Illumination device for a motorcycle headlamp

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motorcycle headlamp, wherein the lighting device is configured to form a segmented light pattern, comprising: a plurality of light sources, at least some of the light sources being configured to be activated independently from each other; a segmented light guiding unit comprising: a plurality of light guiding elements and a light homogenization body; and a projection lens configured to receive light emitted from a light-exit surface of the light homogenization body and to project the segmented light pattern, at least some of the light guiding elements being part of a first group of light guiding elements, the first group of light guiding elements having a defined geometry of a light-entry surface, the light-entry surface being defined by four corners connected by four side edges, namely a left edge, a right edge, a lower edge and an upper edge, three of the four side edges being straight and the fourth edge differing from the three straight edges due to having a rounded protrusion, the rounded protrusion increasing the light-entry surface, the fourth edge being the left edge or the right edge of the respective light guiding element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motorcycle headlight, wherein the lighting device is configured to form a segmented light pattern. Background Technology

[0002] Lighting devices that allow the emission of segmented light patterns are known from the prior art. For example, document AT 513341 A1 discloses a lighting device for emitting segmented light patterns. This lighting device is designed for use in automobiles. Unlike motorcycles, vehicle headlights for automobiles are generally less constrained by size requirements and do not require any adjustments for the lateral tilt of the vehicle. Typically, automobiles have a smaller lateral tilt. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Due to limited space, headlights for motorcycles often have a limited number of segments (especially columns) when segmenting the light pattern. Therefore, each segment covers a wide solid angle. This wide solid angle for a given segment leads to problems with visible differences in light intensity within the light pattern. Specifically, darker vertical gaps are visible in areas where segments are adjacent to each other.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a lighting device for motorcycle headlights that provides a light distribution with improved uniformity.

[0005] This objective is achieved through a lighting device of the type mentioned above, wherein the lighting device comprises: a plurality of light sources, wherein at least some of these light sources are configured to be activated independently of each other; a segmented light guiding unit comprising a plurality of light guiding elements and a light homogenization body, wherein each light guiding element has a distal end including a light incident surface configured to receive light from at least one of the plurality of light sources, and wherein each light guiding element extends entirely toward the homogenization body, the extension at least partially following the main beam direction along the lighting device, wherein the light guiding elements are arranged in at least four columns but no more than twelve columns and at least three rows to enable segmentation of the light pattern, wherein the cross-section of each light guiding element increases continuously from its incident surface toward the light homogenization body along its extension, the cross-section being measured in a plane orthogonal to the orientation of the main beam direction, wherein the segmented light guiding unit achieves segmentation by integrating the plurality of light guiding elements with the light homogenization body. The light homogenizing body is molded, particularly by injection molding, to form a single-piece component, wherein the light homogenizing body extends along the direction of the main beam to allow at least partial homogenization of light received from the light guiding element, and wherein the light homogenizing body includes a focusing light emitting surface for illuminating the light received by the light guiding element; and a projection lens configured to receive light emitted from the focusing light emitting surface of the light homogenizing body and project a segmented light pattern, wherein at least some of the light guiding elements are part of a first group of light guiding elements having a defined geometry of a light incident surface defined by four corners connected by four side edges (i.e., left edge, right edge, lower edge, and upper edge), wherein three of these four side edges are straight, and wherein a fourth edge differs from the three straight edges due to having a rounded protrusion that increases the light incident surface, wherein the fourth edge is the left or right edge of the corresponding light guiding element.

[0006] The corners do not necessarily have to be sharp, but can be rounded to some extent. However, regarding the three straight corners mentioned above, the straight lines connecting these corners should remain unchanged. Protrusions may also be arranged in the corners. The light guiding element in the sense of this invention is an element configured to guide light along a specific path defined by the shape of the light guiding element. The light guiding element has a surface for receiving light and guides light within the light guiding element by reflection along its extension (particularly total internal reflection along the sidewalls). The light guiding element can guide light toward a homogenizing body. The projection lens can project a light pattern into the space in front (e.g., a street). All positional interpretations refer to the installation state of the lighting device from a viewing angle consistent with the direction of the main beam.

[0007] The light guiding element and / or light homogenizing body can be made of silicone and / or optical plastics. Two-photon polymerization can be used to produce the silicone portion. It is also possible to use a set of lenses, called a "lens system," such as an achromatic lens.

[0008] Motorcycles are typically two-wheeled monorail motor vehicles, but generally they are two-wheeled or three-wheeled motor vehicles designed to lean / bank along their longitudinal axis when turning. A possible bank angle of 45° is common.

[0009] Preferably, the rounded protrusion extends between 30% and 80% of the length of the fourth edge. This length is measured based on the shortest distance between the corners of the edges. Such a protrusion allows for optimal overlap of light from adjacent segments to avoid visible vertical lines between these segments, because their lateral outer surfaces form a larger field of view for each segment due to the different angles of total internal reflection.

[0010] Preferably, the protrusion increases the size of the light incident surface by between 5% and 30%. Such a protrusion allows for optimal overlap of light from adjacent segments to avoid visible vertical lines between these segments.

[0011] Preferably, the extent of the protrusion decreases continuously in a curved shape along the extension of the corresponding light guiding element toward the light homogenizing body. This allows for a smooth transition into the homogenizing body and actively influences homogenization. Preferably, the protrusion terminates even before reaching the light homogenizing body.

[0012] Preferably, each light guiding element of the segmented light guiding unit is assigned to a specific segment of a light pattern that can be illuminated by a lighting device, wherein adjacent light guiding elements are assigned to adjacent segments.

[0013] Preferably, each row of light-guiding elements in the segmented light-guiding unit (including the light sources assigned to these rows) can be enabled and disabled independently of each other, wherein the lighting equipment is configured to be controlled based on the measured lean angle of the motorcycle, wherein the enabling and disabling of a row relative to another leaning row based on the measured lean angle of the motorcycle is performed, particularly to increase additional light illuminating areas with low beam distribution. This allows for maximum resolution of the lighting equipment while optimizing its performance during cornering, thereby avoiding glare while maintaining optimal road lighting. Due to the motorcycle's tilt, some of the light segments dedicated to high beam distribution in the upright position will illuminate low beam segments due to the tilt to a lower position—depending on the direction and extent of the tilt. Therefore, by selectively enabling segments, particularly selectively enabling rows of the lighting equipment, the low beam module can be supported by the high beam module.

[0014] Preferably, the lighting equipment is configured to achieve a high beam distribution. This high beam distribution is emitted when the motorcycle is in an upright position and typically moving straight forward. When the motorcycle enters curves, for example, leaning in, only one side of one / two / three circular segments (like slices of pizza) can be activated depending on the lean angle. This is where the "rounded protrusion" is particularly useful. Compared to the sharp boundaries of a segmented high beam distribution, here the light segments of a single light-guiding element smoothly overlap radially from the center to the periphery. When turning, a uniform low beam distribution is generated, and the cut-off line aligns with the horizon at different lean angles.

[0015] Preferably, at least some of the light guiding elements are part of a second group of light guiding elements having a defined geometry of a light incident surface defined by four corners connected by four side edges (i.e., left edge, right edge, lower edge, and upper edge), wherein all four side edges are straight. This allows a blend of sharp and smoothed visible light segments. Preferably, the light incident surface of each light guiding element in the second group has a substantially square shape.

[0016] Preferably, the total number of light guiding elements in the first group is at least 33% of the total number of light guiding elements in the segmented light guiding unit.

[0017] Preferably, the projection lens has an optical axis and a petzvar region, wherein the segmented light guiding unit and the projection lens are arranged such that the focusing light emitting surface of the segmented light guiding unit is positioned within the petzvar region of the projection lens. A single projection lens may also be replaced by a lens system of several lens elements with different geometries and different transparent materials. Preferably, an achromatic doublet lens is used to reduce chromatic aberration.

[0018] Preferably, the segmented light guiding unit and the projection lens are arranged coaxially with the main beam direction of the lighting device.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motorcycle headlight comprising a lighting device according to the present invention, wherein the vehicle headlight further comprises a low-beam light module for illuminating a low-beam light distribution.

[0020] Preferably, the optical body is developed into a single condenser projection lens configured to project light emitted from the lighting device and the low-beam light module. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To further illustrate the invention, illustrative and non-limiting embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings are discussed below, which illustrate:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a motorcycle headlight according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the segmented light guiding unit.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A view of the rear side of the light guiding unit.

[0025] Figure 4 It is based on Figures 1 to 3 A detailed view of the light guiding element on the left part of the light guiding unit.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a comparison of the first and second groups of light-guiding elements.

[0027] Figure 6a It is the left part of the light guiding unit with the second set of light guiding elements.

[0028] Figure 6b This refers to the case where the lighting device according to the invention tilts due to a turn.

[0029] Figure 7 It is an exemplary light beam that travels through the segmented light guiding unit according to the invention, and

[0030] Figures 8a to 8d show different light distributions generated on the measurement screen by enabling individual row segments of the light pattern at different inclination angles using an exemplary lighting device. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same features unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motorcycle headlight 2 according to the present invention is shown. The motorcycle headlight 2 includes a lighting device 1. Of course, the headlight 2 may typically include additional elements not shown in the figure, such as a housing, a clear viewing screen enclosing the housing, adjustment devices, screws, etc. The lighting device 1 is configured to form a segmented light pattern and includes: a plurality of light sources 3, wherein at least some of these light sources 3 are configured to be activated independently of each other; and a segmented light guiding unit 4, which includes a plurality of light guiding elements 4a (see also...). Figures 2 to 4 ) and light homogenization body 4b. Each light guiding element 4a has a light incident surface 4a' (see, for example, see...) Figure 2 At the distal end of the light incident surface 4a', the light incident surface 4a' is configured to receive light L from at least one of the plurality of light sources 3 (see [reference]). Figure 7The invention also relates to a motorcycle headlight 2 comprising a lighting device 1 according to the invention, wherein the vehicle headlight 2 further comprises a low-beam light module 6 for illuminating a low-beam light distribution. Preferably, the optical body may be developed as a single condenser projection lens configured to project light emitted from the lighting device 1 and the low-beam light module 6.

[0033] Look more closely Figure 2 As can be seen, each light guiding element 4a extends entirely toward the homogenizing body 4b, the extension at least partially following the main beam direction x along the lighting device 1, wherein the light guiding elements 4a are arranged in at least four columns C but no more than twelve columns C and at least three rows R1 to R7 to enable segmentation of the light pattern. The cross-section of each light guiding element 4a increases continuously along its extension from its incident surface 4a' toward the light homogenizing body 4b, the cross-section being measured in a plane orthogonal to the main beam direction x. The segmented light guiding unit 4 is formed as a single-piece component by molding, in particular injection molding, a plurality of light guiding elements 4a together with the light homogenizing body 4b. The light homogenizing body 4b extends along the main beam direction x to allow at least partial homogenization of the light received from the light guiding elements 4a, and wherein the light homogenizing body 4b includes a focusing light emitting surface 4b' for irradiating the light L1, L2, L3, L4 received by the light guiding elements 4a. The light guiding elements 4a arranged in column C on the left outer side and column C on the right outer side each contain two light incident surfaces 4a'. This allows the two light sources to be aligned with a wider segment of the light distribution, so that high light intensity can still be achieved even if the corresponding segment has a wide solid angle.

[0034] Figure 1 The lighting device 1 also includes a low-beam optics 6A (e.g., a collimator), a low-beam frame 6B with a cutoff edge 6C and nearly horizontally aligned, and a projection lens 5 configured to receive light emitted from the focusing light-emitting surface 4b' of the light homogenizing body 4b and project a segmented light pattern. (See more closely) Figures 3 to 5 It can be seen that at least some of the light guiding elements 4a are portions of the first group G1 of the light guiding elements 4a, the first group G1 of the light guiding elements 4a having a defined geometry of the light incident surface 4a'. Figure 5 The light incident surface is shown to be defined by four corners G1a, G1b, G1c, G1d connected by four side edges (i.e., left edge G1ad, right edge G1bc, lower edge G1ab and upper edge G1dc), three of which are straight, and the fourth edge is different from the three straight edges due to a rounded protrusion P that enlarges the light incident surface 4a', wherein the fourth edge is the left or right edge of the corresponding light guiding element 4a.

[0035] Preferably, the rounded protrusion P extends between 30% and 80% of the length GL of the fourth edge. Preferably, the protrusion P can increase the size of the light incident surface 4a' by between 5% and 30%. Furthermore, the extent of the protrusion P can continuously decrease along the extension of the corresponding light guiding element 4a toward the light homogenizing body 4b (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 4 Preferably, the protrusion P terminates before reaching the light homogenization body 4b.

[0036] Each light guiding element 4a of the segmented light guiding unit 4 is assigned to a specific segment of the light pattern that can be illuminated by the lighting device 1, wherein adjacent light guiding elements 4a are assigned to adjacent segments, see, for example Figure 7 The sections S3-1 and S-4-1 are shown in the image. Look more closely. Figure 7 It can be seen that the light L illuminated by the light source 3 enters the light guiding element 4a, travels towards the homogenizing body 4b, and exits the body 4b at the focusing light emitting surface 4b' of the body 4b. Light rays L1 and L2 within section S4-1 (in the section not in the section) Figure 7 After projection by the projection lens 5 shown in the diagram, the light rays L3 and L4 from different light guiding elements 4a enter segment S3-1. These segments do not overlap. As a result, if the protrusion P did not allow additional light rays LP to enter these areas, dark areas would appear between these segments. Therefore, the protrusion P allows additional light rays LP to be added in the vertical region between adjacent segments, which improves the uniformity of the projected light pattern.

[0037] Preferably, each row R1 to R7 of the light guiding elements 4a of the segmented light guiding unit 4 (including the light sources 3 distributed to these rows R1 to R7) can be independently enabled and disabled, wherein the lighting device 1 is configured to be controlled based on the measured lean angle of the motorcycle, wherein the row is tilted relative to another and the enabling and disabling of rows R1 to R7 is performed based on the measured lean angle of the motorcycle, in particular to increase additional light illuminating areas with low beam distribution. Preferably, the lighting device 1 is configured to achieve high beam distribution illumination.

[0038] Figure 6b This illustrates a scenario where the lighting device 1 according to the invention tilts due to a turn. Figure 6bIn the example shown, the motorcycle including the lighting device 1 tilts to the right by an angle a1 (corresponding to a certain inward tilt angle of the motorcycle). When compared with a vertical line V (a=0°) based on an angle a=0°, the vertical line V (a1) tilts at this angle a1. As a result, the low beam distribution illuminated by the low beam light module 6 will be tilted accordingly. Therefore, the right half of the light distribution illuminated by the low beam light module 6 will no longer reach the road horizon with the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution; instead, the cutoff line will terminate below the road horizon. Therefore, the road illumination will be reduced during turning, resulting in a potential dangerous situation for motorcyclists or road users. To eliminate this risk, the lighting device 1 can be used to illuminate areas that cannot be illuminated by the low beam light module 6 when turning. It is worth noting that the upward R1 can be divided into two halves, a right half and a left half, wherein, depending on the tilt of the motorcycle (i.e., the inward tilt angle), either the right half or the left half will be activated to compensate for the tilt of the low beam module 6. Due to the optical imaging effect of the projection lens 5, the left half of the first row R1 will be projected onto the right half of the light distribution on the road. The same applies to rows R2, R3, and R4. Therefore, the right half of the first row R1 and rows R5, R6, and R7 will be projected onto the left half of the light distribution illuminated by the lighting device 1. The upper row R1 can be configured to follow a cutoff line and target the cutoff line (as shown in Figures 8a to 8b) when the motorcycle is in an upright position. Figure 8d The light is referred to as HDG-a1 to HDG-a4 (H0 refers to the horizon at an upright position a=0°) and shines upwards. The subsequent rows R2 and R5 are raised upwards, followed by the rows R3 and R6 below. As a result, depending on the extent of the motorcycle's (right or left) tilt, only the left / right half of the first row R1, or additional rows R2, R3, R4, or additional rows R5, R6, R7, will be activated. Figures 8a to... Figure 8d Different angles a1 to a4 and their corresponding light distributions are shown, which can be illuminated by the lighting device 1 to support the low-beam module 6 and ensure the low-beam distribution is complete, even when the motorcycle is turning. In Figure 8a, the left half of the first row R1 is enabled, and in Figure 8b, in addition to the left half of the first row R1, the second row R2 is also enabled. Figure 8c shows the third row R3 being enabled, and... Figure 8d This shows that the fourth row, R4, is also enabled. (Figures 8a to 8b) Figure 8d It is also clearly shown that the slight inhomogeneity in the light distribution between the inner and outer segments of column C, which occurs when the protrusion P is not used, is present. These inhomogeneities can be completely compensated for by the implementation of the protrusion P as described in this invention.

[0039] If possible Figure 3 and Figure 5As seen, at least some of the light guiding elements 4a may be part of a second group G2 of light guiding elements 4a, the second group G2 of light guiding elements having a defined geometry of a light incident surface 4a' defined by four corners G2a, G2b, G2c, G2d connected by four side edges (i.e., left edge G2ad, right edge G2bc, lower edge G2ab, and upper edge G2dc), wherein all four side edges are straight. The light incident surface 4a' of each light guiding element 4a in the second group G2 has a substantially square shape. The total number of light guiding elements 4a in the first group G1 may be at least 33% of the total number of light guiding elements 4a in the segmented light guiding unit 4.

[0040] Preferably, the projection lens 5 has an optical axis and a petzvar region, wherein the segmented light guiding unit 4 and the projection lens 5 are arranged such that the focusing light emitting surface 4b' of the segmented light guiding unit 4 is positioned in the petzvar region of the projection lens 5. Preferably, the segmented light guiding unit 4 and the projection lens 5 are arranged coaxially with the main beam direction x of the lighting device 1.

[0041] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples given in this specification. In particular, the present invention is not limited to the precise values ​​used in the exemplary calculations and equations, which merely illustrate one embodiment of the invention that can be practiced by those skilled in the art. Reference numerals are for informational purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a motorcycle headlight (2), wherein, The lighting device (1) is configured to form a segmented light pattern, wherein the lighting device (1) includes: - Multiple light sources (3), wherein at least some of these light sources (3) are configured to be enabled independently of each other. - Segmented optical guiding unit (4), which includes * Multiple light guiding elements (4a), and * Light homogenization body (4b), Each light guiding element (4a) has a distal end including a light incident surface (4a') configured to receive light (L) from at least one of the plurality of light sources (3), and each light guiding element (4a) extends completely toward the homogenizing body (4b), the extension at least partially following the main beam direction (x) along the lighting device (1), wherein the light guiding elements (4a) are arranged in at least four columns (C) but no more than twelve columns (C) and at least three rows (R1 to R7) to enable segmentation of the light pattern, wherein the cross section of each light guiding element (4a) extends from its incident surface (4a') toward the light source. The light homogenizing body (4b) continuously increases in size along its extension, the cross-section of which is measured in a plane orthogonal to the direction (x) of the main beam, wherein the segmented light guiding unit (4) is formed as a single-piece component by molding the plurality of light guiding elements (4a) together with the light homogenizing body (4b), wherein the light homogenizing body (4b) extends along the direction (x) of the main beam to allow at least partial homogenization of the light received from the light guiding elements (4a), and wherein the light homogenizing body (4b) includes a focusing light emitting surface (4b') for emitting light (L1, L2, L3, L4) received by the light guiding elements (4a), and - A projection lens (5), configured to receive light emitted from the light-collecting light-emitting surface (4b') of the light homogenizing body (4b) and project the segmented light pattern, characterized in that, At least some of the light guiding elements (4a) are portions of a first group (G1) of light guiding elements (4a), the first group (G1) of light guiding elements (4a) having a defined geometry of the light incident surface (4a'), the light incident surface being defined by four corners (G1a, G1b, G1c, G1d) connected by four side edges, namely a left edge (G1ad), a right edge (G1bc), a lower edge (G1ab), and an upper edge (G1dc), wherein three of these four side edges are straight, and wherein a fourth edge is different from the three straight edges due to having a rounded protrusion (P) that enlarges the light incident surface (4a'), wherein the fourth edge is the left or right edge of the corresponding light guiding element (4a).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The rounded protrusion (P) extends between 30% and 80% of the length (GL) of the fourth edge.

3. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protrusion (P) increases the size of the light incident surface (4a') by between 5% and 30%.

4. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extent of the protrusion (P) decreases continuously along the extension of the corresponding light guiding element (4a) toward the light homogenizing body (4b).

5. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The protrusion (P) terminates before reaching the light homogenization body (4b).

6. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the light guiding elements (4a) of the segmented light guiding unit (4) is assigned to a specific segment of the light pattern that can be emitted by the lighting device (1), wherein adjacent light guiding elements (4a) are assigned to adjacent segments (S3-1, S-4-1).

7. The lighting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, Each row (R1 to R7) of the light guiding element (4a) of the segmented light guiding unit (4) includes the light source (3) assigned to these rows (R1 to R7), configured to be enabled and disabled independently of each other, wherein the lighting device (1) is configured to be controlled based on an external signal corresponding to the measured lean angle of the motorcycle, wherein the rows are arranged along a line, and the enabling and disabling of the rows (R1 to R7) is performed based on the measured lean angle of the motorcycle.

8. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lighting device (1) is configured to emit light in a way that enables high beam distribution.

9. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least some of the light guiding elements (4a) are portions of a second group (G2) of light guiding elements (4a), the second group (G2) of light guiding elements having a defined geometry of the light incident surface (4a') defined by four corners (G2a, G2b, G2c, G2d) connected by four side edges, namely the left edge (G2ad), the right edge (G2bc), the lower edge (G2ab), and the upper edge (G2dc), wherein all four side edges are straight.

10. The lighting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The light incident surface (4a') of each light guiding element (4a) in the second group (G2) has a substantially square shape.

11. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The total number of light guiding elements (4a) in the first group (G1) is at least 33% of the total number of light guiding elements (4a) in the segmented light guiding unit (4).

12. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection lens (5) has an optical axis and a pezvar region, wherein the segmented light guiding unit (4) and the projection lens (5) are arranged such that the focusing light emitting surface (4b') of the segmented light guiding unit (4) is positioned in the pezvar region of the projection lens (5).

13. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The segmented light guiding unit (4) and the projection lens (5) are arranged coaxially with the main beam direction (x) of the lighting device (1).

14. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The molding process is injection molding.

15. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein, The rows are arranged along a straight line, which is tilted relative to another.

16. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein, Based on the measured inward tilt angle of the motorcycle, the activation and deactivation of the rows (R1 to R7) are performed to increase additional light radiated into areas with low beam distribution.

17. A motorcycle headlight (2) comprising the lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The motorcycle headlight (2) also includes a low-beam light module (6) for radiating a low-beam light distribution.

18. The motorcycle headlight (2) according to claim 17, wherein, The optical body is developed into a single condenser projection lens configured to project light emitted from the lighting device (1) and the low beam light module (6).

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