EP3500794A1

EP3500794A1 - Lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating at least two light distributions

Info

Publication number: EP3500794A1
Application number: EP17757667.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Ecker-Endl
Original assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
Current assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2017-07-31
Publication date: 2019-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-31
Also published as: WO2018032025A1; JP2019525431A; ES2902514T3; KR102278912B1; CN109563974B; AT518552A4; JP6842532B2; US10605428B2; KR20190040269A; EP3500794B1; US20190186708A1; AT518552B1; CN109563974A

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating at least two light distributions, wherein the lighting unit comprises: a first light source (1) for generating a first light distribution, a second light source (2) for generating a second light distribution, a reflector (3), an exit lens (4) and collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c) into which the light sources (1, 2) can feed light, wherein the reflector (3) deflects, in the direction of the exit lens (4), the light rays of the light beams (S1, S2) exiting the collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c), the reflector (3), exit lens (4) and collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c) are formed from a translucent body (100) in which light rays (S1, S2) propagate by means of total reflection, the reflector (3) has a first reflector surface region (30) which receives light exclusively from the at least one first light source (1), and the reflector (3) has a second reflector surface region (31) which receives light exclusively from the at least one second light source (2), and wherein the exit lens (4) has a first exit lens region (40) which receives light exclusively from the first reflector surface region (30), and the exit lens (4) has a second exit lens region (4) which receives light exclusively from the second reflector surface region (31), and wherein light irradiated via the first exit lens region (40) is imaged as a first light distribution and light irradiated as a first light distribution via the second exit lens region (4) is imaged as a second light distribution.

Description

LIGHTING UNIT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE HEADLIGHT FOR PRODUCING

AT LEAST TWO LIGHT DISTRIBUTIONS

The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating at least two, in particular different, light distributions, wherein the lighting unit comprises:

at least one first light source for producing a first light distribution,

at least one second light source for generating a second light distribution,

a reflector,

an exit lens, in particular in the form of a projection lens,

- Collimators, in which the light sources can feed light, wherein

• Light of the at least one first light source is aligned by the at least one of the at least one first light source associated collimator to a first light beam, and wherein

• Light of the at least one second light source is aligned by the at least one of the at least one second light source associated collimator to a second light beam, and wherein the reflector, the light rays emerging from the collimators

Redirects light beam in the direction of the exit lens, and wherein the exit lens, the light reflected from the reflector light beams in the form of the first and the second light distribution, and wherein

Reflector, exit lens and collimators, from a translucent, preferably one-piece, body are formed, and wherein on a reflector boundary surface of the reflector and preferably on the collimator boundary surfaces of the collimators, which are totally reflected in the light-transmissive body light beams.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device for a

Motor vehicle headlight, which one or more inventive

Lighting units includes. Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight, which comprises at least one lighting unit according to the invention and / or at least one lighting device according to the invention.

A lighting unit or a lighting device in the context of the present invention can be used in a motor vehicle headlight for the realization of one or in particular of two or more light distributions.

Examples of such light distributions in connection with the present invention, which can be produced by a lighting unit or lighting device according to the invention, are: high beam distribution, partial high beam distribution,

Driving direction indicator, daytime running light.

In particular, a lighting unit according to the invention or a lighting device according to the invention can be set up to produce a combination of high beam or partial high beam and direction indicator.

A lighting unit according to the invention or an inventive

Lighting device may be configured to generate a combination of daytime running lights and driving direction indicators.

A lighting unit according to the invention or an inventive

Lighting device may be configured to generate a combination of high beam and daytime running lights. If the daytime running light is operated dimmed in such a lighting unit, then a limiting light can be generated in this way and thus additionally the combination limiting light - high beam can be realized.

Current design trends often require motor vehicle headlights or

Lighting units or lighting devices for such motor vehicle headlights, which have a compact design and at the same time a good or high

Efficiency. An illumination unit mentioned in the introduction can also be designed to produce two illumination functions and / or signaling functions with a single translucent body. It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlamp, which meets the requirements described above and to improve the known lighting units yet.

This object is achieved with an illumination unit mentioned in the introduction in that, according to the invention, the reflector has a first reflector surface region, which receives light exclusively from the at least one first light source, and the reflector has a second reflector surface region, which light exclusively from the at least one receiving the second light source, and wherein the exit lens is a first

Exit lens area, which light exclusively from the first

Reflector surface area receives, and the exit lens has a second exit lens area, which receives light exclusively from the second reflector surface area, and wherein light emitted via the first exit lens area light as the first light distribution and emitted via the second exit lens area light as the second Light distribution is displayed.

With the arrangement according to the invention it is possible to optimally coordinate each light distribution independently of the other to the desired and / or necessary requirements, at the same time the arrangement itself remains compact.

Also a segmented light distribution can be generated, i. each light distribution generated by the lighting unit forms a light segment of a

Overall light distribution. The generated light distribution can also be part of a

Total light distribution, for example, by each light distribution, the shape of the

Total light distribution generated, and the totality of all light distributions then provides the necessary light intensity in the photograph.

In particular, these light distributions described above can also be produced when two or more lighting units form a lighting device which can form these light distributions described above.

It can be provided that the light sources in each case comprise one or more LEDs, the light sources (so-called "LED light source") preferably each being single-chip LEDs. It is preferably provided that the exit lens is formed as a flat or planar surface. The planar surface can also be curved, for example, but preferably without unevenness. It is advantageously provided that the plane surface is at least G-steady.

For a flat surface, the design is easier because only one surface - the

Reflector surface areas - must be designed.

For example, it is provided that the exit lens extends at an angle of 90 ° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the reflector is designed as a flat surface.

It may be provided that the reflector extends at an angle of 45 ° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator.

The light exit planes of all collimators can run parallel to one another, correspondingly in this case the reflector is arranged at 45 ° to all light exit planes of collimators, and the exit lens is at all light exit planes

Collimators arranged at 90 °.

It can be provided that the exit lens at an angle of 45 ° to the

Reflector runs.

It may be expedient if the first reflector surface region has a structuring, for example by the first reflector surface region being subdivided into facets, by means of which structuring the particles reflected by the reflector surface region

Be deflected light beams in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the first light distribution.

In this way, the generated by means of the first reflector surface area

Light distribution [corresponds to light beam Sl in the figures] are optimally adapted. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the light image in a screen projection, horizontal means accordingly "in the direction of the H-axis" and vertically "in the direction of the V-axis".

Alternatively or preferably additionally, it can be provided that the second

Reflecting surface area has a structuring, for example by the second reflector surface area is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light reflected from the reflector surface area light beams are deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the second light distribution.

In this way, the generated by means of the second reflector surface area

Light distribution [corresponds to light beam S2 in the figures] optimally adapted.

In the latter case, that is to say in the case where both reflector surface regions have a structuring, in particular facets, it is preferred that the

Structuring, in particular the facets, the two reflector surface areas is / are different.

This makes it even better possible to design the different light distribution independently of each other optimally in accordance with the desired and / or required requirements.

For example, it can be provided that the first reflector surface region has one or more rows of transverse, in particular in the horizontal direction

Has faceted elements.

For example, adjacent facet elements of a row and / or go

Facet elements of adjacent rows are discontinuous into one another.

It can be provided that all facet elements are convex or concave, or one part of the facet elements is convex and another part is concave, or at least all facet elements of one row or all facet elements convex or at least all facet elements of one row or all facet elements concave or Facet elements of at least one row, preferably all rows, are alternately convex - concave.

Alternatively or preferably, it may be provided that the second

Reflector surface region has one or more transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction, extending rows of facet elements.

It may be advantageous if adjacent facet elements of a series and / or facet elements of adjacent rows continuously merge into one another.

It can be provided that all facet elements are convex or concave, or one part of the facet elements is convex and another part is concave, or at least all facet elements of one row or all facet elements convex or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements concave or the facet elements at least one row, preferably all rows, are alternately convex - concave.

The emission cone of the emitted light depends on the curvature of the respective facet, a smaller curvature for (in the far field) to a smaller emission cone. Smaller Abstrahlkegel lead to a concentration of the luminous flux, for example in the horizontal direction.

Convex-curved facets can improve the homogeneity of the light distribution, concave-curved facets can be better shaped by injection molding tools.

Furthermore, it can also be advantageously provided that the at least one collimator, which is assigned to the at least one first light source, directs the luminous flux of the first light source substantially parallel, wherein preferably the luminous flux is normal to an exit plane of the collimator.

Alternatively or preferably, in addition to the embodiment described above, it can also be provided that the at least one collimator, which is assigned to the at least one second light source, in a first, directed substantially parallel, and fan out in a second, horizontal direction.

It may be provided that the separation into the first reflector surface region and the second reflector surface region extends horizontally.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device for a

A motor vehicle headlight which has one or more of the above

Lighting units includes.

A lighting unit described above is capable of realizing a variety of combinations of different light distributions. However, it may be the case that the achievable illuminance levels with only one lighting unit are too low to achieve the legally required minimum values. With a lighting device comprising two or more corresponding lighting units, the required values of the illuminance can be realized if the number of lighting units is selected such that they can supply the required luminous flux.

A lighting device with two or more according to the invention

Lighting units is also useful when a segmented light distribution is to be generated.

In this case, each LED light source of a lighting unit generates a light segment of light distribution, wherein either each LED light source of one lighting unit contributes to another segmented (total) light distribution (in this case, the lighting device is adapted to apply two different segmented total light distributions) generate, which in particular can be switched on and off independently), or both / all LED light sources of a lighting unit contribute to a single (total) light distribution, ie the lighting device is set up to produce only a single segmented total light distribution. Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight with at least one illumination unit described above or with at least one illumination device described above.

In the following the invention is discussed in more detail with reference to the drawing. In this shows

1 shows a lighting unit according to the invention in a perspective view,

2 shows a further illumination unit according to the invention in a perspective view,

FIG. 3 shows the illumination unit of FIG. 2 in a vertical section A-A for illustrating the light beam path of the light emitted by a first light source,

4 shows the illumination unit from FIG. 2 in the vertical section A-A for illustrating the light beam path of the light emitted by a second light source,

5 shows a lighting unit in a perspective view from below,

5 a shows a section through the illumination unit from FIG. 5 in a sectional plane C-C through the reflector surface area for generating a daytime running light light distribution,

5b shows a section through the illumination unit from FIG. 5 in a sectional plane D-D through the reflector surface area for generating a high-beam light distribution,

6 shows another embodiment of the lighting unit in a perspective view from below,

6a shows a section through the illumination unit from FIG. 6 in a sectional plane E-E through the reflector surface region for generating a daytime running light distribution,

FIG. 6b shows a section through the illumination unit from FIG. 6 in a sectional plane FF through the reflector surface area for generating a high-beam light distribution, and FIG 7 shows an exemplary lighting device with four according to the invention

Lighting units.

In the context of this description, the terms "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical" are to be understood as indications of the orientation when the unit is in normal

Use position is arranged after being mounted in a vehicle

Lighting device was installed.

FIG. 1 shows a lighting unit 100 according to the invention for a

Motor vehicle headlight for generating two light distributions, in particular of two different light distributions. In the following, it is assumed that the illumination unit 100 shown generates a first overall light distribution in the form of a high beam distribution and a second overall light distribution in the form of a beam

Daytime running light distribution is set up. Other combinations can be realized with a lighting unit 100 shown, as will be discussed in more detail below.

In the example shown, the illumination unit 100 comprises a first light source 1 for generating the first light distribution, i. the high beam distribution, and three second light sources 2 for generating the second light distribution, i. the daytime running light distribution.

Furthermore, the illumination unit 100 comprises a reflector 3, an exit lens 4, for example in the form of a projection lens, and collimators 5, 6a, 6b, 6c into which the light sources 1, 2 feed light when activated.

In principle, it can be provided in the context of the invention that in the case where two or more light sources are responsible for a specific light distribution, these light sources couple their light into a single, common collimator.

However, it can also be provided that, as shown in the present example, each light source 2 is assigned exactly one collimator 6a, 6b, 6c. In principle, ie in the general scope of the invention, it can be provided that each light source, even if they contribute to the same light distribution, is associated with exactly one collimator, in which the respective light source couples its light. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, light of the first light source 1, when switched on, is coupled into the associated collimator 5 and aligned therefrom to form a first light bundle.

Light from the second light sources 2 is coupled from the second light sources 2 into their associated collimators 6a, 6b, 6c when the light sources 2 are switched on, and aligned in each case into a second light bundle. In the example shown, therefore, three second, preferably superimposing, light beams are generated, with which together the second light distribution is generated.

The reflector 3 deflects the light beams of the light beams emerging from the collimators 5, 6a, 6b, 6c in the direction of the exit lens 4, and the exit lens 4 images the light beams reflected by the reflector 3 in the form of the first and the second light distribution.

In particular, as will be shown later, the exit lens 4 may be flat and it is preferably the rays reflected by the reflector 3 normal to the plane exit lens 4, so that they can pass without further deflection through them.

Preferably, which applies to the most general context of the present invention, light only passes through the exit lens 4 and is thereby refracted. The actual light shaping takes place through the reflector. With the exit lens, i. by appropriate design of the exit lens 4, but can e.g. the width of the resulting light distribution can be adjusted / adjusted.

Reflector 3, exit lens 4 and collimators 5, 6a, 6b, 6c are made of a translucent, preferably one-piece body 101 - also referred to as "optical body" - formed on the reflector boundary surface 3 'of the reflector 3 and on the collimator boundary surfaces 5 ', 6a', 6b ', 6c' of the collimators 5, 6a, 6b, 6c located in the

translucent body 101 are propagated to propagating light rays.

It is provided that the reflector 3 has a first reflector surface region 30, which receives light exclusively from the first light source 1, and a second reflector surface

Reflector surface region 31, which receives light exclusively from the second light source 2 comprises. The exit lens 4 has a first exit lens area 40, which receives light exclusively from the first reflector area 30, and a second exit area 41, which receives light exclusively from the second reflector area 31.

Preferably, the two reflector surface areas 30, 31 and the two

Exit lens areas 40, 41 separated by a horizontally extending separation (dividing line) 300, 400, so are vertically, possibly offset, one above the other.

Light emitted via the first exit lens area 40 becomes the first light distribution, in this example thus a high beam distribution, and light emitted via the second exit lens area 41 is used as the second light distribution, in this example as

Daytime running light distribution, shown.

An advantage of the invention in the general general context, i. is not limited to the present embodiment, is that with a single optical body in which incoupled light propagates via total reflection, two or more

Light distribution can be generated, with the inventive design, the different light distributions do not affect and can be designed independently.

The light sources 1, 2 preferably each comprise one light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and the light sources 1, 2 for each light distribution can be driven independently of each other, i. especially switched on and off. It can also be provided that the light sources 1, 2 - again not limited to the embodiment shown, but also in the most general sense of the invention - dimmed, in particular can be dimmed independently.

Finally, it can also generally, not limited to the example shown, be provided that in the case - as shown in Figure 1 - that several light sources 2 contribute to a light distribution, these light sources 2 independently controlled, ie on and off and for example, can be dimmed. In general, that is, not limited to the present embodiment is that the translucent material from which the body 100 is formed, for example, a plastic, preferably a refractive index greater than that of air. The material contains, for example, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate) and is particularly preferably formed therefrom.

Figure 2 shows a similar arrangement as that of Figure 1, and apply in the

Connection with Figure 1 made statements. Differences lie in the following aspects:

The position of the light source 1 for generating a high beam distribution and those of the light sources 2 for the daytime running light distribution are reversed

Correspondingly, the reflector surface regions 30, 31 are interchanged, as are the positions of the first exit lens region 40 and the second exit lens region 41

The three second light sources 2 couple light into a single collimator 6

The structuring of the reflector surface regions 30, 31 is configured differently in the variant according to FIG. 2 than in that according to FIG. 1.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exit lens 4 is designed as a flat surface

In the examples shown it is provided that the exit lens 4 extends at an angle of 90 ° to at least one light exit plane of a collimator 5, 6a, 6b, 6c and 5, 6, respectively.

Furthermore, it is provided in the embodiment shown that the reflector 3 is formed from its basic shape as a flat surface. On this flat surface, as will be explained later, structuring can be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be provided that the reflector 3 extends at an angle of 45 ° to at least one light exit plane of a collimator 5, 6a, 6b, 6c or 5, 6. The light exit planes of all collimators may be parallel to each other, as in the embodiments shown, and accordingly, in this case, the reflector is disposed at all light exit planes of collimators at 45 °, and the exit lens is positioned at all light exit planes of the collimators at 90 ° ,

In particular, it is then provided that the exit lens 4 extends at an angle of 45 ° to the reflector 3.

Figures 3 and 4 show on the basis of a section A-A of Figure 2 nor the

Radiation progress in the optical body 101:

Light of the first light source 1, when turned on, is assigned in the

Collimator 5 coupled and aligned by this to a first light beam Sl.

In this case, 5 light beams are totally reflected on the boundary surfaces 5 'of the collimator. In a central area, light rays can also enter the collimator directly without prior reflection. Preferably, the light beam S1 generated by the collimator 5 is a light beam of parallel light beams (FIG. 3).

Light of the second light sources 2, when turned on, is coupled into the associated collimator 6 and aligned therefrom to a second light beam S2.

In this case, total light beams are incident on the boundary surfaces 6a ', 6b', 6c 'and 6' of a collimator 6a, 6b, 6c and 6, respectively. In a central area, light rays can also enter the collimator directly without prior reflection.

Preferably, the light beam S2 generated by the collimator 6 is a light beam of parallel light beams (Figure 4).

The reflector 3 directs the light rays emerging from the collimators 5, 6

Light beam Sl, S2 in the direction of the exit lens 4 to, and the exit lens 4 forms the reflected light from the reflector 3 in the form of the first and the second

Light distribution off. In this case, the first exit lens region 40 receives light exclusively from the first reflector surface region 30 (FIG. 3), the second exit lens region 41 receives light exclusively from the second reflector surface region 31 (FIG. 4). In particular, as shown, the exit lens 4 may be planar and it is preferable for the beams reflected by the reflector 3 to impinge normally on the planar exit lens 4 so that they can pass therethrough without further deflection. This function can also be realized in the present text by an exit lens, and the term "imaging" can also be understood in this text to mean that light passes through the exit lens without any further deflection.

However, this relationship only applies if the reflector is a single

Parallel beam generated. In the general case, however, the reflector also emits divergent rays, which then do not impinge at 90 ° on the, in particular flat, interface / exit lens, so that the described relationship that the light beams are not deflected, then does not apply. The exit lens then deflects the beams accordingly and "projects" a light distribution into the traffic area.

With regard to the collimators, regardless of the specific embodiment, but also in conjunction with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be provided that the at least one collimator 5, which is assigned to the at least one first light source 1, the luminous flux of the first light source 1 is directed substantially parallel, wherein preferably the luminous flux is normal to an exit plane of the collimator 5.

Alternatively or preferably, in addition to the embodiment described above, it can also be provided that the at least one collimator 6; 6a, 6b, 6c, which is associated with the at least one second light source 2, the luminous flux of the second

Light source 2 in a first, vertical direction substantially parallel, and fanned in a second, horizontal direction.

The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are to be understood as meaning that the light beams are influenced in such a way that when they are irradiated in an area in front of them

Lighting unit when the lighting unit is in a position corresponding to the installation position in a motor vehicle, horizontally or vertically aligned accordingly. As already mentioned above, it may be advantageous if the reflector 3, ie

in particular, the first reflector surface region 30 has a structuring,

For example, in that the first reflector surface region 30 is subdivided into facets, by means of which structuring the light rays reflected by the reflector surface region 30 can be deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the first light distribution.

In this way, the generated by means of the first reflector surface area

Light distribution can be optimally adapted.

The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the light image in a screen projection, horizontal means accordingly "in the direction of the H-axis" and vertically "in the direction of the V-axis".

Alternatively or preferably additionally, it can be provided that the second

Reflecting surface region 31 has a structuring, for example, by the second reflector surface region 31 is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light reflected from the reflector surface region 31 light beams are deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the second light distribution.

In this way, the generated by means of the second reflector surface area

Light distribution can be optimally adapted.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of such a structuring, in which both reflector surface regions have a structuring, in particular facets, wherein the structurings, in particular the facets, of the two reflector surface regions 30, 31 are designed differently. The amplitudes are emphasized greatly exaggerated both in the figures 5a and 5b.

This makes it even better possible to design the different light distribution independently of each other optimally in accordance with the desired and / or required requirements. Figure 5 and Figure 5b, which shows the section DD of Figure 5, show a first reflector surface area 30 with a series of facet elements 30 '(high beam).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a, which illustrate section C-C of FIG. 5, show a second reflector surface region 31 with two horizontal rows of facet elements 3V

(Daytime driving light).

FIG. 6 with the sections E-E (FIG. 6a, daytime running light) and F-F (FIG. 6b, main beam) shows a further basic design possibility.

In summary, it can be stated in the most general scope of the invention that the design of the light image preferably takes place via the reflector and the exit lens preferably serves only as a light exit surface, which allows the light to emerge from the optic body 101 either at the angle of incidence without deflection or with deflection.

In the case of the daytime running light facets with several light coupling areas, the emission cones can be overlapped with concave facets, so that the homogeneity of the light distribution produced increases. This applies both to the light distribution arising in the far field and to the luminous impression that a viewer of the light source produces

Lighting unit or the motor vehicle headlight has.

Finally, it is also possible to provide the planar lens exit surface with horizontally and / or vertically-oriented prisms or corrugations in order to redirect the light in a targeted manner, e.g. to fulfill the requirements for spatial illumination in the case of signal light functions.

With a lighting unit according to the invention, for example as in the

Embodiments described, but also in the general inventive context, two independent light distributions can be generated with an optical body.

For example, as described in the figures, a combination of high beam and daytime running lights can be generated. A lighting unit can, if the light sources are sufficiently strong, alone generate these light distributions. Otherwise, two will or more identical or largely identical lighting units to a

Lighting device summarized, which provides the necessary luminous flux for law-compliant light distribution.

In principle, any desired combinations of light distributions can be generated, for example a combination of high beam direction indicator (turn signal), in particular in the form of a wiper indicator. Preferably, several lighting units are combined here again to form a lighting device, the first light sources generate e.g. the high beam distribution and the second light sources the flashing light, wherein the second light sources can also be switched one behind the other to produce a wiper blinker, with which the direction of the turning process can be displayed.

In such a lighting device, but also in the general context of a lighting device with two or more lighting units can be provided that over each exit lens area the same light distribution is generated, and in sum with the two or more lighting units the required

Illuminance is realized. But it can also be provided that everyone

The output lens area of a light distribution generates only a segment of this light distribution, so that a segmented light distribution, e.g. a segmented high beam distribution can be generated.

The following table also lists possible combinations of light distributions, as can be produced with a lighting unit or lighting device according to the invention:

Light distribution A Light distribution B

a) High beam daytime running lights (dimmed if necessary

Position light) b) High beam Direction indicator c) Daytime running light (dimmed if necessary direction indicator

Position light) d) Daytime running lights (dimmed, if necessary, marker lights

Position light) e) Split-beam segments Split-beam segments f) Laser high-beam spot High beam width (LED) s) Laser high beam spot Signal light function

As already described above, a lighting unit according to the invention is in principle able to realize a multiplicity of combinations of different light distributions. However, it may be the case that the achievable illuminance levels with only one lighting unit are too low to achieve the legally required minimum values. With a lighting device comprising two or more corresponding lighting units, the required values of the illuminance can be realized if the number of lighting units is selected such that they can supply the required luminous flux.

A lighting device with two or more according to the invention

Lighting units is also useful when a segmented light distribution is to be generated. In this case, each LED light source of a lighting unit generates a light segment of a light distribution, wherein either each LED light source of one lighting unit contributes to another segmented (total) light distribution (the Lighting device is in this case adapted to produce two different segmented total light distributions, which in particular can be independently switched on and off), or both LED light sources of a lighting unit contribute to a single (total) light distribution, ie the

Lighting device is set up to produce only a single segmented total light distribution.

FIG. 7 shows an example of such an illumination device 1000. In the example shown, this consists of four illumination units 100, which again each have first light sources 1 and second light sources 2 as described above. With such an arrangement are projecting described, for example

Overlay options feasible.

As shown, preferably no further optical elements are connected downstream of a lighting unit or lighting device according to the invention. However, it can be provided that an additional imaging lens of each or each lighting unit or a lighting device is connected downstream.

Claims

A lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating at least two light distributions, wherein the lighting unit comprises:

at least one first light source (1) for producing a first light distribution,

at least one second light source (2) for generating a second light distribution,

a reflector (3),

an exit lens (4), in particular in the form of a projection lens,

- Collimators (5, 6, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c), in which the light sources (1, 2) can feed light, wherein

• Light of the at least one first light source (1) of the at least one of the at least one first light source (1) associated collimator (5) is aligned to a first light beam (Sl), and wherein

Light of the at least one second light source (2) is aligned by the at least one collimator (6; 6a, 6b, 6c) associated with the at least one second light source (2) to form a second light bundle (S2), and wherein the reflector (3) the light beams of the light bundles (Sl, S2) emerging from the collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c) deflect in the direction of the exit lens (4), and wherein the exit lens (4) reflects those of the reflector (3) Shapes light beams in the form of the first and the second light distribution, and wherein

Reflector (3), exit lens (4) and collimators (5, 6, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c), from a

transparent body (100) are formed, and wherein at a reflector boundary surface of the reflector (3 ') and preferably at the Kollimator- boundary surfaces (5', 6 ', 5', 6a ', 6b', 6c ') of the collimators ( 5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c), which are totally reflected in the light-transmitting body (101) propagating light beams (Sl, S2), characterized in that the reflector (3) has a first reflector surface region (30), which receives light exclusively from the at least one first light source (1), and the reflector (3) has a second reflector surface region (31), which light exclusively from the at least one second light source (2), and wherein the exit lens (4) has a first exit lens area (40) which receives light exclusively from the first reflector area area (30) and the exit lens (4) has a second exit area A region (41) which receives light exclusively from the second reflector surface region (31), and light emitted via the first exit lens region (40) as the first light distribution and light emitted via the second exit lens region (41) as the second Light distribution is displayed.

2. Lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the light sources each comprise one or more LEDs, wherein it is in the light sources (1, 2) are each preferably single-chip LEDs.

3. Lighting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exit lens (4) is formed as a flat or planar surface.

4. Lighting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the

Exit lens (4) at an angle of 90 ° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator (5, 6, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c) extends.

5. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reflector (3) is formed as a flat surface.

6. Lighting unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the reflector (3) extends at an angle of 45 ° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c).

7. Lighting unit according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the exit lens (4) at an angle of 45 ° to the reflector (3).

8. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first reflector surface region (30) has a structuring, for example by the first reflector surface region (30) is divided into facets, by means of which

Structuring the light reflected from the reflector surface area (30) light rays are deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the first light distribution.

9. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second reflector surface region (31) has a structuring, for example by the second reflector surface region (31) is divided into facets, by means of which

Structuring the light reflected from the reflector surface area (31) light rays are deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to produce the second light distribution.

10. Lighting unit according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that the structuring, in particular the facets, the two reflector surface areas (30, 31) is / are different.

11. Lighting unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the first reflector surface region (30) has one or more transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction, extending rows of facet elements (30 ').

12. Lighting unit according to claim 11, characterized in that adjacent facet elements (30 ') of a row and / or facet elements (30') of adjacent rows discontinuously merge into one another.

13. Lighting unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that all facet elements are convex or concave or a part of the facet elements convex and another part is concave, or at least all facet elements of a series or all facet elements convex or at least all facet elements one Row or all facet elements are concave or the facet elements of at least one row, preferably all rows, alternately convex - concave.

14. Lighting unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second reflector surface region (31) has one or more transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction, extending rows of facet elements (31 ').

15. Lighting unit according to claim 14, characterized in that adjacent facet elements (31 ') of one row and / or facet elements (31') of adjacent rows merge into one another continuously.

16. Lighting unit according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that all the facet elements are convex or concave or part of the

Facet elements convex and another part is concave, or at least all the facet elements of a series or all facet elements convex or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements concave or the facet elements of at least one row, preferably all rows, are alternately convex - concave.

17. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one collimator (5) which is associated with the at least one first light source (1), the luminous flux of the first light source (1) is directed substantially parallel, preferably the luminous flux is normal to an exit plane of the collimator (5).

18. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the at least one collimator (6; 6a, 6b, 6c), which is associated with the at least one second light source (2), the luminous flux of the second light source (2) in directed in a first, vertical direction substantially parallel, and fan out in a second, horizontal direction.

19. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the separation (300) in the first reflector surface area (30) and the second reflector surface area (31) extends horizontally.

20. Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, which comprises one or more lighting units according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Motor vehicle headlight with at least one lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 19 or with at least one lighting device according to claim 20.