Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight

Abstract

Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the headlight lens comprises a one-piece body made of a transparent material, wherein the one-piece body comprises at least a light tunnel and a light transmission part with at least one optically effective light exit surface, wherein the light tunnel comprises at least one light entry surface and transitions into the light transmission part with a bend to create the bend as a light-dark boundary by means of light coupled or radiated into the light entry surface, wherein the light exit surface comprises at least two segments, and wherein the segments are separated from each other by means of a notch or a bend or a discontinuity.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a headlight lens for a vehicle headlight, wherein the headlight lens comprises a one-piece body made of a transparent material with at least one light entry surface and with at least one optically effective light exit surface.

[0002] DE 203 20 546 U1 discloses a lens molded on both sides with a curved surface, a flat surface, and a retaining rim formed on the lens edge, wherein a support rim at least 0.2 mm thick is formed on the retaining rim, projecting from the flat surface. The support rim is formed on the outer circumference of the headlight lens. Another headlight lens with a support rim is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2004 048 500 A1.

[0003] DE 20 2004 005 936 U1 discloses a lens for lighting purposes, in particular a lens for a headlight for imaging the light emitted by a light source and reflected by a reflector to produce a predetermined lighting pattern, with two opposing surfaces, wherein areas with different optical scattering effects are provided on at least one first surface.

[0004] DE 103 15 131 A1 discloses a headlight for vehicles with at least one planar luminous field comprising a plurality of luminous element chips and with an optical element arranged in the beam path of the light beam emitted by the luminous field, wherein the luminous element chips of the luminous field are arranged in a common recess, and that the recess has an edge on a side facing the direction of light emission such that a predetermined luminance gradient is formed in a luminous distribution of the headlight in the area of ​​the edge.

[0005] DE 10 2004 043 706 A1 discloses an optical system for a motor vehicle headlight for distributing a beam of light from a lamp, wherein a primary optical element is provided with an optical surface having a discontinuity along a line, wherein at least on one side adjacent to the discontinuity the optical surface is smooth, so that the beam of light is divided into two beams. It is provided that at least one of the beams has a sharp boundary edge. Furthermore, the optical system includes a secondary optical element for imaging the sharp boundary edge onto a predetermined light-dark boundary.

[0006] DE 195 26 512 B4 discloses a lighting device for vehicles in which light exiting an optical cable is emitted forward through a lens body. The lighting device comprises a light guide made of transparent material, arranged between a light exit end of the optical cable and a light entry end of the lens body. The light guide has a light entry surface shaped to completely cover the light exit end of the optical cable. The lens body comprises a light entry end, manufactured separately from the light guide, shaped to contact and sufficiently cover the light exit surface of the light guide, and emits a luminous flux forward from the light exit surface with a desired light distribution based on the shape of its light exit surface.The light exit surface of the optical fiber includes a central part that passes through a focal point of the lens body and is perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens body.

[0007] DE 102 52 228 A1 discloses a headlight with at least one light source and at least one light shield associated with the light source, having a light coupling surface for coupling in the light emitted by the light source and a light coupling surface, as well as at least one lens that cooperates with the light coupling surface and is arranged in the direction of light emission downstream of the light shield and images the light coupled out by the light shield, wherein the light shield has a cross-section corresponding to the light distribution to be achieved, the cross-section of the light shield increasing from the light coupling surface towards the light coupling surface.

[0008] Further lighting in connection with vehicles are revealed by DE 42 09 957 A1, DE 41 21 673 A1, EP 1 357 333 A2, DE 43 20 554 A1, DE 195 26 512 A1, DE 10 2009 008 631 A1, US 5 257 168 and US 5 697 690.

[0009] It is a particular object of the invention to provide an improved headlight lens for a vehicle headlight, especially for a motor vehicle headlight. A further object of the invention is to reduce the costs of manufacturing vehicle headlights. A further object of the invention is to reduce the costs of manufacturing motor vehicles. A further object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle with a particularly compact low-beam headlight.

[0010] The aforementioned problem is solved by a headlight lens according to claim 1, which includes, among other things, a one-piece body made of a transparent material, in particular a pressed, blank body, wherein the one-piece body comprises at least a light tunnel and a light transmission part with at least one optically effective light exit surface, wherein the light tunnel comprises at least one, in particular an optically effective, light entry surface and transitions into the light transmission part with a bend to create the bend as a light-dark boundary by means of light coupled or radiated into the light entry surface, and wherein the light exit surface comprises at least two, in particular at least three, segments which are separated from each other by means of an indentation or a bend or a discontinuity.

[0011] An optically effective light-entry surface or an optically effective light-emission surface is an optically effective surface of the single-piece body. An optically effective surface within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a surface of the transparent body at which light refraction occurs when the headlight lens is used as intended. An optically effective surface within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a surface at which the direction of light passing through this surface is changed when the headlight lens is used as intended.

[0012] Transparent material, as used in the invention, is in particular glass. Transparent material, as used in the invention, is in particular inorganic glass. Transparent material, as used in the invention, is in particular silicate glass. Transparent material, as used in the invention, is in particular glass as described in PCT / EP2008 / 010136. Glass, as used in the invention, includes in particular 0.2 to 2 wt.% Al2O3, 0.1 to 1 wt.% Li2O, 0.3, in particular 0.4, to 1.5 wt.% Sb2O3, 60 to 75 wt.% SiO2, 3 to 12 wt% Na2O, 3 to 12 wt.% K2O and 3 to 12 wt.% CaO.

[0013] In the context of the invention, "blank pressing" is understood to mean, in particular, pressing an optically effective surface in such a way that subsequent post-processing of the contour of this optically effective surface is unnecessary or not required. It is therefore specifically intended that a blank-pressed surface is not ground after blank pressing.

[0014] A light tunnel according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that total internal reflection essentially occurs on its lateral surfaces (especially top, bottom, right and / or left), so that light entering through the light entrance surface is guided through the tunnel as a light guide. A light tunnel according to the invention is, in particular, a light guide. It is specifically provided that total internal reflection occurs on the longitudinal surfaces of the light tunnel. It is specifically provided that the longitudinal surfaces of the light tunnel are designed for total internal reflection. It is specifically provided that total internal reflection occurs on the surfaces of the light tunnel that are oriented essentially in the direction of the optical axis of the light tunnel.It is particularly intended that the surfaces of the light tunnel, which are oriented essentially in the direction of the optical axis of the light tunnel, are designed for total internal reflection. A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers towards its light-entry surface. A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers towards its light-entry surface by at least 3°. A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers towards its light-entry surface by at least 3° relative to its optical axis. A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers at least partially towards its light-entry surface. A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers at least partially towards its light-entry surface by at least 3°.A light tunnel according to the invention advantageously tapers at least partially towards its light entry surface by at least 3° relative to its optical axis.

[0015] A bend within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a curved transition. A bend within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a transition curved with a radius of curvature of not less than 50 nm. It is specifically provided that the surface of the headlight lens has a curvature rather than a discontinuity at the bend. It is specifically provided that the surface of the headlight lens has a curvature at the bend, in particular with a radius of curvature of not less than 50 nm. In an advantageous embodiment, the radius of curvature is not greater than 5 mm (e.g., for implementing fog lights). In an advantageous embodiment, the radius of curvature is not greater than 0.25 mm (e.g., for implementing low beam headlights), in particular not greater than 0.15 mm, and advantageously not greater than 0.1 mm. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radius of curvature at the bend is at least 0.05 mm.It is specifically intended that the surface of the headlight lens in the bending area is pressed to a bright finish.

[0016] A segment within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, an area defined by a (mathematical or geometric) function that differs from the (mathematical or geometric) function of an adjacent segment. A segment within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, an optically effective area defined by a (mathematical or geometric) function that differs from the (mathematical or geometric) function of an adjacent segment.

[0017] A segment of the light emission surface within the meaning of the invention is in particular an optically effective surface of the light emission surface according to a (mathematical or geometric) function that differs from the (mathematical or geometric) function of an adjacent segment of the light emission surface.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel downwards runs (particularly substantially) horizontally in the transition region. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel downwards runs (particularly substantially) parallel to the optical axis of the headlight lens in the transition region. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transition region is provided / designed in the half of the light tunnel that faces the light-transmitting element. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards has an inflection point in the transition region.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards transitions into the light-transmitting section via a continuous first derivative. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards transitions into the surface (of the light-transmitting section) that bounds the light tunnel upwards via a continuous first derivative. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards has a concavely curved region in the transition area.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards has a concavely curved area with a radius of curvature of at least 20 mm in the transition region. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards is continuous. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface (of the light tunnel) that bounds the light tunnel upwards has a continuous first derivative. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-transmitting portion (in a section facing the light tunnel) tapers towards the light tunnel.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the (first) light source and the (first) light entry surface are designed and arranged relative to each other such that light from the (first) light source has a luminous flux density of at least 75 lm / mm². 2 enters the (first) light entry surface.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light tunnel is arranged between the bend and the light entry surface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-transmitting element is arranged between the bend and the light exit surface. It is particularly provided that light entering the transparent body through the light entry surface and passing from the light tunnel into the light-transmitting element in the region of the bend exits the light exit surface at an angle between -20° and 20° to the optical axis. It is particularly provided that light entering the transparent body through the light entry surface exits the light exit surface at an angle between -20° and 20° to the optical axis.It is specifically designed that light entering the transparent body through the light-entry surface and entering the light-transmitting section at the bend in the light tunnel exits the light-ejection surface substantially parallel to the optical axis.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend comprises an opening angle of at least 90°. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend comprises an opening angle of no more than 150°, advantageously an opening angle of no more than 120°. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is arranged on a surface of the light-transmitting element facing the light-entry surface.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the orthogonal surface of the light-entry surface is inclined relative to the optical axis of the light-transmitting element. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-entry surface is inclined relative to the optical axis of the light-transmitting element at an angle between 5° and 70°, particularly at an angle between 20° and 50°.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light tunnel comprises a region on its surface that corresponds substantially to a portion of the surface of an ellipsoid. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light tunnel comprises a region on its surface that corresponds substantially to at least 15% of the surface of an ellipsoid.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light tunnel on its surface comprises an area for which the following applies: 0.75⋅a⋅1−y2b2−z2c2≤x≤1.25⋅a⋅1−y2b2−z2c2 0.75⋅b⋅1−x2a2−z2c2≤y≤1.25⋅b⋅1−x2a2−z2c2 where z a coordinate in the direction (of the optical axis) of the light tunnel, x a coordinate orthogonal to the direction of the optical axis of the light tunnel, y is a coordinate orthogonal to the direction of the optical axis of the light tunnel and to the x-direction, a number with a value greater than 0 b a number with an absolute value greater than 0 and c is a number with an absolute value greater than 0.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a surface of the light-transmitting element facing the light tunnel is curved, particularly convexly, at least in the region of the bend at the transition into the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is curved along its longitudinal path. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is curved along its longitudinal path with a radius of curvature between 5 mm and 100 mm. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is curved along its longitudinal path according to a Petzval curve.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the kink in its longitudinal direction comprises a curvature with a radius of curvature oriented in the direction of the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light-transmitting element. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radius of curvature is directed opposite to the light-exiting surface.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is curved in a first direction and in a second direction. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bend is curved in a first direction with a first radius of curvature and in a second direction with a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature is orthogonal to the first radius of curvature.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, a portion of the surface of the light-transmitting element facing the light tunnel is designed as a Petzval surface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface of the light-transmitting element facing the light tunnel is designed as a Petzval surface in a region where it transitions into the light tunnel.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length of the headlight lens in the orientation of the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light-transmitting part is no more than 7 cm.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle headlight does not have any secondary optics associated with the headlight lens. Secondary optics within the meaning of the invention are, in particular, optics for directing light that emerges from the light-emitting surface or the last light-emitting surface of the headlight lens. Secondary optics within the meaning of the invention are, in particular, an optical element separate from and / or downstream of the headlight lens for directing light. Secondary optics within the meaning of the invention are, in particular, not a cover or protective lens, but an optical element provided for directing light. An example of secondary optics is, for instance, a secondary lens as disclosed in DE 10 2004 043 706 A1.

[0031] It is specifically intended that the kink, which is depicted as the light-dark boundary, lies in the lower part of the light tunnel.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distance of the light source from the center of the light-emitting surface, oriented along the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light-transmitting element, is no more than 10 cm. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length of the vehicle headlight, oriented along the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light-transmitting element, is no more than 10 cm.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle headlight comprises at least a second light source, spatially separated from the first light source, for coupling or shining light into the light tunnel and / or directly (i.e., in particular without passing through the light tunnel) into the light-transmitting section. It may be provided that a second light source, as defined in the invention, comprises several partial light sources. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle headlight comprises at least a second light source, spatially separated from the first light source, for coupling light into a surface of the light-transmitting section facing the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, light is emitted by means of the second light source above and / or below the cut-off line.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises a curve light source, in particular arranged to the left of the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or above the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light tunnel itself. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the curve light source is arranged between the (first) light entry surface and the light transmission section. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises a further curve light source, in particular arranged to the right of the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or above the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or the light tunnel itself. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the curve light source is arranged between the (first) light entry surface and the light transmission section.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises at least one partial light source arranged above the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises at least two partial light sources, in particular spatially separated from one another, arranged above the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises at least one partial light source arranged below the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light source comprises at least two partial light sources, in particular spatially separated from one another, arranged below the light tunnel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more of the partial light sources are arranged between the (first) light-entry surface and the light-transmitting section.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light source, a curved light source and / or a partial light source, comprises at least one LED or an arrangement of LEDs. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises at least one OLED or an arrangement of OLEDs. The light source can, for example, also be a planar luminous field. The light source can also comprise luminous element chips as disclosed in DE 103 15 131 A1. A light source can also be a laser. A suitable laser is disclosed in ISAL 2011 Proceedings, page 271ff.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface bounding the light tunnel, particularly at the top, has a notch extending (essentially) longitudinally and / or (essentially) parallel to the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or to the optical axis of the light-transmitting section and / or to the optical axis of the light-exiting surface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the notch separates two segments of the light tunnel, particularly those extending from the light coupling surface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a segment or a part of the segments comprises a region on its surface that corresponds essentially to a part of the surface of an ellipsoid. This region corresponds in particular to the upper surface of a respective segment.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the segments comprise a region on their surface that essentially corresponds to a portion of the surface of an ellipsoid. This region corresponds in particular to the upper surface of a respective segment.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface bounding the light tunnel, particularly upwards, has (at least two) indentations extending at least (essentially) longitudinally and / or (essentially) parallel to the optical axis of the light tunnel and / or to the optical axis of the light transmission section and / or to the optical axis of the light exit surface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least two indentations separate at least three segments of the light tunnel, particularly those extending from the light coupling surface.

[0039] It may be provided that a light-entry surface and / or a light-emission surface, as defined in the invention, has a light-scattering structure. A light-scattering structure, as defined in the invention, may be, for example, a structure as disclosed in DE 10 2005 009 556 A1 and EP 1 514 148 A1 or EP 1 514 148 B1. It may be provided that a light tunnel, as defined in the invention, is coated. It may be provided that a light tunnel, as defined in the invention, is coated with a reflective layer. It may be provided that a light tunnel, as defined in the invention, is mirrored.

[0040] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a vehicle headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, according to claim 5.

[0041] The aforementioned task is also solved by a motor vehicle according to claim 8.

[0042] A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a land vehicle that can be used individually in road traffic. Motor vehicles within the meaning of the invention are not limited to land vehicles with an internal combustion engine. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention comprises, in particular, four wheels. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention comprises, in particular, at least four wheels. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention comprises, in particular, a driver's seat and at least one passenger seat arranged transversely to the side of the motor vehicle next to the driver's seat. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention comprises, in particular, at least four seats. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, approved for at least four persons.

[0043] Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description of exemplary implementations. These will show: Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight for use in the motor vehicle according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the motor vehicle headlight according to Fig. 2 in a side view, Fig. 4 the headlight lens according to Fig. 2 in a top view, Fig. 5 the headlight lens according to Fig. 2 in a perspective view from behind, Fig. 6 the headlight lens according to Fig. 2 in a further perspective view from behind, Fig. 7 the headlight lens according to Fig. 2 in a further perspective view from behind, Fig. 8 a by means of the motor vehicle headlight according to Fig. 2 created light-dark boundary, Fig. 9 a top view of a further embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight for use in the motor vehicle according to Fig. 1, Fig. 10 a by means of the motor vehicle headlight according to Fig. 9 created light-dark boundary, Fig. 11 another alternative embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight (for use in the motor vehicle according to Fig. 1) in a side view, Fig. 12 an embodiment of a headlight lens of the motor vehicle headlight according to Fig. 11 in a top view, Fig. 13 the headlight lens according to Fig. 12 in a rear view, and Fig. 14 a by means of the motor vehicle headlight according to Fig. 11 created a light-dark boundary.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 with motor vehicle headlights 10 and motor vehicle headlights / partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004, which are integrated into the body of the motor vehicle 1 in the middle third of the front of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle headlights 10 are advantageously integrated into the body of the motor vehicle 1 in the edge region of the front of the motor vehicle 1.

[0045] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a motor vehicle headlight 80 that can be used as a motor vehicle headlight 10, but without housing, brackets and power supply. It shows Fig. 3 the motor vehicle headlight 80 in a side view and Fig. 2. The motor vehicle headlight 80 is shown in an oblique top view. The motor vehicle headlight 80 comprises a light source 81 and a headlight lens 800. Fig. Figure 4 shows the headlight lens 800 in a top view, and Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the headlight lens 800 in a perspective view from behind.

[0046] The headlight lens 800 comprises a blank-pressed one-piece body made of inorganic glass, which includes a light tunnel 808, which has a light entry surface 801 on one side and on the other side transitions with a bend 807 curved in two spatial directions into a light transmission part 809 (of the blank-pressed one-piece body) which has a segmented light exit surface 802, the segments of which are designated by reference numerals 802A, 802B and 802C.

[0047] The headlight lens 800 is designed such that light entering the headlight lens 800 through the light entrance surface 801 and entering the light transmission element from the light tunnel 808 in the region of the bend 807 exits the light exit surface 802 essentially parallel to the optical axis of the headlight lens 800. The light transmission element 809 defines the bend 807 as the light-dark boundary, as shown in Fig. 8 is shown, wherein light is emitted or coupled into the light entry surface 801 of the light tunnel 808 by means of the light source 81 to implement a low beam.

[0048] The light tunnel 808 has a transition region 808A in which the surface bounding the light tunnel 808 upwards rises towards the light-transmitting section 809, and in which the surface bounding the light tunnel 808 downwards runs horizontally or parallel to the optical axis of the headlight lens 800. In the rear region of the light tunnel 808, the light tunnel 808 has two indentations 881 and 882 on its upward-bounding surface, which run essentially longitudinally along the light tunnel 808, essentially parallel to the optical axis of the light tunnel 808, essentially parallel to the optical axis of the light-transmitting section 809, and essentially parallel to the optical axis of the light-exiting surface 802, respectively. In this part, the light tunnel 808 comprises three longitudinally oriented segments 871, 872 and 873, which are formed or separated by the indentations 881 and 882.Segments 871, 872, and 873 of the light tunnel 808 begin at the light coupling surface 801 and extend to the transition region 808A. Segments 871, 872, and 873 comprise a surface on their upper side that essentially corresponds to a portion of the surface of an ellipsoid.

[0049] Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle headlight assembly 30A in a top view. The motor vehicle headlight assembly 30A has the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004, which have headlight lenses designed analogously to the headlight lens 300, but each with a circumferential rim 331 with differently designed bends, so that the Fig. The light-dark boundary shown in Figure 10 is generated by LED array 3005. It may be provided that the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004 have LED arrays corresponding to LED array 1010.

[0050] It may be provided that, instead of partial headlight 3001, the vehicle headlight 80 is used, the corresponding bend corresponding to the bend of partial headlight 3001. It may be provided that, instead of partial headlight 3002, the vehicle headlight 80 is used, the corresponding bend corresponding to the bend of partial headlight 3002. It may be provided that, instead of partial headlight 3003, the vehicle headlight 80 is used, the corresponding bend corresponding to the bend of partial headlight 3003. It may be provided that, instead of partial headlight 3004, the vehicle headlight 80 is used, the corresponding bend corresponding to the bend of partial headlight 3004.

[0051] The optical axes 3011, 3012, 3013 and 3014 of the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004 lie in a horizontal plane and are slightly inclined to each other in this plane, so that the partial headlight 3001 essentially illuminates the -8° range, the partial headlight 3002 essentially the -4° range, the headlight 3003 essentially the 4° range and the partial headlight 3004 essentially the 8° range (cf. Fig. 10) It may be provided that the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004 are permanently connected to one another in a module. It may be provided that the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004 are arranged in a common housing. It may also be provided that the partial headlights 3001, 3002, 3003 and 3004, as well as further corresponding partial headlights, are arranged on the circumference of a geometric figure, in particular a circle.

[0052] Fig. Figure 11 shows a side view of another vehicle headlight 30 that can be used for the vehicle headlight 10. The vehicle headlight 30 includes a headlight lens 300. Fig. Figure 12 shows the headlight lens 300 in a top view, and Fig. Figure 13 shows the headlight lens 300 from the rear. The headlight lens 300 comprises a molded, one-piece body made of inorganic glass, which includes a light tunnel 308. The light tunnel has a light entry surface 301 on one side and transitions on the other side into a light transmission section 309 (of the molded, one-piece body) with a bend 307 curved in two spatial directions. The light transmission section 309 has a light exit surface 302. The headlight lens 300 is designed such that light entering the headlight lens 300 through the light entry surface 301 and entering the light transmission section from the light tunnel 308 in the region of the bend 307 exits the light exit surface 302 substantially parallel to the optical axis of the headlight lens 300. The light-transmitting element 309 forms the bend 307 as a light-dark boundary, as seen in Fig.Figure 14 shows that a portion of the surface of the light-transmitting element 309 facing the light tunnel 308, designated by reference numeral 310, is designed as a Petzval surface. A rim, particularly a circumferential one, may be provided on the section of the surface of the light-transmitting element 309 designated by reference numeral 330, by means of which the headlight lens 300 can be particularly well fixed.

[0053] The vehicle headlight 30 has a light source 31 and a light source 32, both designed as LEDs. Light 31 is used to project or couple light into the light entry surface 301 of the light tunnel 308 to implement a low beam. Light 32, which can be switched on to implement either a sign light or a high beam, is projected or coupled into a lower side of the light tunnel 308 or into the Petzval surface 310 of the surface 309 facing the light tunnel 308.

[0054] Designations regarding orientation, such as "top," "rising," or "horizontal," refer to the intended operation of a (motor) vehicle headlight. Such designations refer in particular to a (motor) vehicle headlight mounted / installed in a motor vehicle in a horizontal position. The elements, distances, and angles in the figures are drawn for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the magnitudes of some elements, distances, and angles are exaggerated compared to others to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Also to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle headlights are shown without housings, mountings, and power supplies.

Claims

[1] Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the headlight lens comprises a one-piece body made of a transparent material, wherein the one-piece body comprises at least a light tunnel and a light transmission part with at least one optically effective light exit surface, wherein the light tunnel comprises at least one light entry surface and transitions into the light transmission part with a bend to image the bend as a light-dark boundary by means of light coupled or radiated into the light entry surface, wherein the light exit surface comprises at least two segments, and wherein the segments are separated from each other by means of a notch or a bend or a discontinuity. [2] Headlight lens according to claim 1, characterized by that the light-emitting surface comprises at least three segments. [3] Headlight lens according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the one-piece body is pressed to a smooth, polished finish. [4] Headlight lens according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transparent material is inorganic glass. [5] Vehicle headlights, especially motor vehicle headlights, characterized by that it has a headlight lens according to one of the preceding claims and a light source for coupling or irradiating light into the light entry surface. [6] motor vehicle, characterized by that it has a vehicle headlight according to claim 5. [7] Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized by , that the light-dark boundary can be mapped onto a roadway on which the motor vehicle can be positioned.

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