Projection headlights

Abstract

Projection headlights for vehicles comprising: - a first light module (4) containing a light source (9) and a primary optic (P1, P2) for modifying the light emitted by the light source (9); - a second light module (5, 6) containing a light source (9) and a primary optic (P3, P4, P5) for modifying the light emitted by the light source (9); - a secondary optic (S1, S, S3, S4, S5) for imaging the light emerging from the primary optic (P1, P2) of the first light module (4) in an area in front of the vehicle as a first light distribution (B1) and the light emerging from the primary optic (P3, P4, P5) of the second light module (5, 6) as a second light distribution (R1, R2); - means for controlling the first light module (4) and the second light module (5, 6) to generate a light distribution from the first light distribution (B1) and the second light distribution (R1, R2) existing resulting light distribution (L),- an aperture with an aperture edge (14,14') to generate a light / dark boundary (7, 8, 18) in the resulting light distribution (L), wherein the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) of the first light module and the second light module and the aperture (14, 14') are integrally connected, that the first light module (4) and the second light module (5, 6) have optical axes (A1, A2) arranged parallel to each other, and that each light module (4, 5, 6) has a separate secondary optic (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5), that the first light module (4) is configured as a basic light module (4), wherein the first light distribution is configured as a symmetrical basic light distribution (B1) below a horizontal zero line, and that the second light module (5, 6) is configured as a range light module (5, 6), wherein the second light distribution is configured as a range light distribution (R1, R2) is formed with light components above and below the horizontal zero line, characterized bythat the range light module (6) comprises a range primary optic (P4, P5) for generating an asymmetric range light distribution (R2) and an additional primary optic (P6) for generating a long beam distribution (F1), wherein the additional primary optic (P6) has a greater length (IF) in the direction of the optical axis (16) than the range primary optic (R2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a projection headlight for vehicles comprising a first light module containing a light source and a primary optic for distorting the light emitted by the light source, a second light module comprising a light source and a primary optic for distorting the light emitted by the light source, a secondary optic for imaging the light emerging from the primary optic of the first light module in an area in front of the vehicle as a first light distribution and the light emerging from the primary optic of the second light module as a second light distribution, and an aperture with a glare edge for generating a light / dark boundary in the resulting light distribution, wherein the primary optic of the first light module and the second light module and the aperture are integrally connected.

[0002] From EP 2 390 561 B1 and DE 10 2015 224 745 B4, a projection headlight for vehicles is known, comprising a first light module with a light source and primary optics for generating a first light distribution and a second light module with a light source and primary optics for generating a second light distribution. A common secondary optic, designed as a lens, is provided in the main beam direction of the headlight in front of the light modules. Additionally, an aperture is assigned to the first light module, so that the light exiting the primary optics of the first light module can be focused by the secondary optics to produce a low beam distribution with a light / dark boundary. The second light module is activated when a high beam distribution is desired.A disadvantage of the known projection headlights is that the primary optics of the light modules are designed as separate components. This means that manufacturing and assembly tolerances must be compensated for.

[0003] From EP 2 034 235 A1, a projection headlight for vehicles is known, comprising a first light module with a light source and a primary optic, and a second light module with a light source and a primary optic, each using the same lens as a secondary optic. The primary optics of the first and second light modules are integrally connected, with a diaphragm extending forward in the main beam direction within a connecting area. A leading edge of this diaphragm serves to create a light / dark boundary of a light distribution when only the first light module is activated. When both the first and second light modules are activated, the resulting light distribution is a high beam distribution. Reflectors are provided as primary optics, which must deflect light from the light sources oriented perpendicular to a main beam direction of the projection headlight.This involves an indirect redirection of light by the reflectors. A disadvantage of the known projection spotlight is that, due to the indirect light redirection, only a limited luminous flux can be utilized.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a projection headlight for vehicles in such a way that, with the highest possible utilization of the luminous flux emitted by the light sources, both manufacturing and assembly tolerances can be minimized or completely avoided in a simple manner.

[0005] To solve this problem, the invention in conjunction with the preamble of claim 1 is characterized in that the first light module and the second light module have optical axes arranged parallel to each other and that each light module has a separate secondary optic.

[0006] According to the invention, at least two light modules are provided, each comprising at least one separate primary optic and one separate secondary optic. The optical axes of the primary and secondary optics of the same light module run in a line or, in the case of multiple primary optics, parallel to each other. Both the light source and the primary and secondary optics are arranged essentially rotationally symmetrically and preferably rotationally symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the respective light module. Advantageously, the primary and secondary optics of the light modules can be arranged modularly, with the primary optics of the light modules being integrally connected. Additionally, apertures can be integrated into the primary optic component by means of an integral extension projecting forward in the main emission direction. Thus, high-intensity light modules can be provided with the greatest possible avoidance of manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary optics of the light modules and the aperture are designed such that they can be manufactured by injection molding in a single mold. Advantageously, the one-piece production of the primary optics and the aperture avoids manufacturing and assembly tolerances that would otherwise be present in multi-part production. The mold only needs to be designed such that the photometric deviations remain within the legal limits.

[0008] According to a further development of the invention, the primary optics of the light modules and the aperture are shaped such that they can be demolded in a single demolding direction. This advantageously reduces manufacturing costs.

[0009] According to a further development of the invention, the primary optics are designed as a light guide with a light coupling surface and a light output coupling surface arranged at the front in the main emission direction. Pre-shaping of the light can thus be effectively carried out, whereby the light exiting from the primary optics can be focused by the respective secondary optics, preferably designed as lenses, of the same light module in an area in front of the vehicle according to the predetermined light distribution.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, the first light module is designed as a basic light module for generating a symmetrical basic light distribution below a horizontal zero line. The second light module is designed as a range light module for generating a range light distribution with light components above and below the horizontal zero line. By superimposing the basic light distribution and the range light distribution, a desired low beam distribution can be generated.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, the range-detection light module comprises, in addition to a range-detection primary optic, an auxiliary primary optic for generating a long-range beam distribution. To save space, the auxiliary primary optic can be arranged below the range-detection primary optic.

[0012] According to a further development of the invention, an upper edge of a light-emitting surface of the auxiliary primary optics forms a glare edge onto which the light exiting the range primary optics strikes. The glare edge is imaged by the secondary optics to form a light / dark boundary of the range light module. By activating the light source associated with the auxiliary primary optics, a long-range beam distribution can thus be easily generated by superposition.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, a surface of the aperture is only partially or completely coated with a reflective material. This allows the light / dark boundary in the low beam distribution to be rendered more sharply. Another advantage of this coating is that light rays coupled out from the primary optics cannot be coupled into the auxiliary primary optics. This increases the efficiency of the system.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the secondary optics of the light modules, each associated with a primary optic, are integrally connected. Advantageously, only the secondary optic of one of the light modules needs to be aligned with the corresponding primary optic. With correct alignment, the other light modules are simultaneously adjusted during assembly.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, the light sources are arranged oriented in the main beam direction of the projection spotlight. Preferably, the light sources are arranged on a common circuit board, so that the manufacturing costs can be further reduced.

[0016] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 a top view of a projection spotlight according to the invention, wherein three range light modules and two base light modules are provided, Fig. 2 a perspective front view of the projection spotlight, Fig. 3 a rear view of the projection headlight, Fig. 4 a front view of the projection optics of the projection spotlight, Fig. 5 a vertical section through a second light module with a range primary optic and an additional primary optic and a common secondary optic, Fig. 6 a light distribution from two identical range light modules, Fig. 7 a light distribution from another range light module, Fig. 8 a light distribution of the basic light modules, Fig. 9 a resulting light distribution of the range and base light modules and Fig. 10 a light distribution of the range light module with additional primary optics, wherein only the light source assigned to the additional primary optics is switched on to generate a high beam distribution.

[0018] A projection headlight for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles, has a primary optics component. 1 and a secondary optics component 2 on, which are arranged within a housing (not shown). The housing has a main radiation direction H The front-mounted opening is closed by a crystal-clear cover plate.

[0019] The primary optics component 1 and the secondary optics component 2 Each component has an elongated shape. Retaining elements are located on the end faces of the primary optics component. 3 arranged for mounting the primary optics component 1 in the case.

[0020] The primary optics component 1features a plurality of primary optics arranged in a straight line P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 on. The secondary optics component 2 features a number of secondary optics arranged in a straight line S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 This results in five light modules in the present embodiment, wherein the first light module 4 two identical basic light modules 4 are planned, each with the same primary optics P1 , P2 and the same secondary optics S1 , S2 exhibiting the same primary optics. P1 and P2 and the equally designed secondary optics S1 and S2 are designed in such a way that a relatively broad basic light distribution B1 below a horizontal zero line as the first light distribution, see. Fig. 8.

[0021] As a second light module 5 , 6 Three range light modules are provided, one of which is a range light module. 5 a primary optic P3 and a secondary optic S3 features a range light distribution as a second light distribution R1 according to Fig. 7 can be generated. This range light distribution R1 includes a light component below the horizontal zero line and a light component above the horizontal zero line with an asymmetrical light / dark boundary. 7 .

[0022] As an additional range-enhancing light module 6 Two identical light modules are provided, with one being the second light module 6 a primary optic P4 and secondary optics S4 and the other second light module 6 a primary optic P5 and a secondary optic S5 These primary optics exhibit this. P4 orP5 and secondary optics S4 and S5 are designed in such a way that range light distributions R2 according to Fig. 6 can be generated. These exhibit an asymmetrical light / dark boundary. 8 on. Compared to the second light modules 6 is the second light module 5 designed in such a way that the range light distribution R1 illuminates a wider area in front of the vehicle in a horizontal direction than the range light distribution R2 .

[0023] The range light modules 6 They have several primary optics, namely a range primary optic. P4 , P5 , by means of which the range light distribution R2 according to Fig. 6 can be generated. Additionally, the light modules feature 6 an additional primary optic P6 on, by means of which a high beam distribution F1 according to Fig. 10 can be produced.

[0024] The primary optics P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 , P6 are each a light source 9 assigned, whose optical axis A1 , A2 in the main direction of radiation H The axes run. A1 , A2 the light sources 9 The light modules run parallel and offset from an optical axis. 16 of the same light module. The optical axis 16 The secondary optics run centrally through the secondary optics of the same light module. 4 , 5 , 6 As from Fig. As can be seen in section 1, the optical axes are 16 the respective light modules 4 , 5 , 6 The secondary optics are arranged parallel to each other, offset from one another. S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5They can, for example, be swept forward, i.e., not perpendicular, but at an acute angle to the main direction of radiation. H , be arranged. The light sources 9 the light modules 4 , 5 , 6 are preferably on a common circuit board 10 (rigid circuit board) arranged.

[0025] The primary optical elements P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 , P6 are each designed as a light guide, which provides a light coupling surface 11 and on one in the main direction of radiation H front side a light extraction area 12 or 13 exhibit. Between the light coupling surface 11 and the light output surface 12 A lateral surface extends along which coupled light is totally reflected.

[0026] As from Fig. As can be seen in section 5, the primary optics are closed P6below the primary optics P4 or P5 directly attached, with the primary optics P6 a length I F exhibits a length greater than I R the primary optics P4 , P5 An upper edge of the light output surface 13 the additional primary optics P6 forms a glare edge 14 a aperture of the range light modules 6 This glare edge 14 becomes the light / dark boundary 8 the range light modules 6 through the secondary optics S4 or S5 shown.

[0027] The in Fig. 5 between the aperture edge 14 and the light output surface 12 The forming surface of the aperture is only partially or completely coated with a reflective material, for example vapor-deposited with a reflective material, so that the aperture edge 14 , 14' , 14"sharp as a light / dark boundary 7 , 8 , 18 is depicted.

[0028] As from Fig. As can be seen in section 4, the glare edges are 14 the second light module 6 Each shaped identically and provided with a sloping surface. A glare edge. 14' of the second light module 5 It also features a different contour, including a slant surface. A glare edge. 14" of the first light module 4 It features a consistently straight contour, thus creating a horizontal light / dark boundary. 18 in the basic light distribution B1 is created - instead of the asymmetrical light / dark boundary 7 or 8 in the range light distributions R1 , R2 .

[0029] The glare edges 14 , 14' Each runs along an anterior end region of a process. 15, which is located in a lower area of ​​the primary optics P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 in the main direction of radiation H extends forward. The additional primary optics P6 the light modules 6 run below the process 15 .

[0030] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in section 5, the primary optics are P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 , P6 and the secondary optics S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 designed in such a way that the primary optical component 1 and the secondary optics component 2 each in a separate mold by injection molding and each can be produced with a single mold and in a single demolding direction E are demoldable.

[0031] The primary optics P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 ,P5 , P6 are joined together as a single piece. Furthermore, the secondary optics are S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 The secondary optics are joined together in one piece. S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 are each designed as lens elements.

[0032] The light sources 9 are preferably designed as LED light sources.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the primary optics can P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , P5 , P6 or secondary optics S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 They may also be arranged along a curved line or adapted to the shape of the housing.

[0034] To generate a low beam distribution, the first light modules are used. 4 assigned light sources9 on the one hand, and the second light modules 5 and / or 6 assigned light sources 9 On the other hand, it is switched on. This results in a certain light distribution. L as a superposition of light distributions B1 and R1 and / or R2 .

[0035] To generate a high beam distribution F1 The additional primary optics will also be used. P6 assigned light sources 9 switched on, so that by superimposing the light distributions L and the light distribution F1 the high beam distribution is generated. Reference symbol list 1 Primary optics component 2 Secondary optics component 3 retaining elements 4 1. Light module 5 2. Light module 6.6' 2nd light module 7 Light / dark boundary 8 Light / dark boundary 9 Light source 10 circuit boards 11 Light coupling area 12 Light output area 13 Light output area 14.14' Blend edge 15th extension 16 optical axis 18 Light / dark boundary H Main radiation direction P1..P6 Primary Optics S1 ... S5 Secondary Optics E E demolding direction B1 Basic light distribution F1 High Beam Distribution R1,R2 Range light distribution l F ,l R length A1,A2 axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2390561 B1

[0002] DE 102015224745 B4

[0002] EP 2034235 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Projection headlights for vehicles with - a first light module (4) comprising a light source (9) and a primary optic (P1, P2) for deforming the light emitted by the light source (9), - a second light module (5, 6) containing a light source (9) and a primary optic (P3, P4, P5) for deforming the light emitted by the light source (9), - a secondary optic (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) for imaging the light emerging from the primary optic (P1, P2) of the first light module (4) in an area in front of the vehicle as a first light distribution (B1) and the light emerging from the primary optic (P3, P4, P5) of the second light module (5, 6) outgoing light as a second light distribution (R1, R2), - an aperture with an aperture edge (14, 14', 14") to create a light / dark boundary (7, 8, 18) in the resulting light distribution (L), - wherein the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) of the first light module (4) and the second light module (5, 6) and the aperture (14, 14', 14") are integrally connected, characterized by , that the first light module (4) and the second light module (5, 6) have optical axes (A1, A2) arranged parallel to each other and that each light module (4, 5, 6) has a separate secondary optic (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5). [2] Projection spotlight according to claim 1, characterized by , that the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the light modules and the aperture (14, 14', 14") are designed in such a way that they can be manufactured by injection molding in a single mold. [3] Projection spotlight according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the light modules (4, 5, 6) and the aperture (14, 14', 14") are shaped in such a way that they can be demolded in a single demolding direction. [4] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) is designed as a light guide with a light coupling surface (11) and a light coupling surface (12) arranged at the front in the main emission direction (H). [5] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the first light module (4) is designed as a basic light module (4) wherein the first light distribution is designed as a symmetrical basic light distribution (B1) below a horizontal zero line, and that the second light module (5, 6) is designed as a range light module (5, 6) wherein the second light distribution is designed as a range light distribution (R1, R2) with light components above and below the horizontal zero line. [6] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the range light module (6) has a range primary optic (P4, P5) for generating an asymmetric range light distribution (R2) and an additional primary optic (P6) for generating a high beam distribution (F1), wherein the additional primary optic (P6) has a greater length (I F ) in the direction of the optical axis (16) than the range primary optics (P4, P5). [7] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the aperture is arranged at a front end of the additional primary optics (P6), wherein an aperture edge (14, 14') forms an upper edge of a light coupling surface (13) of the additional primary optics (P6). [8] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that at least one surface of the aperture is coated with a reflective material, whereby the coating covers only part or all of the entire surface of the aperture. [9] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the secondary optics (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) assigned to the primary optics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) are connected to each other in one piece. [10] Projection spotlight according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the light sources (9) are arranged oriented in the main emission direction (H).