Headlamp for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a plurality of first light sources for high beam which emit light during operation of the headlight; - a plurality of second light sources for low beam which emit light during operation of the headlight; - a first light guide (3) having a plurality of light entry faces (5) arranged side by side for light emitted from the first light sources and a first light exit face (7); - a second light guide (4) having a plurality of light entry faces (6, 6a, 6b) arranged side by side for light emitted from the second light sources and a second light exit face (8), wherein at least a first one (6a) of the light entry faces has a greater width in a direction in which the light entry faces (5, 6) are arranged side by side than at least a second one (6b) of the light entry faces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to headlights for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The type of headlight described above is known in WO2017 / 198516A1. The headlight described therein includes a plurality of first light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for high beam and a plurality of second light-emitting diodes for low beam. The LEDs can be individually controlled to adapt the resulting light distribution to traffic conditions, for example, to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles. The headlight also includes a first light guide for the light emitted by the first LEDs and a second light guide for the light emitted by the second LEDs. Each light source is equipped with a light guide element that extends from the light source to the light guide element and is incorporated therein by the respective light guide element.

[0003] The disadvantage of such headlamps is that the range of light they produce is relatively small, especially the range of the low beam, which is approximately ±30°. To increase the range as described in the concept of WO2017 / 198516A1, additional light guide elements must be provided, which will increase the cost of the headlamps. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem addressed by this invention is to create a headlamp of the type described above, wherein it is possible to increase the range of light distribution produced by the headlamp at a low cost, particularly the range of low beam light distribution.

[0005] According to the present invention, in the direction in which the light-receiving surfaces are arranged side by side, the width of at least the first light-receiving surface is greater than the width of at least the second light-receiving surface. This design increases the range of light distribution produced by the headlamp. For example, with a properly designed headlamp, a low-beam light distribution with a range of ±40° or more can be obtained. Furthermore, the wider light-receiving surfaces make the light distribution less sensitive to tolerances related to the positioning of the light source.

[0006] It can be specified that, in the direction in which the light-receiving surfaces are arranged side by side, at least the first light-receiving surface has a width large enough that two light sources can be arranged side by side in front of the at least first light-receiving surface. In this way, the light from two light sources can be coupled to these light-receiving surfaces.

[0007] It is possible that the at least first light-receiving surface is positioned further outward than the at least second light-receiving surface in the direction in which the light-receiving surfaces are arranged side-by-side. In particular, the width of the light-receiving surface increases at least partially outward from the central region in the direction in which the light-receiving surfaces are arranged side-by-side. This allows the two light sources to be selectively positioned in the outer region in front of the light-receiving surfaces, thereby achieving higher illuminance in the edge regions of the light distribution.

[0008] It can be stipulated that at least the first light-incoming surface and at least the second light-incoming surface are the light-incoming surfaces of the second light guide. This will significantly affect the distribution of near beam light.

[0009] It is possible that each light guide has a light guide element extending from it, the end of which, away from the light guide, forms a light-incident surface. Furthermore, it is possible that the end of a first light guide element forms at least one of the light-incident surfaces, wherein, in the direction in which the light-incident surfaces are arranged side-by-side, the width of the first light guide element in its longitudinal extension direction is greater than the width of the second light guide element, and the end of the second light guide element forms at least a second light-incident surface. Because the light guide element has a larger width in its longitudinal extension direction, the light passing through this wider light guide element is distributed over a wider angular range.

[0010] It can be specified that the first light source and / or the second light source are designed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are specifically arranged on a common circuit board. By arranging them on a common circuit board, the light distribution produced by the headlamp can be influenced relatively easily, especially without changing the optical system. This can be achieved by providing differently assembled circuit boards, which differ, for example, in the arrangement and / or number of LEDs. By replacing one circuit board with another, the light distribution produced by the headlamp can be changed. For example, the range of the light distribution can be easily changed without altering the optics.

[0011] It is possible that the first light source and / or the second light source can be controlled individually or in a separate group. In this way, the light distribution produced by the headlights can be adapted to traffic conditions, for example, to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles.

[0012] It can be specified that the first light-emitting surface and / or the second light-emitting surface have structural components. Through these structural components, the emitted light can be homogenized, which in particular avoids undesirable local intensity maxima on components arranged behind the light-emitting surface.

[0013] It can be stipulated that, in the region arranged at the center in the direction in which the light-emitting surfaces are arranged side by side, structural components for the first light-emitting surface and / or the second light-emitting surface are not provided. By omitting the structural components in the central region, higher light intensity can be achieved.

[0014] It is possible that each light guide element has a collimating lens, which is particularly integrated into the light-emitting surface. By integrating a collimating lens into each light guide element, the efficiency of the headlamp can be improved.

[0015] It can be specified that the headlamp includes, in particular, a single-piece optical component, which comprises both a first light guide and a second light guide, and in particular, the optical component serves as the primary optical element. This design makes the assembly of the headlamp easier, especially since the components can be integrated into each other.

[0016] It is possible that the optical component has a light-emitting surface formed by the light-emitting surfaces of a first light guide and a second light guide, particularly wherein the light-emitting surfaces of the first light guide and the second light guide are adjacent to each other and / or merged into each other. Therefore, this optical component contributes to both high beam and low beam generation.

[0017] It can be specified that the headlamp has a secondary optics device through which light emitted from the light-emitting surfaces of the first and / or second light guides passes during the operation of the headlamp. The secondary optics device may have a collimating lens adapted to the collimating lens of the primary optics device, particularly in terms of its cut-off width. By adjusting the cut-off widths of the collimating lenses of the primary and secondary optics devices, the collimating effect is effectively distributed between the primary and secondary optics devices, thus achieving the desired effect with less effort. The secondary optics device may also have a structural element, particularly arranged on the collimating lens. By giving the secondary optics device a structural element, any artifacts caused by the structural elements of the primary optics device can be minimized. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the components of the headlamp of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 Rear view of the main optical components of the headlamp shown;

[0021] Figure 3 Is it like this? Figure 1 The front view of the main optical components of the headlamp shown;

[0022] Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 1 A plan view of the first light guide element of the main optical components of the headlamp shown;

[0023] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 1 A plan view of the second light guide of the main optical components of the headlamp shown;

[0024] Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 1 A perspective view of the headlamp components shown;

[0025] Figure 7 Is it like this? Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the main optical components of the headlamp shown.

[0026] In the figure, identical and functionally identical parts are identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The illustrated version of the headlamp according to the invention includes a circuit board (not shown) on which multiple light sources in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged. In this case, several first light sources of LEDs designed for high beams and several second light sources of LEDs designed for low beams are arranged on the circuit board.

[0028] It is also possible to use other light sources instead of light-emitting diodes. For example, semiconductor lasers can also be used as light sources.

[0029] The light sources can be controlled individually to switch between low beam and high beam. Other functions of the adaptive front lighting system, such as city lights, rural lights, or highway lights, can also be achieved by changing the power supply of the light sources. Individual or group control of the first and / or second light sources is also possible. In this way, the light distribution produced by the headlights can adapt to traffic conditions, for example, avoiding dazzling oncoming vehicles.

[0030] The illustrated design of the headlamp according to the invention further includes an optical component 1 (particularly a single-piece optical component 1) as a primary optical element and a secondary optical element 2. During the operation of the headlamp, the light emitted by the light source first passes through the primary optical element and then through the secondary optical element 2.

[0031] The optical component 1, which is the main optical device, includes a first light guide 3 for high beams and a second light guide 4 for low beams (for example, see...). Figures 2 to 5 ).exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, the lower sides of light guides 3 and 4 each have several light-entry surfaces 5 and 6 (see also...) Figure 2 When the headlamp is working, the light from the light-emitting diodes is coupled into these light-receiving surfaces. Figure 4 and Figure 5 On the upper side shown, light guides 3 and 4 have light-emitting surfaces 7 and 8 respectively, through which light rays are emitted.

[0032] Light guides 3 and 4 each have multiple light guide elements 9 and 10 extending from them. The ends of the light guide elements 9 and 10 that are away from the light guides 3 and 4 form light-entry surfaces 5 and 6. The light guide elements 9 and 10 are basically finger-shaped or tree-shaped.

[0033] Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, each light-emitting surface 7, 8 is curved, thus forming two collimating lenses 11, 12 on the optical component 1, which is the main optical element. Each collimating lens is assigned to one of the light guides 3, 4. By integrating one collimating lens 11, 12 into each of the light guides 3, 4, the efficiency of the headlamp can be improved.

[0034] The illustrated version of the secondary optics 2 also has a collimating lens 13, which is designed as a biconvex lens (see...). Figure 1 Alternatively, the collimating lens 13 can be designed differently, for example, as a plano-convex lens. The cutting width of the collimating lens 13 of the secondary optical device 2 is adapted to the cutting width of the collimating lenses 11 and 12 of the primary optical device.

[0035] The illustrated design of the headlamp according to the invention further includes a housing (not shown) in which, or on, an optical component 1 as a primary optical element, a circuit board, a secondary optical element 2, and a heat sink (also not shown) for arranging light-emitting diodes on the circuit board may be mounted.

[0036] Figure 3 As shown, the light-emitting surface 8 of the second light guide 4 has a structural element 14. Of course, such or similar structural elements 14 can also be at least partially provided on the light-emitting surface 7 of the first light guide 3. For example, the structural element 14 can be designed as a prism array. The structural element 14 ensures that the light emanating from the light-emitting surface 8 is homogenized, at least to the extent that undesirable maximum intensity values ​​do not appear on the secondary optics 2 and / or the cover glass (not shown).

[0037] The structural member 14 has a recess in the middle region 15. Light can pass through this recessed region 15 relatively unobstructed, thus achieving higher light intensity.

[0038] Of course, structural components can also be provided on the collimating lens 13 of the secondary optics.

[0039] Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the eleven light-incoming surfaces 5 of the first light guide 3 and the ten light-incoming surfaces 6 of the second light guide 4 are configured such that each is formed by the distal end of the light guide elements 9 and 10. If a light source (e.g., in the form of a light-emitting diode) is arranged in front of each light-incoming surface 5 and 6, then eleven light sources for high beams and ten light sources for low beams will be provided.

[0040] However, it is entirely possible to provide more or fewer light-incoming surfaces 5 and 6, or more or fewer light-guiding elements 9 and 10 on both the first light guide 3 and the second light guide 4.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the light-gathering surfaces 5 of the first light guide 3 have the same width in the direction in which the light-gathering surfaces 5 are arranged adjacent to each other. In contrast, the light-gathering surfaces 6 of the second light guide 4 have at least partially different widths in the direction in which the light-gathering surfaces 6 are arranged adjacent to each other (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 5 ).

[0042] The width of the light-incoming surface 6 and the width of the light-guiding element 10 increase substantially, at least partially, from the central region outwards. Therefore, in Figure 5 The first light-gathering surface 6a, visible at the outer edge of the left side, is much wider than the second light-gathering surface 6b, which is arranged closer to the center of the light guide 4. Therefore, the light guide element 10a assigned to the first light-gathering surface 6a is also significantly wider in its longitudinal extension direction than the light guide element 10b assigned to the second light-gathering surface 6b.

[0043] Because the light-incoming surfaces 6 and 6a in the outer region of the light guide 4 are relatively wide, more than one light-emitting diode (LED) can be arranged in front of these light-incoming surfaces 6 and 6a. Furthermore, the larger width makes it easier to position the LED in front of the light-incoming surface 6.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 1: Optical components

[0046] 2: Secondary optical components

[0047] 3: First light guide component

[0048] 4: Second light guide component

[0049] 5: The light-incoming surface of the first light guide 3

[0050] 6: The light-incoming surface of the second light guide 4

[0051] 6a: The first light-attracting surface in light-attracting surface 6

[0052] 6b: The second light-attracting surface in light-attracting surface 6

[0053] 7: Light emitting surface of the first light guide 3

[0054] 8: Light emitting surface of the second light guide 4

[0055] 9: The light guide element of the first light guide 3

[0056] 10: The light guide element of the second light guide 4

[0057] 10a: The first light guide element in the light guide element 10

[0058] 10b: The second light guide element in light guide element 10

[0059] 11: Collimating lens of the first light guide 3

[0060] 12: Collimating lens of the second light guide 3

[0061] 13: Collimating lens of secondary optical device 2

[0062] 14: Structural components of light-emitting surface 8

[0063] 15: Recessed area of ​​structural component 14

Claims

1. A headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising: - Multiple primary light sources that emit light during the operation of the headlights for high beams; - Multiple secondary light sources that emit light during the operation of the headlights for low beam; - A first light guide (3), the first light guide having: a plurality of light-inlet surfaces (5) arranged side by side for light emitted from a first light source; and a first light-outlet surface (7). - A second light guide (4), the second light guide having: a plurality of light-entry surfaces (6, 6a, 6b) arranged side by side for light emitted from the second light source; and a second light-exit surface (8). Wherein, at least the first light-incident surface (6a) of the light-incident surfaces has a wider width than at least the second light-incident surface (6b) in the direction in which the light-incident surfaces (5, 6) are arranged side by side. The first light-emitting surface (7) and / or the second light-emitting surface (8) have structural members (14), and in the region (15) arranged at the center in the direction in which the light-emitting surfaces (5, 6) are arranged side by side, the structural members (14) of the first light-emitting surface (7) and / or the second light-emitting surface (8) are not provided.

2. The headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction in which the light-incident surfaces (5, 6) are arranged side by side, at least the first light-incident surface (6a) has a width large enough that two of the light sources can be arranged side by side in front of the at least first light-incident surface (6a).

3. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least first light-incident surface (6a) of the light-incident surfaces is arranged further outward than the at least second light-incident surface (6b) of the light-incident surfaces in the direction in which the light-incident surfaces (5, 6) are arranged side by side.

4. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The width of the light-introducing surfaces (6, 6a, 6b) increases at least partially from the central region outward in the direction in which the light-introducing surfaces (5, 6) are arranged side by side.

5. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least first light-inlet surface (6a) and the at least second light-inlet surface (6a) of the light-inlet surface are the light-inlet surfaces (6, 6a, 6b) of the second light guide (4).

6. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each light guide (3, 4) has a light guide element (9, 10) extending from the light guide (3, 4), and the end of the light guide element (9, 10) away from the light guide (3, 4) forms the light-incoming surface (5, 6).

7. The headlamp according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the first light guide element (10a) forms at least the first light-incident surface (6a) of the light-incident surfaces, wherein the width of the first light guide element in its longitudinal extension direction is greater than the width of the second light guide element (10b), and the end of the second light guide element forms at least the second light-incident surface (6b) of the light-incident surfaces.

8. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first light source and / or the second light source are designed as light-emitting diodes.

9. The headlamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The light-emitting diodes are arranged on a common circuit board.

10. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first light source and / or the second light source can be controlled individually or in groups.

11. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light guides (3, 4) each have collimating lenses (11, 12).

12. The headlamp according to claim 11, characterized in that, The collimating lens is integrated in the first and second light-emitting surfaces (7, 8).

13. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The headlamp includes an optical component (1), which includes both a first light guide (3) and a second light guide (4).

14. The headlamp according to claim 13, characterized in that, The headlamp includes a single-piece optical component (1).

15. The headlamp according to claim 13, characterized in that, The optical component (1) serves as the main optical device.

16. The headlamp according to claim 13, characterized in that, The optical component (1) has a light-emitting surface, which is formed by the first and second light-emitting surfaces (7, 8) of the first light guide (3) and the second light guide (4).

17. The headlamp according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first and second light-emitting surfaces (7, 8) of the first light guide (3) and the second light guide (4) are adjacent to each other and / or merged into each other.

18. The headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The headlamp has a secondary optical element (2) through which light emitted from the first light-emitting surface (7) of the first light guide (3) and / or the second light-emitting surface (8) of the second light guide (4) passes during the operation of the headlamp.

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