Lamp assembly for a vehicle, vehicle having such a lamp assembly, and method for operating the lamp assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a lamp assembly for attaching to a vehicle, comprising a housing (1), a transparent cover panel (2), at least one light module (3), and an indication device (4), wherein the housing (1) has a light exit opening (5) closed by the cover panel (2), wherein the housing (1) and the cover panel (2) enclose an interior (6) in which the at least one light module (3) is arranged, wherein the light module (3) is oriented (6) towards the light exit opening (5) in order to cast a main light, which can be generated by the light module (3), in the form of a light cone (7) through the cover panel (2) into the surroundings (8), and wherein the indication device (4) is arranged between the at least one light module (3) and a side of the cover panel (2) facing the surroundings (8) in the direction (R) of the light beam path of the main light and extends at least partially over the cross-sectional area of the interior (6). The lamp assembly according to the invention is characterised in that the region occupied by the light cone (7) when the main light is active is free of the indication device (4).

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Lighting assembly for a vehicle, vehicle with such a lighting assembly and method for operating the lighting assembly

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting assembly for attachment to a vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1, a vehicle with such a lighting assembly and a method for operating the lighting assembly.

[0004] Vehicles such as cars are equipped with various lighting devices that, on the one hand, improve the vehicle's visibility in adverse lighting conditions and, on the other hand, allow the driver to better perceive surrounding objects and the road ahead by illuminating the area. Typical lighting devices include: headlights, turn signals, daytime running lights, taillights, brake lights, reversing lights, license plate lights, and the like. Several components used to provide the different lighting functions can be integrated into a single assembly. Accordingly, modern vehicles typically have two headlight assemblies mounted at the front. Such a headlight assembly comprises one or more light modules to generate a main beam pattern. This includes, in particular, low beam, high beam, and parking lights.The headlight assembly includes further lighting elements with which the aforementioned direction indicator and daytime running light can be implemented, nowadays mostly in the form of LED strips.

[0005] However, the previously described lighting functions only allow for limited communication with other road users. While the driver can control the vehicle's lights, for example by activating hazard warning lights or flashing headlights, the intended action requires interpretation by other road users. This can lead to misunderstandings.

[0006] The geometric design of the headlight assembly and the vehicle structure can complicate integration. For example, the headlight assembly housing can become entangled or wedged against the vehicle structure during installation. This necessitates reducing the dimensions of the corresponding headlight assemblies.

[0007] Furthermore, the purchase decision for a vehicle is significantly driven by emotions. The visual appearance of a vehicle, which includes the design of the lighting devices and the light characteristics they emit, also contributes to how a vehicle is perceived. For light from a headlight assembly to penetrate into the surroundings, protective covers must be transparent. This, in turn, allows a view into the interior of the headlight assembly. As a result, individual components may be visible to the observer. This can negatively impact the vehicle's visual appearance.

[0008] Lighting elements for providing different lighting functions can be positioned further inwards in the headlight assembly, which can make visibility from wider angles, i.e., from a side position next to the vehicle, more difficult for onlookers. At night or in darkness, the high light intensity of vehicle headlights can cause glare. It is desirable to reduce the risk of glare for onlookers.

[0009] From EP 3 597 987 A1, a lamp for a vehicle is known. The lamp comprises a display device connected to or integrated into a cover plate. The display device is designed as an LCD screen, in particular a TFT screen. The display device is divided into various individually controllable sections, which have the same shape and size as the lighting devices behind the lamp when viewed from a specific angle. The individual sections of the display device can be selectively switched to be transparent or opaque. Preferably, the color of the opaque display device or sections matches the color of the vehicle paintwork to improve the vehicle's aesthetics. If light is to be projected into the surroundings, the corresponding area of ​​the display device can be switched to be transparent.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 102007 021 865 A1 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle with OLEDs. The OLEDs are arranged in the light beam path between a light module and a cover plate, with the area of ​​the light cone occupied when the main headlight is active being free of the OLEDs. The OLEDs are visible by looking through the cover plate. Such a lighting device is also known from DE 10 2015 007609 B3, in which conventional display elements may also be used instead of OLEDs.

[0011] Furthermore, DE 102019 129 397 A1 discloses a headlight for a motor vehicle with a pixel-based display and a reflector arrangement.

[0012] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a lighting assembly for a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a lighting assembly with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments, as well as a vehicle with such a lighting assembly and a method for operating the lighting assembly, are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] A generic lighting assembly for mounting on a vehicle, comprising a housing, a transparent cover, at least one light module and a display device, wherein the housing has a light emission opening closed by the cover, wherein the housing and the cover enclose an interior space in which the at least one light module is arranged, wherein the light module is directed towards the light emission opening in order to project a main light generated by the light module in the form of a light cone through the cover into the surroundings, and wherein the display device is arranged in the direction of the light beam path of the main light between the at least one light module and a side of the cover facing the surroundings and extends at least partially over the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior space, provides that the area occupied by the light cone when the main light is active is free of the display device.wherein, according to the invention, the display device is integrated into the cover plate.

[0014] The display device therefore has a recess in the area where the main light from the light module is projected towards the surroundings. Thus, the display device does not block the light cone generated by the light module. This improves the illumination of the surroundings by the lighting assembly according to the invention.

[0015] The lighting assembly can also include several display devices, each of which can be individually controlled, or a display device divided into several segments. Particularly preferably, the display device extends along the entire surface of the cover plate, with the exception of the area occupied by the light cone.

[0016] The lighting assembly can be attached to the vehicle in a proven manner. All conceivable detachable or non-detachable connection techniques are suitable. The lighting assembly can be used as an interior light or, preferably, as an exterior light. The lighting assembly can be mounted, for example, at the rear, on the side, or at the front of the vehicle. The cover lens is transparent, at least to the light emitted by the light module. This allows the main light to penetrate into the surrounding area. The lighting assembly according to the invention can include further elements, such as, in particular, reflectors, lenses, mirrors, diffusers, color filters, and the like. The lighting assembly preferably comprises several light modules. Such light modules can be used to emit or provide various vehicle lighting functions, such as low beam, high beam, cornering lights, parking lights, and the like.Each light module can comprise a matrix of light sources or microlenses and / or micromirrors. Such a light module can be used to create a pixel headlight or matrix headlight, which can be used to develop an adaptive high-beam assist system.

[0017] The light cone does not necessarily have to have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional area. It can also be a pyramid. The base of the pyramid can have three, four, five, or even more sides.

[0018] The display device is preferably arranged orthogonally to the light beam path of the main light emitted by the light module. The display device can lie entirely in one plane. However, it is also conceivable that at least parts of the display device are curved. It is particularly advantageous for the display device to run parallel to the cover plate.

[0019] As described above, the display device is integrated into the cover lens. This positions the display device far forward when viewed from the front of the vehicle. As a result, the light emitted by the display device is clearly visible even when viewing the vehicle from the side, i.e., at wide viewing angles. Integrating the display device into the cover lens also further reduces the overall depth of the lighting assembly, thus increasing weight and cost savings.

[0020] An advantageous further development of the luminaire assembly according to the invention provides that the display device comprises a plurality of pixel elements configured to actively emit light. The individual pixel elements can, for example, be LEDs. These can be standard LEDs or mini-LEDs or micro-LEDs. Other light sources are also suitable, such as OLEDs. Generally, however, it would also be conceivable that the display device, particularly in certain areas, could be switched between transparent and opaque. The individually switchable areas or segments of the display device can be distributed as desired and their size can be variable.

[0021] Corresponding display elements, or the aforementioned pixels or pixel elements, can also be arranged in the form of a grid or matrix. Such a display device can have a resolution on the order of several thousand pixels per row and column. This makes it possible to display pictograms, images, text, and the like on the display device, allowing for particularly comprehensive and differentiated information dissemination to viewers. The provision of an actively illuminated display is the preferred embodiment. This allows the area adjacent to the light cone emitted by the light module to also be illuminated by the display device, thus achieving a homogeneous light distribution on the illuminated surface of the cover plate. This reduces the risk of glare for viewers of the lighting assembly due to the smooth transition in brightness from the display device to the main light.If the corresponding lighting assembly is integrated into a vehicle in the form of a headlight, this can also reduce eye strain for oncoming road users. Furthermore, it provides extensive options for designing the vehicle's visual appearance and the light characteristics emitted by the vehicle.

[0022] Furthermore, the described lighting functions, such as turn signals, daytime running lights, and the like, can be displayed directly via the display device itself. This eliminates the need for previously used components to provide these lighting functions. As a result, the lighting assembly according to the invention can be designed more compactly, allowing for more efficient use of the available installation space. This can also facilitate integration into the vehicle. Additionally, less material is required to manufacture the lighting assembly, thus reducing costs and weight.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the luminaire assembly according to the invention, the brightness, color, and / or color temperature of the light emitted via the pixel elements can be changed. This allows the light characteristics emitted by the luminaire assembly to be adapted even more flexibly and comprehensively to the respective application situation. For example, warm white and / or cool white light can be emitted via the display device. The color temperature can be freely adjusted or stepped between the respective maximum and minimum values. The brightness can also be increased or decreased. It is also conceivable to emit colored light via the display device, for example, orange light, turquoise light, and the like. The respective parameters can be manually set by a user or automatically selected depending on various boundary conditions.For example, the lighting assembly or the vehicle comprising the lighting assembly can include a brightness sensor used to control the brightness emitted by the lighting assembly or the display device. This allows the brightness of the pixel elements to be reduced as the ambient light decreases. The lighting assembly and / or the vehicle can also have one or more surround-view cameras. Such a camera can, for example, detect a color in the vehicle's surroundings. This color can then be set for the pixel elements.

[0024] The pixel elements can each be subdivided into subpixels. At least one subpixel can be used for a different color channel, such as red, green, and blue. It is also conceivable that at least one subpixel is dedicated to emitting infrared or ultraviolet light.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the lighting assembly according to the invention, the display device is transparent, at least for the visible light spectrum, when viewed from above from the interior. The display device is thus imperceptible to an observer, which further improves the visual appearance of a vehicle comprising the lighting assembly. In addition, it allows a view of components located behind the display device, which may also be desirable depending on the application. The lighting assembly can also include additional lights or auxiliary lamps. Accordingly, light emitted by these auxiliary lamps can also be projected through the display device into the surroundings. The display device can therefore be backlit.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment of the lighting assembly according to the invention provides that at least parts of the power electronics for controlling the display device are arranged on a common circuit board with power electronics for controlling the at least one light module. The auxiliary lamp described above can also be controlled via the corresponding power electronics. The power electronics required for controlling the various light modules or lighting devices of the lighting assembly can therefore be integrated onto a common circuit board. This allows for even more efficient use of the available installation space. The respective control signals can be obtained from a common or different processing units or control devices.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the luminaire assembly according to the invention, the pixel elements are arranged in the direction of the light beam path on at least two planes, in particular on at least two spaced-apart planes. Depending on the design of the pixel elements, they can dissipate more or less heat. This heat of dissipation must be dissipated during operation of the display device. Heat dissipation can be facilitated by providing or distributing the pixel elements on the different planes. In particular, if the planes are spaced apart from each other, convective heat dissipation can be facilitated. Appropriate clearances also allow for the installation of heat sinks or lines for conveying a liquid or gaseous cooling medium. The heat of dissipation can also be used to remove condensation or moisture from the inside of the cover lens.

[0028] The lighting assembly is particularly preferably configured as a front headlight. A front headlight or headlight module / headlight assembly is characterized by a suitable shape for integration into the front of a vehicle. Furthermore, the light module(s) are designed such that a low beam and / or high beam can be emitted as the main light. Generally, however, the lighting assembly according to the invention could also be a rear light. In this case, red, white, and / or orange light can be emitted via the indicator device, which is particularly advantageous.

[0029] According to the invention, a vehicle comprises at least one such lighting assembly. The vehicle can be any road vehicle such as a car, truck, van, bus, or the like. However, it could also be a rail vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft.

[0030] An inventive method for operating a lighting assembly described above provides that light signals, symbols, animations, and / or text are displayed via the display device. The inventive lighting assembly can thus be used flexibly. Common vehicle lighting functions, such as daytime running lights, turn signals, position lights, indicator lights, decorative lights, or light patterns, can be displayed as light signals. Messages can be displayed to the surroundings using symbols and text. This allows information to be conveyed to other road users in a differentiated manner. The corresponding display content can also be animated. This allows for the creation of particularly aesthetically pleasing light patterns. Furthermore, an eye-catching effect can be achieved. In addition, the dynamic display of information can improve visibility for observers.

[0031] A corresponding information output is also possible with a display device that can only be switched between opaque and transparent modes, if it is backlit in the manner already described above.

[0032] Hardware components required to control the lighting assembly or display device, such as a control unit, can be integrated into the lighting assembly itself or into the vehicle. Accordingly, the lighting assembly can have a connection for receiving control commands. It is particularly advantageous to connect the lighting assembly to an existing fieldbus system of the vehicle, such as an Ethernet data line, a CAN bus, or similar.

[0033] A corresponding control unit includes read access to a computer-readable storage medium, in turn containing machine-interpretable instructions which, when executed by a processor of the control unit, cause it to control the lighting assembly accordingly.

[0034] An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the display device is operated together with the at least one light module. This means, in particular, that the display device is activated when the main headlights are also switched on. For example, the low beam or high beam of a vehicle comprising the lighting assembly according to the invention can be activated, whereupon cool white or warm white light is emitted via the display device. The operating mode of the display device can be coupled to the operating mode of the light module(s). For example, when switching from low beam to high beam, the light intensity, color, and / or color temperature of the light emitted by the display device can also be changed. For example, the brightness can be increased in this case.This prevents the high beam thrown into the environment by the lighting assembly from standing out noticeably from the rest of the light characteristics thrown into the environment.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the light characteristics of a turn signal, daytime running light, driving mode indicator, and / or position light are displayed via the display device. This allows not only a turn signal or hazard warning light to be implemented via the display device, but also the driving mode to be indicated. In this way, the corresponding vehicle can be controlled at least semi-automatically or even autonomously. If the vehicle is operated at least semi-automatically or autonomously, a specific light pattern, in particular turquoise light, can be projected into the surroundings via the display device. Different light functions can be displayed via different display areas of the display device.For example, daytime running lights can be displayed in one area, a direction indicator can be operated in a second area, and the driving mode indicator can be displayed in a third area.

[0036] Further advantageous embodiments of the lighting assembly according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0037] This shows:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic frontal view of a lighting assembly according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view through a lighting assembly not belonging to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view through the lighting assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view through a display device encompassed by the lighting assembly according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a frontal view of a lighting assembly according to the invention, which can be used as a headlight assembly for a vehicle. The lighting assembly comprises a housing 1, which has a light emission opening 5 for the light emitted by two light modules 3. The light emission opening 5 is closed with a cover plate 2 that is transparent to the corresponding light. The housing 1 and the cover plate 2 enclose an interior space 6, which is shown in the following figures. The two light modules 3 are arranged in the interior space 6 and aligned with the light emission opening 5.

[0043] According to the invention, the lighting assembly comprises a display device 4 that extends transversely across the interior 6. The light modules 3 serve to emit a main lighting function or a main beam of a vehicle. For example, the main lighting function can be low beam and / or high beam. The respective main beam emerges from the light modules 3 in a cone shape. The display device 4 has recesses 14 in the area occupied by the respective light cones 7. In Figure 1, the area occupied by the display device 4 is highlighted with hatching.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the lighting assembly according to the invention, the display device 4 is capable of actively emitting light. The display device 4 can be operated together with the light module(s) 3. For example, warm white or cool white light can be emitted via the display device 4 when the respective main light is active. The main light can pass unhindered into the surrounding area 8 shown in the following figures by means of the corresponding recesses 14 within the display device 4. The display device 4 can be illuminated over a large area, which on the one hand improves the visual appearance of a vehicle incorporating the lighting assembly and on the other hand reduces the risk of being dazzled.

[0045] A particularly advantageous feature is that the display device 4 itself is transparent. This allows a viewer to see components located behind the display device 4, such as a lighting device (not shown) for implementing daytime running lights, cornering lights, turn signals, or the like, when looking through the cover plate 2. Corresponding lighting functions can therefore be provided via dedicated hardware components, i.e., the aforementioned lighting device, or via the display device 4 itself. The display device 4 can also interact with corresponding lighting devices.

[0046] Figures 2 and 3 show a sectional view through the luminaire assembly according to the invention in a top view. The housing 1, the cover plate 2, the enclosed interior 6, and the light modules 3 arranged in the interior 6 are shown. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, which is not covered by the scope of protection, the display device 4 is located in the direction R of a light beam path of the main light between the respective light modules 3 and the cover plate 2. In Figure 3, however, the display device 4 is integrated into the cover plate 2 or directly connected to it. The display device 4 could also be embedded in the cover plate 2 (not shown). As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the recesses 14 in the display device 4 are adapted to the path of the light cones 7 so that the respective light cone 7 can pass through the respective recesses 14 as seamlessly as possible.The projection of light through the display device 4 into the surroundings 8 is indicated by small arrows.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the lighting assembly according to the invention as a headlight assembly. However, the lighting assembly could also be used to form a rear light or other vehicle lighting. With the aid of the light modules 3, for example, a position light, a marker light, a brake light, a reversing light, or the like can then be provided instead of a low beam and / or high beam.

[0048] The integration of the display device 4 into the cover plate 2, as shown in Figure 3, allows for even more efficient use of the available installation space, thereby reducing the external dimensions of the lighting assembly. This can facilitate the integration of the lighting assembly into or onto a vehicle, and also saves weight and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a side sectional view through the display device 4. The display device 4 can comprise a substrate 11 for a plurality of individual pixel elements 9. The display device 4 can also be referred to as a display or screen. The substrate 11 is preferably transparent and can consist of, or comprise, a rigid or flexible plastic or glass. PMMA, PC, PET, and the like are particularly suitable as substrates. The pixel elements 9 can be controlled by power electronics 10, with corresponding control signals or a supply voltage being supplied to the pixel elements 9 via conductor tracks (not shown). The respective conductor tracks are preferably designed to be so thin that the transparency of the display device 4 is not adversely affected by the conductor tracks.

[0050] The pixel elements 9, preferably designed as LEDs or OLEDs, can be provided with a protective or adhesive layer 12, for example by overmolding. If integrated into the cover plate 2, this layer can be formed by the cover plate itself. Optionally, a further protective or filter layer can be arranged on the pixel elements 9 or the protective adhesive layer 12 in the direction R of the light beam path.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the pixel elements 9 are arranged in a common plane. It is also conceivable that the pixel elements 9 are distributed across different planes when viewed in the direction R. These planes can be spaced apart from each other, which facilitates heat dissipation.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lighting assembly for mounting on a vehicle, comprising a housing (1), a transparent cover (2), at least one light module (3) and a display device (4), wherein the housing (1) has a light emission opening (5) closed by the cover (2), wherein the housing (1) and the cover (2) enclose an interior space (6) in which the at least one light module (3) is arranged, wherein the light module (3) is directed towards the light emission opening (5) in order to project a main light generated by the light module (3) in the form of a light cone (7) through the cover (2) into the surroundings (8), and wherein the display device (4) is arranged in the direction (R) of the light beam path of the main light between the at least one light module (3) and a side of the cover (2) facing the surroundings (8) and extends at least partially over the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior space (6),wherein the area occupied by the light cone (7) when the main light is active is free of the display device (4), characterized in that the display device (4) is integrated into the cover plate (2).

2. Lighting assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (4) comprises a plurality of pixel elements (9) which are configured to actively emit light.

3. Lighting assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the brightness, color and / or color temperature of the light emitted via the pixel elements (9) is changeable.

4. Lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the display device (4) is transparent at least for the light spectrum visible to humans when viewed from above in the direction of the interior (6).

5. Lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least parts of a power electronics (10) configured to control the display device (4) are arranged on a common circuit board with a power electronics configured to control the at least one light module (3).

6. Lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5 and claim 2, characterized in that the pixel elements (9) are arranged in the direction (R) of the light beam path on at least two planes, in particular on at least two planes spaced apart from each other.

7. Lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a design as a front headlight.

8. Vehicle characterized by at least one lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Method for operating a lighting assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Light signals, symbols, animations and / or text may be displayed via the display device (4).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the display device (4) is operated together with the at least one light module (3).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the light characteristics of a The direction indicator, daytime running light, driving mode indicator and / or position light is emitted.

Images