Lighting device for vehicles

Abstract

Lighting device for vehicles (25) comprising a headlight with an image generator unit (3) for generating a plurality of individually controllable light pixels (P11, P12, ... Pnm), with an optical unit (4, 4') comprising a lens arrangement with a number of fixedly arranged lenses (6, 6', 6"), by means of which the light pixels (P11, P12, ...Pnm) of the image generator unit (3) can be sharply imaged as luminous spots (F11, F12, F11', F12') at a predetermined distance, and with a control unit (8) for controlling the image generator unit (3), wherein a first headlight is designed as a right headlight (1) which is arranged in a right corner region of the vehicle (25), and wherein a second headlight is designed as a left headlight (2) which is arranged in a left corner region of the vehicle (25), wherein a first optical unit (4) of the right headlight (1) is designed differently from a second optical unit (4') of the left headlight (2) such that the light pixels (P11, P12, ...Pnm) of the image generator unit (3) of the right headlight (1) and the left headlight (2) are sharply imaged at different distances (11, 21), characterized in that the control unit (8) has first control means (A1) such that a first part (10) of the light pixels (P11, P12, ... Pnm) of the image generator unit (3) of the right headlight (1) are controlled such that this first part (10) of the light pixels (P11, P12, ... Pnm) is imaged in a first near field (11), and that the control unit (8) has second control means (A2) such that a first part (20) of the light pixels (P11, P12, ... Pnm) of the image generator unit (3) of the left headlight (2) is controlled such that this first part (20) of the light pixels (P11, P12, ...Pnm) is sharply imaged in a second near field (21), wherein the second near field (21) is arranged at least three times as far from the left headlight (2) as the first near field (11) is from the right headlight (1), wherein the control unit (8) has control means (A1, A2) such that a second part of the light pixels (P11, P12, ... Pnm) of the image generator unit (3) of the right headlight (1) and the left headlight (2) are controlled in such a way that the specified light distribution (17) is generated in a far field (18), wherein the first optical unit (4) of the right headlight (1) and the second optical unit (4') of the left headlight (2) each have a lens arrangement consisting of at least four lenses (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for vehicles comprising a headlight with an image generator unit for generating a plurality of individually controllable light pixels, with an optical unit comprising a lens arrangement with a number of lenses fixed to one another, by means of which the light pixels of the image generator unit can be sharply imaged as luminous spots at a predetermined distance, and with a control unit for controlling the image generator unit.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 008 760 A1, a lighting device for vehicles is known which, as an image transmitter unit, comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a field. An optical unit is positioned in front of the image transmitter unit, which is designed as a lens arrangement with a plurality of lens groups. These lens groups are arranged to be displaceable relative to each other in the direction of the optical axis, so that different focal lengths of the optical unit can be set. In this way, it is possible to focus sharply on objects arranged at different distances in front of the vehicle.

[0003] From DE 10 2020 100 762 A1, a lighting device for vehicles is known which consists of several modules. In addition to a module for generating a predefined light distribution, for example, low beam distribution, etc., a module is provided for generating a sharp image. This module has an image generator unit for generating a multitude of individually controllable light pixels and an optical unit comprising a lens arrangement with a number of lenses fixed relative to each other. This predefines the depth of field of the optical unit, assuming that the aperture of the optical unit is reduced to a minimum. A control unit is provided to control the light pixels of the image generator unit accordingly. Depending on the arrangement and design of the lenses, the light pixels can be sharply imaged at different distances.A disadvantage of the known lighting device is that the space and cost required to sharply image the light pixels at different distances is relatively large.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a lighting device for vehicles in such a way that a sharp image of light pixels at different distances is ensured in a simple manner without refocusing.

[0005] To solve this problem, the invention in conjunction with the preamble of claim 1 is characterized in that a first headlight is designed as a right headlight which is arranged in a right corner region of the vehicle, and that a second headlight is designed as a left headlight which is arranged in a left corner region of the vehicle, wherein a first optical unit of the right headlight is designed differently from a second optical unit of the left headlight such that the light pixels of the image generator unit of the right headlight and the left headlight are sharply imaged at different distances.

[0006] According to the invention, the right and left headlights of a vehicle are designed differently. They have different optical units, so that the light pixels generated by an image sensor unit of the right and left headlights are sharply imaged at different distances. The optical unit of the right headlight thus has a different focal length than the optical unit of the left headlight. Advantageously, this allows for a space-saving and simple way to achieve a sharp image of the light pixels at different distances.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a control unit comprises first control means such that a first portion of the light pixels of the image generator unit of the right headlight is controlled in such a way that this first portion of the light pixels is sharply imaged in a first near field. Furthermore, the control unit comprises second control means such that a first portion of the light pixels of the image generator unit of the left headlight is controlled in such a way that this first portion of the light pixels is sharply imaged in a second near field. The second near field is arranged at a greater distance from the left headlight than the first near field is from the right headlight. Advantageously, this allows, for example, symbols, image sequences, or images to be sharply imaged for signaling purposes in near fields at different distances.

[0008] According to a further development of the invention, the control unit includes control means for the image generator unit of the right headlight and the left headlight, so that a predetermined light distribution is generated in a far field. This ensures that, in any driving mode of the vehicle, for example, a low beam distribution, a glare-free high beam distribution, a city light distribution, or a country road light distribution is always generated. By modifying the control of the light pixels of the image generator unit of the right headlight and / or the left headlight, the predetermined light distribution and, if necessary, an additional image in the first near field and / or the second near field can be generated. The image in the first near field and / or in the second near field can, for example, be a symbol, such as an arrow, or another sign, for example, as a warning signal for the driver of the vehicle or for other road users.

[0009] According to a further development of the invention, the control unit has a first control program for generating first control means, so that a sequence of moving images is generated in the first near field. In this way, for example, a wall, in particular a garage wall, can be used as a "screen" when the vehicle is stationary.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, the image sensor unit can have a plurality of LED light sources, in particular RGB LED light sources, so that the images in the first near field and / or second near field can be colored.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, the optical unit comprises at least four lenses, wherein at least one convex lens and one concave lens are provided to form an achromat. In this way, chromatic aberration compensation can be achieved.

[0012] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further dependent claims.

[0013] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] It shows: Figure shows a block diagram of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0015] A lighting device according to the invention for vehicles 25 comprises a first headlight, which is arranged as a right headlight 1 in a right corner region at the front of the vehicle 25, and a second headlight, designed as a left headlight 2, which is arranged in a left corner region of the front of the vehicle 25. The right headlight 1 and the left headlight 2 each have a housing in which an image sensor unit 3 and an optical unit 4, 4' are arranged. The image sensor unit 3 of the right headlight 1 and the image sensor unit 3 of the left headlight 2 are identical and are therefore characterized by the same reference numeral. The image sensor unit 3 has a plurality of matrix-like arranged light sources 5, in particular LED light sources. The light sources 5 each form light pixels P. 11 , P 12 ,... P nm , which are imaged by means of the optical unit 4, 4'.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the image sensor unit 3 can also comprise a liquid crystal unit (LCD display) or an LCoS unit (Liquid Crystal and Silicon) and a light source unit. In this case, the matrix-like or pixel-like arranged liquid crystal elements serve as aperture elements that either transmit or block light from the light source. Alternatively, the image sensor unit 3 can comprise a light source unit and a micromirror assembly (DMD), wherein individual micromirror elements of the microelements are pivotably arranged in a matrix-like or pixel-like configuration in the range of several million. The micromirror elements have at least one "on" state in which the light from the light source unit is directed onto the optical unit 4, 4', and at least one "off" state in which the light emitted by the light source unit is absorbed.The formation of the image transmitter unit 3 creates a high-resolution right headlight 1 and a high-resolution left headlight 2.

[0017] The right headlight 1 has a first optical unit 4, which consists of a lens arrangement with a plurality of lenses 6. The left headlight 2 has a second optical unit 4', which – like the first optical unit 4 – has a plurality of lenses 6. In the present embodiment, the first optical unit 4 and the second optical unit 4' each have four lenses 6, wherein a first convex lens 6' and a second convex lens 6" form an achromat 7 to compensate for a chromatic aberration.

[0018] The first optical unit 4 and the second optical unit 4' differ in that at least one lens 6 is shaped differently such that the first optical unit 4 and the second optical unit 4' have different focal lengths.

[0019] The longer focal length of the second optical unit 4' causes the light pixels P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm the image generator unit 3 of the left headlight 2 is imaged so sharply at a distance from the left headlight 2 that is at least three times as large as the distance at which light pixel P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm The image sensor unit 3 of the right headlight 1 is sharply imaged.

[0020] Furthermore, the lighting device comprises a control unit 8, which is arranged outside the right headlight 1 and the left headlight 2, or inside the right headlight 1 or inside the left headlight 2. Optionally, the control unit 8 can consist of two control subunits, one each located inside the right headlight 1 and the left headlight 2.

[0021] The control unit 8 has a first control program 9, which is integrated in a microcontroller, so that first control means A1 are generated, by means of which a first part 10 of the light pixels P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm The image sensor unit 3 of the right headlight 1 is controlled in such a way that this first part 10 of the light pixels P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm in a first near field 11, a sharp image is formed. In the present embodiment, the sharp image is a sequence of images 12 moving in a direction transverse to the vehicle axis, containing a plurality of adjacently arranged light spots F. 11 , F 12 , ... F nmThe first near field 11 can be positioned at a distance of 3 m from the right headlight 1, so that a wall or garage wall can be used as a "screen" to display a film or a sequence of images. Since the moving image 12 is created by light pixels P that are controlled at different times 11 , P 12 , ... P nm The first part 10 of the light sources 5, which is generated, consists of a first sub-segment 13, a second sub-segment 14, and possibly further sub-segments, which are switched on or dimmed sequentially by the control means A1. In this way, a first image 12' of the moving image 12 corresponds to the first sub-segment 13, and a second image 12" of the moving image 12 corresponds to the second sub-segment 14.

[0022] A second part 16 of the light pixels P arranged in the image transmitter unit 3 of the right headlight 1 11 , P 12 , ... P nmThe control means A1 is used to generate a predefined light distribution 17 in a far field 18. The light distribution 17 can be, for example, a low beam distribution, a glare-free high beam distribution, a city light distribution, or the like. The far field 18 is located at a greater distance from the right headlight 1 than the first near field 11.

[0023] The control unit 8 has a second control program 19 for generating control means A2, by means of which light sources 5 of the image generator unit 3 arranged in the left headlight 2 are controlled. By means of the second control program 19, a first part 20 of the light sources 5 of the image generator unit 3 of the left headlight 2 is controlled such that this part 20 of the light sources 5 is sharply imaged in a second near field 21 to form an image with a plurality of adjacently arranged light spots F. 11 , F 12, ... F nm This image can, for example, be a symbol, in particular an arrow 22, projected onto the roadway and serving as a guidance or warning signal for the driver of vehicle 25. The second near field 21 can be located at a distance of 10 m to 15 m from the left headlight 2. It is more than three times as far from the left headlight 2 emitting the corresponding light as the first near field 11 is from the right headlight 1.

[0024] Additionally, the second control program 19 is designed such that a second part 23 of the light sources 5 of the image generator unit 3 of the left headlight 2 is controlled by means of the control means A2, so that the corresponding light sources 5 are imaged into the far field 18 by means of the second optical unit 4' to form the light distribution 17. The first optical unit 4 and the second optical unit 4' thus image the same light distribution 17, so that the main function of the right headlight 1 and the left headlight 2 is fulfilled. The secondary function of the right headlight 1 is to image an image in the first near field 11 and the secondary function of the left headlight 2 is to image an image in the second near field 21. The image generation of the images of the first near field 11 and the second near field 21 can occur independently of each other and independently of the image generation of the light distribution 17 in the far field 18.

[0025] The symbol 22 consists of a plurality of sharply defined luminous spots F 11 ', F 12 ', ...F nm '.

[0026] The luminous spots F 11 , F 12 , ...F nm or F 11 ', F 12 ', ...F nm ' are significantly smaller than the luminous spots 24 of the light distribution 17.

[0027] The mapping of the light pixels to light spots 24 of the light distribution 17 in the far field 18 is relatively blurry, which is accepted because a harmonious, even illumination across the entire area is essential. By increasing the resolution of the light pixels with a higher number of light sources, the light distribution can, for example, be achieved as a glare-free high beam distribution with the exclusion of objects detected in front of the vehicle. The far field 18 is located further from the respective headlight 1 or 2 than the first near field 11 and the second near field 21 are from the respective headlights 1 or 2.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the image generator unit 3 of the right headlight 1 can have a different number of light sources 5 than the image generator unit 3 of the left headlight 2. For example, the image generator unit 3 of the right headlight 1 can have a fixed first part 10 of the light sources 5 for generating the image in the first near field 11 and a fixed second part 16 of the light sources 5 for generating the light distribution in the far field 18. Dual use of the light sources 5 for generating the first near field 11 and for generating the light distribution 17 is not provided in this case.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first optical unit 4 can also be arranged in the left headlight 2 and the second optical unit 4' in the right headlight 1. Reference symbol list 1 right headlight 2 left headlight 3 Imager unit 4.4' optical unit 5 light sources 6.6',6" lenses 7 Achromat 8 Control unit 9 1. Control program 10 Part 1 11 1. Near field 12,12',12" moving images 13 1st sub-segment 14 2nd sub-segment 15 3rd sub-segment 16 Part 2 17 Light distribution 18 Far field 19 2. Control program 20 Part 1 21 2. Near field 22 Symbol 23 Part 2 24 light spots 25 vehicles P 11 , P 12 ,.. P nm light pixels A1, A2 control means F 11 ,F 12 ,..F nm F 11 ',F 12 ',..F nm ' luminous spots 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] DE 102018008760 A1

[0002] DE 102020100762 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Lighting device for vehicles (25) comprising a headlight with an image generator unit (3) for generating a plurality of individually controllable light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ), with an optical unit (4, 4') containing a lens arrangement with a number of lenses (6, 6', 6") arranged fixedly to one another, by means of which the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of the imaging unit (3) to form luminous spots (F 11 , F 12 , F 11 ', F 12 ') can be sharply imaged at a predetermined distance, and with a control unit (8) for controlling the image generator unit (3), characterized bythat a first headlight is designed as a right headlight (1) which is arranged in a right corner region of the vehicle (25), and that a second headlight is designed as a left headlight (2) which is arranged in a left corner region of the vehicle (25), wherein a first optical unit (4) of the right headlight (1) is designed differently from a second optical unit (4') of the left headlight (2) in such a way that the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of the imaging unit (3) of the right headlight (1) and the left headlight (2) at different distances (11, 21). [2] Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the imaging unit (3) of the right headlight (1) is designed in the same way as the imaging unit (3) of the left headlight (2) and that light sources (5) of the imaging unit (3) of the right headlight (1) and the left headlight (2) arranged at the same location are sharply imaged at different distances (11, 21). [3] Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the control unit (8) has first control means (A1) such that a first part (10) of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of the image generator unit (3) of the right headlight (1) are controlled so that this first parts (10) of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) is imaged in a first near field (11), and that the control unit (8) has second control means (A2) such that a first part (20) of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm) of the image generator unit (3) of the left headlight (2) is controlled so that this first part (20) of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) is sharply imaged in a second near field (21), wherein the second near field (21) is arranged at least three times as far from the left headlight (2) as the first near field (11) is from the right headlight (1). [4] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the control unit (8) has control means (A1, A2) so that a second part of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of the image generator unit (3) of the right headlight (1) and the left headlight (2) are controlled so that the predetermined light distribution (17) is generated in a far field (18). [5] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the control unit (8) has a first control program (9) for generating the first control means (A1), so that in the first near field (11) a moving image is generated, which image is composed of the light spots (F 11 , F 12 , ...F nm ) imaged light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of different sub-segments (13, 14) of the first part of the imaging unit (3). [6] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the control unit (8) has a second control program (19) for generating the second control means (A2), so that in a second near field (21) a symbol (22) is generated which consists of the light spots (F 11 ', F 12 ',...F nm ') depicted first part (20) of the light pixels (P 11 , P 12 , ... P nm ) of the imaging unit (3). [7] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the first near field (11) is arranged in the range of 3 m distance from the right headlight (1). [8] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the second near field (21) is arranged in the range of 10 m to 15 m distance from the left headlight (2). [9] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the imaging unit (3) has a plurality of light sources (5) arranged in a matrix. [10] Lighting device according to claim 9, characterized by that the light sources (5) are designed as RGB light sources. [11] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the second control program (A2) is designed such that the symbol (22) is generated in the second near field (21) and the light distribution (17) is generated in the far field (18). [12] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the optical unit (4) has a lens arrangement consisting of at least four lenses (6). [13] Lighting device according to claim 12, characterized by that the lens arrangement has at least one convex lens (6') and one concave lens (6") for forming an achromat (7).

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