Illumination device for a vehicle headlight as well as vehicle headlights

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the lighting device comprises a lighting unit, the lighting unit comprising: an optical body with an optical body light-exit surface, wherein the optical body is made of an optically transparent material, several light guides, each light guide having a light-intake surface and a light-exit surface, at least one light source for each light guide, wherein the at least one light source of a light guide can only feed light into this light guide, and wherein the light of the at least one light source of a light guide is fed into it via the light-intake surface of the light guide. wherein the optical guides are formed from an optically transparent material, such that light coupled into an optical guide can propagate from the light entry surface to the light exit surface, and wherein at least a part of the light fed into the optical guide, which strikes lateral boundary surfaces of the optical guide, is totally reflected at the boundary surfaces, wherein the optical guides are arranged laterally next to each other, and wherein the optical guides with their light exit surfaces open into the optical body at an optical body entry surface opposite the optical body light exit surface of the optical body, wherein the optical guides are arranged such that the light exit surfaces of adjacent optical guides have a greater than zero distance to each other, so that a free area is obtained between each two adjacent optical guides on the optical body entry surface.and wherein the lighting device further comprises a projection device which maps the light emitted by the light sources in the form of a segmented light distribution.

[0002] The term "multiple optical guides" includes two or more, preferably more than two, optical guides.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight with at least one such lighting device.

[0004] Lighting devices are known from the prior art in which, by modifying a translucent body capable of generating a low-beam or front-area light distribution, a sign light distribution can be generated in addition to this light distribution using the same light sources. Other embodiments are also known in which, for example, a projection device positioned in front of the translucent body is modified accordingly (e.g., by means of appropriate optics such as prisms on the projection device) to simultaneously generate a sign light distribution in addition to the originally generated low-beam or front-area light distribution.

[0005] For dipped beam distribution (e.g., Class C, Class V, Class E), a certain proportion of light must always be present above the HD line. This proportion of light above the HD line is called signlight, which, for example, makes overhead signs more visible. Legally relevant measuring points can be, for example, S50LL, S50, S50RR (on the V4° line), as well as S100LL, S100, S100RR (on the V2° line).

[0006] The major disadvantage of the known solutions is that these signlights use the same light sources as for generating the low beam or front light distribution, meaning the signlight is always switched on as soon as the front / low beam module is illuminated.

[0007] Signlight prisms on projection devices also often have a negative impact on the optical appearance (both cold and warm designs are affected), and in some cases, these projection devices are perceived as dazzling by oncoming traffic because the signlight originates from a comparatively small area on the projection device.

[0008] This "permanent" sign light has also proven disadvantageous with regard to ratings. With the glare-free high beams used in modern cars, the area of ​​oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead is masked out by the high beam (i.e., dimming the desired area). However, the sign light from the low beam / front-mounted low beam module continues to illuminate this area.

[0009] Specifically in the new US-ADB rating, this "blurring" leads to a worse rating.

[0010] EP 3578874 A1 and EP 3611425 A1 disclose known lighting devices for automotive headlights.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting device with which these problems can be solved.

[0012] This problem is solved with a lighting device described above in that, according to the invention, the lighting unit further comprises an additional optical device, wherein the additional optical device has at least one light coupling area and one or more light coupling areas, wherein at least one additional light source is assigned to each light coupling area, and wherein at least a part of the light coupled into the additional optical device from an additional light source via a light coupling area propagates in the additional optical device to the one or more light coupling areas and exits the additional optical device there, and wherein at least one, preferably exactly one, light coupling area is arranged between two adjacent light guide elements, such thatthat light exiting from the light coupling area can enter the optical body via the free area between the two light guides and propagate within it to the optical body's light exit surface.

[0013] The described design results in free areas or regions between adjacent light guides on the surface of the optical body where the light guides enter it, which the present invention makes use of.

[0014] The lighting unit is typically designed to generate a light distribution, particularly a segmented light distribution, which lies primarily above the horizontal 0°-0° line and, in conjunction with a low beam or approach light distribution generated by another unit / module, forms a high beam. In particular, such a segmented light distribution can be used to implement ADB ("Adaptive Driving Beam"), which allows areas above the HD line, especially oncoming traffic areas, to be masked out.

[0015] By using its own light source(s) to generate the sign light, it does not need to be operated permanently, neither in low beam / field light mode nor in ADB mode.

[0016] Through the interaction with the optical body, which provides light for the segmented light distribution located above the 0°-0° line, it can also be easily achieved that the signlight light distribution illuminates the desired areas in the light image in the vertical direction.

[0017] Preferably, the light coupling area comprises optical elements or an optical structure that aligns the coupled light parallel to itself. For example, the light coupling area is designed like a Fresnel lens or in the form of a collimator. The parallel-aligned light can then propagate through the additional optical device by means of total internal reflection.

[0018] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] Preferably, the light extraction areas are arranged below one or the upper edges of the light emission surfaces, so that light is fed into the free areas below the upper edge(s).

[0020] The light output areas are preferably located at a (small) distance greater than zero from the optical body or can be in contact with the optical body.

[0021] The light originating from the light-emitting surfaces of the optical fibers is typically imaged in a region above a horizontal 0°-0° line in the light distribution, thus creating the segmented light distribution. In a vertically inverting projection device, the light-emitting surfaces of the optical fibers are positioned so that their upper edge lies approximately at or just above the optical axis of the projection device. Due to the inverting effect of the projection device, light from the light-emitting surfaces is imaged (mostly) above the 0°-0° line, while light from the region of the upper edge is imaged in the lower region of the light distribution, close to the 0°-0° line, and particularly just below it. (If the upper edge lies exactly on the optical axis of the projection device, light originating from the region of the upper edge is imaged onto the 0°-0° line.)

[0022] Accordingly, light from the light coupling areas located below the upper edge is mapped in the light distribution at a distance above the horizontal 0°-0° line, so that a distance is created between a low beam distribution (which will be discussed further below) and a light distribution formed with the light from the light coupling areas, in particular a sign light distribution.

[0023] It may be provided that a main light emission direction of the light exiting from a light coupling area is directed approximately parallel to the light emission direction in which light from a light guide body adjacent to the light coupling area travels.

[0024] In this context, it should be noted that typically no parallel light emerges from the light guides; the direction of light emission in this case refers to a resultant direction of all emerging light rays.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be provided that a main light emission direction of the light exiting from a light coupling area is directed in such a way that the light from the projection device is imaged into an area above a 0°-0° line, in particular in such a way that the light of all light coupling areas forms a signlight light distribution.

[0026] For example, it is provided that the additional optical device consists of a body made of a light-guiding material, wherein preferably the body forming the additional optical device has at least one light coupling area and at least one supply area adjoining it, wherein the at least one supply area transitions into a distribution area, via which the light coming from the at least one additional light source is divided onto one or more light coupling areas.

[0027] Preferably, the light output areas are also part of the body.

[0028] Two or more light extraction areas can be provided, with the distribution area and the light extraction areas preferably having a comb-like shape.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the supply line area runs approximately parallel to the light guide elements and the distribution area runs transversely to the light guide elements and / or transversely to the supply line area, in particular essentially normal to the supply line area, and wherein a diversion section is provided for each light output area, which is connected to the distribution area, in particular is formed integrally with it, and through which diversion section light is supplied to the light output area.

[0030] For example, a diversion section has a first deflection area which deflects the light fed into the diversion section from the distribution area into the main light emission direction.

[0031] It can be provided that at least one, in particular exactly one, light output area is arranged between all adjacent light guide bodies, or at least one, in particular exactly one, light output area is arranged between two adjacent light guide bodies which are centrally arranged, preferably at least one, in particular exactly one, light output area is arranged between several central adjacent light guide bodies.

[0032] The term "central" refers to an arrangement in relation to the optical axis X 500 of the projection device, in particular in the horizontal / lateral direction, wherein light guide bodies through which the axis passes or which are adjacent / near this axis are referred to as central or more central.

[0033] In particular, it may be provided that the light coupling areas are designed and / or arranged between adjacent light guide bodies in such a way that a signlight light distribution results.

[0034] For example, it may be provided that the optical body and the light guide elements are formed in one piece and preferably made of the same optically transparent material.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light entry surfaces of the light guide bodies are arranged at a distance greater than zero from each other, and preferably the light guide bodies taper from the light exit surface to the light entry surface.

[0036] The light guides, for example, have a conical shape.

[0037] Furthermore, it may be provided that the light rays emitted by the light guide elements of the lighting unit are imaged by the projection device as a segmented light distribution, wherein the light distribution, which comprises two or more adjacent light segments, lies at least partially above a 0°-0° line in the image.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be provided that open areas, in particular all open areas, are flat and / or that an optical structure, such as in the form of grooves, is provided in or on open areas, in particular in or on all open areas, in order to achieve a homogenization of the generated light distribution, in particular the signlight light distribution, in the horizontal direction.

[0039] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the lighting device comprises another lighting unit, the so-called main lighting unit, wherein the main lighting unit is configured to generate a main light distribution, in particular a low beam distribution, preferably a low beam distribution with an HD boundary, or a front-area light distribution, wherein the main light distribution and the segmented light distribution together form a high beam distribution when all light segments of the segmented light distribution are illuminated.

[0040] A light emission surface of the lighting unit is preferably arranged such that the focal point of the projection device lies essentially in this light emission surface or in an edge limiting the light emission surface, particularly downwards, so that this edge is sharply depicted in the light image as a light-dark boundary which limits the light distribution upwards.

[0041] Finally, it may also be provided in this context that in a main lighting operation the main lighting unit for generating the light distribution and the auxiliary light source for generating the signlight light distribution are activated and the light sources of the lighting unit are deactivated, and wherein in a partial high beam operation the main lighting unit and at least one light source, but not all light sources of the lighting unit, are activated and the auxiliary light source is dimmed or deactivated.

[0042] The design according to the invention allows the signlight light source to be switched off (or dimmed) in partial high beam operation, so that no unwanted scatter radiation can emanate from the signlight in this operating state.

[0043] Partial high beam operation refers to an operating state in which one or more areas, so-called segments, are masked out from a high beam distribution, for example to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic or traffic ahead.

[0044] In an operating state where the light distribution, in particular a front-end light distribution or a low-beam light distribution, is generated, the signlight light source can be switched on so that, in addition to the light distribution, a signlight light distribution is generated independently. In the prior art, however, the signlight light distribution is generated together with the front-end or low-beam light (i.e., the at least one light source responsible for generating the front-end or low-beam light distribution is also responsible for generating the signlight light distribution) and cannot be switched off independently of it.

[0045] The invention therefore offers advantages with regard to glare reduction, particularly when the lighting device is operated in ADB mode ("Adaptive Driving Beam"), in which individual areas or segments of a (partial) high beam distribution can be switched off. Because the sign light is switched off in this operating state, unlike in the prior art, it cannot cause glare in the masked area or segments. The reduction of unwanted "residual light" made possible by the invention, especially in masked areas, increases safety for all road users. When the low beam is on, the sign light can be switched on to, for example, make it easier for the driver to read overhead signs.

[0046] In "normal" high beam operation, however, the signlight light source can be switched on.

[0047] The invention is discussed in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This drawing shows Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the components of a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight in a rear view, Fig. 2 the lighting system Figure 1 in a schematic, exploded side view, Fig. 2a the lighting system Figure 2 in assembled state, Fig. 3 a lighting unit of the lighting device Figure 1 in a perspective, schematic view, Fig. 4 the lighting unit Figure 3 in a view from a slightly rear angle, Fig. 4a a section of an inlet surface of an optical body in the area of ​​open spaces, Fig. 5 an additional optical device for generating a signlight light distribution in a rear view, Fig. 6 the additional optical device Figure 5 in a side view, and Fig. 7an exemplary, schematic representation of a light distribution in the form of a low beam distribution and a signlight light distribution, and Fig. 8 a low beam distribution together with a partial high beam distribution without signlight distribution.

[0048] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 2a show a lighting device 100 according to the invention for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the Figure 1 and 2 show an exploded view and Figure 2a The lighting device 100 is shown in its assembled state.

[0049] The lighting device 100 comprises a lighting unit 101 (also referred to as the "first" lighting unit) and another lighting unit 102, the so-called main lighting unit 102 or "second" lighting unit.

[0050] The main lighting unit 102 is configured to provide a main light distribution HLV, e.g., a low beam distribution with an HD limit HD, as in Figure 8 shown, to generate.

[0051] The first lighting unit 101 is designed to provide a segmented light distribution FLV ( Figure 8 to generate.

[0052] Together, when the main lighting unit 102 generates the main light distribution HLV and the first lighting unit 101 is also activated, a high beam distribution is generated when all light segments SEG of the segmented light distribution FLV are activated.

[0053] Furthermore, an ADB lighting function can be implemented, as individual light segments can be switched off, as exemplified in Figure 8 The diagram shows where those light segments which would illuminate areas in which a vehicle QFK, in particular a vehicle of oncoming traffic, is located, are switched off.

[0054] Returning to the Figure 1 , 2 , 2a as well as 3 - 6 It can be seen that the lighting unit 101 comprises an optical body 1 with an optical body light exit surface 10, wherein the optical body 1 is made of an optically transparent material.

[0055] As particularly in Figure 3 and 4 As can be clearly seen, the lighting unit 101 further comprises several light guide elements 2, each light guide element 2 having a light entry surface 2a and a light exit surface 2b. For each light guide element 2, at least one light source 3 (schematically indicated as "x" in ) is provided. Figure 2 , 2a), usually in the form of one or more LEDs, assigned, wherein the at least one light source 3 of a light guide body 2 can only feed light into this light guide body 2 via its light entry surface 2a when it is switched on.

[0056] The light guide bodies 2 are also formed from an optically transparent material, so that light coupled into a light guide body 2 can propagate from the light entry surface 2a to its light exit surface 2b, whereby at least a part of the light fed into the light guide body 2, which hits lateral boundary surfaces 2c of the light guide body 2, is totally reflected at the boundary surfaces 2c.

[0057] The light guide elements 2 are arranged side by side when installed in a motor vehicle. The light guide elements 2 open with their light emission surfaces 2b into an optical body entry surface 11 opposite the optical body light emission surface 10 of the optical body 1.

[0058] The light guide bodies 2 are arranged such that the light emission surfaces 2b (of the laterally) adjacent light guide bodies 2 have a distance greater than zero from each other, so that a free area 12 results between each two adjacent light guide bodies 2 on the optical body end-face 11, see Figure 4 and Figure 4a .

[0059] For example, the optical body 1 and the light guides 2 can be formed integrally and preferably made of the same optically transparent material. Furthermore, the light-entry surfaces 2a of the light guides 2 can be arranged at a greater than zero distance from each other, and preferably the light guides 2 taper from the light-emission surface 2b to the light-entry surface 2a and, for example, have a conical shape.

[0060] Light from the light guide elements 2 enters the optical body 1 via the inlet surface 11 and exits again via the optical body light exit surface 10. The lighting device 100 further comprises a projection device 500 (see Figure 2 , 2a), in particular a projection optics device, e.g. a projection lens, which is arranged in the direction of light propagation after the two illumination units 101, 102. The light emitted by the light sources 3, which is coupled into the optical body 1 via the inlet surface 11 and which exits via the light exit surface 10, is projected by the projection device 500 in the form of the segmented light distribution FLV (see Figure 8 ).

[0061] As described above, the lighting unit 101 is a lighting unit for generating a segmented light distribution FLV, which lies essentially above the horizontal 0°-0° line (HH line) and additionally forms a high beam with a low beam or approach light distribution HLV. The segmented light distribution FLV lies largely above the 0°-0° line, while the lower areas lie at the 0°-0° line or preferably slightly below it in a known manner, so that they connect to or slightly overlap a low beam or approach light distribution.

[0062] In particular, such a segmented light distribution can be used to implement an ADB ("Adaptive Driving Beam"), in which areas above the HD line, especially oncoming traffic areas, can be masked out, as has already been described.

[0063] Furthermore, the lighting unit 101 comprises an additional optical device 200, wherein the additional optical device 200 has at least one, preferably exactly one, light coupling area 201 as shown, and one or, preferably, several light coupling areas 202 as shown. Each light coupling area 201 is assigned at least one additional light source 250, in particular in the form of one or more LEDs. In the exemplary case shown, exactly one additional light source 250 is provided.

[0064] When the additional light source 250 is switched on, at least part of the light emitted by it, coupled into the additional optical device 200 via the light coupling area 201, propagates in the additional optical device 200 to the light coupling areas 202 and exits the additional optical device 200 there.

[0065] As described, at the inlet surface 11 of the optical body 1, where the light guide bodies 2 enter it, there are free areas or regions 12 between adjacent light guide bodies 2, which the present invention makes use of, and at least one, preferably exactly one, light output area 202 of the additional optical device 200 is positioned between two adjacent light guide bodies 2 such that light exiting from a light output area 202 enters the optical body 1 via the free area 12 between the two light guide bodies 2 and propagates in it to the optical body light output surface 10 of the optical body 1.

[0066] The light fed into the optical body 1 via the additional optics device 200 and exiting via the light exit surface 10 is projected via the projection device 500 as its own light distribution SV, in particular as a signlight light distribution SV.

[0067] The open areas 12 are, for example, flat. It can be advantageous to provide an optical structure, such as grooves, in the open areas 12, for example, in the generally flat open areas, in order to achieve a homogenization of the generated light distribution, in particular the signlight light distribution SV, in the horizontal direction.

[0068] The optical body's light-emitting surface 10 is bounded at the top by an edge 10a. The edge 10a is preferably located approximately or exactly at the level of the upper edge 2b' of the light guide elements 2b. The optical body's light-emitting surface 10 is—not limited to the specific embodiment described here, but in general terms—preferably arranged such that the optical body's light-emitting surface 10 lies approximately within a focal area of ​​the projection device 500, or such that the edge 10a lies within a focal point of the F500 of the projection device 500. This results in an image of the light distribution FLV with the desired sharpness, particularly of the light segments SEG. Specifically, the edge 10a is depicted in the image as the lower, sharp boundary of the light segments SEG.

[0069] The same applies to the main lighting unit 102, which, as described, is configured to provide a main light distribution HLV, e.g., a low beam distribution with an HD limit HD, as in Figures 7 and 8 shown, to generate. For example, the main lighting unit 102 comprises one or more light sources 112, in particular one or more LEDs, which, in a known manner, in conjunction with an optical body 113 comprising a light-emitting surface 114, generate the main light distribution HLV. The light emerging from the light-emitting surface 114 of the optical body 113 is projected accordingly into the traffic area by the projection device 500. The light-emitting surface 114 is bounded downwards by an edge 114a, which is defined as a sharp line in the main light distribution (low beam or approach light distribution).

[0070] The boundary, the so-called light-dark boundary (HD boundary), is imaged, which limits this light distribution upwards. In order to produce a main light distribution with the desired sharpness, in particular with the desired sharpness of the HD boundary, the light emission surface 114 lies essentially in the focal surface of the projection device 500, or the focal point F 500 lies essentially in or on the edge 114a.

[0071] By using a separate light source(s) 250 to generate a separate light distribution SV, in particular a signlight light distribution, whereby this separate light source(s) 250 can be operated independently of the light source(s) 3 of the lighting unit 101 and also independently of the light source(s) 112 of the main lighting unit 102, the signlight light distribution SV does not need to be permanently activated, neither in low beam / field lighting mode nor in ADB mode. In ADB mode, in particular, this offers the advantage that, in the case of masked light segments in the segmented light distribution FLV, glare in the masked areas can be prevented by the signlight SV when it is switched off, or – in the case of a merely dimmed light source 250 – the risk of glare can be reduced.

[0072] The light source 250 can be switched on or off as desired and dimmed to varying degrees, thus allowing for individual adaptation to the different signlight requirements of ECE, CCC, and FMVSS. This applies, of course, in the general context of the present invention and is not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0073] It is further advantageous, as shown, that the light extraction areas 202 feed into the open areas 12 below an upper edge 2b' of the light emission surfaces 2b. The light extraction areas 202 are typically spaced away from the open areas, but can also be in contact with them.

[0074] The light originating from the light output areas 2b is typically imaged in a region above a horizontal 0°-0° line in the light image, thus generating the segmented light distribution FLV. In a vertically inverting projection device 500, the light output surfaces 2b of the light guide elements 2 are positioned such that their upper edge 2b' lies approximately at or just above the optical axis X 500 of the projection device 500. Due to the inverting effect of the projection device 500, light from the light output surfaces 2b is imaged (mostly) above the 0°-0° line, while light from the region of the upper edge 2b' is imaged in the lower region of the light distribution, close to the 0°-0° line, and in particular just below it. (If the upper edge 2b' lies exactly on the optical axis X 500 of the projection device 500, light originating from the area of ​​the upper edge 2b' will be imaged onto the 0°-0° line.)

[0075] Accordingly, light from the light coupling areas 202 of the additional optics device 200 located below the upper edge 2b' is imaged at a distance above a lower limit of the segmented light distribution FLV, preferably above the horizontal 0°-0° line in the light distribution, so that a distance is created between the main light distribution and the light distribution SV formed with the light from the light coupling areas 202.

[0076] Preferably, it is provided that a main light emission direction X2 of the light emerging from a light coupling area 202 is directed approximately parallel to the light emission direction X1, in which light from a light guide body 2 adjacent to the light coupling area 202 runs ( Figure 3 , Figure 6 ).

[0077] In this context, it should be noted that typically no parallel light emerges from the light guide bodies 2; in this case, the light emission direction X1 denotes the resulting direction of all emerging light rays.

[0078] Preferably, the main light emission direction X2 of the light exiting from a light coupling area 202 or from the light coupling areas 202 is directed such that the light is projected by the projection device 500 into an area above a 0°-0° line, in particular such that the light of all light coupling areas 202 forms a signlight light distribution SV.

[0079] The additional optical device 200, as shown, preferably consists of a body 200' made of a light-guiding material, wherein this body 200' has the light coupling area 201 and a supply area 203 adjoining it, wherein the supply area 203 transitions into a distribution area 204, via which the light coming from the at least one additional light source 250 is divided onto one or more light coupling areas 202.

[0080] Preferably, the light output coupling areas 202 are also part of the body 200'.

[0081] The light coupling area 201 preferably aligns the coupled light rays parallel, for example by means of a Fresnel lens structure, see Figure 5 .

[0082] Preferably, the light coupling area 201 comprises optical elements or an optical structure that aligns the coupled light parallel to itself. For example, the light coupling area 201 has a Fresnel lens structure (see Figure 5 ) or is designed in the form of a collimator. The parallel-directed light can thus propagate further in the additional optical device 200 by means of total internal reflection, by propagating through the supply line area 203 at the end of the supply line area 203 onto a deflecting structure, which in this specific case consists of two deflecting surfaces 203a, where the parallel light from the supply line area 203 is deflected into the distribution area 204.

[0083] Furthermore, an area not shown in detail is provided which distributes light propagating in the supply area 203 to the distribution areas 204 in a known manner, e.g. by one or more deflecting surfaces.

[0084] The supply line area 203 can run approximately parallel to the light guide bodies 2 as shown, and the distribution area 204 can run transversely to the light guide bodies 2 and / or transversely to the supply line area 203, in particular essentially perpendicular to the supply line area 203. ( Figure 5, Figure 6 ) . Furthermore, it is provided that for each light output area 202 a diversion section 205 is provided, which is connected to the distribution area 204, in particular is formed in one piece with it, by which diversion section 205 light is supplied to the light output area 202.

[0085] This results, for example, in Figure 5 Comb shape of the additional optical device 200 shown.

[0086] The distribution area 204 comprises an optical structure 204a, which is designed such that, on the one hand, light propagates along the distribution areas 204, and on the other hand, a portion of it is deflected into the diversion sections 205. Such structures are well known and will not be discussed in detail here. ( Figures 5 and 6 ).

[0087] Preferably, each diversion section 205 has a deflection area 205a which deflects the light fed into the diversion section 205 from the distribution area 204 into the main light emission direction X2. ( Figure 6 ).

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one light extraction area 202 of the auxiliary optics device 200 is arranged on both sides of the central light guide body between adjacent light guide bodies 2, with no light extraction area being located between the three outermost light guide bodies. This arrangement can be selected such that the desired or prescribed horizontal width of the signlight light distribution SV is achieved.

[0089] The light output areas 202 are preferably spaced apart from the free surfaces 12 of the optical body 1. During assembly, for example, the additional optics 200 are inserted from above into the desired position in the optical body 1 and can be clamped between the optical body 1 and the optical body 113 of the main illumination unit 102 for fixation. Furthermore, an additional retaining element (not shown) may be provided.

[0090] The invention therefore offers advantages with regard to glare, particularly when the lighting device is operated in ADB mode ("Adaptive Driving Beam"), in which individual areas or segments of a (partial) high beam distribution can be switched off. Because, unlike the prior art, the sign light can be switched off or dimmed independently in this operating state, it prevents glare in the masked area or segments, or at least reduces the risk of glare. The reduction or elimination of unwanted "residual light" made possible by the invention, especially in masked areas, increases safety for all road users. When the low beam is on, the sign light can be switched on to, for example, make it easier for the driver to read overhead signs.In "normal" high beam operation, the sign light source can be switched on.

Claims

1. Lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the lighting device (100) comprises a lighting unit (101), wherein the lighting unit (101) comprises: - an optical body (1) with an optical body light exit surface (10), wherein the optical body (1) is formed from an optically transparent material, - a plurality of light guide bodies (2), each light guide body (2) having a light entry surface (2a) and a light exit surface (2b), - for each light guide body (2), at least one light source (3), wherein the at least one light source (3) of a light guide body (2) can only feed light into this light guide body (2), and wherein the light from the at least one light source (3) of a light guide body (2) is fed into the light guide body (2) via the light entry surface (2a) of the light guide body (2), wherein the light guide bodies (2) are formed from an optically transparent material, so that light coupled into a light guide body (2) can propagate from the light entry surface (2a) to the light exit surface (2b), and wherein at least part of the light fed into the light guide body (2) which strikes lateral boundary surfaces (2c) of the light guide body (2) is totally reflected at the boundary surfaces (2c), wherein the light guide bodies (2) are arranged side by side, and wherein the light guide bodies (2) open into the optical body (1) with their light-emitting surfaces (2b) at an optical body opening surface (11) opposite the optical body light-emitting surface (10) of the optical body (1), wherein the light guide bodies (2) are arranged such that light-emitting surfaces (2b) of adjacent light guide bodies (2) have a distance greater than zero between them, so that there is a free space (12) between two adjacent light guide bodies (2) on the optical body inlet surface (11), and wherein the illumination device (100) further comprises a projection device (500) which projects the light emitted by the light sources (3) in the form of a segmented light distribution (FLV), characterized in that the lighting unit (101) further comprises an additional optical device (200), wherein the additional optical device (200) has at least one light coupling area (201) and one or more light decoupling areas (202), wherein at least one additional light source (250) is assigned to each light coupling area (201) has at least one additional light source (250) assigned to it, and wherein at least part of the light coupled into the additional optical device (250) by an additional light source (250) via a light coupling area (201) propagates in the additional optical device (250) to the one or more light decoupling areas (202) and exits the additional optical device (200) there, and wherein at least one, preferably exactly one, light output area (202) is arranged between two adjacent light guide bodies (2) in such a way that light (202) can enter the optical body (1) via the free surface (12) between the two light guide bodies (2) and propagate in the latter to the optical body light exit surface (10) of the optical body (1).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light decoupling areas (202) are arranged below one or the upper edges (2b') of the light exit surfaces (2b).

3. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a main light emission direction (X2) of the light emitted from a light decoupling area (202) is approximately parallel to the light emission direction (X1) in which light is emitted from an adjacent light guide body (2) adjacent to the light decoupling area (202).

4. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a main light emission direction (X2) of the light emitted from a light decoupling area (202) is directed in such a way that the light is projected by the projection device (500) into an area above a 0°-0° line, in particular in such a way that the light from all light decoupling areas (202) forms a Signlight light distribution (SV).

5. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional optical device (200) consists of a body (200') formed from a light-conducting material, wherein preferably the body (200') forming the additional optical device (200) has at least one light coupling area (201) and, adjacent to this, at least one feed area (203), wherein the at least one feed area (203) merges into a distribution area (204) via which the light coming from the at least one additional light source (250) is distributed to the one or more light decoupling areas (202).

6. Lighting device according to claim 5, wherein two or more light decoupling areas (202) are provided, and wherein preferably the distribution area (204) and the light decoupling areas (202) have a comb-like shape.

7. Lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the supply area (203) runs approximately parallel to the light guide bodies (2) and the distribution area (204) runs transversely to the light guide bodies (2) and / or transversely to the supply area (203), in particular substantially normal to the supply area (203), and wherein a diversion section (205) is provided for each light decoupling area (202), which is connected to the distribution area (204), in particular is formed integrally therewith, with which diversion section (205) light is fed to the light decoupling area (202), wherein preferably a diversion section (205) has a first deflection area (205a) which deflects the light fed from the distribution area (204) into the diversion section (205) in the main light exit direction (X2).

8. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, in particular exactly one light decoupling area (202) is arranged between all adjacent light guide bodies (2), or wherein at least between two adjacent light guide bodies (2) which are arranged centrally, at least one, in particular exactly one light decoupling area (202) is arranged, preferably between several centrally adjacent light guide bodies (2), at least one, in particular exactly one light decoupling area (202) is arranged in each case.

9. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light decoupling areas (202) are formed and / or arranged between adjacent light guide bodies (2) in such a way that a Signlight light distribution is achieved.

10. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical body (1) and the light guide bodies (2) are formed integrally with one another, preferably from the same optically transparent material.

11. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light entry surfaces (2a) of the light guide bodies (2) are arranged at a distance greater than zero from each other, and preferably the light guide bodies (2) taper from the light exit surface (2b) to the light entry surface (2a).

12. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light beams emitted by the light guide bodies (2) of the lighting unit (101) are imaged by the projection device (500) as segmented light distribution (FLV), wherein the light distribution (FLV), which comprises two or more adjacent light segments (SEG), lies at least partially, in particular largely, above a 0°-0° line.

13. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein free surfaces (12), in particular all free surfaces, are flat and / or an optical structure, for example in the form of grooves, is provided in or on free surfaces (12), in particular in or on all free surfaces, in order to achieve homogenization of the generated light distribution, in particular the Signlight light distribution SV, in the horizontal direction.

14. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device (100) comprises a further lighting unit (102), the so-called main lighting unit (102), , wherein the main lighting unit (102) is designed to generate a main light distribution (HLV), in particular a low beam distribution, preferably a low beam distribution with an HD limit, or a front field light distribution, wherein the main light distribution (HLV) and the segmented light distribution (FLV) together form a high beam distribution when all light segments (SEG) of the segmented light distribution (FLV) are illuminated, and wherein, for example, in a main light mode, the main lighting unit (102) for generating the light distribution (LV) and the additional light source (250) for generating the signal light distribution (SV) are activated and the light sources (3) of the lighting unit (101) are deactivated, and wherein, in a partial high beam mode, the main lighting unit (102) and at least one light source (3), but not all light sources (3) of the lighting unit (101) are activated and the additional light source (250) is dimmed or deactivated.

15. Motor vehicle headlamp with at least one lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 14.