Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight and motor vehicle headlight

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) for an automobile headlight for generating light distribution (LV), wherein the lighting device comprises one or more light sources (10), a light-transmitting body (100), one or more light-coupled elements (101) for coupling light emitted by one or more light sources (10) into the light-transmitting body (100), and a projection device (500), wherein the light of one or more light sources (10) forms light distribution (LV) having a light-dark boundary (HD), wherein the light-dark boundary (HD) is formed by an aperture edge (104) of an aperture device (103) of the light-transmitting body (100). The aperture device (103) is formed by one or more limiting surfaces (106) of the light-transmitting body (100). Additionally, another light source, a so-called sign light source (20), and another sign light light coupling element (120) assigned to this sign light source (20) are provided, wherein the sign light light coupling element (120) forms a third light bundle (S3) from the light (S20) emitted by the sign light source (120), directs the third light bundle (S3) toward a limiting surface (106), and this limiting surface is again incident into a light-transmitting body (100), and is projected by a projection optical device (500) into an area (B) of light distribution (LV) placed over a light-dark boundary (HD) as a sign light bundle (SL), and is imaged as a sign light distribution (SV).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for automobile headlights for generating light distribution, wherein the lighting device

[0002] One or more light sources,

[0003] Light-transmitting body,

[0004] One or more optical coupling elements for coupling light emitted by one or more light sources into the interior of a light-transmitting body, and

[0005] Equipped with a projection device,

[0006] In this case, the light-transmitting body is equipped with an aperture device having an aperture edge region, and the aperture device is arranged in the direction of light propagation between a light coupling element and a projection device, in this case, light from one or more light sources is coupled into the light-transmitting body through the light coupling element, and this light propagates as a first light bundle within the light-transmitting body, and in this case, the aperture device transforms the first light bundle into a modified second light bundle, and this second light bundle is imaged by the projection device as a light distribution to be generated having a light-dark boundary, in this case, the shape and position of the light-dark boundary, in particular, are determined by the aperture edge region or aperture edge of the aperture device, and in this case, the aperture device is formed by one or more limiting surfaces of the light-transmitting body.

[0007] In addition, the present invention relates to an automobile headlight having one or more such lighting devices. Background Technology

[0008] The aforementioned lighting device is known from the prior art, and in addition to apron light distribution or low beam light distribution using one or more light sources, signlight light distribution can also be generated by modifications of a light-transmitting body, a light-coupled element, or a projection device. The problem to be solved

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a lighting device capable of generating a sign light distribution in addition to an apron light distribution or a low beam light distribution. means of solving the problem

[0010] The above problem is solved by the lighting device mentioned in the introduction, according to the present invention, by having another light source, which is a so-called sign light source, and another sign light light coupling element assigned to the sign light source, wherein the sign light light coupling element forms a third light bundle from the light emitted by the sign light source and the third light bundle is directed toward a limiting plane, so that, as a result, a light beam, particularly substantially all of the light of the third light bundle, is incident into a light-transmitting body, and in this case, at least a portion, preferably all, of the light beam incident again into the light-transmitting body is projected by a projection optical device as a sign light bundle into an area of ​​light distribution lying on a light-dark boundary, and is imaged, for example, as a sign light distribution.

[0011] According to the design according to the present invention, the sign light source can be switched off (or dimmed) during partial-high beam operation, so that, as a result, unwanted scattered radiation cannot be emitted through the sign light in such a sign light operation state.

[0012] 'Partial-high beam operation' is understood to mean an operating state in which one or more areas, so-called segments, are hidden from the high beam light distribution to prevent glare, for example, for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction or vehicles driving ahead.

[0013] In an operating state where light distribution, particularly apron light or low beam light, is generated by one or more light sources, the sign light source can be switched on, so that, as a result, sign light distribution is generated in addition to the light distribution, that is, independently of the light distribution. In contrast, in the prior art, sign light distribution is generated together with apron light or low beam light (in other words, one or more light sources responsible for generating apron light or low beam light are also responsible for generating sign light distribution) and can be switched off independently of this apron light or low beam light.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention provides advantages with respect to glare values ​​when the lighting device is operated in an ADB mode ("Advanced Driving Beam"), in which individual areas or segments of the (partial) high beam light distribution can be switched off. In this operating state, unlike the prior art, the sign light is switched off, so that no glare is generated at all within the areas hidden by the sign light or within the hidden / switched-off segments. Safety for all traffic participants can be improved by the reduction of unwanted "afterglow" made possible by the present invention, particularly in hidden areas. During low beam operation, the sign light may be connected, for example, to enable the driver to read overhead signs more effectively.

[0015] In contrast, during "normal" high beam operation, the sign light source can be switched on.

[0016] In a preferred manner, it has been proposed that the sine light optical coupling element contacts the optical coupling element at a common contact area or on a common contact surface. This proposal has the advantage that, particularly when the two elements are formed of the same material, the passing light cannot be deflected in its own propagation direction and can be correspondingly controlled more effectively in terms of design technology.

[0017] At this time, the contact area or contact surface is preferably positioned, for example, in relation to or spaced apart from one or more light sources, in such a way that at least one portion of the light rays originating from a light source and passing through the contact area or contact surface into the interior of the sine light optical coupling element is totally reflected at the light-emitting surface of the sine light optical coupling element.

[0018] Accordingly, this light does not contribute to the light distribution and is deflected into areas that remain unused, for example, and absorbed.

[0019] In addition, it may be proposed that the contact area or contact surface be positioned, for example, in relation to one or more light sources or spaced apart from one or more light sources, in such a way that at least a portion of the light rays originating from a light source and striking the limiting surface of the optical coupling element of the optical coupling element in front of the contact area or contact surface are totally reflected into the interior of the optical coupling element in the direction of the light-transmitting body from the limiting surface of the optical coupling element.

[0020] Therefore, this light can contribute to the light distribution, for example, the apron light distribution or the low beam light distribution.

[0021] At this time, in a desirable manner, the sine light source is positioned as close as possible to the optical coupling surface of the sine light optical coupling element in order to capture as much light as possible and to minimize the light rays emitted from the sine light source that may be incident into the optical coupling element as interference radiation.

[0022] In addition, it may be proposed that the optical coupling surface of the sine light optical coupling element is formed concavely, and / or the light emission surface of the sine light optical coupling element is formed convexly.

[0023] In particular, in this case, it can be proposed that a sign light optical coupling element has a focal point, and that a sign light source is substantially arranged within this focal point.

[0024] The light source is arranged as deeply as possible in a desirable manner within the concave cavity formed by such a design, and is surrounded by the optical coupling surface at least within the very angle range in which the light source emits light, so that the optical coupling surface is formed as concave as possible to increase coupling efficiency in a desirable manner.

[0025] With a preferably convex light-emitting surface, most of the scattered light is totally reflected and deflected far backward.

[0026] Due to the particularly strongly curved design of the optical coupling surface, a light-emitting surface that is as strongly curved as possible is made possible. Consequently, the light rays originating from the optical coupling element and coupled into the sine light optical coupling element are deflected at the light-emitting surface by total internal reflection, and as a result, these rays cannot be emitted from the sine light optical coupling element in the direction of light propagation. Such scattered light is preferably deflected backward, opposite to the original direction of light propagation.

[0027] For example, since the sign light optical coupling element and the optical coupling element are injection molded together in a single injection molding process, it is advantageous when the sign light optical coupling element and the optical coupling element are formed as a single unit, particularly when they are formed from the same material.

[0028] In a preferred manner, one or more light sources and sign light sources are arranged such that the main light emission directions of the one or more light sources and sign light sources proceed parallel to each other.

[0029] It may be proposed that one or more light sources and sign light sources are arranged on a single common plane and / or that one or more light sources and sign light sources are arranged on a single common printed circuit board.

[0030] In addition, it may be proposed that one or more light sources be directly mounted on a heat sink and connected to a printed circuit board on which sign light sources are arranged, for example by wire bonding.

[0031] In a preferred manner, it has been proposed that light emitted by a sine light source is directly emitted onto a restricted plane by a sine light photocoupler.

[0032] In this context, the expression “direct” means that the light is no longer affected while traveling toward the surface (106), and in particular, does not experience any deflection, that is, the light propagates in a straight line to the boundary surface.

[0033] It can be proposed that one or more optical coupling elements and a sign light optical coupling element form an integrated transparent, light-transmitting body. Furthermore, it can also be proposed that the light-transmitting body and a projection device are integrally connected to the light-transmitting body.

[0034] Furthermore, in a preferred manner, it may be proposed that the optical coupling element be designed to form a first light bundle of light emitted by a light source and coupled into the optical coupling element, in which case, in a preferred manner, the light bundle is directed into the aperture edge region of the aperture device or into a region of the aperture edge.

[0035] It may be proposed that an aperture device be formed in such a way that the maximum value of the illumination intensity of a light pattern formed on a limiting surface is spaced greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge and / or such that this light pattern is spaced greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge, or that a sign light light coupling element illuminates a limiting surface, which is at least a part of the aperture device, as a third light bundle.

[0036] This makes it possible to reach a situation where a gap is created between the low beam light distribution and the sine light distribution within the entire light distribution in the traffic space or on the vertical measuring screen in front of the lighting device.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sign light optical coupling device be designed in such a way that the light beam emitted from the sign light optical coupling device propagates in a horizontal direction.

[0038] For example, for this purpose, the sign light optical coupling element is designed anamorphically or astigmatically, or the optical coupling surface and / or light emission surface are designed in such a way, so that the light pattern formed on the limiting surface is expanded / distorted in the horizontal direction and thereby can reach a wide range of illumination. Such a design can be achieved by making the curvature of the sign light optical coupling element smaller in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction.

[0039] In addition, the sine light optical coupling device may be designed such that the light rays of the light bundle emitted from the sine light optical coupling device converge in a vertical direction.

[0040] This design method can be realized, for example, by designing the light emission surface to be convex in the vertical direction (that is, in a vertical cross-section parallel to the main light emission direction).

[0041] In addition, it may be proposed that the limiting surface be designed to be convex in the vertical direction.

[0042] Generally, the limiting surface is positioned substantially on the focal surface or Petzval surface of the projection device in a desirable manner, so that the area illuminated on the limiting surface is consequently imaged by the projection device as a sine light distribution.

[0043] For the homogenization of light, it may be suggested that the limiting surface of the light-transmitting body be equipped with a light-scattering structure, for example, a grain.

[0044] As a result, a surface that emits light uniformly on a limited surface is achieved, and such a surface is imaged by a projection device as described above, and induces a uniform sine light distribution.

[0045] For example, it has been proposed that one or more light sources and / or sign light sources each include one or more light-emitting elements, such as one or more LEDs.

[0046] Generally, regardless of the specific design of each light source / sign light source, it should be noted in this section that the expression “one or more light sources (for generating light distribution)” implies that there is exactly one such light source, but naturally, two or more such light sources may also be provided to generate light distribution. The expression “providing a sign light source” does not exclude the possibility that two or more such sign light sources may be provided to generate a sign light.

[0047] It may be proposed that the lighting device further include an additional light module designed to generate an additional high beam light distribution, wherein the additional light module is designed to generate a segmented additional light distribution including two or more light segments, wherein the additional light distribution and the light distribution together form a single high beam light distribution when all light segments of the additional light distribution are illuminated, wherein in the case of low beam operation, one or more light sources for generating the light distribution and a sign light source for generating the sign light distribution are activated and the additional light module is deactivated, wherein in the case of partial high beam operation, one or more light sources for generating the light distribution and the additional light module are activated, and the additional light module is operated in such a way that one or more lighting segments are not illuminated and the sign light source for generating the sign light distribution is dimmed or deactivated. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0048] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: FIG. 1 illustrates the main components of an embodiment of a lighting device for an automobile headlight according to the present invention in a vertical cross-section cut along the plane (E) of FIG. 3. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the lighting device in the sign light source area. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a part of a lighting device viewed obliquely from the rear. FIG. 4 shows an oblique rear view of an optical system body having an aperture edge device. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of a low beam light distribution and a sine light distribution. Figure 6 shows a low beam distribution with partial high beam distribution without sine light distribution. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a lighting device (1) for an automobile headlight for generating light (LV), wherein the lighting device comprises one or more light sources (10), a light-transmitting body (100), one or more light-coupled elements (101) for coupling light emitted by one or more light sources (10) into the light-transmitting body (100), and a projection device (500).

[0050] As can be seen from FIG. 3, in the example illustrated in this drawing, three light sources (10) are provided, in which case each of these light sources (10) couples light into the light coupling element (101), and the light coupling element (101) couples this light into the light-transmitting body (100).

[0051] For example, the projection device (500) and the light-transmitting body (100) are made of the same material and are formed as a single component.

[0052] The light-transmitting body (100) is provided with an aperture device (103) having an aperture edge region (104), wherein the aperture device (103) is arranged in the direction of light propagation between one or more light-coupled elements (101) and a projection device (500).

[0053] In a preferred manner, not only the optical system body (110) but also the bodies forming the optical system body (100) and the projection device (500) are each solid bodies, that is, bodies that do not have through-openings or opening inclusions. The transparent light-transmitting material forming the body has a refractive index greater than that of air. This material contains, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), and is formed therefrom in a particularly preferred manner. However, this body may also be made of glass material, particularly inorganic glass material. In the illustrated example, two separate bodies are dealt with, but the two bodies may be formed integrally with each other.

[0054] Light (S10) emitted by a light source (10) is coupled into a light coupling element (101), coupled into a light-transmitting body (100) via the light coupling element, and propagates within the light-transmitting body (100) as a first light bundle (S1). By means of an aperture device (103), the first light bundle (S1) is transformed into a modified second light bundle (S2) in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the second light bundle is imaged as a light distribution (LV) to be generated by a projection device (500) using the emitted light bundle (LL) {or as a part of the light distribution (LV) to be generated; if a plurality of light sources (10) exist, they together form the light distribution (LV)}. A light distribution (LV) in the form of a low beam light distribution is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0055] A light distribution (LV) generated by one or more light sources (10), for example, apron light distribution or low beam light distribution, has a light-dark boundary (HD), in which case the shape and position of the light-dark boundary (HD), in particular the light-dark boundary (HD), is determined by the aperture edge region or aperture edge (104) of the aperture device (103).

[0056] In the illustrated example, the aperture device (103) is formed by the first limiting surface (106) and the second limiting surface (105) of the light-transmitting body (100). The two limiting surfaces (105, 106) converge at a common aperture edge (104) or aperture edge region (104).

[0057] The second limiting surface (105) is arranged in front of the second limiting surface (106) in the direction of light propagation. In the illustrated example, the second limiting surface is positioned horizontally and approximately parallel to the direction of light propagation, while the first limiting surface is positioned transversely to the direction of light propagation.

[0058] In addition, the lighting device (1) is equipped with one or more other light sources, in this case, exactly one other light source, so-called sign light source (20). Furthermore, another sign light light coupling element (120) assigned to the sign light source (20) is provided, in which case the sign light light coupling element (120) forms the light (S20) emitted by the sign light source (20) into a third light bundle (S3) and directs the third light bundle (S3) toward the first limiting surface (106), so that as a result, substantially all of the light rays, particularly of the third light bundle (S3), pass through the first limiting surface (106) and enter the interior of the light-transmitting body (100).

[0059] The sign light optical coupling element (120) is located on the lower surface of one or more optical coupling elements (101) in a preferred manner as illustrated.

[0060] At least a portion, preferably all, of the light rays (S4) incident into the light-transmitting body (100) are projected by a projection optical device (500) as a sine light beam (SL) onto an area (B) of light distribution (LV) (see FIG. 5) that lies on the light-dark boundary (HD), and are then imaged, for example, as a sine light distribution (SV).

[0061] In a preferred manner, one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) are arranged such that the light principal emission directions (X1, X2) of the one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) proceed parallel to each other. In this example, the "light propagation direction" corresponds approximately to the light principal emission direction.

[0062] For example, it is proposed that one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) each include one or more light-emitting elements, such as one or more LEDs.

[0063] Generally, regardless of the specific design of each light source / sign light source, it should be noted in this section that the expression “one or more light sources (for generating light distribution)” implies that there is exactly one such light source, but naturally, two or more such light sources may also be provided to generate light distribution. The expression “providing a sign light source” does not exclude the possibility that two or more such sign light sources may be provided to generate a sign light.

[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 1, a ray (S2) of a light source (10) for generating a light beam (LV) reaches an upper area of ​​a projection device (500) or an area on a horizontal plane on which the axis of symmetry or optical axis of the projection device (500) is placed. As a result, this ray (S2) is "inverted" downward as an emitted ray (LL) by the corresponding curvature or design of the projection device (500), and forms a light beam (LV) that lies below the 0°-0°-line, which is specifically limited upward by the HD-limit, on a measurement screen in a traffic space or lower area.

[0065] The aperture edge region or aperture edge (104) is substantially positioned at the focal line or focal plane of the projection device (500), and accordingly, the aperture edge is imaged as a light-dark boundary within the light image (LV) generated by the light beam (S1).

[0066] In contrast, the light beam (S4) of the sign light source (20) reaches the lower region of the projection device (500) and is emitted upward as a beam of light (SL) by the corresponding curvature of the projection device (500), forming a sign light beam (SV) that is correspondingly positioned on the 0°-0°-line.

[0067] The sign light optical coupling element (120) and one or more optical coupling elements (101) are preferably integrally formed, particularly of the same material, to form a transparent body (110).

[0068] The optical body (100) and the optical coupling element are designed so that, on one hand, light propagates in a straight line into the interior, and on the other hand, most of it is totally reflected when it collides with a limiting wall and can be emitted from the individual body / element at a corresponding emission surface or projection device (500).

[0069] The lighting device (1) according to FIG. 1 includes an additional light-light module designed to generate a segmented additional light distribution (FLV) comprising a plurality of light segments (SEG) as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the additional light distribution (FLV) and the light distribution (LV) together form a high beam light distribution when all light segments (SEG) are activated. In the vertical direction, the additional light-light distribution (FLV) is connected to the light distribution (LV), that is, to the apron light distribution or the low beam light distribution, or a certain overlap occurs between the two light distributions.

[0070] In a preferred manner, the additional light-to-light module (200) is designed to form a segmented additional light distribution consisting of light segments (SEG) that can be individually activated and deactivated as described and are adjacent to or overlapping each other on the sides. This allows, for example, the area where a vehicle of approaching traffic (QFK) is located to remain unilluminated by switching off the corresponding light segment, so that, as a result, the approaching traffic (QFK) is not obstructed from view.

[0071] Specifically, the high beam light module (200) (see FIG. 1) includes a light source (201), such as a multi-chip LED, capable of generating additional light distribution (FLV) segmented in a known manner by interaction with optical elements (202 to 205) {imaging lenses (202, 204, 205), aperture (203)}.

[0072] In low beam operation, one or more light sources (10) {specifically, three light sources (10)} are activated to generate light distribution (LV), a sign light source (20) is activated to generate sign light distribution (SV), and an additional light module is deactivated. In high beam operation, one or more light sources (10) {or specifically, three light sources (10)} are activated to generate light distribution (LV), and an additional light-light module (200) is activated, in which case this additional light-light module is activated so that all light segments (SEG) are illuminated, and the sign light source (20) may also be activated.

[0073] In partial high-beam operation or ADB-operation where one or more light segments (SEG) are deactivated to block a specific area of ​​cross traffic (QFK) within additional light distribution (FLV), for example, the sign light source (20) is also deactivated (or at least darkened).

[0074] According to the design according to the present invention, the sign light source can be switched off (dim) for example during partial high beam operation, so that, consequently, unwanted scattered radiation cannot be emitted from the sign light in such an operating state. In an operating state where light distribution, particularly apron light or low beam light, is generated by one or more light sources, the sign light source can be switched on, so that, consequently, in addition to the light distribution, a sign light distribution is generated independently of the light distribution. In contrast, in the prior art, the sign light distribution is generated together with the apron light or low beam (that is, one or more light sources responsible for generating the apron light or low beam light are also responsible for generating the sign light distribution), and cannot be switched off independently of these lights.

[0075] Accordingly, the present invention provides advantages with respect to glare values ​​when the lighting device is operated in an ADB mode ("Advanced Driving Beam"), in which individual areas or segments of the partial high beam light distribution can be switched off. In such an operating state, unlike the prior art, the sign light is switched off, so that glare cannot be generated by this sign light within the hidden area or within the hidden / switched-off segment. Safety for all traffic participants can be improved by the reduction of unwanted "afterglow" made possible by the present invention, particularly in the hidden area. During low beam operation, the sign light may be engaged, for example, to enable the driver to read overhead signs more effectively.

[0076] As can be seen in FIG. 1, but particularly in FIG. 2, in a preferred manner, it is proposed that the sine light optical coupling element (120) contact the optical coupling element (101) at a common contact area or at a common contact surface (130). This proposal has the advantage that, particularly when the two elements (101, 130) are formed of the same material, the passing light cannot be deflected in its own propagation direction and can be correspondingly and technically controlled better.

[0077] At this time, the contact area or contact surface (130) is preferably positioned such that at least one portion of the light rays (S130) originating from the light source (10), passing through the contact area or contact surface (130), and incident into the sign light optical coupling element (120) is totally reflected at the light emission surface (122) of the sign light optical coupling element (120), for example, in relation to or spaced apart from one or more light sources (10).

[0078] Accordingly, this light (S130) does not contribute to light distribution and is deflected into an area that remains unused, for example, and absorbed. In particular, as can be clearly seen, the light (S130) is deflected backward and emitted from the sign light light coupling element (120) in an unused state.

[0079] Additionally, it may be proposed that the contact area or contact surface (130) be positioned, for example, in relation to or spaced apart from one or more light sources (10), in such a way that at least a portion of the light rays (S131) ​​originating from the light source (10) and striking the light coupling element limiting surface (131) of the light coupling element (101) in front of the contact area or contact surface (130) is totally reflected into the interior of the light coupling element (101) in the direction of the light-transmitting body (100) from the light coupling element limiting surface (131). In this case, the light coupling element limiting surface (131) is the limiting surface on which the contact surface (130) is placed. Thus, this light (S131) ​​can contribute to light distribution, for example, apron light distribution or low beam light distribution.

[0080] In a preferred manner, the sign light source (20) is positioned as close as possible to the optical coupling surface (121) of the sign light optical coupling element (120) so as to capture as much light as possible and to minimize the light rays emitted from the sign light source (20) and incident into the optical coupling element (101) as interference radiation.

[0081] As described, it may be proposed that the optical coupling surface (121) of the sign light optical coupling element (120) be formed concavely and the light emission surface (122) be formed convexly. In particular, in this case, it may be proposed that the sign light optical coupling element (120) be provided with a focal point (F121), wherein the sign light source (20) is substantially arranged within this focal point (F121).

[0082] The light source is arranged as deeply as possible in a desirable manner within the concave cavity formed by such design, and is surrounded by the light coupling surface (121) at least within the very angle range in which the light source emits light, so that the light coupling surface (121) is formed as concavely as possible to increase coupling efficiency in a desirable manner.

[0083] With the preferably convex light-emitting surface (122), scattered light (S130) is mostly total reflected and deflected far to the rear, as previously described.

[0084] Due to the particularly strongly curved design of the light coupling surface (121), a light emission surface (122) that is preferably strongly curved is made possible, so that the light beam (S130) originating from the light coupling element (101) and coupled into the sign light light coupling element (120) is deflected at the light emission surface (122) by total reflection, and as a result, this light beam cannot be emitted from the sign light light coupling element (120) in the direction of light propagation. Such scattered light is preferably deflected backward opposite to the original direction of light propagation.

[0085] In a preferred manner, as shown in FIG. 1, it is proposed that light emitted by a sign light source (20) is directly emitted onto a restricted surface (106) by a sign light light coupling element (120).

[0086] In this context, the expression “direct” means that the light is no longer affected while traveling toward the surface (106) and, in particular, does not experience any deflection, that is, the light propagates in a straight line to the boundary surface (106).

[0087] In a preferred manner, the optical coupling element (101) is designed to form a first light bundle (S1) of light emitted by a light source (10) and coupled into the optical coupling element (101), in which case the light bundle (S1) is oriented into an aperture edge region or into a region of the aperture edge (104) of the aperture device (103).

[0088] In this way, in the HD-boundary region, a bright light distribution (LV) is generated with decreasing brightness towards the bottom.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 4, it may be proposed that a sign light optical coupling element (120) illuminates the limiting surface (106) as a third light bundle (S3) in such a way that the maximum value of the illumination intensity of the light pattern (L106) formed on the limiting surface (106) is spaced greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104) and / or such that the light pattern (L106) is spaced greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104).

[0090] With this, as can be seen in FIG. 5, it is possible to reach a situation where a gap is created between the low beam light distribution and the sine light distribution within the entire light distribution in the traffic space or on the vertical measuring screen in front of the lighting device.

[0091] The expression “the light pattern is spaced apart” relates to the edges of the light pattern surrounding the light pattern, in which case each region of the edge lying on the limiting surface (106) is spaced apart from the opening edge (104) by a distance greater than 0.

[0092] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sign light optical coupling element (120) be designed such that the light bundle (S3) emitted from the sign light optical coupling element (120) propagates in a horizontal direction.

[0093] For example, for this purpose, the sign light optical coupling element (120) is designed anamorphically or non-point aberrationally, or the optical coupling surface (121) and / or the light emission surface (122) are designed in such a way that, consequently, the light pattern (L106) formed on the limiting surface (106) is expanded / distorted in the horizontal direction and thus can reach a wide range of illumination. Such a design can be achieved by the curvature of the sign light optical coupling element (120) being smaller in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction.

[0094] Additionally, the sign light optical coupling element (120) may be designed such that the light rays of the light bundle (S3) emitted from the sign light optical coupling element (120) converge in a vertical direction.

[0095] In particular, this allows for a situation where light is efficiently directed into the desired area, that is, specifically to the surface (106) below the edge (104).

[0096] This design method can be realized, for example, by designing the light emission surface (122) to be convex in the vertical direction (that is, in a vertical cross-section parallel to the light main emission direction (X1, X2)).

[0097] In the horizontal section, the light-emitting surface (122) can also be formed in a curved state, particularly preferably convex, with a curvature / radius of curvature different from that of the vertical direction.

[0098] Additionally, it may be proposed that the limiting surface (106) be formed convexly in the vertical direction (i.e., in the vertical cross-section) as shown in FIG. 4, so that a light ray (S4) is emitted as a result. The light ray (S4) passes through the limiting surface (106) and enters the interior of the optical body (100), reaches the projection device (500), and is imaged into the interior of the area in front of the lighting device (1) by the projection device (500).

[0099] In a preferred manner, the limiting surface (106) is substantially positioned on the focal surface or Petzval surface of the projection device (500), so that, as a result, the area illuminated by the light ray (S4) on the limiting surface (106) is projected into the traffic space by the projection device (500).

[0100] For the homogenization of light, it may be suggested that the limiting surface (106) of the light-transmitting body (101) be equipped with a light-scattering structure, for example, particles.

[0101] Finally, it may be further proposed that the outer surface of the projection device (500) be formed by a groove-shaped structure on a smooth base surface, in which case the groove forming the groove-shaped structure runs substantially vertically, and in which case, two grooves that are placed side by side horizontally in a preferred manner are separated by a ridge that runs substantially vertically and preferably extends over the entire vertical extension of the groove.

Claims

Claim 1 A lighting device (1) for an automobile headlight to generate light distribution (LV), wherein the lighting device One or more light sources (10), Light-transmitting body (100), One or more light coupling elements (101) for coupling light emitted by one or more light sources (10) into the interior of a light-transmitting body (100), and A projection device (500) is provided, wherein the light-transmitting body (100) is provided with an aperture device (103) having an aperture edge region (104), and the aperture device (103) is arranged in the direction of light propagation between a light coupling element (101) and the projection device (500), wherein light (S10) of one or more light sources (10) is coupled into the interior of the light-transmitting body (100) through the light coupling element (101), and the light propagates as a first light bundle (S1) within the light-transmitting body (100), and wherein the aperture device (103) transforms the first light bundle (S1) into a modified second light bundle (S2), and the second light bundle is imaged by the projection device (500) as a light distribution (LV) to be generated, and the light distribution (LV) has a brightness-border (HD), and wherein the The shape and position of the light-dark boundary (HD) are determined by the aperture edge region or aperture edge of the aperture device (103), and the aperture device (103) is formed by one or more limiting surfaces (106) of the light-transmitting body (100), and the lighting device (1) is provided with a sign light source (20) and another sign light optical coupling element (120) assigned to the sign light source (20), and the sign light optical coupling element (120) forms the light (S20) emitted by the sign light source (20) into a third light bundle (S3), and by directing the third light bundle (S3) toward the first limiting surface (106), the light rays of the third light bundle (S3) are incident into the interior of the light-transmitting body (100), and the light rays (S4) incident into the interior of the light-transmitting body (100) again At least a portion is projected by a projection optical device (500) as a sine light beam (SL) onto an area (B) of light distribution (LV) placed over a light-dark boundary (HD), and is imaged as a sine light distribution (SV), and the limiting surface (106) is designed to be convex in the vertical direction, andA lighting device (1) for an automobile headlight to generate light distribution (LV), wherein the above-mentioned limiting surface (106) is placed on the focal surface or Petzval surface of the projection device (500). Claim 2 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the sign light optical coupling element (120) contacts the optical coupling element (101) in a common contact area or on a common contact surface (130). Claim 3 A lighting device according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one portion of a light ray (S130) originating from a light source (10) and passing through a contact area or contact surface (130) into the interior of a sign light light coupling element (120) is totally reflected at a light emission surface (122) of the sign light light coupling element (120). The contact area or contact surface is positioned at a distance from one or more light sources (10). Claim 4 A lighting device according to paragraph 2, wherein the contact area or contact surface (130) is positioned at a distance from one or more light sources (10), such that at least one portion of a light ray (S131) ​​originating from a light source (10) and striking the light coupling element limiting surface (131) of the light coupling element (101) in front of the contact area or contact surface (130) is totally reflected into the interior of the light coupling element (101) in the direction of the light-transmitting body (100) from the light coupling element limiting surface (131). Claim 5 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light coupling surface (121) of the sign light light coupling element (120) is formed concavely, or the light emission surface (122) of the sign light light coupling element (120) is formed convexly, or the light coupling surface (121) of the sign light light coupling element (120) is formed concavely and the light emission surface (122) of the sign light light coupling element (120) is formed convexly, wherein the sign light light coupling element (120) has a focal point (F121), and the sign light light source (20) is arranged within the focal point (F121). Claim 6 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the sign light optical coupling element (120) and the optical coupling element (101) are injection molded together in a single injection molding process, so that the sign light optical coupling element (120) and the optical coupling element (101) are formed as an integral unit. Claim 7 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) are arranged such that the light emission directions (X1, X2) of the one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) proceed parallel to each other. Claim 8 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein one or more light sources (10) and sign light sources (20) are arranged on one common plane or one common printed circuit board, or on one common plane and one common printed circuit board. Claim 9 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein light emitted by the sign light source (20) is directly emitted onto a restricted surface (106) by a sign light light coupling element (120). Claim 10 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light coupling element (101) forms a first light bundle (S1) by light emitted by a light source (10) and coupled into the light coupling element (101), wherein the light bundle (S1) is directed into an aperture edge region of an aperture device (103) or into a region of an aperture edge (104). Claim 11 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum value of the illumination intensity of the light pattern (L106) formed on the limiting surface (106) is positioned at a distance greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104), or wherein the light pattern (L106) is positioned at a distance greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104), or wherein the maximum value of the illumination intensity of the light pattern (L106) formed on the limiting surface (106) is positioned at a distance greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104) and the light pattern (L106) is positioned at a distance greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104), and wherein the light pattern (L106) is positioned at a distance greater than 0 with respect to the aperture edge (104), thereby forming an aperture device (103) or wherein the limiting surface (106), which is at least a part of the aperture device (103), is illuminated by the sign light light coupling element (120) as a third light bundle (S3). Claim 12 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the sign light optical coupling element (120) is designed such that the light bundle (S3) emitted from the sign light optical coupling element (120) propagates in a horizontal direction. Claim 13 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the sign light optical coupling element (120) is designed such that the light rays of the light bundle (S3) emitted from the sign light optical coupling element (120) converge in a vertical direction. Claim 14 A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the limiting surface (106) of the light-transmitting body (101) has a light-scattering structure. Claim 15 In claim 1, the lighting device (1) further comprises an additional light module designed to generate an additional high beam light distribution, wherein the additional light module is designed to generate a segmented additional light distribution (FLZ) comprising two or more light segments (SEG), wherein the additional light distribution and the light distribution (LV) together form a single high beam light distribution when all light segments (SEG) of the additional light distribution (FLV) are illuminated, wherein in low beam operation, one or more light sources (10) for generating the light distribution (LV) and a sign light source (20) for generating the sign light distribution (SV) are activated, and the additional light module is deactivated, wherein in partial high beam operation, one or more light sources (10) for generating the light distribution (LV) and the additional light module are activated, and wherein the additional light module is configured such that one or more lighting segments (SEG) are not illuminated and the sign light source (20) for generating the sign light distribution (SV) is dimmed or deactivated. Operating lighting device. Claim 16 An automobile headlight equipped with one or more lighting devices according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 15. Claim 17 delete

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