Auxiliary adaptive enhancement of light function for adaptive high beam headlights
By designing an adaptive high beam headlight system with rotation function, the problem of adaptive high beam headlights providing reduced visibility in regulatory testing is solved, effectively illuminating the originally unilluminated areas, and improving driving safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311485791.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-15
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
AI Technical Summary
Adaptive high beam headlights are directed at a downward angle in regulatory testing, resulting in a 70-80% reduction in visibility provided, making it unable to effectively illuminate areas where the directional light is not covered.
A headlight system is designed, including adaptive high beam (ADB lamp), which has two optical functions: the first optical function projectes a beam along a first inclination angle, and the second optical function is independent of the first optical function , the beam is projected along a second inclination angle (possibly zero) by rotating the headlight.
By rotating the headlights, the area that was not illuminated can be effectively illuminated, which improves visibility in front of the vehicle, meets the requirements of legal testing, and improves driving safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN119492023A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to headlamps in vehicles and, more particularly, to headlamps and methods of use that enhance the functionality of adaptive high-beam headlamps. Background Art
[0002] Adaptive high beam (ADB) headlights are being introduced into vehicles. In order to pass regulatory testing, ADB headlights are angled downward from the horizontal. However, keeping the light at this downward angle reduces the visibility provided by the ADB headlight by as much as 70-80%. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for providing visibility in areas that are not illuminated by the ADB due to its orientation. Summary of the invention
[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes activating a first light function at a headlight of the vehicle to project a light beam in a first direction, and activating a second light function at the headlight to rotate the headlight to project a light beam in a second direction, wherein the second light function is optically combined with the first light function.
[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method also includes activating the second light function independently of activating the first light function.
[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method also includes activating a second light function via a switch operated by the driver.
[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the headlamp includes an adaptive high beam lamp (ADB lamp) for performing the first light function.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the ADB lamp includes an array of light emitting diodes.
[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first direction is at a first tilt angle relative to horizontal, the second direction is at a second tilt angle relative to horizontal, and activating the second light function causes the headlight to rotate upward from the first tilt angle to the second tilt angle.
[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second tilt angle is zero.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a headlight for a vehicle is disclosed. The headlight includes a light source configured to perform a first light function of projecting a light beam at a first oblique angle to the horizontal line; and a second light function of the headlight for projecting a light beam at a second oblique angle to the horizontal line, wherein the first light function is optically combined with the second light function.
[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second light function is configured to be activated independently of the first light function.
[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the headlight also includes a switch configured to activate the second light function.
[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light source is an adaptive high beam (ADB lamp) disposed within a compartment of the headlamp.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the ADB lamp includes an array of light emitting diodes.
[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the headlight is configured to rotate upward from the first tilt angle to the second tilt angle when the second light function is activated.
[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second tilt angle is zero.
[0017] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a headlight. The headlight includes a light source configured to perform a first light function of projecting a light beam at a first oblique angle to the horizontal; and a second light function of the headlight for projecting a light beam at a second oblique angle to the horizontal, wherein the first light function is optically combined with the second light function.
[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second light function is configured to be activated independently of the first light function.
[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vehicle also includes a switch configured to activate the second light function.
[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light source is an adaptive high beam (ADB lamp) disposed within a compartment of the headlamp.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the ADB lamp includes an array of light emitting diodes.
[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the headlight is configured to rotate upward from the first tilt angle to the second tilt angle when the second light function is activated.
[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;
[0026] Figure 2 shows a side view of a vehicle exterior lighting system in an illustrative embodiment;
[0027] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A vehicle wherein the headlight projects a first light beam and a second light beam; and
[0028] Figure 4 An instrument panel display is shown showing an option for activating the auxiliary beam of the headlights. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle includes an exterior lighting system 102 adapted to illuminate an area 104 in front of the vehicle. The exterior lighting system 102 may include various light sources, including headlights ( Figure 2 204 of ). Headlights include adaptive high beam ( Figure 2 The ADB lamp 216 in the front view is oriented to project a first light beam at a first tilt angle θ1 relative to the horizontal line 106. The first light beam illuminates the area 104, which extends over a range 108 in front of the vehicle 100. Figure 2 The orientation of the image 204 at the first tilt angle θ1 limits the range 108 of the region 104, and an object 110 at the end of the range will not be immediately noticed.
[0031] Figure 2A side view 200 of the exterior lighting system 102 of the vehicle 100 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The exterior lighting system 102 includes a housing 202 that stores various light sources. The light sources may include, but are not limited to, a headlight 204, a daytime running light 206 (DRL), and a turn signal light 208. The headlight 204 includes a compartment 210 and a lens 212. The light source is disposed within the compartment 210. The light source may be an adaptive high beam (ADB lamp 216) that includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 218 disposed on a chip 220. The LEDs may be independently activated and deactivated by the chip 220. The ADB lamp 216 may be used to perform two light functions. The first light function includes projecting a light beam along a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is angled downward (i.e., a first tilt angle) relative to the horizontal line 106 and is suitable for meeting the test requirements of the vehicle 100. The second light function is an auxiliary light function in which the ADB lamp 216 projects a light beam along a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is at a second inclination angle θ2 relative to the horizontal line 106, wherein the second inclination angle is less than the first inclination angle (ie, closer to horizontal). Therefore, activating the second function includes rotating the ADB lamp 216 upward. The second inclination angle is the nominal angle of the headlights when driving the vehicle 100.
[0032] Since the ADB light 216 performs the first light function and the second light function using the same lens 212, these light functions are referred to as an optical combination. The auxiliary light function can be activated and deactivated independently of the activation of the ADB light 216. In other words, the ADB light 216 can be turned on when the auxiliary light function is turned on or off.
[0033] The auxiliary light function is created by using the automatic leveling function of the headlight 204. Turning on the auxiliary light function causes the headlight 204 to rotate upward. The processor 224 controls the motor 226 to rotate the headlight 204. In various embodiments, the processor 224 performs the second function by rotating the headlight 204 to align the ADB lamp 216 for projecting a light beam along the second direction D2. The switch 228 can be toggled to turn the auxiliary light function on and / or off. The switch 228 sends a signal to the processor 224, which activates or deactivates the auxiliary light function, thereby rotating the headlight upward or downward, respectively.
[0034] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1The vehicle 100 of the present invention, wherein the headlight 204 projects a light beam along one of a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is at a first inclination angle θ1 relative to the horizontal line 106, and the second direction D2 is at a second inclination angle θ2 relative to the horizontal line 106. The second inclination angle θ2 is less than the first inclination angle θ1. In various embodiments, the second inclination angle θ2 may be zero. In other words, the second direction D2 may be along or parallel to the horizontal line 106. Projecting light along the second direction D2 provides illumination of the second area 302, while the second area 302 is not illuminated when the light is projected along the first direction D1. Illuminating the second area 302 provides the driver with better illumination of oncoming objects.
[0035] Figure 4 A dashboard display 400 is shown showing an option 402 for activating the auxiliary light beam. Option 402 may be selected by the driver or operator of the vehicle. When option 402 is selected, a switch signal is sent to the processor 224 to turn on the auxiliary light function, thereby rotating the headlight 204 upward.
[0036] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.
[0037] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0038] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the filing date of the present application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.
[0039] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0040] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A method of operating a vehicle, comprising: activating a first light function at a headlight of the vehicle to project a light beam in a first direction; and A second light function at the headlight is activated to rotate the headlight to project a light beam in a second direction, wherein the second light function is optically combined with the first light function. 2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising activating the second light function independently of activating the first light function. 3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising activating the second light function via a switch operated by a driver.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The headlight comprises an adaptive high beam (ADB lamp) for performing the first light function.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The first direction is at a first inclination angle relative to a horizontal line, the second direction is at a second inclination angle relative to a horizontal line, and activating the second light function causes the headlight to rotate upward from the first inclination angle to the second inclination angle.
6. A headlight for a vehicle, comprising: a light source configured to perform a first light function of projecting a light beam at a first oblique angle to the horizontal; as well as A second light function of the headlight for projecting a light beam at a second oblique angle to the horizontal, wherein the first light function is optically combined with the second light function.
7. The headlight according to claim 6, wherein: The second light function is configured to be activated independently of the first light function.
8. The headlamp of claim 7, further comprising a switch configured to activate the second light function.
9. The headlight according to claim 6, wherein: The light source is an adaptive high beam lamp (ADB lamp) arranged in the compartment of the headlight.
10. The headlamp according to claim 9, wherein: The headlight is configured to rotate upward from the first tilt angle to the second tilt angle when the second light function is activated.