EP2672170B1 - Illumination device of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Illumination device of a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2672170B1
EP2672170B1 EP13167299.0A EP13167299A EP2672170B1 EP 2672170 B1 EP2672170 B1 EP 2672170B1 EP 13167299 A EP13167299 A EP 13167299A EP 2672170 B1 EP2672170 B1 EP 2672170B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lighting device
light
dark
infrared
components
Prior art date
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Application number
EP13167299.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2672170A2 (en
EP2672170A3 (en
Inventor
Stefan Hertneck
Jan Schmid
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Marelli Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Germany GmbH
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Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
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Application filed by Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH filed Critical Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
Publication of EP2672170A2 publication Critical patent/EP2672170A2/en
Publication of EP2672170A3 publication Critical patent/EP2672170A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2672170B1 publication Critical patent/EP2672170B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/50—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lighting device of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a lighting device is, for example, from WO 03/099939 A1 known.
  • Various types of lighting devices for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These can be in the form of headlights or lights. Headlights are arranged in the front area of a vehicle and, in addition to ensuring road safety by making the vehicle visible to other road users, serve in particular to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle, e.g. in the form of low beam, high beam or fog light distribution and in the form of specific ambient and/or adaptive light distributions that can be adapted to driving situations, such as static or dynamic cornering lights, bad weather lights, city lights, country road lights, freeway lights.
  • the lighting devices include at least one light source, for example in the form of an incandescent lamp, gas discharge lamp or semiconductor light source, for generating light.
  • the primary optics can be designed as a reflector (concave mirror), which reflects the light by means of conventional mirroring.
  • the Reflector can have the shape of an ellipsoid, a paraboloid or any other arithmetically calculated free form.
  • the primary optics can also be designed as a transparent body made of glass or plastic, the bundling of the light then taking place by refraction when entering the body and/or exiting the body and/or by total reflection at the outer boundary surfaces of the body.
  • the lighting devices work, for example, according to a reflection principle, with light emitted by the light source being reflected onto the roadway in front of the vehicle by primary optics designed as a reflector in order to produce a desired light distribution.
  • the lighting devices can also work according to a projection principle, with light emitted by the light source, after being concentrated by the primary optics, being imaged by a projection optics on the roadway in front of the vehicle in order to produce a desired light distribution.
  • the projection optics can be designed as a converging lens or as a reflector, preferably with a paraboloid shape.
  • Lighting devices include a housing that is preferably made of plastic.
  • the housing has a light exit opening which is tightly sealed by a translucent cover plate made of glass or plastic and through which the light can leave the lighting device.
  • the cover plate can have optically effective elements (e.g. prisms, cylindrical lenses, etc.) at least in certain areas (so-called diffuser plate). However, it can also be designed without such optically effective elements (so-called clear pane).
  • the actual light-emitting unit of a lighting device is combined into a light module.
  • a light module is arranged either alone or together with other light modules in the housing of a lighting device.
  • a desired light distribution can be generated by a single light module or by a plurality of light modules and by superimposing the partial light distributions emitted by them.
  • a cover frame made of plastic is often arranged around the light module, which covers the gaps between two light modules and between a light module and the housing and contributes to a visually appealing design of the lighting device, particularly when it is switched off.
  • a cover frame surrounds the outer circumference of a projection optics of a projection module or of a reflector of a reflection module.
  • the cover frames can extend on the inside of the housing along the top, the back, the bottom and/or the lateral sides.
  • the converging lens and at least partially also a lens holder, via which the converging lens is attached to the rest of the light module are surrounded by a hollow-cylindrical tube made of plastic.
  • Cover frames, tubes or other plastic components in the housing can, for example, be mirrored. It is also known to color these cover frames, tubes or other components dark, preferably black, for example in order to avoid unwanted and uncontrollable reflection of light on them.
  • the dark colored cover frames, tubes or other plastic components have a matt or glossy surface.
  • a paint containing carbon black is preferably used to color the components.
  • a burning glass effect can occur, for example in a projection module, due to the projection optics, especially if this is designed as a converging lens, which can lead to local melting of the cover frame, tubes or other plastic components .
  • this effect is intensified by the fact that the soot usually used for coloring includes carbon particles that cause strong absorption of solar radiation in the entire wavelength range, including high-energy IR radiation. This leads to heating of the components and, as a result, to a visible change in the surface, deformation or even damage to the component, e.g. by burning holes.
  • the use of infrared-transparent plastic material is known, the material being used to produce a headlight housing of a motor vehicle.
  • the material consists of a dark-colored, IR-radiation-permeable polymer that only partially absorbs the light emitted by the light source in the near and middle infrared range, the remaining light is transmitted through the housing or reflected, which can reduce the heating of the headlight housing.
  • the object of the invention is to prevent aesthetic and functional impairments of the known lighting devices due to solar radiation in conjunction with light-focusing means of the lighting devices. If possible, the appearance of the lighting devices should not be changed, and in particular no additional components should be necessary for this.
  • infrared-permeable means a transmission of IR radiation of more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, preferably in the range of about 90%.
  • Infrared radiation is defined as electromagnetic radiation that borders on visible light with increasing wavelengths, i.e. starting at a wavelength of approx. 780 nm.
  • the infrared-transparent material is transparent in the near infrared range (NIR: near IR), ie in a wavelength range from about 780 nm to a wavelength range of about 3000 nm Components leads when these rays are absorbed by the components. But even beyond the NIR range, the radiation can lead to heating when absorbed by the components.
  • NIR near infrared range
  • a converging lens of a projection module of the lighting device is primarily considered as the light-focusing means.
  • a curved or arched cover plate in particular if it includes optically active elements, can have a focusing effect on light.
  • mirrored components eg cover frames, tubes, screen elements, etc.
  • the at least partially infrared-permeable component made of plastic can therefore allow an infrared portion of the sun's rays that strike the lighting device from the outside to pass through the dark-colored components when the sun's rays hit the dark-colored components after being focused on the light-focusing means .
  • these components are made from an IR-permeable material according to the invention.
  • an IR-permeable material According to the invention, there is no or only very little absorption of the infrared radiation from the sunlight by the dark-colored components and therefore only a slight heating of these components by the incident and focused sunbeams.
  • a change in or damage to the surface of the components, deformation and damage to the entire components can be effectively prevented.
  • the affected components are still dark in color, so that the external appearance of the Lighting device remains unchanged compared to conventional lighting devices without IR-permeable components.
  • the infrared radiation from the sun's rays therefore passes through the infrared-permeable material of the affected component with almost no effect, even if the focal point of the light-focusing means is in the area of the affected component.
  • the infrared radiation inevitably hits any other surfaces in the lighting device or in the motor vehicle, but because of the greater distance to the focal point of the light-focusing means, the infrared radiation is already fanned out so far that the other surfaces are not heated in a destructive manner . If these other surfaces are made of metal or another material that is not very sensitive to heat, the IR radiation will not harm them.
  • the other surfaces are usually not in the field of vision of an observer who looks through the cover pane into the interior of the lighting device, so that - even if these other surfaces are made of plastic - a surface change or slight damage to these surfaces does not impair the aesthetic appearance Overall impression that the lighting device has on a viewer leads.
  • the infrared radiation after passing through the infrared-permeable material, to be guided into an area of the lighting device where, for example, cooling elements or cooling devices are already provided for operating the lighting device and thus also the infrared radiation there -Heat generated by radiation can be dissipated.
  • the infrared radiation can, for example, also be directed to the outside of the lighting device, where cooling can take place through normal air circulation. In order to the heat generated by the infrared rays cannot cause any damage in the lighting device.
  • the infrared radiation from the sun bundled by the light-focusing means can, for example, impinge on at least part of the cover frame, a tube and/or a decorative strip.
  • the corresponding components can be at least partially dark in color in order to avoid, for example, disruptive reflections caused by light emerging from the light module of the lighting device and/or light from other road users and/or any other extraneous light.
  • the dark-colored components include a thermoplastic material, preferably a polycarbonate, with color pigments and that the color pigments bring about the infrared transparency.
  • the IR permeability can be given due to the chemical structure of the pigments.
  • a corresponding plastic which is particularly suitable for the dark-colored components of the lighting device according to the invention, is known, for example, from Bayer under the name " Makrolon® ". According to the manufacturer, "Makrolon” permits almost 90% radiation transmission in an infrared wavelength range of up to around 1700 nm. In contrast to a conventional dark plastic material that is colored with soot, “Makrolon” has special pigments added to the plastic that specifically and deliberately cause permeability in part of the IR wavelength range. The “Makrolon” plastic can be supplied in any color.
  • the dark-colored and infrared-transparent components of the lighting device are preferably colored black or at least approximately black.
  • the plastic components are therefore preferably not simply coated with a specific color, but colored throughout. This means that the affected components cannot differ in terms of color from the conventional dark components that are used in lighting devices known from the prior art.
  • the lighting device looks like the conventional lighting devices from the outside.
  • the light source advantageously comprises at least one semiconductor light source, in particular a light-emitting diode.
  • the lighting device according to the invention effectively prevents impairments of such lighting devices equipped with semiconductor light sources.
  • the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of lighting devices with a projection module, since the projection optics (for example the converging lens) captures a particularly large amount of sunlight and focuses it onto dark-colored components of the lighting device. Even in such a case, the invention effectively prevents damage to or destruction of the components.
  • the lighting device 5 for motor vehicles shown in a longitudinal section is designed as a headlight.
  • the headlight 5 includes a housing 17 which is preferably made of plastic.
  • a light module is arranged inside the housing 17 and is denoted by the reference numeral 7 in its entirety.
  • the lighting device 5 could also include several light modules, in which case lamp functions such as turn signals, daytime running lights, position lights, etc. can also be integrated in the lighting device 5 in addition to headlight functions such as low beam, high beam or fog light.
  • the light module 7 has primary optics designed as a reflector 10 .
  • the reflector 10 preferably has an ellipsoid shape or a free form similar to an ellipsoid shape.
  • a light source 12 is arranged in one of its possible focal points.
  • the reflector 10 bundles the light emitted by the light source 12 .
  • the light source 12 shown is a halogen lamp.
  • the light source 12 can also be designed as at least one semiconductor light source (for example at least one light-emitting diode, LED) or as a gas discharge lamp.
  • the reflector 10 can be made of plastic or metal. It is arranged in a holder 14 and can be mounted in the housing 17 so that it can be adjusted horizontally and/or vertically in order to generate an adaptive light distribution. In the example shown, however, the holder 14 is firmly connected to the housing 17 of the lighting device 5 .
  • the light module 7 is therefore designed as a so-called projection module, with the projection lens 18 projecting at least part of the light bundled by the reflector 10 to generate a desired light distribution onto the roadway in front of the vehicle.
  • the projection lens 18 is fastened to a front edge of the reflector 10 and thus to the rest of the light module 7 via a holding frame 20 which is preferably made of metal.
  • the housing 7 has a light exit opening 19 in the light exit direction 16 which is closed with a translucent cover plate 15 .
  • the cover plate 15 consists of glass or plastic and can be designed with or without optically active elements, in particular scattering elements.
  • At least one cover frame 22 is arranged around the outer circumference of the projection module 7, in particular along the outer circumference of the converging lens 18, so that a gap or spacing between the light module 7 and the interior of the housing is covered and, when viewed from the outside through the cover panel 15, into the interior of the Housing 17 is not visible.
  • the design (shape, color, surface quality, etc.) of the cover frame 22 determines the aesthetic impression and thus the design of the lighting device 5 very significantly, especially when the light source 12 is switched off. It is preferably made of plastic and can be colored dark or black being. The dark color can, for example, prevent unwanted and disturbing light reflections. Inside the housing 17 of the lighting device 5, there can also be other dark-colored plastic components, which, however, figure 1 are not explicitly marked. This could be, for example, a tube made of dark-colored plastic surrounding the lens holder 20, or a decorative strip made of dark-colored plastic or something similar.
  • a diaphragm arrangement 24 can be provided inside the projection module 7, which is used to generate a shielded light distribution, e.g. a low beam or a fog light.
  • a shielded light distribution e.g. a low beam or a fog light.
  • an upper edge of the screen 24 is projected through the converging lens 18 as a light-dark boundary onto the roadway in front of the vehicle.
  • the aperture 24 shades light reflected from the reflector 10 . which would otherwise reach an area above the light-dark boundary in the light distribution.
  • the aperture assembly 24 can be moved in and out of the light path. In this way, the light distribution can be switched between low beam and high beam.
  • the sun's rays which include high-energy infrared radiation, can fall through the cover pane 15 into the interior of the housing 17 at different angles, both when the motor vehicle is moving and stationary. There, the sun's rays can hit light-focusing means, e.g. in the form of the converging lens 18.
  • the cover plate 15 With a corresponding configuration of the cover plate 15, for example with a corresponding curvature and/or optically active elements, the cover plate 15 itself can even function as a light-focusing means.
  • the reflector 10 can also have a focusing effect for incident sunbeams.
  • Infrared radiation is defined as electromagnetic radiation that becomes visible with increasing intensity Adjacent wavelengths, ie starts at a wavelength of about 780 nm and goes up to about 14000 nm. Absorption of IR radiation by a body causes it to heat up.
  • the sun's rays are focused in the light-focusing means 10; 15; 18 bundled and can then hit the arranged in the lighting arrangement 5 components 22 made of dark-colored plastic.
  • the sun is so that the sun's rays through the light focusing means 10; 15; 18 are focused on the dark-colored plastic parts 22, a relatively large amount of energy hits the plastic parts 22 in a spatially limited area. This energy is not converted into heat in the plastic part 22 and consequently leads to a change in the surface, damage or even destruction of the plastic part 22, the present invention proposes to manufacture the dark-colored plastic part 22 from an infrared-permeable material
  • FIG 2 shows radiation-transmissive properties of plastics suitable for the invention in a diagram.
  • the plastics mentioned are examples.
  • a radiation transmittance D is shown on the y-axis and a corresponding wavelength W is shown on the x-axis.
  • the x-axis is divided into three areas, namely a visible light area 30, an infrared area 32 and an ultraviolet area 34. Each diagram shows values for different material thicknesses.
  • the values shown figure 2 refer to a plastic offered by Bayer MaterialScience AG under the name "Black Makrolon".
  • the plastic is mixed with a color with special pigments during production, which, at least in a part of the infrared wavelength range, ensures a transmission of the material of greater than 50%, in particular greater than 70%, particularly preferably about 90%.
  • the diagram shows the transmission curves for two different material thicknesses of 1 mm (line 42) and 4 mm (line 44). How out figure 2 As can be seen, the material is almost opaque to radiation having a wavelength in the UV light range 34 as well as in the visible light range 30 .
  • the transmission D increases suddenly and reaches about 90%.
  • the radiation transmittance D remains well above 50%, in particular above about 70%, very particularly preferably in the range of about 90%.
  • the transmission properties D in this area are only dependent on the material thickness to a small extent. Then the transmittance D drops briefly for radiation between 1,600 nm and 1,700 nm wavelength, only to then immediately increase again up to a wavelength of about 2,100 nm to almost 50%, in particular over about 70%, particularly preferably in the range of about 90%.
  • the transmission properties D are significantly more dependent on the material thickness than in the range between 750 nm and 1,600 nm. It is important, however, that the transmission properties D are good, especially for thinner material (line 42), since the components of the lighting device 5 , which is hit by solar radiation, is usually relatively small, only a few millimeters thick. At least for thinner material thicknesses, one can also speak of an IR permeability of the material used in the range from about 1,700 nm to 2,100 nm, since there values of more than 50%, in particular more than about 70%, very particularly preferably in the range of about 80%, be reached.
  • the wavelength range between 780 nm and 1,600 nm belongs to the near infrared (NIR) range, which extends approximately from 780 nm extended to about 2,500 nm.
  • NIR radiation in this wavelength range particularly contributes to the heating of materials or bodies on which the radiation falls.
  • Particularly good IR permeability, particularly in this wavelength range ensures in a particularly efficient manner that incident sunbeams, after being focused by the focusing elements 10, 15, 18, do not damage the dark-colored components 22 if they strike them or .to be focused on this.
  • Various colors can be used to color the "Makrolon" material.
  • the following colors can be used for dark or black coloring: RAL 9004, RAL 9005, RAL 9011, RAL 9017, RAL 9021, RAL 8022, RAL 7026, RAL 7024, RAL 7022, RAL 7021, RAL 7016, RAL 6022 , RAL 6020, RAL 6015, RAL 6012, RAL 6009, RAL 6008, RAL 6007, RAL 5011, RAL 5004 and RAL 3007.
  • the infrared radiation from the sun can therefore pass through the infrared-permeable material of the affected dark-colored component 22 with almost no effect, even if the sun's rays are focused on or in the affected component. At most, the component 22 heats up slightly, but damage to the component 22 by the absorbed IR radiation is practically impossible.
  • a large part of the infrared radiation hits any other surface in or around the projection module 7, with the infrared radiation now being widely fanned out due to an increasing distance from the focal point of the focusing means, e.g. the converging lens 18 and is thereby less concentrated so that the wider area is not destructively heated.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung eines Kraftfahrzeugs gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Eine solche Beleuchtungseinrichtung ist bspw. aus der WO 03/099939 A1 bekannt.The present invention relates to a lighting device of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a lighting device is, for example, from WO 03/099939 A1 known.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind verschiedenartige Beleuchtungseinrichtungen für Kraftfahrzeuge bekannt. Diese können als Scheinwerfer oder als Leuchten ausgebildet sein. Scheinwerfer sind im Frontbereich eines Fahrzeugs angeordnet und dienen neben der Verkehrssicherheit durch eine Sichtbarmachung des Fahrzeugs für andere Verkehrsteilnehmer insbesondere der Ausleuchtung des Bereichs vor dem Fahrzeug, z.B. in Form einer Abblend-, Fern- oder Nebel-Lichtverteilung sowie in Form von an bestimmte Umgebungs- und/oder Fahrsituationen anpassbaren adaptiven Lichtverteilungen, wie bspw. statisches oder dynamisches Kurvenlicht, Schlechtwetterlicht, Stadtlicht, Landstraßenlicht, Autobahnlicht. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtungen umfassen mindestens eine Lichtquelle, bspw. in Form einer Glühlampe, Gasentladungslampe oder Halbleiterlichtquelle, zum Erzeugen von Licht. Ferner umfassen sie mindestens eine Primäroptik zum Bündeln des erzeugten Lichts. Die Primäroptik kann als ein Reflektor (Hohlspiegel) ausgebildet sein, der das Licht mittels herkömmlicher Spiegelung reflektiert. Der Reflektor kann die Form eines Ellipsoids, eines Paraboloids oder eine beliebig andere arithmetisch berechnete Freiform haben. Die Primäroptik kann aber auch als ein lichtdurchlässiger Körper aus Glas oder Kunststoff ausgebildet sein, wobei die Bündelung des Lichts dann durch Brechung beim Eintritt in den Körper und/oder Austritt aus dem Körper und/oder durch Totalreflexion an äußeren Grenzflächen des Körpers erfolgt.Various types of lighting devices for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These can be in the form of headlights or lights. Headlights are arranged in the front area of a vehicle and, in addition to ensuring road safety by making the vehicle visible to other road users, serve in particular to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle, e.g. in the form of low beam, high beam or fog light distribution and in the form of specific ambient and/or adaptive light distributions that can be adapted to driving situations, such as static or dynamic cornering lights, bad weather lights, city lights, country road lights, freeway lights. The lighting devices include at least one light source, for example in the form of an incandescent lamp, gas discharge lamp or semiconductor light source, for generating light. They also include at least one primary optics for bundling the generated light. The primary optics can be designed as a reflector (concave mirror), which reflects the light by means of conventional mirroring. The Reflector can have the shape of an ellipsoid, a paraboloid or any other arithmetically calculated free form. However, the primary optics can also be designed as a transparent body made of glass or plastic, the bundling of the light then taking place by refraction when entering the body and/or exiting the body and/or by total reflection at the outer boundary surfaces of the body.

Die Beleuchtungseinrichtungen arbeiten z.B. nach einem Reflexionsprinzip, wobei von der Lichtquelle ausgesandtes Licht zur Erzeugung einer gewünschten Lichtverteilung durch eine als Reflektor ausgebildete Primäroptik auf die Fahrbahn vor das Fahrzeug reflektiert wird. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtungen können aber auch nach einem Projektionsprinzip arbeiten, wobei von der Lichtquelle ausgesandtes Licht nach der Bündelung durch die Primäroptik, zur Erzeugung einer gewünschten Lichtverteilung durch eine Projektionsoptik auf der Fahrbahn vor dem Fahrzeug abgebildet wird. Die Projektionsoptik kann als eine Sammellinse oder als ein Reflektor, vorzugsweise mit einer Paraboloidform, ausgebildet sein.The lighting devices work, for example, according to a reflection principle, with light emitted by the light source being reflected onto the roadway in front of the vehicle by primary optics designed as a reflector in order to produce a desired light distribution. However, the lighting devices can also work according to a projection principle, with light emitted by the light source, after being concentrated by the primary optics, being imaged by a projection optics on the roadway in front of the vehicle in order to produce a desired light distribution. The projection optics can be designed as a converging lens or as a reflector, preferably with a paraboloid shape.

Beleuchtungseinrichtungen umfassen ein Gehäuse, das vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff gefertigt ist. Das Gehäuse weist eine durch eine lichtdurchlässige Abdeckscheibe aus Glas oder Kunststoff dicht verschlossene Lichtaustrittsöffnung auf, durch die das Licht die Beleuchtungseinrichtung verlassen kann. Die Abdeckscheibe kann zumindest bereichsweise optisch wirksame Elemente (z.B. Prismen, Zylinderlinsen, etc.) aufweisen (sog. Streuscheibe). Sie kann aber auch ohne solche optisch wirksamen Elemente ausgebildet sein (sog. klare Scheibe).Lighting devices include a housing that is preferably made of plastic. The housing has a light exit opening which is tightly sealed by a translucent cover plate made of glass or plastic and through which the light can leave the lighting device. The cover plate can have optically effective elements (e.g. prisms, cylindrical lenses, etc.) at least in certain areas (so-called diffuser plate). However, it can also be designed without such optically effective elements (so-called clear pane).

Die eigentliche Licht aussendende Einheit einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung ist zu einem Lichtmodul zusammengefasst. Dieses umfasst die Lichtquelle, die Primäroptik und - sofern vorhanden - eine Sekundäroptik und einen Blendenanordnung zur Erzeugung einer abgeblendeten Lichtverteilung. Ein Lichtmodul ist entweder alleine oder zusammen mit anderen Lichtmodulen in dem Gehäuse einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung angeordnet. Eine gewünschte Lichtverteilung kann dabei durch ein einziges Lichtmodul oder aber durch mehrere Lichtmodule und durch Überlagerung der von diesen ausgesandten Teillichtverteilungen erzeugt werden.The actual light-emitting unit of a lighting device is combined into a light module. This includes the light source Primary optics and - if available - a secondary optics and an aperture arrangement for generating a shielded light distribution. A light module is arranged either alone or together with other light modules in the housing of a lighting device. A desired light distribution can be generated by a single light module or by a plurality of light modules and by superimposing the partial light distributions emitted by them.

Um das Lichtmodul herum ist häufig ein Abdeckrahmen aus Kunststoff angeordnet, der Spalte zwischen zwei Lichtmodulen und zwischen einem Lichtmodul und dem Gehäuse abdeckt zu einem optisch möglichst ansprechenden Design der Beleuchtungseinrichtung, insbesondere im ausgeschalteten Zustand, beiträgt. In der Regel umgibt ein Abdeckrahmen den Außenumfang einer Projektionsoptik eines Projektionsmoduls bzw. eines Reflektors eines Reflexionsmoduls. Die Abdeckrahmen können sich auf der Innenseite des Gehäuses entlang der Oberseite, der Rückseite, der Unterseite und/oder der seitlichen Seiten erstrecken. Ferner ist es bei Projektionsmodulen denkbar, dass die Sammellinse und zumindest teilweise auch eine Linsenhalterung, über die die Sammellinse an dem restlichen Lichtmodul befestigt ist, von einem hohlzylinderförmigen Tubus aus Kunststoff umgeben ist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können im Inneren des Gehäuses auch andere Bauteile aus Kunststoff angeordnet sein. Abdeckrahmen, Tuben oder andere Bauteile aus Kunststoff im Gehäuse können bspw. verspiegelt sein. Es ist ferner bekannt, diese Abdeckrahmen, Tuben oder anderen Bauteile dunkel, vorzugsweise schwarz, einzufärben, bspw. um eine ungewollte und unkontrollierbare Reflexion von Licht an diesen zu vermeiden. Die dunkel eingefärbten Abdeckrahmen, Tuben oder anderen Bauteile aus Kunststoff haben eine matte oder glänzende Oberfläche. Zum Einfärben der Bauteile wird vorzugsweise eine Ruß enthaltende Farbe verwendet.A cover frame made of plastic is often arranged around the light module, which covers the gaps between two light modules and between a light module and the housing and contributes to a visually appealing design of the lighting device, particularly when it is switched off. As a rule, a cover frame surrounds the outer circumference of a projection optics of a projection module or of a reflector of a reflection module. The cover frames can extend on the inside of the housing along the top, the back, the bottom and/or the lateral sides. Furthermore, in the case of projection modules, it is conceivable that the converging lens and at least partially also a lens holder, via which the converging lens is attached to the rest of the light module, are surrounded by a hollow-cylindrical tube made of plastic. In addition or as an alternative, other components made of plastic can also be arranged inside the housing. Cover frames, tubes or other plastic components in the housing can, for example, be mirrored. It is also known to color these cover frames, tubes or other components dark, preferably black, for example in order to avoid unwanted and uncontrollable reflection of light on them. The dark colored cover frames, tubes or other plastic components have a matt or glossy surface. A paint containing carbon black is preferably used to color the components.

Bei Sonneneinstrahlung durch die Abdeckscheibe in das Innere des Gehäuses der Beleuchtungseinrichtung kann bspw. bei einem Projektionsmodul durch die Projektionsoptik, insbesondere wenn diese als Sammellinse ausgebildet ist, ein Brennglaseffekt auftreten, der zu einem lokalen Schmelzen der Abdeckrahmen, Tuben oder anderen Bauteile aus Kunststoff führen kann. Dieser Effekt wird bei dunkel eingefärbten Bauteilen noch dadurch verstärkt, dass der üblicherweise zum Einfärben verwendete Ruß Kohlenstoffpartikel umfasst, die eine starke Absorption der Sonnenstrahlung im gesamten Wellenlängenbereich, also auch der energiereichen IR-Strahlung bewirken. Dadurch kommt es zu einer Erhitzung der Bauteile und in der Folge zu einer sichtbaren Veränderung der Oberfläche, Verformung oder sogar zu einer Beschädigung des Bauteils, bspw. durch das Hineinbrennen von Löchern.When the sun shines through the cover plate into the interior of the housing of the lighting device, a burning glass effect can occur, for example in a projection module, due to the projection optics, especially if this is designed as a converging lens, which can lead to local melting of the cover frame, tubes or other plastic components . In the case of dark-colored components, this effect is intensified by the fact that the soot usually used for coloring includes carbon particles that cause strong absorption of solar radiation in the entire wavelength range, including high-energy IR radiation. This leads to heating of the components and, as a result, to a visible change in the surface, deformation or even damage to the component, e.g. by burning holes.

Um z.B. wärmebedingten Schäden durch die erzeugte Wärme einer Glüh- oder Halogenlampe in dem Gehäuse einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung entgegenzuwirken, ist aus der WO 03/099939 A1 der Einsatz von infrarotdurchlässigem Kunststoffmaterial bekannt, wobei das Material zur Herstellung eines Scheinwerfergehäuses eines Kraftfahrzeugs verwendet wird. Das Material besteht aus einem dunkel eingefärbten, IRstrahlungsdurchlässigen Polymer, das von der Lichtquelle ausgesandte Lichtanteile im nahen und mittleren Infrarotbereich nur teilweise absorbiert, die restlichen Lichtanteile werden durch das Gehäuse transmittiert oder reflektiert, wodurch die Erwärmung des Scheinwerfergehäuses reduziert werden kann.For example, to counteract heat-related damage caused by the heat generated by an incandescent or halogen lamp in the housing of a lighting device WO 03/099939 A1 the use of infrared-transparent plastic material is known, the material being used to produce a headlight housing of a motor vehicle. The material consists of a dark-colored, IR-radiation-permeable polymer that only partially absorbs the light emitted by the light source in the near and middle infrared range, the remaining light is transmitted through the housing or reflected, which can reduce the heating of the headlight housing.

In der DE 198 03 986 A1 wird die Problematik diskutiert, dass in ein Projektionssystem eines Scheinwerfers einfallendes Sonnenlicht an der Projektionsoptik gebündelt oder reflektiert und anschließend auf Blenden im Inneren des Scheinwerfers fallen und dort Schäden verursachen kann. Zur Lösung dieser Problematik wird in dieser Druckschrift jedoch vorgeschlagen, die Projektionsoptik derart auszugestalten, dass auftreffendes Licht gefiltert wird. In der DE 299 12 504 U1 wird vorgeschlagen, eine Projektionsoptik eines Scheinwerfers derart auszugestalten, dass auftreffendes Licht gestreut oder reflektiert wird.In the DE 198 03 986 A1 the problem is discussed that sunlight entering a headlight projection system is bundled or reflected on the projection optics and then falls on the screen inside the headlight and can cause damage there. To solve this problem, however, this publication proposes design the projection optics in such a way that incident light is filtered. In the DE 299 12 504 U1 it is proposed to design a projection optics of a headlight in such a way that incident light is scattered or reflected.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ästhetische und funktionale Beeinträchtigungen der bekannten Beleuchtungseinrichtungen aufgrund von Sonneneinstrahlung im Zusammenwirken mit Licht fokussierenden Mitteln der Beleuchtungseinrichtungen zu verhindern. Dabei soll das Aussehen der Beleuchtungseinrichtungen nach Möglichkeit nicht verändert werden, insbesondere sollen dafür keine zusätzlichen Bauteile nötig sein.The object of the invention is to prevent aesthetic and functional impairments of the known lighting devices due to solar radiation in conjunction with light-focusing means of the lighting devices. If possible, the appearance of the lighting devices should not be changed, and in particular no additional components should be necessary for this.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 vorgeschlagen.To solve this problem, a lighting device with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

Unter infrarotdurchlässig im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung wird eine Transmission von IR-Strahlung von größer 50%, insbesondere von größer 70%, bevorzugt im Bereich von etwa 90% verstanden. Infrarotstrahlung ist definiert als eine elektromagnetische Strahlung, die an das sichtbare Licht mit größer werdenden Wellenlängen angrenzt, also bei einer Wellenlänge von ca. 780 nm beginnt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist das infrarotdurchlässige Material im nahen Infrarotbereich (NIR: near IR) durchlässig, d.h. in einem Wellenlängenbereich von etwa 780 nm bis zu einem Wellenlängenbereich von etwa 3000 nm. Der nahe Infrarotbereich ist der Wellenlängenbereich, der zu einer besonders starken Erwärmung der Bauteile führt, wenn diese Strahlen von den Bauteilen absorbiert werden. Aber auch jenseits des NIR-Bereichs kann die Strahlung bei Absorption durch die Bauteile zu deren Erwärmung führen.In the context of the present invention, infrared-permeable means a transmission of IR radiation of more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, preferably in the range of about 90%. Infrared radiation is defined as electromagnetic radiation that borders on visible light with increasing wavelengths, i.e. starting at a wavelength of approx. 780 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared-transparent material is transparent in the near infrared range (NIR: near IR), ie in a wavelength range from about 780 nm to a wavelength range of about 3000 nm Components leads when these rays are absorbed by the components. But even beyond the NIR range, the radiation can lead to heating when absorbed by the components.

Je nach einer Stellung der Sonne, können energiereiche Sonnenstrahlen in unterschiedlichen Winkeln auf die Licht fokussierenden Mittel der Beleuchtungseinrichtung treffen. Dabei können die Sonnenstrahlen entsprechend gebündelt werden und auf unterschiedliche Bauteile in der Beleuchtungseinrichtung treffen. Als Licht fokussierende Mittel kommt in erster Linie eine Sammellinse eines Projektionsmoduls der Beleuchtungseinrichtung in Betracht. Es ist aber auch denkbar, dass eine gebogene oder gewölbte Abdeckscheibe, insbesondere wenn sie optisch wirksame Elemente umfasst, Licht fokussierend wirken kann. Ferner wäre es denkbar, dass verspiegelte Bauteile (z.B. Abdeckrahmen, Tuben, Blendenelemente, etc.) derart geformt, insbesondere gebogen oder gewölbt, sind, dass sie auftreffende Lichtstrahlen auf dunkel eingefärbte Bauteile der Beleuchtungseinrichtung fokussieren. Durch das zumindest teilweise Infrarot durchlässige Bauteil aus Kunststoff kann also ein Infrarot-Anteil von Sonnenstrahlen, die von außen in die Beleuchtungseinrichtung einfallen, durch die dunkel eingefärbten Bauteile hindurchtreten, wenn die Sonnenstrahlen nach einer Bündelung an den Licht fokussierenden Mitteln auf die dunkel eingefärbten Bauteile treffen.Depending on a position of the sun, can be energetic Sunbeams strike the light-focusing means of the lighting device at different angles. The sun's rays can be bundled accordingly and hit different components in the lighting device. A converging lens of a projection module of the lighting device is primarily considered as the light-focusing means. However, it is also conceivable that a curved or arched cover plate, in particular if it includes optically active elements, can have a focusing effect on light. It would also be conceivable for mirrored components (eg cover frames, tubes, screen elements, etc.) to be shaped, in particular bent or arched, in such a way that they focus incident light rays onto dark-colored components of the lighting device. The at least partially infrared-permeable component made of plastic can therefore allow an infrared portion of the sun's rays that strike the lighting device from the outside to pass through the dark-colored components when the sun's rays hit the dark-colored components after being focused on the light-focusing means .

Um zu verhindern, dass die durch die Licht fokussierenden Mittel gebündelten Sonnenstrahlen beim Auftreffen auf dunkel eingefärbte Bauteile der Beleuchtungseinrichtung lokal zu hohen Temperaturen in den Bauteilen führen, sind diese Bauteile erfindungsgemäß aus einem IR-durchlässigen Material gefertigt. Damit findet keine oder nur eine sehr geringe Absorption der Infrarotstrahlung des Sonnenlichts durch die dunkel eingefärbten Bauteil und damit nur eine geringe Erwärmung dieser Bauteile durch einfallende und fokussierte Sonnenstrahlen statt. Dadurch kann eine Veränderung oder Beschädigung der Oberfläche der Bauteile, ein Verformen und eine Beschädigung der kompletten Bauteile wirksam verhindert werden. Gleichzeitig sind die betroffenen Bauteile weiterhin dunkel eingefärbt, so dass das äußere Erscheinungsbild der Beleuchtungseinrichtung gegenüber herkömmlichen Beleuchtungseinrichtungen ohne IR-durchlässige Bauteile unverändert bleibt.In order to prevent the sun's rays bundled by the light-focusing means from leading locally to high temperatures in the components when they strike dark-colored components of the lighting device, these components are made from an IR-permeable material according to the invention. As a result, there is no or only very little absorption of the infrared radiation from the sunlight by the dark-colored components and therefore only a slight heating of these components by the incident and focused sunbeams. Thereby, a change in or damage to the surface of the components, deformation and damage to the entire components can be effectively prevented. At the same time, the affected components are still dark in color, so that the external appearance of the Lighting device remains unchanged compared to conventional lighting devices without IR-permeable components.

Die Infrarot-Strahlung der Sonnenstrahlen passiert also das Infrarot durchlässige Material des betroffenen Bauteils nahezu ohne Wirkung, auch wenn der Brennpunkt der Licht fokussierenden Mittel im Bereich des betroffenen Bauteils liegt. Im weiteren Verlauf trifft die Infrarot-Strahlung zwar zwangsläufig auf beliebige andere Flächen in der Beleuchtungseinrichtung oder im Kraftfahrzeug, wobei wegen des größeren Abstandes zum Brennpunkt der Licht fokussierenden Mittel die Infrarotstrahlung bereits so weit aufgefächert ist, dass die anderen Flächen nicht in zerstörerischer Weise erhitzt werden. Falls diese anderen Flächen aus Metall oder einem anderen wenig Hitze empfindlichen Material sind, schadet ihnen die IR-Strahlung nicht. Ferner sind die anderen Flächen üblicherweise nicht im Sichtbereich eines Betrachters, der durch die Abdeckscheibe in das Innere der Beleuchtungseinrichtung sieht, so dass - selbst wenn diese anderen Flächen aus Kunststoff gefertigt sind - eine Oberflächenveränderung oder eine leichte Beschädigung dieser Flächen nicht zu einer Beeinträchtigung des ästhetischen Gesamteindrucks, den die Beleuchtungseinrichtung auf einen Betrachter hat, führt.The infrared radiation from the sun's rays therefore passes through the infrared-permeable material of the affected component with almost no effect, even if the focal point of the light-focusing means is in the area of the affected component. In the further course, the infrared radiation inevitably hits any other surfaces in the lighting device or in the motor vehicle, but because of the greater distance to the focal point of the light-focusing means, the infrared radiation is already fanned out so far that the other surfaces are not heated in a destructive manner . If these other surfaces are made of metal or another material that is not very sensitive to heat, the IR radiation will not harm them. Furthermore, the other surfaces are usually not in the field of vision of an observer who looks through the cover pane into the interior of the lighting device, so that - even if these other surfaces are made of plastic - a surface change or slight damage to these surfaces does not impair the aesthetic appearance Overall impression that the lighting device has on a viewer leads.

Außerdem ist es alternativ oder zusätzlich möglich, dass die Infrarot-Strahlung nach dem Passieren des Infrarot durchlässigen Materials in einen Bereich der Beleuchtungseinrichtung geleitet wird, wo bspw. zum Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung bereits Kühlelemente bzw. Kühlvorrichtungen vorgesehen sind und damit auch die dort durch die Infrarot-Strahlung erzeugte Wärme abgeführt werden kann. Die Infrarot-Strahlung kann bspw. auch in den Außenbereich der Beleuchtungseinrichtung geleitet werden, wo die Kühlung durch normale Luftzirkulation erfolgen kann. Damit kann die von den Infrarotstrahlen erzeugte Wärme keinen Schaden in der Beleuchtungseinrichtung anrichten.It is also alternatively or additionally possible for the infrared radiation, after passing through the infrared-permeable material, to be guided into an area of the lighting device where, for example, cooling elements or cooling devices are already provided for operating the lighting device and thus also the infrared radiation there -Heat generated by radiation can be dissipated. The infrared radiation can, for example, also be directed to the outside of the lighting device, where cooling can take place through normal air circulation. In order to the heat generated by the infrared rays cannot cause any damage in the lighting device.

Die durch die Licht fokussierenden Mittel gebündelte Infrarotstrahlung der Sonne kann bspw. zumindest auf einen Teil des Abdeckrahmens, eines Tubus und/oder einer Zierleiste treffen. Die entsprechenden Bauteile können dabei zumindest teilweise dunkel gefärbt sein, um bspw. störende Reflexionen zu vermeiden, die durch von aus dem Lichtmodul der Beleuchtungseinrichtung austretendem Licht und/oder Licht anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer und/oder irgendein anderes Fremdlicht verursacht werden.The infrared radiation from the sun bundled by the light-focusing means can, for example, impinge on at least part of the cover frame, a tube and/or a decorative strip. The corresponding components can be at least partially dark in color in order to avoid, for example, disruptive reflections caused by light emerging from the light module of the lighting device and/or light from other road users and/or any other extraneous light.

Vorteilhaft ist weiterhin, dass die dunkel eingefärbten Bauteile einen thermoplastischen Kunststoff, bevorzugt ein Polycarbonat, mit Farbpigmenten umfassen und dass die Farbpigmente die Infrarot-Durchlässigkeit bewirken. Die IR-Durchlässigkeit kann aufgrund des chemischen Aufbaus der Pigmente gegeben sein. Ein entsprechender Kunststoff, der sich für die dunkel eingefärbten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinrichtung besonders gut eignet, ist bspw. von der Firma Bayer unter dem Namen "Makrolon®" bekannt. "Makrolon" lässt nach Herstellerangaben in einem Infrarot-Wellenlängenbereich bis etwa 1700 nm eine annähernd 90%-ige Strahlungsdurchlässigkeit zu. Im Gegensatz zu einem herkömmlichen dunklen Kunststoffmaterial, das mit Ruß eingefärbt ist, sind bei "Makrolon" dem Kunststoff spezielle Pigmente beigemischt, die gezielt und bewusst eine Durchlässigkeit in einem Teil des IR-Wellenlängenbereichs bewirken. Der "Makrolon"- Kunststoff kann in beliebigen Farbtönen geliefert werden.It is also advantageous that the dark-colored components include a thermoplastic material, preferably a polycarbonate, with color pigments and that the color pigments bring about the infrared transparency. The IR permeability can be given due to the chemical structure of the pigments. A corresponding plastic, which is particularly suitable for the dark-colored components of the lighting device according to the invention, is known, for example, from Bayer under the name " Makrolon® ". According to the manufacturer, "Makrolon" permits almost 90% radiation transmission in an infrared wavelength range of up to around 1700 nm. In contrast to a conventional dark plastic material that is colored with soot, "Makrolon" has special pigments added to the plastic that specifically and deliberately cause permeability in part of the IR wavelength range. The "Makrolon" plastic can be supplied in any color.

Für die Erfindung sind auch andere an sich bekannte, ähnlich wirkende Materialien, wie z.B. "Apec®" anwendbar. "Apec" ist eine Weiterentwicklung des "Makrolon".Other materials that are known per se and have a similar effect, such as, for example, “ Apec® ”, can also be used for the invention. "Apec" is a further development of the "Makrolon".

Die dunkel eingefärbten und infrarotdurchlässigen Bauteile der Beleuchtungseinrichtung sind bevorzugt schwarz oder zumindest annähernd schwarz eingefärbt. Vorzugsweise sind die Kunststoffbauteile also nicht einfach mit einer bestimmten Farbe beschichtet, sondern durchgefärbt. Damit können sich die betroffenen Bauteile farblich praktisch nicht von den herkömmlichen dunklen Bauteilen unterscheiden, die in aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Beleuchtungseinrichtungen verwendet werden. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung gleicht äußerlich rein optisch den herkömmlichen Beleuchtungseinrichtungen.The dark-colored and infrared-transparent components of the lighting device are preferably colored black or at least approximately black. The plastic components are therefore preferably not simply coated with a specific color, but colored throughout. This means that the affected components cannot differ in terms of color from the conventional dark components that are used in lighting devices known from the prior art. The lighting device looks like the conventional lighting devices from the outside.

Vorteilhafterweise umfasst die Lichtquelle mindestens eine Halbleiterlichtquelle, insbesondere eine Leuchtdiode. Die erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung verhindert wirkungsvoll Beeinträchtigungen an solchen, mit Halbleiterlichtquellen ausgestatteten, Beleuchtungseinrichtungen. Besonders vorteilhaft ist die Erfindung bei Beleuchtungseinrichtungen mit einem Projektionsmodul, da die Projektionsoptik (bspw. die Sammellinse) besonders viel Sonnenlicht einfängt und auf dunkel gefärbte Bauteile der Beleuchtungseinrichtung bündelt. Durch die Erfindung wird selbst in einem solchen Fall eine Beschädigung oder Zerstörung der Bauteile wirksam verhindert.The light source advantageously comprises at least one semiconductor light source, in particular a light-emitting diode. The lighting device according to the invention effectively prevents impairments of such lighting devices equipped with semiconductor light sources. The invention is particularly advantageous in the case of lighting devices with a projection module, since the projection optics (for example the converging lens) captures a particularly large amount of sunlight and focuses it onto dark-colored components of the lighting device. Even in such a case, the invention effectively prevents damage to or destruction of the components.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinrichtung im Längsschnitt; und
Figur 2
ein Diagramm für die Strahlungsdurchlässigkeit in Abhängigkeit von der Wellenlänge der Strahlung für ein beispielhaft eingesetztes Infrarot durchlässiges Material.
Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Show it:
figure 1
a schematic representation of a lighting device according to the invention in longitudinal section; and
figure 2
a diagram for the radiation transmission in Dependence on the wavelength of the radiation for an infrared-permeable material used as an example.

Eine in der Figur 1 in einem Längsschnitt dargestellte erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 für Kraftfahrzeuge ist als ein Scheinwerfer ausgebildet. Der Scheinwerfer 5 umfasst ein Gehäuse 17, das vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff gefertigt ist. Im Inneren des Gehäuses 17 ist ein Lichtmodul angeordnet, das in seiner Gesamtheit mit dem Bezugszeichen 7 bezeichnet ist. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 könnte auch mehrere Lichtmodule umfassen, wobei neben Scheinwerferfunktionen, wie z.B. Abblendlicht, Fernlicht oder Nebellicht, auch Leuchtenfunktionen, wie z.B. Blinklicht, Tagfahrlicht, Positionslicht, etc. in der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 integriert sein können.one in the figure 1 The lighting device 5 according to the invention for motor vehicles shown in a longitudinal section is designed as a headlight. The headlight 5 includes a housing 17 which is preferably made of plastic. A light module is arranged inside the housing 17 and is denoted by the reference numeral 7 in its entirety. The lighting device 5 could also include several light modules, in which case lamp functions such as turn signals, daytime running lights, position lights, etc. can also be integrated in the lighting device 5 in addition to headlight functions such as low beam, high beam or fog light.

Das Lichtmodul 7 weist eine als Reflektor 10 ausgebildete Primäroptik auf. Der Reflektor 10 weist bevorzugt eine Ellipsoidform oder eine einer Ellipsoidform ähnliche Freiform auf. In einem seiner möglichen Brennpunkte ist eine Lichtquelle 12 angeordnet. Der Reflektor 10 bündelt das von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandte Licht. Die in Figur 1 dargestellte Lichtquelle 12 stellt eine Halogenlampe dar. Die Lichtquelle 12 kann aber auch als mindestens eine Halbleiterlichtquelle (z.B. mindestens eine Leuchtdiode, LED) oder als eine Gasentladungslampe ausgebildet sein. Der Reflektor 10 kann aus Kunststoff oder Metall hergestellt sein. Er ist in einer Halterung 14 angeordnet und kann zur Erzeugung einer adaptiven Lichtverteilung horizontal und/oder vertikal verstellbar in dem Gehäuse 17 gelagert sein. In dem dargestellten Beispiel ist die Halterung 14 jedoch fest mit dem Gehäuse 17 der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 verbunden.The light module 7 has primary optics designed as a reflector 10 . The reflector 10 preferably has an ellipsoid shape or a free form similar to an ellipsoid shape. A light source 12 is arranged in one of its possible focal points. The reflector 10 bundles the light emitted by the light source 12 . In the figure 1 The light source 12 shown is a halogen lamp. The light source 12 can also be designed as at least one semiconductor light source (for example at least one light-emitting diode, LED) or as a gas discharge lamp. The reflector 10 can be made of plastic or metal. It is arranged in a holder 14 and can be mounted in the housing 17 so that it can be adjusted horizontally and/or vertically in order to generate an adaptive light distribution. In the example shown, however, the holder 14 is firmly connected to the housing 17 of the lighting device 5 .

In einer Lichtaustrittsrichtung 16 nach dem Reflektor 10 und mit Abstand von diesem ist im Strahlengang des von dem Reflektor 10 reflektierten Lichts eine Projektionsoptik in Form einer Sammel- oder Projektionslinse 18 angeordnet. Das Lichtmodul 7 ist also als ein sog. Projektionsmodul ausgebildet, wobei die Projektionslinse 18 zumindest einen Teil des von dem Reflektor 10 gebündelten Lichts zur Erzeugung einer gewünschten Lichtverteilung auf die Fahrbahn vor das Fahrzeug projiziert. Die Projektionslinse 18 ist über einen Halterahmen 20, der vorzugsweise aus Metall gefertigt ist, an einem vorderen Rand des Reflektors 10 und damit an dem restlichen Lichtmodul 7 befestigt. Das Gehäuse 7 weist in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 16 eine Lichtaustrittsöffnung 19 auf, die mit einer lichtdurchlässigen Abdeckscheibe 15 verschlossen ist. Die Abdeckscheibe 15 besteht aus Glas oder Kunststoff und kann mit oder ohne optisch wirksame Elemente, insbesondere Streuelemente, ausgebildet sein.In a light exit direction 16 after the reflector 10 and at a distance from this, projection optics in the form of a converging or projection lens 18 are arranged in the beam path of the light reflected by the reflector 10 . The light module 7 is therefore designed as a so-called projection module, with the projection lens 18 projecting at least part of the light bundled by the reflector 10 to generate a desired light distribution onto the roadway in front of the vehicle. The projection lens 18 is fastened to a front edge of the reflector 10 and thus to the rest of the light module 7 via a holding frame 20 which is preferably made of metal. The housing 7 has a light exit opening 19 in the light exit direction 16 which is closed with a translucent cover plate 15 . The cover plate 15 consists of glass or plastic and can be designed with or without optically active elements, in particular scattering elements.

Um den Außenumfang des Projektionsmoduls 7, insbesondere entlang des Außenumfangs der Sammellinse 18, ist mindestens ein Abdeckrahmen 22 angeordnet, so dass ein Spalt oder Abstand zwischen dem Lichtmodul 7 und dem Gehäuseinneren abgedeckt und bei einer Sicht von außen durch die Abdeckscheibe 15 in das Innere des Gehäuses 17 nicht sichtbar ist. Der Abdeckrahmen 22 bestimmt durch seine Ausgestaltung (Form, Farbe, Oberflächenbeschaffenheit, etc.) den ästhetischen Eindruck und somit das Design der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 ganz erheblich, vor allem bei ausgeschalteter Lichtquelle 12. Er ist vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff hergestellt und kann dunkel bzw. schwarz eingefärbt sein. Die dunkle Farbe kann bspw. ungewollte und störende Lichtreflexionen verhindern. Im Inneren des Gehäuses 17 der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 können auch noch andere dunkel eingefärbte Bauteile aus Kunststoff vorhanden sein, die allerdings in Figur 1 nicht explizit eingezeichnet sind. Es könnte dies bspw. ein die Linsenhalterung 20 umgebender Tubus aus dunkel eingefärbtem Kunststoff, eine Zierleiste aus dunkel eingefärbtem Kunststoff oder ähnliches sein.At least one cover frame 22 is arranged around the outer circumference of the projection module 7, in particular along the outer circumference of the converging lens 18, so that a gap or spacing between the light module 7 and the interior of the housing is covered and, when viewed from the outside through the cover panel 15, into the interior of the Housing 17 is not visible. The design (shape, color, surface quality, etc.) of the cover frame 22 determines the aesthetic impression and thus the design of the lighting device 5 very significantly, especially when the light source 12 is switched off. It is preferably made of plastic and can be colored dark or black being. The dark color can, for example, prevent unwanted and disturbing light reflections. Inside the housing 17 of the lighting device 5, there can also be other dark-colored plastic components, which, however, figure 1 are not explicitly marked. This could be, for example, a tube made of dark-colored plastic surrounding the lens holder 20, or a decorative strip made of dark-colored plastic or something similar.

Im Innern des Projektionsmoduls 7 kann eine Blendenanordnung 24 vorgesehen sein, die zur Erzeugung einer abgeblendeten Lichtverteilung, z.B. einem Abblendlicht oder einem Nebellicht, dient. Dabei wird eine Oberkante der Blende 24 durch die Sammellinse 18 als Helldunkelgrenze auf die Fahrbahn vor das Fahrzeug projiziert. Die Blende 24 schattet vom Reflektor 10 reflektiertes Licht. ab, das in der Lichtverteilung sonst in einen Bereich oberhalb der Helldunkelgrenze gelangen würde. Die Blendenanordnung 24 kann in den Strahlengang des Lichts hinein- und herausbewegt werden. Auf diese Weise kann die Lichtverteilung zwischen Abblendlicht und Fernlicht umgeschaltet werden.A diaphragm arrangement 24 can be provided inside the projection module 7, which is used to generate a shielded light distribution, e.g. a low beam or a fog light. In this case, an upper edge of the screen 24 is projected through the converging lens 18 as a light-dark boundary onto the roadway in front of the vehicle. The aperture 24 shades light reflected from the reflector 10 . which would otherwise reach an area above the light-dark boundary in the light distribution. The aperture assembly 24 can be moved in and out of the light path. In this way, the light distribution can be switched between low beam and high beam.

Je nach einer Stellung der Sonne relativ zur Lichtaustrittsöffnung 19 der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 können sowohl bei fahrendem als auch bei stehendem Kraftfahrzeug Sonnenstrahlen, die unter anderem eine energiereiche Infrarotstrahlung aufweisen, in unterschiedlichen Winkeln durch die Abdeckscheibe 15 in das Innere des Gehäuses 17 fallen. Dort können die Sonnenstrahlen auf Licht fokussierende Mittel, z.B. in Form der Sammellinse 18, treffen. Eine oben weit nach hinten über die Sammellinse 18 gezogene Abdeckscheibe 15, wie sie häufig bei modernen Kraftfahrzeugen mit flachen, windschlüpfrigen Fronten vorhanden sind, begünstigt diesen Effekt noch. Bei einer entsprechenden Ausgestaltung der Abdeckscheibe 15, bspw. mit einer entsprechenden Wölbung und/oder optisch wirksamen Elementen, kann sogar die Abdeckscheibe 15 selbst als Licht fokussierende Mittel fungieren. Ferner ist es denkbar, dass auch der Reflektor 10 für einfallende Sonnenstrahlen fokussierend wirken kann.Depending on the position of the sun relative to the light exit opening 19 of the lighting device 5, the sun's rays, which include high-energy infrared radiation, can fall through the cover pane 15 into the interior of the housing 17 at different angles, both when the motor vehicle is moving and stationary. There, the sun's rays can hit light-focusing means, e.g. in the form of the converging lens 18. A covering pane 15 drawn far back over the converging lens 18 at the top, as is often the case in modern motor vehicles with flat, streamlined fronts, further promotes this effect. With a corresponding configuration of the cover plate 15, for example with a corresponding curvature and/or optically active elements, the cover plate 15 itself can even function as a light-focusing means. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the reflector 10 can also have a focusing effect for incident sunbeams.

Infrarotstrahlung ist definiert als eine elektromagnetische Strahlung, die an das sichtbare Licht mit größer werdenden Wellenlängen angrenzt, also bei einer Wellenlänge von ca. 780 nm beginnt und bis etwa 14000 nm geht. Durch Absorption von IR-Strahlung durch einen Körper heizt sich dieser auf. Die Sonnenstrahlen werden in den Licht fokussierenden Mitteln 10; 15; 18 gebündelt und können dann auf die in der Beleuchtungsanordnung 5 angeordneten Bauteile 22 aus dunkel eingefärbtem Kunststoff treffen. Wenn die Sonne so steht, dass die Sonnenstrahlen durch die Licht fokussierenden Mittel 10; 15; 18 auf den dunkel eingefärbten Kunststoffteilen 22 fokussiert werden, trifft eine relativ große Energiemenge in einem räumlich eng begrenzten Bereich auf die Kunststoffteile 22. Damit diese Energie in dem Kunststoffteil 22 nicht in Wärme umgesetzt wird und in der Folge zu einer Veränderung der Oberfläche, Beschädigung oder gar Zerstörung des Kunststoffteils 22 führt, schlägt die vorliegende Erfindung vor, das dunkel eingefärbte Kunststoffteil 22 aus einem Infrarot durchlässigen Material zu fertigenInfrared radiation is defined as electromagnetic radiation that becomes visible with increasing intensity Adjacent wavelengths, ie starts at a wavelength of about 780 nm and goes up to about 14000 nm. Absorption of IR radiation by a body causes it to heat up. The sun's rays are focused in the light-focusing means 10; 15; 18 bundled and can then hit the arranged in the lighting arrangement 5 components 22 made of dark-colored plastic. When the sun is so that the sun's rays through the light focusing means 10; 15; 18 are focused on the dark-colored plastic parts 22, a relatively large amount of energy hits the plastic parts 22 in a spatially limited area. This energy is not converted into heat in the plastic part 22 and consequently leads to a change in the surface, damage or even destruction of the plastic part 22, the present invention proposes to manufacture the dark-colored plastic part 22 from an infrared-permeable material

Figur 2 zeigt strahlungsdurchlässige Eigenschaften von für die Erfindung geeigneten Kunststoffen in einem Diagramm. Die genannten Kunststoffe sind beispielhaft. In den Diagrammen ist auf der y-Achse eine Strahlungsdurchlässigkeit D und auf der x-Achse eine entsprechende Wellenlänge W dargestellt. Die x-Achse ist in drei Bereiche unterteilt, nämlich in einen Bereich des sichtbaren Lichts 30, in den Infrarot-Bereich 32 und einen Ultraviolett-Bereich 34. Jedes Diagramm zeigt Werte für unterschiedliche Materialstärken. figure 2 shows radiation-transmissive properties of plastics suitable for the invention in a diagram. The plastics mentioned are examples. In the diagrams, a radiation transmittance D is shown on the y-axis and a corresponding wavelength W is shown on the x-axis. The x-axis is divided into three areas, namely a visible light area 30, an infrared area 32 and an ultraviolet area 34. Each diagram shows values for different material thicknesses.

Die dargestellten Werte der Figur 2 beziehen sich auf einen von der Firma Bayer MaterialScience AG unter dem Namen "Black Makrolon" angebotenen Kunststoff. Im Gegensatz zu einem herkömmlichen dunklen Kunststoffmaterial, das mit Ruß eingefärbt ist, wird bei "Black Makrolon" dem Kunststoff bei der Herstellung eine Farbe mit speziellen Pigmenten beigemischt, die zumindest in einem Teilbereich des infraroten Wellenlängenbereichs eine Transmission des Materials von größer 50%, insbesondere größer 70%, besonders bevorzugt von ca. 90% bewirken. In dem Diagramm sind die Transmissionsverläufe für zwei verschiedene Materialstärken von 1 mm (Linie 42) und 4 mm (Linie 44) dargestellt. Wie aus Figur 2 ersichtlich ist, ist das Material für Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge im Bereich 34 des UV-Lichts sowie im Bereich 30 des sichtbaren Lichts nahezu undurchlässig. Für Strahlung ab einer Wellenlänge von etwa 750 nm, jedenfalls für Strahlung ab einer Wellenlänge von etwa 780 nm, steigt die Transmission D sprunghaft an und erreicht in etwa 90%. Die Strahlungsdurchlässigkeit D bleibt in dem Infrarot-Wellenlängenbereich 32 bis etwa 1.600 nm deutlich über 50%, insbesondere über etwa 70%, ganz besonders bevorzugt im Bereich von etwa 90%. Die Transmissionseigenschaften D in diesem Bereich sind nur in geringem Umfang abhängig von der Materialstärke. Dann sinkt die Durchlässigkeit D kurz für Strahlung zwischen 1.600 nm und 1.700 nm Wellenlänge, um danach sofort wieder bis zu einer Wellenlänge von etwa 2.100 nm auf nahezu 50%, insbesondere über etwa 70%, ganz besonders bevorzugt im Bereich von etwa 90% anzusteigen. In diesem Bereich sind die Transmissionseigenschaften D deutlich mehr abhängig von der Materialstärke als in dem Bereich zwischen 750 nm und 1.600 nm. Wichtig ist aber, dass die Transmissionseigenschaften D vor allem für dünneres Material (Linie 42) gut sind, da die Bauteile der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5, auf welche die Sonnenstrahlung trifft, in der Regel eine relativ geringe Stärke von nur wenigen Millimetern aufweist. Zumindest für dünnere Materialstärken kann auch im Bereich von etwa 1.700 nm bis 2.100 nm von einer IR-Durchlässigkeit des verwendeten Materials gesprochen werden, da dort Werte von größer 50%, insbesondere über etwa 70%, ganz besonders bevorzugt im Bereich von etwa 80%, erreicht werden.The values shown figure 2 refer to a plastic offered by Bayer MaterialScience AG under the name "Black Makrolon". In contrast to a conventional dark plastic material that is colored with soot, with "Black Makrolon" the plastic is mixed with a color with special pigments during production, which, at least in a part of the infrared wavelength range, ensures a transmission of the material of greater than 50%, in particular greater than 70%, particularly preferably about 90%. The diagram shows the transmission curves for two different material thicknesses of 1 mm (line 42) and 4 mm (line 44). How out figure 2 As can be seen, the material is almost opaque to radiation having a wavelength in the UV light range 34 as well as in the visible light range 30 . For radiation from a wavelength of about 750 nm, in any case for radiation from a wavelength of about 780 nm, the transmission D increases suddenly and reaches about 90%. In the infrared wavelength range 32 to about 1,600 nm, the radiation transmittance D remains well above 50%, in particular above about 70%, very particularly preferably in the range of about 90%. The transmission properties D in this area are only dependent on the material thickness to a small extent. Then the transmittance D drops briefly for radiation between 1,600 nm and 1,700 nm wavelength, only to then immediately increase again up to a wavelength of about 2,100 nm to almost 50%, in particular over about 70%, particularly preferably in the range of about 90%. In this range, the transmission properties D are significantly more dependent on the material thickness than in the range between 750 nm and 1,600 nm. It is important, however, that the transmission properties D are good, especially for thinner material (line 42), since the components of the lighting device 5 , which is hit by solar radiation, is usually relatively small, only a few millimeters thick. At least for thinner material thicknesses, one can also speak of an IR permeability of the material used in the range from about 1,700 nm to 2,100 nm, since there values of more than 50%, in particular more than about 70%, very particularly preferably in the range of about 80%, be reached.

Der Wellenlängenbereich zwischen 780 nm und 1.600 nm gehört zum nahen Infrarot (NIR)-Bereich, der sich in etwa von 780 nm bis etwa 2.500 nm ersteckt. IR-Strahlung in diesem Wellenlängenbereich trägt ganz besonders zur Erwärmung von Materialien oder Körpern bei, auf die die Strahlung fällt. Eine besonders gute IR-Durchlässigkeit insbesondere in diesem Wellenlängenbereich sorgt also in besonders effizienter Weise dafür, dass einfallende Sonnenstrahlen nach dem Fokussieren durch die fokussierenden Elemente 10, 15, 18 nicht zu einer Beschädigung der dunkel eingefärbten Bauteile 22 führen, falls sie auf diese treffen bzw. auf diesen fokussiert werden.The wavelength range between 780 nm and 1,600 nm belongs to the near infrared (NIR) range, which extends approximately from 780 nm extended to about 2,500 nm. IR radiation in this wavelength range particularly contributes to the heating of materials or bodies on which the radiation falls. Particularly good IR permeability, particularly in this wavelength range, ensures in a particularly efficient manner that incident sunbeams, after being focused by the focusing elements 10, 15, 18, do not damage the dark-colored components 22 if they strike them or .to be focused on this.

Zum Einfärben des Materials "Makrolon" können verschiedene Farben genutzt werden. Für ein dunkles oder schwarzes Einfärben kommen bspw. die folgenden Farben in Betracht: RAL 9004, RAL 9005, RAL 9011, RAL 9017, RAL 9021, RAL 8022, RAL 7026, RAL 7024, RAL 7022, RAL 7021, RAL 7016, RAL 6022, RAL 6020, RAL 6015, RAL 6012, RAL 6009, RAL 6008, RAL 6007, RAL 5011, RAL 5004 und RAL 3007.Various colors can be used to color the "Makrolon" material. For example, the following colors can be used for dark or black coloring: RAL 9004, RAL 9005, RAL 9011, RAL 9017, RAL 9021, RAL 8022, RAL 7026, RAL 7024, RAL 7022, RAL 7021, RAL 7016, RAL 6022 , RAL 6020, RAL 6015, RAL 6012, RAL 6009, RAL 6008, RAL 6007, RAL 5011, RAL 5004 and RAL 3007.

Die Infrarot-Strahlung der Sonne kann also das Infrarot durchlässige Material des betroffenen dunkel eingefärbten Bauteils 22 nahezu ohne Wirkung passieren, selbst wenn Sonnenstrahlen auf oder in dem betroffenen Bauteil fokussiert werden. Es kommt allenfalls zu einer geringfügigen Erwärmung des Bauteils 22, eine Beschädigung des Bauteils 22 durch die absorbierte IR-Strahlung ist jedoch praktisch ausgeschlossen. Nach der Transmission durch das Bauteil 22 trifft ein Großteil der Infrarot-Strahlung auf eine beliebige weitere Fläche im oder um das Projektionsmodul 7 herum, wobei wegen eines größer werdenden Abstands zum Brennpunkt der fokussierenden Mittel, bspw. der Sammellinse 18, die Infrarotstrahlung inzwischen weit aufgefächert und dadurch weniger konzentriert ist, so dass die weitere Fläche nicht in zerstörerischer Weise erhitzt wird. Je weiter die Infrarotstrahlung in das Projektionsmodul 7 oder in die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 5 hineinstrahlt, desto breiter ist die Infrarotstrahlung aufgefächert und desto weniger wird eine Fläche, in der die Infrarotstrahlung auftrifft und absorbiert wird, punktuell erhitzt.The infrared radiation from the sun can therefore pass through the infrared-permeable material of the affected dark-colored component 22 with almost no effect, even if the sun's rays are focused on or in the affected component. At most, the component 22 heats up slightly, but damage to the component 22 by the absorbed IR radiation is practically impossible. After transmission through the component 22, a large part of the infrared radiation hits any other surface in or around the projection module 7, with the infrared radiation now being widely fanned out due to an increasing distance from the focal point of the focusing means, e.g. the converging lens 18 and is thereby less concentrated so that the wider area is not destructively heated. The further the infrared radiation radiates into the projection module 7 or into the lighting device 5, the wider the infrared radiation is fanned out and the smaller the area in which the infrared radiation is impinges and is absorbed, selectively heated.

Claims (8)

  1. Lighting device (5) of an automobile, wherein the lighting device (5) comprises means (10, 15, 18) for focusing light and dark colored plastic components (22) are arranged in the lighting device (5), wherein the dark-colored components (22) are at least partially made of an infrared transmissible material, characterized in that the lighting device (5) comprises a light module (7) with a light source (12) and the light source (12) comprises at least one semiconductor light source, wherein an infrared portion of sunrays entering into the lighting device (5) from outside passes through the dark-colored components (22) after being focused by the light focusing means (18) of the lighting device (5) on portions of the dark-colored components (22) made of the infrared transmissible material.
  2. Lighting device (5) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the infrared transmissible material is transmissible in the near infrared range.
  3. Lighting device (5) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dark-colored components comprise a cover frame (22), a lens tube and/or a trim of the lighting device (5).
  4. Lighting device (5) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dark-colored components (22) consist of a thermoplastic with coloring pigments.
  5. Lighting device (5) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the coloring pigments cause the infrared transmissibility.
  6. Lighting device (5) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the dark-colored components (22) have an infrared transmissibility of at least 50%.
  7. Lighting device (5) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the thermoplastic is in the form of a polycarbonate.
  8. Lighting device (5) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light focusing means comprise a projection lens (18), a reflector (10) and/or a curved or domed cover lens (15) of the lighting device (7) .
EP13167299.0A 2012-06-08 2013-05-10 Illumination device of a motor vehicle Active EP2672170B1 (en)

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EP2935436B1 (en) * 2012-12-20 2019-01-30 Covestro Deutschland AG Opaquely coloured polycarbonate mouldings containing ir reflectant pigments
DE102013211880B4 (en) 2013-06-24 2022-04-14 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh motor vehicle lighting device
WO2016194757A1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-08 東洋紡株式会社 Infrared-light-transmitting polyester resin composition
US10550262B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2020-02-04 Toyobo Co., Ltd. Infrared-light-transmitting polyester resin composition
FR3047939B1 (en) * 2016-02-18 2019-04-05 Valeo Vision LUMINOUS ASSEMBLY FOR LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING A MOTOR VEHICLE.
US10267482B2 (en) * 2017-05-05 2019-04-23 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicular lighting assemblies and headlamps with condenser lenses configured to prevent solar damage

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FR2759765B1 (en) * 1997-02-18 1999-06-04 Valeo Vision ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR, PARTICULARLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
DE29912504U1 (en) * 1999-07-16 1999-09-16 Hella Kg Hueck & Co Headlights for vehicles
US6894102B2 (en) 2002-05-20 2005-05-17 General Electric Syndiotactic polystyrene blends
SI21240A (en) * 2002-05-27 2003-12-31 Saturnus - Avtooprema Proizvodnja Svetlobne Opreme Illuminant with apparently black or almost black case made of polymer
WO2009040720A2 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh Illumination assembly comprising reflector lamp and anti-glare cap

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