VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS

Description

[0001] State-of-the-art vehicle headlights are described in the documents DE 10 2008 036192 A1, DE 10 2009 020593 A1, WO 2015 031924 and CN 203927727 U.

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle headlight comprising a low beam module for generating a low beam distribution, wherein the low beam module comprises at least one light source for this purpose, and a high beam module for generating a high beam distribution, wherein the high beam module comprises at least one light source for this purpose, a projection lens, and a beam diaphragm, wherein the projection lens is assigned to the two light modules as a common projection lens and the beam stop is assigned as a common beam stop, in that the light sources are each arranged in such a way that the common beam stop lies in the beam path from the respective light source to the common projection lens in order to limit the light distribution emitted into the common projection lens, and the common projection lens is arranged in the beam path of the two light modules in such a way that the light rays emitted by the light modules and passing through the common beam stop can be imaged onto a roadway by the common projection lens in the form of a superimposed light distribution, wherein the common projection lens has an optical axis.

[0003] Such vehicle headlights are well-known from the state of the art. A particular challenge when superimposing the light patterns of the two light modules is to design the overlap in such a way that the transition between the light patterns is as seamless as possible. To achieve this, the light modules are carefully aligned with respect to the shared beam aperture.

[0004] The disadvantage of known headlights is that the transition can only be made sufficiently smooth through complex measures and / or gaps or color distortions in the transition area are accepted.

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved with a vehicle headlight of the type mentioned at the outset, in which, according to the invention, the common projection lens has, on its exit side, a first deflection section which extends upwards and downwards transversely to the optical axis along the circumference of the projection lens and is arranged on the surface of the projection lens. In this first deflection section, the exit side of the common projection lens is formed by projections arranged next to one another, which are each delimited by the connection of a first flank facing the optical axis with a second flank facing away from the optical axis. The entirety of the projections comprises at least projections of a first type in which these flanks are designed to be substantially asymmetrical to one another.

[0006] In this way, light rays can be specifically deflected by refraction at the inclined flanks of the projections, making it easy to homogenize the transition between the light images of the two lighting modules. The expression "asymmetrical" to one another means that the flanks are asymmetrical with respect to an axis that intersects the amplitude of the projection and is oriented normal to a tangent to the basic shape of the exit surface in the region of the projection. The basic shape is again given by a smoothed geometric profile of the exit surface (i.e., a shape that would be given by omitting the projections and leveling them off).The expression "first deflection section extending upward and downward along the circumference of the projection lens perpendicular to the optical axis" means that the deflection section has a vertical extension—clearly extending upward and downward relative to a point within the section. The section follows the surface curvature of the exit side of the lens.

[0007] In particular, the asymmetry of the projections of the first type can be achieved by having the second flank of the respective projection flatter than its first flank. The flanks do not necessarily have to have a constant pitch. The asymmetry can also apply to all projections.

[0008] Furthermore, it can be provided that the entirety of the projections comprises at least projections of a second type, in which the falling and rising flanks are essentially symmetrical to one another. The term "essentially" means that deviations of a maximum of 10% are permissible. It can also be provided that the entirety of all projections consists exclusively of projections of the first type and the second type.

[0009] In particular, it can be provided that the optical axis of the common projection lens is oriented substantially horizontally, and the high-beam module is offset downwards relative to the beam diaphragm, and the low-beam module is offset upwards relative to the beam diaphragm. Unless otherwise stated, positional specifications such as "top," "bottom," "horizontal," etc. always refer to an installation position of the headlight in which the headlight is mounted in a vehicle that is in a horizontal position.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be provided that the low-beam module and the high-beam module each have a main emission direction, wherein the two modules are each tilted with respect to the optical axis of the common projection lens such that their main emission directions form the same angle with respect to the optical axis of the common projection lens. The term "same angle" means that the magnitude of the angle is the same. One of the light modules is therefore rotated upward by an angle, and the other light module is rotated downward by the same angle. This means that the light rays are parallel to each other at the light edge.

[0011] In particular, it can be provided that adjacent projections adjoin one another in the vertical direction along the circumference of the exit side of the common projection lens.

[0012] According to the invention, the first deflection section is arranged in a central region of the common projection lens. The "central region" is understood to be a region that extends upwards and downwards from the intersection point of the optical axis of the projection lens with the exit surface over a length of 25% of the circumference of the exit surface.

[0013] According to the invention, the first section comprises two subsections, wherein a first subsection is arranged above the optical axis of the common projection lens and a second subsection is arranged below the optical axis of the common projection lens, wherein the asymmetry of the projections present in the second subsection is greater than the asymmetry of the projections arranged in the first subsection.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that each subsection has projections of the first type, and these projections can be divided into a first and a second subtype, wherein the projections of the two subtypes differ from one another at least in the geometric shape of the second flanks, in that the second flanks of the second subtype are flatter on average than the second flanks of the first subtype. It can also be provided that only projections of the first type are provided in the first section. A flatter second flank has the consequence that the projection in question has a lower height if the width and the first flank are the same.

[0015] In particular, it can be provided that the projections of different subtypes are arranged alternately next to one another, in that each projection enclosed by adjacent projections is of a different subtype than its adjacent projections.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that a second and a third deflection section are provided on the common projection lens, each arranged in an edge region of the common projection lens. The edge regions can also be identical.

[0017] In particular, it can be provided that the projections in the second and third deflection sections are designed as projections of the second type, i.e. as symmetrical projections.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least individual projections also have asymmetrically inclined flanks with respect to a horizontal extension along the common projection lens, and these projections are arranged next to one another along the circumference of the exit side of the common projection lens, viewed in the horizontal direction. These projections can be arranged in a horizontal central region and / or an edge region of the exit side of the common projection lens.

[0019] In particular, it can be provided that all projections have a maximum height of 5 micrometers and a maximum width of 1 mm.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be provided that the ratio of the width of the projections to the height of the projections is in the range between 10 and 1000, in particular between 50 and 200.

[0021] In other words, the invention allows the creation of a microstructure for closing the gap and improving the gradient of headlight modules. The microstructures (formed from the protrusions) can be used for various purposes in the headlight. On the one hand, to blur / homogenize light distributions or to close segment boundaries in pixel-like systems; on the other hand, to adjust a desired gradient profile and close the gap between the low and high beams (the light from the low beam module is referred to as low beam, and the light from the high beam module as high beam) in twin systems. In principle, a wide variety of microstructure geometries and shapes can be used. Furthermore, the lenses in many headlight modules are defocused to achieve a somewhat softer HD line or to reduce the gap between the low and high beams.Due to the defocusing, a "blue fringing" occurs along the HD line, which is often perceived as distracting. The blue gap between the low and high beams is particularly distracting in high beam mode. The reason for this is that two light distributions overlap in the gap area, which is detrimental. In the case of an arrangement according to . Fig. 1 and 2the low beam (low beam portion) blue portion of the light distribution shines through the lower part of the lens, the yellow portion through the upper part. Due to defocusing, the two distributions can be shifted relative to each other. For the high beam, the situation can be exactly the opposite (i.e. the blue portion is shifted downwards compared to the yellow). This can result in a very blue gap between the low and high beam. Another problem with the prior art can be the setting of the gradient, since the blurring was previously the same for both light distributions. This makes the blue portion of the HD line stronger and the risk of a double gradient increases. Due to the presence of a uniform structure across the entire lens, it has not been possible to date to address the different areas of the lens's light distribution or to take their color distribution into account. This led to very bluish HD lines and double gradients.The double gradient is particularly problematic during the adjustment process because the module may then be incorrectly adjusted and may not be legally correct.

[0022] Furthermore, the gradient curves of the current structures are relatively broad and lack a defined global maximum, which can also lead to adjustment problems. Therefore, the invention provides for the use of said asymmetric projections in the context of the device according to claim 1.

[0023] The invention offers several advantages: The headlight is more easily adjustable; the headlight or its light pattern therefore has a narrower and more defined gradient with a clear maximum. The gap between high beam and low beam can be closed more effectively. The HD line can be less blue.

[0024] By using different microstructures in different areas of the lens, the blue and yellow parts of the light distribution can be influenced separately. Additionally, asymmetrical structures can achieve greater blurring upwards than downwards, and vice versa. This has the following advantages: The upper part of the lens can be covered with a structure that sweeps more upwards than downwards. This causes yellow light to move closer to the HD line. The lower part of the lens can be covered with a structure that sweeps more downwards than upwards. This reduces the blue fringing at the HD line.

[0025] Since the conditions in the high beam are exactly the opposite, the following situation can arise for the high beam: The blue portion of the high beam passes through the upper part of the lens, so the blue portion of the high beam is swept upwards rather than downwards. This reduces the blue portion at the gap between the low and high beams. The yellow portion of the high beam passes through the lower part of the lens, so the yellow portion of the high beam is swept downwards rather than upwards. This results in more yellow light being swept into the gap between the low and high beams.

[0026] In total, this results in a significantly reduced blue component in the gap between the low and high beam.

[0027] In addition, by treating the gradients of the blue and yellow parts of the light distribution separately, the overall gradient of the distribution can be adjusted more easily.

[0028] The asymmetric blurring can of course also be applied in the horizontal direction, for example to prevent blurring from an asymmetry in the HV.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures. Figure 1 a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the invention with a first exemplary beam, Figure 2 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with a second exemplary beam, Figure 3 an exemplary projection lens with a detailed section of the exit surface of the lens comprising schematically illustrated projections, Figure 4 a distribution of projections along the vertical extension of the lens, Figure 5 a detailed view of the uppermost area (edge ​​area) of the lens according to Fig. 4 distributed projections, Figure 6a detailed view of the lowest area (edge ​​area) of the lens according to Fig. 4 distributed projections, Figure 7 a detailed view of the lower middle area of ​​the lens according to Fig. 4 distributed projections, Figure 8 a detailed view of the upper middle area of ​​the lens according to Fig. 4 distributed projections, and Figure 9 a detailed representation of exemplary horizontally distributed projections.

[0030] In the following figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols denote the same features.

[0031] Fig. 1shows a vehicle headlight 1 comprising a low-beam module 2 for generating a low-beam distribution, wherein the low-beam module 2 comprises at least one light source 2a for this purpose. Furthermore, the headlight 1 comprises a high-beam module 3 for generating a high-beam distribution, wherein the high-beam module 3 comprises at least one light source 3a for this purpose. Furthermore, the headlight 1 has a projection lens 4 and a beam diaphragm 5.

[0032] The two light modules 2 and 3 are assigned the projection lens 4 as a common projection lens 4 and the beam stop 3 as a common beam stop 3. This means that the light sources 2a and 3a are each arranged in such a way that the beam stop 5 lies in the beam path from the respective light source 2a or 3a to the common projection lens 4 in order to limit the light distribution emitted into the common projection lens 4, and the common projection lens 4 is arranged in the beam path of the two light modules 2 and 3 in such a way that the light rays emitted by the light modules 2 and 3 and passing through the common beam stop 5 can be projected onto a roadway by the common projection lens 4 in the form of a superimposed light distribution, wherein the common projection lens 4 has an optical axis z.

[0033] By way of example, a beam L 1 is shown which radiates past the diaphragm 5 at the end of the beam diaphragm 5 in the form of the light beam L 1 ' or strikes the beam diaphragm 5 in the form of the light beam L 1 " and is reflected. The common projection lens 4 has on its exit side 4' a first deflection section 4a which extends transversely to the optical axis z along the circumference of the projection lens 4 upwards and downwards and is arranged on the surface of the projection lens 4, wherein in this first deflection section 4a the exit side 4' of the common projection lens 4 is deflected by projections 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h arranged next to one another (see Fig. 3 ) which are each limited by the connection of a first flank 6a' facing the optical axis z with a second flank 6a" facing away from the optical axis z (for exemplary projections see Fig. 4 to 9), wherein the totality of the projections comprises at least projections 6a, 6b, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h of a first type, in which these flanks are formed substantially asymmetrically to one another. In this way, light rays can be deflected in a specific direction. The deflection section 4a therefore lies on the surface of the projection lens 4 and comprises the said projections in order to deflect light. The projections can be offset from one another in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. In particular, they can be arranged in a square pattern. However, other shapes are also conceivable, such as a hexagonal arrangement or even irregular shapes.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 1with a second exemplary beam L 2 , which is split into a non-reflected light beam L 2 ' and a reflected light beam L 2 ". In this figure it can also be seen that due to the extension of the beam diaphragm 5 there is a distance d between the light beams L 1 ' and L 2 ", which are oriented parallel to one another. The technically conditioned spatial extension of the beam diaphragm 5 can therefore cause a gap in the superposition of the light images of the two modules 2 and 3, which can also be compensated for by using the said projections.

[0035] As in Fig. 1 and 2As can be seen, it can be provided that the optical axis z of the common projection lens 4 is oriented substantially horizontally, and the high beam module 3 is offset downwards with respect to the beam stop 5 and the low beam module 2 is offset upwards (along the axis y) with respect to the beam stop 5. The low beam module 2 and the high beam module 3 can each have a main radiation direction, wherein the two modules 2 and 3 are each inclined with respect to the optical axis z of the common projection lens 4 such that their main radiation directions form the same angle with respect to the optical axis z of the common projection lens 4, whereby the said light beams L 1 ' and L 2 " are oriented parallel to one another. The first deflection section 4a is in the Fig. 1 and 2arranged in a central region of the common projection lens 4. In detail, it can be provided that the central region extends upwards and downwards from the intersection point of the optical axis z of the projection lens 4 with the exit surface 4' for a length of 25% of the circumference of the exit surface 4' in a sectional view along the optical axis z.

[0036] Figure 4shows a distribution of projections along the vertical extension (curved around a vertical axis y) of the lens 4. The first section 4a comprises two subsections 4a' and 4a", wherein a first subsection 4a' is arranged above the optical axis z of the common projection lens 4 and a second subsection 4a" is arranged below the optical axis z of the common projection lens 4, wherein the asymmetry of the projections present in the second subsection 4a" is more pronounced than the asymmetry of the projections arranged in the first subsection 4a'. Each subsection 4a' and 4a" has projections of the first type 6a, 6b, 6e, 6f. In general, all projections can extend parallel to the optical axis z.

[0037] With a view to Figs. 7 and 8It should be mentioned that the asymmetry of the projections 6a, 6b, 6e, 6f of the first type is formed in that the second flank 6a", 6b", 6e", 6f" of the respective projection is flatter than its first flank 6a', 6b', 6e', 6f'. In particular, it can be provided that adjacent projections adjoin one another in the vertical direction along the circumference of the exit side 4' of the common projection lens 4. The projections of the first type can be divided into a first 6a, 6e and a second sub-type 6b, 6f. The projections of the two sub-types differ from one another at least in the geometric shape of the second flanks in that the second flanks 6b" and 6f" of the second sub-type are, on average, flatter than the second flanks 6a" and 6e" of the first sub-type.The projections of different subtypes can be arranged alternately next to one another, in that each projection enclosed by adjacent projections is of a different subtype than its neighboring projections. In . Fig. 7 It can be seen that the flank 6a' of the structure or projection 6a is very steep (strong downward blurring). Furthermore, another structure or projection 6b is superimposed on the basic structure, which has a flatter flank 6b" and allows for a finer adjustment of the gradient while simultaneously taking into account critical areas with regard to scattered light (e.g., HV in ECE). Fig. 8 It can be seen that the asymmetry of the projections 6e and 6f is less pronounced than that of the Fig. 7 shown projections 6a and 6b.

[0038] In Fig. 1 as well as in Fig. 3It can be seen that a second and a third deflection section 4b and 4c are provided on the common projection lens 4, each of which is arranged in an edge region of the common projection lens 4. The edge regions can be designed differently or similarly. Figs. 5 and 6 It can be seen that the projections 6c and 6d in the second and third deflection sections 4b and 4c, respectively, are formed as projections of a second type, i.e., as symmetrical projections. This means that the entirety of the projections comprises at least projections 6c and 6d of a second type, in which the falling and rising edges are formed substantially symmetrically to one another. According to Fig. 3The structure formed from the projections can therefore consist of four parts. The upper and lower structures can be symmetrical to one another and can blur significantly in the vertical direction (steep flanks). This leads to a strong softening in the edge areas of the HD line (where legal requirements do not yet play a role) and to a slight softening of the gradient. In particular, it can be advantageous if there is a slight softening of the gradient in an area of ​​the light image where this can be of particular benefit due to legal requirements, for example, according to ECE at an angle of -2.5° horizontally in an angular range of -1 to 1° vertically.

[0039] Figure 9shows a detailed representation of exemplary horizontally distributed projections, wherein at least individual projections 6g, 6h also have asymmetrically inclined flanks 6g", 6h" with respect to a horizontal extension along the common projection lens 4. These projections 6g and 6h are arranged next to one another along the circumference of the exit side 4' of the common projection lens 4, viewed in the horizontal direction. They can be arranged in a horizontal central region or also in an edge region.

[0040] For example, all projections can have a maximum height of 5 micrometers and a maximum width of 1 mm.

[0041] In particular, it can be provided that the ratio of the width of the projections 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h to the height of the projections 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h is in the range between 10 and 1000, in particular between 50 and 200.

[0042] Figure 5a detailed view of the uppermost area (edge ​​area) of the lens according to Fig. 4 distributed projections,

[0043] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiments may also be taken up and combined with one another. Any reference symbols in the claims are exemplary and serve only to facilitate the readability of the claims, without limiting them.

Claims

1. Vehicle headlamp (1) comprising - a low beam module (2) for generating a low beam distribution, the low beam module (2) comprising at least one light source (2a) for this purpose, and - a high beam module (3) for generating a high beam distribution, the high beam module (3) comprising at least one light source (3a) for this purpose, - a projection lens (4), and - a beam diaphragm (5), the two beam modules (2, 3) being assigned the projection lens (4) as a common projection lens (4) and the beam diaphragm (3) as a common beam diaphragm (3), in that the light sources (2a, 3a) are each arranged in such a way that the common beam diaphragm (5) is located in the beam path from the respective light source towards the common projection lens (4) in order to limit the light distribution radiated into the common projection lens (4) in each case, and the common projection lens (4) is arranged in the beam path of the two beam modules (2, 3) in such a way that the light beams emitted by the beam modules (2, 3) and passing through the common beam diaphragm (5) can be imaged onto a roadway by the common projection lens (4) in the form of a superimposed light distribution, the common projection lens (4) having an optical axis (z), characterized in that the common projection lens (4) has on its exit side (4') a first deflection section (4a) which extends upwards and downwards transversely to the optical axis (z) along the circumference of the projection lens and which is arranged on the surface of the projection lens (4), wherein in this first deflection section (4a) the exit side (4') of the common projection lens (4) is formed by protrusions (6a, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h), which are each delimited by the connection of a first flank (6a') facing the optical axis (z) with a second flank (6a") facing away from the optical axis (z), the totality of the protrusions comprising at least protrusions (6a, 6b, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h) of a first type, in which these flanks are formed essentially asymmetrically to one another, the first deflection section (4a) being arranged in a central region of the common projection lens (4), the first section (4a) comprising two subsections (4a', 4a"), wherein a first subsection (4a') is arranged above the optical axis (z) of the common projection lens (4) and a second subsection (4a") is arranged below the optical axis (z) of the common projection lens (4), wherein the asymmetry of the protrusions present in the second subsection (4a") is more pronounced than the asymmetry of the protrusions arranged in the first subsection (4a').

2. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetry of the protrusions (6a, 6b, 6e, 6f) of the first type is formed in that the second flank (6a", 6b", 6e", 6f") of the respective protrusion (6a, 6b, 6e, 6f) is flatter than its first flank (6a', 6b', 6e', 6f').

3. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the totality of the protrusions comprises at least protrusions (6c, 6d) of a second type, in which the falling and the rising flank are formed substantially symmetrically to one another.

4. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical axis (z) of the common projection lens (4) is oriented substantially horizontally, and the high beam module (3) is offset downwards with respect to the beam diaphragm (5) and the low beam module (2) is offset upwards with respect to the beam diaphragm (5).

5. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 4, wherein the low beam module (2) and the high beam module (3) each have a main radiation direction, wherein the two modules (2, 3) are each inclined with respect to the optical axis (z) of the common projection lens (4) in such a way that their main radiation directions include the same angle with respect to the optical axis (z) of the common projection lens (4).

6. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent protrusions adjoin each other in vertical direction along the circumference of the exit side (4') of the common projection lens (4).

7. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each subsection (4a', 4a") comprises protrusions of the first type (6a, 6b, 6e, 6f), and these protrusions are divisible into a first (6a, 6e) and a second subtype (6b, 6f), wherein the protrusions of the two subtypes differ from one another at least in the geometric shape of the second flanks, in that the second flanks (6b", 6f") of the second subtype are flatter on average than the second flanks (6a", 6e") of the first subtype.

8. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions of different subtypes are arranged alternately side by side, in that each protrusion enclosed by neighboring protrusions is of a different subtype than its neighboring protrusions.

9. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second and a third deflecting section (4b, 4c) are provided on the common projection lens (4), which are each arranged in an edge region of the common projection lens (4).

10. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 9, wherein the protrusions in the second and third deflecting sections (4b, 4c) are designed as protrusions of the second type, i.e. as symmetrical protrusions.

11. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least individual protrusions (6g, 6h) also have asymmetrically inclined flanks (6g", 6h") with respect to a horizontal extension along the common projection lens (4), and these protrusions (6g, 6h) are arranged next to one another along the circumference of the exit side (4') of the common projection lens (4) as viewed in the horizontal direction.

12. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all protrusions have a maximum height of 5 micrometers and a maximum width of 1 mm.

13. Vehicle headlamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the width of the protrusions (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h) to the height of the protrusions (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h) is in the range between 10 and 1000, in particular between 50 and 200.