt ferner von der Lichteinkoppelfläche 21 ausgehende beispielhafte Strahlengänge, wobei die Strahlen 50 den direkten Lichtaustritt und die Strahlen 52, die an der Rillenstruktur 25 der Lichtleitfläche 24 reflektiert werden, den indirekten Lichtaustritt darstellen. Die Rillenstruktur 25 streut und formt das Licht 52 genau in jenem Bereich, der im Übergang zwischen dem direkt abgestrahlten Licht 50 und dem an der Rillenstruktur 25 der unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 reflektierten Licht 52 liegt. Durch die Rillenstruktur 25 kann die Lichtverteilung beeinflusst werden und infolgedessen kommt es zu einer Verbesserung der Lichthomogenität. Fig. 7 shows a side view of a high beam light guide element 11 according to the invention. The high-beam light guide 11 according to the invention differs from that of the prior art (high-beam light guide 11 ', see Fig. 4 ) in that groove-shaped structures 25 are formed on the lower light guide surface 24 in the region in which the beams 52 are reflected. The remaining structure of the high-beam light-guiding element 11 corresponds to that of the Fig. 4 and reference is made to the description above. Fig. 7 also shows exemplary beam paths emanating from the light incoupling surface 21, wherein the beams 50 represent the direct light exit and the beams 52, which are reflected at the groove structure 25 of the light guide surface 24, represent the indirect light exit. The groove structure 25 scatters and shapes the light 52 precisely in that region which lies in the transition between the directly emitted light 50 and the light 52 reflected at the groove structure 25 of the lower light guide surface 24. By the groove structure 25, the light distribution can be influenced and as a result there is an improvement in the light homogeneity.

Fig. 8 zeigt beispielhaft eine Lichtstärkenverteilung 30' (lichttechnische Raytracing-Simulation mit einem Lichtstärkesensor, wobei ein Graustufen-Bild entsprechend der Leuchtstärke erhalten wird) eines erfindungsgemäßen Fernlicht-Lichtleitelements 11 aus Fig. 7. Im unteren Bereich des Fernlichtsegments ist das Intensitätsmaximum 31 feststellbar; im oberen Bereich des Fernlichtsegments ist generell ein kontinuierlicher Abfall der Intensität erkennbar und das Lichtbild ist im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik deutlich homogener. Fig. 9 zeigt eine Intensitätsverlaufskurve der Lichtstärkenverteilung aus Fig. 8, aus welcher der kontinuierliche Intensitätsabfall und die verbesserte Homogenität (in Fig. 7 mit dem Bezugszeichen 34 markiert) im Übergang zwischen dem direkt abgestrahlten Licht 50 und dem an der Rillenstruktur 25 reflektierten Licht 52 gut ersichtlich ist. Mit Hilfe der Rillenstruktur kann der Auslauf nach oben (vgl. Fig. 2) besser gestaltet bzw. optimiert werden. Fig. 8 shows by way of example a luminous intensity distribution 30 '(photometric ray tracing simulation with a luminous intensity sensor, a grayscale image being obtained in accordance with the luminous intensity) of a high-beam light-conducting element 11 according to the invention Fig. 7 , In the lower part of the high beam segment, the intensity maximum 31 can be detected; In the upper part of the high beam segment, a continuous drop in intensity is generally recognizable and the light image is much more homogeneous compared to the prior art. Fig. 9 shows an intensity curve of the luminous intensity distribution Fig. 8 from which the continuous intensity drop and the improved homogeneity (in Fig. 7 marked with the reference numeral 34) is clearly visible in the transition between the directly emitted light 50 and the light reflected at the groove structure 25 light 52. With the help of the groove structure, the outlet can be upwards (see. Fig. 2 ) be better designed and optimized.

Fig. 10 zeigt einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement 11 gemäß der Erfindung. Wie darin erkennbar ist, verlaufen die Rillen 25 quer zur optischen Achse (bzw. Lichtausbreitungsrichtung) und sind entlang einer (gedachten) Trägerkurve TK auf der unteren Lichtleitfläche 24 ausgebildet. Im gezeigten Beispiel sind insgesamt 9 Rillen ausgehend von der Lichtaustrittsfläche 23 ausgebildet. Die Rillen 25 haben beispielsweise eine Breite von 0,3 mm und eine Höhe von 0,015 - 0,03 mm. Fig. 10 shows a vertical section through a high-beam light-conducting element 11 according to the invention. As can be seen therein, the grooves 25 extend transversely to the optical axis (or light propagation direction) and are formed along a (imaginary) carrier curve TK on the lower light guide surface 24. In the example shown, a total of 9 grooves are formed starting from the light exit surface 23. For example, the grooves 25 have a width of 0.3 mm and a height of 0.015-0.03 mm.

Fig. 11 zeigt ein Detail aus Fig. 10 (in Fig. 10 durch einen gestrichelten Kreis angezeigt). Eine optimierte Ausführungsform kann wie folgt erhalten werden: Die Trägerkurve TK ist dabei die Begrenzung eines Lichtleitelements. Auf dieser gekrümmten (gedachten) Kurve TK werden Punkte P (Pi, Pi+1, Pi+2) aufgetragen, die voneinander einen konstanten Abstand S haben. Dieser Abstand (bzw. Wellenlänge) beträgt für ein spezielles Fernlicht-Lichtleitelement beispielsweise S = 0,30 mm. Benachbarte Punkte Pi und Pi+1 legen eine Strecke fest, in deren Halbierungspunkt Hi eine Normale errichtet wird. Über dem Punkt wird ein Scheitelpunkt Si in einem Abstand = Amplitude von hi errichtet. Die drei Punkte Pi, Si, Pi+1 sind die Stützstellen einer Spline-Kurve. Die Größe der Amplitude wird iterativ variiert, mit der jeweiligen Geometrie wird eine lichttechnische Simulation nach an sich bekannter Art und Weise durchgeführt. Durch Vergleich der erhaltenen Lichtbilder (bzw. des Gradientenverlaufs) wird die beste Amplitude ermittelt. Dieser Vorgang muss für jede Rille wiederholt werden, da der Abstand von der Lichtquelle (LED-Lichtquelle 100) den Einfallswinkel auf der Trägerkurve festlegt und damit die Lage der Inhomogenität. Die Begrenzungsfläche der Rille selbst ist eine Auszugsfläche der ermittelten Spline-Kurve, wobei die Auszugsrichtung normal zur vertikalen Mittelebene des Lichtleitelements ist, und wobei jede Rille eine eigene Amplitude aufweist. Fig. 11 shows a detail Fig. 10 (in Fig. 10 indicated by a dashed circle). An optimized embodiment can be obtained as follows: The carrier curve TK is the boundary of a light-guiding element. On this curved (imaginary) curve TK points P (Pi, Pi + 1, Pi + 2) are plotted, which have a constant distance S from each other. This distance (or wavelength) is for a special high-beam light guide, for example, S = 0.30 mm. Neighboring Points Pi and Pi + 1 determine a path into whose halving point Hi a normal is established. Above the point, a vertex Si is established at a distance = amplitude of hi. The three points Pi, Si, Pi + 1 are the nodes of a spline curve. The magnitude of the amplitude is iteratively varied, with the respective geometry a photometric simulation is carried out according to a conventional manner. By comparing the obtained light images (or the gradient curve), the best amplitude is determined. This process must be repeated for each groove, since the distance from the light source (LED light source 100) determines the angle of incidence on the support curve and thus the location of the inhomogeneity. The boundary surface of the groove itself is an extension surface of the determined spline curve, wherein the extension direction is normal to the vertical center plane of the light guide, and wherein each groove has its own amplitude.

Die gezeigten Beispiele sind nur einige unter vielen und nicht als einschränkend auszulegen.The examples shown are only a few among many and not to be construed as limiting.

Claims (9)

  1. A lighting device (1) for a headlamp, in particular a motor-vehicle headlamp, comprising a plurality of light sources (100), a light-guiding device (10) with a plurality of light-guiding elements (11, 12, 13), and a downstream imaging optical element (200), wherein each light-guiding element (11, 12, 13) has a light infeed face and a light exit face, wherein the light-guiding elements (11, 12, 13) are arranged in at least one row and the light-guiding elements of at least one row are configured as main beam light-guiding elements (11) and form a main beam row, wherein each main beam light-guiding element (11) comprises a lower light-guiding face (24),
    characterised in that
    the lower light-guiding face (24) has, at least in the region in which the light beams (52) are reflected, structures (25) at least in regions, wherein the structures (25) are formed in the region of the lower light-guiding face (24) which borders the light exit face (23) and in which the light is reflected, and in that the structures are rib-like, wherein the ribs (25) are oriented transversely to an optical axis (16) of the lighting device and have a width of 0.2 to 0.4 mm and a height of 0.015 to 0.03 mm.
  2. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower light-guiding face (24) totally reflects the coupled-in light beams.
  3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the ribs have a periodic geometry.
  4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, starting from the light exit face, 6 to 15 ribs (25) are formed on the lower light-guiding face (24).
  5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the light-guiding elements (11,12,13) are arranged in exactly three rows arranged one above the other, which together form a main beam distribution.
  6. The lighting device according to claim 5, characterised in that the lowermost row (11) is the main beam row.
  7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that all light-guiding elements are formed as main beam light-guiding elements arranged in exactly one row.
  8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the light exit faces (23) of the light-guiding elements (11, 12, 13) are part of a joint light exit face (23'), wherein individual light exit faces (23) border one another.
  9. A motor-vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
EP16750359.8A 2015-07-28 2016-07-18 Light device for a vehicle headlamp Active EP3329179B1 (en)

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ATA50672/2015A AT517523B1 (en) 2015-07-28 2015-07-28 Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight
PCT/AT2016/060008 WO2017015684A1 (en) 2015-07-28 2016-07-18 Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp

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EP3329179A1 EP3329179A1 (en) 2018-06-06
EP3329179B1 true EP3329179B1 (en) 2019-05-01

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US (1) US10018317B2 (en)
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US10018317B2 (en) 2018-07-10
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AT517523A9 (en) 2017-05-15
CN107850282A (en) 2018-03-27
AT517523B1 (en) 2017-09-15
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CN107850282B (en) 2020-06-23
EP3329179A1 (en) 2018-06-06

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