Projection module, method, computer program product, computer readable storage medium and vehicle headlamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection module (100) for projecting a light distribution (300), in particular for a vehicle headlamp (200), comprising:-a surface (130), which has a projection (140) on an edge (131) of the surface (130), which projection (140) is designed to at least partially block a light beam; -at least one beam shaper (120), which is designed to direct the beam at least partially to the edge (131); -a body (110) connecting the surface (130) with the beam shaper (120); and an edge surface (121), which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper (120) and is designed to at least partially direct the light beam away from the projection (140). The invention also relates to a method, a computer program product, a computer readable storage medium and a vehicle headlamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a projection module, a method, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium and a vehicle headlamp. Background Art

[0002] The headlights of a vehicle must have precise light emission characteristics to ensure optimal visibility and safety. One challenge can be to achieve a balanced light distribution that not only adequately illuminates the road but also does not dazzle other traffic participants. This requires precise design of the headlights in order to create a clear demarcation between illuminated and non-illuminated areas.

[0003] In order to meet these requirements, standards and associated measurement methods have been developed in the automotive sector, which contain, among other things, specifications regarding brightness distribution and light color.

[0004] However, when designing a headlight module, situations may arise in which, for example, measures taken to meet brightness distribution requirements result in the light color no longer being within a range that is desired and / or specified by a standard. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a projection module, a method, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium and a vehicle headlight, which have a uniform, neutral and in particular standard-compliant luminous characteristic.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a projection module, a method, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium and a vehicle headlamp. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. The features and details described here in conjunction with the projection module according to the invention are of course also applicable to the features and details described in conjunction with the method according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the computer program product according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the vehicle headlamp according to the invention and vice versa, respectively, so that the disclosures concerning the various inventive aspects always refer to each other or can refer to each other.

[0007] According to the invention, a projection module for projecting a light distribution, in particular for a vehicle headlight, is proposed, the projection module comprising:

[0008] - a surface having a protrusion on an edge of the surface, the protrusion being configured to at least partially block the light beam;

[0009] - at least one beam shaper configured to direct the light beam at least partially to the edge;

[0010] - a body connecting the surface to the beam shaper; and

[0011] A facet which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper and is designed to direct the light beam at least partially away from the projection.

[0012] The projection module may be a device which is designed to shape and direct light from a light source into an area to be illuminated, in particular a traffic environment. It may be provided that the projection module comprises a light source, in particular at least one LED. It may also be provided that the projection module comprises movable parts and / or adapted optics in order to dynamically change the light properties.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, a “light distribution” is to be understood as a distribution of the light radiation generated by the projection module, which distribution is measurable in particular over a predetermined distance.

[0014] The light module can be part of a vehicle headlight. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can in principle be any type of motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be designed as a land, water or air vehicle. The motor vehicle can in particular be a passenger car (passenger vehicle) or a truck (truck). The motor vehicle can also have an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. It can also be provided that the motor vehicle is only electrically driven.

[0015] The surface can be designed as a spatial physical object, the surface being the surface of the object. The surface can be designed to be reflective. This can increase the light output. The edge of the surface can be designed in particular as an end of the surface. The edge can be designed in particular substantially perpendicular to the main propagation direction of the light beam. The protrusion on the edge can refer to a geometric feature of the surface, in particular, which is different from an imaginary plane formed by the surface. The special shape of the protrusion is described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0016] A "light beam" may be understood as a light beam that can be characterized essentially by radiation optics. In particular, a light beam may have a spectrum that causes an essentially neutral white impression when perceived by humans. A light beam may be divided into an almost arbitrary number of smaller light beams.

[0017] "At least partially blocking" may include reflecting and / or absorbing a portion of the light beam. Thus, the light beam cannot follow the path predetermined by the light beam shaper due to the protrusion.

[0018] A "beam shaper" can be understood as an optical element which is designed to shape the light, which can be emitted by a light-emitting device into the beam shaper, into a light beam and to guide the light beam out of the beam shaper along a light path. The light-emitting device can be designed at least as a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED (light-emitting diode) or a laser. Halogen lamps are widely used and provide a low-cost solution with balanced light power. Xenon lamps produce brighter light than halogen lamps and provide better visibility at night. LEDs are energy-saving, durable and can achieve more precise light distribution. With lasers, sufficient brightness can be achieved even at long distances. The beam body can be designed as a parabola.

[0019] A "body" can be understood as a spatial physical object that connects the surface and the beam shaper to each other. For this purpose, the body can have connecting means, in particular at least screws, tabs or latching means. It can be provided that at least the body, the surface or the beam shaper are designed in one piece. In particular, it can be provided that the projection module is designed in one piece as a whole. This reduces the manufacturing costs, especially in large-scale production. It is conceivable that at least one component, in particular the projection module, is designed as an injection molded part as a whole. Such an injection molded part can also be produced in large quantities at relatively low cost and has good optical properties.

[0020] A “facet” may be understood as a flat and / or slightly curved surface. The facet may be designed to at least reflect, refract or deflect light, in particular to at least shape, focus or scatter light. The facet may differ from the properties of the beam shaper, in particular at least in terms of surface angle, curvature or surface coating. The facet may be arranged on a surface of the beam shaper, in particular on a surface of the beam shaper, from which the light beam leaves the beam shaper.

[0021] “Directing the light beam at least partially away from the projection” can be understood to mean that the facets are designed to deflect a portion of the light beam away from the projection, which portion of the light beam would impinge on the projection in the absence of the facets and cause undesirable properties, especially in terms of light properties. This portion of the light beam can be distributed to other areas.

[0022] In summary, the projection module according to the invention achieves the following advantages: the luminous characteristic generated by the projection module is homogeneous in brightness, neutral and in particular conforms to standards. The light beam can be precisely deflected, in particular to the projections at the edge, by the surface connected via the body and the beam shaper. The projections ensure the prescribed luminous characteristic, but can also lead to local deviations from the prescribed luminous characteristic. The facets on the beam shaper can lead parts of the light beam that can lead to these local deviations away from the projections, so that the desired luminous characteristic is ultimately obtained overall.

[0023] It can be advantageous within the scope of the invention that the projection has a scattering region, which is configured to scatter at least a portion of the light beam. In other words, the projection can have an area that scatters the light. As a result, the light can be diffused in order to achieve a more uniform illumination.

[0024] It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the edge has a step which is designed to shape the light beam. The step can be used in particular in a motor vehicle to illuminate the lane edge more strongly or to illuminate less the side where oncoming traffic is expected.

[0025] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the projection is designed at least in a cigar-shaped, nail-shaped or ridge-shaped manner. A cigar-shaped shape can describe an elongated cylindrical shape, in particular similar to a cigar. This shape can have rounded or pointed ends. A nail-shaped shape can describe a shape that is narrow and flat and has a slightly curved or rounded tip. A ridge-shaped shape can describe a shape that has a protrusion or arch that protrudes from the surrounding surface.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the main body comprises a high-beam module, in particular the high-beam module has a high-beam beam shaper. Advantageously, it can be provided that the high-beam module, in particular the high-beam beam shaper, is arranged below the beam shaper. The high-beam beam shaper can be designed as a parabola. It is conceivable that the high-beam beam shaper guides the high-beam beam in the main body and the exit point is realized on the surface with the protrusion, but in such a way that the high-beam beam does not interact with the protrusion.

[0027] It is also conceivable that at least two beam shapers are provided, with the facets being provided only on the beam shapers which direct the light beam to the projection. In other words, it can be provided that the facets are arranged only at positions on the beam shapers where undesirable light properties are actually avoided. This can be ensured, for example, by corresponding calculations in the design of the projection module.

[0028] Furthermore, the abovementioned object is achieved by a method according to the invention for designing a projection module, in particular for projection light distribution according to the invention, comprising:

[0029] - calculating a light distribution formed by a light beam directed at least partially to an edge of the surface having the protrusion by at least one beam shaper;

[0030] - compare the light distribution with a target light distribution; and

[0031] - Calculate the arrangement of the facets suitable for adjusting the light distribution to the target light distribution.

[0032] The method can be configured as a computer-implemented method.

[0033] Each method step can be carried out at least partially simultaneously and / or successively in time, and the order of each method step is not limited by the order given, so each step can be performed in different orders. In addition, individual steps or all steps can be repeated.

[0034] It may be provided that the projection module model is calculated based on the calculation of the light distribution and the arrangement of the facets. It may also be provided that an injection mold is provided according to the projection module model. It may also be provided that the projection module is manufactured by an injection molding method using the injection mold based on the projection module model.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, instead of calculating the light distribution, the light distribution can be measured. It can also be provided that the light distribution is calculated or measured for a projection module having an arrangement of calculated facets.

[0036] The target light distribution may correspond to a distribution that complies with a standard, in particular at least according to the standards of ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), CCC (China Compulsory Certification) or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The target light distribution may in particular have specifications at least regarding the lighting intensity (in lux), the luminous flux (in lumens) or the light color.

[0037] This results in the same advantages with respect to the method according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the projection module according to the invention.

[0038] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a computer program product according to the invention, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0039] As a result, the same advantages result with respect to the computer program product according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the projection module according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention.

[0040] A computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to the present invention.

[0041] The same advantages thus result with respect to the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the projection module according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention.

[0042] Furthermore, the abovementioned object is achieved by a vehicle headlight according to the invention, which has a projection module, in particular according to the invention, which has:

[0043] - a surface having a protrusion on an edge of the surface, the protrusion being configured to at least partially block the light beam;

[0044] - at least one beam shaper configured to focus the light beam at least partially onto an edge;

[0045] - a body connecting the surface to the beam shaper; and

[0046] A facet which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper and is designed to direct the light beam at least partially away from the projection.

[0047] The same advantages are therefore obtained with regard to the vehicle headlight according to the invention as have already been described with regard to the projection module according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention and / or the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention.

[0048] The object is also achieved by a vehicle having a vehicle headlight according to the invention.

[0049] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention is described in detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Herein, schematically:

[0051] Figure 1 Shows a projection module with protrusions of different configurations according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a projection module;

[0053] Figure 3 showing a target light distribution compared to light distributions produced with and without faceting; and

[0054] Figure 4 A vehicle is shown having a vehicle headlight according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 A projection module 100 according to the invention is shown. Such a projection module 100 is designed for projecting a light distribution 300, in particular for a vehicle headlight 200. The projection module 100 has:

[0056] - a surface 130 having a protrusion 140 on an edge 131 of the surface 130 , the protrusion 140 being configured to at least partially block the light beam;

[0057] - at least one beam shaper 120 configured to direct the light beam at least partially to the edge 131;

[0058] - a body 110 connecting the surface 130 with the beam shaper 120; and

[0059] A facet 121 which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper 120 and is designed to direct the light beam at least partially away from the projection 140 .

[0060] In summary, the following advantages are achieved by the projection module 100 according to the present invention: the light characteristics generated by the projection module 100 are uniform in brightness, neutral and in particular conform to standards. The light beam can be precisely deflected, in particular to the protrusion 140 of the edge 131, by means of the surface 130 and the beam shaper 120 connected via the body 110. The protrusion 140 ensures the prescribed light emission characteristics, but can also lead to local deviations from the prescribed light emission characteristics. The facets 121 on the beam shaper 120 can lead the part of the light beam that may lead to the local deviation away from the protrusion 140, so that the desired light emission characteristics are finally obtained as a whole.

[0061] In addition, Figure 1 As shown, within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the protrusion 140 has a scattering area 141, which is configured to scatter at least a portion of the light beam. In other words, the protrusion 140 can have an area that scatters light. As a result, the light can be diffused to achieve more uniform illumination.

[0062] Also in Figure 1 , the edge 131 has a step 132 which is designed to shape the light beam. The step 132 can be used, in particular, to illuminate the lane edge more strongly or to illuminate less the side where oncoming traffic is expected in a motor vehicle.

[0063] Figure 1 Different variations of the protrusion 140 are also shown. The protrusion 140 can be configured at least cigar-shaped, nail-shaped or ridge-shaped. Cigar-shaped can describe an elongated cylindrical shape, especially similar to a cigar. This shape can have rounded or pointed ends. Nail-shaped can describe a shape that is narrow and flat and has a slightly curved or rounded tip. Ridge-shaped can describe a shape with a protrusion or arch that protrudes from the surrounding surface.

[0064] exist Figure 2, the projection module 100 is shown in a lateral section. It is also shown there that the main body 110 comprises a high-beam module 150, in particular the high-beam module 150 has a high-beam beam shaper 151. Advantageously, it can be provided that the high-beam module 150, in particular the high-beam beam shaper 151, is arranged below the beam shaper 120. The high-beam beam shaper 151 can be designed as a parabola. It is conceivable that the high-beam beam shaper 151 guides the high-beam beam in the main body 110 and the exit point is realized on the surface 130 with the protrusion 140, but in such a way that the high-beam beam does not interact with the protrusion 140.

[0065] Reference again Figure 1 It can be provided that projection module 100 has at least two beam shapers 120, and facets 121 are provided only on beam shapers 120 which guide the light beam to projection 140. In other words, it can be provided that facets 121 are arranged only at positions on beam shaper 120 where undesirable light properties are actually avoided. This can be ensured, for example, by corresponding calculations for the design of projection module 100. Such a projection module 100 can be obtained, in particular, by the method according to the invention for designing a projection module 100.

[0066] The method according to the present invention comprises:

[0067] - calculating a light distribution 300 formed by a light beam directed at least partially to an edge 131 of a surface 130 having a protrusion 140 by at least one beam shaper 120;

[0068] - comparing the light distribution 300 with a target light distribution 301; and

[0069] - calculating an arrangement of facets 121 which is suitable for adjusting light distribution 300 to target light distribution 301 .

[0070] The method can be configured as a computer-implemented method.

[0071] Each method step can be carried out at least partially simultaneously and / or successively in time, and the order of each method step is not limited by the order given, so each step can be performed in different orders. In addition, individual steps or all steps can be repeated.

[0072] It may be provided that the projection module model is calculated based on the calculation of the light distribution 300 and the arrangement of the facets 121. It may also be provided that an injection mold is provided based on the projection module model. It may also be provided that the projection module 100 is manufactured by an injection molding method using the injection mold based on the projection module model.

[0073] Target light distribution 301 may correspond to a distribution that complies with a standard, in particular at least according to the standards of ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), CCC (China Compulsory Certification) or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Target light distribution 301 may in particular have specifications at least regarding lighting intensity (in lux), luminous flux (in lumens) or light color.

[0074] Figure 3 3 shows a target light distribution 301 with one light color. The crosses shown indicate the measurement locations of the light color at different positions of the light distribution 300. The wide line shown is the area in which the light of the predetermined light distribution 300 must be located in order to meet a specification, in particular a standard. Four points are shown, of which three are within the specification and one is outside the specification. The point located outside corresponds to the light distribution 300 generated by a projection module 100 provided with a protrusion 140, but without a facet 121. This can be determined by calculating and / or measuring the light distribution 300 before and after the facet 121 is arranged on the beam shaper 120.

[0075] at last, Figure 4 The vehicle headlight 200 according to the invention is shown on a vehicle 400. The object can also be achieved by a vehicle 400 having a vehicle headlight 200 according to the invention.

[0076] Reference numerals list

[0077] 100 projection modules

[0078] 110 Main Body

[0079] 120 beam shaper

[0080] 121 facets

[0081] 130 Surface

[0082] 131 Edge

[0083] 132 steps

[0084] 140 protrusion

[0085] 141 Scattering Area

[0086] 150 High beam module

[0087] 151 High beam beam shaper

[0088] 200 Vehicle headlights

[0089] 300 light distribution

[0090] 301 target light distribution

[0091] 400 vehicles

Claims

1. A projection module (100) for projecting a light distribution (300), in particular for a vehicle headlight (200), comprising: - a surface (130) having a protrusion (140) on an edge (131) of the surface (130), the protrusion (140) being configured to at least partially block the light beam; - at least one beam shaper (120) configured to direct the light beam at least partially to an edge (131); - a body (110) connecting the surface (130) to the beam shaper (120); as well as - a facet (121) which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper (120) and is designed to direct the light beam at least partially away from the projection (140).

2. The projection module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The protrusion (140) has a scattering region (141) which is configured to scatter at least a portion of the light beam.

3. The projection module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The edge (131) has a step (132) which is designed to shape the light beam.

4. The projection module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The projection (140) is configured at least in a cigar-shaped, nail-shaped or ridge-shaped manner.

5. The projection module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The main body (110) comprises a high-beam lamp module (150), and in particular the high-beam lamp module (150) comprises a high-beam beam shaper (151).

6. The projection module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least two beam shapers (120) are provided, and the facets (121) are only provided on the beam shaper (120) that guides the light beam to the protrusion (140).

7. A method for designing a projection module (100) for projecting a light distribution (300), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: - calculating a light distribution (300) formed by a light beam directed at least partially to an edge (131) of a surface (130) having a protrusion (140) by at least one beam shaper (120); - comparing the light distribution (300) with a target light distribution (301); as well as - calculating an arrangement of facets (121) suitable for adjusting the light distribution (300) to a target light distribution (301).

8. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 7.

9. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 7.

10. A vehicle headlight (200) comprising a projection module (100) for projecting a light distribution, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the projection module comprising: - a surface (130) having a protrusion (140) on an edge (131) of the surface (130), the protrusion (140) being configured to at least partially block the light beam; - at least one beam shaper (120) configured to focus the light beam at least partially onto an edge (131); - a body (110) connecting the surface (130) to the beam shaper (120); as well as - a facet (121) which is arranged on the at least one beam shaper (120) and is designed to direct the light beam at least partially away from the projection (140).

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