Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight and motor vehicle headlight

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp for generating a light distribution having a light / dark boundary line, said lighting device having at least one light source, a translucent body, at least one light-coupling element for inputting light emitted by the at least one light source into the translucent body, and a projection device, the projection device has a focusing surface and an optical axis. A first optical coupling-out structure and a second optical coupling-out structure are arranged on the lower interface of the light-transmitting body and are configured to enable light which comes from the light source and irradiates the optical coupling-out structures to be emitted out of the light-transmitting body. The light beam is transmitted towards the projection device from the outside of the light-transmitting body, is irradiated on the projection device in a manner that the light beam does not enter the light-transmitting body again in advance, is projected into an area above the light and dark boundary line by the projection device as a marker light beam, and forms marker light distribution. Wherein the two marker lamp beams are imaged in different sub-regions of a region located above the cut-off line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, the lighting device being used to generate a light distribution having a light-dark boundary line, wherein the lighting device comprises:

[0002] at least one light source,

[0003] ·Translucent body,

[0004] at least one light coupling element for inputting light emitted by at least one light source into the light-transmitting body, and

[0005] a projection device, wherein the lens device has a focal plane and an optical axis,

[0006] Light from at least one light source is input into the light-transmitting body through a light coupling element, and such light propagates in the light-transmitting body as a first light beam toward a light exit surface of the light-transmitting body, and the light-transmitting body is defined by an upper interface and a lower interface opposite to the upper interface, and at least a portion of the light of the first light beam that impinges on the upper interface and / or the lower interface undergoes one or more total reflections on the corresponding interfaces, and the light-transmitting body is defined by a light exit surface, and light that is totally reflected one or more times on at least one interface and emitted from the light-transmitting body through the light exit surface, as well as light that is input by the light source, propagates through the light-transmitting body to the light exit surface without reflection, and is emitted from the light-transmitting body through the light exit surface, are modified by the light guide body into a second light beam, and the second light beam is imaged by a projection device into a light distribution to be generated.

[0007] The light exit surface is, for example, opposite the light coupling element.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight having at least one such lighting device. Background Art

[0009] The above-described lighting devices are known from the prior art, in which, by modifying the light-transmitting body, the light coupling element or the projection device, a sign light distribution can be generated with at least one light source in addition to a front light distribution or a low-beam light distribution.

[0010] In the known solutions, the generated sign light distribution is relatively uniform. In order to achieve, for example, legally required light intensity values ​​at defined points of the light distribution, it is usually necessary to make the light intensity of the entire sign light distribution relatively high. However, this results in light intensity values ​​at other points being higher than desired or even higher than legally permitted. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device with which a marking light distribution can be generated in addition to a front light distribution or a low beam light distribution and the above-mentioned disadvantages can be eliminated.

[0012] Furthermore, an object of the present invention may be to generate a sign light distribution taking into account the particularities of US regulations, such as FMVSS108 regulations.

[0013] This object is achieved with the lighting device described in the introduction in the following manner, namely, according to the invention, at least one first optical outcoupling structure and at least one second optical outcoupling structure are arranged on or in the lower interface, and the optical outcoupling structure is constructed so that light of the first light beam impinging on the optical outcoupling structure is emitted from the light-transmitting body, wherein the light emitted from the at least one first optical outcoupling structure is propagated in the form of a third light beam outside the light-transmitting body toward the projection device, and wherein the light emitted from the at least one second optical outcoupling structure is propagated in the form of a third light beam outside the light-transmitting body toward the projection device.

[0014] The light emitted by the optical outcoupling structure propagates in the form of a fourth light beam outside the light-transmitting body toward the projection device, wherein at least one second optical outcoupling structure is farther from the focusing plane than at least one first optical outcoupling structure, and wherein the third light beam and the fourth light beam directly, that is, without being re-injected into the light-transmitting body in advance, are irradiated onto the projection device and are projected by the projection device into a marker light beam in the area above the light-dark boundary line and together form, for example, a marker light distribution, wherein the two marker light beams are imaged in different sub-areas of the area above the light-dark boundary line.

[0015] Preferably, exactly one first outcoupling structure and exactly one second outcoupling structure are provided.

[0016] It can be provided that at least one first optical coupling-out structure and at least one second optical coupling-out structure respectively extend a defined lateral dimension transversely to the optical axis of the projection device, and wherein at least one first optical coupling-out structure and at least one second optical coupling-out structure respectively extend a defined longitudinal dimension approximately in the direction of the optical axis of the projection device.

[0017] By means of the design according to the invention, two different marker light beams are generated, which illuminate different areas in the light distribution and together form the marker light distribution. By means of corresponding designs of different outcoupling structures, for example with regard to the size and extension of the corresponding outcoupling structures, the amount of light of the individual marker light beams and thus the light intensity in the light distribution can be influenced. With respect to different distances, the light emitted from the farther outcoupling structure is mapped less clearly in the light image, that is, is "smeared", and produces a more uniform illumination in the light image, while the light emitted from the outcoupling structure closer to the Petzval surface or the focusing surface is imaged more clearly or has a higher degree of focus, and thus illuminates one or more smaller areas more brightly.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] It is preferably provided that the third light beam and the fourth light beam are irradiated on and pass through the projection device in different areas of the projection device, in particular in different areas below the optical axis of the projection device, wherein these areas of the projection device project the third light beam and the fourth light beam as marker light beams into the area above the light-dark boundary line and form, for example, a marker light distribution, wherein the two marker light beams are imaged into different sub-areas of the area above the light-dark boundary line.

[0020] Here, the optical axis of the projection device is simultaneously the optical axis of the illumination device.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one first optical coupling-out structure and at least one second optical coupling-out structure are constructed and arranged so that the third light beam and the fourth light beam are irradiated onto the projection device or in the area of ​​the projection device in such a manner that the sub-areas onto which the emitted marker light beams are projected by the projection device either partially overlap or are adjacent to each other in at least one section, or are spaced apart from each other.

[0022] It can be provided that the at least one first optical coupling-out structure is designed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body or a recess in the light-transmitting body, and wherein the at least one second optical coupling-out structure is designed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body or a recess in the light-transmitting body.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure have lateral dimensions of different sizes, wherein preferably the at least one first outcoupling structure closer to the light exit surface has a smaller lateral dimension than the at least one second outcoupling structure.

[0024] In this way, the amount of light emerging from these outcoupling structures can be controlled.

[0025] It can be provided that at least one of the optical outcoupling structures extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device in terms of its lateral dimension, wherein preferably, the first optical outcoupling structure or the second optical outcoupling structure extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device, while the other second optical outcoupling structure or the first optical outcoupling structure extends asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device.

[0026] A symmetrically arranged outcoupling structure brings about a symmetrical illumination intensity distribution relative to the vertical axis (VV axis) in the light image, while an asymmetrically arranged outcoupling structure produces an asymmetrical illumination intensity distribution relative to the vertical axis. For example, in the United States, according to the FMVSS108 regulation, specific illumination intensities are specified along the 5-5 line and the 8-8 line described in the regulation, wherein the positions of these lines are asymmetrical relative to the VV line. By utilizing the corresponding asymmetrical arrangement structure of the outcoupling structure, the required illumination intensity can also be achieved with respect to these asymmetrical lines or areas. The basic sign light distribution is symmetrical with respect to its illumination intensity distribution, and is achieved using a symmetrical outcoupling structure.

[0027] Preferably, it is provided that the lateral direction along which at least one first optical outcoupling structure and / or at least one second optical outcoupling structure extends extends substantially normal to the first light propagation direction and / or normal to the optical axis of the projection device, and preferably extends substantially horizontally.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure is designed in the shape of an outcoupling prism or comprises an outcoupling prism.

[0029] It can be provided here that each coupling-out prism has an exit surface, which is constructed and tilted so that the emitted light beams are directed to one or more areas of the projection device, which project the third light beam and the fourth light beam as marker light beams into an area above the light-dark boundary line.

[0030] For example, it is provided that at least one or both exit surfaces are horizontally curved, that is, curved in a horizontal section, in particular concavely curved, wherein preferably, a horizontal cutting line produced by cutting through such a curved exit surface in a horizontal plane has the shape of a partial circle or follows the shape of a Petzval surface of the projection device.

[0031] It can be provided that vertically, ie in a vertical section, at least one or preferably both emission surfaces are not curved.

[0032] Preferably, it is provided that the exit surface is inclined in such a way that a light beam passing through the exit surface or emerging therefrom extends orthogonally to the exit surface.

[0033] This reduces losses and reduces chromatic aberration.

[0034] In this case, a parallel beam fan can be formed by a corresponding design of the light coupling element. This ensures that the light is irradiated onto the exit surface at an angle of 90° when viewed from the lateral extension of the exit surface.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the light-transmitting body has a baffle edge which is arranged in the light propagation direction between the light coupling element and the projection device, wherein the baffle edge is imaged as a light-dark boundary line in the light distribution.

[0036] The shading edge portion ensures that the first light beam is modified into a second light beam emitted from the light-transmitting body in the following manner, so that the light distribution generated by the projection device has a light-dark boundary line. The shape of the light-dark boundary line in the light distribution is determined by the shape of the shading edge portion. The direction of the shading edge portion defines the boundary beam that just establishes the light distribution.

[0037] The light shielding edge portion is formed by the light emitting surface and the lower interface, that is, the two surfaces meet on the light shielding edge portion.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light coupling element shapes the light emitted by the light source and input into the light coupling element into a first light beam, wherein preferably the light beam is directed to an area, in particular to an area above the shading edge portion, preferably to an area slightly above the shading edge portion.

[0039] The region is located above the light-shielding edge portion, in particular, is located slightly above the light-shielding edge portion or extends therefrom.

[0040] Preferably, it is provided that the diaphragm edge is designed to be curved in the horizontal direction, in particular concavely curved, and preferably follows the focal line of the projection device, wherein the diaphragm edge is preferably located or approximately located in the Petzval surface of the projection device.

[0041] With regard to the statement that the shading edge portion is located in the Petzval surface, it should be pointed out that, to be precise, the relationship is such that the projection device has a focus, which is located on the optical axis of the projection device. The Petzval surface or the focal plane contains the focus, and similarly, the focal line extends through the focus and is located in the Petzval surface.

[0042] The shading edge portion is usually not located exactly in the Petzval surface or in the focus, but at a (very small) distance above it. Typically, the light-dark boundary line in the light image is slightly lower than the horizontal 0°-0° line or lower than the horizon, and the difference is usually 0.573°. In order to achieve this in the light image, the shading edge portion is located a little above the optical axis of the projection device or a little above the focus in the vertical direction, and in practice is often located at a few tens of millimeters above.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light exit surface is designed to be concave in the horizontal direction and preferably follows the shape of a Petzval surface of the projection device.

[0044] It can also be provided that the light exit surface is designed to be convex in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the light exit surface is inclined away from the Petzval surface starting from the light shielding edge portion. The generated light distribution is slightly "smeared", which means that the generated light distribution is more uniform and the height of the projection device can be reduced.

[0045] For example, it is provided that the at least one light source and / or the marking light light source each comprises one or more light-emitting elements, for example one or more LEDs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 The main components of an illumination device for a motor vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown in a perspective view from obliquely below.

[0048] Figure 1a The outcoupling structure according to the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional view observed from obliquely below. Figure 1 The light-transmitting body of the lighting device,

[0049] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A longitudinal section of the lighting device along a vertical plane, which extends through the optical axis of the projection device.

[0050] Figure 2a shows a longitudinal section through an alternative lighting device,

[0051] Figure 3 A detailed view of the first outcoupling structure is shown in a perspective view from below,

[0052] Figure 4 The bottom view from below shows Figure 3 Detailed view of the first coupling structure in

[0053] Figure 5 The view from the front shows a longitudinal section through the light-transmitting body normal to the optical axis in the region of the second coupling-out structure,

[0054] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 The section along line AA,

[0055] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram of a light distribution in the form of a low beam light distribution and a marker light light distribution is shown, and

[0056] Figure 8 An example diagram of light distribution as a result of a light technology simulation is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 , Figure 1a and Figure 2 A lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle headlamp is shown, the lighting device being used to generate a light distribution LV with a light-dark boundary line HDG, wherein the light distribution that can be generated by the lighting device 1 is Figure 7 and Figure 8 is schematically shown in Figure 8 The light distribution as a simulation result when the lighting device according to the present invention is used is shown.

[0058] Figure 2a An alternative design of the lighting device 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 , Figure 1a and Figure 2 The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same elements.

[0059] Figures 3 to 6 Details of the lighting device 1 are shown, wherein these details apply to both embodiments.

[0060] according to Figure 1 , Figure 1a and Figure 2 The lighting device 1 and the lighting device according to Figure 2a The lighting device comprises a light source 10, a light-transmitting body 100, a light coupling element 101 for inputting light emitted by the light source 10 into the light-transmitting body 100, and a projection device 500, wherein the projection device 500 has a focusing surface or a Petzval surface The projection device 500 is typically implemented in the form of a projection lens, but may also have a more complex construction in the form of a lens system. The Petzval surface P500 also contains the focal line of the projection device 500, on which the focal point of the projection device 500 lies in the horizontal plane.

[0061] For example, the light-transmitting body 100 and the light-incoupling element 101 are integrated and preferably formed of the same material. The projection device 500 is preferably constructed to be separate from these elements 100, 101. The light-transmitting body 100, the light-incoupling element 101 and the projection device 500 may be formed of the same material.

[0062] The transparent light-transmitting material that can form the body 100, 101, 500 has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air. The material, for example, contains PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), and is particularly preferably formed from it. However, these bodies can also be made of glass materials, especially inorganic glass materials.

[0063] The light S10 ( Figure 2 , Figure 2a ) is input into the light-transmitting body 100 via the light incident surface 101a of the light-transmitting body 100. The light coupling-in element 101 can, for example, have the shape of an imaging or non-imaging collimator optical device. The light input surface 101a is always designed accordingly, and the flat light input surface 101a shown or marked in the drawings is only one of the various possible solutions known per se for the design of the light input surface 101a.

[0064] The light source or generally at least one light source is, for example, in each case one or more light-emitting elements, such as one or more LEDs, which are encompassed by the light source or at least one light source.

[0065] The light-transmitting body 100 is further defined by an upper interface 105 and a lower interface 106 opposite to the upper interface 105 , and by light exit surfaces 102 , 102 ″ opposite to the light incident surface 101 a .

[0066] The input light of the light source 10 propagates in the light-transmitting body 100 approximately toward the light exit surface 102 as a first light beam S1 , wherein the light coupling element 101 shapes the light emitted by the light source 10 and input into the light coupling element 101 into the first light beam S1 .

[0067] Here, part of the input light is not deflected, and the other part proceeds in the light-transmitting body 100 as a light beam S1 toward the light exit surface 102 due to total reflection at interfaces, particularly at the upper interface 105 and / or the lower interface 106 .

[0068] The light-transmitting body 100 has a light-shielding edge portion 104, which is arranged between the light coupling element 101 and the projection device 500 in the light propagation direction, wherein the light-shielding edge portion 104 is imaged as a light-dark boundary line HDG in the light distribution LV (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0069] Here, the light shielding edge portion 104 ensures that the first light beam S1 is modified into the second light beam S2 emitted from the light-transmitting body 100 in the following manner, so that the light distribution LV generated by the light beam S2 by the projection device 500 has a light-dark boundary line HDG. The shape of the light-dark boundary line in the light distribution LV is determined by the shape and contour of the light shielding edge portion 104.

[0070] The light shielding edge portion 104 is formed by the light emitting surface 102 and the lower interface 106 , that is, the two surfaces 102 and 106 meet on the light shielding edge portion 104 .

[0071] Here, the light coupling element 101 and the light-transmitting body 100 are shaped so that the first light beam S1 points in the direction of the light exit surface 102, and preferably mainly points to the area P0, in particular to the range slightly above the shading edge portion 104, thereby producing a clear light-dark boundary line HDG, wherein there is a high illumination intensity below the light-dark boundary line in the light distribution LV.

[0072] It is preferably provided that light shielding edge portion 104 is designed to be curved in the horizontal direction as shown, in particular to be concavely curved, and preferably follows focal line F500 of projection device 500 in light shielding edge portion 104 .

[0073] It is preferably provided that the diaphragm edge portion 104 is located or approximately located in the Petzval surface P500 of the projection device 500 , as already explained in the introduction.

[0074] In addition, the light exit surface 102 can be configured to be convex in the vertical direction, as in Figure 1 , Figure 1a and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the light exit surface 102 is therefore inclined away from the Petzval surface P500 from the light shielding edge portion 104 toward the light source 10. The generated light distribution is slightly "smeared", which means that the generated light distribution is more uniform and the height of the projection device 500 can be reduced.

[0075] Alternatively, see Figure 2a It can be provided that the light exit surface 102″ is designed to be concave in the horizontal direction and preferably follows the shape of the Petzval surface P500 of the projection device 500.

[0076] Specifically, the light propagating to the light exit surfaces 102, 102″ and emitted from the light transparent body 100 via them is modified by the light guide body 100, especially by the light shielding edge portion 104, into a second light beam S2, which is imaged by the projection device 500 as a light distribution LV with a bright-dark boundary line HDG.

[0077] As from Figure 1 , Figure 1a , Figure 2 and Figure 2a As can be seen in the figure, a first optical coupling structure 210 and a second optical coupling structure 220 are arranged on or in the lower interface 106. Each optical coupling structure 210, 220 extends transversely to the optical axis X of the projection device 500 and the illumination device 1 and defines a transverse dimension Q 210 , Q 220Each optical outcoupling structure 210, 220 extends approximately in the direction of the optical axis X by a defined longitudinal dimension L. 210 , L 220 .

[0078] It should be noted here only for the sake of clarity that in principle two or more first coupling structures and two or more second coupling structures can also be provided, and these coupling structures are then preferably arranged side by side in the lateral direction (first structures side by side, second structures side by side).

[0079] The optical outcoupling structures 210 , 220 are configured such that the light of the first light beam S1 that impinges on the optical outcoupling structures 210 , 220 is emitted from the light-transmitting body 100 .

[0080] The light emitted from the first optical outcoupling structure 210 propagates outside the light-transmitting body 100 toward the projection device 500 in the form of a third light beam S3 .

[0081] The light emitted from the second optical outcoupling structure 220 propagates outside the light-transmitting body 100 toward the projection device 500 in the form of a fourth light beam S4.

[0082] Here, the second optical outcoupling structure 220 is farther from the focusing plane P500 than the first optical outcoupling structure 210 .

[0083] Here, this arrangement structure enables the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 to directly illuminate the projection device 500, that is, without being re-injected into the light-transmitting body 100 in advance, and to be projected by the projection device into marker light beams S3', S4' in the area B above the light-dark boundary line HDG and jointly form a marker light distribution SV, wherein the two marker light beams S3', S4' are imaged in different sub-areas B1, B2 of the area B above the light-dark boundary line HDG.

[0084] The imaging of light S4 from the outcoupling structure 220 which is farther from the focusing plane P500 is not sharp or is less sharp due to the (strong) defocused position and therefore has better uniformity in the generated light distribution SV4 at approximately the same illumination intensity than the light distribution SV3 generated by the first outcoupling structure 210 which is arranged closer to the focusing plane P500.

[0085] The light distribution SV4 generated by the outcoupling structure 220 further from the focusing plane P500 forms a "basic" marker light distribution, which, for example, meets the requirements for marker light distribution according to ECE regulations. The other light distribution SV3 forms an "additional" marker light distribution, with which other requirements for marker lights that exceed those stipulated by ECE regulations can be met and / or allows, for example, the "basic" marker light distribution SV4 to be modified in terms of the generated illumination intensity, so that certain required limit values ​​are achieved, but together with the additional marker light distribution SV3, a marker light distribution SV that is particularly compliant with laws or regulations can still be generated.

[0086] Preferably, the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 are irradiated on the projection device 500 and pass through the projection device in different areas P1, P2 of the projection device 500, in particular located below the optical axis X of the projection device 500, wherein these areas of the projection device 500 project the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 into marker light beams S3', S4' in the area B above the light-dark boundary line HDG and, for example, form a marker light distribution SV, wherein the two marker light beams S3', S4' are imaged in different sub-areas B1, B2 of the area B above the light-dark boundary line HDG as described.

[0087] The first optical coupling-out structure 210 and the second optical coupling-out structure 220 are preferably constructed and arranged so that the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam 4 are irradiated onto the projection device 500 or into the areas P1, P2 of the projection device 500 in the following manner, so that the emitted marker light beams S3', S4' are projected onto the sub-areas B1, B2 of the projection device 500 either partially overlap or are adjacent to each other in at least one section, or are spaced apart from each other.

[0088] Figure 8 An exemplary simulation result is shown. Sub-area B1 is located slightly above the light-dark boundary line, offset to the right with reference to the vertical 0° axis and more concentrated, while the upper sub-area B2 extends symmetrically with respect to the vertical 0° axis and is significantly less concentrated than sub-area B1, that is, it extends over a significantly larger angular range in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The upper edge of sub-area B1 is combined with the lower edge of sub-area B2. The entire marker light distribution SV is generated by the partial marker light distributions SV3 and SV4 imaged in sub-areas B1 and B2 and can be described by SV=SV(S3')∪SV(S4').

[0089] In the embodiment shown (for Figure 2 and Figure 2aThe first optical coupling-out structure 210 is constructed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body 100 , specifically on the lower side 106 . Similarly, the second optical coupling-out structure 220 is constructed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body 100 , or on the lower side 106 .

[0090] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sign light distributions SV3 and SV4 (having significantly different horizontal extensions) shown in FIG. 1 are realized by: the first optical coupling-out structure 210 and the second optical coupling-out structure 220 are as follows: Figure 1a As can be seen in the figure, the transverse extension Q has different sizes. 210 , Q 220 , wherein the first outcoupling structure 210 closer to the light exit surface 102 has a smaller lateral extension Q than the second outcoupling structure 220 210 In this way, the amount of light emitted from the outcoupling structure can be controlled. In addition, the second outcoupling structure 220 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis X, while the first outcoupling structure is shifted to the left with respect to the optical axis X and is preferably completely located to the left of the optical axis X.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling-out structure 220 extends continuously from left to right over substantially the entire width of the light-transmitting body or light-guiding body 100 , and the extension dimensions on both sides of the optical axis X are the same.

[0092] Regardless of the specific number of the first out-coupling structure 210 and the second out-coupling structure 220 and the arrangement structure relative to the optical axis X, it is preferably stipulated that the (partial) sign light distribution SV4 of the light beam S4 is symmetrical with respect to the vertical 0°-0° line (VV line) in the light image, and preferably, the (partial) sign light distribution SV3 of the light beam S3 is asymmetrical with respect to the vertical 0°-0° line (VV line, vertical center line when H=0°) in the light image and is offset to the right on the headlight under the right-hand driving rule, and is offset to the left on the headlight under the left-hand driving rule.

[0093] Back again Figure 1a as well as Figures 3 to 6 It can be seen that it is preferably provided that the lateral direction along which the first optical outcoupling structure 210 and the second optical outcoupling structure 220 extend is substantially normal to the optical axis X of the projection device 500 and extends substantially horizontally.

[0094] Looking closely at the coupling structures 210, 220, they are preferably respectively constructed roughly in the shape of coupling prisms as shown. The coupling prisms have exit surfaces 210a, 220a, respectively, which are tilted in the following manner so that the emitted light beams S3, S4 are directed to the areas P1, P2 of the projection device 500, which project the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 into marker light beams S3', S4' in the area B above the bright-dark boundary line HDG.

[0095] Different from the prismatic shape, it is provided that the exit surfaces 210a, 220a are horizontally curved, that is, curved in a horizontal cross section, in particular concavely curved, wherein preferably, the horizontal cutting lines produced by cutting through such curved exit surfaces 210a, 220a in a horizontal plane respectively have the shape of a partial circle or follow the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device. Figure 4 Here, selected cutting lines are shown in horizontal sections, where the cutting lines are partial circles with center M and radius R. The cutting lines can have the same radius in different horizontal sections and the centers can be stacked one above the other on a (vertical) line; however, it can also be provided that the radii are different in different horizontal sections, in particular it can be provided that the radius increases when moving from the outermost horizontal section in the direction of the body 100. The centers are preferably still located on a vertical line, and the partial circles in different horizontal sections are thus like "concentric" partial circles.

[0096] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in the vertical direction, that is, in the vertical section, both the exit surfaces 210a, 220a are not curved. Therefore, the cutting line obtained by cutting through the exit surfaces 210a, 220a in the vertical plane is a straight line.

[0097] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the exit surfaces 210a, 220a are inclined at a certain angle relative to the optical axis X in such a manner that the passing or emitted light beam S 3 , S 4 It extends orthogonally to the flat exit surfaces 210a and 220a.

[0098] Finally, refer to Figure 7 , which shows the measurement points for adjusting the lighting intensity of the sign light distribution according to FMVSS108 and the differences with the regulations for ECE spaces.

[0099] In the area with oblique hatching, the "5-5" line and the "8-8" line are located therein, where there are differences in the required or maximum permissible lighting intensity of the sign light distribution. In particular, the lighting intensity along these two lines must be higher in the FMVSS108 regulations than required in the ECE regulations.

[0100] exist Figure 8, as already described above, shows the actual light distribution when the coupling structures 210, 220 according to the invention are fully utilized. The area B2 is evenly illuminated from left to right by the "rear" coupling element 220. The coupling structure 210 installed on one side to the left illuminates the asymmetrical right area B1 and makes up for the difference between the US regulations and the European regulations.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle headlamp, the lighting device being used to generate a light distribution (LV) with a light-dark boundary line (HDG), wherein: The lighting device comprises: at least one light source (10), a light-transmitting body (100), at least one light coupling element (101), the light coupling element being used to input light emitted by the at least one light source (10) into the light-transmitting body (100), and A projection device (500), wherein the projection device (500) has a focusing plane (P500) and an optical axis (X), in, The light (S10) of the at least one light source (10) is input into the light-transmitting body (100) via the light coupling element (101), and the light propagates in the light-transmitting body (100) as a first light beam (S1) toward a light exit surface (102) of the light-transmitting body (100), wherein the light-transmitting body (100) is defined by an upper interface (105) and a lower interface (106) opposite to the upper interface (105), wherein At least a portion of the light of the first light beam (S1) irradiated on the upper interface (105) and / or the lower interface (106) is totally reflected once or multiple times on the corresponding interface (105, 106), and wherein The light-transmitting body (100) is defined by a light exit surface (102, 102"), and the light rays emitted from the light-transmitting body (100) through the light exit surface (102, 102"), which are totally reflected once or multiple times on at least one of the interfaces (105, 106), and the light rays input from the light source (10), which propagate through the light-transmitting body (100) to the light exit surface (102, 102") without reflection and are emitted from the light-transmitting body (100) through the light exit surface, is modified by the light guide (100) to form a second light beam (S2), the second light beam being imaged by the projection device (500) into the light distribution (LV) to be generated, It is characterized in that At least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) are arranged on or in the lower interface (106), wherein The optical outcoupling structure (210, 220) is constructed so that the light of the first light beam (S1) impinging on the optical outcoupling structure (210, 220) is emitted from the light-transmitting body (100), wherein The light emitted from the at least one first optical coupling-out structure (210) propagates in the form of a third light beam (S3) outside the light-transmitting body (100) toward the projection device (500), and wherein The light emitted from the at least one second optical coupling-out structure (220) propagates outside the light-transmitting body (100) toward the projection device (500) in the form of a fourth light beam (S4), wherein Compared to the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210), the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) is further away from the focusing plane (P500), and wherein The third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) are directly irradiated onto the projection device (500), i.e., without being re-irradiated into the light-transmitting body (500) in advance, and are projected by the projection device as marker light beams (S3', S4') into the area (B) above the light-dark boundary line (HDG), and together form, for example, a marker light distribution (SV), wherein the two marker light beams (S3', S4') are imaged into different sub-areas (B1, B2) of the area (B) above the light-dark boundary line (HDG).

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) are irradiated on the projection device (500) and pass through the projection device in different areas (P1, P2) of the projection device (500), in particular, the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) are irradiated on the projection device (500) and pass through the projection device in different areas located below the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500), wherein these areas of the projection device (500) project the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) as marker light beams (S3', S4') into the area (B) located above the light-dark boundary line (HDG) and form, for example, a marker light distribution (SV), wherein the two marker light beams (S3', S4') are imaged into different sub-areas (B1, B2) of the area (B) located above the light-dark boundary line (HDG).

3. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) are constructed and arranged so that the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) are irradiated in the projection device (500) or in the area (P1, P2) of the projection device (500) in the following manner: the sub-areas (B1, B2) onto which the emitted marker light beams (S3', S4') are projected by the projection device (500) are either partially overlapped, or are adjacent to each other in at least one section, or are spaced apart from each other.

4. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) is constructed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body (100) or a recessed portion in the light-transmitting body, and wherein the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) is constructed as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body (100) or a recessed portion in the light-transmitting body.

5. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one first optical out-coupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical out-coupling structure (220) respectively extend transversely to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500) to define transverse dimensions (Q210, Q220), and wherein the at least one first optical out-coupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical out-coupling structure (220) respectively extend approximately in the direction of the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500) to define longitudinal dimensions (L210, L220).

6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) have different lateral dimensions (Q210, Q220), wherein preferably, the at least one first outcoupling structure (210) positioned closer to the light exit surface (102) has a lateral dimension (Q210) smaller than the lateral dimension (Q220) of the at least one second outcoupling structure.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: At least one of the optical out-coupling structures extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500) in terms of its lateral dimension, wherein preferably, the first optical out-coupling structure or the second optical out-coupling structure (220) extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500), and the other of the second optical out-coupling structure or the first optical out-coupling structure (210) extends asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500).

8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The lateral direction along which the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) extends extends substantially normal to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500), and preferably extends substantially horizontally.

9. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) are constructed in the form of an outcoupling prism or have an outcoupling prism.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein: Each outcoupling prism has an exit surface (210a, 220a), which is constructed and tilted so that: the emitted light beams (S3, S4) are directed to an area of ​​the projection device (500), and the area projects the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) as marker light beams (S3', S4') into an area (B) located above the light-dark boundary line (HDG).

11. The lighting device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: At least one exit surface (210a, 220a) or both exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are curved in the horizontal direction, that is, curved in a horizontal cross section, particularly curved in a concave manner, wherein preferably, a horizontal cross-sectional curve generated by cutting through such curved exit surfaces (210a, 220a) in a horizontal plane has a shape of a partial circle or follows the shape of a Petzval surface (F500) of the projection device (500).

12. The lighting device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: In the vertical direction, that is, in a vertical cross section, the at least one exit surface is not curved, or preferably, both exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are not curved.

13. The lighting device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: An exit surface (210a, 220a) or multiple exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are tilted so that a light beam (S3, S4) passing through or emitting from the one exit surface (210a, 220a) or the multiple exit surfaces (210a, 220a) extends in a manner orthogonal to the one exit surface or the multiple exit surfaces.

14. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light-transmitting body (100) has a light-shielding edge portion (104), which is arranged between the light coupling element (101) and the projection device (500) in the light propagation direction, wherein the light-shielding edge portion (104) is imaged as the light-dark boundary line (HDG) in the light distribution (LV).

15. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light coupling element (101) shapes the light emitted by the light source (10) and input into the light coupling element (101) into the first light beam (S1), wherein preferably, the light beam (S1) is directed to a defined area (P0) of the light-shielding edge portion (104).

16. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The shading edge portion (104) is constructed to be bent in a horizontal direction, in particular, to be bent in a concave manner, and preferably, the shading edge portion (104) follows the focal line (F500) of the projection device (500), wherein preferably, the shading edge portion (104) is located in the Petzval surface (F500) of the projection device (500).

17. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light exit surface (102") is configured to be concave in the horizontal direction and preferably follows the shape of the Petzval surface (F500) of the projection device (500).

18. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The light exit surface (102) is configured to be convex in the vertical direction.

19. A motor vehicle headlamp having at least one lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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