Irradiation device for automotive floodlights and automotive floodlights

Abstract

To provide an irradiation device capable of generating sunlight distribution in addition to front-area light distribution or low-beam distribution, and in which undesired optical effects due to scattered light are avoided.SOLUTION: A lighting device comprises a light-transmitting body 100, a light incident element 101, and a light source 10. The light incident element 101 causes light from the light source 10 to be made incident into the light-transmitting body 100. A first deflection structure 101a of the light incident element 101 is disposed on an upper boundary surface 107 of the light-transmitting body 100 so as to direct totally reflected light S3, which is made incident into the light incident element 101 and hits the first deflection structure 101a, to a second deflection structure 107a. The second deflection structure 107a deflects the hitting light toward a first surface region 105a of a first lower boundary surface 105 of a diaphragm device 103. The first surface region 105a deflects the hitting light to a region 200a of a projection device 200, and the region 200a forms an image of the light as a sign light flux S6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3b

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Description of Related Applications) This application is based on the claim of priority of European Patent Application No. 23211767.1 filed on November 23, 2023 (DAS-Code: 3CF2), and the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to an irradiation device for an automotive projector for generating a light distribution having a light and dark boundary, the irradiation device comprising: a light transmissive body (light guide); at least one light incident element (light incident coupling element); at least one light source assigned to at least one light incident element, provided that at least one light incident element is configured to cause light emitted by at least one light source to enter the light transmissive body; and a projection device, the light incident element is configured to cause at least a part of the light emitted from at least one light source to enter the light transmissive body such that the light propagates substantially in the light propagation direction as a first light beam toward the projection device within the light transmissive body, and the light transmissive body has a diaphragm device (shielding device) having a diaphragm edge, the diaphragm edge being disposed between the light incident element and the projection device as viewed in the light propagation direction, and the first light beam is modified by the diaphragm edge into a second light beam, and the second light beam is imaged by the projection device as a light distribution having a light and dark boundary, and the light and dark boundary, in particular the shape of the light and dark boundary, is formed by the diaphragm edge, and the diaphragm edge is formed by a first lower boundary surface and a second lower boundary surface of the light transmissive body by intersecting at a common edge where the lower boundary surfaces meet.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an automotive projector comprising at least one such irradiation device.

Background Art

[0004] The above-mentioned irradiation devices are known from the prior art, and these irradiation devices can generate not only front-range (near-range) or low-beam light distribution using at least one light source, but also sign light distribution by modifying the light transmitter, light incident element, or projection device.

[0005] These modifications are often configured such that the next portion of the light emitted from the light source, i.e., the portion that remains unmodified and unused or contributes to the front-range or low-beam distribution and is used to generate the sign light distribution, exits the light-transmitting material before this portion of light is imaged as a sign light distribution via the projection device or via the projection device after re-entry into the light-transmitting material. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 4053447 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 112021004426 (Translation of PCT application) [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2023 / 038010 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3290777 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3653926 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, it has been found that controlling the light emitted from a light-transmitting material is difficult, and in many cases, it results in scattered light that leads to undesirable optical effects.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device that can generate a sign light pattern in addition to a front-range or low-beam pattern, and that does not suffer from the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved in the irradiation device described at the beginning by the following configuration. That is, in the present invention, the light incident element has a first deflection structure (direction changing structure), the first deflection structure is configured such that light from at least one light source incident in the light incident element and hitting the first deflection structure is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light is directed to a second deflection structure, the second deflection structure is disposed on the upper interface surface of the light guide, which is located on the opposite side of the lower interface surface, and the second deflection structure is configured such that light hitting the second deflection structure becomes a fourth luminous beam The aperture device is configured to deflect light toward a first surface region of the first lower interface surface, the first lower interface surface being located behind the second lower interface surface of the aperture device when viewed in the direction of light propagation, and the first surface region deflects the light hitting the first surface region as a fifth luminous beam toward a predetermined area of ​​the projection device, and this area images the light of the fifth luminous beam as a sign light beam in a predetermined area of ​​the light distribution located above the light-dark boundary as an additional light distribution, for example, as a sign light distribution.

[0010] That is, from the first perspective of the present invention, An illumination device for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, wherein the illumination device is Light-transmitting material and, At least one light incident element, At least one light source assigned to the at least one light incident element, wherein the at least one light incident element is configured to allow light emitted by the at least one light source to enter the light-transmitting body. Including a projection device, The light incident element is configured to cause at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one light source to be incident on the light transmittance such that the light propagates as a first luminous beam in the direction of light propagation toward the projection device within the light transmittance. Furthermore, the light-transmitting body has an aperture device having an aperture edge, and the aperture edge is disposed between the light incident element and the projection device when viewed in the direction of light propagation. Furthermore, the aperture edge is formed by the first lower boundary surface and the second lower boundary surface of the light-transmitting body intersecting at the aperture edge, which is a common edge. The light incident element has a first deflection structure, and the first deflection structure is configured such that light from at least one light source that enters the light incident element and hits the first deflection structure is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light is directed towards a second deflection structure. The second deflection structure is disposed on the upper interface surface of the light-transmitting body, which is located on the opposite side of the lower interface surface. Furthermore, the second deflection structure is configured such that light striking the second deflection structure is deflected as a fourth luminous beam toward the first surface region of the first lower interface surface of the aperture device, and the first lower interface surface is located behind the second lower interface surface of the aperture device when viewed in the direction of light propagation. Furthermore, the first surface area deflects the light hitting the first surface area as a fifth luminous beam to a predetermined area of ​​the projection device, and the area images the light of the fifth luminous beam as a sign light beam to a predetermined area of ​​the light distribution located above the light-dark boundary, either as additional light distribution or as sign light distribution. An irradiation device characterized by the above is provided. For more details, see Perspective 1 below. An illumination device for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, wherein the illumination device is Light-transmitting material and, At least one light incident element, At least one light source assigned to the at least one light incident element, wherein the at least one light incident element is configured to allow light emitted by the at least one light source to enter the light-transmitting body. Including a projection device, The light incident element is configured to cause at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one light source to be incident on the light transmittance such that the light propagates as a first luminous beam in the direction of light propagation toward the projection device within the light transmittance. Furthermore, the light-transmitting body has an aperture device having an aperture edge, and the aperture edge is disposed between the light incident element and the projection device when viewed in the direction of light propagation. Furthermore, the aperture edge is formed by the first lower boundary surface and the second lower boundary surface of the light-transmitting body intersecting at the aperture edge, which is a common edge. The light incident element, the light transmittance, and the projection device are integrally constructed from a light-transmitting material and together constitute a single body. The light incident element has a first deflection structure, and the first deflection structure is configured such that light from at least one light source that enters the light incident element and passes exclusively through the light incident element to the first deflection structure is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light is directed exclusively through the light transmittance to the second deflection structure. The second deflection structure is disposed on the upper interface surface of the light-transmitting body, which is located on the opposite side of the lower interface surface. Furthermore, the second deflection structure is configured such that light striking the second deflection structure is deflected as a fourth luminous beam, exclusively passing through the light transmittance and toward the first surface region of the first lower interface of the aperture device, and the first lower interface is located behind the second lower interface of the aperture device when viewed in the direction of light propagation. Furthermore, the first surface region deflects the light hitting the first surface region as a fifth luminous beam, passing exclusively through the light-transmitting material to a predetermined area of ​​the projection device, and the region images the light of the fifth luminous beam as a sign light beam to a predetermined area of ​​the light distribution located above the light-dark boundary, either as additional light distribution or as sign light distribution. It is characterized by the following. Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, an automotive projector provided with at least one of the irradiation devices is provided. It should be noted that the reference signs in the drawings appended to the claims of the present application are solely for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the illustrated forms.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In the present invention, the following embodiments are possible. (Embodiment 1) An irradiation device for an automotive projector for generating a light distribution having a light and dark boundary, the irradiation device comprising: a light transmissive body; at least one light incident element; at least one light source assigned to the at least one light incident element, provided that the at least one light incident element is configured to cause the light emitted by the at least one light source to enter the light transmissive body; and a projection device, the light incident element is configured to cause at least a part of the light emitted from the at least one light source to enter the light transmissive body such that the light propagates in the light transmissive body as a first light beam substantially in the light propagation direction towards the projection device; and the light transmissive body has an aperture device having an aperture edge, the aperture edge being disposed between the light incident element and the projection device as viewed in the light propagation direction; Furthermore, the aperture edge is formed by the first lower interface and the second lower interface of the light-transmitting body, where the lower interface surfaces intersect at the aperture edge, which is a common edge. The light incident element has a first deflection structure, and the first deflection structure is configured such that light from at least one light source that enters the light incident element and hits the deflection structure is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light is directed towards a second deflection structure. The second deflection structure is disposed on the upper interface of the light guide, which is located on the opposite side of the lower interface. Furthermore, the second deflection structure is configured such that light striking the second deflection structure is deflected as a fourth luminous beam toward the first surface region of the first lower interface surface of the aperture device, and the first lower interface surface is located behind the second interface surface of the aperture device when viewed in the direction of light propagation. Furthermore, the surface area deflects the light hitting the surface area as a fifth luminous beam to a predetermined area of ​​the projection device, and the area uses the light of the fifth luminous beam as a sign light beam to image as an additional light distribution, for example, as a sign light distribution, in a predetermined area of ​​the light distribution located above the light-dark boundary. (Form 2) In the irradiation device described in Embodiment 1, the first deflection structure includes a deflection surface or is configured in the form of a deflection surface, and it is preferable that the deflection surface is formed as a flat surface or a concave curved surface. (Form 3) In the irradiation device according to Embodiment 1 or 2, it is preferable that the second deflection structure is formed as a surface, particularly as a flat surface. (Form 4) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, it is preferable that the first surface region of the first lower surface forms a straight cutting curve in a vertical cross-section. (Form 5) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, it is preferable that the first surface region of the first lower surface has a curved cutting curve, particularly a convex cutting curve, in a horizontal cross-section. (Form 6) In the irradiation device described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, it is preferable that the first surface region is the interface of the recess in the first lower interface. (Form 7) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, it is preferable that the first surface region is spaced apart from the second interface, and that a further second surface region of the first interface is provided between the first surface region and the second interface, connecting the first surface region to the second interface. (Form 8) In the irradiation device described in Embodiment 7, it is preferable that the second surface area is arranged and configured such that light from the second deflection structure does not reach the second surface area. (Form 9) In the irradiation device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, it is preferable that the second deflection structure is composed of a recess in the upper interface. (Form 10) In the irradiation device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, it is preferable that the aperture edge is located within the Petzval surface or focal plane of the projection device, or substantially located within the Petzval surface or focal plane of the projection device. (Form 11) In the irradiation device described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 10, it is preferable that the at least one light incident element, the light transmittance, and the projection device are integrally constructed from a light-transmitting material and together constitute a single body. (Form 12) In the irradiation device described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 11, it is preferable that the light distribution having a light-dark boundary is a front-range light distribution or a low-beam light distribution. (Form 13) An automotive floodlight equipped with at least one illumination device described in any one of forms 1 to 12.

[0012] Unlike existing solutions in which an optical path is generated outside the light guide, the present invention realizes the optical path only inside the light guide to generate sine light, thereby avoiding the aforementioned problems of the prior art, such as uncontrollable scattered light that brings in an excessive amount of light in the HV line region, for example.

[0013] The light distribution of the sign light can be easily controlled without adversely affecting the front-end light distribution or the low-beam light distribution.

[0014] Furthermore, the use of three total reflection regions to realize the optical path of the light rays that generate the sign light allows for the optimal adaptation of the generated sign light distribution to desired requirements by adjusting these three regions relative to each other, for example, in terms of their spacing, dimensions (size), shape, and inclination.

[0015] Advantageous features of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] The first deflection structure may include a deflection surface or be configured in the form of a deflection surface, in which case, for example, the deflection surface may be formed as a flat surface or a concave curved surface.

[0017] The concave curved section can, for example, be used to generate a parallel beam of light, which is equally distributed and strikes the second deflection structure at the upper interface, thereby achieving better control of intensity (light intensity).

[0018] Furthermore, the second deflection structure can be formed as a surface, particularly as a flat surface.

[0019] This allows for simpler designs, for example, because only the angle of the surface needs to be designed, and the pre-shaping of light and the amount of light are guaranteed by the first deflection structure.

[0020] The first surface region of the first lower boundary surface forms a straight cutting curve in the vertical cross-section.

[0021] Furthermore, the first surface region of the first lower boundary surface can form a curved cutting curve, particularly a convex cutting curve, in the horizontal cross-section.

[0022] Preferably, these convex cross-sections follow the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device.

[0023] In this case, the horizontal cutting curve is obtained by cutting each surface with a horizontal plane, and the vertical cutting curve is obtained by cutting each surface with a vertical plane, and these planes extend parallel to or include the optical axis of the irradiation device or projection device.

[0024] Preferably, the first surface region can be the boundary surface of the recess in the first lower boundary surface.

[0025] Below the first surface region, a third surface region of the first lower boundary surface connects to the first surface region. The formation of a recess positions this third surface region so that light from the second deflection structure does not reach it. By using only the first surface region that reflects light in the direction of the projection device, it becomes easier to control the generation of the sign light distribution.

[0026] More advantageously, the first surface region is spaced apart from the second lower boundary surface, and a further second surface region of the first lower boundary surface may be provided between the first surface region and the second lower boundary surface, connecting the first surface region to the second lower boundary surface.

[0027] Furthermore, in this regard, the second surface region may be arranged and configured such that light from the second deflection structure does not reach the second surface region.

[0028] For example, by using this second surface region which forms a band-shaped portion between the first surface region and the second lower boundary surface, a dark band-shaped portion can be realized in the light image between the light-dark boundary of the front-range light distribution or low-beam light distribution and the lower boundary of the sign light distribution.

[0029] Furthermore, the second deflection structure can be composed of a recess in the upper interface.

[0030] This recess is formed by a surface, preferably a flat surface, and optionally by a further interface that is located away from the light source and is not normally exposed to light or has no optical function.

[0031] Furthermore, the aperture edge may be located within the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device, or substantially within the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device.

[0032] Finally, advantageously, at least one light-incident element, a light-transmitting element, and a projection device can be integrally constructed from a light-transmitting material and together constitute a single body.

[0033] The light distribution having a light-dark boundary is preferably a front-range light distribution (near-range light distribution) or a low-beam light distribution.

[0034] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1a] This diagram shows a conventional illumination device for automotive floodlights, viewed from a diagonal rearward angle. [Figure 1b] Figure 1a shows the irradiation device as a vertical cross-section, along with an example of the light ray path emitted from the light source. [Figure 2a] This figure shows a side view of an irradiation device according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] This figure shows the irradiation device in Figure 2a as a plan view from above. [Figure 2c] This figure shows the irradiation device in Figure 2a as a perspective view from diagonally above. [Figure 2d] This figure shows the irradiation device in Figure 2a as a perspective view from diagonally below. [Figure 3a] Figure 2b shows a cross-section of the irradiation device along the plane BB, along with a schematic representation of the light path. [Figure 3b] This figure shows a cross-section of Figure 3a, along with a schematic representation of the light ray path. [Figure 3c] This figure shows a vertical cross-section in the region of the diaphragm. [Figure 4a] This figure shows a perspective view of the irradiation device in the region of the light incident element having the first deflection structure. [Figure 4b] This figure shows a perspective view of the irradiation device in the region of the second deflection structure. [Figure 4c] This is a perspective view of the entire irradiation device. [Figure 4d] This figure shows a perspective view of the illumination device of Figure 2a, which has a focal point relative to the aperture device. [Figure 5] This diagram provides an overview of the key points regarding the front-end light distribution and the light distribution of sign lights. [Figure 6] This figure shows a simulation of low-beam and sign light distribution generated using the irradiation device according to the present invention. [Examples]

[0036] Figures 1a and 1b show a conventional illumination device 1 for an automotive floodlight to generate a light distribution LV with a light-dark boundary HDG. This light distribution LV is, for example, a front-range light distribution (near-range light distribution) or a low-beam light distribution.

[0037] The present invention is based on such a known irradiation device 1 of the prior art, and thereafter, the technical components of the irradiation device of the prior art and the technical components of the irradiation device according to the present invention are characterized by the same reference numerals.

[0038] The irradiation device 1 includes a light-transmitting body (light guide) 100, at least one light-incident element 101, and a light source 10 assigned to at least one light-incident element 101. Light emitted from the light source 10 is incident into the light-transmitting body 100 from the light-incident element 101 and propagates in the direction of the projection device 200 of the irradiation device 1.

[0039] The light source 10 is, for example, one or more LEDs, or the light source 10 includes one or more LEDs.

[0040] The projection device 200 is located, for example, on the opposite side from the light incident element 101.

[0041] The light incident element 101 is configured to cause at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source 10 to be incident into the light transmitter 100 such that the light propagates within the light transmitter 100 as a first luminous beam S1 toward the projection device 200.

[0042] The light-transmitting body 100 has an aperture device 103 having an aperture edge 104, in which case the aperture edge 104 is positioned between the light incident element 101 and the projection device 200 when viewed in the light propagation direction X1.

[0043] The first luminous beam S1 is modified into a second luminous beam S2 by the aperture edge 104, and the second luminous beam S2 is imaged by the projection device 200 as a light distribution LV with a light-dark boundary HDG. The shape of the light-dark boundary HDG, in particular, is determined by the aperture edge 104.

[0044] In this process, the light rays of the second luminous beam S2 are modified to luminous beam S2' by the projection device 200.

[0045] The aperture edge 104 is formed by the first lower interface 105 and the second lower interface 106 of the light-transmitting body 100, which are located on the opposite side of the upper interface 107, when the lower interface surfaces 105 and 106 intersect at the common edge, the aperture edge 104.

[0046] The aperture edge 104 is located within the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device 200, or substantially within the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device 200.

[0047] Preferably, the light incident element 101 shapes the light emitted from the light source 10 and incident within the light incident element 101 into a first luminous beam S1, and preferably, the first luminous beam S1 is directed towards a predetermined region, particularly the region above the aperture edge 104, preferably the region immediately above the aperture edge 104.

[0048] Unlike the schematic diagram in Figure 1a, in the irradiation device 1 according to the present invention, the aperture edge 104 is formed to be curved in the horizontal direction, and in particular to be curved in a concave shape. Furthermore, the aperture edge 104 is preferably located in the Petzval plane of the projection device 200, or substantially located in the Petzval plane of the projection device 200.

[0049] Regarding the statement that the aperture edge 104 is located within the Petzval plane, to be precise, the relationship is as follows: The projection device 200 has a focal point F200 located on the optical axis X of the projection device 200. Just as the focal line extends through this focal point F200 and is located within the Petzval plane, the Petzval plane or focal plane includes this focal point F200.

[0050] The aperture edge 104, whether it is a straight aperture edge as shown in Figure 1a or a curved edge, for example, a curved edge as described above, is usually not located precisely in the Petzval plane or within the focal point F200, but rather (slightly) above the focal point F200. Typically, the light-dark boundary HDG is slightly below the horizontal 0°-0° line or slightly below the horizontal line in the optical image, usually at 0.573°. To achieve this in the optical image, the aperture edge 104 is located slightly above the optical axis X of the projection device 200 or above the focal point F200 in the vertical direction, and in practice, is often located only a few tenths of a millimeter away.

[0051] Preferably, the light incident element 101, the light transmittance 100, and the projection device 200 are integrally constructed from a light-transmitting material and together constitute a single body 1000.

[0052] Now, starting from such an irradiation device 1, as illustrated in detail in Figures 2a-2d, 3a-3c, and 4a-4d, in the irradiation device 1 according to the present invention, the light incident element 101 has a first deflection structure 101a, and the first deflection structure 101a is configured such that the light from the light source 10 that is incident into the light incident element 101 and hits the first deflection structure 101a is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light S3 is directed toward a second deflection structure 107a. The second deflection structure 107a is disposed on the upper interface surface 107 of the light guide body 100, which is located opposite to the lower interface surfaces 105 and 106.

[0053] Preferably, the light incident element 101, the light guide 100, and the projection device 200 constitute a continuous, integrated body 1000. The transparent, light-transmitting (light-transmitting) material that can constitute the body, or which can constitute the individual elements, has a refractive index greater than that of air. This material includes, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), and is particularly preferably composed of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate). However, these objects can also be manufactured from glass materials, particularly inorganic glass materials.

[0054] In this case, Figure 3a again shows the light ray path (light ray extension path) corresponding to Figure 1b, i.e., the light ray path that forms a light distribution having a light-dark boundary HDG. Here, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 3b, a portion of the light rays emitted from the light source 10 and incident into the light incident element 101 is used to form the sign light distribution SV.

[0055] The second deflection structure 107a is configured such that the light S3 that strikes the second deflection structure 107a strikes the first surface region 105a of the first lower boundary surface 105. In this case, the first lower boundary surface 105 is positioned after the second lower boundary surface 106 or after the aperture edge 104 when viewed in the direction of light propagation.

[0056] The second deflection structure 107a deflects the incident light ray S3 as a fourth light beam S4 (or the incident light ray S3 is totally reflected in the second deflection structure 107a).

[0057] The first surface area 105a deflects the light hitting the first surface area 105a as a fifth luminous beam S5 to a predetermined area 200a of the projection device 200, specifically to a predetermined area 200a on the light-refracting light-emitting surface 201 of the projection device 200. This area 200a then images the light of the fifth luminous beam S5 as a sign light beam S6 into a predetermined area B of the light distribution located above the light-dark boundary HDG, as an additional light distribution, i.e., a sign light distribution SV.

[0058] The first deflection structure 101a is preferably formed in the form of a deflection surface, as shown in the figure, in which case this deflection surface is, for example, a flat surface, or preferably a concave curved surface, as shown in the figure.

[0059] The concave curved portion can, for example, be used to generate a parallel beam of light rays, which are equally distributed and strike the second deflection structure portion 107a on the upper interface surface 107, thereby achieving better control of intensity (light intensity).

[0060] Following the first deflection structure 101a, an optically inactive region 101b is connected to the transition portion to the light guide 100. Preferably, this region 101b is tilted with respect to the first deflection structure 101a so that the light rays S3 deflected by the first deflection structure 101a, particularly those that have undergone total internal reflection, can propagate unobstructed toward the second deflection structure 107a.

[0061] The second deflection structure 107a is preferably formed as a surface, particularly as a flat surface.

[0062] For example, the second deflection structure 107a is formed by a recess 117 in the upper interface surface 107. This recess 117 is formed by a surface 107a, preferably a flat surface 107a, and optionally by a further interface that is away from the light source 10 and is not normally exposed to light or has no optical function.

[0063] The first surface region 105a of the first lower boundary surface 105 is formed such that a straight cutting curve 105a' is obtained in the vertical cross-section through the light guide 100 in the region of the first lower boundary surface 105, as can be seen particularly well in Figure 4d.

[0064] Furthermore, the first surface region 105a of the first lower boundary surface 105 can form a curved cutting curve, particularly a convex cutting curve, in the horizontal cross-section. Preferably, these convex cutting curves follow the Petzval surface or focal surface of the projection device 200.

[0065] In this case, the horizontal cutting curves (multiple) are obtained by cutting each surface with a horizontal plane, and the vertical cutting curves (multiple) are obtained by extending parallel to the optical axis X of the irradiation device 1 to the projection device 200, or by cutting each surface containing the optical axis X with a vertical plane.

[0066] The first surface region 105a forms the interface of the recess 115 in the first lower interface 105. Below the first surface region 105a, the third surface region 105c of the first lower interface 105 connects to the first surface region 105a. Due to the formation of the recess 115, this third surface region 105c is positioned so that light from the second deflection structure 107a does not reach it. By using only the first surface region 105a that reflects light in the direction of the projection device 200, it becomes easier to control the generation of the sign light distribution.

[0067] More advantageously, the first surface region 105a is spaced apart from the second lower boundary surface 106, and a further second surface region 105b of the first lower boundary surface 105 can be provided between the first surface region 105a and the second lower boundary surface 106a, connecting the first surface region 105a to the second lower boundary surface 106. In this regard, it is advantageous that the second surface region 105b is provided and configured such that light from the second deflection structure 107a does not reach the second surface region 105b.

[0068] For example, by using this second surface region 105b which forms a band-shaped portion between the first surface region 105a and the second lower boundary surface 106, a dark band-shaped portion BAN can be realized in the light image between the light-dark boundary of the front-range light distribution or low-beam light distribution and the lower boundary of the sign light distribution.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a schematic forward light distribution LV with a light-dark boundary HDG, which can be generated using, for example, the illumination device 1 according to Figure 1a, but also using the illumination device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 5 further shows the region B where the sign light distribution SV should be generated, as well as the important measurement points where, in this case, the specified illuminance values ​​must be maintained according to the corresponding ECE rules.

[0070] Figure 6 shows the light distribution LV of a low beam light distribution type having a light-dark boundary HDG, and the sign light distribution SV above it. As can be seen there, a dark band or strip-shaped portion BAN is located between the light-dark boundary HDG and the lower boundary of the sign light distribution SV, and this dark band or strip-shaped portion BAN can be realized by providing a second surface region 105b, as described above with reference to Figure 4d in particular.

[0071] Furthermore, the above-mentioned patent and non-patent document disclosures are incorporated into this document by reference. Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments to the embodiments are possible based on the fundamental technical concept. Furthermore, within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections 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 changes that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the full disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concept. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or sub-range included within that range should be interpreted as being specifically described even if not otherwise stated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Irradiation device 10 light source 100 Light transmitter / light guide 101 Light incidence element 101a First deflection structure 101b Optically ineffective region 103 Aperture device 104 Aperture Edge 105 First lower boundary surface 105a First surface region 105a' cutting curve 105b Second surface region 105c Third surface region 106 Second lower boundary surface 107 Upper boundary surface 107a Second deflection structure 115 recess 117 recess 200 Projection device 200a Imaging area 201 Light exit surface 1000 main unit S1 First luminous beam S2 Second luminous beam S2' luminous flux S3 Light / Light Ray S4 The fourth luminous beam S5 Fifth luminous beam S6 Sign Light Luminous Flux X optical axis line X1 Direction of light propagation F200 focus LV light distribution SV Sign Light Beam Pattern B Sign light distribution area HDG light / dark boundary BAN strip

Claims

1. An illumination device for an automotive floodlight to generate a light distribution (LV) having a light-dark boundary (HDG), wherein the illumination device (1) is Light-transmitting material (100) and At least one light incident element (101) and At least one light source (10) is assigned to the at least one light incident element (101), wherein the at least one light incident element (101) is configured to direct the light emitted by the at least one light source (10) into the light transmittance (100). Including a projection device (200), The light incident element (101) is configured to cause at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one light source (10) to be incident into the light transmitter (100) such that the light propagates as a first luminous beam (S1) within the light transmitter (100) toward the projection device (200) in the direction of light propagation (X1). Furthermore, the light-transmitting body (100) has an aperture device (103) having an aperture edge (104), and the aperture edge (104) is disposed between the light incident element (101) and the projection device (200) when viewed in the light propagation direction (X1). Furthermore, the aperture edge (104) is formed by the first lower boundary surface (105) and the second lower boundary surface (106) of the light-transmitting body (100), where the first lower boundary surface (105) and the second lower boundary surface (106) of the light-transmitting body (100) intersect at the aperture edge (104), which is a common edge. The light incident element (101), the light transmittance (100), and the projection device (200) are integrally constructed from a light-transmitting material and together constitute a single body (1000). The light incident element (101) has a first deflection structure (101a), and the first deflection structure (101a) is configured such that light from at least one light source (10) that enters the light incident element (101) and passes exclusively through the light incident element (101) to the first deflection structure (101a) is totally reflected, and the totally reflected light (S3) is directed exclusively through the light transmittance (100) to the second deflection structure (107a). The second deflection structure (107a) is disposed on the upper interface (107) of the light transmittance (100), which is located on the opposite side of the lower interface (105, 106). Furthermore, the second deflection structure (107a) is configured such that light striking the second deflection structure (107a) is deflected as a fourth luminous beam (S4) exclusively through the light transmittance (100) toward the first surface region (105a) of the first lower boundary surface (105) of the aperture device (103), and the first lower boundary surface (105) is located behind the second lower boundary surface (106) of the aperture device (103) when viewed in the light propagation direction (X1). Furthermore, the first surface region (105a) deflects the light hitting the first surface region (105a) as a fifth luminous beam (S5) exclusively through the light-transmitting body (100) to a predetermined region (200a) of the projection device (200), and the region (200a) images the light of the fifth luminous beam (S5) as a sign light beam (S6) to a predetermined region (B) of the light distribution (LV) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG) as an additional light distribution or as a sign light distribution (SV). An irradiation device characterized by the following.

2. The first deflection structure (101a) includes or is configured in the form of a deflection surface, and the deflection surface is formed as a flat surface or a concave curved surface. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The second deflection structure (107a) is formed as a surface. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The first surface region (105a) of the first lower boundary surface (105) forms a straight cutting curve in the vertical cross-section. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

5. The first surface region (105a) of the first lower boundary surface (105) forms a curved cutting curve or a convex cutting curve in a horizontal cross-section. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

6. The first surface region (105a) is the boundary surface of the recess (115) in the first lower boundary surface (105). The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

7. The first surface region (105a) is spaced apart from the second lower boundary surface (106), and a further second surface region (105b) of the first lower boundary surface (105) is provided between the first surface region (105a) and the second lower boundary surface (106), connecting the first surface region (105a) to the second lower boundary surface (106). The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. The second surface region (105b) is arranged and configured such that light from the second deflection structure (107a) does not reach the second surface region (105b). The irradiation device according to claim 7, characterized by the above.

9. The second deflection structure (107a) is composed of a recess (117) in the upper boundary surface (107). The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

10. The aperture edge (104) is located within the Petzval plane or focal plane of the projection device (200). The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

11. The light distribution (LV) having a light-dark boundary (HDG) is a front-range light distribution or a low-beam light distribution. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

12. An automobile floodlight comprising at least one illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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