Headlamp for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a headlamp (12) for a motor vehicle (10), having a carrier element (14) on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes (16) are arranged, which are individually controllable in terms of light emission in order to emit light by means of the headlamp (12) which corresponds to a predefinable light distribution. According to the invention, the light-emitting diodes (16) are configured as micro light-emitting diodes, and at least one sensor element (18) is arranged in a region of the carrier element (14) which is free of light-emitting diodes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, having a carrier element on which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged, which light emitting diodes are individually controllable in terms of light emission in order to emit light by means of the headlamp which corresponds to a predetermined light distribution. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having at least one motor vehicle headlamp. BACKGROUND

[0002] Headlamps of this type and motor vehicles having headlamps of this type are widely known in the prior art, so that no particular literature proof is required in this respect. Vehicle headlamps of this type are for example headlamps for illuminating a driving area into which the motor vehicle is guided during a regular driving operation. Furthermore, the vehicle headlamps can also be a reversing light for illuminating a driving area when the motor vehicle is reversing. Furthermore, the vehicle headlamps can also be used for further legally prescribed illumination of the motor vehicle, for example for providing driving illumination, in particular rear driving illumination, a brake light and / or similar illumination.

[0003] Such headlamps are usually constructed in the type of a pixel headlamp. For example, a pixel headlamp can be constructed on the basis of an array of light emitting diodes or the like. It is possible here for the light emitting diodes to be constructed or also to be adjusted for emitting a predetermined color of light. For example, it can be provided that red light emitting diodes are used in order to realize a brake light function. Yellow light emitting diodes can be used for example in order to realize a turning function. For the headlamp it can be provided that the light emitting diodes are designed to emit substantially white light. This can be realized for example in that the light emitting diodes have a conversion material which emits substantially white light when loaded with the light of the respective light emitting diode, or also in that the respective light emitting diode is constructed in multiple parts, wherein the individual light emitting diode parts emit different colors of light which together create the impression of substantially white light. For example, the colors can be red, green and blue.

[0004] Furthermore, in the prior art, especially when the motor vehicle has one or more driving assistance systems, there is usually also provided on the vehicle a viewing camera in order to detect the surroundings of the motor vehicle in particular during a regular driving operation. However, in addition to the viewing camera, further sensor units or sensor elements can also be provided, for example radar sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors and / or the like. In the prior art, in particular, the viewing camera is mounted at different positions of the motor vehicle, for example behind the main edge of the windshield or externally in the radiator grille.

[0005] Even though this prior art has proven to be effective, there are still disadvantages. In a motor vehicle, the plurality of units and elements leads to structural requirements which can result in joints on the motor vehicle body. Furthermore, tolerance problems arise therefrom, which further complicate the structure of the motor vehicle, in particular of the motor vehicle body. Furthermore, this is associated with correspondingly high costs.

[0006] A display module and an electronic device are known, for example, from US 2019 / 0385990 A1. Furthermore, WO 2019 / 203926 A1 discloses optical multi-stack elements using temporal and permanent adhesion. Furthermore, US 2019 / 0198732 A1 discloses light emitting diode sidewalls adaptable to light intensity. SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the application to reduce problems associated with sensor units or sensor elements.

[0008] As a solution, a headlamp and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims are proposed with the application.

[0009] Advantageous refinements result from the features of the dependent claims.

[0010] With regard to such a headlamp, it is proposed in particular that the light emitting diodes are configured as micro light emitting diodes and at least one sensor element is arranged in a region of the carrier element which is free of light emitting diodes.

[0011] With regard to a motor vehicle of this type, it is proposed in particular with the application that the vehicle headlamp is configured as a headlamp according to the application.

[0012] The application is based in particular on the idea that by integrating at least one sensor element into the vehicle headlamp, the structural outlay in terms of the arrangement of the sensor element at the motor vehicle can be significantly reduced. At the same time, it can be achieved that the at least one sensor element can be integrated into the headlamp in a simple manner and does not require a particularly large additional expense. Overall, a significant cost reduction for the motor vehicle is thus achieved. Furthermore, structural problems which can arise as a result of joints and / or tolerances can be significantly reduced. Overall, the functionality of the headlamp can thus be improved and the outlay in terms of the structure of the motor vehicle can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor element can be better integrated into the motor vehicle or its structure than in the prior art, for example when the sensor element is configured by a camera and / or a sensor unit.

[0014] The application thus makes use of the idea, inter alia, that a sensor element is also arranged on the same carrier element, wherein a light emitting diode, which is currently configured as a micro light emitting diode, is arranged on the carrier element. These advantages can of course also be used to better design the appearance of a motor vehicle, in particular the style of a motor vehicle. The application can achieve new possibilities for improvement here.

[0015] The micro light emitting diode is a light emitting diode having a very small size. Preferably, the micro light emitting diode has an area of approximately 1 mm2or less, particularly preferably an area of approximately 0.01 mm2. The micro light emitting diode can be connected to the carrier element using known techniques. The micro light emitting diode can be fixed on the at least one carrier element by means of a connecting element, such as an adhesive or the like. However, for this reason, the micro light emitting diode can also be configured integrally with the carrier element. Thus, the carrier element can provide a substrate for the micro light emitting diode, for example.

[0016] For this reason, the above also applies to the at least one sensor element, which can be configured as a video camera or other sensor, for example. The sensor element preferably also has a very small size and particularly preferably can comprise an area of approximately mm2or less. The at least one sensor element can be configured as a semiconductor chip and is preferably connected to the carrier element in a similar manner to the micro light emitting diode. Furthermore, it is of course also possible for the at least one sensor element to be configured integrally with the carrier element.

[0017] The carrier element is a component which can be configured from a substantially rigid material. However, the carrier element can also be configured from a multi-layer material, a composite material and / or the like. The material of the carrier element can be ceramic, glass or plastic, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic, combinations of these and / or the like. Preferably, the carrier element is configured integrally. However, it can also be provided that the carrier element is configured in multiple parts, if required. In the case of a multiple-part configuration of the carrier element, it can be provided that the individual carrier element parts are mechanically connected to one another by means of known connection techniques. The carrier element can at the same time also provide an electrical connection for the micro light emitting diode and / or the at least one sensor element. The carrier element can have electrical conductor tracks of the type of a printed circuit board, for example.

[0018] Preferably, the carrier element is configured plate-like and has a curvature. The carrier element can in principle be configured as a flat plate, for example with angular and / or rounded edge contours. However, in order to be able to better match the vehicle body, the carrier element is configured to be curved. The curved configuration can be convex and / or concave. Preferably, the curved configuration is configured such that it can be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle body in the region in which the headlamp is to be arranged. The headlamp as a whole is thus characterized, for example, by a small structural height, which is determined primarily by the thickness of the carrier element and the elements arranged on the carrier element. It can of course also be provided that the headlamp has an additional element in the form of a cover or transparent protective layer in order to protect the vehicle headlamp as well as possible from external influences during operation on the motor vehicle as prescribed and / or to achieve the best possible match to the body contour. Such an additional element can be, for example, a suitable glass layer, a plastic layer and / or the like.

[0019] According to one refinement, it is proposed that the carrier element is configured to be opaque and that both the micro light emitting diode and the at least one sensor element are arranged on one of the two opposite surfaces of the carrier element. Preferably, in this configuration it is proposed that the light emission by the micro light emitting diode takes place in the direction away from the carrier element. Correspondingly, the at least one sensor element is arranged on the carrier element in such a way that it can be sensed in a region which also faces away from the carrier element. Thus, it is not necessary for the light emission or sensing to take place through the carrier element. In this configuration, the carrier element can be opaque and be configured from a corresponding material.

[0020] It is furthermore proposed that the surface on which the micro light emitting diode and the at least one sensor element are arranged is white or silver. This configuration can be realized, for example, in that the carrier element itself is configured from a white or silver material. However, it can also be provided that the surface has a corresponding cover layer. The cover layer can be realized by means of paint, surface treatment and / or the like.

[0021] According to one refinement, it is proposed that the carrier element is configured to be transparent or opaque, that the micro light emitting diode is arranged on a first of the two opposite surfaces of the carrier element and that the at least one sensor element is arranged on a second of the two opposite surfaces of the carrier element, which is opposite the first surface. In this configuration, it is in particular provided that the light emission or sensing takes place through the carrier element. In this design, the carrier element can be formed, for example, from glass or the like. In this way, the carrier element can also be formed from a suitable plastic, for example a suitable acrylic material based on polyacrylate and / or the like. Combinations of these materials can of course also be considered.

[0022] Preferably, the carrier element is configured to be opaque and the micro light emitting diodes are arranged in such a way that their light emission is effected in the direction towards the carrier element. This configuration has the advantage that the individual micro light emitting diodes can be blurred in terms of visual recognizability by the carrier element configured to be opaque and thus the headlamp as a whole achieves a substantially uniform light emission on its surface. Furthermore, this embodiment also allows the position in which at least one sensor element is arranged to be at least partially invisible from the outside by the diffuseness of the light emission, which is not available for the light emission. Of course, not all micro light emitting diodes need to be arranged on one of the two surfaces. Combinations can of course also be made as required, so that light emission is effected through the carrier element only from a part of the micro light emitting diodes.

[0023] It is furthermore proposed that the carrier element is configured to be transparent and that the at least one sensor element detects the region to be detected through the carrier element. The concept of transparency in this refinement involves that the sensor element can achieve its prescribed sensor function through the carrier element by means of a sensor medium. If, for example, the prescribed sensor element comprises a radar sensor, the transparency relates to the transparency with regard to radar signals. It can likewise be prescribed that the sensor element detects infrared light. In this case, the transparency means that the carrier element is transparent to infrared light. Of course, any other configuration can also be provided for this purpose.

[0024] It is furthermore proposed that a plurality of sensor elements are provided, wherein these sensor elements are jointly arranged in a first region of the carrier element, which is formed separately from a second region in which the micro light emitting diodes are arranged. Thereby, a regional functionality of the vehicle headlamp can be provided, i.e. a region in which light emission takes place by means of the micro light emitting diodes, another region in which sensing takes place by means of the sensor elements. The sensor elements need not be identical. Thus, for example, it can be prescribed to combine a video camera with an infrared sensor and a radar sensor as sensor elements. Other designs can also be considered for this purpose.

[0025] According to a further design, it is proposed that a plurality of sensor elements are provided, wherein these sensor elements are arranged spaced apart from one another at least by one of the micro light emitting diodes. This design has the advantage that the sensor elements can be arranged distributed over the extension of the carrier element on the surface of the carrier element. This also applies to the micro light emitting diodes. This makes it possible to sense over a wide range. It proves to be particularly advantageous if the headlamp is used, for example, as a headlamp of a motor vehicle and a wide surrounding area of the motor vehicle can be detected by means of a video camera as sensor element due to the curvature. For example, it is thereby possible to detect at least partially also lateral regions and thus as simple a way as possible to detect the surroundings of the motor vehicle in as much detail as possible. The sensor elements can be jointly analyzed at least partially in order to be able to detect the surroundings situation as required.

[0026] If the sensor element is formed, for example, by a video camera, the sensor element can comprise a suitable lens system. If the sensor element is arranged, for example, such that the sensor element senses through the carrier element, the lens system can also be implemented at least partially by the carrier element. To this end, the carrier element can have a corresponding shape or also a corresponding local refractive index. Thereby, a lens and / or prism effect can be implemented in order to be able to implement or improve the functionality of the video camera.

[0027] The advantages and effects described for the headlamp according to the application of course also apply to the motor vehicle equipped with the headlamp according to the application and vice versa.

[0028] Furthermore, the motor vehicle can comprise a control device, which can be used to control the at least one vehicle headlamp. In accordance with this, the control device can of course also be comprised by the headlamp according to the application. Preferably, the control device is configured not only to apply electrical energy to the micro-LEDs in a predefinable manner, but also to detect the sensor signals of the at least one sensor element and to provide them to at least one superior vehicle control device. It can thus also be provided that the control device performs a first evaluation of the sensor signals and then provides them for further processing by the superior vehicle control device. The superior vehicle control device can comprise, for example, a driving assistance system.

[0029] The application also comprises a control device for a motor vehicle. The control device has a processor device, which is set up to implement an embodiment of the method according to the application. To this end, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (field-programmable gate array) and / or at least one DSP (digital signal processor). Furthermore, the processor device can have a program code, which is set up to perform an embodiment of the method according to the application when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a memory of the processor device.

[0030] The motor vehicle according to the application is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car or a lorry, or as a saloon or a motorcycle.

[0031] The application also comprises combinations of features of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the application are described below. To this end, it is shown:

[0033] Figure 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlamp is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlamp is shown;Figure 1 part of a schematic front view of a motor vehicle;

[0035] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 an enlarged view of the region III in

[0036] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view in the region of a headlamp according to Figure 1 in a first design variant; and

[0037] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view in the region of a headlamp according to Figure 1 in a second design variant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The embodiments set forth below are preferred embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments, the described parts of the embodiments are each individual features of the present application, which can be considered independently of one another, and which each improve the present application independently of one another. The disclosure is therefore intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the present application that have already been described.

[0039] In the drawings, identical reference signs denote identical elements.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an electric vehicle 10 as a motor vehicle is shown, which is designed here as a passenger car. The electric vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle controller 24, which provides a driving assistance function. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 10 comprises two headlamps as vehicle headlamps 12, wherein in Figure 1 only the right headlamp is shown. The vehicle headlamps 12 are connected via a communication line 26 to a control device 22, which is connected in communication technology to a superior motor vehicle controller 24. Correspondingly, the electric vehicle 10 has two rear lamps 28, wherein in Figure 1 the left rear lamp is shown. The following embodiments for the headlamps 12 can in principle also be transferred accordingly to the rear lamps 28, so that the rear lamps 28 are not explained further in detail. Furthermore, the present application can of course also be applied accordingly in almost any other vehicle headlamp or lighting device, in particular also in a lamp in the interior region of the electric vehicle 10.

[0041] The vehicle headlamps 12 are configured here as pixel headlamps, i.e. based on a plurality of individually controllable micro light emitting diodes 16, as will also be set forth below according to Figure 2 and 3 The micro light emitting diodes 16 are individually controllable by means of the control device 22.

[0042] Figure 2 The enlarged diagram shows the data based on... Figure 1 A portion of the front view of the motor vehicle. The right headlight 12 can be seen, positioned next to the front radiator grille. The vehicle headlight 12 is used to provide prescribed illumination during the compliant operation of the electric vehicle 10.

[0043] Figure 3 Shown in vehicle headlight 12 Figure 2 An enlarged view of region III is shown. It can be seen that the vehicle headlight 12 has a carrier element 14, which is currently integral and formed of glass. A plurality of miniature light-emitting diodes 16 are arranged on the carrier element 14 as pixels. The miniature light-emitting diodes 16 can be individually controlled by means of a control device 22, thereby enabling a predefined light distribution with the headlight 12 during normal driving operation. For this purpose, the carrier element 14 includes electrical conductor traces (not shown), on which the miniature light-emitting diodes 16 are connected. The miniature light-emitting diodes 16 are currently soldered to pads (not shown) on the carrier element 14.

[0044] In addition, by Figure 3 As can be seen, multiple cameras 18 are arranged as sensor elements in the area of ​​the carrier element 14 without light-emitting diodes. The cameras 18 are also fixed and connected to the carrier element 14 in the same way as the miniature light-emitting diodes 16.

[0045] The carrier element 14 does not necessarily need to be constructed as transparent; in alternative extensions, it can also be formed of opaque glass. Not only the miniature light-emitting diode 16 but also the camera 18 are arranged together on one of the two opposing surfaces 20 of the carrier element 14. In one design, surface 20 may be white or silver. This can be achieved, for example, through a suitable coating on surface 20.

[0046] In this embodiment, the carrier element 14 is constructed as a plate and has an arched portion. The shape of this arched portion is constructed to match the shape of the electric vehicle 10's body. With this plate-like design, the headlight 12 can be constructed very flat, allowing it to be easily integrated into the electric vehicle 10's body. Furthermore, the arched portion of the carrier element 12 allows the vehicle headlight 12 to fit well with the external contours of the electric vehicle 10's body, thus achieving good structural integration. This reduces structural costs and eliminates the need for seams. Since the vehicle headlight 12 includes not only the miniature light-emitting diode 16 but also the camera 18, the electric vehicle 12 does not require a separate structural feature for the camera 18. Furthermore, in addition to construction costs, tolerance issues that may arise from this can be avoided or reduced.

[0047] In this configuration, the miniature light-emitting diode 16 is configured to emit essentially white light. In an alternative configuration, the color of the light can, of course, be varied, for example, when the vehicle headlight 12 is to be used as a rear headlight. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 12 can also be used to emit turn signal lights, and for this purpose, it is preferable that at least a portion of the miniature light-emitting diode 16 can be configured to emit yellow light.

[0048] The camera 18, through a possible distributed arrangement according to the invention, allows for visual detection of the surrounding environment in a simple manner. The sensor signals provided by the camera 18 are also transmitted to the control device 22, which performs a first evaluation and provides the evaluated data to the higher-level vehicle controller 24.

[0049] Even though the control device 22 is constructed separately from the vehicle headlight 12 in this embodiment, in alternative designs, the control device 22 may be configured to be at least partially integrated into the vehicle headlight or as a component of the vehicle headlight.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the vehicle control device 22 is not only used for connecting such as Figure 1 The vehicle headlight 12 shown is also used to connect to a second vehicle headlight 12, which is not shown in the figure.

[0051] However, the corresponding vehicle headlights 12 can therefore include their own separate control devices.

[0052] Figure 4 The first embodiment is shown in accordance with Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the area within the headlight 12 of the vehicle. It can be seen that the outline of the carrier element 14 is constructed to match the outer outline of the body 30 of the electric vehicle 10. For this purpose, the carrier element 14 is connected upwards to the body 30 and downwards to the front bumper 32 of the electric vehicle 10. The carrier element 14 is constructed transparently, preferably of glass. A miniature light-emitting diode 16 and a camera 18 are arranged on the inner side of the carrier element 14. In this configuration, the miniature light-emitting diode 16 and the camera 18 are arranged to be protected by the carrier element 14.

[0053] Figure 5 The alternative second design is shown in accordance with Figure 1 The area of ​​headlight 12 and Figure 4 A similar schematic cross-sectional view. The carrier element 14 is designed to be opaque. The miniature light-emitting diode 16 and camera 18 are arranged on the outside of the carrier element 14. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 12 includes a glass cover 34 protecting the carrier element 14 containing the miniature light-emitting diode 16 and camera 18. Other features substantially correspond to those already shown.Figure 4 The features described in the foregoing embodiments can thus be combined with each other, to the extent that this is possible and makes sense in the context of the present application.

[0054] These examples are merely for the purpose of illustration of the present application and should not limit the present application.

Claims

1. A headlight (12) for a motor vehicle (10), the headlight having a carrier element (14) on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes (16) are arranged, the light-emitting diodes being individually controllable in terms of light emission so as to emit light conforming to a preset light distribution by means of the headlight (12), wherein, The light-emitting diode (16) is configured as a miniature light-emitting diode, characterized in that at least one sensor element (18) for detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle is arranged in a region of the carrier element (14) where there is no light-emitting diode, such that the light-emitting diode (16) and at least one sensor element (18) are arranged on the same carrier element (14), wherein the miniature light-emitting diode (16) is arranged on a first surface of two opposing surfaces of the carrier element (14), and at least one sensor element (18) is arranged on a second surface of the carrier element (14) opposite to the first surface, wherein the carrier element (14) is configured to be opaque and the miniature light-emitting diode (16) is arranged such that light emission of the miniature light-emitting diode is realized in the direction toward the carrier element (14), or the carrier element (14) is configured to be transparent and at least one sensor element (18) detects the area to be detected through the carrier element (14).

2. The headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier element (14) is plate-shaped and has an arched portion.

3. The headlight according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Multiple sensor elements (18) are provided, wherein these sensor elements (18) are arranged together in a first region of a carrier element (14), which is constructed separately from a second region where miniature light-emitting diodes (16) are arranged.

4. The headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A plurality of sensor elements (18) are provided, wherein each sensor element (18) is arranged apart from each other by at least one of the micro light-emitting diodes (16).

5. A motor vehicle (10) having at least one headlight (12) and a control device (22) for controlling the headlight (12), characterized in that, The vehicle headlight (12) is constructed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle headlight (12) is constructed flush with the outer contour of the motor vehicle (10) and / or the carrier element (14) of the vehicle headlight (12) is constructed to be transparent.

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