Headlight for a motor vehicle and method for operating a headlight for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A headlight (101) for a motor vehicle, wherein a low-beam distribution (10A-10D) can be emitted from the headlight (101), and wherein the headlight (101) has a housing (102), wherein a number of individually activatable low-beam segments (8A-8C) are arranged so as to be fixed relative to the housing (102), and wherein a beam range (36) of the low-beam distribution (10A-10D) can be adjusted by means of the number of low-beam segments (8A-8D), characterized in that at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment is arranged so as to be fixed relative to the housing (102) for generating a daytime running light distribution, and in that the daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one of the low-beam segments (8), such that the daytime running light segment is generated beyond the boundaries of the low-beam segment without the need for additional light sources.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method according to the preamble of a dependent claim.

[0002] A headlight according to the preamble of claim 1 is already known from DE 10 2008 036 193 A1. According to DE 10 2009 022 637 A1, in a further operating mode, when the low beam is switched on, the cornering light is only activated when the ambient brightness falls below a certain threshold. This prevents the cornering light from being activated when turning, with the corresponding energy consumption, when the low beam, which is currently being used as daytime running lights, is switched on. This is only useful in darkness or poor lighting conditions. It is known that actuators such as stepper motors are used to vertically pivot a light module of a motor vehicle headlight to implement headlight range control. Actuators such as stepper motors are also used to horizontally pivot the light module of the headlight to implement cornering lights.

[0003] From DE 10 2007 052 ​​745 A1, a headlight for vehicles with a plurality of LED light sources is known. In the area in front of the vehicle, at least one predefined lighting function is completely generated by a group of LED light sources.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to further develop a headlight in such a way that the number of mechanically moving components can be reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a headlight according to claim 1 and by a method for operating the headlight according to a dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and are further described in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Individual features from the description may be important for the invention independently of their inclusion in the claims, without this being explicitly stated again.

[0006] A headlight for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a housing from which a low-beam distribution can be emitted. A number of individually activatable low-beam segments are fixed to the housing. The range of the low-beam distribution is adjustable by changing the number of low-beam segments.

[0007] By individually activating the low-beam segments, it can be ensured that both other road users are not dazzled and the driver has optimal visibility. Furthermore, the beam range can be adjusted to specific driving situations, such as road camber. Particularly in hazardous situations, such as emergency braking, the beam range can be adjusted quickly and reliably in this way. This enables automatic beam range regulation, which is required by law, for example, when light emission limits are exceeded. Moreover, there is flexibility in the integration and arrangement of the individual low-beam segments.

[0008] This allows for the creation of a headlight without electromechanical actuators and without the corresponding mechanism for adjusting the cut-off line of the low beam. Consequently, the headlight is less sensitive to mechanical stress such as vibrations occurring during driving or temperature fluctuations. The rigid connection of the individual, activatable low beam segments to the headlight housing, due to the elimination of actuators, already allows for a more compact headlight design.

[0009] Therefore, a compact, low-wear headlight for motor vehicles can be created that also improves the illumination in front of the vehicle.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the horizontal orientation of the low beam distribution, preferably a kink in the light-dark boundary, is adjustable by means of the number of low beam segments. This allows the low beam distribution to be adapted to curves. Furthermore, adjustments to the headlight for left- or right-hand traffic can be achieved by adjusting the horizontal orientation of the low beam distribution without hardware modifications, since only the software for controlling the low beam segments needs to be adapted. Likewise, adjustments to legal regulations or requirements of vehicle manufacturers can be implemented by modifying or adapting the software, without the need to produce different headlight or light module variants.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one high-beam segment is fixedly arranged relative to the housing to generate a high-beam distribution. The low-beam segments, which are also fixed, and their simultaneous operation or activation together with the high-beam segment allow for optimal illumination of the area in front of the vehicle.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one individually activatable cornering light segment for generating a cornering light distribution and / or at least one individually activatable turning light segment for generating a turning light distribution is fixedly arranged relative to the housing. Advantageously, this allows the headlight to illuminate large horizontal angles without additional electromechanical actuators.

[0013] According to the invention, at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment is fixedly arranged relative to the housing to generate a daytime running light distribution. The daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources from at least one of the low-beam segments. In an advantageous embodiment, the daytime running light segment also comprises a number of individual light sources from the at least one high-beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one turning light segment. This advantageously creates degrees of freedom in the design of the daytime running light, since the daytime running light segment can be generated across the boundaries of the other segments without requiring additional light sources. Thus, an additional lighting function is created by utilizing the existing segments with light sources, thereby eliminating the costs for additional light sources required for the daytime running light function. In an advantageous embodiment, the low beam segments and / or at least one high beam segment can be activated to adjust the respective vertical orientation of one of the respective light distributions, depending on the vehicle's suspension compression, acceleration, and / or road inclination. Advantageously, this allows for the provision of one or more vertically variable light distributions without the need for actuators.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the low beam segments and / or the at least one high beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one turning light segment can be activated to adjust the respective horizontal orientation of one of the respective light distributions, depending on the steering angle of the vehicle. This enables the provision of one or more horizontally variable light distributions without the need for actuators.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the low beam segments and / or the at least one high beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one turning light segment and / or the at least one daytime running light segment each comprise a number of individually or group-switchable semiconductor light sources, which are arranged on a common circuit board or on a common substrate. The common circuit board or substrate for the semiconductor light sources increases the integration level of the light-generating segments, thus creating a more compact headlight.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the individual light sources of at least the low beam segments and / or the high beam segment have a horizontal and / or vertical resolution of less than or equal to 1.2°, preferably less than or equal to 0.6°. These resolutions create a headlight that enables variable light distribution, particularly in the low beam range, with high resolution and, in particular, headlight range control.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the dipped beam segments and / or the at least one main beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one turning light segment and / or the at least one daytime running light segment can be operated to generate at least one intermediate light intensity when activated and / or deactivated. This intermediate light intensity, for example, results in a dimming down when the respective segment is switched off and an increasing dimming when it is switched on, thus improving the driver's subjective perception of the light distribution generated in front of the vehicle.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, a masked, preferably vertically striped zone can be generated by deactivating at least one low beam segment and at least one high beam segment depending on a detected road user, in particular a detected oncoming or preceding vehicle, or a detected road sign. The headlight thus enables the emission of a glare-free high beam.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, a highlighted zone can be created by increasing the luminous intensity of at least one low-beam segment and / or at least one high-beam segment depending on a detected road user, in particular a detected pedestrian. The headlight designed in this way increases road safety.

[0020] Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. The same reference numerals are used in all figures for functionally equivalent quantities and features, even in different embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematically represented lighting device for motor vehicles; Fig. 2. A light module in schematic form; and Fig. 3 to 7 each represent a schematically depicted view situation from the perspective of a driver;

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 is a schematically represented lighting device for motor vehicles, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 101. The lighting device 101 is designed as a motor vehicle headlight. The headlight 101 comprises a housing 102, which is preferably made of plastic. In a light emission direction 103, the headlight housing 102 has a light emission opening, which is closed by a transparent cover 104. The cover 104 is made of colorless plastic or glass. The cover 104 can be designed as a so-called clear lens without optically effective profiles (for example, prisms). Alternatively, the cover 104 can be provided, at least in certain areas, with optically effective profiles that, in particular, cause the light passing through it to be scattered in the horizontal direction.

[0022] Inside the headlight housing 102 is a light module 106, and of course, further light modules may also be arranged in the headlight housing 102. The light module 106 is fixedly attached to the housing 102.

[0023] A control unit can be located on the outside of the headlight housing 102, enclosed in a control unit housing. Alternatively, instead of a separate control unit, it can be an integral part of the light module 106. The control unit can also be located remotely from the headlight 101. The light module 106 is supplied with electrical power and / or control signals via an electrical connection 110. This electrical connection 110 is connected, for example, to a control unit, the vehicle electrical system, or a communication network. A central connector is typically used on the headlight 101. Inside the headlight 101, the wiring is carried out using a separate wiring harness.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the light module 106. The light module 106 comprises a light generation section 2, a power electronics section 4, and a control section 6. The light generation section 2 includes four low-beam segments 8A to 8D, which can be activated individually or in groups to generate a low-beam distribution 10A to 10D in front of the vehicle. Those low-beam distributions 10A to 10D that are activated together at any given time form a combined low-beam distribution. The light generation section 2 also includes a high-beam segment 12, a cornering light segment 16, and a turning light segment 20, each of which is designed to generate a high-beam distribution 14, cornering light distribution 18, or turning light distribution 22 in front of the vehicle.

[0025] The individual segments 8A to 8D, 12, 16, and 20 are fixed to the housing 102 and thus essentially rigidly connected to it. The low-beam segments 8A to 8D are designed such that by switching on, i.e., activating, one or more of the low-beam segments 8A to 8D, the overall low-beam distribution emitted by the headlight 101 in front of the vehicle can be generated with a variable beam range, i.e., with an adjustable vertical alignment of the cut-off line created in front of the vehicle. Segments 12, 16, and 20 are also fixed to the housing 102, thereby reducing the installation space required for the headlight or the corresponding light module by eliminating the need for actuators and the associated mechanical components.

[0026] According to a signal 24, the control section 6 receives, for example, information such as suspension compression, acceleration, road inclination, or an equivalent value. Depending on the signal 24, a block 6A generates a control signal which is fed to a power electronics unit 4A. The power electronics unit 4A operates the low-beam segments 8A to 8D depending on the current supplied by the power electronics unit 4A. By appropriately switching the individual low-beam segments 8A to 8D on or off, the beam angle of the headlight 101 to the road is changed in the opposite direction to a change in the inclination of the vehicle body, which occurs in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0027] According to a signal 26, a steering angle of the vehicle is supplied to the control section 6. Depending on the signal 26, the block 6A generates the corresponding control signal in order to additionally change the horizontal orientation of the generated overall low beam distribution in front of the vehicle by means of corresponding segments 8, which, for example, in the Fig. 3 and 5 to 7 are explained. The high beam segment 12, cornering light segment 16 and the turning light segment 20 can be operated to adjust the respective horizontal alignment by means of a corresponding block 6B, 6C, 6D and corresponding power electronics 4B, 4C, 4D, which in the simplest case includes the activation of a single respective segment.

[0028] In addition to signals 24 and 26, further signals can of course be supplied to the control unit 6. In particular, signals originating from a detection device that recognizes other road users, traffic signs or other environmental features in front of the vehicle can be supplied to the control unit 6.

[0029] The control unit 6 is, for example, configured as a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The control unit 6, the power electronics 4, and the light-generating section 2 can be arranged on the same circuit board, on the same substrate, or spatially separated, i.e., on different circuit boards or different substrates. In particular, the arrangement of the individual light sources is independent of the segmentation of the individual light sources according to the low-beam segments 8A to 8D, the high-beam segment 12, the cornering light segment 16, and / or the turning light segment 20.

[0030] In one embodiment of the light generation section 2, the low beam segments 8A to 8D, the high beam segment 12, the cornering light segment 16 and the turning light segment 20 may each comprise only a single light source.

[0031] In one embodiment of the light-generating section 2, the individual segments 8A to 8D, 12, 16, and 20 mentioned above each comprise a number of individually or group-switchable semiconductor light sources arranged on a common substrate, referred to as a semiconductor light source chip. The dimensions, arrangement, and resolution of the semiconductor light sources can be homogeneous or, of course, inhomogeneous. By dividing the components into segments containing a number of switchable semiconductor light sources, the data stream required, for example, to control power electronic components, can be reduced.

[0032] In another embodiment, the individually or group-switchable semiconductor light sources are arranged on a common circuit board. Furthermore, other light sources, for example a laser light source for the at least one high beam segment 12, can also be used. Thus, the integration level of the individual segments 8A to 8D, 12, 16, and 20 is freely selectable. In addition, the individual light sources, in the form of semiconductor light sources, have a horizontal resolution of 0° or equal to 1.2°, preferably less than or equal to 0.6°. Likewise, the vertical resolution of the individual semiconductor light sources can be less than or equal to 1.2°, preferably less than 0.6°. With this selected vertical resolution of the individual light sources, all additional load states can easily be represented, and the legal requirements for headlight range adjustment can be met.In particular, this resolution allows for adaptation to the vehicle's load capacity and chassis type. The vertical and / or horizontal resolution of less than or equal to 0.6° ensures that the cut-off line always maintains a range comparable to the basic cut-off line setting. This prevents limitations in the headlight range caused by excessively short ranges. Furthermore, a delayed dimming of individual segments prevents abrupt and disruptive switching between them, which the driver might find jarring.

[0033] Of course, projection and imaging optics devices or a combined projection and imaging optics device can be arranged in front of the light module or individual segments 8A to 8D, 12, 16, 20 in order to convert the primary light distributions generated by individual segments 8A to 8D, 12, 16, 20 into the corresponding light distributions 10A to 10D, 14, 18, 22, which can also be referred to as emitted light distributions.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the lighting pattern produced by the light module 106 in the area in front of the vehicle, from the driver's perspective. This representation can be observed, for example, on a test screen positioned at a distance from the vehicle. The schematic shows individual spotlights 30 switched on and 32 switched off, each generated by a single light source. Naturally, the emitted light distribution of the switched-on spotlights overlaps.

[0035] Below the cut-off line 34, the low-beam distribution 10A is emitted by the headlight 101 by means of the switched-on individual light sources and the resulting individual light spots 30. Above the cut-off line 34, which runs around a horizontal H, no light is produced by the inactive individual light sources, thus creating a darkened area 35 above the cut-off line 34.

[0036] A vertical alignment 36 of the light-dark boundary 34 is shifted by switching a corresponding number of segments, and thus individual light sources, on or off. This is achieved by segmenting the existing individual light sources, in the case of low-beam distributions 10A to 10D, into low-beam segments 8A to 8D, which is described below. Fig. This is explained in section 4. The horizontal alignment 38 can also be shifted by switching a number of light sources on or off. For example, a kink in the light-dark boundary 34 can be moved. By increasing the number of individual light sources used to generate the light-dark boundary 34, the resolution of the light-dark boundary 34 is increased.

[0037] When individual light sources or segments containing light sources are switched on, they can operate at an intermediate luminous intensity for at least a period of time, starting from a luminous intensity of zero, before reaching an operating luminous intensity. Similarly, when individual light sources or segments containing light sources are switched off, they can operate at an intermediate luminous intensity for at least a period of time, starting from an operating luminous intensity, before reaching zero. Additional intermediate luminous intensities can also be provided independently to improve the dimming effect and thus the subjective resolution of the generated light distribution.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the driver's view of the road in a further embodiment. An illumination area 40 of the headlight 101 is indicated. The low beam distributions 10A to 10D are each generated by an individual light source according to segments 8A to 8D of the left headlight 101L and the right headlight 101R. The respective cut-off line 34 is generated by the imaging optical device, in particular by means of a shutter fixed to the housing 102. The high beam distribution 14 is generated by means of the respective high beam segment 12 of the respective left and right headlights 101L and 101R. With regard to the generation of the overall low beam distribution and the high beam distribution, the headlight system consisting of the left and right headlights 101L and 101R is designed redundantly.

[0039] The left-side cornering light distribution 18L is generated by the cornering light segment 16L of the left headlight 101L. The right-side cornering light distribution 18R is generated by the cornering light segment 16R of the right headlight 101R. The left-side turning light distribution 22L is generated by the turning light segment 20L of the left headlight 101L. The right-side turning light distribution 22R is generated by the turning light segment 20R of the right headlight 101R.

[0040] The basic light according to the low beam distribution 10A is always active to generate the overall low beam. By activating the individual low beam distributions 10B to 10D via the corresponding low beam segments 8B to 8D, the light-dark boundary 34 can be shifted vertically according to a horizontal line H1 to H4 corresponding to the driving situation.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the driver's view of the roadway. In contrast to Fig. 4 Each headlight 101L and 101R comprises, above the basic light distribution according to the low beam distribution 10A, two horizontally adjacent, individually switchable low beam distributions 10B1, 10B2 to 10E1, 10E2. Corresponding low beam segments 8B1, 8B2 to 8E1, 8E2 are arranged in the two headlights 101L and 101R. The schematically depicted light-dark boundary 34 is achieved by activating or deactivating the respective low beam segments 8A and 8B2. Fig. The situation shown in Figure 5 for right-hand traffic can easily be switched to left-hand traffic by deactivating the low beam segment 8B2 and activating the low beam segment 8B1.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows another view situation 28 from the driver's perspective of the roadway. In contrast to Fig. In section 5, the low beam area features not only vertical segmentation but also four horizontal segmentations. This allows for an additional degree of freedom in both the vertical gradation of the cut-off line 34 and its horizontal displacement. Low beam segments 8a to 8q are assigned to the headlights 101R and 101L to generate a low beam distribution 10a to 10q.

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows another view situation 28 from the driver's perspective of the roadway. In contrast to Fig.Figure 6 shows a more detailed segmentation. In particular, the overall high beam distribution 42 is divided into vertically extending, individually activatable or deactivatable strip segments. This allows for the activation of cut-out areas, for example, to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Furthermore, outer high beam distributions 44L and 44R can be activated in detected curve situations. Horizontal segmentation in the form of individual cornering light distributions 18A to 18C is also present. Laterally to a central segmentation 44 of the low beam area, a lateral low beam area 46 can be horizontally and vertically coarser than in the area of ​​the central segmentation 44.

[0044] A masked Zone 48 is achieved, for example, by deactivating two low beam segments 8X and 8Y and one high beam segment 14X. Accordingly, no light distributions 10X, 10Y and 14X are generated in front of the vehicle.

[0045] A highlighted Zone 50 is achieved, for example, by increasing the luminous intensity in the low beam distributions 10P to 10S. This luminous intensity is higher than that of the surrounding low beam distributions. The highlighted Zone 50 is created using corresponding low beam segments 8P to 8S, which provide the increased luminous intensity.

[0046] In a form not shown, at least one daytime running light segment is fixedly arranged relative to the housing 102 to generate a daytime running light distribution. The daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of the segments shown in the preceding figures. The daytime running light segment is operated to generate a luminous intensity that is below the luminous intensity for one of the low beam distributions 10.

Claims

[1] A headlight (101) for a motor vehicle, wherein a low beam distribution (10A-10D) can be emitted from the headlight (101), and wherein the headlight (101) has a housing (102) wherein a number of individually activatable low beam segments (8A-8C) are fixedly arranged relative to the housing (102), and wherein a beam range (36) of the low beam distribution (10A-10D) is adjustable by means of the number of low beam segments (8A-8D), characterized by , that at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment is fixedly arranged relative to the housing (102) to generate a daytime running light distribution, and that the daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one of the low beam segments (8) so that the daytime running light segment is generated across the boundaries of the low beam segment without the need for additional light sources. [2] The headlight (101) according to claim 1, wherein a horizontal alignment (38) of the low beam distribution (10A-10E2), preferably a kink of a light-dark boundary (34) of the low beam distribution, is adjustable by means of the number of low beam segments (8A-8E1). [3] The headlight (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one high beam segment (12) is fixedly arranged to generate a high beam distribution (14) to the housing (102). [4] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one individually activatable cornering light segment (16) for generating a cornering light distribution (18) and / or at least one individually activatable turning light segment (20) for generating a turning light distribution (22) is fixedly arranged to the housing (102). [5] The headlight (101) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one high beam segment (12) and / or of at least one cornering light segment (16) and / or of at least one turning light segment (20). [6] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dipped beam segments (8) and / or the at least one main beam segment (12) can be activated to adjust a respective vertical orientation (36) of one of the respective light distributions (10; 14) depending on a compression of the motor vehicle and / or depending on an acceleration of the motor vehicle and / or depending on a road inclination. [7] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dipped beam segments (8) and / or the at least one main beam segment (12) and / or the at least one cornering light segment (16) and / or the at least one turning light segment (20) can be activated depending on a steering angle of the motor vehicle in order to adjust the respective horizontal alignment (38) of one of the respective light distributions. [8] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dipped beam segments (8) and / or the at least one main beam segment (12) and / or the at least one cornering light segment (16) and / or the at least one turning light segment (20) and / or the at least one daytime running light segment each comprise a number of individually or group-switchable semiconductor light sources which are arranged on a common circuit board or on a common substrate. [9] The headlight (101) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the individual light sources of at least the low beam segments (8) and / or the at least one high beam segment (12) have a horizontal and / or vertical resolution of less than or equal to 1.2°, preferably less than or equal to 0.6°. [10] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dipped beam segments (8) and / or the at least one main beam segment (12) and / or the at least one cornering light segment (16) and / or the at least one turning light segment (20) and / or the at least one daytime running light segment can be operated when activated and / or deactivated to generate at least one intermediate light intensity. [11] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a masked, preferably vertically striped zone (48) can be generated by deactivating at least one low beam segment (8X, 8Y) and at least one high beam segment (10X) depending on a detected road user, in particular a detected oncoming or preceding motor vehicle, or a detected road sign. [12] The headlight (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a highlighted zone (50) can be generated by increasing the luminous intensity of at least one of the low beam segments (8P, 8Q, 8R, 8S) and / or at least one high beam segment (12) depending on a detected road user, in particular a detected pedestrian. [13] A method for operating a headlight (101) for a motor vehicle, wherein a low beam distribution (10) can be emitted from the headlight (101), and wherein the headlight (101) has a housing (102) wherein a number of individually activatable low beam segments (8) are fixedly arranged relative to the housing (102), and wherein a beam range (36) of the low beam distribution (10) is adjusted by means of the number of low beam segments (8), characterized by , that at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment is fixedly arranged to the housing (102) to generate a daytime running light distribution, and that the daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one of the low beam segments (8) so that the daytime running light segment is generated across the boundaries of the low beam segment without the need for additional light sources. [14] The method according to claim 13, which is configured to operate a headlight (101) according to any one of claims 2 to 12.

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