EP4689481A1 - Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp - Google Patents

Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp

Info

Publication number
EP4689481A1
EP4689481A1 EP24715497.4A EP24715497A EP4689481A1 EP 4689481 A1 EP4689481 A1 EP 4689481A1 EP 24715497 A EP24715497 A EP 24715497A EP 4689481 A1 EP4689481 A1 EP 4689481A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
headlamp
reflector
light
vehicle
line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24715497.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dmitry Fedosik
Daniel Brüggemann
Michaela TUCKOVA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hella Autotechnik Nova sro
Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Hella Autotechnik Nova sro
Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hella Autotechnik Nova sro, Hella GmbH and Co KGaA filed Critical Hella Autotechnik Nova sro
Publication of EP4689481A1 publication Critical patent/EP4689481A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/321—Optical layout thereof the reflector being a surface of revolution or a planar surface, e.g. truncated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F21S41/148—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/43—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades characterised by the shape thereof

Definitions

  • Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp
  • the present invention relates to a headlamp of or for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising such a headlamp.
  • Headlamps sometimes also referred to as headlights, of vehicles provide the driver with good visibility and prevent other road users from overlooking or failing to perceive in particular oncoming vehicles.
  • headlamps can also be a source of accidents. This can be the case if the headlamps are incorrectly adjusted or poorly maintained. Improperly adjusted headlamps can, for example, dazzle or glare drivers of oncoming vehicles and thus cause serious accidents.
  • headlamp setting devices are used to inspect and set the position and alignment of the headlamps relative to the vehicle.
  • the light adjustment device is positioned in front of the headlamp of a given vehicle to be tested in such a way that the light of the headlight generates an image within the light adjustment device. Based on the light image, the adjustment of the vertical and horizontal position of the headlamp, for example, is then inspected and, if necessary, readjusted.
  • a reference typically used in such measurements is the so-called cut-off line.
  • the cutoff line defines the boundary between a bright area and a dark area of the light distribution provided by the head lamp.
  • Head lamps usually comprise a light source for emitting a plurality of light and at least one reflector by which the light rays are reflected into the desired direction. At least approximately the projector produces a plurality of images of the light source. The images get smaller the bigger the distance between the light source and the area of the reflector in which the light rays impinge on the reflector. The smaller the images, the better the resolution.
  • headlamps are typically designed such that the cut-off line is defined by the light rays impinging in an area of maximum distance from the light source.
  • the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line cross the optical axis in a distance of 25 m from the reflector.
  • the optical axis is a reference area on or outside the reflector which is used for in particular for signal function measurement.
  • the position of the optical axis is defined to represent the light beam as much as possible.
  • the correct adjustment may also be measured at a distance of 10 m or by so called light collecting boxes.
  • the correct adjustment is measured in a distance of 10 m
  • respective correction factors are applied that are provided by the manufacturer of the head lamp.
  • the correct adjustment is measured by light collecting boxes, the light distribution of the head lamp in the infinity is projected on a display.
  • the light distribution is very sensitive to small deviations in particular in the measuring distance. Even if the head lamp is correctly adjusted, a measurement using the light collecting box slightly different from 10 m would lead to a result that may suggest an incorrect adjustment. This high sensitivity also aggravates the use of light collecting boxes.
  • the comparability of the results is limited.
  • the reflector for reflecting the light rays emitted by the light source, the reflector having o a curvature and o an area of maximum distance from the light source,
  • the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line are reflected parallel to the optical axis.
  • headlamps of the prior art are designed such that the cut-off line crosses the optical axis at a distance of 25 m from the reflector. This means that the cut-off line and the optical axis form an inclination angle.
  • the inclination angle of known head lamps typically ranges between 0,1 and 0,5°.
  • the inclination angle has to be known when using a light collecting box and has to be considered in the setting of the same. Inaccuracies in the setting and in the precision of the light collecting box may lead to misleading results.
  • the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line are reflected parallel to the optical axis.
  • the curvature of reflector is designed such that it does not affect the optical center.
  • the design of the curvature is mainly influenced by the design of the headlamp and typically the design of the headlamp and of the curvature is developed closely related.
  • One key parameter is the space which is available for the reflector in headlamp.
  • the inclination angle between the cut-off line and the optical axis is zero.
  • the optical axis crosses the reflector in a reference point.
  • the optical axis does not cross the reflector.
  • the reference point is located in the reflector, the mechanical stability of the reflector can be enhanced.
  • the reference point may coincide with the center of gravity of the reflector which leads to a high mechanical stability.
  • the reference point is located in the area of maximum distance.
  • the cut-off line not only runs parallel to the optical axis but with a small or even no offset. If no offset is present, the cut-off line and the optical axis coincide. As the offset does not have to be considered or may be neglected, the check of the correct adjustment of the headlamp is further facilitated.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed towards a vehicle, comprising a headlamp according to one of the preceding embodiments.
  • the technical effects and advantages as discussed with regard to the present headlamp equally apply to the vehicle. Briefly, the check of the correct adjustment of the headlamp relative to the respective vehicle is facilitated.
  • Figure 1 A shows a side cross sectional view of headlamp of the prior art
  • Figure 1 B shows a light collecting box interacting with the headlamp of Figure 1 A
  • Figure 2A shows a side cross sectional view an embodiment of a headlamp according to the invention
  • Figure 2B shows a light collecting box interacting with the headlamp of Figure 2A
  • Figure 3 is a top view of a vehicle that is equipped with a head light according to the invention, all figures being of principle nature.
  • FIG 1 shows a headlamp 10 according to the prior art that is typically used in a vehicle 12 (see Figure 3).
  • the headlamp 10 comprises a light source 14 that emits a plurality of light rays. Exemplarily, a first light ray A1 , a second light ray A2 and a third light ray A3 are shown.
  • the headlamp 10 has a reflector 16 having a curvature 18.
  • the reflector 16 reflects the light that is emitted by the light source 14 and impinges on the reflector 16.
  • the light source 14 is arranged above the reflector 16 in a distance H.
  • the headlamp 10 and in particular the curvature 18 defines an optical axis AO which crosses the reflector 16 in a reference point P which is located approximately in a middle area 20 of the reflector 16.
  • the middle area 20 is typically used for producing a dipped headlight.
  • the reflector 16 forms an area of maximum distance 22 from the light source 14. As mentioned, the light source 14 is arranged above the reflector 16, thus, the area of maximum distance 22 is located at the lower end of the reflector 16.
  • the first light ray A1 impinges the reflector 16 within the area of maximum distance 22.
  • the first light ray A1 defines a cut-off line LC which separates a dark area D from a bright area B of the light distribution provided by the headlamp 10.
  • the dark area D is located above the cut-off line LC while the bright area B is located below the cut-off line LC. This separation also becomes evident when following the path of the second light ray A1 and the third light ray A1 which are redirected into the bright area B by the reflector 16.
  • a first screen 24 is located at a measuring distance of 10 m from the reflector 16 and a second screen 26 is located at a measuring distance of 25 m from the reflector 16.
  • the headlamp 10 is designed such that the first light ray A1 and the optical axis AO cross each other at exactly 25 m from the reflector 16 and thus on the second screen 26 in case of an ideal adjustment of the headlamp 25 in the vehicle 12.
  • the optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC form an inclination angle a which may be between 0,1 ° and 0,5°.
  • the inclination angle a can be measured at a distance of 25 m, e.g., by means of a goniometer (not shown).
  • the inclination angle a typically ranges from 0,1 ° to 0,5° and is thus fairly small. The measurement of such small angles is cumbersome.
  • the first screen 24 is positioned at a distance of 10 m from the reflector 16. However, at that distance there is a vertical offset between the cut-off line LC and the optical axis AO. This offset of an ideally arranged headlamp 10 is known and may be compared to the measured value. However, the value of this offset is also quite small and thus not easy to precisely determine.
  • the cut-off line LC separates the dark area D from the bright area B. While up to a distance of 25 m from the reflector 16 (left of the second screen 26 in Figure 1 A) the cut-off line LC runs below the optical axis AO, at distances larger than 25 m (right of the second screen 26 in Figure 1 A) it runs above the optical axis AO. This part of the light distribution is typically causing dazzle or glare of drivers of oncoming vehicles 12.
  • Figure 1 B shows a light collecting box 28 which produces an image of the light distribution of the headlamp 10 of Figure 1 A in the infinity.
  • the cut-off line LC is transformed into a line having a particular offset from a reference line. This offset can be used to check the correct adjustment of the headlamp 10.
  • An offset of a headlamp 10 indicaes that the headlamp 10 inspected by the light collecting box 28 is not aligned in correct way based on a particular regulation. To reach a correct alignment the headlamp 10 has to be set in accordance with light collecting box 28.
  • FIG 2A shows an embodiment of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention.
  • the basic design of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention is the same as of the one described in Figure 1 A, so only the main differences are discussed in the following.
  • the curvature 18 of the reflector 16 of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention is designed such that the first light ray A1 that defines the cut-off line LC is reflected such that it runs parallel to the optical axis AO after having been reflected.
  • the inclination angle a is zero.
  • the reference point P is located within the area of maximum distance 22 from the light source 14.
  • the offset between the optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC is small or even zero. In the latter case the optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC coincide with each other.
  • the offset if present at all, remains constant and is thus independent of the distance from the reflector 16.
  • the correct adjustment of the headlamp 30 in a given vehicle 12 can thus be measured at any distance from the reflector 16 without the need to consider any correction factors or offsets. The inspection of the correct adjustment is facilitated.
  • the cut-off line LC in headlamps 10 typically crosses the optical axis AO at a distance of 25 m from the reflector 16. At distances larger than 25 m the cut-off line LC runs above the optical axis AO, thereby causing dazzle or glare of drivers of oncoming vehicles 12.
  • Figure 2B shows a light collecting box 28 which produces an image of the light distribution provided by the headlamp 30 of the present invention in the infinity.
  • the cut-off line LC is transformed into a line having a particular offset from a reference line. This offset can be used to check the correct adjustment of the headlamp 30. Also in this case the inspection of the correct adjustment is facilitated as the difference of the collecting box 28 from the reflector 16 does not have to be taken into account.
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of a vehicle 12 comprising a pair of headlamps 30 according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a passenger compartment 32 and an engine compartment 34 of the vehicle 12.
  • the forward driving direction of the vehicle 12 is indicated by the arrow A.
  • the invention is not limited in its embodiment to the preferred embodiment example given above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which also make use of the presented solution in fundamentally different designs. All features and/or advantages resulting from the claims, the description or the drawings, including constructional details and spatial arrangements, can be essential to the invention both individually and in the most diverse combinations.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a headlamp (30) of or for a vehicle (12), comprising - a light source (14) for emitting a plurality of light rays (λ1, λ2, λ3), - an optical axis (AO), - a reflector (16) for reflecting the light rays emitted by the light source (14), the reflector (16) having o a curvature (18) and o an area of maximum distance (22) from the light source (14), - the light rays (λ1) reflected in the area of maximum distance (22) are defining a cut-off line (LC), wherein - the curvature (18) of the reflector (16) is designed such that the light rays (λ1) defining the cut-off line (LC) are reflected parallel to the optical axis (AO). Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a vehicle (12) comprising such a headlamp (30).

Description

ibH & Co. KGaA
Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a headlamp of or for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising such a headlamp.
PRIOR ART
Headlamps, sometimes also referred to as headlights, of vehicles provide the driver with good visibility and prevent other road users from overlooking or failing to perceive in particular oncoming vehicles. However, headlamps can also be a source of accidents. This can be the case if the headlamps are incorrectly adjusted or poorly maintained. Improperly adjusted headlamps can, for example, dazzle or glare drivers of oncoming vehicles and thus cause serious accidents.
In production plants and test benches of testing organizations, headlamp setting devices are used to inspect and set the position and alignment of the headlamps relative to the vehicle. The light adjustment device is positioned in front of the headlamp of a given vehicle to be tested in such a way that the light of the headlight generates an image within the light adjustment device. Based on the light image, the adjustment of the vertical and horizontal position of the headlamp, for example, is then inspected and, if necessary, readjusted.
Reference is made to DE 10 2010 062 770 A1 and DE 10 2014 016 174 A1 .
A reference typically used in such measurements is the so-called cut-off line. The cutoff line defines the boundary between a bright area and a dark area of the light distribution provided by the head lamp. Head lamps usually comprise a light source for emitting a plurality of light and at least one reflector by which the light rays are reflected into the desired direction. At least approximately the projector produces a plurality of images of the light source. The images get smaller the bigger the distance between the light source and the area of the reflector in which the light rays impinge on the reflector. The smaller the images, the better the resolution. As a result headlamps are typically designed such that the cut-off line is defined by the light rays impinging in an area of maximum distance from the light source.
Mainly due to regulatory requirements, the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line cross the optical axis in a distance of 25 m from the reflector. The optical axis is a reference area on or outside the reflector which is used for in particular for signal function measurement. The position of the optical axis is defined to represent the light beam as much as possible.
However, due to space limitations a measurement at a distance of 25 m from the reflector is not always possible. Therefore, the correct adjustment may also be measured at a distance of 10 m or by so called light collecting boxes. In case the correct adjustment is measured in a distance of 10 m, respective correction factors are applied that are provided by the manufacturer of the head lamp. In case the correct adjustment is measured by light collecting boxes, the light distribution of the head lamp in the infinity is projected on a display. However, the light distribution is very sensitive to small deviations in particular in the measuring distance. Even if the head lamp is correctly adjusted, a measurement using the light collecting box slightly different from 10 m would lead to a result that may suggest an incorrect adjustment. This high sensitivity also aggravates the use of light collecting boxes. Moreover, as many different models of light collecting boxes are used for the inspection of the correct adjustment of the headlamps, the comparability of the results is limited.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is one task of one embodiment of the present invention to present a headlamp by which the disadvantages previously described can be reduced and in particular by which the inspection of the correct adjustment of the headlamps can be facilitated. Moreover an embodiment of the present invention has the object to provide a vehicle equipped with such a headlamp.
The task is solved by the features specified in claims 1 and 4. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
According to an embodiment a headlamp of or for a vehicle comprises
- a light source for emitting a plurality of light rays,
- an optical axis,
- a reflector for reflecting the light rays emitted by the light source, the reflector having o a curvature and o an area of maximum distance from the light source,
- the light rays reflected in the area of maximum distance are defining a cut-off line, wherein
- the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line are reflected parallel to the optical axis.
As mentioned above, headlamps of the prior art are designed such that the cut-off line crosses the optical axis at a distance of 25 m from the reflector. This means that the cut-off line and the optical axis form an inclination angle. The inclination angle of known head lamps typically ranges between 0,1 and 0,5°. The inclination angle has to be known when using a light collecting box and has to be considered in the setting of the same. Inaccuracies in the setting and in the precision of the light collecting box may lead to misleading results. According to the present invention, the curvature of the reflector is designed such that the light rays defining the cut-off line are reflected parallel to the optical axis. The curvature of reflector is designed such that it does not affect the optical center. The design of the curvature is mainly influenced by the design of the headlamp and typically the design of the headlamp and of the curvature is developed closely related. One key parameter is the space which is available for the reflector in headlamp.
In other words, the inclination angle between the cut-off line and the optical axis is zero. This means that the correct adjustment of the headlamps can be measured at any distance from the reflector. The sensitivity of the light distribution towards deviations in the measuring distance as described above is eliminated. The inspection of the correct adjustment of the headlamp is facilitated.
In a further embodiment the optical axis crosses the reflector in a reference point. There are headlamps in which the optical axis does not cross the reflector. However, in case the reference point is located in the reflector, the mechanical stability of the reflector can be enhanced. In particular, the reference point may coincide with the center of gravity of the reflector which leads to a high mechanical stability.
In another embodiment the reference point is located in the area of maximum distance. In this embodiment the cut-off line not only runs parallel to the optical axis but with a small or even no offset. If no offset is present, the cut-off line and the optical axis coincide. As the offset does not have to be considered or may be neglected, the check of the correct adjustment of the headlamp is further facilitated.
Another aspect of the invention is directed towards a vehicle, comprising a headlamp according to one of the preceding embodiments. The technical effects and advantages as discussed with regard to the present headlamp equally apply to the vehicle. Briefly, the check of the correct adjustment of the headlamp relative to the respective vehicle is facilitated. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings attached wherein
Figure 1 A shows a side cross sectional view of headlamp of the prior art,
Figure 1 B shows a light collecting box interacting with the headlamp of Figure 1 A,
Figure 2A shows a side cross sectional view an embodiment of a headlamp according to the invention,
Figure 2B shows a light collecting box interacting with the headlamp of Figure 2A, and
Figure 3 is a top view of a vehicle that is equipped with a head light according to the invention, all figures being of principle nature.
Figure 1 shows a headlamp 10 according to the prior art that is typically used in a vehicle 12 (see Figure 3). The headlamp 10 comprises a light source 14 that emits a plurality of light rays. Exemplarily, a first light ray A1 , a second light ray A2 and a third light ray A3 are shown. Moreover, the headlamp 10 has a reflector 16 having a curvature 18. The reflector 16 reflects the light that is emitted by the light source 14 and impinges on the reflector 16. The light source 14 is arranged above the reflector 16 in a distance H.
The headlamp 10 and in particular the curvature 18 defines an optical axis AO which crosses the reflector 16 in a reference point P which is located approximately in a middle area 20 of the reflector 16. The middle area 20 is typically used for producing a dipped headlight. The reflector 16 forms an area of maximum distance 22 from the light source 14. As mentioned, the light source 14 is arranged above the reflector 16, thus, the area of maximum distance 22 is located at the lower end of the reflector 16.
The first light ray A1 impinges the reflector 16 within the area of maximum distance 22. The first light ray A1 defines a cut-off line LC which separates a dark area D from a bright area B of the light distribution provided by the headlamp 10. The dark area D is located above the cut-off line LC while the bright area B is located below the cut-off line LC. This separation also becomes evident when following the path of the second light ray A1 and the third light ray A1 which are redirected into the bright area B by the reflector 16.
A first screen 24 is located at a measuring distance of 10 m from the reflector 16 and a second screen 26 is located at a measuring distance of 25 m from the reflector 16.
The headlamp 10 is designed such that the first light ray A1 and the optical axis AO cross each other at exactly 25 m from the reflector 16 and thus on the second screen 26 in case of an ideal adjustment of the headlamp 25 in the vehicle 12. The optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC form an inclination angle a which may be between 0,1 ° and 0,5°. At this point the principle nature of the figures should be emphasized. In particular, neither the distances nor the angles are true to scale. Thus, the inclination angle a is shown in a significantly enlarged way.
To determine whether the head light is correctly adjusted and aligned with reference to the vehicle 12, the inclination angle a can be measured at a distance of 25 m, e.g., by means of a goniometer (not shown). As mentioned, the inclination angle a typically ranges from 0,1 ° to 0,5° and is thus fairly small. The measurement of such small angles is cumbersome. Moreover, due to space limitations it may not always be possible to determine the inclination angle a at a distance of 25 m from the reflector 16. As mentioned, the first screen 24 is positioned at a distance of 10 m from the reflector 16. However, at that distance there is a vertical offset between the cut-off line LC and the optical axis AO. This offset of an ideally arranged headlamp 10 is known and may be compared to the measured value. However, the value of this offset is also quite small and thus not easy to precisely determine.
As mentioned, the cut-off line LC separates the dark area D from the bright area B. While up to a distance of 25 m from the reflector 16 (left of the second screen 26 in Figure 1 A) the cut-off line LC runs below the optical axis AO, at distances larger than 25 m (right of the second screen 26 in Figure 1 A) it runs above the optical axis AO. This part of the light distribution is typically causing dazzle or glare of drivers of oncoming vehicles 12.
Figure 1 B shows a light collecting box 28 which produces an image of the light distribution of the headlamp 10 of Figure 1 A in the infinity. The cut-off line LC is transformed into a line having a particular offset from a reference line. This offset can be used to check the correct adjustment of the headlamp 10. An offset of a headlamp 10 indicaes that the headlamp 10 inspected by the light collecting box 28 is not aligned in correct way based on a particular regulation. To reach a correct alignment the headlamp 10 has to be set in accordance with light collecting box 28.
Figure 2A shows an embodiment of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention. The basic design of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention is the same as of the one described in Figure 1 A, so only the main differences are discussed in the following.
The curvature 18 of the reflector 16 of the headlamp 30 according to the present invention is designed such that the first light ray A1 that defines the cut-off line LC is reflected such that it runs parallel to the optical axis AO after having been reflected. The inclination angle a is zero. At the same time, the reference point P is located within the area of maximum distance 22 from the light source 14. Thus, the offset between the optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC is small or even zero. In the latter case the optical axis AO and the cut-off line LC coincide with each other.
As a result, the offset, if present at all, remains constant and is thus independent of the distance from the reflector 16. The correct adjustment of the headlamp 30 in a given vehicle 12 can thus be measured at any distance from the reflector 16 without the need to consider any correction factors or offsets. The inspection of the correct adjustment is facilitated.
As mentioned previously, the cut-off line LC in headlamps 10 according to the prior art as shown in Figure 1 A typically crosses the optical axis AO at a distance of 25 m from the reflector 16. At distances larger than 25 m the cut-off line LC runs above the optical axis AO, thereby causing dazzle or glare of drivers of oncoming vehicles 12.
Due to the fact that the cut-off line LC and the optical axis AO run parallel to each other with no or only a negligible offset, dazzle or glare of drivers of oncoming vehicles 12 can be avoided or at least significantly minimized such that the drivers of oncoming vehicles 12 are not noticeably disturbed.
Figure 2B shows a light collecting box 28 which produces an image of the light distribution provided by the headlamp 30 of the present invention in the infinity. The cut-off line LC is transformed into a line having a particular offset from a reference line. This offset can be used to check the correct adjustment of the headlamp 30. Also in this case the inspection of the correct adjustment is facilitated as the difference of the collecting box 28 from the reflector 16 does not have to be taken into account.
Figure 3 shows a top view of a vehicle 12 comprising a pair of headlamps 30 according to the present invention. For the sake of orientation, Figure 3 shows a passenger compartment 32 and an engine compartment 34 of the vehicle 12. The forward driving direction of the vehicle 12 is indicated by the arrow A. The invention is not limited in its embodiment to the preferred embodiment example given above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which also make use of the presented solution in fundamentally different designs. All features and/or advantages resulting from the claims, the description or the drawings, including constructional details and spatial arrangements, can be essential to the invention both individually and in the most diverse combinations.
Reference list
10 headlamp according to the prior art
12 vehicle
14 light source
16 reflector
18 curvature
20 middle area
22 area of maximum distance
24 first screen
26 second screen
28 collecting box
30 headlamp according to the invention
32 passenger compartment
34 engine compartment
A arrow

Claims

Patent claims
1 . Headlamp (30) of or for a vehicle (12), comprising
- a light source (14) for emitting a plurality of light rays (A1 , A2, A3)
- an optical axis (AO),
- a reflector (16) for reflecting the light rays emitted by the light source (14), the reflector (16) having o a curvature (18) and o an area of maximum distance (22) from the light source (14),
- the light rays (A1 ) reflected in the area of maximum distance (22) are defining a cut-off line (LC), wherein
- the curvature (18) of the reflector (16) is designed such that the light rays (A1 ) defining the cut-off line (LC) are reflected parallel to the optical axis (AO).
2. Headlamp (30) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the optical axis (AO) crosses the reflector (16) in a reference point (P).
3. Headlamp (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the reference point (P) is located in the area of maximum distance (22).
4. Vehicle (12), comprising a headlamp (30) according to one of the preceding claims.
EP24715497.4A 2023-04-04 2024-03-25 Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp Pending EP4689481A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102023108648 2023-04-04
PCT/EP2024/057935 WO2024208635A1 (en) 2023-04-04 2024-03-25 Headlamp of or for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a headlamp

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JP4061251B2 (en) * 2003-08-05 2008-03-12 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting
DE102010062770A1 (en) 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang Gmbh & Co. Kg Tester
JP6277687B2 (en) * 2013-11-19 2018-02-14 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle headlamp
DE102014016174A1 (en) 2014-11-03 2015-06-18 Daimler Ag Headlight adjusting device and method for adjusting headlamps of a motor vehicle
CN210740275U (en) * 2019-11-13 2020-06-12 华域视觉科技(上海)有限公司 Optical element, optical module and vehicle lamp

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