Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight and motor vehicle headlight

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising an optical body and a plurality of light-guiding bodies, the light-emitting surfaces of which open into the optical body at an optical body convergence surface opposite the optical body light-emitting surface of the optical body. The light guide bodies are arranged in the mode that the interval between the light-emitting faces of the adjacent light guide bodies is larger than zero, so that a free face is formed on the optical body converging face between the two adjacent light guide bodies. The lighting unit comprises an additional optical device having at least one light coupling-in area and one or more light coupling-out areas, each light coupling-in area being provided with at least one additional light source. At least part of the light coupled into the additional optical device by the additional light source via the light coupling-in region propagates within the additional optical device to one or more light coupling-out regions and exits therefrom, at least one preferably only one light coupling-out region being arranged between two adjacent light guides, light emitted from the optical coupling-out area is emitted into the optical body through the free face between the two light guide bodies and can be transmitted to the optical body light-out face of the optical body in the free face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, wherein the lighting device comprises a lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit comprises:

[0002] - an optical body having an optical body light exit surface, the optical body being formed of an optically transparent material,

[0003] - a plurality of light guides, each of which has a light input surface and a light output surface,

[0004] at least one light source assigned to each light guide, wherein the at least one light source of a light guide can only feed light into the light guide, and the light of the at least one light source of a light guide is coupled into the light guide via a light inlet surface of the light guide,

[0005] The light guide is formed of an optically transparent material, so that light coupled into the light guide can propagate from a light input surface to a light output surface and at least a portion of the light fed into the light guide that is incident on a lateral boundary surface of the light guide is totally reflected on the boundary surface, the light guides are arranged side by side in a laterally juxtaposed manner, and the light guides pass into the optical body with their light output surfaces at an optical body input surface opposite to the optical body light output surface of the optical body, the light guides are arranged so that light output surfaces of adjacent light guides have a distance greater than zero from each other, so that free surfaces are respectively generated on the optical body input surfaces between two adjacent light guides, and the lighting device further comprises a projection device that can map light emitted from the light source into a segmented light distribution.

[0006] The term "plurality of light guides" includes two or more, preferably more than two light guides.

[0007] The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle headlight having at least one such lighting device. Background Art

[0008] From the prior art, for example, lighting devices are known, in which, by modifying a light-transmitting body, a low-beam distribution or a front-field light distribution can be generated with the light-transmitting body, and in addition to this light distribution, a sign light distribution can be generated with the same light source. Other embodiments are also known, in which, for example, a projection device connected in series in front of the light-transmitting body is modified accordingly (for example, by means of corresponding optical devices, such as a prism on the projection device), in order to simultaneously generate a sign light distribution in addition to the originally generated low-beam distribution or front-field light distribution.

[0009] For low beam distribution (e.g. C, V, E), there must always be a certain portion of the light above the light-dark line (HD line). This portion of the light above the HD line is called marker light, which enables, for example, overhead road signs to be better seen. For example, the legally important measuring points can be S50LL, S50, S50RR (on the V4° line) and S100LL, S100, S100RR (on the V2° line).

[0010] A major disadvantage of the known solutions is that they generate the marker lights using the same light source as used to generate the low beam or front light distribution, so that the marker lights are always switched on as soon as the front light / low beam module is on.

[0011] Furthermore, marker light prisms on the projection device often have a negative effect on the optical presentation image (both cold and warm designs suffer as a result) and the projection device is partially perceived by oncoming traffic as having a glaring effect because the marker light comes from a relatively small face on the projection device.

[0012] Such "permanent" marker lights have been shown to be disadvantageous in terms of ratings. In the case of glare-free high beams used in modern vehicles, the area of ​​oncoming traffic or road users ahead is blocked by masking the high beam (darkening the desired area). However, the marker lights from the front / low beam module still illuminate this area.

[0013] Especially in the new US ADB rating this "dazzling" will cause a bad evaluation. Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device with which these problems can be solved.

[0015] This object is achieved by the lighting device described at the outset in the following manner, namely, according to the present invention, the lighting unit also includes an additional optical device, wherein the additional optical device has at least one light coupling-in area and one or more light coupling-out areas, wherein at least one additional light source is assigned to each light coupling-in area, and wherein at least a portion of the light coupled into the additional optical device by the additional light source via the light coupling-in area propagates in the additional optical device to one or more light coupling-out areas and is emitted from the additional optical device there, and wherein at least one, preferably exactly one, light coupling-out area is respectively arranged between two adjacent light guides, so that the light emitted from the light coupling-out area can enter the optical body via the free surface between the two light guides and can propagate in the optical body to the optical body light exit surface of the optical body.

[0016] By means of the described configuration, free surfaces or free regions utilized by the present invention are obtained on the surface of the optical body at which the light guides of the optical body merge into the optical body, respectively between adjacent light guides.

[0017] A lighting unit is generally a lighting unit for generating a light distribution, in particular a segmented light distribution, which is substantially located above the horizontal 0°-0° line and additionally forms a high beam with a low beam distribution or a front light distribution generated by another unit / module. In particular, ADB (“Adaptive High Beam”) can be implemented with such a segmented light distribution, wherein the area above the HD line, in particular the oncoming traffic area, can be concealed.

[0018] By utilizing one or more own light sources to generate the marker light, it is not necessary for the marker light to be in permanent operation, neither in the low-beam operating mode / front beam operating mode nor in the ADB operating mode.

[0019] In cooperation with an optical body which provides the segmented light distribution with light above the 0°-0° line, it can also be achieved in a simple manner that the marking light distribution illuminates a desired area within the light pattern in the vertical direction.

[0020] Preferably, the light coupling-in region comprises an optical element or an optical structure that directs the coupled-in light in parallel. For example, the light coupling-in region is designed in the form of a Fresnel lens or a collimator. The parallel-directed light can be further propagated in the additional optical device by means of total reflection.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0022] Preferably, it is provided that the light outcoupling region is arranged below one or more upper edges of the light exit surface, so that light below the upper edge is fed into the free surface.

[0023] The light decoupling region preferably has a (slight) distance from the optical body that is greater than zero or can abut against the optical body.

[0024] The light from the light outcoupling area of ​​the light guide is usually mapped to an area above the horizontal 0°-0° line in the light image, thereby generating a segmented light distribution. For a projection device that acts in an inverted manner in the vertical direction, the light exit surface of the light guide is positioned so that the light exit surface with its upper edge is approximately at the height of the optical axis of the projection device or slightly above it. Due to the inverted effect of the projection device, the light from the light exit surface is (mostly) mapped above the 0°-0° line, wherein the light from the upper edge area is mapped to the lower area of ​​the light distribution, close to the 0°-0° line, in particular slightly below it. (If the upper edge is exactly on the optical axis of the projection device, the light from the upper edge area is mapped onto the 0°-0° line.)

[0025] Correspondingly, light from the light outcoupling area located below the upper edge is mapped at a certain distance above the horizontal 0°-0° line in the light distribution, so that a gap appears between the low beam distribution (to be explained further below) and the light distribution formed by the light from the light outcoupling area, in particular the sign light distribution.

[0026] It may be provided that a main light emission direction of the light emitted from the light outcoupling region is oriented substantially parallel to a light emission direction in which light from a light guide body adjacent to the light outcoupling region travels.

[0027] At this point it should be noted that usually no parallel oriented light emerges from a light-conducting body, and the light emission direction in this case refers to the combined direction of all emerging light beams.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the main light emission direction of the light emitted from the light outcoupling area is oriented so that the light is projected by the projection device into the area above the 0°-0° line, in particular so that the light of all the light outcoupling areas forms a sign light distribution.

[0029] For example, it is provided that the additional optical device is composed of a main body, which is formed by a light-conducting material, wherein preferably, the main body forming the additional optical device has at least one light coupling-in area and at least one conduction area adjacent to the light coupling-in area, wherein the at least one conduction area transitions to a distribution area, and light from at least one additional light source is divided into one or more light decoupling areas through the distribution area.

[0030] Preferably, the light outcoupling region is also part of the body.

[0031] Two or more light outcoupling regions may be provided, wherein the distribution region and the light outcoupling region preferably have a comb-like shape.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the conduction region extends approximately parallel to the light guide and the distribution region extends transversely relative to the light guide and / or the conduction region, in particular, the distribution region extends substantially normally relative to the conduction region, and wherein a redirecting section is provided for each light outcoupling region, the redirecting section being connected to the distribution region, in particular, the redirecting section being designed to be integral with the distribution region, and light is transported to the light outcoupling region by means of the redirecting section.

[0033] For example, the redirecting section has a first deflecting region, which deflects the light fed into the redirecting section from the distribution region into the main light emission direction.

[0034] It can be provided that at least one, in particular exactly one light outcoupling region is arranged between all adjacent light guides, or at least at least one, in particular exactly one light outcoupling region is arranged between two adjacent light guides arranged centrally, and preferably, at least one, in particular exactly one light outcoupling region is respectively arranged between a plurality of central adjacent light guides.

[0035] The term "central" in this context refers to an arrangement with respect to the optical axis X of the projection device. 500 For reference, in particular in the horizontal / lateral direction, the light guide through which the optical axis passes or which is adjacent / close to the axis is referred to as central or more central.

[0036] In particular, it can be provided that the light decoupling region is designed and / or arranged between adjacent light-conducting bodies in such a way that a marking light distribution is produced.

[0037] For example, it may be provided that the optical body and the light guide body are designed to be integral with each other, and preferably, the optical body and the light guide body are formed of the same optically transparent material.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be provided that the light entrance surfaces of the light guide are arranged at a distance greater than zero from each other, and preferably, the light guide tapers from the light exit surface to the light entrance surface.

[0039] The light guide has, for example, a tapered shape.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light beam emitted from the light guide of the lighting unit is mapped by the projection device into a segmented light distribution, wherein the light distribution including two or more adjacent light segments is at least partially located above the 0°-0° line in the light image.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that the free surfaces, in particular all free surfaces, are designed to be flat and / or that optical structures, for example in the form of grooves, are provided in or on the free surfaces, in particular all free surfaces, in order to achieve a homogenization of the generated light distribution, in particular the marking light distribution, in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the lighting device comprises a further lighting unit, a so-called main lighting unit, wherein the main lighting unit is arranged to generate a main light distribution or a front light distribution, in particular a low beam distribution, preferably a low beam distribution with an HD boundary, wherein when all light segments of the light distribution of the sub-segments are illuminated, the main light distribution and the light distribution of the sub-segments together form a high beam distribution.

[0043] The light emitting surface of the lighting unit is preferably arranged so that the focus of the projection device is basically located within the light emitting surface or within the edge that defines the light emitting surface, especially the edge that defines the light emitting surface downward, so that the edge is clearly mapped as a light-dark boundary in the light image, and the light-dark boundary defines the light distribution upward.

[0044] Finally, in this context it can also be provided that in the main light operating mode a main lighting unit for generating a light distribution and an additional light source for generating a marking light distribution are activated and the light sources of the lighting unit are deactivated, and wherein in the partial high-beam operating mode the main lighting unit and at least one light source of the lighting unit, but not all light sources, are activated and the additional light sources are dimmed or deactivated.

[0045] By means of the design according to the invention, the marker light distribution can be switched off (or dimmed) in the partial high-beam operating mode, so that in this operating state of the marker light no undesired scattering is emitted by the marker light.

[0046] A partial high-beam operating mode is understood to be an operating state in which one or more areas, so-called light segments, are hidden from the high-beam beam distribution in order to prevent blinding, for example, to oncoming traffic or traffic ahead.

[0047] In an operating state in which a light distribution, in particular a front light distribution or a low beam distribution, is generated, the marker light source can be turned on, so that the marker light distribution is generated outside the light distribution independently of the light distribution. In contrast, in the prior art, the marker light distribution is generated together with the front light or the low beam (this means that at least one light source responsible for generating the front light distribution or the low beam distribution is also responsible for generating the marker light distribution) and cannot be turned off independently of the front light or the low beam.

[0048] The invention accordingly brings advantages in terms of glare values, in particular when the lighting device is operated in ADB (“adaptive high beam”) mode, in which individual (partial) areas or light segments of the high beam distribution can be switched off. Since in this operating mode, in contrast to the prior art, the marker lights are switched off, it is possible to avoid glare in the hidden areas or in the hidden / switched off segments. Since the invention makes it possible to reduce unwanted “residual light”, in particular in the hidden areas, safety can be increased for all traffic participants. In the low beam operating mode, the marker lights can be switched on to enable the driver, for example, to better observe overhead road signs.

[0049] In contrast, in the “normal” high-beam operating mode, the marker light sources can be switched on. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 The following diagram schematically shows components of a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp,

[0052] Figure 2 A schematic, exploded side view is shown. Figure 1 Lighting equipment in

[0053] Figure 2a Shown in assembled state Figure 2 Lighting equipment in

[0054] Figure 3 A three-dimensional, schematic view shows Figure 1 a lighting unit of a lighting device in

[0055] Figure 4 The rear view is shown in an oblique Figure 3 The lighting unit in

[0056] Figure 4a The figure shows a part of the inlet surface of the optical body within the free surface range.

[0057] Figure 5 The following figure shows the additional optical device for generating the sign light distribution.

[0058] Figure 6 Shown in side view Figure 5 additional optics in the

[0059] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram of a light distribution in the form of a low beam light distribution and a marker light distribution is shown, and

[0060] Figure 8 The low beam distribution and a portion of the high beam light distribution without the signature light distribution are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 2a A lighting device 100 for a motor vehicle headlamp according to the invention is shown, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded view is shown. Figure 2a The lighting device 100 is shown in an assembled state.

[0062] The lighting device 100 comprises a lighting unit 101 (also referred to as a “first” lighting unit) and a further lighting unit 102 , a so-called main lighting unit 102 or a “second” lighting unit.

[0063] The main lighting unit 102 is configured to generate a main light distribution HLV, for example, a low beam distribution with a light-dark boundary HD, such as Figure 8 As shown in .

[0064] The first lighting unit 101 is configured to generate a segmented light distribution FLV ( Figure 8 ).

[0065] When the main lighting unit 102 generates the main light distribution HLV and the first lighting unit 101 is likewise activated, a high-beam distribution is jointly generated if all light segments SEG of the segmented light distribution FLV are activated.

[0066] In addition, an ADB light function can be realized, since individual light segments SEG can be switched off, e.g. Figure 8 As shown in the example, Figure 8 In the embodiment, those light segments which would illuminate the area where the vehicle QFK is located are switched off, the vehicle QFK being in particular the vehicle of oncoming traffic.

[0067] Back to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 2a as well as Figures 3 to 6 It can be observed that the lighting unit 101 comprises an optical body 1 having an optical body light exit surface 10 , wherein the optical body 1 is formed of an optically transparent material.

[0068] Especially in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the lighting unit 101 further comprises a plurality of light guides 2, wherein each light guide 2 has a light inlet surface 2a and a light outlet surface 2b. At least one light source 3 (in the form of one or more LEDs) is assigned to each light guide 2. Figure 2 , Figure 2a Schematically marked as “x”), wherein when at least one light source is turned on, at least one light source 3 of the light guide 2 can only feed light into the light guide 2 via the light input surface 2a.

[0069] The light guide 2 is also formed of an optically transparent material, so that light coupled into the light guide 2 can propagate from the light input surface 2a to the light output surface 2b, wherein at least a portion of the light fed into the light guide 2 that is incident on the lateral boundary surface 2c of the light guide 2 is totally reflected on the boundary surface 2c.

[0070] The light guide bodies 2 are arranged side by side in relation to the position of installation in the motor vehicle. The light guide bodies 2 open into the optical body 1 with their light exit surfaces 2 b at an optical body inlet surface 11 opposite to the optical body light exit surface 10 of the optical body 1 .

[0071] The light guides 2 are arranged such that the light emitting surfaces 2b of adjacent light guides 2 (in the lateral direction) are at a distance greater than zero from each other, so that free surfaces 12 are formed on the optical body inlet surface 11 between two adjacent light guides 2, see Figure 4 and Figure 4a .

[0072] For example, it can be provided that the optical body 1 and the light guide 2 are designed to be integrated with each other and are preferably formed of the same optically transparent material. In addition, it can be provided that the light inlet surfaces 2a of the light guide 2 are arranged at a distance greater than zero from each other, and preferably, the light guide 2 tapers from the light outlet surface 2b to the light inlet surface 2a and has, for example, a conical shape.

[0073] The light from the light guide 2 enters the optical body 1 through the light-incoming surface 11 and is re-emitted through the light-emitting surface 10 of the optical body. The lighting device 100 also includes a projection device 500 (see Figure 2 , Figure 2a ), in particular, a projection optical device, such as a projection lens, which is arranged behind the two lighting units 101 and 102 in the light propagation direction. After the light emitted by the light source 3 is coupled into the optical body 1 via the inlet surface 11 and emitted via the light outlet surface 10, it is mapped by the projection device 500 into the form of a segmented light distribution FLV (see Figure 8 ).

[0074] As already described above, the lighting unit 101 is a lighting unit for generating a segmented light distribution FLV, which is substantially located above the horizontal 0°-0° line (HH line) and additionally forms a high beam with a low beam distribution or a front field light distribution HLV. The segmented light distribution FLV is mostly located above the 0°-0° line, and the lower area is located on the 0°-0° line or preferably slightly below it in a known manner, so that the segmented light distribution is connected to the low beam distribution or the front field light distribution or slightly overlaps with it.

[0075] In particular, with such a segmented light distribution, ADB (“Adaptive High Beam”) can be implemented, wherein the area above the light-dark line (HD line), in particular the area of ​​oncoming traffic, can be masked, as already described.

[0076] Furthermore, the lighting unit 101 comprises an additional optical device 200, wherein the additional optical device 200 has at least one, preferably as shown, exactly one light coupling-in region 201 and one or, as shown, preferably a plurality of light coupling-out regions 202. At least one additional light source 250, in particular in the form of one or more LEDs, is assigned to each light coupling-in region 201. In the exemplary case shown, exactly one additional light source 250 is provided.

[0077] If the additional light source 250 is switched on, at least a portion of the light emitted from the additional light source and coupled into the additional optical device 200 via the light coupling-in region 201 propagates in the additional optical device 200 to the light coupling-out region 202 and is emitted from the additional optical device 200 there.

[0078] As described, on the confluence surface 11 of the optical body 1, where the light guide 2 merges into the optical body on the confluence surface, free surfaces or open areas 12 are respectively generated between adjacent light guides 2. The present invention utilizes these free surfaces or open areas, and at least one additional optical device 200, preferably exactly one light decoupling area 202, is positioned between two adjacent light guides 2, so that the light emitted by the light decoupling area 202 is incident on the optical body 1 via the free surface 12 between the two light guides 2 and propagates in the optical body to the optical body light output surface 10 of the optical body 1.

[0079] The light thus fed into the optical body 1 by the additional optical device 200 and emitted via the light exit surface 10 is projected by the projection device 500 into its own light distribution SV, in particular, into a logo light distribution SV.

[0080] The free surface 12 is designed to be flat, for example. It may be advantageous to provide an optical structure, for example in the form of grooves, in the free surface 12, for example in a substantially flat free surface, in order to homogenize the generated light distribution, in particular the marking light distribution SV, in the horizontal direction.

[0081] The optical body light exit surface 10 is bounded upward by an edge 10a. The edge 10a is preferably approximately or exactly at the height of the upper edge 2b' of the light guide 2b. The optical body light exit surface 10 is preferably arranged so that the optical body light exit surface 10 is approximately located on the focal plane of the projection device 500 or so that the edge 10a is located at the focus of F500 of the projection device 500, which is not limited to the specific embodiment currently described, but has general significance. Thereby, a mapping of the light distribution FLV with the desired clarity is obtained, in particular, the desired clarity of the light segment SEG. In particular, the edge 10a is mapped in the light image as a clear cutoff portion of the light segment SEG located at the bottom.

[0082] The same applies to the main lighting unit 102, which is configured as described to generate a main light distribution HLV, for example a low beam light distribution with a light-dark boundary HD, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown in . For example, the main lighting unit 102 includes one or more light sources 112, in particular one or more LEDs, which cooperate with an optical body 113 including a light exit surface 114 in a known manner to generate a main light distribution HLV. Here, the light emitted from the light exit surface 114 of the optical body 113 is correspondingly mapped in the traffic space by the projection device 500. The light exit surface 114 is defined downward by an edge 114a, which is mapped as a clear line or boundary in the main light distribution (low beam distribution or front field light distribution), namely the so-called light-dark boundary (HD boundary), which limits the light distribution upward. In order to generate a main light distribution with the desired clarity, in particular a main light distribution with the desired HD boundary clarity, the light exit surface 114 is substantially located in the focal plane or focus F of the projection device 500. 500 Essentially located within or on edge 114a.

[0083] By using one or more own light sources 250 to generate an own light distribution SV, in particular a marker light distribution, wherein the own light source or the own light sources 250 can be operated independently of the light source 3 of the lighting unit 101 and independently of the light source 112 of the main lighting unit 102, the marker light distribution SV does not have to be permanently activated, neither in the low-beam operating mode / front light operating mode nor in the ADB operating mode. In particular in the ADB operating mode, the advantage obtained thereby is that when a light segment within the segmented light distribution FLV is dimmed, if the marker light SV is turned off, glare due to the marker light in the dimmed area can be prevented; or, when only the light source 250 is dimmed, the risk of glare can be reduced.

[0084] The light source 250 can be switched on and off at will and dimmed to different degrees, so as to meet different marker light regulations of ECE, CCC and FMVSS, respectively. Of course, this is applicable in the general sense of the present invention and is not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown, it is advantageously provided that a light outcoupling region 202 below the upper edge 2b' of the light exiting surface 2b enters the free surface 12. The light outcoupling region 202 is usually spaced apart from the free surfaces, but can also abut against these free surfaces.

[0086] The light from the light outcoupling area 2b is usually mapped into the area above the horizontal 0°-0° line in the light image, thereby generating a segmented light distribution FLV. For the projection device 500 that is inverted in the vertical direction, the light exit surface 2b of the light guide 2 is positioned so that the light exit surface with its upper edge 2b' is approximately at the optical axis X of the projection device 500. 500By the inversion effect of the projection device 500, the light from the light exit surface 2b (mostly) is projected above the 0°-0° line, wherein the light from the upper edge 2b' area is projected in the lower area of ​​the light distribution, close to the 0°-0° line, in particular slightly below it. (If the upper edge 2b' is exactly located at the optical axis X of the projection device 500, 500 The light from the upper edge 2b' region is mapped onto the 0°-0° line)

[0087] Correspondingly, light from the light outcoupling area 202 located below the upper edge 2b' of the additional optical device 200 is mapped at a certain distance above the lower cutoff portion of the partitioned light distribution FLV, preferably at a certain distance above the horizontal 0°-0° line within the light distribution, so that a gap appears between the main light distribution and the light distribution SV formed using the light from the light outcoupling area 202.

[0088] It is preferably provided that the main light emission direction X2 of the light emitted from the light outcoupling region 202 is oriented approximately parallel to the light emission direction X1 ( Figure 3 , Figure 6 ), the light from the light guide 2 adjacent to the light outcoupling region 202 extends in the light emission direction X1.

[0089] At this point it should be noted that usually no parallel oriented light emerges from the light guide 2 , and the light emission direction X1 in this case represents the composite direction of all emerging light beams.

[0090] Preferably, the main light emission direction X2 of light emitted from one or more light outcoupling areas 202 is oriented so that the light is projected by the projection device 500 into the area above the 0°-0° line, and in particular so that the light from all light outcoupling areas 202 forms a sign light distribution SV.

[0091] As shown, the additional optical device 200 is preferably composed of a main body 200', which is formed by a light-conducting material, wherein the main body 200' has a light coupling-in area 201 and a conductive area 203 adjacent to the light coupling-in area, wherein the conductive area 203 transitions to a distribution area 204, and light from at least one additional light source 250 is divided into one or more light decoupling areas 202 through the distribution area.

[0092] Preferably, the light outcoupling region 202 is also a part of the body 200 ′.

[0093] The light coupling region 201 preferably directs the coupled light beams to be parallel, for example, by directing them through a Fresnel lens structure, see Figure 5 .

[0094] Preferably, the light coupling-in region 201 comprises a plurality of optical elements or optical structures for directing the coupled-in light in parallel. For example, the light coupling-in region 201 has a Fresnel lens structure (see Figure 5 ) or is designed in the shape of a collimator. The parallel oriented light can thus be further propagated in the additional optical device 200 by means of total reflection, in the manner that during propagation, it passes through the conducting area 203 and hits the deflection structure at the end of the conducting area 203, which is composed of two deflection surfaces 203a in the specific case, where the parallel light from the conducting area 203 is deflected into the distribution area 204.

[0095] Furthermore, a region (not shown in detail) is provided which divides the light propagating in the conduction region 203 into the distribution region 204 in a known manner, for example by means of one or more deflection surfaces.

[0096] The conducting region 203 may extend approximately parallel to the light guide 2 as shown and the distribution region 204 may extend transversely to the light guide 2 and / or the conducting region 203, in particular substantially normal to the conducting region 203 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 ). In addition, it is provided that each light outcoupling region 202 is provided with a redirecting section 205 , which is connected to the distribution region 204 , and is particularly designed to be integrated with the distribution region, and the light is transmitted to the light outcoupling region 202 by means of the redirecting section 205 .

[0097] This results in, for example, the additional optical device 200 being Figure 5 The comb shape shown in .

[0098] The distribution area 204 includes an optical structure 204a, which is designed so that the light propagates along the distribution area 204 on the one hand, and a part of the light is deflected to the redirecting section 205 on the other hand. Such a structure is sufficiently known and will not be explained in detail here ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 ).

[0099] Preferably, the redirecting sections 205 each have a deflecting region 205 a which deflects the light fed into the redirecting section 205 from the distribution region 204 to the main light emission direction X2 .

[0100] In the embodiment shown, exactly one light decoupling region 202 of the additional optical device 200 is arranged on both sides of the central light guide between adjacent light guides 2, wherein there is no light decoupling region between the three outermost light guides in each case. This arrangement can be selected so that a desired or specified horizontal width of the marking light distribution SV is obtained.

[0101] The light decoupling region 202 is preferably spaced apart from the free surface 12 of the optical body 1. During assembly, the additional optical device 200 is pushed from above into the desired position in the optical body 1 and can be clamped for fixing between the optical body 1 and the optical body 113 of the main lighting unit 102. In addition, additional retaining elements (not shown) can also be provided.

[0102] The present invention accordingly brings advantages in terms of glare values ​​(Blendwert), in particular when the lighting device is operated in ADB mode ("adaptive high beam"), in which individual areas or sections of the (partial) high beam distribution can be turned off. Since in this operating mode, unlike in the prior art, the marker lights can be turned off or dimmed independently, it is possible to avoid glare or reduce the risk of glare in the hidden area or in the hidden / turned off section. Since the present invention can reduce or eliminate unwanted "residual light" in particular in the hidden area, safety can be improved for all traffic participants. In the low beam operating mode, the marker lights can be turned on to enable the driver to better observe overhead road signs, for example. In the "normal" high beam operating mode, the marker light source can be turned on.

Claims

1. A lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle headlamp, wherein: The lighting device (100) comprises a lighting unit (101), wherein: The lighting unit (101) comprises: - an optical body (1) having an optical body light exit surface (10), wherein the optical body (1) is formed of an optically transparent material, - a plurality of light guides (2), wherein each light guide (2) has a light entrance surface (2a) and a light exit surface (2b), - at least one light source (3) assigned to each light guide (2), wherein the at least one light source (3) of a light guide (2) can only feed light into the light guide (2), and wherein the light of the at least one light source (3) of a light guide (2) is fed into the light guide via the light inlet surface (2a) of the light guide (2), The light guide (2) is formed of an optically transparent material, so that light coupled into the light guide (2) can propagate from the light input surface (2a) to the light output surface (2b), and at least a portion of the light fed into the light guide (2) that is incident on a lateral interface (2c) of the light guide (2) is totally reflected at the interface (2c). wherein the light guides (2) are arranged side by side in the lateral direction, and wherein, The light guide (2) is connected to the optical body (1) through the light exit surface (2b) of the light guide at an optical body inlet surface (11) opposite to the optical body light exit surface (10) of the optical body (1), The light guides (2) are arranged such that the light emitting surfaces (2b) of adjacent light guides (2) are spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than zero, thereby generating a free surface (12) on the optical body confluence surface (11) between two adjacent light guides (2). And wherein the lighting device (100) further comprises a projection device (500), which maps the light emitted from the light source (3) into a segmented light distribution (FLV) form, It is characterized in that The lighting unit (101) further comprises an additional optical device (200), wherein the additional optical device (200) has at least one light coupling-in region (201) and one or more light coupling-out regions (202), wherein each light coupling-in region (201) is provided with at least one additional light source (250), and wherein at least a portion of the light coupled into the additional optical device (250) by the additional light source (250) via the light coupling-in region (201) propagates in the additional optical device (250) to the one or more light coupling-out regions (202) and is emitted from the additional optical device (200) at the one or more light coupling-out regions (202), And wherein at least one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between two adjacent light guides (2), so that light emitted from the light outcoupling region (202) can enter the optical body (1) via the free surface (12) between the two light guides (2) and can propagate in the optical body to the optical body light-emitting surface (10) of the optical body (1); preferably, only one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between two adjacent light guides (2), so that light emitted from the light outcoupling region (202) can enter the optical body (1) via the free surface (12) between the two light guides (2) and can propagate in the optical body to the optical body light-emitting surface (10) of the optical body (1).

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The light outcoupling region (202) is arranged below an upper edge or a plurality of upper edges (2b') of the light emitting surface (2b).

3. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A main light emission direction (X2) of light emitted from the light outcoupling region (202) is oriented substantially parallel to a light emission direction (X1) of light from a light guide (2) adjacent to the light outcoupling region (202).

4. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The main light emission direction (X2) of the light emitted from the light outcoupling area (202) is oriented so that the light is projected by the projection device (500) into the area above the 0°-0° line, and in particular, so that the light from all the light outcoupling areas (202) forms a sign light distribution (SV).

5. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The additional optical device (200) comprises a body (200') formed of a light-guiding material, wherein preferably, the body (200') forming the additional optical device (200) has at least one light coupling-in region (201) and at least one conductive region (203) adjacent to the light coupling-in region, wherein at least one of the conductive regions (203) is coupled to a distribution region (204), and light from the at least one additional light source (250) is distributed to the one or more light outcoupling regions (202) via the distribution region.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: Two or more light outcoupling regions (202) are provided, and preferably, the distribution region (204) and the light outcoupling region (202) have a comb-like shape.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The conduction region (203) extends approximately parallel to the light guide (2), while the distribution region (204) extends transversely relative to the light guide (2) and / or transversely relative to the conduction region (203), in particular, the distribution region (204) extends substantially normal relative to the conduction region (203), and wherein each light outcoupling region (202) is provided with a redirecting section (205), the redirecting section being connected to the distribution region (204), in particular, the redirecting section being designed to be integrated with the distribution region, and light is fed to the light outcoupling region (202) through the redirecting section (205), wherein preferably, the redirecting section (205) has a first deflection region (205a), the first deflection region deflecting light fed into the redirecting section (205) from the distribution region (204) to the main light emission direction (X2).

8. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between all adjacent light guides (2), in particular, only one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between all adjacent light guides (2), or at least one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between two adjacent light guides (2) arranged in the center, in particular, only one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between two adjacent light guides (2) arranged in the center, preferably, at least one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between a plurality of adjacent light guides (2) in the center, in particular, only one light outcoupling region (202) is arranged between a plurality of adjacent light guides (2) in the center.

9. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light outcoupling area (202) is designed and / or arranged between adjacent light guides (2) so as to generate a sign light distribution.

10. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The optical body (1) and the light guide (2) are designed to be integrated with each other. Preferably, the optical body and the light guide are formed of the same optically transparent material.

11. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light-incoming surfaces (2a) of the light guide (2) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than zero, and preferably, the light guide (2) tapers from the light-emitting surface (2b) toward the light-incoming surface (2a).

12. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light beam emitted by the light guide (2) of the lighting unit (101) is mapped by the projection device (500) into a segmented light distribution (FLV), wherein the light distribution (FLV) including two or more parallel light segments (SEG) is at least partially located above the 0°-0° line, and in particular, the light distribution (FLV) including two or more parallel light segments (SEG) is mostly located above the 0°-0° line.

13. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The free surface (12), in particular all free surfaces, are designed to be flat, and / or an optical structure is arranged in the free surface (12) or on the free surface, in particular in all free surfaces or on all free surfaces, the optical structure being, for example, in the form of a groove, so as to achieve homogenization of the generated light distribution in the horizontal direction, in particular, to achieve homogenization of the sign light distribution (SV) in the horizontal direction.

14. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The lighting device (100) comprises a further lighting unit (102), which is a so-called main lighting unit (102), wherein the main lighting unit (102) is configured to generate a main light distribution (HLV) or a front light distribution, in particular to generate a low beam distribution, preferably to generate a low beam distribution with an HD boundary, wherein when all light segments (SEG) of the segmented light distribution (FLV) are illuminated, the main light distribution (HLV) and the segmented light distribution (FLV) together form a far field light distribution. Light distribution, and wherein, for example, in a main light operating mode, the main lighting unit (102) for generating the light distribution (LV) and the additional light source (250) for generating a marker light distribution (SV) are enabled, while the light source (3) of the lighting unit (101) is disabled, and wherein, in a partial high beam operating mode, the main lighting unit (102) and at least one light source (3) of the lighting unit (101) but not all light sources (3) are enabled, while the additional light source (250) is dimmed or disabled.

15. A motor vehicle headlamp having at least one lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images