Lighting device for vehicle headlights

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle headlamp which is capable of creating multiple different light distributions and is simplified.SOLUTION: A lighting device for a vehicle headlamp includes: multiple light sources (2); a first lens element (3) arranged on the downstream side of the multiple light sources (2); and a second lens element arranged on the downstream side of the first lens element (3). A light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) is formed by a main area (5b) and a sub-area (5a). The light sources (2) and the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) are distanced from each other so that a first fraction of light is emitted towards the sub-area (5a) and a second fraction is emitted towards the main area (5b). The light sources (2), the first lens element (3) and the second lens element are configured to create a light distribution-variable, high-beam light distribution by refraction of light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Paris Convention priority of European Patent Application No. 23166618.1, filed April 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, the lighting device being configured to generate different light distributions, the lighting device comprising: *A plurality of light sources arranged in a first light source group and a second light source group, wherein in the installation position of the lighting device, i.e. when the lighting device is installed in a vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, the first light source group is positioned higher in the vertical direction than the second light source group, and the plurality of light sources emit light along a main beam direction; a first lens element disposed downstream of the plurality of light sources along the main beam direction, wherein the first lens element includes a light receiving surface directed toward the plurality of light sources and a light emitting surface opposite the light receiving surface, the first lens element is configured to receive light from the plurality of light sources via the light receiving surface and emit the received light via the light emitting surface, the first lens element has an optical axis, and the first lens element is configured to refract light relative to the optical axis; a second lens element disposed downstream of the first lens element along the main beam direction and configured to receive refracted light from the first lens element and project the light forward of the lighting device, wherein the second lens element has an optical axis; Includes.

[0003] The invention further relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a lighting device and a second (secondary) lighting device.

[0004] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting device or light module. [Background technology]

[0005] In the prior art, lighting devices for generating different light distributions are known, and include light sources and corresponding lens systems. Typically, light from the light sources is pre-shaped by a collimator device before it is emitted towards the lens system, which is configured to project the light coming from the collimator device in the form of a light distribution, for example, into a traffic space in front of the lighting device. It is also known to use multiple collimator devices, each corresponding to a different light source, to generate different light distributions. For example, a first collimator corresponds to a first light source and cooperates with the lens system to generate a first light distribution, and a second collimator corresponds to a second light source and cooperates with the lens system to generate a second light distribution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] EP 3 104 064 A1 [Patent Document 2] EP 3 109 539 A1 [Patent Document 3] DE 10 2019 202434 A1 [Patent Document 4] DE 10 2017 103320 A1 [Patent Document 5] JP 2022 028514 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The drawback of these systems is the complex structure and the large number of optical elements required to generate the different light distributions.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp that is capable of producing different light distributions and has a simplified yet still effective construction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, the lighting device being configured to generate different light distributions, The lighting device includes: *A plurality of light sources arranged in a first light source group and a second light source group, wherein in the installation position of the lighting device, i.e. when the lighting device is installed in a vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, the first light source group is positioned higher in the vertical direction than the second light source group, and the plurality of light sources emit light along a main beam direction; a first lens element disposed downstream of the plurality of light sources along the main beam direction, wherein the first lens element includes a light receiving surface directed toward the plurality of light sources and a light emitting surface opposite the light receiving surface, the first lens element configured to receive light from the plurality of light sources via the light receiving surface and emit the received light via the light emitting surface, the first lens element having an optical axis, the first lens element configured to refract light about the optical axis; and a second lens element disposed downstream of the first lens element along the main beam direction and configured to receive refracted light from the first lens element and project the light forward of the lighting device, wherein the second lens element has an optical axis; Includes. The first lens element and the second lens element are configured and positioned relative to each other such that their optical axes are coaxially aligned and the first lens element and the second lens element form a common focal point, the common focal point being in a common focal plane located on a side of the first lens element opposite the second lens element. The plurality of light sources are arranged on a light source holder, and the light source holder is positioned relative to the first lens element and the second lens element such that the main beam direction of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the first lens element and the optical axis of the second lens element. The light receiving surface of the first lens element is formed by a main area and a sub-area, each of the sub-areas includes a plurality of refractive elements including a light incident section, and the refractive elements of the sub-areas are configured to refract incident light differently from the light refracted by the main area, and the light source holder and the light receiving surface of the first lens element are formed at a distance from each other so that a first portion of light from the first light source group is emitted toward the sub-area and a second portion of light from the first light source group is emitted toward the main area, and so that a first portion of light from the second light source group is emitted toward the sub-area and a second portion of light from the second light source group is emitted toward the main area of ​​the light receiving surface, and the first portion of light from the first light source group is larger than the first portion of light from the second light source group. the first light source group, the second light source group, the first lens element, and the second lens element are configured to generate a complete or partial high beam light distribution, the high beam light distribution being formed by at least two sections, and the sub-area and main area of ​​the light receiving surface of the first lens element are configured to refract incident light so that a first portion and a second portion of refracted light from the first light source group correspond to a first illumination area forming the first section of the high beam light distribution, and so that a first portion and a second portion of refracted light from the second light source group correspond to a second illumination area forming the second section of the high beam light distribution, the first section having a first intensity maximum (first maximum intensity) and the second section having a second intensity maximum (second maximum intensity), and due to the refraction of light by the sub-area and the refraction of light by the main area, the first intensity maximum of the first section is positioned vertically lower (at a lower position) in front of the lighting device than the second intensity maximum of the second section. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a light module for a motor vehicle headlamp is provided. The light module is configured to generate different light distributions each associated with a different operating mode of the light module, and the light module includes a lighting device according to the present invention (any of forms 1 to 14) and a second (secondary) lighting device configured to generate a portion of the low beam light distribution. the light module is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation; In a first operating mode of the light module, at least a portion of the first group of light sources and at least a portion of the second group of light sources of the lighting device are active and configured to cooperate with the first lens element and the second lens element to generate a full or partial high beam light distribution, and the second lighting device is inactive; *In a second operating mode of the light module, a first portion of the first light source group is in an operating state, and a second portion of the first light source group and the second light source group are in an inactive state; in the second operating mode, the operating first light source group, the first lens element, and the second lens element are configured to generate a first portion of an asymmetric low beam light distribution; a first illumination area generated by refracted light by the sub-area from the first portion of the operating state of the first light source group corresponds to the first portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution; the second lighting device is configured to generate a second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution; the first portion and the second portion form the asymmetric low beam light distribution; and when the light module is installed in a vehicle, the first portion forms an asymmetric portion of the asymmetric light distribution that illuminates an area on the driving side of the vehicle. According to a third aspect of the present invention, Ming Dynasty Form 1~ 13 Either crab Lighting equipment or this invention Ming Dynasty form 14 or to 15 A motor vehicle headlamp is provided that includes a light module according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Mode 1) See the first aspect of the present invention above. (Feature 2) In the lighting device according to feature 1, the light sources of the first light source group are arranged along a first row on the light source holder, and the light sources of the second light source group are arranged along a second row on the light source holder; the second row being substantially parallel to the first row; is preferred. (Feature 3) In the lighting device according to feature 1 or 2, particularly feature 1, The first light source group and the second light source group are oriented along a horizontal line on the light source holder in the mounted position. is preferred. (Feature 4) In the lighting device according to any one of Features 1 to 3, particularly the lighting device according to Features 1, the refractive element is formed as a prism element having a substantially triangular cross section along a vertical plane in the mounted position; is preferred. (Feature 5) In the lighting device according to feature 4, each prism element having a longitudinal extension perpendicular to said optical axis and oriented horizontally; is preferred. (Feature 6) In the lighting device according to any one of Features 1 to 5, particularly Features 1, the refractive element is formed as a recess or a protrusion in the light receiving surface of the first lens element; is preferred. (Feature 7) In the lighting device according to feature 6, The sub-area is surrounded by the main area. is preferred. (Embodiment 8) In the lighting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, particularly embodiment 1, The maximum intensity of the first illumination area formed by the refracted light from the sub-area is located below the HH line in an isolux diagram. is preferred. (Feature 9) In the lighting device according to any one of Features 1 to 8, particularly Features 1, The maximum intensity of the second illumination area formed by the refracted light from the main area is positioned substantially on or above the HH line in an isolux diagram. is preferred. (Mode 10) In the lighting device according to any one of modes 1 to 9, particularly mode 1, Each light source of the first light source group and each light source of the second light source group are individually controllable depending on an operation mode of the lighting device. is preferred. (Embodiment 11) In the lighting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, particularly embodiment 1, the plurality of light sources includes a third light source group disposed lower in the vertical direction than the second light source group; the light from the third light source group is emitted substantially toward the main area; the refracted light from the third light source group corresponds to a third illumination area forming a third section of the high beam light distribution; the third section having a third intensity maximum; the third intensity maximum is positioned vertically higher in front of the lighting device than the first intensity maximum and the second intensity maximum due to refraction of light from the third light source group by the main area. is preferred. (Feature 12) In the lighting device according to feature 11, The third light source group on the light source holder in which the light sources of the second light source group are arranged. being arranged in a third row on the light source holder parallel to the second row; the third row being vertically lower than the second row; is preferred 。 ( form 13 )Form 1~ 12 In any one of the above, particularly in the lighting device according to aspect 1, the plurality of light sources are arranged on a light source surface of the light source holder; the light source plane is located substantially within the common focal plane; is preferred. (form 14 ) See the second aspect of the invention above. (form 15 )form 14 In the light module described in The second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution generated by the second lighting device forms a light-dark boundary (line) of the asymmetric low beam light distribution. is preferred. (form 16 ) See the third aspect of the invention above.

[0011] The above object is achieved by a lighting device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0012] In an illumination device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the first lens element and the second lens element are constructed and arranged relative to each other such that their optical axes are coaxially aligned and the first lens element and the second lens element form a common focal point, the common focal point being in a common focal plane located on a side of the first lens element opposite the second lens element; the plurality of light sources are arranged on a light source holder, and the light source holder is positioned relative to the first lens element and the second lens element such that main beam directions of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources are substantially parallel to the optical axes of the first lens element and the second lens element; the light receiving surface of the first lens element is formed by a main area and a sub-area, each of the sub-areas includes a plurality of refractive elements including a light entrance section, the refractive elements of the sub-areas are configured to refract incident light differently from light refracted by the main area, preferably more strongly toward the optical axis, the light source holder and the light receiving surface of the first lens element are spaced apart from each other such that a first portion of light from the first light source group is emitted toward the sub-area and a second portion of light from the first light source group, preferably larger than the first portion, is emitted toward the main area, and a first portion of light from the second light source group is emitted toward the sub-area and a second portion of light from the second light source group, preferably larger than the first portion, is emitted toward the main area of ​​the light receiving surface, the first portion of light from the first light source group being larger than the first portion of light from the second light source group; The first light source group, the second light source group, the first lens element, and the second lens element are configured to generate a complete or partial, preferably variable light distribution, high beam light distribution, the high beam light distribution being formed by at least two sections, and the sub-area and main area of ​​the light receiving surface of the first lens element are configured to refract incident light so that first and second refracted portions of light from the first light source group correspond to a first illumination area forming the first section of the high beam light distribution, and so that the first and second refracted portions of light from the second light source group correspond to a second illumination area forming the second section of the high beam light distribution, the first section having a first intensity maximum and the second section having a second intensity maximum, and due to the refraction of light by the sub-area and the refraction of light by the main area, the first intensity maximum of the first section is positioned vertically lower (at a lower position) in front of the lighting device than the second intensity maximum of the second section.

[0013] This has the advantage that a complete or partial, preferably variable high-beam light distribution is generated, and the first section of the high-beam light distribution, which is substantially generated by refracting light through the refractive elements forming the sub-areas, produces a smooth fade-out of light intensity below the HH line, i.e., a light spread below the HH line. Therefore, the transition between the illuminated and unilluminated areas is smoother in the front (near) region of the light distribution, i.e., the area closer to the lighting device, compared to the far region. In other words, the present invention provides a blurred high-beam light distribution, with this blurring occurring in the area closer to the lighting device or in the section of the light distribution that is vertically lower than the HH line. Each light source in the first light source row emits a bundle of rays, which together form a first light beam row, and each light source in the second light source row emits a bundle of rays, which together form a second light beam row. The lighting device may include three or more lens elements, e.g., three or more lens elements. In this disclosure, the term "refraction" is defined as a change in the propagation direction of a light ray bundle or light rays after traversing (passing) an optical element, e.g., a first lens element. The term "downstream" is defined along the direction of light propagation. Preferably, the light sources of the first light source group and the light sources of the second light source group are operable in two modes: an active / ON mode (in which light is emitted from the light sources) and an inactive / OFF mode (in which no light is emitted from the light sources). Preferably, the first section of the high beam light distribution at least partially overlaps with the second section of the high beam light distribution, and this overlap can be measured, for example, on an ECE 25m test screen. The first section of the high beam light distribution may overlap with a lower portion of the second section. It should be noted that this lower part of the second section is located below the line HH. Preferably the light module is configured to generate a plurality of different sections of a (single) segmented light distribution or a plurality of different segmented light distributions.Preferably, the light source holder (and thus the multiple light sources) can be arranged very close to the light-receiving surface of the first lens element, and for example, the vertical (normal) distance (along the main beam direction) between the multiple light sources and the light-receiving surface of the first lens element can be smaller than the width (or thickness) of the first lens element along its optical axis. Preferably, the vertical distance between the multiple light sources (or light source holder) and the light-receiving surface of the first lens element can be smaller than the vertical distance between the light-emitting surface of the first lens element and the light-receiving surface of the second lens element. The multiple light sources can be arranged on the light source surface of the light source holder, and the light source surface is substantially within a common focal plane. Preferably, the first section of the high beam light distribution includes a first subsection corresponding to light from the first light source group refracted by the sub-area and having an intensity maximum value (maximum intensity), and a second subsection corresponding to light from the first light source group refracted by the main area and having an intensity maximum value (maximum intensity). Due to the stronger refraction by the sub-area, the intensity maximum of the first sub-section can be located vertically lower than the intensity maximum of the second sub-section. Preferably, the second section of the high beam light distribution includes a first sub-section corresponding to light from the second light source group refracted by the sub-area and having an intensity maximum (maximum intensity), and a second sub-section corresponding to light from the second light source group refracted by the main area and having an intensity maximum (maximum intensity). Due to the stronger refraction by the sub-area, the intensity maximum of the first sub-section can be located vertically lower than the intensity maximum of the second sub-section. The first fraction of light from the first light source group (and the second light source group) can be larger or smaller than the second fraction, depending on the position of the first (or second) light source group relative to the light-receiving surface of the first lens element.

[0014] Advantageously, the light sources of the first light source group are arranged along a first row on the light source holder, and the light sources of the second light source group are arranged along a second row on the light source holder, the second row being substantially parallel to the first row.

[0015] Advantageously, the first and second light source groups are oriented on the light source holder—in the installed position—each along a horizontal line.

[0016] Advantageously, the refractive elements are formed as prism elements having, in the installed position, a substantially triangular cross section along a vertical cross section, each prism element preferably having a longitudinal extension perpendicular to the optical axis and preferably oriented horizontally.

[0017] Advantageously, the refractive elements are formed as concave or convex portions in the light receiving surface of the first lens element, and preferably the sub-areas are surrounded (enclosed) by the main area.

[0018] Advantageously, the intensity maximum (maximum intensity) of the first illuminated area formed by the refracted light by the sub-areas is located below the HH line in the isolux-diagram, in the present disclosure the HH line in the isolux-diagram being in accordance with the ECE regulations for motor vehicle headlamps which require that the illumination produced by a motor vehicle headlamp be examined on a vertical screen placed at a distance of 25 m in front of the headlamp and at right angles to its (optical) axis.

[0019] Advantageously, the intensity maximum (maximum intensity) of the second illuminated area formed by the light refracted by the main area is located substantially at or above the HH line in the isolux diagram.

[0020] Advantageously, each light source of the first group of light sources and each light source of the second group of light sources are individually controllable depending on the operating mode of the lighting device.

[0021] Advantageously, the plurality of light sources includes a third group of light sources positioned vertically lower (at a lower position) than the second group of light sources, wherein light from the third group of light sources is emitted substantially towards the main area, and wherein refracted light from the third group of light sources corresponds to a third illumination area forming a third section of the high beam light distribution, the third section having a third intensity maximum (third maximum intensity), and due to refraction of light from the third group of light sources by the main area, the third intensity maximum is positioned vertically higher (at a higher position) in front of the lighting device than the first intensity maximum and the second intensity maximum.

[0022] Advantageously, the third group of light sources is arranged in a third row on the light source holder, oriented parallel to the second row, preferably along a horizontal line, the third row being at a lower vertical position than the second row.

[0023] Advantageously, the lighting device comprises a shade element, preferably arranged—in the assembled position—vertically above the first lens element, which shade element is configured to prevent a first fraction of light from the second light source group that is incident on the first lens element via the sub-area from traversing towards the second lens element.

[0024] Advantageously, the light sources are arranged in a light source plane of the light source holder, the light source planes being located substantially in a common focal plane.

[0025] A light module for a motor vehicle headlamp according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprising: the light module is configured to generate different light distributions each associated with a different operational mode of the light module; the light module includes a lighting device and a second lighting device configured to generate a portion of the low beam light distribution; The light module is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation; In a first operating mode of the light module, at least a portion of the first group of light sources and at least a portion of the second group of light sources of the lighting device are active and configured to cooperate with the first lens element and the second lens element to generate a full or partial, preferably variable, high beam light distribution, and the second lighting device Non Operation status In a state can be, *In a second operating mode of the light module, a first portion of the first light source group is in an operating state, and a second portion of the first light source group and the second light source group are in an inoperable state; in the second operating mode, the operating (active) first light source group, the first lens element and the second lens element are configured to generate a first portion of an asymmetric low beam light distribution; a first illumination area generated by refracted light from a sub-area, preferably also a main area, from the operating (active) first portion of the first light source group corresponds to the first portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution; the second lighting device is configured to generate a second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution; the first portion and the second portion form an asymmetric low beam light distribution; and the first portion forms an asymmetric portion of the asymmetric light distribution that illuminates an area on the driving side of the vehicle when the light module is installed in the vehicle.

[0026] Advantageously, the second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution produced by the second lighting device forms a light-dark boundary (line) of the asymmetric low beam light distribution.

[0027] In a vehicle headlamp according to a third aspect of the present invention, the vehicle headlamp includes a lighting device or light module.

[0028] In the following, exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are described which are illustrated in the drawings to further explain the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the first lens element of the illumination device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] A form of the first lens element. [Figure 3b] Another embodiment of the first lens element. [Figure 4] 1A-1C show different sections of an example of a light distribution produced by an example of an illumination device of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 shows an example of different illuminations of the light receiving surface of the first lens element. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of a light module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Example]

[0030] Figure 1 shows an example of a lighting device 1 for an automotive headlamp, and Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 is configured to generate multiple different sections of a light distribution, in the illustrated example a variable-beam segmented high beam light distribution. The lighting device 1 comprises multiple light sources 2 arranged in a first light source group 2a and a second light source group 2b. In the installed position of the lighting device 1—when the lighting device 1 is installed in an automotive headlamp of a motor vehicle—the first light source group 2a is arranged vertically higher than the second light source group 2b. The multiple light sources 2 emit light along a main beam direction d.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the light sources of the first light source group 2a are arranged along a first row on the light source holder 2h, and the light sources of the second light source group 2b are arranged along a second row on the light source holder 2h, the second row being substantially parallel to the first row. The first light source group 2a and the second light source group 2b (in other words, the light sources of the first row and the light sources of the second row) are oriented along a horizontal line on the light source holder 2h—in the assembled position—each.

[0032] Preferably, each light source of the first light source group 2a and each light source of the second light source group 2b are individually controllable depending on the operating mode of the lighting device 1 or depending on which section of the segmented light function should be illuminated.

[0033] The illumination device 1 includes a first lens element 3 arranged downstream of the multiple light sources 2 along the main beam direction d. The first lens element 3 includes a light-receiving surface 3a that is directed toward (facing) the multiple light sources 2 and a light-emitting surface 3b opposite the light-receiving surface 3a. The first lens element 3 is configured to receive light from the multiple light sources 2 via the light-receiving surface 3a and emit the received light via the light-emitting surface 3b. The first lens element 3 has an optical axis x1. The first lens element 3 is configured to refract light with respect to its optical axis x1.

[0034] The illumination device 1 includes a second lens element 4 disposed downstream of the first lens element 3 along the main beam direction d and configured to receive refracted light from the first lens element 3 and project the light forward of the illumination device 1. The second lens element 4 has an optical axis x2.

[0035] The first lens element 3 and the second lens element 4 are constructed and arranged relative to each other such that their optical axes x1, x2 are concentrically (coaxially) aligned and the first lens element 3 and the second lens element 4 form a common focal point f. The common focal point f lies in a common focal plane fp located on the side of the first lens element 3 opposite the second lens element 4.

[0036] The multiple light sources 2 are arranged on a light source holder 2h. The light source holder 2h is arranged relative to the first lens element 3 and the second lens element 4 such that the main beam direction d of the light emitted by the multiple light sources 2 is substantially parallel to the optical axis x1 of the first lens element 3 and the optical axis x2 of the second lens element 4. In the illustrated example, the distance between the light source holder 2h and the first lens element 3 is smaller than the distance between the first lens element 3 and the second lens element 4.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2 and shown in detail in Figures 3a and 3b, the light receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3 is formed by a main area 5b and sub-areas 5a. The sub-areas 5a include a plurality of refractive elements 6, each including a light entrance section. The refractive elements 6 of the sub-areas 5a are configured such that incident light is refracted differently, preferably more strongly towards the optical axis x1, than light refracted by the main area 5b. The light source holder 2h and the light receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3 are spaced apart from each other such that a first portion of light from the first light source group 2a is emitted toward the sub-area 5a and a second portion of light from the first light source group 2a, preferably larger than the first portion, is emitted toward the main area 5b, and a first portion of light from the second light source group 2b is emitted toward the sub-area 5a and a second portion of light from the second light source group 2b, preferably larger (in terms of luminous flux cross section) than the first portion, is emitted toward the main area 5b of the light receiving surface 3a. The first portion of light from the first light source group 2a is larger than the first portion of light from the second light source group 2b. In other words, the portion of light from the first light source group 2a that is emitted toward the sub-area 5a is larger than the portion of light from the second light source group 2b that is emitted toward the sub-area 5a due to the positions of the first and second light source groups 2a and 2b relative to the light receiving surface 3a. In FIG. 2, only the light rays from the first light source group 2a are shown (shown as dashed lines).

[0038] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the refractive elements 6 are formed as prismatic elements which, in the installed position, have a substantially triangular cross section along a vertical section. Each prismatic element has a longitudinal extension perpendicular to the optical axis x1 and preferably oriented horizontally. In Figure 3a, the refractive elements 6 have a shorter longitudinal extension compared to the refractive elements 6 shown in Figure 3b. In the example shown, the refractive elements 6 are formed as depressions or protrusions in the light-receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3. The sub-areas 5a are preferably surrounded (enclosed) by the main area 5b.

[0039] The first light source group 2a, the second light source group 2b, the first lens element 3, and the second lens element 4 are configured to generate a complete or partial, preferably variable, high beam light distribution formed by at least two sections HB1 and HB2 (see FIGS. 2 and 4(a) and 4(b)). The sub-area 5a and the main area 5b of the light-receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3 are configured to refract incident light such that first and second refracted portions of light from the first light source group 2a correspond to a first illumination area that forms the first section HB1 of the high beam light distribution HB.

[0040] Furthermore, the refracted first and second portions of light from the second light source group 2b correspond to a second illumination area that forms a second section HB2 of the high beam light distribution HB.

[0041] The first section HB1 has a first intensity maximum and the second section HB2 has a second intensity maximum. The refraction of light by the sub-area 5a and the refraction of light by the main area 5b are such that the first intensity maximum of the first section HB1 of the high beam light distribution is vertically lower in front of the lighting device 1 than the second intensity maximum of the second section HB2.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the plurality of light sources 2 includes an optional third light source group 2c arranged vertically lower than the second light source group 2b. Light from the third light source group 2c is emitted toward the main area 5b, preferably substantially only toward the main area 5b. Refracted light from the third light source group 2c corresponds to a third illumination area forming a third section HB3 of the high beam light distribution HB. The third section HB3 has a third intensity maximum. The refraction of light from the third light source group 2c by the main area 5b is such that the third intensity maximum is vertically higher (located) in front of the lighting device 1 than the first and second intensity maximums. The third light source group 2c is arranged in a third row (third column) on the light source holder 2h, preferably oriented along a horizontal line parallel to the second row, with the third row being vertically lower than the second row.

[0043] Preferably, the lighting device 1 may include a shade element 12 (shown in FIG. 6) preferably arranged vertically above the first lens element 3—in the assembled position—which is configured to prevent a first fraction of light from the second light source group 2b that is incident on the first lens element 3 via the subarea 5a from traversing towards the second lens element 4.

[0044] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) each show a screen illuminated by lighting device 1 (positioned in front of lighting device 1 and oriented perpendicular to optical axes x1 and x2), with HH and VV lines indicated.

[0045] In Figure 4(a), only the first group of light sources 2a is active and generates a first section HB1 of the high beam light distribution HB. The illuminated area extending vertically downward (i.e., the lower subsection of HB1) is generated by light refraction by the refractive element 6. The illuminated area extending vertically upward (i.e., the upper subsection of HB1) is generated by light refraction by the main area 5b. The rounded rectangular sections indicate the area illuminated by light coming from the main area 5b, and the downward protrusions indicate the area illuminated by light coming from the subarea 5a. The intensity maximum of the first illuminated area is located below the HH line.

[0046] FIG. 4(b) shows a screen illuminated by the lighting device 1, but in this case, only the second group of light sources 2b is active, generating the second section HB2 of the high-beam light distribution HB. Because only a small portion of the light from the second group of light sources 2b is emitted toward the sub-area 5a (due to the proximity of the light source holder 2h to the light-receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3), only a small portion of the light from the second group of light sources 2b is refracted by the refractive element 6. As a result, the illuminated area extending vertically downward is smaller (or has a smaller illuminated section) than in FIG. 4(a). The rounded rectangular portions indicate the area illuminated by light coming from the main area 5b, while the downward protrusion indicates the area illuminated by light coming from the sub-area 5a. The intensity maximum of the second illuminated area (and thus of the second section HB2) is located slightly above the HH line.

[0047] Figure 4(c) shows a screen illuminated by the lighting device 1, but in this case only the third group of light sources 2c is active, generating the third section HB3 of the high beam light distribution HB. Light from the third group of light sources 2c is not emitted towards the sub-area 5a (due to the close distance of the light source holder 2h to the light receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3). The illumination area generated by the third group of light sources 2c is well (completely) above the HH line. The rounded rectangles indicate the area illuminated by light coming from the main area 5b.

[0048] The high beam light distribution is produced by "overlapping" or combining the illumination areas shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b) and preferably 4(c).

[0049] 5(a) to 5(c) show the light receiving surface 3a of the first lens element 3 in the illumination conditions described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), respectively.

[0050] In Figure 5(a) the first group of light sources 2a is active and illuminates the sub-area 5a and hence the refractive element 6 (as indicated by the dashed lines) and the main area 5b.

[0051] In Figure 5(b), the second group of light sources 2b is in an operational state and illuminates a smaller portion (compared to the first group of light sources 2a) of the sub-area 5a having the refractive element 6 and a larger portion of the main area 5b (as shown by the dashed lines).

[0052] In Figure 5(c), the third group of light sources 2c is active and illuminates only the main area 5b (as indicated by the dashed line).

[0053] As known to those skilled in the art, the subsequent (downstream) second lens element 4 is configured to invert the light coming from the first lens element 3 when projecting the light into the traffic space, so that the vertically lowest illumination of the light receiving surface 3a, i.e., Figure 5(c), corresponds to the vertically uppermost section HB3 of the high beam light distribution HB.

[0054] 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention, an example of a light module 10 for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a lighting device 1 and a second (secondary) lighting device 11. The second lighting device 11 is configured to generate a portion of a low beam light distribution. The light module 10 is configured to operate in at least two operating modes. The lighting device 1 and the second lighting device 11 are preferably arranged inside a common housing (not shown) of the light module 10 and are separated (isolated) by a shade element 12 extending along the main beam direction d.

[0055] In a first operating mode of the light module 10, the first and second light source groups 2a, 2b of the lighting device 1 are operational and configured to cooperate with the first and second lens elements 3, 4 to generate a full or partial, preferably variable, high beam light distribution, and the second lighting device 11 is inactive.

[0056] In the second operating mode of the light module 10, a first portion of the first light source group 2a is in an operating state, and a second portion of the first light source group 2a and the second light source group 2b are in an inoperable state. In the second operating mode, the first light source group 2a, the first lens element 3, and the second lens element 4 in an operating state are configured to generate a first portion of an asymmetric low beam light distribution, and a first illumination area generated by refracted light from the first portion of the first light source group 2a in an operating state by the sub-area 5a and preferably also by the main area 5b corresponds to the first portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution.

[0057] The second lighting device 11 is configured to generate a second portion of the asymmetric low-beam light distribution (by means of the light source unit 11a and the optical device 11b, which includes, for example, a collimator and optical elements corresponding to the light source unit 11a). The first and second portions form the asymmetric low-beam light distribution, and preferably the first portion forms the asymmetric portion of the asymmetric light distribution that illuminates the driving side area of ​​the vehicle when the light module 10 is installed in the vehicle.

[0058] The second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution produced by the second lighting device 11 can form a light-dark boundary (line) of the asymmetric low beam light distribution.

[0059] In the example shown in Fig. 6, a shade element 12 is arranged between the lighting device 1 and the second lighting device 11. The shade element 12 is configured to prevent a first fraction of light from the second light source group 2b, which is incident on the first lens element 3 via the sub-region 5a, from traversing towards the second lens element 4. Furthermore, the shade element 12 is configured to prevent light from the lighting device 1 from being emitted towards the second lighting device 11 and vice versa.

[0060] Within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments are possible based on the basic technical concept thereof. Furthermore, within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations and selections (including "non-selection") of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims and drawings, and the technical concept of the present invention. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described herein, any numerical value or subrange included within the range should be construed as being specifically described, even if not otherwise specified.

[0061] Furthermore, the reference numerals in the drawings attached in the claims are intended solely to aid in the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments and examples shown.

[0062] Furthermore, the entire contents of each of the above references are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Lighting equipment 2. Multiple Light Sources 2a 1st light source group 2b 2nd light source group 2c 3rd light source group 2h Light source holder 3 First lens element 3a Photosensitive surface 3b Emitting surface 4 Second lens element 5a Sub-area of ​​the first lens element 5b Main area of ​​the first lens element 6 Refraction Elements 10 Light Module 11 Second lighting device 11a Light source unit 11b Optical equipment 12 Shade Elements f Common Focus fp common focal plane HB1 First section of high beam light distribution HB2 Second section of high beam light distribution HB3 Third section of high beam light distribution x1 Optical axis of the first lens element x2 Optical axis of the second lens element d Main beam direction

Claims

1. 1. A lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising: The lighting device (1) is configured to generate different light distributions, The lighting device (1) a plurality of light sources (2) arranged in a first light source group (2a) and a second light source group (2b), wherein in the mounting position of the lighting device (1), i.e. when the lighting device (1) is mounted in a motor vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, the first light source group (2a) is positioned higher in the vertical direction than the second light source group (2b), and the plurality of light sources (2) emit light along a main beam direction (d); a first lens element (3) arranged downstream of the plurality of light sources (2) along the main beam direction (d), wherein the first lens element (3) includes a light receiving surface (3 a) directed toward the plurality of light sources (2) and a light emitting surface (3 b) opposite the light receiving surface (3 a), the first lens element (3) is configured to receive light from the plurality of light sources (2) via the light receiving surface (3 a) and emit the received light via the light emitting surface (3 b), the first lens element (3) has an optical axis (x1), and the first lens element (3) is configured to refract light about its optical axis (x1); a second lens element (4) arranged downstream of the first lens element (3) along the main beam direction (d) and configured to receive refracted light from the first lens element (3) and project the light forward of the illumination device (1), the second lens element (4) having an optical axis (x2); Including, the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) are configured and arranged relative to each other such that their optical axes (x1, x2) are concentrically aligned and the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) form a common focal point (f), the common focal point (f) being in a common focal plane (fp) located on a side of the first lens element (3) opposite the second lens element (4); the plurality of light sources (2) are arranged on a light source holder (2h), and the light source holder (2h) is arranged relative to the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) such that a main beam direction (d) of light emitted by the plurality of light sources (2) is substantially parallel to an optical axis (x1) of the first lens element (3) and an optical axis (x2) of the second lens element (4); The light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) is formed by a main area (5b) and a sub-area (5a), and the sub-area (5a) includes a plurality of refractive elements (6) each including a light entrance section, and the refractive elements (6) of the sub-area (5a) are configured to refract incident light differently from the light refracted by the main area (5b), and the light source holder (2h) and the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) are configured to refract a first portion of light from the first light source group (2a) into the sub-area (5a). a distance relative to each other is formed such that a first portion of light from the first light source group (2a) is emitted towards the sub-area (5a) and a second portion of light from the first light source group (2a) is emitted towards the main area (5b), and a first portion of light from the second light source group (2b) is emitted towards the sub-area (5a) and a second portion of light from the second light source group (2b) is emitted towards the main area (5b) of the light receiving surface (3a), the first portion of light from the first light source group (2a) being larger than the first portion of light from the second light source group (2b); The first light source group (2a), the second light source group (2b), the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) are configured to generate a complete or partial high beam light distribution, the high beam light distribution being formed by at least two sections (HB1, HB2), and a sub-area (5a) and a main area (5b) of the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) are arranged such that a first and second refracted portion of light from the first light source group (2a) and a second refracted portion of light from the second light source group (2b) correspond to a first illumination area in which the first and second refracted portions form the first section (HB1) of the high beam light distribution. the sub-area (5a) and the main area (5b) are configured to refract incident light such that the refracted first and second portions of light correspond to a second illumination area forming a second section (HB2) of the high beam light distribution, the first section (HB1) having a first intensity maximum and the second section (HB2) having a second intensity maximum, and the first intensity maximum of the first section (HB1) is positioned vertically lower in front of the lighting device (1) than the second intensity maximum of the second section (HB2) due to the refraction of light by the sub-area (5a) and the refraction of light by the main area (5b). A lighting device characterized by:

2. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, the light sources of the first light source group (2a) are arranged along a first row on the light source holder (2h), and the light sources of the second light source group (2b) are arranged along a second row on the light source holder (2h); the second row being substantially parallel to the first row; A lighting device characterized by:

3. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, the first light source group (2a) and the second light source group (2b) are oriented along a horizontal line on the light source holder (2h) in the mounted position; A lighting device characterized by:

4. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, the refractive element (6) is formed as a prism element having a substantially triangular cross section along a vertical section in the mounted position; A lighting device characterized by:

5. 5. The lighting device according to claim 4, Each prism element has a longitudinal extension perpendicular to said optical axis (x1) and oriented horizontally. A lighting device characterized by:

6. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, The refractive element (6) is formed as a recess or a protrusion in the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3). A lighting device characterized by:

7. 7. The lighting device according to claim 6, The sub-area (5a) is surrounded by the main area (5b). A lighting device characterized by:

8. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, The maximum intensity of the first illumination area formed by the light refracted by the sub-area (5a) is located below the HH line in the isolux diagram. A lighting device characterized by:

9. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, The maximum intensity of the second illumination area formed by the light refracted by the main area (5b) is positioned substantially on or above the HH line in an isolux diagram. A lighting device characterized by:

10. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, Each light source of the first light source group (2a) and each light source of the second light source group (2b) can be controlled individually depending on the operating mode of the lighting device (1). A lighting device characterized by:

11. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, the plurality of light sources (2) includes a third light source group (2c) arranged lower in the vertical direction than the second light source group (2b); the light from the third light source group (2c) is emitted substantially toward the main area (5b); the refracted light from the third light source group (2c) corresponds to a third illumination area forming a third section (HB3) of the high beam light distribution; said third section (HB3) having a third intensity maximum; Due to the refraction of light from the third light source group (2c) by the main area (5b), the third intensity maximum is positioned vertically higher in front of the lighting device (1) than the first and second intensity maximums. A lighting device characterized by:

12. 12. The lighting device according to claim 11, the third light source group (2c) is arranged in a third row on the light source holder (2h) parallel to a second row on the light source holder (2h) in which the light sources of the second light source group (2b) are arranged; the third row being vertically lower than the second row; A lighting device characterized by:

13. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, The plurality of light sources (2) are arranged on a light source surface of the light source holder (2h); the light source planes are located substantially within the common focal plane (fp); A lighting device characterized by:

14. 1. A light module for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising: the light module (10) is configured to generate different light distributions (plurality) respectively associated with different operating modes of the light module (10); The light module (10) comprises a lighting device (1) according to claim 1 and a second lighting device (11) configured to generate a part of a low beam light distribution, The light module (10) is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation; in a first operating mode of the light module (10), at least a portion of the first light source group (2 a) and at least a portion of the second light source group (2 b) of the lighting device (1) are active and configured to cooperate with the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) to generate a full or partial high beam light distribution, and the second lighting device (11) is inactive; In a second operating mode of the light module (10), a first portion of the first light source group (2a) is in an operating state, and a second portion of the first light source group (2a) and the second light source group (2b) are in an inoperable state; in the second operating mode, the first light source group (2a), the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) are configured to generate a first portion of an asymmetric low-beam light distribution; a first illumination area generated by refracted light from the first portion of the first light source group (2a) in an operating state by the sub-area (5a) corresponds to the first portion of the asymmetric low-beam light distribution; the second lighting device (11) is configured to generate a second portion of the asymmetric low-beam light distribution; the first portion and the second portion form the asymmetric low-beam light distribution; and the first portion forms an asymmetric portion of the asymmetric light distribution that illuminates an area on the driver's side of the vehicle when the light module is installed in the vehicle. A light module featuring:

15. 15. The light module according to claim 14, a second portion of the asymmetric low beam light distribution generated by the second lighting device (11) forming a light-dark boundary of the asymmetric low beam light distribution; A light module featuring:

16. A motor vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a light module according to claim 14 or 15.

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