Abstract
A motor vehicle lighting device (1) comprising at least one light source (2), an optical device (3) which is associated with the at least one light source (2) and into which light of the at least one light source (2) is irradiated, and an optical imaging system (6) associated with the optical device (3), this optical imaging system imaging light exiting from the optical device (3) in front of the motor vehicle lighting device (1), the optical device (3) being set up to concentrate the light of the at least one light source and to direct it in the form of at least two spatially separated light beams to the optical imaging system (6), and in that the optical imaging system (6) is set up to project the light beams in front of the motor vehicle lighting device (1) in the form of two light distributions, namely in the form of a main light distribution and a sign light partial light distribution, the optical device (3) having at least one shield (5) downstream of it that is arranged perpendicular to an optical axis (4) of the optical imaging system (6), the shield (5) having at least one first opening (9) and at least one second opening (10), the at least one first opening (9) being set up to form a first light beam forming the main light distribution, and the at least one second opening (10) being set up to form a second light beam forming the sign light partial light distribution.
Claims
1. A motor vehicle lighting device (1) comprising: multiple light sources (2a through 2g); an optical device (3) comprising multiple light-conducting optical bodies (3a through 3g) associated with the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) and into which light of the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) is irradiated; and an optical imaging system (6) associated with the optical device (3), wherein the optical imaging system is configured to image light exiting from the optical device (3) in front of the motor vehicle lighting device (1), wherein the optical device (3) is configured to concentrate the light of the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) and to direct it as at least two spatially separated light beams, comprising a first light beam and a second light beam, to the optical imaging system (6), wherein the optical imaging system (6) is configured to project each of the at least two spatially separated light beams in front of the motor vehicle lighting device (1) as a light distribution, and wherein the first light beam is a main light distribution and the second light beam is a sign light partial light distribution, wherein the optical device (3) has at least one shield (5) downstream of it that is arranged perpendicular to an optical axis (4) of the optical imaging system (6), wherein the at least one shield (5) has at least one first opening (9) and at least one second opening (10), wherein the at least one first opening (9) is configured to form the first light beam forming the main light distribution, and wherein the at least one second opening (10) is configured to form the second light beam forming the sign light partial light distribution, and wherein each light-conducting optical body of the multiple light-conducting optical bodies is associated with exactly one light source of the multiple light sources, and wherein each light-conducting optical body is configured so that only the light of the associated light source is coupled into the optical body.
2. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (9) of the shield has a lower edge (9), the lower edge (9) forming a light/dark boundary in the light pattern, and wherein the second opening (10) is arranged beneath a middle area of the first opening (9).
3. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening (10) is arranged beneath the first opening (9) and is symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical line (V).
4. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield (5) is arranged in a focal plane (8) of the optical imaging system (6).
5. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device (3) has a continuous, light exit surface (7) on which the shield (5) is arranged.
6. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 5, wherein the continuous, light exit surface (7) is planar and the shield (5) is arranged thereon without a gap.
7. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) are LEDs.
8. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) are arranged in a horizontal row perpendicular to the optical axis (4), wherein an optical body (3d) of the multiple light-conducting optical bodies lying in a center of the row has a lower area (20) projecting downward, and wherein the lower area (20) extends from a light entrance surface of the optical body (3d) lying in the center of the row to the light exit surface (7).
9. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the lower area (20) has a lower, parabolic limiting side (22).
10. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the optical body (3d) lying in the center of the row is set up to form the second light beam.
11. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the optical body (3d) lying in the center of the row is set up to exclusively form the second light beam.
12. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the optical body (3d) lying in a center of the row has a lower area (20) projecting downward with a convex shape.
13. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) lie in a surface arranged perpendicular to the optical axis (4), and wherein the multiple light-conducting optical bodies (3a through 3g) taper in the direction toward the light sources.
14. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 13, wherein all of the multiple light sources (2a through 2g) are LEDs and the surface is a plane.
15. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein all of the multiple light-conducting optical bodies have a common light exit plate (13).
16. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 15, wherein the light exit plate (13) is made in a single piece with the multiple light-conducting optical bodies belonging to the part.
17. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the main light distribution is in the form of a foreground light distribution with a straight horizontal light/dark boundary or in the form of a low beam pattern with a light/dark boundary having a rise.
18. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the optical imaging system (6) is in the form of a lens that collimates the light beam in the vertical direction and widens it in the horizontal direction.
19. The motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle lighting device is disposed in a motor vehicle.
Description
(1) The invention is explained in detail below using sample embodiments that are not restrictive and that are illustrated in a drawing. The figures are as follows:
(2) FIG. 1 is a light module of a motor vehicle headlight;
(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the light module of FIG. 1;
(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of a shield and auxiliary optics;
(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of auxiliary optics in front of light sources;
(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4;
(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the auxiliary optics;
(8) FIG. 7 is a front view of the auxiliary optics of FIG. 6;
(9) FIG. 8 is a top view of auxiliary optics in front of light sources;
(10) FIG. 9 is a bottom view of FIG. 8; and
(11) FIG. 10 is a foreground light distribution with a straight light/dark boundary and a sign light partial light distribution.
(12) First, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. These figures schematically show a motor vehicle headlight light module 1, which can correspond to an inventive motor vehicle lighting device. FIG. 1 shows the light module 1 in a perspective view. The light module comprises a light source 2, which is formed from multiple LEDs that are arranged, for example, in a row, auxiliary optics 3 in front of the light source, the light of the light source being coupled into the auxiliary optics 3 on one side and coupled out on the other side, a shield 5 arranged perpendicular to an optical axis 4 of the light module 1, and a lens 6, which can correspond to an inventive optical imaging system. The auxiliary optics 3 can correspond to the inventive optical device and can be made, for example, of silicone. Simultaneously, it can be expedient if the auxiliary optics 3 have light-conducting properties, i.e., if the light of the LEDs coupled in on one side can propagate in these auxiliary optics 3 without substantial losses, until it exits on the other side, i.e., on a light exit side 7 of the auxiliary optics 3. In order to shape a light distribution that is emitted from the light module 1 that has been put into operation, a shield 5 is provided that either at least partly blocks or lets through the light coming out of the light exit surface 7, depending on the shape and mode of operation of this shield. It can be advantageous if the above-mentioned shield 5 is arranged tightly against (without a gap) the light exit surface 7 of the auxiliary optics 3. In this case, tight (without a gap) means that there is no air gap/distance between the light exit surface 7 of the auxiliary optics 3 and the shield 5. The shield 5 can be made in a single piece, for example with the auxiliary optics 3, or it can be fastened to the auxiliary optics 3 with the help of fastening means, for example screws, nails, or adhesives. If the light module 1 is a low beam light module 1, an advantage is that the shield can, among other things, form a light/dark boundary. It is also conceivable for the shield to be separate from the light exit surface and to be spaced apart from it. Moreover, it is conceivable that the shield 5 can be movable with the help of actuation means (not shown). An advantage of this is that it allows the shape of an emitting surface produced at the light exit surface 7 to be changed quickly, e.g., while the light module in a motor vehicle headlight is in operation. The actuation means can be, for example, in the form of an actuator that moves the shield 5 out of the beam path, causing all the light coming out of the light exit surface 7 of the auxiliary optics 3 to strike the lens 6. This makes it possible, for example, to switch between high beams and low beams. The light exit surface 7 of the auxiliary optics 3 and/or the shield 5 are/is preferably arranged in a focal surface 8 of the lens 6 (e.g., a freeform lens) or spaced apart from it, so that the emitting surface that is produced at the light exit surface 7 and that is put into a predetermined shape by means of the shield 5 is imaged, by this lens 6, in the form of a light pattern in front of the light module 1. Here it should be noted that the focal surface 8 is often also called a projection plane or an intermediate image plane, especially in connection with freeform lenses. The projection plane is that illuminated surface that the imaging freeform lens throws/images into the image space, or traffic space, as it is called in connection with the motor vehicle industry. The auxiliary optics 3 can, for example, produce an image of the light source 2, for example light-emitting LED surfaces, in the projection plane, and this image can be imaged, for example onto the road, with a freeform lens. It goes without saying that if the light module is installed in a motor vehicle, the light pattern is produced in front of the motor vehicle and can correspond to a light distribution, preferably one that is legally compliant. The only parts of the light module/motor vehicle lighting device that are schematically shown are those that can play a role in the embodiments shown. Of course a light module that is fit for use can also have other parts, such as, for example, heat sinks, supporting frames, mechanical and/or electrical control devices, covers, and so on and so forth. However, for simplicity, these standard components of a motor vehicle lighting device/light module will not be described here.
(13) FIG. 3 shows a front view of the shield 5, behind which there are auxiliary optics 3 in front of the light source 2. The light source 2 is in the form of a row of seven LEDs 2a through 2g that are arranged next to one another, this row being, for example, horizontally oriented. The terms horizontal and vertical, down and up refer to the light module 1 that has been installed in a motor vehicle. The number of LEDs is, of course, irrelevant: more than seven or fewer than seven LEDs can also be used. It is also conceivable for the LEDs to be arranged not in a row, but rather, e.g., in a matrix. The shield 5 has two openings 9, 10. These two openings produce an emitting surface that is formed from two non-overlapping areas 11, 12. A first light beam emerges from a first area 11 that is formed with the help of a first opening 9, and this first light beam forms a main light distribution, for example a foreground light distribution 31, in the light pattern. A second light beam emerges from a second area 12 that is formed with the help of a second opening 10, and this second light beam forms the sign light partial light distribution 32 in the light pattern. In the context of this invention, a foreground light distribution 31 is understood to be an illumination of the road below the horizon up to shortly (2-5 m) in front of the vehicle. It is a dimmed light distribution with a usually straight horizontal light/dark boundary 33 (see e.g., FIG. 10). However, it can also be a classic low beam pattern with an asymmetric rise. The shape of the light/dark boundary can be determined, for example, by a corresponding design of a lower edge 9 of the first opening 9.
(14) A straight horizontal lower edge 9 of the first opening 9 can produce a straight light/dark boundary. If the lower edge 9 of the first opening 9 has a sharp bend/Z-shaped rise in the middle, then the classic rise, that is the sharp bend/Z-shaped rise, of a light/dark boundary is produced. The openings 9, 10 shown in FIG. 3 are rectangular. However, it is conceivable for the openings 9, 10 to have another shape different from that of a rectangle. The corners of the openings 9, 10, or the 9, 10 themselves, can be rounded, for example. It is advantageous for the first opening 9, as is shown in FIG. 3, to have an oblong shape extending in the horizontal direction H. An advantage of this oblong shape of the first opening 9 is that it extends the main light distribution that is produced and makes it possible, for example, to meet the legal requirements on a foreground light distribution (e.g., illumination in an area horizontally extending between 40 and +40). The extension of the second opening 10 can be substantially less, so that its maximum value is a fraction (for example, a seventh) of the maximum extension of the first opening 9. As has already been described, the second luminous area 12 of the light exit surface 7, this second luminous area 12 being limited by the second opening 10, is set up to form the sign light partial light distribution. In order that the first light beam and the second light beam be spatially separated, it can be useful for the second opening 10 to be spaced apart from the first opening 9, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The distance between the openings 9, 10 depends essentially on the legal requirements on the sign light partial light distribution and the optical parameters (for example, the focal length) of the optical imaging system (for example, the lens 6). The second opening 10 can be arranged beneath and about in the center of the oblongly extending first opening 9. This is especially favorable if the auxiliary optics 3 and the first opening 9 are designed to be symmetrical with respect to a downward projecting V, mentioned above. It can be generally useful for the second opening 10 to be symmetrically arranged with respect to the vertical line V. Here it goes without saying that a person skilled in the art will accordingly adjust the optically relevant components, for example the optical device, the optical imaging system, and the shield. For example, it is useful to position the auxiliary optics 3, the shield 5, and the lens 6 so that a coordinate system HOV (see FIG. 3) associated with the motor vehicle lighting device corresponds to a coordinate system HV on a plotting screen in an illuminating engineering laboratory, i.e., for example, so that the origin O of the coordinate system HOV corresponds to the HV point (see, e.g., FIG. 10). This makes it possible, for example, to achieve correct positioning of the sign light partial light distribution without further effortthe sign light partial light distribution is symmetric with respect to the vertical line V on the plotting screen, as can be seen in FIG. 10, for example. The luminous areas 11, 12 can emit different luminous flux. Since the sign light partial light distribution represents substantially weaker illumination, it can even be advantageous, if the second area 12 emits a smaller luminous flux than the first area 11. Here it should be noted that according to ECE R123 a sign light partial light distribution measured on a plotting screen at a 25 m distance may not exceed a value of 625 candelas. Therefore it can be advantageous if only part of the light source 2, for example one LED 2d, contributes to the illumination of the second area 12, rather than the entire light source 2. To accomplish this, it can be useful to create special auxiliary optics, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 through 9.
(15) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of auxiliary optics 3 in front of a light source 2. The light source 2 now has, for example, six LEDs 2a through 2f. The auxiliary optics 3 have a continuous light exit surface 7, and in this respect are the same as the auxiliary optics 3 of FIGS. 1 through 3 and FIGS. 5 through 9. The auxiliary optics 3, 3 shown have a different number of arms. The arms are in the form of light-conducting optical bodies. However, it can be expedient if this number corresponds to the number of LEDs, for example. The arms 3a through 3g of the auxiliary optics 3 of FIGS. 1 through 3 and FIGS. 5 through 9 and the arms 3a through 3f of the auxiliary optics 3 of FIG. 4 come from a plate (light exit plate) 13, 13 and taper toward where they end in front of the light source 2, so that there is an air gap 14 between arm ends 15 and the light source 2. All arms 3a through 3c and 3e through 3f or 3g can be the same, except for one arm 3d. However, it is conceivable that the arms 3a through 3c and 3e through 3f or 3g can be different. Moreover, the arms of arm pairs that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the arm 3d on both sides of it, e.g., the arm 3c and the arm 3e or the arm 3b and the arm 3f, can be the same. The arms have an upper surface 16 with a concave curvature, and a lower surface 17 that is essentially straight, and lateral surfaces 18, 19 with a concave curvature. These surfaces 16 through 19 of the arms 3a through 3c and 3e through 3f or 3g can have a different curvature, for example they can be curved to a different extent. Between the surfaces there is an optical medium. The shape of the surfaces 16 through 19 that delimit the medium is adapted to the refractive index of the medium so that light beams propagating within the arms 3a through 3g/3f do not leave the arms due to total reflection, and essentially can only come out of the auxiliary optics 3, 3 through the light exit surfaces 7, 7. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, which show a top view and a bottom view of the auxiliary optics 3, the arms 3a through 3g come together at a distance in front of the plate 13, so that light beams coming out of different arms mix/overlap as they propagate in the direction toward plate 13, and then, in their further course, as they propagate in the direction toward light exit surface 7 within plate 13. This means that what is imaged into the focal surface or projection plane 8 of the lens 6 is not individual light emission surfaces of the LEDs, but rather a homogeneously luminous light exit surface 7, on which the individual LED images are not perceptible. An advantage of this is that the light distribution that is produced is also homogeneous.
(16) As is mentioned above, the auxiliary optics 3, 3 have one arm 3d that is different from the rest of the arms. If the arms of the auxiliary optics are arranged in a row, this arm 3d preferably lies about in the center of this row (see, e.g., FIG. 4). As can be seen in FIG. 5, the one arm 3d has a downward-projecting, preferably convex lower area 20 that extends from a light entrance surface 15 of the arm 3d to the light exit surface 7 and becomes steadily taller in this direction. For example, the lower area 20 can be about 2 mm tall and 2 mm long, and have a cross-sectional width of about 20 mm. The arm 3d is generally shaped so that at least part of the light that is coupled into this arm 3d from the LED 2d that is associated with this arm 3d can be used to form the second light beam. The lower area 20 of the arm 3d discharges into a bulging area 21 of the light exit surface 7, this bulging area 21 projecting beyond an edge 23 of the light exit surface 7 (FIGS. 4 through 7 and 9). It can be advantageous if the second opening 10 of the shield 4 is arranged to fit the bulging area 21 and is in the form shown in FIG. 1. Light coming out through the bulging area 21 of the light exit surface 7 advantageously has a lower intensity than, for example, light coming from other arms, and this light is used to produce the sign light partial light distribution. Moreover, it can be expedient if a lower limiting side 22 of the lower area 20 is in the form of a part of a paraboloid. In this case, light beams that are coupled into the arm 3d and that pass through a focal point of the paraboloid are collimated. This increases, for example, the homogeneity of the sign light partial light distribution.
(17) FIG. 10 shows an example of a light pattern produced with the inventive motor vehicle lighting device. The light pattern comprises a foreground light distribution 31 with a straight light/dark boundary 33 and a sign light partial light distribution 32. The sign light partial light distribution 32 is spaced apart from the foreground light distribution 31, i.e., there is a dark area 34 between these two light distributions in the vertical direction V, as can be seen in FIG. 10. This dark area 34 has the advantage, for example, that the light/dark boundary 33 is not obliterated, but rather remains clearly visible.
(18) Unless it necessarily follows from the description of one of the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that these embodiments can be combined with one another in any way. Among other things, this means that the technical features of one embodiment can also be combined as desired, individually and independently of one another, with the technical features of another embodiment, in order in this way to arrive at another embodiment of the same invention, and to do so without going beyond the original disclosure.
