EP3500794B1 - Lighting module for a vehicle headlamp creating at least two light distributions - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating at least two, in particular different, light distributions (claims 1-13).

The invention further relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight (claim 14) which comprises one or more lighting units according to the invention.

Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight (claim 15) 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 connection with the present invention can be used in a motor vehicle headlight to implement one or, in particular, two or more light distributions. Examples of such light distributions in connection with the present invention which can be generated by a lighting unit or lighting device according to the invention are: high beam distribution, partial high beam distribution, direction indicators, daytime running lights.

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

A lighting unit according to the invention or a lighting device according to the invention can be set up to generate a combination of daytime running lights and direction indicators.

A lighting unit according to the invention or a lighting device according to the invention can be set up to generate a combination of high beam and daytime running lights. If the daytime running lights are operated dimmed in such a lighting unit, a limiting light can be generated in this way and thus the combination limiting light and high beam can also be implemented.

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 good or high efficiency. A lighting unit mentioned at the beginning can also be set up to generate two lighting functions and / or signaling functions with a single light-permeable body.

The documents EP 1 794 490 B1 and DE 10 2014 205 994 A1 disclose lighting devices for motor vehicle headlights.

It is an object of the invention to specify a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight which meets the requirements described above and which further improves the known lighting units.

This object is achieved with a lighting unit mentioned at the beginning (claim 1) in that, according to the invention, the reflector has a first reflector surface area which receives light exclusively from the at least one first light source, and the reflector has a second reflector surface area which exclusively receives light receives from the at least one second light source, and wherein the exit lens has a first exit lens area which receives light exclusively from the first reflector surface area, 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 is imaged as a first light distribution and light emitted via the second exit lens area is imaged as a second light distribution.

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

A segmented light distribution can also be generated, i.e. each light distribution generated with the lighting unit forms a light segment of an overall light distribution. The light distribution generated can, however, also be part of an overall light distribution, for example in that each light distribution generates the shape of the overall light distribution, and the totality of all light distributions then provides the necessary light intensity in the light image.

In particular, these light distributions described above can also be generated if 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 each comprise one or more LEDs, the light sources (so-called “LED light sources”) preferably each being single-chip LEDs.

It is preferably provided that the exit lens is designed 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 planar surface is at least G1-continuous.

In the case of a flat surface, the layout is simpler, since only one surface - the reflector surface areas - has to be laid out.

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 can be provided that the reflector runs 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 each other, accordingly in this case the reflector is arranged at 45 ° to all light exit planes of collimators, and the exit lens is arranged at 90 ° to all light exit planes of the collimators.

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

It can be useful if the first reflector surface area has a structure, for example in that the first reflector surface area is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light beams reflected by the reflector surface area in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to generate the first light distribution to get distracted.

In this way, the light distribution generated by means of the first reflector surface area [corresponds to light bundle S1 in the figures] can be optimally adapted.

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

Alternatively or preferably in addition, it can be provided that the second reflector surface area has a structuring, for example by dividing the second reflector surface area into facets, by means of which structuring the light beams reflected by the reflector surface area are generated in the vertical and / or horizontal direction the second light distribution are deflected.

In this way, the light distribution generated by means of the second reflector surface area [corresponds to light bundle S2 in the figures] can be optimally adapted.

In the latter case, that is to say in the event that both reflector surface areas have a structure, in particular facets, it is preferably provided that the structures, in particular the facets, of the two reflector surface areas are designed differently.

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

For example, it can be provided that the first reflector surface area has one or more rows of facet elements running transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction.

For example, adjacent facet elements in one row and / or facet elements in adjacent rows merge discontinuously into one another.

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

Alternatively or preferably in addition, it can be provided that the second reflector surface area has one or more rows of facet elements running transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction.

It can be advantageous if adjacent facet elements in one row and / or facet elements in adjacent rows continuously merge into one another.

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

The radiation cone of the emitted light depends on the curvature of the respective facet, a smaller curvature for (in the far field) to a smaller radiation cone. Smaller radiation cones 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 molded better using injection molding tools.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the luminous flux from the at least one collimator, which is assigned to the at least one first light source, runs normally 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, when the lighting unit is installed in a vehicle, the luminous flux of the second light source in a first, vertical direction is essentially parallel, and fans out in a second, horizontal direction.

It can be provided that a separation into the first reflector surface area and the second reflector surface area runs horizontally when the lighting unit is installed in a vehicle.

The invention further relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight (claim 14) which comprises one or more lighting units described above.

A lighting unit described above is able to implement a large number of combinations of different light distributions. However, it can happen that the illuminance levels that can be achieved with just one lighting unit are too low to achieve the minimum values required by law. With a lighting device that comprises two or more corresponding lighting units, the required values of the illuminance can be achieved if the number of lighting units is selected such that they can deliver the required luminous flux.

A lighting device with two or more lighting units according to the invention 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, with either each LED light source of a lighting unit contributing to a different segmented (overall) light distribution (the lighting device in this case is set up to provide two different segmented overall light distributions which can be switched on and off independently of each other), or both / all LED light sources of a lighting unit contribute to a single (overall) light distribution, ie the lighting device is set up to generate only a single segmented overall light distribution.

Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight (claim 15) with at least one lighting unit described above or with at least one lighting device described above.

• Fig. 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• Fig. 2 eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• Fig. 3 die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 2 in einem Vertikalschnitt A-A zur Darstellung des Lichtstrahlenverlaufes der von einer ersten Lichtquelle ausgestrahlten Lichtes,
• Fig. 4 die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 2 in dem Vertikalschnitt A-A zur Darstellung des Lichtstrahlenverlaufes der von einer zweiten Lichtquelle ausgestrahlten Lichtes,
• Fig. 5 eine Beleuchtungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,
• Fig. 5a einen Schnitt durch die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 5 in einer Schnittebene C-C durch den Reflektorflächen-Bereich zur Erzeugung einer Tagfahrlicht-Lichtverteilung,
• Fig. 5b einen Schnitt durch die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 5 in einer Schnittebene D-D durch den Reflektorflächen-Bereich zur Erzeugung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung,
• Fig. 6 eine andere Ausgestaltung der Beleuchtungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,
• Fig. 6a einen Schnitt durch die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 6 in einer Schnittebene E-E durch den Reflektorflächen-Bereich zur Erzeugung einer Tagfahrlicht-Lichtverteilung,
• Fig. 6b einen Schnitt durch die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 6 in einer Schnittebene F-F durch den Reflektorflächen-Bereich zur Erzeugung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung, und
• Fig. 7 eine beispielshafte Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit vier erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheiten.

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

• Fig. 1 a lighting unit according to the invention in a perspective view,
• Fig. 2 a further lighting unit according to the invention in a perspective view,
• Fig. 3 the lighting unit off Figure 2 in a vertical section AA to show the light beam path of the light emitted by a first light source,
• Fig. 4 the lighting unit off Figure 2 in the vertical section AA to show the light beam path of the light emitted by a second light source,
• Fig. 5 a lighting unit in a perspective view from below,
• Figure 5a a section through the lighting unit Figure 5 in a sectional plane CC through the reflector surface area for generating a daytime running light distribution,
• Figure 5b a section through the lighting unit Figure 5 in a sectional plane DD through the reflector surface area for generating a high beam light distribution,
• Fig. 6 another embodiment of the lighting unit in a perspective view from below,
• Figure 6a a section through the lighting unit Figure 6 in a sectional plane EE through the reflector surface area for generating a daytime running light distribution,
• Figure 6b a section through the lighting unit Figure 6 in a sectional plane FF through the reflector surface area for generating a high beam light distribution, and
• Fig. 7 an exemplary lighting device with four lighting units according to the invention.

In the context of this description, the terms "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical" are to be understood as indicating the orientation when the unit is arranged in the normal position of use after it has been installed in a lighting device mounted in the vehicle.

Figure 1 shows a lighting unit 100 according to the invention for a motor vehicle headlight for generating two light distributions, in particular two different light distributions. It is assumed below that the illustrated lighting unit 100 is set up to generate a first overall light distribution in the form of a high beam distribution and a second overall light distribution in the form of a daytime running light distribution. Other combinations can also be implemented with an illustrated lighting unit 100, as will be discussed in more detail below.

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

Furthermore, the lighting 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 they are activated.

In principle, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that, in the event that 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, exactly one collimator 6a, 6b, 6c is assigned to each light source 2. Basically, ie in the general framework of the invention, it can be provided that each light source, even if these contribute to the same light distribution, is assigned exactly one collimator into which the respective light source couples its light.

In the embodiment according to Figure 1 light from the first light source 1, when it is switched on, is coupled into the associated collimator 5 and aligned by this to form a first light beam.

Light from the second light sources 2 is coupled into the collimators 6a, 6b, 6c assigned to them by the second light sources 2, when the light sources 2 are switched on, and are each aligned to form a second light bundle. In the example shown, three second, preferably overlapping, light bundles are generated, with which the second light distribution is generated jointly.

The reflector 3 deflects the light beams of the light bundles 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 second light distribution. In particular, as will be shown later, the exit lens 4 can be flat and the rays reflected by the reflector 3 preferably strike the flat exit lens 4 normally so that they can pass through it without further deflection.

Preferably - this applies to the most general context of the present invention - light only passes through the exit lens 4 and is refracted in the process. The actual light shaping is done by the reflector. With the exit lens, i.e. by correspondingly designing the exit lens 4, the width of the resulting light distribution can, for example, be adapted / set.

Reflector 3, exit lens 4 and collimators 5, 6a, 6b, 6c are formed from a translucent, preferably one-piece body 101 - also referred to as "optic body" - 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, the light rays propagating in the transparent body 101 are totally reflected.

According to the invention it is provided that the reflector 3 has a first reflector surface area 30, which receives light exclusively from the first light source 1, and a second reflector surface area 31, which receives light exclusively from the second light source 2.

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

The two reflector surface areas 30, 31 and the two exit lens areas 40, 41 are preferably separated by a horizontally running separation (separating line) 300, 400, that is to say they lie vertically, possibly offset, one above the other.

Light emitted via the first exit lens area 40 is imaged as the first light distribution, in this example as a high beam distribution, and light emitted via the second exit lens area 41 is imaged as a second light distribution, in this example as a daytime running light distribution.

An advantage of the invention in the general, general context, ie not limited to the present embodiment, is that two or more light distributions can be generated with a single optic body in which coupled light propagates via total reflection do not influence the different light distributions and can also be designed independently of one another.

The light sources 1, 2 preferably each comprise a light-emitting diode or a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the light sources 1, 2 for each light distribution can be controlled independently of one another, i.e. in particular 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 - can be dimmed, in particular also dimmed independently of one another.

Finally, it can also generally be provided, not limited to the example shown, that in the case - as for example in FIG Figure 1 shown - that several light sources 2 contribute to a light distribution, these light sources 2 controlled independently of one another, ie switched on and off and, for example, can also be dimmed.

In general, i.e. not limited to the present embodiment, the light-permeable material from which the body 100 is formed, for example a plastic, preferably has a refractive index greater than that of air. The material contains, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate) and is particularly preferably formed therefrom.

• Die Position der Lichtquelle 1 zur Erzeugung einer Fernlichtverteilung und jene der Lichtquellen 2 für die Tagfahrlichtverteilung sind vertauscht
• Entsprechend sind die Reflektorflächen-Bereiche 30, 31 vertauscht, ebenso sind die Lage des ersten Austrittslinsen-Bereiches 40 und des zweiten Austrittslinsen-Bereiches 41 vertauscht
• Die drei zweiten Lichtquellen 2 koppeln Licht in einen einzigen Kollimator 6 ein
• Die Strukturierung der Reflektorflächen-Bereiche 30, 31 ist bei der Variante nach Figur 2 beispielhaft anders ausgestaltet als bei jener nach Figur 1.

Figure 2 shows an arrangement similar to that of FIG Figure 1 , and those related to Figure 1 statements made. The differences lie in the following aspects:

• The position of the light source 1 for generating a high beam distribution and that of the light sources 2 for the daytime running light distribution are interchanged
• The reflector surface areas 30, 31 are correspondingly interchanged, and the position of the first exit lens area 40 and the second exit lens area 41 are also interchanged
• The three second light sources 2 couple light into a single collimator 6
• The structuring of the reflector surface areas 30, 31 is in the variant according to Figure 2 exemplarily designed differently than the one according to Figure 1 .

In the examples shown after Figures 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 or 5, 6.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, it is provided that the reflector 3 is designed as a flat surface in terms of its basic shape. As will be explained below, structuring can be provided on this flat surface.

As in the Figures 1 and 2 As shown, 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 can run parallel to each other, as is the case in the embodiments shown, and accordingly in this case the reflector is arranged at 45 ° to all light exit planes of collimators, and the exit lens is arranged at 90 ° to all light exit planes of the collimators .

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

the Figures 3 and 4th show on the basis of a section AA Figure 2 nor the beam path in the optic body 101:
Light from the first light source 1, when it is switched on, is coupled into the associated collimator 5 and aligned by this to form a first light bundle S1.

In this case, light rays striking the boundary surfaces 5 'of the collimator 5 are totally reflected. In a central area, light rays can also enter the collimator directly, without prior reflection. The light bundle S1 generated by the collimator 5 is preferably a light bundle of parallel light rays ( Figure 3 ).

Light from the second light sources 2, when they are switched on, is coupled into the associated collimator 6 and aligned by this to form a second light bundle S2.

In this case, light rays incident on the boundary surfaces 6a ', 6b', 6c 'or 6' of a collimator 6a, 6b, 6c or 6 are totally reflected. In a central area, light rays can also enter the collimator directly, without prior reflection. The light bundle S2 generated by the collimator 6 is preferably a light bundle of parallel light rays ( Figure 4 ).

The reflector 3 deflects the light beams of the light bundles S1, S2 emerging from the collimators 5, 6 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 second light distribution. The first exit lens area 40 receives light exclusively from the first reflector surface area 30 ( Figure 3 ), the second exit lens area 41 receives light exclusively from the second reflector surface area 31 ( Figure 4 ). In particular, as shown, the exit lens 4 can be flat and the rays reflected by the reflector 3 preferably strike the flat exit lens 4 normally so that they can pass through it without further deflection. In the present text, this function can also be implemented by an exit lens, and the term “imaging” in this text can also be understood to mean that light passes through the exit lens without further deflection.

However, this relationship only applies if the reflector generates a single parallel beam. In the general case, however, the reflector also emits diverging rays which then do not strike the, in particular flat, interface / exit lens at less than 90 °, so that the described relationship that the light rays are not deflected then does not apply. The exit lens then deflects the rays accordingly and "projects" a light distribution into the traffic area.

Regarding the collimators, regardless of the specific embodiment, but also in connection with the in Figures 1 and 2 It can be provided that the at least one collimator 5, which is assigned to the at least one first light source 1, directs the luminous flux of the first light source 1 essentially in parallel, with the luminous flux preferably running normally on 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 assigned to the at least one second light source 2, directs the luminous flux of the second light source 2 in a first, vertical direction essentially parallel, and fans it out in a second, horizontal direction.

The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are to be understood in such a way that the light beams are influenced in such a way that they are horizontal or . are vertically aligned accordingly.

As already mentioned above, it can be advantageous if the reflector 3, ie in particular the first reflector surface area 30, has a structuring, for example in that the first reflector surface area 30 is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the Area 30 reflected light beams can be deflected in the vertical and / or horizontal direction to generate the first light distribution.

In this way, the light distribution generated by means of the first reflector surface area can be optimally adapted.

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

Alternatively or preferably in addition, it can be provided that the second reflector surface area 31 has a structuring, for example in that the second reflector surface area 31 is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light rays reflected by the reflector surface area 31 are vertically and / or horizontally Direction for generating the second light distribution are deflected.

In this way, the light distribution generated by means of the second reflector surface area can be optimally adapted.

Figure 5 FIG. 12 shows a first example of such a structuring, in which both reflector surface areas have a structuring, in particular facets, the structuring, in particular the facets, of the two reflector surface areas 30, 31 being designed differently. The amplitudes are both in the Figures 5a as well as 5b drawn out strongly exaggerated.

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

Figure 5 and Figure 5b showing the cut DD from Figure 5 shows a first reflector surface area 30 with a number of facet elements 30 '(high beam).

Figure 5 and Figure 5a showing the cut CC from Figure 5 shows a second reflector surface area 31 with two horizontal rows of facet elements 31 '(daytime running lights).

Figure 6 with the cuts EE ( Figure 6a , Daytime running lights) and FF ( Figure 6b , High beam) shows another basic design option.

In summary, it can be said in the most general scope of the invention that the light image is preferably formed via the reflector and the exit lens preferably only serves as a light exit surface, which allows the light to exit from the optic body 101 either without deflection or with deflection depending on the angle of incidence.

In the case of the facets of daytime running lights with several light coupling areas, concave facets can be used to make the radiation cones overlap, so that the homogeneity of the light distribution generated increases. This applies both to the light distribution that occurs in the far field and to the light impression that an observer of the lighting unit or the motor vehicle headlight has.

Finally, there is also the option of providing the flat lens exit surface with horizontally and / or vertically aligned prisms or corrugations in order to deflect the light in a targeted manner, e.g. to meet the requirements for spatial illumination in signal light functions.

With a lighting unit according to the invention, for example as described in the embodiments, but also in the general inventive context, two mutually independent light distributions can be generated with one optical body.

For example, as described in the figures, a combination of high beam and daytime running lights can be generated. If the light sources are sufficiently strong, a lighting unit can generate these light distributions on its own. Otherwise there will be two or more identical or largely identical lighting units are combined to form a lighting device which supplies the necessary luminous flux for legally compliant light distributions.

Basically, any combination of light distributions can be generated, for example a combination of high beam and direction indicator (blinker), in particular in the form of a wiper blinker. Preferably, several lighting units are again combined to form one lighting device, the first light sources generate e.g. the high beam distribution and the second light sources the flashing light, whereby the second light sources can also be switched on one after the other to generate a wiper indicator with which the direction of the turning process can be displayed .

With such a lighting device, but also in the general context of a lighting device with two or more lighting units, it can be provided that the same light distribution is generated over each exit lens area, and the required illuminance is achieved in total with the two or more lighting units. However, it can also be provided that each exit lens area of a light distribution generates only one segment of this light distribution, so that a segmented light distribution, e.g. a segmented high beam distribution, can be generated.

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

As already described above, a lighting unit according to the invention is in principle able to implement a large number of combinations of different light distributions. However, it can happen that the illuminance levels that can be achieved with just one lighting unit are too low to achieve the minimum values required by law. With a lighting device that comprises two or more corresponding lighting units, the required values of the illuminance can be achieved if the number of lighting units is selected such that they can deliver the required luminous flux.

A lighting device with two or more lighting units according to the invention 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, with either each LED light source of a lighting unit contributing to a different segmented (overall) light distribution (the In this case, the lighting device is set up to generate two different segmented overall light distributions that can be switched on and off independently of each other), or both LED light sources of a lighting unit contribute to a single (overall) light distribution, ie the lighting device is set up to generate only a single segmented overall light distribution.

Figure 7 shows an example of such a lighting device 1000. In the example shown, this consists of four lighting units 100, which again each have first light sources 1 and second light sources 2 as described above. With such an arrangement, for example, the above-described overlapping possibilities can be implemented.

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

Claims (15)

1. Lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlamp for generating at least two light distributions, the lighting unit comprising:

   - at least one first light source (1) for generating 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) into which the light sources (1, 2) can feed light, wherein

   - light of the at least one first light source (1) is aligned by the at least one collimator (5) associated with the at least one first light source (1) into a first light beam (S1) with substantially parallel luminous flux, 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 beam (S2) with substantially parallel luminous flux,

   and wherein the reflector (3) deflects the light rays of the light beams (S1, S2) emerging from the collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c) in the direction of the exit lens (4), and wherein the exit lens (4) images the light rays reflected by the reflector (3) 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), are formed of a light-transmitting body (100), and wherein at a reflector boundary surface of the reflector (3') and preferably at the collimator boundary surfaces (5', 6'; 5', 6a', 6b', 6c') of the collimators (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c), the light rays (S1, S2) propagating in the light-transmitting body (101) are totally reflected,

   characterized in that

   said reflector (3) comprises a first reflector surface area (30) receiving light exclusively from said at least one first light source (1), and

   said reflector (3) comprises a second reflector surface area (31) receiving light exclusively from said at least one second light source (2), and wherein

   said exit lens (4) comprises a first exit lens portion (40) receiving light exclusively from said first reflector surface portion (30), and

   said exit lens (4) has a second exit lens portion (41) which receives light exclusively from said second reflector surface portion (31), and wherein

   light emitted via the first exit lens area (40) is imaged as a first light distribution and light emitted via the second exit lens area (41) is imaged as a second light distribution.
2. Lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the light sources each comprise one or more LEDs, the light sources (1, 2) preferably each being single-chip LEDs.
3. Lighting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exit lens (4) is designed as a flat or planar surface, the exit lens (4) preferably running at an angle of 90° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c).
4. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reflector (3) is designed as a planar surface, preferably the reflector (3) running at an angle of 45° to a light exit plane of at least one collimator (5, 6; 5, 6a, 6b, 6c).
5. Lighting unit according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the exit lens (4) runs at an angle of 45° to the reflector (3).
6. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first reflector surface area (30) has a structuring, for example in that the first reflector surface area (30) is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light rays reflected from the reflector surface area (30) are deflected, when the lighting device is installed in a vehicle, in the vertical and/or horizontal direction to produce the first light distribution.
7. Lighting unit according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second reflector surface area (31) has a structuring, for example in that the second reflector surface area (31) is divided into facets, by means of which structuring the light rays reflected from the reflector surface area (31) are deflected, when the lighting device is installed in a vehicle, in the vertical and/or horizontal direction to produce the second light distribution.
8. Lighting unit according to claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the structuring, in particular the facets, of the two reflector surface areas (30, 31) is/are designed differently, preferably the first reflector surface area (30) having one or more rows of facet elements (30') running transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction, when the lighting device is installed in a vehicle, preferably adjacent facet elements (30') of a row and/or facet elements (30') of adjacent rows merging discontinuously into one another.
9. Lighting unit according to claim 8, characterized in that all facet elements are convex or concave, or a part of the facet elements is convex and another part is concave, or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements are convex, or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements are concave, or the facet elements of at least one row, preferably of all rows, are alternately convex - concave.
10. Lighting unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second reflector surface area (31) has one or more rows of facet elements (31') running transversely, in particular in the horizontal direction, preferably adjacent facet elements (31') of a row and/or facet elements (31') of adjacent rows merging continuously into one another, wherein preferably all facet elements are convex or concave or a part of the facet elements is convex and another part is concave, or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements are convex or at least all facet elements of a row or all facet elements are concave or the facet elements of at least one row, preferably of all rows, are alternately convex - concave.
11. Lighting unit according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the luminous flux from the at least one collimator (5) associated with the at least one first light source (1) runs normal to an exit plane of the collimator (5).
12. Lighting unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one collimator (6; 6a, 6b, 6c), which is assigned to the at least one second light source (2), directs the luminous flux of the second light source (2) essentially parallel in a first, vertical direction and fans it out in a second, horizontal direction when the lighting unit is installed in a vehicle.
13. Lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the separation (300) into the first reflector surface area (30) and the second reflector surface area (31), when the lighting unit is installed in a vehicle, is horizontal.
14. Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, which comprises one or more lighting units according to one of claims 1 to 13.
15. Motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or comprising at least one lighting device according to claim 14.

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