Headlight device for a vehicle, vehicle and method for operating a headlight device of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a headlight device (12) for a vehicle, having two headlights (18, 20) spaced apart from one another in a vehicle transverse direction (22) in the installation position of the headlight device (12), which are configured to simultaneously provide respective light images (24, 26), wherein in the case of simultaneous provision of the light images (24, 26) a first one of the light images (24, 26) is arranged at least partially above the second light image (26) in a vertical direction (36) with respect to the installation position of the headlight device (12).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a headlight device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, according to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a headlight device of a vehicle according to the present invention. Background Art

[0002] DE 102010006296A1 discloses a method for controlling the driving light of a vehicle using at least one swingable headlight. A method for controlling a headlight assembly for a vehicle is known from DE 102008053945 A1. Furthermore, a method for controlling a headlight assembly for a vehicle is known from DE 102015221810A1.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 102015207432 A1 discloses an illumination control system for controlling illumination by means of a lamp mounted on a vehicle, which includes a light source, a scanning control unit for periodically changing the position of the area illuminated by the light emitted by the light source, and an illumination control unit. Furthermore, a vehicle headlight is known from WO 2016 / 083689 A1, which has a main light module for emitting a main beam and a plurality of additional illumination modules for emitting supplementary beams. Furthermore, EP2037167A1 discloses an illumination unit for a vehicle headlight. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a headlight device for a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method, such that a particularly advantageous illumination of at least a part of the surroundings of the vehicle can be achieved.

[0005] This object is solved according to the present invention by a headlight device according to the present invention, by a vehicle according to the present invention, and by a method according to the present invention.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a headlight device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. This means that the vehicle in its fully manufactured state includes the headlight device. For example, the vehicle is configured as a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile and preferably a sedan here. The headlight device can be arranged at the front of the vehicle or, however, at the rear of the vehicle. The headlight device has in particular at least or exactly two headlights that are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the mounting position of the headlight device. If the headlight device is arranged at the front of the vehicle, the headlights are, for example, front headlights. If the headlight device is arranged, for example, at the rear of the vehicle, the headlights are, for example, rear headlights or tail lights. The headlight device occupies its mounting position in the fully manufactured state and in particular when the vehicle is in a horizontal plane in its fully manufactured state, where the vehicle is, for example, supported downward in the plane in the vehicle height direction or in the vertical direction via its bottom contact elements. The corresponding bottom contact elements are, for example, wheels that are also referred to as such. In particular, the mounting position of the headlight device is the position provided for the proper use of the headlight device.

[0007] The headlights are configured to provide corresponding light images simultaneously. In other words, for example, the first of the headlights is configured to provide a first light image, where the second headlight is configured to provide a second light image. Here, the headlights can provide the first light image and the second light image simultaneously. The corresponding light images are formed by corresponding light that is provided or can be provided by the corresponding headlights. In other words, in order to provide, that is, generate or emit the corresponding light images, the corresponding headlights provide light, that is, the corresponding headlights emit light, where the corresponding light images are formed from the light. In particular, the corresponding light images are light images that are formed or generated at or on a surface when the corresponding headlights provide their corresponding light images or when the headlights provide light images simultaneously and are thus, for example, visually perceptible to a person with their human eye, where the surface is spaced apart from the vehicle or from the corresponding headlights in the vehicle longitudinal direction or in the horizontal direction by at least five meters, in particular at least or exactly ten meters, and is thus arranged in front of or behind the vehicle or the corresponding headlights in the horizontal direction or in the vehicle longitudinal direction, for example, overlapping the horizontal direction, by at least five meters. Here, the surface extends in the vertical direction and thus perpendicular to the horizontal direction, where the surface is flat or planar.

[0008] In order to advantageously and desirably illuminate the headlamp device and at least a part of the vehicle's surroundings thereby by means of a light image or a headlamp device at this time, according to the present invention, it is provided that when providing the light image simultaneously, that is, when the headlamp simultaneously provides the light image, the first in the light image with respect to the installation position of the headlamp device is at least partially arranged above the second light image in the vertical direction. In particular, this should be understood to mean that at least a part of the first light image is arranged above at least a part of the second light image in the vertical direction and thus, for example, in the vehicle height direction that may overlap with the vertical direction, wherein there is no second light image in the light image area where at least a part of the first light image is arranged, so that the second light image is not in the light image area. Here, for example, the light image area is arranged above at least a part of the second light image or above the second light image in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that there is no first light image in the second light image area where a part of the second light image is arranged, so that the first light image is not arranged in the second light image area. Preferably, it is provided that at least a part of the first light image is arranged above the entire second light image in the vertical direction. In order to simply and clearly distinguish the parts of the light image below, a part of the first light image is also called the first part of the first light image and the part of the second light image is also called the second part of the second light image.

[0009] The feature that the first part is arranged above the second part of the light image in the vertical direction or in the vehicle height direction when providing the light image simultaneously means, with respect to the previously mentioned surface formed by a wall, for example, that when the light image is generated on the surface or visually perceivable at the surface, the first part is arranged above the second part in the vertical direction or in the vehicle height direction. Conversely expressed, at least the second part of the second light image is below at least the first part of the first light image in the vertical direction. The feature that at least the first part of the first light image is arranged above at least the second part of the second light image in the vertical direction may particularly include that the surface centroid and / or the optical axis of the first light image are arranged above the surface centroid and / or the optical axis of the second light image in the vertical direction. Here, for example, the corresponding light image is a surface having a corresponding surface centroid when observed overall or completely.

[0010] The corresponding headlamp is a pixel light source configured as a light module, so that the corresponding light image can be formed by a plurality of image points, which can be provided by the corresponding headlamp, wherein the corresponding headlamp includes a plurality of LEDs, by means of which the image points can be generated. In particular, this can be understood as follows: the corresponding headlamp is simply a light module also called a module. The corresponding headlamp is a pixel light source, so that the corresponding light image is formed or is formed by a plurality of image points or pixels, which are provided or generated by the corresponding headlamp. For this, the corresponding headlamp includes a plurality of LEDs, which generate the corresponding light image or image points.

[0011] The present invention is in particular based on the following recognition: Headlight devices for vehicles, where the headlight device is also referred to as a lighting device, are usually always symmetrically installed at the respective vehicle. In addition, usually all lighting devices are oriented such that they illuminate symmetrically with respect to the center of the respective vehicle, in particular when observed in the vehicle height direction or in the vertical direction. For example, the low beam distribution from the lighting device always illuminates straight in the horizontal direction. This is partly regulated by the respective regulations, because for example each headlight must individually meet different light values.

[0012] With the introduction of pixel light sources such as, for example, DMD (Digital Micromirror Device, also referred to as DLP - Digital Light Processing) or μ - AFS (Micro AFS, also referred to as Micro LED or HD - SSL), novel possibilities and challenges for light image imaging arise. Thus, projections can be presented, for example, on the street or on the previously mentioned wall, where however it turns out that the light images of the headlights overlap. Traditional lighting devices in particular have the disadvantage that in the case of projections of symbols on the street, possible setting errors at the individual headlights become particularly quickly visible, because the corresponding separating edges of the light images or the image points, also referred to as pixels, formed by the light images and the overlap of the pixels can be particularly well recognized. This usually also results in a darker area between the two light images on the street. In addition, distortions occur through the projection onto the street, which can lead to darker separating bridging parts between the light images or between the areas illuminated by the light images.

[0013] In order to avoid the disadvantage of horizontal overlap at this time, according to the invention it is provided that the light images are arranged at least partially overlapping in the vertical direction.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, when the light images are provided simultaneously, the first light image itself (that is, when observed alone) has a first height extending in the vertical direction, and the second light image itself has a second height extending in the vertical direction.

[0015] In order to be able to illuminate the surroundings particularly advantageously here, in a further design of the invention it is provided that a first part of the first light image extends in the vertical direction over more than half of the first height, in particular over the entire first height. In particular, the present invention enables the light images or the headlights to assume different tasks. Thereby, for example, the street or the part of the street in front of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction along which the vehicle drives or on which the vehicle is located can be illuminated by means of the second light image, in particular such that at least one symbol is projected onto the street part by the light image. It is possible here or during this that, for example, the high beam is achieved by means of the first light image and thus the high beam illuminates and / or lights up the area arranged above the street in the vertical direction.

[0016] Another embodiment is outstanding in that a part of the second light image extends vertically over more than half of the second height, in particular over the entire second height. Thereby, a particularly compliant and advantageous illumination of the surroundings can be presented.

[0017] It is conceivable that the light images, in particular in combination, result in a total light image, or however the light images are independent or non - continuous light images.

[0018] It has already been regarded as particularly advantageous that the light images overlap each other in corresponding overlapping regions in the vertical direction, in particular with respect to or at the surface. In other words, for example, it is arranged such that the corresponding overlapping regions of the light images overlap each other in the vertical direction, so that, for example, in the third light image region, there are arranged not only the overlapping region of the first light image and thus another part of the first light image but also at the same time the overlapping region of the second light image and thus another part of the second light image. Here, for example, the first part is vertically connected upwards to the overlapping region, and for example, the second part of the second light image is vertically connected upwards to the overlapping region.

[0019] Here, it has been regarded as particularly advantageous that the overlapping regions have corresponding vertically extending extensions. In order to achieve a particularly advantageous illumination here, it is preferably arranged that the extension of the overlapping region of the first light image is at most 30%, in particular at most 20% and preferably at most 10% of the first height. Alternatively or additionally, it is arranged that the extension of the overlapping region of the second light image is at most 30%, in particular at most 20% and preferably at most 10% of the second height.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve a particularly advantageous and compliant illumination of the surrounding environment, it is provided that one of the light images has a continuous light surface with a polygonal or circular shape without interruption, wherein the surrounding environment of the unilluminated surface, i.e., the surface not illuminated by the headlamp device, is stopped by a light image. In the context of the present invention and this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the unilluminated surface shall be understood as a surface that is not illuminated by the headlamp device. Another light image has at least one arched or curved partial region that surrounds the unilluminated surface, in particular such that the unilluminated surface is only partially or completely surrounded in the circumferential direction of the surface by the curved or arched partial region. The light images and thus the headlamps thereby obtain different functions. When, for example, a light image, in particular the first light image, is used to achieve a particularly large-area illumination of the surrounding environment and, for example, high-beam illumination or high-beam distribution, another light image, in particular the second light image, is used to project a partial region, for example, onto the street or onto the previously mentioned plane. For this purpose, for example, another light image includes at least one symbol such as a ring or a plurality of rings joined to each other or intertwined with each other or overlapping each other and / or at least one digit. Thus, for example, it is possible to project at least one piece of information onto the street or the plane by means of another light image, wherein the information can be visually perceived by the driver of the vehicle, in particular when a large-area illumination or lighting of the surrounding environment can be achieved by means of a light image.

[0021] For example, the module is a digital module by means of which light and thus the light image can be generated or provided, in particular digitally.

[0022] The headlamps are preferably identical or structurally the same and are, however, oriented or arranged such that the first light image is at least partially arranged above the second light image in the vertical direction. The present invention can in particular achieve the following: high beam and / or turning light can be implemented or converted by means of one of the headlamps and thus by means of one of the light images of a headlamp, while low beam can be achieved by means of another light image and thus by means of another headlamp and thus meet the low-beam value and / or generate at least one digital projection onto the street, in particular such that the symbol or digit is projected onto the street. The corresponding digital projection can be understood, for example, as construction site lighting or a symbol of construction site lighting in order to warn the driver in front of a construction site and / or illuminate the construction site. In addition, the digital projection can include visual warning cues, i.e., visual warning signals, by means of which, for example, the driver of the vehicle can be warned in case of a dangerous situation such as a slippery road surface. In addition, the digital projection can include at least one driver assistance information in order to support the driver during vehicle driving.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the following functions, also referred to as light functions, can be achieved by means of the light image and thus by means of the headlight device: In principle, many different light distributions can be envisaged. For the cornering light described above, alternatively or additionally, the following light functions can be achieved, for example, by a headlight device configured as a digital module. The first of the light functions is the so-called city light. Here, the contrast between light and dark is matched, especially between the respective light image and the unlit surroundings connected thereto, i.e., not illuminated by the headlight device, especially with respect to the so-called highway light, in order to keep the glare caused by the headlights from other road users as low as possible in a city well-lit by fixed lighting. Here, for example, a reduction in the lighting range is provided. The second of the light functions is the so-called highway light. Here, the contrast between light and dark is increased, especially with respect to the city light, in order to have a greater effective range during highway driving, especially with respect to the city light, where, for example, the contrast between light and dark is reduced with respect to the highway light. The third of the functions is the so-called bad weather light. Here, a part of the light distribution fades out in order not to or not overly dazzle oncoming traffic in the case of a wet roadway. The fourth of the light functions is the so-called construction site light and / or track guidance light. Here, the vehicle width is projected onto the ground along the driving direction by means of a carpet (Teppich) defined in width or a corresponding line, in order to enable better track guidance in the case of a smaller track width. Alternatively or additionally, many other light images and light functions can also be envisaged, both in the high beam area and in the street projection area, and can also be combined.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the headlights is configured to present or project, with positive contrast or negative contrast, a symbol of the light image or light images provided by means of at least one headlight or a symbol that can be projected or has been projected by means of the light image. Positive contrast should be understood as meaning that the symbol is a bright symbol on a dark background or the symbol itself is bright and is, for example, part of the light image and a darker area is connected to the symbol relative to the symbol. The darker area is, for example, part of the light image, i.e., an area illuminated by light, but is darker than the symbol, or the darker area is unlit, i.e., not illuminated by the light provided by the headlight and is thus not, for example, part of the respective light image.

[0025] Negative contrast should be understood as meaning that the symbol is, so to speak, a darker symbol on a bright background, or the symbol itself is darker and a brighter area is connected to the symbol relative to the symbol, which is, for example, part of the light image and is thus an area illuminated by light. The darker symbol is, for example, part of the light image, i.e., an area illuminated by light, but is darker than the bright area, or the darker symbol is unlit, i.e., not illuminated by the light provided by the headlight and is thus not, for example, part of the respective light image.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle preferably configured as a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile and most preferably a sedan, which includes at least one headlight device, in particular according to the first aspect of the present invention. The headlight device includes in particular at least or exactly two headlights spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction, which are configured to simultaneously provide corresponding light images.

[0027] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous illumination of at least a part of the vehicle's surroundings at this time, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided that in the case of simultaneously providing light images, the first of the light images is at least partially arranged above the second light image in the vertical direction. The corresponding headlights are pixel light sources configured as light modules, so that the corresponding light images can be formed by a plurality of image points, which can be provided by the corresponding headlights, wherein the corresponding headlights include a plurality of LEDs, by means of which the image points can be generated. The advantages and advantageous design solutions of the first aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous design solutions of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0028] In order to be able to illuminate the surroundings particularly advantageously in a particularly simple manner, in an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the headlights are immovable relative to a structure of the vehicle, for example configured as a self-supporting body, the passenger space of which is restricted by the structure. Thus, the headlights are not non-swingable headlights, but immovable relative to the structure, that is, fixed to the structure.

[0029] The light images can be of the same width in the vehicle transverse direction, that is, have the same width. Furthermore, it is conceivable that one of the light images is narrower than the other light image, so that the width of one light image is smaller than the width of the other light image. Preferably, it is provided here that then one light image does not extend beyond the other light image either to the left or to the right in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a headlight device, in particular according to the first aspect of the present invention, of a vehicle, in particular according to the second aspect of the present invention. The headlight device of the vehicle in the third aspect of the present invention includes in particular at least or exactly two headlights spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction, which simultaneously provide corresponding light images.

[0031] In order to be able to illuminate the surroundings of the vehicle in a particularly advantageous manner at this time, in the third aspect of the present invention, it is provided that in the case of simultaneously providing light images, the first of the light images is at least partially arranged above the second light image in the vertical direction. The corresponding headlights are pixel light sources configured as light modules, so that the corresponding light images are formed by a plurality of image points, which are provided by the corresponding headlights, wherein the corresponding headlights include a plurality of LEDs, which generate the image points. The advantages and advantageous design solutions of the first aspect of the present invention and the second aspect of the present invention should be regarded as the advantages and advantageous design solutions of the third aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0032] For particularly advantageous illumination of the surroundings, it is preferably provided that the headlamps have different functions or the headlamps fulfill different functions. It has been regarded as particularly advantageous here that during a turning movement of the vehicle, one of the light images follows the turning movement relative to the structure of the vehicle, in particular, while the movement of the other light image relative to the structure stops and preferably the movement of the headlamp itself relative to the structure stops. One light image is thus used to implement the turning light, and the headlamp providing one light image does not move relative to the structure, in particular, does not swing. During or when implementing the turning light, the other light image can be used to particularly advantageously illuminate the surroundings and, for example, provide information to the driver, which is projected outside the vehicle and thus in its surroundings, in particular, onto the street. In particular, in an embodiment, it is provided that during the turning movement, the movement dynamics are generated only by one of the headlamps and thus only one light image moves, while the movement of the other light image relative to the structure stops. In particular, the following advantages can be achieved by the present invention:

[0033] - The symbol projection onto the street can be clearly separated from the projection of the light and dark boundary and the dynamic high beam,

[0034] - Easier handling and synchronization in the case of symbol projection,

[0035] - Significantly higher illumination intensities can be achieved with existing micro-LED light sources or other light sources, where, for example, traditional micro-LED sources or pixel light sources have an aspect ratio of 4:1 or 3:1,

[0036] - Only headlamp variants are required thereby, because, for example, the same or structurally identical headlamps can be used not only for driving on the right but also for driving on the left.

[0037] The technical conversion of the present invention is achieved, for example, in particular, such that the optical technology modules of the headlamps are installed identically in both headlamps. Different illuminated areas can be converted only by the orientation of the modules, such that the first light image is arranged at least partially above the second light image in the vertical direction.

[0038] The present invention also includes improvements to the vehicle according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention, which have the features as already described in connection with the improvements to the headlamp device according to the present invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements to the vehicle according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention are not described here again.

[0039] The motor vehicle according to the present invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle and most preferably designed as an automobile, in particular, designed as a sedan or a truck, or designed as a passenger car or a motorcycle. The present invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. In this regard:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic view of a light image is shown, which can be generated or is generated by means of a headlight device according to the invention, in particular on vertical and flat surfaces, in particular on or at walls, where Figure 1 A first variant of the light image is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic view of a second variant of the light image is shown; and

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic view of a third variant of the light image is shown. Detailed Description

[0044] The embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments are each individual and independent features to be observed of the present invention, which each improve the present invention independently of one another. Thus, the disclosure should also include combinations of features other than those presented in the embodiments. In addition, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by features of the present invention that have already been described.

[0045] In the figures, the same reference signs respectively mark elements having the same function.

[0046] Figure 1 A first variant of the total light image 10 is shown in the schematic view, which can be generated or is generated, for example, on a vertical flat surface, in particular on or at a wall, by means of the headlight device 12 presented particularly schematically in Figure 1 The vehicle is preferably constructed as a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, and has a passenger space, also called an interior space, for passengers, where the passengers can be blocked during the driving of the vehicle. The passenger space is delimited here by a structure of the vehicle, in particular a self-supporting body structure, where the structure is shown locally and particularly schematically in Figure 1 and is marked with 14. In the Figure 1 embodiment shown, the headlight device 12, also called a lighting device, is arranged at the front part 16 of the vehicle. The headlight device 12 includes two headlights 18 and 20, which are thus constructed as front headlights. Here, Figure 1 the installation position of the headlight device 12 is shown, which occupies its installation position in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle and in particular when the vehicle is in a horizontal plane and is driving, for example, on a horizontal street or along a plane or street. It can be recognized from Figure 1 that the headlights 18 and 20 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction, where the vehicle transverse direction is shown in Figure 1is indicated by double arrow 22. The headlamp 18 is configured to provide a first light image 24. The headlamp 20 is configured to provide a second light image 26. It can be recognized from Figure 1 that the headlamps 18 and 20 are configured to simultaneously provide the light images 24 and 26. According to Figures 1 to 3 , a method for operating the headlamp device 12 is also described. In the method, the headlamps 18 and 20 simultaneously provide their light images 24 and 26. The light images 24 and 26 form, for example, a total light image 10, so that, for example, the light images 24 and 26 are generated or provided at or on the surface previously mentioned and marked 28 in Figure 1 formed by a wall. In other words, in order to provide and thus generate the light image 24, the headlamp 18 provides light 30, which is emitted by the headlamp 18. The headlamp 18 radiates the light 30 relative to the surface 28, so that on the surface 28 the light image 26 is generated by means of the headlamp 18, that is to say provided.

[0047] Thus, the headlamp 20 provides light 32, which is provided or emitted by the headlamp 20 and in particular radiates relative to the surface 28. Here, the light 32 forms the light image 26 at or on the surface 28. The corresponding headlamp 18 or 20 is preferably a so-called pixel light source. In particular, this should be understood to mean that the corresponding light image 24 or 26 is formed by corresponding pixels, also called image points, which are provided by the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20 and emitted here and in particular currently radiate relative to the surface 28. Thereby, the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20 is a corresponding digital light module or the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20 includes such a corresponding digital light module, which is arranged, for example, in the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20 or in the corresponding housing of the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20. Thereby, for example, the light 30 or 32 is digital light, so that, for example, the first light image 24 is a first digital light share and the second light image 26 is a second digital light share.

[0048] The vertical surface 28 extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction and is spaced apart from the vehicle, in particular from the front part 16 of the vehicle or from the corresponding headlamp 18 or 20, by at least five meters, in particular at least or exactly ten meters, along the horizontal direction or along the vehicle longitudinal direction, which overlaps the horizontal direction, for example. Here, in particular, it can be envisaged that the headlamps 18 and 20 are arranged at the same height along the vehicle longitudinal direction or along the horizontal direction, so that the headlamps 18 and 20 are spaced apart from the surface 28 at the same distance along the horizontal direction or along the vehicle longitudinal direction. The light images 24 and 26 generated in the described manner at or on the surface 28 by means of the headlamps 18 and 20 can be visually perceived, for example, by passengers blocked in the passenger compartment and thus in particular by the driver of the vehicle.

[0049] It can be envisaged that the surface 28 is arranged outside the passenger compartment and here outside the vehicle and, for example, in front of the vehicle along the vehicle longitudinal direction. Thus, the surface 28 is arranged at the Figure 1in the surroundings 34 marked by 34, such that the light images 24 and 26 are likewise arranged or generated in the surroundings 34.

[0050] In order to illuminate the surroundings 34 particularly advantageously and especially particularly desirably at this time, when providing the light images 24 and 26 simultaneously, the light image 24 is arranged at least partially above the second light image 26 in the vertical direction or in the vehicle height direction overlapping with the vertical direction, for example. Here, the Figure 1 vertical direction is indicated by the double arrow 36 in the Figure 1 embodiment shown. In the

[0051] first part T of the light image 24 is arranged above the second part T2 of the second light image 26 in the vertical direction, wherein the first part T1 is arranged in the first light image region LB1 and the second part T2 is arranged in the second light image region LB2. Here, the first light image region LB1 is free of the second light image 26, and the light image region LB2 is free of the first light image 24. This means that the light image 26 is not arranged in the light image region LB1, and the light image 24 is not arranged in the light image region LB2.

[0052] For example, with respect to a horizontal reference plane, which extends perpendicular to the surface 28 and, for example, with respect to the vehicle height direction or the vertical direction, extends through the middle of the vehicle or through the middle of the front part 16 of the vehicle and especially in front of the following background, namely that the respective light 30 or 32 extends at least conically away from the respective headlight 18 or 20 with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the light image 26 extends from -6 degrees upwards in the vertical direction up to +1 degree, while, for example, the light image 24 extends from -2 degrees upwards in the vertical direction up to +3 degrees. The respective expansion of the respective light image 24 or 26 in the horizontal direction and thus in the vehicle transverse direction to the left and right is, for example, 20 degrees. In the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the first light image 24 itself has a first width b extending in the vehicle transverse direction, where the second light image 26 itself has a second width b2 extending in the vehicle transverse direction. Here, it is currently set such that the widths b1 and b2 are the same. The part T1 arranged vertically above the second part T2 extends here over the entire width b1, so that the part T1 is arranged vertically above the part T2 or the light image 26 over the entire width b1. The part T2 extends over the entire width b2, so that the part T2 is arranged vertically below the part T1 or the light image 24 over the entire width b2. In addition, in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, it is set that the corresponding overlapping regions U1 and U2 of the light images 24 and 26 overlap vertically. This means that not only the overlapping region U1 of the light image 24 but also the overlapping region U2 of the light image 26 are arranged simultaneously in the common third light image region LB3 of the overlapping regions U1 and U2. Here, the part T1 is connected vertically upwards and the part T2 is connected vertically downwards to the overlapping regions U1 and U2.

[0053] Figure 2 A second variant of the total light image 10 is shown. The second variant differs from the first variant, for example, in that the overlapping regions U1 and U2 are larger or higher vertically in the second variant than in the first variant. For example, the overlapping regions U1 and U2 extend through 1.5 degrees to 5 degrees, in particular through 1.5 degrees, through 3 degrees or through 5 degrees.

[0054] Regarding the previously mentioned plane or street on which the vehicle stands, for example, the light image 26, in particular the part T2, illuminates at least mainly, in particular completely, onto the plane, while the light image 24, in particular the part T1, is arranged at least mainly, in particular completely, vertically above the street.

[0055] It is thus possible that the respective headlamps 18 and 20 can have respective separate functions. The light image 24 is used here, for example, to illuminate the area arranged above the street and / or to achieve high beam illumination or high beam, while the light image 26 is used, for example, to project at least one symbol and / or at least one number and thus, for example, driver assistance information onto the street, by which the driver can be supported during vehicle travel. In particular, it is possible here, for example, to avoid wet reflections through the light image 26. For example, the wet area of the street, also called the lane, can fade out, that is, not be illuminated and thus remain unlit in order to avoid reflections from the possible illumination of this wet area and thus glare for the driver.

[0056] As an alternative to Figure 1 and 2 the embodiment shown, in which the light images 24 and 26 overlap each other vertically, it can be set to prevent the light images 24 and 26 from overlapping each other.

[0057] Finally, Figure 3 a third variant of the total light image 10 or the light images 24 and 26 is shown. In Figure 3 it, the center of gravity of the first side of the first light image 26 is marked with S1, and the center of gravity of the second side of the light image 26 is marked with S2. It is arranged here that the light image 24 is at least partially arranged above the light image 26 in the vertical direction, and the center of gravity of the side S1 is arranged above the center of gravity of the side S2 in the vertical direction. Thereby, a particularly advantageous illumination of the surroundings 34 can be achieved. In particular, for example, it can be envisaged that Figure 3 the symbol marked with SY in Figure 3 is projected onto the street marked with 38 in and / or projected relative to the surface 28, for example to support the driver when the vehicle is moving. Thereby, when, for example, one of the light images 24 and 26 is a planar, in particular comprehensive, light image that does not enclose an unlit area, the other light image 26 or 24 includes a symbol such as a ring and thus, for example, at least one curved or arched partial area that, for example, at least partially, in particular completely surrounds the unlit area. Thereby, a particularly advantageous and desired illumination of the surroundings 34 can be ensured.

Claims

1. A headlight device (12) for a vehicle, having two headlights (18, 20) spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction (22) in the mounting position of the headlight device (12), the headlights being configured to simultaneously provide corresponding light images (24, 26), wherein, The corresponding headlamps (18, 20) are pixel light sources configured as light modules, such that the corresponding light images (24, 26) can be formed by a plurality of image points, which can be provided by the corresponding headlamps (18, 20), wherein the corresponding headlamps (18, 20) include a plurality of LEDs by means of which the image points can be generated, and wherein in the case of the simultaneous provision of the light images (24, 26) the first light image (24) of the light images (24, 26) is arranged at least partially above the second light image (26) in the vertical direction (36) with respect to the mounting position of the headlamp device (12). It is characterized in that · a first part (T1) of the first light image (24) is arranged above a second part (T2) of the second light image (26) in the vertical direction, wherein the first part (T1) is arranged in a first light image area (LB1) and the second part (T2) is arranged in a second light image area (LB2), and wherein the first light image area (LB1) is free of the second light image (26), and the second light image area (LB2) is free of the first light image (24), and · the first light image (24) itself has a first width (b1) extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the second light image (26) itself has a second width (b2) extending in the vehicle transverse direction, wherein the widths (b1, b2) are the same, and · the first part (T1) arranged above the second part (T2) in the vertical direction extends over the entire first width (b1), such that the first part (T1) is arranged above the second part (T2) in the vertical direction over the entire first width (b1), and the second part (T2) extends over the entire second width (b2), such that the second part (T2) is arranged below the first part (T1) in the vertical direction over the entire second width (b2), and · the light images (24, 26) overlap each other in corresponding overlapping areas (U1, U2) in the vertical direction.

2. The headlight device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case of the simultaneous provision of the light images (24, 26) the first light image (24) itself has a first height (h1) extending in the vertical direction (36) and the second light image (26) itself has a second height (h2) extending in the vertical direction (36).

3. The headlight device (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The overlapping areas (U1, U2) have corresponding extensions extending in the vertical direction (36), wherein - the extension of the overlapping area (U1) of the first light image (24) is the uppermost 30% of the first height (h1), and / or - the extension of the overlapping area (U2) of the second light image (26) is the uppermost 30% of the second height (h2).

4. The headlight device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension of the overlapping area (U1) of the first light image (24) is the uppermost 20% of the first height (h1).

5. The headlight device (12) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension of the overlapping area (U1) of the first light image (24) is the uppermost 10% of the first height (h1).

6. The headlight device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension of the overlapping region (U2) of the second light image (26) is the top 20% of the second height (h2).

7. The headlight device (12) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The extension of the overlapping region (U2) of the second light image (26) is the top 10% of the second height (h2).

8. The headlight device (12) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that, In the case where the light images (24, 26) are provided simultaneously: - One of the light images (24, 26) is a polygonal or circular, uninterrupted, continuous light surface, where the enclosure of the unlit surface is stopped by the one light image (24, 26); and - The other light image (26, 24) of the light images has at least one arched or curved partial region that encloses the unlit surface.

9. A vehicle, having at least one headlight device (12) according to any one of claims 1 - 8.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The headlamps (18, 20) are immovable relative to the structure (14) of the vehicle, and the passenger space of the vehicle is delimited by the structure (14).

11. A method for operating a headlight device (12) of a vehicle, the headlight device (12) of the vehicle having two headlights (18, 20) spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction (22), the headlights being configured to simultaneously provide corresponding light images (24, 26), wherein, The respective headlamps (18, 20) are pixel light sources configured as light modules, such that the respective light images (24, 26) are formed by a plurality of image points provided by the respective headlamps (18, 20), where the respective headlamps (18, 20) include a plurality of LEDs that generate the image points, and where in the case where the light images (24, 26) are provided simultaneously, the first light image (24) among the light images (24, 26) is arranged at least partially above the second light image (26) in the vertical direction (36). It is characterized in that · A first part (T1) of the first light image (24) is arranged above a second part (T2) of the second light image (26) in the vertical direction, where the first part (T1) is arranged in a first light image region (LB1) and the second part (T2) is arranged in a second light image region (LB2), and where the first light image region (LB1) has no second light image (26), and the second light image region (LB2) has no first light image (24), and · The first light image (24) itself has a first width (b1) extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the second light image (26) itself has a second width (b2) extending in the vehicle transverse direction, where the widths (b1, b2) are the same, and · The first part (T1) arranged above the second part (T2) in the vertical direction extends across the entire first width (b1), such that the first part (T1) is arranged above the second part (T2) in the vertical direction across the entire first width (b1), and the second part (T2) extends across the entire second width (b2), such that the second part (T2) is arranged below the first part (T1) in the vertical direction across the entire second width (b2), and · The light images (24, 26) overlap each other in respective overlapping regions (U1, U2) in the vertical direction.

12. According to the method described in claim 11, wherein, In the case of the vehicle turning, one of the light images moves relative to the structure of the vehicle, and the passenger space of the vehicle is delimited by the structure, while the movement of the other light image relative to the structure stops.

Images