EP3899358B1 - Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp and motor vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light distribution with a cut-off line, the lighting device having at least one light source, a translucent body, at least one light feed element for feeding in light, which the at least one light source emits, and a projection device. wherein the light-transmitting body, the at least one light feed element and the projection device form a one-piece transparent, light-transmitting optical body, preferably made of the same material, wherein the light-permeable body has a screen device with a screen edge area, the screen device being arranged between the light feed element and the projection device in the direction of light propagation , And wherein light from the at least one light source enters the light-transmitting body via the light-feeding element and is located in the l opaque body propagates as a first light beam, and the aperture device modifies the first light beam into a modified, second light beam in such a way that this second light beam is imaged by the projection device as a light distribution with a light-dark boundary, the light-dark Boundary, in particular the shape and position of the light-dark boundary, is determined by a panel edge area of the panel device, and wherein the projection device is designed to be inverting in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight comprising at least one such lighting device.

An above-described lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight or motor vehicle headlight with one or more such lighting devices are known from the prior art, for example from the document WO 2017/185118 A , and are used, for example, to implement a low beam distribution or part of a low beam distribution, in particular the front-end light distribution of a low beam distribution.

In the following, relevant terms used are to be defined for the time being. The optical axis of the optical body or the projection optical device is denoted by X, i.e is approximately the main emission direction of the light from the optic body. "Z" defines a vertical axis that is orthogonal to the X optical axis. Another axis "Y" runs transversely to the optical axis X, which is orthogonal to the other two axes X, Z.

The X, Z axes span a vertical plane, the X, Y axes span a horizontal plane.

When reference is made to the direction of light rays in the "vertical direction", what is meant is the projection of these light rays in the X,Z plane. When the direction of light rays in the "horizontal direction" is mentioned, what is meant is the projection of these light rays in the X,Y plane.

In general, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used for a simplified representation of the relationships; in a typical installation situation in a motor vehicle, the axes and planes described can actually be horizontal and vertical. However, it can also be provided that the lighting device or, in the case of several lighting devices, one or more, in particular all lighting devices, are rotated with respect to this position, for example the X-axis can be inclined upwards or downwards relative to a horizontal plane of the reference system earth, or the described X, Y, Z axis system can be twisted in general. It is therefore clear to a person skilled in the art that the terms used are used for a simplified description and do not necessarily have to be aligned in this way in the earth reference system.

The projection device has a focal point or a focal plane which lies approximately in the diaphragm edge region of the optical body. Correspondingly, an intermediate light image in the area of the focal point or the focal plane, which intermediate image is generated by the optical body, is imaged by the projection device as a light distribution in front of the lighting device. In the case of a lighting device mentioned at the outset, the projection device is designed to be inverting in the vertical direction. This means that light rays that run in the focal plane above the horizontal X,Y plane come from the projection device in the light image in a lower area, ie below the so-called HH line to lie, while light rays that are in the focal plane in an area below the X,Y plane, are imaged above the HH line.

As a result of the design of the optic body with a diaphragm edge area, which preferably projects vertically from below the X,Y plane into this X,Y plane or slightly above it, the light rays are emitted from the lower area, i.e. below the X,Y plane masked out, so that a masked-out light distribution with a light-dark boundary, in particular a light-dark boundary running approximately horizontally in the light image, which can also have an asymmetric component, for example, results.

According to legal regulations, the light distribution of vehicle headlights has to meet a number of requirements.

For example, according to ECE and SAE, minimum and maximum light levels are required in certain regions above the light-dark line (HD line) - i.e. outside the primarily illuminated area. These act as so-called "signlights" and enable overhead signposts to be illuminated, for example. The light intensities used are usually in the range of the usual scattered light values, thus far below the light intensities below the HD line, but the specified minimum light intensities must be exceeded. The required light values must be achieved with as little glare as possible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, with which a “signlight” described above can be produced.

This object is achieved with a lighting device mentioned at the outset in that, according to the invention, at least one light-guiding element is arranged on the optical body, which at least one light-guiding element has a light-guiding element light coupling surface and a light-guiding element light decoupling surface, and wherein the at least one light-guiding element is arranged on the optical body in such a way that that light from the light feed element is fed into the at least one light guide element via the light guiding element light coupling surface, propagates in it, in particular at least partially by means of total reflection, and re-enters the optical body via the light guiding element light coupling surface, wherein the light guiding element light coupling surface of the at least a light-guiding element opens into the optical body in such a way that the lighting device installed in the vehicle has at least one

The light guide element light decoupling surface, seen in a vertical direction, lies at least partially, preferably completely below the area of the edge of the screen, with the at least one light guide element or the light guide elements preferably extending up to or beyond the area of the screen edge or extend, and at least part, preferably all, of the light beams that have re-entered the optical body are projected by the projection optical device as a signlight light bundle into an area of the light distribution that lies above the cut-off line and, for example as a signlight light distribution, is imaged in the light image .

Due to the diaphragm edge area, no light is available in a lighting device according to the prior art, which could be imaged as a signlight in an area above the H-H line. The invention makes it possible to feed light from the light feed area to the projection device with the at least one light-guiding element below the diaphragm edge area. After these light rays come from an area of the focal plane of the projection device, which lies essentially or completely below the X,Y plane, due to the position of the light guide element light decoupling surface of the at least one light guide element, this light is emitted by the projection device into an area above the H-H line pictured. Provision is preferably made for the optic body and the at least one light-guiding element to be formed in one piece with one another, and in particular from the same material. Such a configuration has the advantage that at the point where the light-guiding element light decoupling surface opens into the optic body, there is no boundary surface at which the light from the light-guiding element could be deflected unintentionally. Light that "escapes" from the "light-guiding element light decoupling surface" simply propagates further in the optical body in the direction in which it comes from the light-guiding element.

In exactly the same way, light from the light feed element enters the light guide element via the light guide element light coupling surface without optical influence, since there is no real boundary surface in the case of a one-piece configuration made of the same material. Provision is preferably made for the light-guiding optic body to be delimited laterally by mutually opposite side boundary surfaces, with light propagating in the optic body preferably at least partially on the side boundary surfaces is reflected, in particular totally reflected, and at least one light guide element is arranged on at least one side boundary surface.

These side boundary surfaces can run parallel to one another and/or parallel to the optical axis of the optic body; they preferably diverge in the direction of the optical axis, so that the light beam propagating in the optic body can spread out vertically.

In particular, it is provided that at least one light-guiding element, preferably exactly one light-guiding element, is arranged on each of the two side boundary surfaces. In this way, the signlight light distribution can also have a desired width in the horizontal direction.

Provision can be made for the at least one light-guiding element or the light-guiding elements to run or run essentially parallel to an optical axis of the optic body. In this case, light from the light input region, which is coupled into the light-guiding element essentially in the direction of the optical axis, propagates in a straight line without or only with one or a few total reflections through the light-guiding element.

For example, it can be provided that the at least one light-guiding element or the light-guiding elements have a rectangular or square cross section or rectangular or square cross-sections, with preferably all having identical cross-sections in the case of several light-guiding elements, and/or with the cross-section of a light-guiding element preferably covering its entire length remains the same.

For a signlight light distribution that is as symmetrical as possible when viewed in the horizontal direction in the light image, it is preferably provided that with one light-guiding element per side boundary surface, the light-guiding elements run at the same height when viewed in the vertical direction.

Provision is preferably made for the at least one light-guiding element or the light-guiding elements to have or have a rectilinear course.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one, preferably all of the light guide elements of a side boundary surface is / are arranged in such a way that the Light guide element light decoupling surface below the panel edge area or below a panel edge lying in the panel edge area opens into the optic body.

Provision can also be made for at least one of the light-guiding elements of a side boundary surface to be arranged in such a way that an upper edge of the light-guiding element light decoupling surface opens into the optic body at the same height as the diaphragm edge area or a diaphragm edge located in the diaphragm edge area.

For example, it can be provided that at least one of the side boundary surfaces, preferably both side boundary surfaces, viewed in the direction of the optical axis are divided into a rear boundary surface, a middle boundary surface and a front boundary surface, with the middle boundary surface of one or both side boundary surfaces in the horizontal direction, transverse to the optical axis compared to the rear and front boundary surface of the respective side boundary surface, i.e. recessed, and wherein the at least one light guide element is arranged on the middle side boundary surface, and is preferably connected to it in one piece, and differs from the rear , extends from the area of the optic body delimited by the rear side boundary surface to the front area of the optic body delimited by the front side boundary surface.

For example, the central boundary surface runs approximately in the area of the light-guiding body, the rear boundary surface extends at least partially over an area of the light feed element, and the front area extends over the area of the projection device, for example.

Boundary surfaces of the side boundary surface are preferably flat and, for example, parallel to one another.

A light guide element thus forms a kind of web which is located on the set-back boundary surface of the optic body and is preferably formed in one piece with it.

Total reflection preferably occurs on outer surfaces, for example an upper side and underside as well as a lateral outer surface of the light-guiding element. Light can enter the light-guiding body, since the light-guiding element there is preferably directly attached to the light-guiding Bodies adjacent, in particular formed integrally with this from the same material, this light is intercepted by the aperture edge device.

Depending on the direction of propagation, light moves straight through a light-guiding element when it enters the light-guiding element or it is totally reflected at boundary surfaces that delimit the light-guiding element to the outside and propagates in this way to the projection device.

Provision is preferably made for a lateral, preferably flat outer surface of the at least one light-guiding element to be at the same level as the rear and/or front boundary surface of the side boundary surface on which it is arranged.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the diaphragm device is formed by boundary surfaces of the light-transmissive body, which, for example, converge in a common diaphragm edge that lies in the diaphragm edge area.

In this case, it can be provided that outside of the optic body, between the boundary surfaces, a physical screen and/or on the outside of at least one of the two boundary surfaces, preferably that boundary surface which is arranged in front of the other boundary surface in the direction of light propagation, a coating or a physical screen is applied, by means of which emerging from the light-conducting body light can be intercepted.

In this case, it is then advantageously provided that the physical screen and/or the coating has a recess for each light-guiding element, through which the light-guiding element runs, so that light can propagate unhindered from the physical screen and/or the coating.

It is preferably provided that the light feed element comprises a light-shaping optics, which shapes the light emitted by the at least one light source in such a way that it is essentially radiated into the diaphragm edge area of the diaphragm device, and the diaphragm edge area is preferably essentially in a focal line or in a focal surface of the projection device.

The above formulation, which describes a bundling of the light beams onto a focal point or a focal plane of the projection device, which lies in or approximately in the diaphragm edge area, describes a simplified representation for a punctiform light source. In the case of the real, spatially extended light sources used (e.g. LED chip, with an emission edge length of around 1 mm), unwanted light falls off, which, for example, impinges on the boundary surface (and on the area discussed above through which the light emerges) of the light-conducting body and is used according to the invention becomes.

For example, the light-shaping optics are a collimator or include a collimator. In addition, it can also be provided that the light feed element, e.g. as part of the light shaping optics, comprises deflection means, e.g. one or more reflecting surfaces, preferably one or more surfaces, on which light is totally reflected, with which the light of the at least one light source in the desired direction is diverted.

The at least one light source can be arranged, for example, in the area of the optical axis of the optic body and have a main emission direction approximately in the direction of the optical axis. However, the at least one light source can also be above or below the optical axis and emit light at an angle >0° to the optical axis, e.g. at 90° to the optical axis. In particular with such an arrangement of the light sources, deflection means are advantageous.

For example, the Lichtform optics are designed in such a way that light is not only collected at the focal point, but also in such a way that light is also aimed vertically higher, over the edge of the aperture. This allows the light distribution to taper off along the VV line from the HV point down to just in front of the vehicle. In this way, the light-guiding bodies according to the invention form a front-end light distribution.

Provision is preferably made for the diaphragm edge area to lie essentially in a focal line or in a focal surface of the projection device.

The focal line preferably lies below the edge of the diaphragm (or the edge of the diaphragm lies above the focal line) and runs horizontally through the focal point and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the optical axis of the projection device.

Provision can be made for the diaphragm edge region to comprise at least one diaphragm edge which extends essentially transversely to an optical axis of the projection device.

For example, the aperture edge is a single edge. However, there can also be a double edge, in which case the edges can then be arranged one behind the other in the light exit direction. The edge or edges can be as sharp as possible or, for example, rounded. The diaphragm edge region can have the same normal distance to this horizontal plane across the optical axis X in relation to a horizontal plane, for example a horizontal plane which contains the optical axis X (X, Y plane). However, it can also be provided that in different sections of the diaphragm edge area have different (vertical) normal distances to the plane. For example, in a first section the diaphragm edge area can have a first normal distance to the plane and in a second section can have a second, larger normal distance. The different sections can be connected to one another by an inclined section. In this way, an asymmetrical light-dark boundary can be created.

With such light-conducting bodies, an asymmetry in the light-dark boundary can also be achieved in that the different areas of the diaphragm edge have different distances to a vertical plane normal to the optical axis in the horizontal direction, i.e. in the direction of light propagation or in the direction of the optical axis have axis.

For example, it is provided that the projection device is designed as a projection lens arrangement or includes one, with the projection lens arrangement consisting of a projection lens, for example.

As described above, the projection device is inverted in the vertical direction. Preferably, the projection device is further designed such that, viewed in the vertical direction, light rays which emanate from the same point in the intermediate light image but propagate in different directions are imaged vertically by the projection device at the same height in the light image.

Such an influence is preferably not provided in the horizontal direction, so that light which emerges from the projection device is generally deflected horizontally (depending on the direction of propagation before emergence).

Provision can be made for an outer surface of the projection device to be formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface, with the grooves forming the groove-shaped structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and with two grooves lying next to one another in the horizontal direction preferably being divided by one, in particular substantially vertically extending elevation, which preferably extends over the entire vertical extension of the grooves, are separated. In this way, the signlight area can be specifically widened in the horizontal direction.

For example, the projection device is a projection lens in the form of a cylindrical lens, i.e. the interface of the optic body has the shape of a part of a shell of a cylinder with the height of the cylinder parallel to the Y-axis. For example, the height of this cylinder is in the X,Z plane.

That is, in sections in planes parallel to the X, Z plane, the projection lens has identical cutting lines (contours) in each case.

Provision is preferably made for the light-guiding body and the projection device to be designed in one piece. Advantageously, it is also provided that the light feed element is formed in one piece with the light-conducting body. In particular, it is preferably provided that the (or the) light feed element (s), the light-conducting body and the projection device are formed in one piece with each other, in particular are formed from a single, light-conducting material and form a single body ("optical body"). Furthermore, the one or more light-guiding elements according to the invention are formed in one piece with the optical body described, in particular from the same transparent, light-guiding material.

It is preferably provided that the area into which the light coming from the light guide element(s) according to the invention is partially or completely projected extends in the light image in the vertical direction over a range of approx. 1° - 6°, preferably over a range of 1 .5° - 4.5° above the 0°-0° (H-H) line, the horizon.

Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the area into which the incident light bundle or parts thereof is or are projected extends horizontally in the light image over a range of approx. -24° - +24°, preferably from approx -18° - +18° or -10° - +10°.

For example, it is provided that the at least one light source comprises a light-emitting diode or a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

• Fig. 1 die wesentlichen Bestandteile einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform einer Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• Fig. 2 eine weitere Beleuchtungsvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• Fig. 3 einen Vertikalschnitt A-A, welcher die optische Achse enthält, durch die Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus Figur 1,
• Fig. 4 einen Vertikalschnitt B-B parallel durch eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus Figur 1 in einem Bereich eines seitlichen Lichtleitelementes, und
• Fig. 5 eine beispielhafte, schematische Darstellung einer Lichtverteilung erzeugt mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit.

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

• 1 the essential components of an embodiment according to the invention of a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight in a perspective view,
• 2 another lighting device according to the present invention in a perspective view,
• 3 a vertical section AA, which contains the optical axis, through the lighting device figure 1 ,
• 4 a vertical section BB parallel through a lighting device figure 1 in an area of a lateral light-guiding element, and
• figure 5 an exemplary, schematic representation of a light distribution generated with a lighting unit according to the invention.

figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light distribution with a light-dark boundary. The lighting device 1 comprises at least one light source 10, which comprises, for example, one or more LEDs, and an optical body 110, in which light from the at least one light source 10 can propagate.

In the example shown, the optics body 110 consists of a light-transmitting body 100, which is formed in one piece with a light feed element 101 for feeding in light, which the at least one light source 10 emits, and in one piece with a projection device 500.

The optical body 110 is preferably a solid body, ie a body that has no through openings or opening inclusions. The transparent, translucent material from which the body 110 is formed 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 from them. However, the body 110 can also be made of glass material, in particular inorganic glass material.

The optical body 110, specifically the light-transmitting body 100, has an aperture device 103 with an aperture edge area 104, the aperture device 103 being arranged between the light feed element 101 and the projection device 500. The projection device 500 is designed to be inverting, as was already discussed at the outset.

As shown, the diaphragm device 103 is formed, for example, by two boundary surfaces 105, 106 of the transparent body 100, which converge in the diaphragm edge area 104, in particular in a common diaphragm edge 104a.

The basic functioning of the lighting device 1 shown is explained below figure 3 referenced, which shows a vertical section AA through the lighting device 1 along the optical axis X (the position of the section plane AA is shown in the small image of figure 3 , which shows a view of the optical body from above): Light from the at least one light source 10 is fed into the light-transmitting body 100 via the light-feeding element 101, and propagates in the light-transmitting body 100 as the first light bundle S1. The light feed element 101, which is embodied as a collimator, for example, is designed in such a way that it bundles the light from the at least one light source mainly into the diaphragm edge region 104. Aperture edge region 104 lies in a focal point or in a focal surface BF of projection device 500.

The first light bundle S1 is modified by the diaphragm device 103 to form a modified, second light bundle S2 in such a way that this second light bundle S2 is imaged by the projection device 500 as a light distribution LV with a light-dark boundary HD (see Fig figure 5 , which shows an example light distribution). The light-dark boundary HD, in particular the shape and position of the light-dark boundary HD, is defined by the panel edge area 104, in particular the panel edge 104a of the panel device 103 certainly. The exemplary light distribution LV shown is a classic approach distribution.

The optical axis X is to be understood as meaning the optical axis of the optical body 110, e.g. the center line of the optical body 110 defined in relation to the apex of the exit lens or projection device.

figure 2 shows a lighting device 1, which is substantially identical to that of FIG figure 1 is. The embodiment according to figure 2 differs from that one figure 1 only in that a screen 400 is provided between the two surfaces 105, 106. It is often unavoidable that light also impinges on the boundary surface 105 . Typically, this light can lead to undesired scattered light, which can be intercepted with this diaphragm 400 . Alternatively, this screen can be attached to the outside of the surface 105 as an absorbing layer.

According to the invention, it is now provided that at least one light-guiding element 200, 300, specifically in the example shown, two light-guiding elements 200, 300 (the second light-guiding element 300 is shown in the view from figure 1 not recognizable, however, can figure 2 be removed) are provided on the optical body 110. Each of the light guide elements 200, 300 has a light guide element light input surface 201, 301 and a light guide element light output surface 202, 302. The light guide elements 200, 300 are arranged on the optic body 110 in such a way that light S3 from the light input element 101 via the light guide element light input surface 201 , 301 is fed into the light guide elements 200, 300, as shown in the vertical sectional plane BB figure 4 is shown (the position of the cutting plane BB is shown in the small picture of the figure 4 , which shows a view of the optic body from above), is propagated in it (light beams S4), in particular at least partially by means of total reflection, and re-enters the optic body 110 via the light-guiding element light decoupling surfaces 202, 302 (light beams S5).

The light guide element light decoupling surfaces 202, 302 open into the optic body 110 in such a way that, viewed in the vertical direction Z, they lie at least partially, preferably completely below the diaphragm edge region 104, in particular below the diaphragm edge 104a, and/or below the X,Y plane.

An upper edge 220a, 221a of the light guide element light decoupling surface 202, 302 is preferably at the same height as the panel edge region 104 or the panel edge 104a or, as shown in the figures, is preferably below it.

In addition, the light-guiding elements 200, 300 extend, viewed in the direction of the optical axis X of the optic body 110, in each case at least as far as the diaphragm edge area 104 or the diaphragm edge 104a or beyond.

The light beams S5 originating from the light-guiding elements 200, 300 are finally projected by the projection device as a signlight light bundle SL into an area B of the light distribution that lies above the light-dark boundary and, for example, as a signlight light distribution SV, are imaged in the light image.

In a lighting device according to the prior art, no light is available through the diaphragm edge area 104 or the diaphragm device 103, which could be imaged as a signlight in a region above the H-H line. The invention makes it possible to direct light from the light feed region 101 with the light-guiding elements 200, 300 past the projection device 500 below the diaphragm edge region. After these light beams S5 come from an area of the focal plane of the projection device, which lies essentially or completely below the X,Y plane, due to the position of the light guide element light decoupling surfaces 201, 301, this light S5 is emitted by the inverting projection device 500 into an area pictured above the H-H line.

Optic body 110 and light-guiding elements 200, 300 are preferably formed in one piece with one another and, in particular, are made of the same material. Such a configuration has the advantage that at the point where the light-guiding element light decoupling surface opens into the optic body, there is no boundary surface at which the light from the light-guiding element could be deflected unintentionally. Light that "escapes" from the "light-guiding element light decoupling surface" simply propagates further in the optical body in the direction in which it comes from the light-guiding element.

In exactly the same way, light from the light feed element enters the light guide element via the light guide element light coupling surface without optical influence, since there is no real boundary surface in the case of a one-piece configuration made of the same material.

In this respect, the light in-coupling surfaces and the light out-coupling surfaces do not represent real surfaces, in particular no boundary surfaces in which light is deflected.

As in the figures 1 and 2 can be seen, it can be provided that where the light-guiding element 200 (the same applies to the second light-guiding element 300, but where this cannot be seen in the drawing) in the area of the diaphragm edge 104a leads back into the optic body 110, the light-guiding element 200 is expanded upwards. This is related to the fact that a hole could arise there in the case of a light-guiding element 200 continuing in a straight line and through the converging surfaces 105, 106, which could be disadvantageous in terms of production technology. A widening of the light-guiding element or elements 200 can be provided there accordingly, but this has no optical effect.

The optical body 110 is laterally delimited by side boundary surfaces 120, 121 lying opposite one another. Light propagating in the optical body 110 can be at least partially, preferably completely, reflected, in particular totally reflected, on the side boundary surfaces 120, 121. In the example shown, these side boundary surfaces 120, 121 are flat and diverge in the direction of the optical axis X of the optic body 110 (see small image in figure 3 and figure 4 ).

The light guide elements 200, 300 are arranged on the side boundary surfaces 120,121. The light guide elements 200, 300 are preferably of identical design and run at the same height on the optic body 110; in particular, they preferably run parallel to the optical axis X.

For example, the light-guiding elements have rectangular or square cross-sections, viewed in sections normal to the optical axis X.

In the specific embodiment according to figure 1 provision is made for the two side boundary surfaces 120, 121 to be divided into a rear boundary surface 120a, a middle boundary surface 120b and a front boundary surface 120c, viewed in the direction of the optical axis X, with the middle boundary surface 120b of each of the two side boundary surfaces 120, 121 being horizontal Direction Y, transverse to the optical axis X compared to the rear and front boundary surface 120a, 120c, the respective side boundary surface 120, 121 set back, ie recessed.

A light guide element 200, 300 is arranged on each of these recessed, central side boundary surfaces 120b and is preferably connected to it in one piece. The Light guide element 200, 300 extends in the direction of the optical axis X from the rear area of the optic body 110, delimited by the rear side boundary surface 120a, to the front area of the optic body 110, delimited by the front side boundary surface 120c.

For example, the middle boundary surface 120b extends approximately in the area of the light-guiding body 100, the rear boundary surface 120a extends, for example, at least partially over an area of the light feed element 101, and the front area 120c extends, e.g. at least partially over the area of the projection device 500.

A light guide element 200, 300 thus forms a kind of web which is located on the set-back boundary surface 120b of the optic body 110 and is preferably formed in one piece with it.

As shown, a lateral, preferably flat, outer surface 200a of each light guide element 200, 300 is at the same height as the rear and front boundary surface 120a, 120c of the side boundary surface 120, 121 on which it is arranged.

Total reflection preferably occurs on the lateral, outer surface 200a, a top side 200b and a bottom side 200c of each light-guiding element 200, 300. Light can enter the light-guiding body, since there the light-guiding elements 200, 300 preferably directly adjoin the light-guiding body 100 or optic body 110, in particular are formed in one piece with this from the same material. This light is intercepted by the diaphragm edge device 103 in the optic body.

Depending on the direction of propagation, light moves through a light-guiding element in a straight line when it enters the light-guiding element or it is totally reflected at boundary surfaces 200a, 200b, 200c, which delimit the light-guiding element to the outside, and propagates in this way to the projection device 500.

As described above, the projection device 500 is inverted in the vertical direction. Preferably, the projection device 500 is further configured such that, viewed in the vertical direction, light rays projecting from the same point in the intermediate light image (i.e. an image in the (preferably vertical, normal to the optical axis X) focal plane of the projection device 200, in which preferably in approximately the diaphragm edge 104a is located), but propagate in different directions, are imaged vertically by the projection device at the same height in the light image.

Such an influence is preferably not provided in the horizontal direction, so that light which emerges from the projection device 500 is generally deflected horizontally (depending on the direction of propagation before emergence).

In general, the projection device 500 is designed, for example, as a projection lens arrangement or includes one. Specifically, the projection device 500 in the example shown comprises a boundary surface (or it consists of such a boundary surface) which delimits the optic body 110 at the front, and via which boundary surface the light propagating in the optic body, in particular the light rays S5, as light distribution in an area be imaged in front of the optical body 110. In order to achieve a corresponding deflection by refraction of the light beams when exiting via the light exit surface as described, the latter is shaped accordingly, in particular curved. The boundary surface is preferably convex. In the example shown, the boundary surface is convexly curved in vertical sections, while it runs straight in horizontal sections parallel to the optical axis.

Provision can also be made for an outer surface of the projection device 500 to be formed by a groove-shaped structure in the smooth base surface, as is shown in figure 1 is indicated, with the grooves forming the groove-like structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and with two grooves lying next to one another in the horizontal direction preferably being separated by an elevation, in particular running substantially vertically, which preferably extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves, are separated. In this way, the signlight area can be specifically widened in the horizontal direction.

For example, the projection device 500 is a projection lens in the form of a cylindrical lens, ie the boundary surface of the optical body acting as a projection lens has the shape of part of a jacket of a cylinder, with the height of the cylinder running parallel to the Y-axis. For example, the height of this cylinder is in the X,Z plane.

That is, in sections in planes parallel to the X, Z plane, the projection lens has identical cutting lines (contours) in each case.

The design according to figure 2 differs from that one figure 1 only through the aperture 400, the aperture 400 being modified for the invention in that it has a recess 401 for each light-guiding element 200, 300, through which the light-guiding element 200, 300 is passed.

The Signlight light bundle SL ( figure 4 ) is projected into an area B of the light distribution that lies above the light-dark boundary and, for example, as a signlight light distribution SV, is shown in the light image ( figure 5 ).

The area B, into which the entry light beam S4 or parts thereof is or are projected, extends in the light image in the vertical direction over a range of approximately 1°-6°, preferably over a range of 1.5° as shown - extends 4.5° above the H-H line.

In the horizontal direction, the area B typically extends over a range of approximately -10° - +10°, preferably over -8° - +8°.

Claims (15)

1. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle headlamp for generating a light distribution including a cut-off line, the lighting device comprising

   - at least one light source (10)

   - a light-transmitting body (100),

   - at least one light feeding element (101) for feeding light emitted from said at least one light source (10), and

   - a projection device (500),

   wherein the light-transmitting body (100), the at least one light feeding element (101) and the projection device (500) realize a transparent, light-transmitting optical body (110) formed integral, preferably made of the same material,

   the light-transmitting body (100) having a diaphragm device (103) having a diaphragm edge region (104), the diaphragm device (103) being arranged, seen in the light propagation direction, between the light feed element (101) and the projection device (500), and wherein

   light emitted from the at least one light source (10) enters the light-transmitting body (100) via the light feed element (101), which light propagates in the light-transmitting body (100) as a first light beam (S1), and wherein the diaphragm device (103) modifies the first light beam (S1) to form a modified, second light beam (S2) such that said second light beam (S2) is formed by the projection device (500) as a light distribution (LV) with a cut-off (HD), said cut-off (HD), in particular the shape and position thereof, being determined by the diaphragm edge region (104) of the diaphragm device (103), and wherein

   the projection device (500) is realized inverting with respect to the vertical direction,

   characterized in that

   at least one light guide element (200, 300) is arranged at the optical body (110), said at least one light guide element (200, 300) having a lightguide-element light feeding surface (201, 301) and a lightguide-element light decoupling surface (202, 302), and wherein the at least one lightguide element (200, 300) is arranged on the optical body (110) such that light (S3) from the light feed element (101) is fed via the lightguide-element light feeding surface (201, 301) into the at least one light guide element (200, 300), is propagated (S4) therein, in particular at least partially by means of total reflection, and re-enters (S5) the optical body (110) via the lightguide-element light decoupling surface (202, 302), wherein the lightguide-element light decoupling surface (202, 302) of the at least one light guide element (200, 300) merges into the optical body (110) such that, when the lighting device is installed in the motor vehicle, the at least one lightguide-element light decoupling surface (200, 300) is at least partially, preferably completely, below the diaphragm edge region (104) as seen along a vertical direction (Z),

   wherein preferably the at least one lightguide-element (200, 300) or the lightguide-elements (200, 300) each extends to or beyond the diaphragm edge region (104) as seen along the direction of an optical axis (X) of the optical body (110),

   and wherein at least a part, preferably all, of the light beams (S5) re-entering the optical body (110) via the lightguide-element light decoupling surface (202, 302) are projected by the projection optical device (200) as a Signlight light beam (SL) into a region (B) of the light distribution lying above the cut-off, and are imaged in the light image, for example as a Signlight light distribution (SV).
2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical body (110) and the at least one light guide element (200, 300) are formed integral, and in particular made from the same material.
3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical body (110) is bounded laterally by side boundary surfaces (120, 121) arranged mutually opposite, wherein preferably light that propagates in the optical body (110) is at least partially reflected at the side boundary surfaces (120, 121), in particular totally reflected, and wherein at least one light guide element (200, 300) is arranged at at least one side boundary surface (120, 121), wherein at each of the two side boundary surfaces (120, 121) at least one light guide element (200, 300), preferably one light guide element (200, 300), is arranged respectively.
4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one lightguide-element (200, 300) or the lightguide-elements (200, 300) extend(s) essentially parallel to an optical axis (X) of the optical body (110).
5. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one lightguide-element (200, 300) or the lightguide-elements (200, 300) is of a rectangular or square cross-section or are of rectangular or square cross-sections, respectively, wherein preferably in the case of a plurality of lightguide-elements (200, 300) all have identical cross-sections, and/or wherein preferably the cross-section of a lightguide-element (200, 300) remains the same over its entire longitudinal extent.
6. Lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, for one light guide element (200, 300) of a side boundary surface (120, 121) respectively, the light guide elements (200, 300) are at the same height as seen in vertical direction.
7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one lightguide-element (200, 300) or the lightguide-elements (200, 300) have rectilinear course(s).
8. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the lightguide-elements (200, 300) of a side boundary surface (120, 121) is arranged such that the lightguide-element light decoupling surface (202, 302) merges into the optical body (110) below the diaphragm edge region (104) or below a diaphragm edge (104a) located in the diaphragm edge region (104), or in that at least one of the light guide elements (200, 300) of a side boundary surface (120, 121) is arranged such that an upper edge (220a, 221a) of the lightguide-element light decoupling surface (20, 302) merges into the optical body (110) at the same level as the diaphragm edge region (104) or a diaphragm edge (104a) located in the diaphragm edge region (104).
9. Lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the side boundary surfaces (120, 121), preferably both side boundary surfaces, as seen along the direction of the optical axis (X), are respectively divided into a rear boundary surface (120a), a middle boundary surface (120b) and a front boundary surface (120c), wherein the central boundary surface (120b) of the one or of both side boundary surface(s) (120, 121) is formed retreating, i.e. recessed, in the horizontal direction (Y), transversely to the optical axis (X) with respect to the rear and front boundary surface (120a, 120c) of the respective side boundary surface (120, 121), and wherein the at least one light guide element (200, 300) is arranged at the central side boundary surface (120b) and preferably formed integrally connected thereto, and extends from the rear region of the optical body, bounded by the rear side boundary surface (120a), to the front region of the optical body, bounded by the front side boundary surface (120c).
10. Lighting device according to claim 9, characterized in that a lateral, preferably planar, outer surface (200a) of the at least one light guide element (200, 300) is located at the same height as the rear and/or front boundary surface (120a, 120c) of the side boundary surface (120, 121) on which it is arranged.
11. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the diaphragm device (103) is formed by boundary surfaces (105, 106) of the light-transmitting body (100) which are e.g. converging in a common diaphragm edge (104a), which is located in the diaphragm edge region (104), wherein preferably outside the optical body (100), between the diaphragm surfaces (105, 106) a physical diaphragm (300) and/or on the outside of at least one of the two diaphragm surfaces (105, 106), preferably on that boundary surface (105) that is arranged in front of the other boundary surface (106) as seen along the light-propagation direction, a coating or a physical diaphragm is applied, which allows intercepting light emerging from the light-transmitting body (100).
12. Lighting device according to claim 11, characterized in that the physical aperture (400) and/or the coating for each light conducting element (200, 300) comprises a recess (401) through which the light conducting element (200, 300) passes so that light can propagate unimpeded by the physical aperture (400) and/or the coating.
13. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the light feeding element (101) comprises a light-shaping optics which shape the light (S1) emitted from the at least one light source (10) so as to radiate it substantially into the diaphragm edge portion (104) of the aperture device (103), and preferably the diaphragm edge portion (104) is substantially located in a focal line or focal surface (FB) of the projection device (500).
14. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an outer surface of the projection device (500) is realized as a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface, wherein the grooves forming the groove-shaped structure extend along a substantially vertical direction, and wherein preferably any two grooves being adjacent with respect to the horizontal direction are separated by an elevation, which in particular extends substantially vertically and which preferably extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves.
15. Motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one lighting device according to any one of claims w1 to 14.

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