EP3449178B1 - Lighting device for a vehicle headlamp with a light pattern having a dark-light-boundary - Google Patents

Lighting device for a vehicle headlamp with a light pattern having a dark-light-boundary Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3449178B1
EP3449178B1 EP17723237.8A EP17723237A EP3449178B1 EP 3449178 B1 EP3449178 B1 EP 3449178B1 EP 17723237 A EP17723237 A EP 17723237A EP 3449178 B1 EP3449178 B1 EP 3449178B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
collimator
light
focal
line
exit lens
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP17723237.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3449178A1 (en
Inventor
Bernd EICHINGER
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ZKW Group GmbH
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ZKW Group GmbH
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Publication of EP3449178A1 publication Critical patent/EP3449178A1/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
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/322—Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • 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
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/143—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • 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
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • 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
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • 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
    • F21S41/27—Thick lenses
    • 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
    • F21S41/275—Lens surfaces, e.g. coatings or surface structures
    • 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
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting device with at least two such lighting units, preferably the translucent body of the Lighting units lie horizontally next to one another and / or one above the other, and in particular the translucent bodies of the at least two lighting units are connected to one another, preferably being formed in one piece.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight which has at least one such lighting unit or at least one such lighting device.
  • a lighting unit in connection with the present invention can be used in a motor vehicle headlight e.g. can be used to implement part of a low beam distribution, in particular the apron light distribution of a low beam distribution or to implement fog light.
  • a lighting unit mentioned at the outset can be implemented in the area of the light exit surface with a low overall height, which in certain embodiments can only be up to 10 mm or up to 15 mm high, so that there is a slit-shaped light exit surface extending in the horizontal direction.
  • the light fed into the light-guiding body is deflected by a totally reflecting reflector formed in the light-guiding body onto the exit lens.
  • a device for light emission which has a substantially cylindrical optical body with a light entry and a light exit area. Light beams propagate from the light entry area through the optical body to the light exit area, the light beams being partially absorbed in a central area which is formed by an indentation of the optical body.
  • a vehicle headlight with a light emitter and a projection lens is known.
  • a central area of the projection lens is designed to To emit light rays parallel to an optical axis of the projection lens.
  • An edge region of the projection lens is designed to emit light rays at an angle to the optical axis.
  • the DE 10 2006 007 450 A1 shows a lighting device in a vehicle with a primary reflector for generating a core light distribution and a secondary reflector interacting with a lens for generating a peripheral light distribution.
  • the light exit surface ie the outer surface of the exit lens
  • the light image that can be achieved or the light distribution that can be achieved in the horizontal direction is often not sufficiently wide and that the illumination of the street has disruptive inhomogeneities.
  • the optical body is preferably a full body.
  • the outer surface of the exit lens is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface, the grooves forming the groove-shaped structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and in each case two grooves lying side by side in the horizontal direction by a in particular, essentially vertical elevation, which extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves, are separated, wherein the groove depth, in particular linear, from a certain initial value A 0 to one
  • the smooth base surface is preferably C0-continuous and in particular has no horizontally running edges.
  • the smooth width of the exit lens can often not achieve the necessary width for the desired light image, in particular not for an apron light distribution of a low-beam light distribution. This can be problematic, in particular if a deflecting reflector, as provided in the present invention, is dispensed with.
  • the structure provided on the outer surface of the exit lens achieves horizontal blurring of the emerging light beams, as a result of which the desired width of the light distribution can be achieved.
  • the at least one boundary surface of the at least one collimator is designed in such a way that the light totally reflected on this at least one boundary surface of the light source assigned to the collimator is radially converged in such a way that it is focused on the focal line or in the focal line region becomes.
  • a central coupling area of the at least one collimator is designed in the form of a lens, in particular in the form of a free-form lens, such that light coupled into the collimator is radiated in the vertical direction in a converging manner, so that it is bundled on the focal line or in the focal line area.
  • the at least one collimator in particular at least one boundary surface and / or a central coupling area of the at least one collimator, is or are designed such that the light beams emerging from the at least one collimator run parallel to one another in the horizontal direction .
  • the at least one collimator in particular at least one boundary surface or a central coupling area, is designed such that the light beams emerging from the at least one collimator run in a horizontal direction, preferably in such a way that cross the light rays approximately in the area of the exit lens, in particular approximately in the area of the outer surface of the exit lens.
  • the width of the light distribution can be increased with the opposite width of the light-guiding (optical) body.
  • the lens area is generally a free-form lens, with mostly positive refractive power, but which is not rotationally symmetrical.
  • the so-called east / west / north / south curves of the outer surface of the collimator are preferably also free-form curves.
  • these curves represented in simplified form, represent a series of roughly 'elliptical' curve sections; for parallel alignment, in simplified form, there are roughly 'parabolic' curves.
  • these curves for example the above-mentioned east / west / north / south curves (or other curves, or a different number of curves) have been determined, they are connected to a preferably at least G1-constant surface, for example in such a way that with each constant Z (parallel planes that are normal to the optical axis) the two assigned curve points lie on an ellipse.
  • a corresponding choice of the tangent directions at these connection points creates a closed contour curve that fulfills the G1 continuity condition.
  • the lighting unit has exactly one collimator with an assigned light source.
  • a motor vehicle headlight consists, for example, of eight to fifteen lighting units according to the invention.
  • the at least one collimator and the exit lens are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that exits from the at least one collimator Light reaches the exit lens directly, in particular without prior deflection and / or reflection.
  • the light source with its associated collimator is preferably located at one end of the translucent optic body, at the other, opposite end is the exit lens, in between only the focal line area with the focal line; there is no deflecting reflector, so that the optic body can be built significantly lower.
  • a light exit surface of the at least one collimator is essentially normal to an optical axis of the exit lens.
  • Each collimator has a light exit surface, which is of flat design, with which the collimator integrally merges into the optics body, preferably made of identical material, so that this light exit surface has no optical effect.
  • two outer surfaces of the optic body that run towards each other form a body edge which lies in the region of the focal line or in the focal line region or forms the focal line region.
  • the outer surface of the optical body facing the at least one collimator may be designed to absorb light, at least in some areas, preferably in its entire area, for light propagating in the optical body and incident on this outer surface of the optical body.
  • the corresponding optical body outer surface can be covered, for example with a black cover element, e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc.
  • a black cover element e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc.
  • the outer surface of the exit lens is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface.
  • the first basic cutting curves which result when the smooth base surface is cut with first, non-vertical cutting planes run in a straight line, and the first outer surface curves which result when the outer surface is cut with these first cutting planes. Intersection curves have a sinusoidal course.
  • the zero crossings of the sinusoidal first outer surface intersection curves lie on the first basic intersection curves.
  • the value for the constant k is identical for all first outer surface intersection curves.
  • the second basic cutting curves resulting when the smooth base surface is cut with second, vertical cutting planes, which run parallel to an optical axis of the exit lens are curved, in particular curved outwards, preferably the second Basic intersection curves are continuous.
  • the second outer surface intersection curves which result when the outer surface is cut with defined second cutting planes connect points of the outer surface with a maximum distance from the base surface.
  • the normal distance to the second outer surface intersection curve is a function A (s) of a parameter s which indicates the position on the second basic intersection curve .
  • the second cutting planes are vertical planes parallel to the optical axis of the translucent body, i.e. the exit lens of the optical body.
  • the optical axis is to be understood as the optical axis of the optical body, in particular the center line of the optical body defined with respect to the apex of the exit lens.
  • the first cutting plane is as follows: the first cutting plane in the considered point is a plane that is normal to the tangent plane to the base surface, this plane, i.e. the first cutting plane, further normal to the second cutting plane in which the point lies.
  • the second sectional plane is a vertical sectional plane through the smooth base surface, which runs parallel to the optical axis (or through this optical axis) and in which the point under consideration lies.
  • the outer surface of the exit lens is curved outwards in the vertical direction, and preferably extends in a straight line in the horizontal direction, and is formed, for example, by a cylindrical surface with a straight cross section along an outwardly convex curve.
  • An example of such an outwardly convex curve is an aspherical lens contour.
  • it is a free-form lens that is curved outwards in the vertical direction and is not curved in the horizontal direction.
  • the at least one light source preferably comprises one or more semiconductor-based light-emitting elements, e.g. a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and / or e.g. comprises at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion layer.
  • semiconductor-based light-emitting elements e.g. a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes
  • at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion layer.
  • a light source e.g. one of the light sources described above, which has a flat light-emitting surface or whose light-emitting surfaces lie in one plane. It is then preferably also provided that the normal to this flat light-emitting surface or this plane (the light-emitting surfaces) is normal to the light exit surface of the collimator assigned to the light source and / or runs parallel to the optical axis of the exit lens. Tilt angles between the normal direction and the optical axis are also conceivable, in particular tilt angles of max. 10 °. This can e.g. When combining several lighting units next to each other, it can be advantageous where the exit lens is inclined to the direction of propagation (vehicle structure) so that the LEDs can still be mounted on a common plate.
  • a sinusoidal groove optic is provided in summary, the sine function being normal to the lens surface, ie the smooth base surface of the exit lens.
  • the period preferably remains unchanged, while preferably the groove depth (amplitude), in particular linear, for example as described above, from a certain initial value A 0 or A 0 ⁇ K (with this value the width of the light distribution can be set) at the upper edge of the light exit surface changed to a value of zero or A 0 ⁇ (K - 1) on the lower edge of the lens.
  • the light distribution widens as desired, and surprisingly it has also been found that the light-dark boundary does not bend outwards, even with a straight-line focal line of the translucent body.
  • the terms “above”, “below”, “horizontally”, “vertically” are to be understood as indications of the orientation when the unit is arranged in the normal use position after it has been installed in a lighting device mounted in the vehicle.
  • the Figures 1, 1a , 2 and 2a show a lighting unit 100 according to the invention for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light beam with a cut-off line.
  • the lighting unit comprises a light source 1, a collimator 2, an exit lens 3 with an outer surface 3a and a focal line region 4 which is arranged between the collimator 2 and the exit lens 3.
  • Collimator 2 exit lens 3 and focal line region 4 are formed from a translucent, one-piece body 101 ("optic body"), the optic body 101 preferably being - generally, i.e. not limited to the present embodiment - is a full body, i.e. around a body that has no through openings or opening inclusions.
  • the translucent material from which the body 101 is formed preferably has a refractive index greater than that of air.
  • the material contains, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate) and is particularly preferably formed therefrom.
  • the body 101 can also be made of inorganic glass material.
  • the optical body 1 has two optical body outer surfaces 1a, 1b which run towards one another on its underside and which converge into a body edge 4 '.
  • This body edge 4 ' lies in the region of the focal line FL of the exit lens or in the focal line region 4.
  • the outer surface 1a of the optical body facing the collimator 2 is at least partially, preferably in its entire area, on its outside in the Optical body 1 is propagating light, incident on this outer surface 1a of the optical body, and is designed to absorb light.
  • the corresponding optical body outer surface 1a can be covered, for example with a black cover element, e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc. In this way it can be prevented that light can emerge from the optic body in an uncontrolled manner or is reflected back into the optic body and then propagate there in an uncontrolled manner.
  • a black cover element e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc.
  • the light source 1 comprises one or more semiconductor-based light-emitting elements, e.g. a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and / or e.g. at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion layer.
  • the light source 1 is lower than the focal line region 4 or the focal line FL.
  • the collimator 2 is designed and arranged in such a way that at least some or all of the light beams S1 fed into the collimator 2 by the light source 1 exit the collimator 2 (light beams S2) such that they collide with the focal line FL or into the focal line region 4 in the vertical direction to be bundled like this in Figure 3 is shown.
  • an outer boundary surface 2a of the collimator 2 is designed such that the light totally reflected on this boundary surface 2a is radiated converging in the vertical direction, so that it is focused on the focal line FL or in the focal line region 4.
  • the collimator 2 has a coupling recess 2 ′ which has lateral coupling surface 2c, via which light S1 coupled in by the light source 1 is emitted onto the boundary surface 2a.
  • the coupling recess 2 ' has a central coupling region 2b, which is preferably designed in the form of a lens, in particular in the form of a free-form lens 2b', such that light S1in coupled into the collimator 2 via the central coupling region 2b is radiated converging in the vertical direction (light beams S2), so that it is focused on the focal line FL or in the focal line region 4.
  • the light beams S2 emerging from the collimator 2 will ultimately be deflected by the exit lens 3 at least in the vertical direction V such that the light beams S3 emerging from the exit lens 3 form a light distribution with a light-dark boundary, the light-dark Boundary as an image of the focal line FL or the focal line region 4 through the exit lens 3 results.
  • the focal line FL which lies in the optical axis Z of the exit lens, lies in the vertical direction approximately at the level of the body edge 4 'or slightly below.
  • Figure 2b shows in this context a further embodiment, in which the body edge 4 'lies above the focal line FL of the exit lens 3. Such a height difference in the vertical direction can be used to adjust the extent of the cut-off in the light image.
  • Figure 3a shows how the light rays S2 "emerging” from the collimator 2 run in the horizontal direction.
  • the collimator 2 is designed in such a way, in particular its boundary surface 2a and the central coupling-in area 2b in the form of a free-form lens 2b ', that the light rays S2 "emerging” from the collimator are parallel to one another in the horizontal direction, and preferably also parallel to the optical axis Z, run. In this way, an improved homogeneity of the light beams in the area at the exit lens and the light distribution can be achieved.
  • the collimator 2 and the exit lens 3 are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that light emerging from the collimator 2 S2 reaches the exit lens 3 directly, in particular without prior deflection and / or reflection by a reflector.
  • the light source 1 with its associated collimator 2 is located at one end of the translucent optic body 101, at the other, opposite end is the exit lens 3, in between only the focal line area 4 with the focal line FL; there is no deflecting reflector, so that the optical body 101 can be built significantly lower.
  • a light exit surface 2d of the collimator 2 is essentially normal to an optical axis Z of the exit lens 3.
  • the collimator 2 has a light exit surface 2d, which is of flat design, with which the collimator 2 integrally merges into the rest of the optics body, preferably of an identical material, so that this light exit surface 2d has no optical effect.
  • the focal line FL lies in the focal line region 4 of the body 101 and preferably coincides essentially with the focal line of the exit lens 3.
  • the focal line region 4 is arranged around an edge in the body 101.
  • the HD line is formed by imaging the edge 4, which is a curved line, in particular with a slight curvature or particularly preferably a straight line.
  • the light possibly emerging below the edge 4 via the surface 1a is shaded / blocked or absorbed by the surface 1a lying below the edge 4 being shaded, for example, by an aperture or a dark, for example black or brown coating on the outside, etc. to avoid false / stray light
  • the outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 of the body 101 is curved outwards in the vertical direction, preferably in such a way that in a central region the exit surface is further forward in the light exit direction than its upper and lower edge region.
  • the exit lens preferably runs in a straight line and is formed, for example, by a cylindrical surface with a straight cross section along an outwardly convex curve, or by a free-form lens which is curved outwards in the vertical direction and is not curved in the horizontal direction.
  • FIG 4 shows the front part of a lighting unit 101 ', from which a lighting unit 101 according to the invention can be derived, as already indicated in principle in the previous figures.
  • Illumination unit 101 'partially shown has an exit lens 3' with a smooth exit surface 3a '.
  • Figure 4a shows a light distribution with a cut-off line, for example a low beam distribution or a part, for example the apron of a low beam distribution. Such a light distribution has a certain width, as in Figure 4a indicated.
  • FIG Figure 5 the front part of one already based on the Figures 1, 1a , 2, 2a and 3, 3a Illumination unit 101 described.
  • the outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 from a smooth base surface BF (corresponding to the exit surface 3a ' Figure 4 ), which is provided with a groove-shaped structure, the grooves 3b forming the groove-shaped structure running in the vertical direction, that is to say from top to bottom.
  • the outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface BF, the grooves 3b forming the groove-shaped structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and preferably two grooves 3b lying next to one another in the horizontal direction by one, in particular essentially vertical elevation, which preferably extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves 3b, are separated.
  • the smooth width of the exit lens BF, 3a 'of the exit lens can often not achieve the required width for the desired light image, in particular not for an apron light distribution of a low-beam light distribution.
  • a structure on the outer surface of the exit lens achieves horizontal blurring of the emerging light beams, as a result of which the desired width of the light distribution can be achieved, as is shown schematically in FIG Figure 5a is shown.
  • the quality of the light distribution is significantly improved since the impression of homogeneity is improved by the structure on the outer surface of the exit lens.
  • Figure 6 and Figure 8 show vertical sections through the body 101, namely an enlarged section of the translucent body between its focal line FL and the light exit surface 3a.
  • Figure 6 shows a second vertical section, which contains a considered point P on the base surface BF
  • Figure 8 shows a second vertical section SE2, in which four exemplary considered points PA, PB, PC and PD lie.
  • non-vertical cutting planes SE1 (these cutting planes SE1 are discussed in more detail below), for example in point P ( Figure 6 ) or according to the sections AA, BB, CC, DD ( Figure 8 ), this results in first basic intersection curves BSK1, which run in a straight line, the first outer surface intersection curves SK1 (which correspond to the course of the lens outer surface in these intersection planes SE1) which result when the outer surface 3a is cut with these first intersection planes SE1 have a sinusoidal shape.
  • the smooth base surface is a conceptual construct, with reference to which the outer surface actually realized is described.
  • the first, non-vertical cutting planes SE1 are a large number of such non-vertical cutting planes, which are still precisely defined below.
  • Figure 7 shows such an exemplary first sectional plane SE1 in which the point P lies, which is normal to the tangential plane TE in the point P ( Figure 6 ), for a general illustration of the relationships.
  • the outer surface of the lens is shown in relation to a first basic section curve BSK1.
  • the basic intersection curve BSK1 is a straight line with the parameter x along this straight line BSK1.
  • the outer lens contour is a first outer surface section curve SK1, which in this example is proportional to sin (k ⁇ x).
  • Figure 8 shows a section along a second, vertical sectional plane SE2 parallel to the optical axis Z, with the four points PA, PB, PC and PD considered by way of example.
  • first section planes SE1 are shown
  • the corresponding courses of the resulting second outer surface section curves SK2 for the four selected section planes SE1 are shown in FIGS Figures 9a - 9d shown.
  • the sections show twice the amplitude, i.e. the distance between maximum and minimum deflection.
  • typical values for the period length T [mm] are in a range up to 2.50 mm, preferably up to 2.00 mm. In particular, preferred values are between 0.10 mm to 2.00 mm, for example between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm.
  • Preferred values for the maximum amplitude A 0 [ ⁇ m], regardless of the embodiment shown, are in a range from 25 ⁇ m to 350 ⁇ m, a typical value is 50 ⁇ m.
  • Figure 8 also shows (as well as Figure 6 ) that the second basic cutting curves BSK2, which result when cutting the smooth base surface BF with the second, vertical cutting planes SE2, which run parallel to an optical axis Z of the exit lens 3, are curved, in particular curved outwards, preferably the second basic intersection curves BSK2 are continuous.
  • the second outer surface intersection curves SK2 that result when the outer surface 3a is cut with defined second cutting planes SE2 connect points of the outer surface 3a with a maximum distance from the base surface BF.
  • the normal distance of the second outer surface intersection curve SK2 to the second basic intersection curve BSK2 can be seen as a function A (s) of a parameter s which determines the position on the second base -Section curve BSK2 indicates represent.
  • the second sectional plane is a vertical sectional plane through the smooth base surface BF, which runs parallel to the optical axis Z (or through this optical axis Z) and in which the point P under consideration lies.
  • the first cutting planes SE1 enclose an angle of 90 ° with the second basic cutting curve BSK2.
  • a typical value for the parameter K is in the range from 1.2 to 1.45, preferably around 1.33.
  • a s PA A 0 * K - 1 > 0
  • a sinusoidal groove optic is provided in summary, the sine function being normal to the lens surface, ie the smooth base surface of the exit lens.
  • the period preferably remains unchanged, while preferably the groove depth (amplitude), in particular linear, of a certain initial value A 0 (with this value the width of the light distribution can be set) on the upper edge of the light exit surface to a value of zero on the lower edge of the Lens changed. It can thus be achieved that the light distribution widens as desired, and surprisingly it has also been found that the light-dark boundary does not bend outwards, even with a straight-line focal line of the translucent body.
  • Figure 11 shows a lighting device comprising four lighting units 100 according to the invention, which have a structure described above.
  • the optical bodies of the individual lighting units 100 like the light sources 1, are arranged horizontally next to one another.
  • the optic bodies preferably form a common one-piece optic body 1101.
  • the exit surfaces of the exit lenses 3 form a continuous surface, which represent a straight line in horizontal sections.
  • Figure 12 shows another such lighting device in a front view, which in principle has a similar structure to that Figure 11 (For example, with a one-piece optic body; the individual optic bodies can also be separate), the lighting device being equipped with six lighting units and thus six exit lenses (again in one piece or separately).
  • a plurality of lighting units according to the invention can be arranged next to one another in a modular manner and / or offset in height, the optical axes of the individual lighting units following a DK. This is possible because the exit lenses can be cut more easily and the corresponding design requirements can be met.
  • the width of the individual lighting unit can be reduced by an oblique trimming of the exit lenses (or the total exit lens, that is the sum of all the individual exit lenses 3) and / or an adaptation to a desired vehicle headlight sweep can take place.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Beleuchtungseinheit für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer zum Erzeugen eines Lichtbündels mit Hell-Dunkel-Grenze, wobei die Beleuchtungseinheit umfasst:

  • zumindest eine Lichtquelle,
  • zumindest einen Kollimator,
  • je eine Lichtquelle für jeden Kollimator,
  • eine Austrittslinse mit einer Außenfläche,
  • einen Brennlinienbereich, welcher zwischen dem zumindest einen Kollimator und der Austrittslinse angeordnet ist,
wobei der zumindest eine Kollimator die von der ihm zugeordneten Lichtquelle in den Kollimator eingespeisten Lichtstrahlen zu einem Lichtbündel von Lichtstrahlen ausrichtet,
und wobei Lichtstrahlen des aus dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretenden Lichtbündels in den Brennlinienbereich gelangen, und wobei die aus dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretenden Lichtstrahlen von der Austrittslinse zumindest in vertikaler Richtung derart abgelenkt werden, dass die aus der Austrittslinse austretenden Lichtstrahlen eine Lichtverteilung mit einer Hell-Dunkel-Grenze bilden, wobei sich die Hell-Dunkel-Grenze als Abbildung der Brennlinie bzw. des Brennlinienbereiches durch die Austrittslinse ergibt, und wobei der zumindest eine Kollimator, die Austrittslinse und der Brennlinienbereich einstückig aus einem lichtdurchlässigen Körper gebildet sind, und wobei an zumindest einer Begrenzungsfläche des zumindest einen Kollimator die sich in dem lichtdurchlässigen Körper fortpflanzenden Lichtstrahlen totalreflektiert werden, wobei der zumindest eine Kollimator derart ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, dass aus dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretende Lichtstrahlen in vertikaler Richtung auf eine in dem Brennlinienbereich liegende, geradlinig verlaufende Brennlinie gebündelt werden.The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light beam with a cut-off line, the lighting unit comprising:
  • at least one light source,
  • at least one collimator,
  • one light source for each collimator,
  • an exit lens with an outer surface,
  • a focal line region which is arranged between the at least one collimator and the exit lens,
wherein the at least one collimator aligns the light rays fed into the collimator by the light source assigned to it to form a light bundle of light rays,
and wherein light rays of the light bundle emerging from the at least one collimator reach the focal line region, and wherein the light rays emerging from the at least one collimator are deflected by the exit lens at least in the vertical direction in such a way that the light rays emerging from the exit lens distribute light with a bright light. Form the dark boundary, the light-dark boundary resulting from the imaging of the focal line or the focal line area through the exit lens, and wherein the at least one collimator, the exit lens and the focal line area are formed in one piece from a translucent body, and wherein at least a boundary surface of the at least one collimator, the light rays propagating in the translucent body are totally reflected, the at least one collimator being designed and arranged such that light rays emerging from the at least one collimator in in the vertical direction on a linear focal line lying in the focal line area.

Weiters betrifft die Erfindung eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit zumindest zwei solchen Beleuchtungseinheiten, wobei vorzugsweise die lichtdurchlässigen Körper der Beleuchtungseinheiten horizontal nebeneinander und/oder übereinander liegen, und wobei insbesondere die lichtdurchlässigen Körper der zumindest zwei Beleuchtungseinheiten miteinander verbunden sind, vorzugsweise einstückig ausgebildet sind.Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device with at least two such lighting units, preferably the translucent body of the Lighting units lie horizontally next to one another and / or one above the other, and in particular the translucent bodies of the at least two lighting units are connected to one another, preferably being formed in one piece.

Schließlich betrifft die Erfindung noch einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, welcher zumindest eine solche Beleuchtungseinheit bzw. zumindest eine solche Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aufweist.Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight which has at least one such lighting unit or at least one such lighting device.

Eine Beleuchtungseinheit im Zusammenhang mit der vorliegenden Erfindung kann in einem Kraftfahrzeug-Scheinwerfer z.B. zur Realisierung eines Teiles einer Abblendlichtverteilung, insbesondere der Vorfeld-Lichtverteilung einer Abblendlichtverteilung oder zur Realisierung von Nebellicht verwendet werden.A lighting unit in connection with the present invention can be used in a motor vehicle headlight e.g. can be used to implement part of a low beam distribution, in particular the apron light distribution of a low beam distribution or to implement fog light.

Aktuelle Designtrends verlangen oftmals Scheinwerfer, welche in vertikaler Richtung schmale und in horizontaler Richtung ausgedehnte, schlitzförmige Lichtaustrittsöffnungen aufweisen. Eine eingangs erwähnte Beleuchtungseinheit kann im Bereich der Lichtaustrittsfläche mit einer geringen Bauhöhe, die bei gewissen Ausführungsformen nur bis zu 10mm oder bis zu 15mm hoch sein kann, realisiert werden, sodass sich eine schlitzförmige, sich in horizontaler Richtung erstreckende Lichtaustrittsfläche ergibt.Current design trends often require headlights that have narrow, slit-shaped light exit openings in the vertical direction and extensive, horizontal ones. A lighting unit mentioned at the outset can be implemented in the area of the light exit surface with a low overall height, which in certain embodiments can only be up to 10 mm or up to 15 mm high, so that there is a slit-shaped light exit surface extending in the horizontal direction.

Bei den im Stand der Technik offengelegten typischen Beleuchtungseinheiten, wie z.B. eine davon in der DE 60 2006 000 180 T2 beschrieben ist, wird das in den lichtleitenden Körper eingespeiste Licht von einem in dem lichtleitenden Körper ausgebildeten totalreflektieren Reflektor auf die Austrittslinse umgelenkt.In the case of the typical lighting units disclosed in the prior art, such as one of them in the DE 60 2006 000 180 T2 is described, the light fed into the light-guiding body is deflected by a totally reflecting reflector formed in the light-guiding body onto the exit lens.

Aus der FR 3 010 772 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zur Lichtabstrahlung bekannt, welche einen im Wesentlichen zylindrischen optischen Körper mit einem Lichteintritts- und einem Lichtaustrittsbereich aufweist. Lichtstrahlen propagieren von dem Lichteintrittsbereich durch den optischen Körper zu dem Lichtaustrittsbereich, wobei die Lichtstrahlen in einem Mittelbereich, welcher durch eine Einbuchtung des optischen Körpers gebildet ist, teilweise absorbiert werden.From the FR 3 010 772 A1 a device for light emission is known which has a substantially cylindrical optical body with a light entry and a light exit area. Light beams propagate from the light entry area through the optical body to the light exit area, the light beams being partially absorbed in a central area which is formed by an indentation of the optical body.

Aus der EP 2 620 695 A2 ist ein Fahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem Lichtemitter und einer Projektionslinse bekannt. Ein zentraler Bereich der Projektionslinse ist dazu ausgebildet, Lichtstrahlen parallel zu einer optischen Achse der Projektionslinse abzustrahlen. Ein Randbereich der Projektionslinse ist dazu ausgebildet, Lichstrahlen unter einem Winkel zur optischen Achse abzustrahlen.From the EP 2 620 695 A2 a vehicle headlight with a light emitter and a projection lens is known. A central area of the projection lens is designed to To emit light rays parallel to an optical axis of the projection lens. An edge region of the projection lens is designed to emit light rays at an angle to the optical axis.

Die DE 10 2006 007 450 A1 zeigt eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung in einem Fahrzeug mit einem Primärreflektor zur Erzeugung einer Kernlichtverteilung und einem zur Erzeugung einer peripheren Lichtverteilung mit einer Linse zusammenwirkenden Sekundärreflektor.The DE 10 2006 007 450 A1 shows a lighting device in a vehicle with a primary reflector for generating a core light distribution and a secondary reflector interacting with a lens for generating a peripheral light distribution.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Beleuchtungseinheit zu schaffen, welche die Lichtverteilung verbreitert und wobei sich die Hell-Dunkel-Grenze nach Außen nicht aufbiegt.It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting unit which widens the light distribution and the light-dark boundary does not bend outwards.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit einer Beleuchtungseinheit mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen von Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved with a lighting unit with the characterizing features of claim 1.

Es hat sich herausgestellt, dass bei erfindungsgemäßer Ausgestaltung des Kollimators auf einen Reflektor und entsprechend auf eine Umlenkung der aus dem Kollimator austretenden Lichtstrahlen verzichtet werden kann, wodurch sich die Bauhöhe des lichtleitenden OpticKörpers und somit jene der Beleuchtungseinheit deutlich verringern lässt.It has been found that when the collimator is designed in accordance with the invention, a reflector and, accordingly, a deflection of the light beams emerging from the collimator can be dispensed with, as a result of which the overall height of the light-conducting optical body and thus that of the lighting unit can be significantly reduced.

Bei der oben genannten DE 60 2006 000 180 T2 ist vorgesehen, dass die Lichtaustrittsfläche, d.h. die Außenfläche der Austrittslinse, glatt ausgebildet ist. Dabei hat sich herausgestellt, dass oftmals das damit erzielbare Lichtbild bzw. die erzielbare Lichtverteilung in horizontaler Richtung nicht ausreichend breit ist und die Ausleuchtung der Straße störende Inhomogenitäten aufweist.With the above DE 60 2006 000 180 T2 it is provided that the light exit surface, ie the outer surface of the exit lens, is smooth. It has been found that the light image that can be achieved or the light distribution that can be achieved in the horizontal direction is often not sufficiently wide and that the illumination of the street has disruptive inhomogeneities.

Der Optikkörper ist vorzugsweise ein Vollkörper.The optical body is preferably a full body.

Bei der vorliegenden Beleuchtungseinheit ist vorgesehen, dass die Außenfläche der Austrittslinse durch eine rillenförmige Struktur in einer glatten Basisfläche gebildet ist, wobei die die rillenförmige Struktur bildenden Rillen in im Wesentlichen vertikaler Richtung verlaufen, und wobei jeweils zwei in horizontaler Richtung nebeneinander liegende Rillen durch eine, insbesondere im Wesentlichen vertikal verlaufende, Erhebung, die sich über die gesamte Vertikalerstreckung der Rillen erstreckt, getrennt sind, wobei sich die Rillentiefe, insbesondere linear, von einem bestimmten Ausgangswert A0 an einerIn the present lighting unit, it is provided that the outer surface of the exit lens is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface, the grooves forming the groove-shaped structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and in each case two grooves lying side by side in the horizontal direction by a in particular, essentially vertical elevation, which extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves, are separated, wherein the groove depth, in particular linear, from a certain initial value A 0 to one

Oberkante der Austrittslinse auf einen Wert von Null an einer Unterkante der Austrittslinse verändert. Die glatte Basisfläche ist vorzugsweise C0-stetig und weist insbesondere keine horizontal verlaufenden Kanten auf.Changed the top edge of the exit lens to a value of zero on a bottom edge of the exit lens. The smooth base surface is preferably C0-continuous and in particular has no horizontally running edges.

Wie eingangs beschrieben kann mit einer glatten Außenfläche der Austrittslinse oftmals nicht die notwendige Breite für das gewünschte Lichtbild, insbesondere nicht für eine Vorfeld-Lichtverteilung einer Abblendlichtverteilung, erzielt werden. Insbesondere bei einem Verzicht auf einen umlenkenden Reflektor wie bei der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgesehen kann dies problematisch sein. Durch die vorgesehene Struktur auf der Außenfläche der Austrittslinse wird ein horizontales Verwischen der austretenden Lichtstrahlen erreicht, wodurch sich die gewünschte Breite der Lichtverteilung erzielen lässt. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass die zumindest eine Begrenzungsfläche des zumindest einen Kollimators derart ausgebildet ist, dass das auf dieser zumindest einen Begrenzungsfläche total-reflektierte Licht der dem Kollimator zugeordneten Lichtquelle in vertikaler Richtung konvergierend abgestrahlt wird, sodass es auf die Brennlinie oder in den Brennlinienbereich gebündelt wird.As described at the outset, the smooth width of the exit lens can often not achieve the necessary width for the desired light image, in particular not for an apron light distribution of a low-beam light distribution. This can be problematic, in particular if a deflecting reflector, as provided in the present invention, is dispensed with. The structure provided on the outer surface of the exit lens achieves horizontal blurring of the emerging light beams, as a result of which the desired width of the light distribution can be achieved. It is preferably provided that the at least one boundary surface of the at least one collimator is designed in such a way that the light totally reflected on this at least one boundary surface of the light source assigned to the collimator is radially converged in such a way that it is focused on the focal line or in the focal line region becomes.

Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass ein zentraler Einkoppel-Bereich des zumindest einen Kollimators in Form einer Linse, insbesondere in Form einer Freiformlinse derart ausgebildet ist, dass über den zentralen Einkoppel-Bereich in den Kollimator eingekoppeltes Licht in vertikaler Richtung konvergierend abgestrahlt wird, sodass es auf die Brennlinie oder in den Brennlinienbereich gebündelt wird.In particular, it can be provided that a central coupling area of the at least one collimator is designed in the form of a lens, in particular in the form of a free-form lens, such that light coupled into the collimator is radiated in the vertical direction in a converging manner, so that it is bundled on the focal line or in the focal line area.

Weiters kann mit Vorteil vorgesehen sein, dass alle aus dem Kollimator austretenden Lichtstrahlen in vertikaler Richtung auf die Brennlinie oder in den Brennlinienbereich gebündelt werden.Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that all light beams emerging from the collimator are focused in the vertical direction on the focal line or in the focal line region.

Es ist vorgesehen, dass der zumindest eine Kollimator, insbesondere zumindest eine Begrenzungsfläche und/oder ein zentraler Einkoppel-Bereich, des zumindest einen Kollimators, derart ausgebildet ist bzw. sind, dass in horizontaler Richtung die von dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretenden Lichtstrahlen parallel zueinander verlaufen.It is provided that the at least one collimator, in particular at least one boundary surface and / or a central coupling area of the at least one collimator, is or are designed such that the light beams emerging from the at least one collimator run parallel to one another in the horizontal direction .

Auf diese Weise lässt sich eine verbesserte Homogenität der Lichtstrahlen im Bereich an der Austrittslinse erzielen.In this way, an improved homogeneity of the light beams in the area at the exit lens can be achieved.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass der zumindest eine Kollimator, insbesondere zumindest eine Begrenzungsfläche oder ein zentraler Einkoppel-Bereich, derart ausgebildet ist bzw. sind, dass in horizontaler Richtung die von dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretenden Lichtstrahlen konvergierend verlaufen, vorzugsweise derart, dass sich die Lichtstrahlen in etwa im Bereich der Austrittslinse, insbesondere in etwa im Bereich der Außenfläche der Austrittslinse, überkreuzen.It can also be provided that the at least one collimator, in particular at least one boundary surface or a central coupling area, is designed such that the light beams emerging from the at least one collimator run in a horizontal direction, preferably in such a way that cross the light rays approximately in the area of the exit lens, in particular approximately in the area of the outer surface of the exit lens.

Auf diese Weise lässt sich bei gegenbener Breite des lichtleitenden (Optik-)Körpers die Breite der Lichtverteilung vergrößern.In this way, the width of the light distribution can be increased with the opposite width of the light-guiding (optical) body.

Der Linsenbereich ist im allgemeinen eine Freiformlinse, mit zumeist positiver Brechkraft, die aber nicht rotationssymmetrisch ist. Die sogenannten Ost-/West-/Nord-/Süd-Kurven der Außenfläche des Kollimators sind vorzugsweise ebenfalls Freiformkurven. Für ein Fokussieren (konvergierende Strahlenbündel) stellen diese Kurven, vereinfacht dargestellt, eine Aneinanderreihung in etwa ,elliptischer' Kurvenabschnitte dar, für ein Parallelrichten ergeben sich, vereinfacht dargestellt, in etwa ,parabelartige' Kurvenzüge. Hat man diese Kurven, beispielsweise die oben angesprochenen Ost-/West-/Nord-/Süd-Kurven (oder andere Kurven, bzw. eine andere Anzahl an Kurven) bestimmt, werden diese zu einer vorzugsweise zumindest G1-stetigen Fläche verbunden und zwar beispielsweise dergestalt, dass bei jedem konstanten Z (Parallelebenen, die normal zur optischen Achse sind) die beiden zugeordneten Kurvenpunkte auf einer Ellipse liegen. Durch eine ensprechende Wahl der Tangentenrichtungen an diesen Anschlußpunkten entsteht eine geschlossene Umrisskurve, die die G1-Stetigkeitsbedingung erfüllt.The lens area is generally a free-form lens, with mostly positive refractive power, but which is not rotationally symmetrical. The so-called east / west / north / south curves of the outer surface of the collimator are preferably also free-form curves. For focusing (converging bundles of rays), these curves, represented in simplified form, represent a series of roughly 'elliptical' curve sections; for parallel alignment, in simplified form, there are roughly 'parabolic' curves. If these curves, for example the above-mentioned east / west / north / south curves (or other curves, or a different number of curves) have been determined, they are connected to a preferably at least G1-constant surface, for example in such a way that with each constant Z (parallel planes that are normal to the optical axis) the two assigned curve points lie on an ellipse. A corresponding choice of the tangent directions at these connection points creates a closed contour curve that fulfills the G1 continuity condition.

Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass die Beleuchtungseinheit genau einen Kollimator mit einer zugeordneten Lichtquelle aufweist. Ein Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer besteht beispielshaft aus acht bis fünfzehn erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheiten.It is preferably provided that the lighting unit has exactly one collimator with an assigned light source. A motor vehicle headlight consists, for example, of eight to fifteen lighting units according to the invention.

Besonders bevorzugt ist es, wenn der zumindest eine Kollimator und die Austrittslinse derart zueinander angeordnet sind, dass aus dem zumindest einen Kollimator austretendes Licht direkt, insbesondere ohne vorherige Umlenkung und/oder Reflexion, zu der Austrittslinse gelangt.It is particularly preferred if the at least one collimator and the exit lens are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that exits from the at least one collimator Light reaches the exit lens directly, in particular without prior deflection and / or reflection.

Vorzugsweise liegt die Lichtquellle mit ihrem zugeordneten Kollimator an einem Ende des lichtdurchlässigen Optikkörpers, an dem anderen, gegenüberliegenden Ende liegt die Austrittslinse, dazwischen lediglich der Brennlinienbereich mit der Brennlinie; auf einen umlenkenden Reflektor wird verzichtet, sodass der Optikkörper deutlich niedriger gebaut werden kann.The light source with its associated collimator is preferably located at one end of the translucent optic body, at the other, opposite end is the exit lens, in between only the focal line area with the focal line; there is no deflecting reflector, so that the optic body can be built significantly lower.

Beispielsweise ist vorgesehen, dass eine Lichtaustrittsfläche des zumindest einen Kollimators im Wesentlichen normal auf eine optische Achse der Austrittslinse steht.For example, it is provided that a light exit surface of the at least one collimator is essentially normal to an optical axis of the exit lens.

Jeder Kollimator weist eine Lichtaustrittsfläche auf, welche eben ausgebildet, mit dieser geht der Kollimator einstücktig in den Optikkörper aus vorzugsweise identem Material über, sodass diese Lichtaustrittsfläche keine optische Wirkung aufweist.Each collimator has a light exit surface, which is of flat design, with which the collimator integrally merges into the optics body, preferably made of identical material, so that this light exit surface has no optical effect.

Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die zumindest eine Lichtquelle

  • tiefer liegt als der Brennlinienbereich bzw. die Brennlinie, oder
  • höher liegt als der Brennlinienbereich bzw. die Brennlinie, oder
  • auf gleicher Höhe wie der Brennlinienbereich bzw. die Brennlinie.
In particular, it can be provided that the at least one light source
  • is lower than the focal line area or the focal line, or
  • is higher than the focal line area or the focal line, or
  • at the same height as the focal line area or the focal line.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass an der Unterseite des Optikkörpers zwei aufeinander zu laufende Optikkörper-Außenflächen eine Körperkante bilden, welche im Bereich der Brennlinie bzw. im Brennlinienbereich liegt oder den Brennlinienbereich bildet. Durch Wahl des vertikalen Normalabstands der Körperkante von der optischen Achse bzw. der Brennlinie kann die Größe der Absenkung der abgeblendeten Lichtverteilung festgelegt werden.It can be provided that on the underside of the optic body two outer surfaces of the optic body that run towards each other form a body edge which lies in the region of the focal line or in the focal line region or forms the focal line region. By choosing the vertical normal distance of the body edge from the optical axis or the focal line, the size of the reduction in the dimmed light distribution can be determined.

Dabei kann es zweckmässig sein, dass die dem zumindest einen Kollimator zugewandte Optikkörper-Außenfläche an ihrer Außenseite zumindest bereichsweise, vorzugsweise in ihrem gesamten Bereich, für sich in dem Optikkörper fortpflanzendes, auf diese Optikkörper-Außenfläche auftreffendes Licht, Licht absorbierend ausgebildet ist.In this case, it may be expedient for the outer surface of the optical body facing the at least one collimator to be designed to absorb light, at least in some areas, preferably in its entire area, for light propagating in the optical body and incident on this outer surface of the optical body.

Beispielsweise kann die entsprechende Optikkörper-Außenfläche abgedeckt sein, etwa mit einem schwarzen Abdeckelement, z.B. einer Blende, oder einer entsprechenden Beschichtung etc. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass Licht unkontrolliert aus dem Optikkörper austreten kann oder wieder in den Optikkörper zurückreflektiert wird und sich dort dann unkontrolliert ausbreitet.For example, the corresponding optical body outer surface can be covered, for example with a black cover element, e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc. In this way it can be prevented that light can emerge from the optic body in an uncontrolled manner or is reflected back into the optic body and then propagate there in an uncontrolled manner.

Wie weiter oben beschrieben, ist bei der vorliegenden Beleuchtungseinheit vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass die Außenfläche der Austrittslinse durch eine rillenförmige Struktur in einer glatten Basisfläche gebildet ist. Vorzugsweise kann dabei in diesem Zusammenhang vorgesehen sein, dass die sich bei einem Schneiden der glatten Basisfläche mit ersten, nicht-vertikalen Schnittebenen ergebenden ersten Basis-Schnittkurven geradlinig verlaufen, und wobei die sich bei einem Schneiden der Außenfläche mit diesen ersten Schnittebenen ergebenden ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven einen sinusförmigen Verlauf aufweisen.As described further above, it is preferably provided in the present lighting unit that the outer surface of the exit lens is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface. In this context, it can preferably be provided that the first basic cutting curves which result when the smooth base surface is cut with first, non-vertical cutting planes run in a straight line, and the first outer surface curves which result when the outer surface is cut with these first cutting planes. Intersection curves have a sinusoidal course.

Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven in den ersten Schnittebenen, in Bezug auf die Basis-Schnittkurve der jeweiligen ersten Schnittebene, proportional zu sinN(k∗x) verlaufen, mit N = 1, 2, 3, ...., wobei x die Koordinate entlang der jeweiligen Basis-Schnittkurve und k eine Konstante bezeichnet.In particular, it can be provided that the first outer surface intersection curves in the first intersection planes are proportional to sin N (k ∗ x) with respect to the base intersection curve of the respective first intersection plane, with N = 1, 2, 3, .. .., where x denotes the coordinate along the respective basic intersection curve and k denotes a constant.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Nulldurchgänge der sinusförmigen ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven auf den ersten Basis-Schnittkurven liegen.It can be provided that the zero crossings of the sinusoidal first outer surface intersection curves lie on the first basic intersection curves.

Es gilt somit, dass der Verlauf proportional zu sinN(k∗x) + c mit c = 0 ist.It therefore applies that the curve is proportional to sin N (k ∗ x) + c with c = 0.

Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Wert für die Konstante k für alle ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven identisch ist.In particular, it can be provided that the value for the constant k is identical for all first outer surface intersection curves.

Weiters kann es zweckmäßig sein, wenn die sich bei einem Schneiden der glatten Basisfläche mit zweiten, vertikalen Schnittebenen, welche parallel zu einer optischen Achse der Austrittslinse verlaufen, ergebenden zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven gekrümmt, insbesondere nach Außen gekrümmt, ausgebildet sind, wobei vorzugsweise die zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven stetig sind.Furthermore, it may be expedient if the second basic cutting curves resulting when the smooth base surface is cut with second, vertical cutting planes, which run parallel to an optical axis of the exit lens, are curved, in particular curved outwards, preferably the second Basic intersection curves are continuous.

In diesem Zusammenhang zweckmäßig kann es sein, wenn die sich bei einem Schneiden der Außenfläche mit definierten zweiten Schnittebenen ergebenden zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven Punkte der Außenfläche mit maximalem Abstand zu der Basisfläche miteinander verbinden.In this context, it can be expedient if the second outer surface intersection curves which result when the outer surface is cut with defined second cutting planes connect points of the outer surface with a maximum distance from the base surface.

Insbesondere ist es dabei günstig, wenn bei einem Fortschreiten entlang der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve in den definierten Schnittebenen der Normalabstand zu der zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurve eine Funktion A(s) eines Parameters s, welcher die Position auf der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve angibt, ist.In particular, it is advantageous if, when advancing along the second basic intersection curve in the defined intersection planes, the normal distance to the second outer surface intersection curve is a function A (s) of a parameter s which indicates the position on the second basic intersection curve .

Die zweiten Schnittebenen sind vertikale Ebenen parallel zu der optischen Achse des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers, d.h. der Austrittslinse des optischen Körpers.The second cutting planes are vertical planes parallel to the optical axis of the translucent body, i.e. the exit lens of the optical body.

Unter der optischen Achse ist die optische Achse des optischen Körpers, insbesondere die Mittenlinie des Optikkörpers definiert in Bezug auf den Apex der Austrittslinse, zu verstehen.The optical axis is to be understood as the optical axis of the optical body, in particular the center line of the optical body defined with respect to the apex of the exit lens.

In einem betrachteten Punkt auf der Basisfläche ergeben sich die ersten Schnittebene wie folgt: die erste Schnittebene in dem betrachteten Punkt ist eine Ebene, die normal steht auf die Tangentialebene an die Basisfläche, wobei diese Ebene, d.h. die erste Schnittebene, weiters noch normal auf die zweite Schnittebene, in welcher der Punkt liegt, steht. Bei der zweiten Schnittebene handelt es sich, wie oben schon ausgeführt, um eine vertikale Schnittebene durch die glatte Basisfläche, welche parallel zu der optischen Achse (oder durch diese optische Achse) verläuft, und in welcher der betrachtete Punkt liegt.In a considered point on the base surface, the first cutting plane is as follows: the first cutting plane in the considered point is a plane that is normal to the tangent plane to the base surface, this plane, i.e. the first cutting plane, further normal to the second cutting plane in which the point lies. As already explained above, the second sectional plane is a vertical sectional plane through the smooth base surface, which runs parallel to the optical axis (or through this optical axis) and in which the point under consideration lies.

Bei einer Basisfläche, welche lediglich in vertikaler Richtung gekrümmt ist, in horizontaler Richtung normal auf die optische Achse aber geradlinig verläuft, ändert sich zwischen benachbarten ersten Schnittebenen zwar der Winkel in Bezug auf die optische Achse, in horizontaler Richtung normal zu der optischen Achse verlaufen hingegen alle Schnittebenen geradlinig und "parallel" zueinander.In the case of a base surface which is only curved in the vertical direction, but extends in a straight line in the horizontal direction normal to the optical axis, the angle with respect to the optical axis changes between adjacent first cutting planes, but in the horizontal direction runs normal to the optical axis all cutting planes straight and "parallel" to each other.

Dabei ist mit Vorteil vorgesehen, dass sich bei einem Fortschreiten entlang der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve der Normalabstand A(s) kontinuierlich vergrößert, wobei vorzugsweise der Normalabstand an einem unteren Rand der Basisfläche geringer ist als an einem oberen Rand der Basisfläche, wobei sich der Normalabstand A(s) beispielsweise nach dem Zusammenhang A(s) = A0 ∗ (K - s), mit s[0, 1], wobei s = 0 die Position am oberen Rand und s = 1 die Position am unteren Rand bezeichnet, und K = 1 oder K > 1, ergibt.It is advantageously provided that the normal distance A (s) increases continuously as the second basic intersection curve progresses, the normal distance preferably being smaller at a lower edge of the base surface than at an upper one Edge of the base surface, the normal distance A (s), for example, according to the relationship A (s) = A 0 ∗ (K - s), with s [0, 1], where s = 0 is the position at the upper edge and s = 1 denotes the position at the bottom, and K = 1 or K> 1.

Für K = 1 ist somit A0 der Normalabstand an einem oberen oder unteren, vorzugsweise dem oberen Rand (s = 0) der Basisfläche (BF), am unteren Rand (s = 1) gilt dementsprechend A(1) = 0.For K = 1, A 0 is therefore the normal distance at an upper or lower, preferably the upper edge (s = 0) of the base area (BF), and accordingly A (1) = 0 applies at the lower edge (s = 1).

Für einen Wert K > 1 gilt, dass am oberen Rand (s = 0) der Normalabstand A(0) = K∗A0 ist, und am unteren Rand ist der Normalabstand A(1) = A0 ∗ (K - 1) > 0.For a value K> 1, the normal distance A (0) = K ∗ A 0 applies at the upper edge (s = 0), and the normal distance A (1) = A 0 ∗ (K - 1) at the lower edge. > 0.

Im Fall mit K > 1 hat sich teilweise eine bessere optische Effizienz gezeigt als im Fall K = 1.In the case with K> 1, better optical efficiency was sometimes shown than in the case K = 1.

Somit gibt es bei dieser Ausgestaltung vertikale zweite Schnittebenen, in welchen jeweils die übereinander liegenden "Nulldurchgänge", also jene Bereiche, wo die Außenfläche und die Basisfläche zusammenfallen, miteinander durch entsprechende zweite Außenflächen-Schnittkurven, die in diesem Fall mit den zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven zusammenfallen, verbunden sind.Thus, in this embodiment there are vertical second cutting planes, in which the superimposed "zero crossings", that is to say those regions where the outer surface and the base surface coincide, with one another by corresponding second outer surface intersection curves, which in this case correspond to the second base intersection curves collapse, are connected.

Genauso gibt es zweite Schnittebenen, in welchen die zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven die negativen Normalabstände/Amplituden miteinander verbinden. Für eine eindeutige Beschreibung ist es aber ausreichend, die zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven für die "positiven" Normalabstände/Amplituden anzugeben, die anderen Zusammenhänge ergeben sich durch den Sinus-Verlauf in den ersten Schnittebenen.There are also second cutting planes in which the second outer surface cutting curves connect the negative normal distances / amplitudes with one another. For a clear description, it is sufficient to specify the second outer surface intersection curves for the "positive" normal distances / amplitudes, the other relationships result from the sine curve in the first section planes.

Beispielsweise kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Außenfläche der Austrittslinse in vertikaler Richtung nach Außen gekrümmt ist, und in horizontaler Richtung vorzugsweise geradlinig verläuft, und beispielsweise durch eine Zylinderfläche mit geradem Querschnitt entlang einer nach außen konvexen Kurve gebildet ist. Ein Beispiel für eine solche nach Außen konvexe Kurve ist eine asphärische Linsenkontur genannt.For example, it can be provided that the outer surface of the exit lens is curved outwards in the vertical direction, and preferably extends in a straight line in the horizontal direction, and is formed, for example, by a cylindrical surface with a straight cross section along an outwardly convex curve. An example of such an outwardly convex curve is an aspherical lens contour.

Beispielsweise handelt es sich um eine Freiformlinse, die in vertikaler Richtung nach Außen gekrümmt und in horizontaler Richtung nicht gekrümmt ist.For example, it is a free-form lens that is curved outwards in the vertical direction and is not curved in the horizontal direction.

Die zumindest eine Lichtquelle umfasst vorzugsweise eine oder mehrere halbleiterbasierte lichtemittiernde Elemente, z.B. eine Leuchtdiode oder eine Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden, und/oder z.B. zumindest eine Laserlichtquelle umfassend zumindest eine Laserdiode mit zumindest einer Konversionsschicht, umfasst.The at least one light source preferably comprises one or more semiconductor-based light-emitting elements, e.g. a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and / or e.g. comprises at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion layer.

Generell wird bevorzugt eine Lichtquelle, z.B. eine der oben beschriebenen Lichtquellen, verwendet, welche eine ebene Licht emittierende Fläche aufweist bzw. deren Licht emittierende Flächen in einer Ebene liegen. Bevorzugt ist dann weiters noch vorgesehen, dass die Normale auf diese ebene Licht emittierende Fläche bzw. diese Ebene (der Licht emittierenden Flächen) normal auf die Lichtaustrittsfläche des der Lichtquelle zugeordneten Kollimators steht und/oder parallel zu der optischen Achse der Austrittslinse verläuft. Denkbar sind auch Verkippungswinkel zwischen der Normalenrichtung und der optischen Achse, insbesondere Verkippungswinkel von max. 10°. Dies kann z.B. bei der Kombination von mehreren Beleuchtungseinheiten nebeneinander von Vorteil sein, wo die Austrittslinse zur Ausbreitungsrichtung geneigt ist (Fahrzeugstrak), sodass die LEDs noch auf einer gemeinsamen Platte montiert werden können.Generally a light source, e.g. one of the light sources described above, which has a flat light-emitting surface or whose light-emitting surfaces lie in one plane. It is then preferably also provided that the normal to this flat light-emitting surface or this plane (the light-emitting surfaces) is normal to the light exit surface of the collimator assigned to the light source and / or runs parallel to the optical axis of the exit lens. Tilt angles between the normal direction and the optical axis are also conceivable, in particular tilt angles of max. 10 °. This can e.g. When combining several lighting units next to each other, it can be advantageous where the exit lens is inclined to the direction of propagation (vehicle structure) so that the LEDs can still be mounted on a common plate.

Bei einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist zusammenfassend eine sinusförmige Rillenoptik vorgesehen, wobei die Sinus-Funktion normal zu der Linsenoberfläche, d.h. der glatten Basisfläche der Austrittslinse steht. Die Periode bleibt vorzugsweise unverändert, während vorzugsweise sich die Rillentiefe (Amplitude), insbesondere linear, z.B. wie oben beschrieben von einem bestimmten Ausgangswert A0 oder A0 ∗K (mit diesem Wert kann die Breite der Lichtverteilung eingestellt werden) an der Oberkante der Lichtaustrittsfläche auf einen Wert von Null oder A0 ∗(K - 1) an der Unterkante der Linse verändert.In one embodiment of the invention, a sinusoidal groove optic is provided in summary, the sine function being normal to the lens surface, ie the smooth base surface of the exit lens. The period preferably remains unchanged, while preferably the groove depth (amplitude), in particular linear, for example as described above, from a certain initial value A 0 or A 0 ∗ K (with this value the width of the light distribution can be set) at the upper edge of the light exit surface changed to a value of zero or A 0 ∗ (K - 1) on the lower edge of the lens.

Damit kann erreicht werden, dass sich die Lichtverteilung wie gewünscht verbreitert, und überraschender Weise hat sich dabei auch ergeben, dass sich die Hell-Dunkel-Grenze nach Außen, auch bei einer geradlinig verlaufenden Brennlinie des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers, nicht aufbiegt.It can thus be achieved that the light distribution widens as desired, and surprisingly it has also been found that the light-dark boundary does not bend outwards, even with a straight-line focal line of the translucent body.

Im Folgenden ist die Erfindung an Hand der Zeichnung näher erörtert. In dieser zeigt

  • Fig. 1 die wesentlichen Bestandteile einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht,
  • Fig. 1a die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 1 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht,
  • Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf eine Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 1,
  • Fig. 2a einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 1,
  • Fig. 2b einen Detailausschnitt des Brennlinienbereichs (Position der Körperkante zur optischen Achse mit offset)
  • Fig. 3 den Strahlenverlauf in dem Optikkörper der Beleuchtungseinheit in vertikaler Richtung in einer Ebene, welche die optische Achse enthält,
  • Fig. 3a einen Strahlenverlauf in dem Optikkörper der Beleuchtungseinheit in horizontaler Richtung in einer Ebene, welche die optische Achse enthält,
  • Fig. 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines vorderen Teils einer Beleuchtungseinheit mit einem lichtdurchlässigen Körper, dessen Austrittslinse keine Rillenstruktur aufweist,
  • Fig. 4a eine mit einer Beleuchtungseinheit aus Figur 4 erzeugte Lichtverteilung,
  • Fig. 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines vorderen Teils einer Beleuchtungseinheit mit einem lichtdurchlässigen Körper, dessen Austrittslinse eine Rillenstruktur aufweist,und
  • Fig. 5a die mit dieser erzeugte Lichtverteilung,
  • Fig. 6 zeigt in einem Vertikalschnitt einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers aus Figur 5 zwischen seiner Brennlinie und der Lichtaustrittsfläche,
  • Fig. 7 den Verlauf der Lichtaustrittsfläche der Austrittslinse des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers in einem Schnitt entlang einer beispielhaften ersten Schnittebene SE1 aus Figur 6,
  • Fig. 8 nochmals den Vertikalschnitt aus Figur 6 mit exemplarischen Schnittflächen A-A, B-B, C-C und D-D,
  • Fig. 9a - Fig. 9d den Verlauf der Lichtaustrittsfläche der Austrittslinse des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers in den verschiedenen Schnitten A-A, B-B, C-C und D-D gemäß Figur 8 für K = 1, und
  • Fig. 10a - Fig. 10d den Verlauf der Lichtaustrittsfläche der Austrittslinse des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers in den verschiedenen Schnitten A-A, B-B, C-C und D-D gemäß Figur 8 für K > 1,
  • Fig. 11 eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung umfassend vier erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheiten, und
  • Fig. 12 eine Vorderansicht einer Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit sechs Beleuchtungseinheiten.
The invention is discussed in more detail below with reference to the drawing. In this shows
  • Fig. 1 the essential components of a lighting unit according to the invention for a motor vehicle headlight in a first perspective view,
  • Fig. 1a the lighting unit Figure 1 in another perspective view,
  • Fig. 2 a plan view of a lighting unit Figure 1 ,
  • Fig. 2a a vertical section through the lighting unit Figure 1 ,
  • Fig. 2b a detailed section of the focal line area (position of the body edge to the optical axis with offset)
  • Fig. 3 the beam path in the optical body of the lighting unit in the vertical direction in a plane which contains the optical axis,
  • Fig. 3a a beam path in the optical body of the lighting unit in the horizontal direction in a plane which contains the optical axis,
  • Fig. 4 1 shows a perspective view of a front part of a lighting unit with a translucent body, the exit lens of which has no groove structure,
  • Fig. 4a one with a lighting unit Figure 4 generated light distribution,
  • Fig. 5 a perspective view of a front part of a lighting unit with a translucent body, the exit lens has a groove structure, and
  • Fig. 5a the light distribution generated with this,
  • Fig. 6 shows a vertical section of an enlarged section of the translucent body Figure 5 between its focal line and the light exit surface,
  • Fig. 7 the course of the light exit surface of the exit lens of the translucent body in a section along an exemplary first section plane SE1 Figure 6 ,
  • Fig. 8 again the vertical section Figure 6 with exemplary cut surfaces AA, BB, CC and DD,
  • Figures 9a-9d the course of the light exit surface of the exit lens of the translucent body in the different sections AA, BB, CC and DD according to Figure 8 for K = 1, and
  • Figures 10a-10d the course of the light exit surface of the exit lens of the translucent body in the different sections AA, BB, CC and DD according to Figure 8 for K> 1,
  • Fig. 11 a lighting device comprising four lighting units according to the invention, and
  • Fig. 12 a front view of a lighting device with six lighting units.

Im Rahmen dieser Beschreibung sind die Begriffe "oben", "unten", "horizontal", "vertikal" als Angaben der Ausrichtung zu verstehen, wenn die Einheit in normaler Benutzungsstellung angeordnet ist, nachdem sie in einer im Fahrzeug montierten Beleuchtungsvorrichtung eingebaut wurde.In the context of this description, the terms “above”, “below”, “horizontally”, “vertically” are to be understood as indications of the orientation when the unit is arranged in the normal use position after it has been installed in a lighting device mounted in the vehicle.

Die Figuren 1, 1a, 2 und 2a zeigen eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheit 100 für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer zum Erzeugen eines Lichtbündels mit Hell-Dunkel-Grenze. Die Beleuchtungseinheit umfasst eine Lichtquelle 1, einen Kollimator 2, eine Austrittslinse 3 mit einer Außenfläche 3a sowie einen Brennlinienbereich 4, welcher zwischen dem Kollimator 2 und der Austrittslinse 3 angeordnet ist.The Figures 1, 1a , 2 and 2a show a lighting unit 100 according to the invention for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light beam with a cut-off line. The lighting unit comprises a light source 1, a collimator 2, an exit lens 3 with an outer surface 3a and a focal line region 4 which is arranged between the collimator 2 and the exit lens 3.

Kollimator 2, Austrittslinse 3 und Brennlinienbereich 4 sind aus einem lichtdurchlässigen, einstückigen Körper 101 ("Optikkörper") gebildet, wobei es sich bei dem Optikkörper 101 vorzugsweise - generell, d.h. nicht auf die vorliegende Ausführungsform beschränkt - um einen Vollkörper handelt, d.h. um einen Körper, der keine Durchgangsöffnungen oder Öffnungseinschlüsse aufweist.Collimator 2, exit lens 3 and focal line region 4 are formed from a translucent, one-piece body 101 ("optic body"), the optic body 101 preferably being - generally, i.e. not limited to the present embodiment - is a full body, i.e. around a body that has no through openings or opening inclusions.

Das lichtdurchlässige Material, aus dem der Körper 101 gebildet ist, weist vorzugsweise einen Brechungsindex größer als jener von Luft auf. Das Material enthält z.B. PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylat) oder PC (Polycarbonat) und ist insbesondere vorzugsweise daraus gebildet. Der Körper 101 kann aber auch aus anorganischen Glasmaterial gefertigt sein.The translucent material from which the body 101 is formed preferably has a refractive index greater than that of air. The material contains, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate) and is particularly preferably formed therefrom. The body 101 can also be made of inorganic glass material.

In dem gezeigten Beispiel weist des Optikkörpers 1 zwei an seiner Unterseite aufeinander zu laufende Optikkörper-Außenflächen 1a, 1b auf, welche in eine Körperkante 4' zusammenlaufen. Diese Körperkante 4' liegt im Bereich der Brennlinie FL der Austrittslinse bzw. im Brennlinienbereich 4. Dabei kann es zweckmässig sein, dass die dem Kollimator 2 zugewandte Optikkörper-Außenfläche 1a an ihrer Außenseite zumindest bereichsweise, vorzugsweise in ihrem gesamten Bereich, für sich in dem Optikkörper 1 fortpflanzendes, auf diese Optikkörper-Außenfläche 1a auftreffendes Licht, Licht absorbierend ausgebildet ist.In the example shown, the optical body 1 has two optical body outer surfaces 1a, 1b which run towards one another on its underside and which converge into a body edge 4 '. This body edge 4 'lies in the region of the focal line FL of the exit lens or in the focal line region 4. It may be expedient that the outer surface 1a of the optical body facing the collimator 2 is at least partially, preferably in its entire area, on its outside in the Optical body 1 is propagating light, incident on this outer surface 1a of the optical body, and is designed to absorb light.

Beispielsweise kann die entsprechende Optikkörper-Außenfläche 1a abgedeckt sein, etwa mit einem schwarzen Abdeckelement, z.B. einer Blende, oder einer entsprechenden Beschichtung etc. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass Licht unkontrolliert aus dem Optikkörper austreten kann oder wieder in den Optikkörper zurückreflektiert wird und sich dort dann unkontrolliert ausbreitet.For example, the corresponding optical body outer surface 1a can be covered, for example with a black cover element, e.g. an aperture or a corresponding coating etc. In this way it can be prevented that light can emerge from the optic body in an uncontrolled manner or is reflected back into the optic body and then propagate there in an uncontrolled manner.

Die Lichtquelle 1 umfasst eine oder mehrere halbleiterbasierte lichtemittiernde Elemente, z.B. eine Leuchtdiode oder eine Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden, und/oder z.B. zumindest eine Laserlichtquelle umfassend zumindest eine Laserdiode mit zumindest einer Konversionsschicht. Die Lichtquelle 1 liegt in dem gezeigten Beispiel tiefer als der Brennlinienbereich 4 bzw. die Brennlinie FL.The light source 1 comprises one or more semiconductor-based light-emitting elements, e.g. a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and / or e.g. at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion layer. In the example shown, the light source 1 is lower than the focal line region 4 or the focal line FL.

Der Kollimator 2 ist derart ausgebildet und angeordnet, dass zumindest Teile oder alle von der Lichtquelle 1 in den Kollimator 2 eingespeisten Lichtstrahlen S1 aus dem Kollimator 2 derart austreten (Lichtstrahlen S2), dass sie in vertikaler Richtung auf die Brennlinie FL oder in den Brennlinienbereich 4 gebündelt werden, wie dies in Figur 3 dargestellt ist.The collimator 2 is designed and arranged in such a way that at least some or all of the light beams S1 fed into the collimator 2 by the light source 1 exit the collimator 2 (light beams S2) such that they collide with the focal line FL or into the focal line region 4 in the vertical direction to be bundled like this in Figure 3 is shown.

Dazu ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass eine äußere Begrenzungsfläche 2a des Kollimators 2 derart ausgebildet ist, dass das auf dieser Begrenzungsfläche 2a total-reflektierte Licht in vertikaler Richtung konvergierend abgestrahlt wird, sodass es auf die Brennlinie FL oder in den Brennlinienbereich 4 gebündelt wird.For this purpose, it is preferably provided that an outer boundary surface 2a of the collimator 2 is designed such that the light totally reflected on this boundary surface 2a is radiated converging in the vertical direction, so that it is focused on the focal line FL or in the focal line region 4.

Der Kollimator 2 weist eine Einkoppel-Ausnehmung 2' auf, welche seitliche Einkoppelfläche 2c aufweist, über welche von der Lichtquelle 1 eingekoppeltes Licht S1 auf die Begrenzungsfläche 2a abgestrahlt wird.The collimator 2 has a coupling recess 2 ′ which has lateral coupling surface 2c, via which light S1 coupled in by the light source 1 is emitted onto the boundary surface 2a.

Weiters weist die Einkoppel-Ausnehmung 2' einen zentralen Einkoppel-Bereich 2b auf, welcher vorzugsweise in Form einer Linse, insbesondere in Form einer Freiformlinse 2b' derart ausgebildet ist, dass über den zentralen Einkoppel-Bereich 2b in den Kollimator 2 eingekoppeltes Licht S1 in vertikaler Richtung konvergierend abgestrahlt wird (Lichtstrahlen S2), sodass es auf die Brennlinie FL oder in den Brennlinienbereich 4 gebündelt wird.Furthermore, the coupling recess 2 'has a central coupling region 2b, which is preferably designed in the form of a lens, in particular in the form of a free-form lens 2b', such that light S1in coupled into the collimator 2 via the central coupling region 2b is radiated converging in the vertical direction (light beams S2), so that it is focused on the focal line FL or in the focal line region 4.

Die aus dem Kollimator 2 austretenden Lichtstrahlen S2 werden schließlich von der Austrittslinse 3 zumindest in vertikaler Richtung V derart abgelenkt werden, dass die aus der Austrittslinse 3 austretenden Lichtstrahlen S3 eine Lichtverteilung mit einer Hell-Dunkel-Grenze bilden, wobei sich die Hell-Dunkel-Grenze als Abbildung der Brennlinie FL bzw. des Brennlinienbereiches 4 durch die Austrittslinse 3 ergibt.The light beams S2 emerging from the collimator 2 will ultimately be deflected by the exit lens 3 at least in the vertical direction V such that the light beams S3 emerging from the exit lens 3 form a light distribution with a light-dark boundary, the light-dark Boundary as an image of the focal line FL or the focal line region 4 through the exit lens 3 results.

Wie in Figur 2a zu erkennen ist, liegt in dem dort gezeigten Beispiel die Brennlinie FL, welche in der optischen Achse Z der Austrittslinse liegt, in vertikaler Richtung ungefähr auf Höhe der Körperkante 4' oder geringfügig darunter. Figur 2b zeigt in diesem Zusammenhang eine weitere Ausführungsmöglichkeit, bei welcher die Körperkante 4' oberhalb der Brennlinie FL der Austrittslinse 3 liegt. Über eine solche Höhendifferenz in der vertikalen Richtung lässt sich das Ausmass der Absenkung der Hell-Dunkel-Grenze im Lichtbild einstellen.As in Figure 2a In the example shown there, the focal line FL, which lies in the optical axis Z of the exit lens, lies in the vertical direction approximately at the level of the body edge 4 'or slightly below. Figure 2b shows in this context a further embodiment, in which the body edge 4 'lies above the focal line FL of the exit lens 3. Such a height difference in the vertical direction can be used to adjust the extent of the cut-off in the light image.

Figur 3a zeigt, wie die aus dem aus dem Kollimator 2 "austretenden" Lichtstrahlen S2 in horizontaler Richtung verlaufen. Gemäß Figur 3a ist der Kollimator 2 derart ausgebildet, insbesondere seine Begrenzungsfläche 2a und der zentrale Einkoppel-Bereich 2b in Form einer Freiformlinse 2b', dass die aus dem Kollimator "austretenden" Lichtstrahlen S2 in horizontaler Richtung parallel zueinander, und vorzugsweise auch parallel zur optischen Achse Z, verlaufen. Auf diese Weise lässt sich eine verbesserte Homogenität der Lichtstrahlen im Bereich an der Austrittslinse und der Lichtverteilung erzielen. Figure 3a shows how the light rays S2 "emerging" from the collimator 2 run in the horizontal direction. According to Figure 3a the collimator 2 is designed in such a way, in particular its boundary surface 2a and the central coupling-in area 2b in the form of a free-form lens 2b ', that the light rays S2 "emerging" from the collimator are parallel to one another in the horizontal direction, and preferably also parallel to the optical axis Z, run. In this way, an improved homogeneity of the light beams in the area at the exit lens and the light distribution can be achieved.

Wie in den Figuren 1, 1a und 2, 2a sowie 3, 3a zu erkennen ist, sind der Kollimator 2 und die Austrittslinse 3 derart zueinander angeordnet, dass aus dem Kollimator 2 austretendes Licht S2 direkt, insbesondere ohne vorherige Umlenkung und/oder Reflexion durch einen Reflektor, zu der Austrittslinse 3 gelangt.As in the Figures 1, 1a and 2, 2a 3 and 3a, the collimator 2 and the exit lens 3 are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that light emerging from the collimator 2 S2 reaches the exit lens 3 directly, in particular without prior deflection and / or reflection by a reflector.

Konkret liegt die Lichtquelle 1 mit ihrem zugeordneten Kollimator 2 an einem Ende des lichtdurchlässigen Optikkörpers 101, an dem anderen, gegenüberliegenden Ende liegt die Austrittslinse 3, dazwischen lediglich der Brennlinienbereich 4 mit der Brennlinie FL; auf einen umlenkenden Reflektor wird verzichtet, sodass der Optikkörper 101 deutlich niedriger gebaut werden kann.Specifically, the light source 1 with its associated collimator 2 is located at one end of the translucent optic body 101, at the other, opposite end is the exit lens 3, in between only the focal line area 4 with the focal line FL; there is no deflecting reflector, so that the optical body 101 can be built significantly lower.

Beispielsweise ist vorgesehen, dass eine Lichtaustrittsfläche 2d des Kollimators 2 im Wesentlichen normal auf eine optische Achse Z der Austrittslinse 3 steht. Der Kollimator 2 weist eine Lichtaustrittsfläche 2d auf, welche eben ausgebildet, mit dieser geht der Kollimator 2 einstücktig in den Rest des Optikkörper aus vorzugsweise identem Material über, sodass diese Lichtaustrittsfläche 2d keine optische Wirkung aufweist.For example, it is provided that a light exit surface 2d of the collimator 2 is essentially normal to an optical axis Z of the exit lens 3. The collimator 2 has a light exit surface 2d, which is of flat design, with which the collimator 2 integrally merges into the rest of the optics body, preferably of an identical material, so that this light exit surface 2d has no optical effect.

Die Brennlinie FL liegt im Brennlinienbereich 4 des Körpers 101 und fällt vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen mit der Brennlinie der Austrittslinse 3 zusammen.The focal line FL lies in the focal line region 4 of the body 101 and preferably coincides essentially with the focal line of the exit lens 3.

Der Brennlinienbereich 4 ist um eine Kante in dem Körper 101 angeordnet. Durch Abbildung der Kante 4, bei der es sich um eine gekrümmte Linie, insbesondere mit geringer Krümmung oder besonders vorzugsweise um eine gerade Linie handelt, wird die HD-Linie gebildet.The focal line region 4 is arranged around an edge in the body 101. The HD line is formed by imaging the edge 4, which is a curved line, in particular with a slight curvature or particularly preferably a straight line.

Das möglicherweise unterhalb der Kante 4 über die Fläche 1a austretende Licht wird abgeschattet/abgeblockt bzw. absorbiert, indem die unterhalb der Kante 4 liegende Fläche 1a z.B. durch eine Blende oder eine dunkle, z.B. schwarze oder braune Beschichtung an ihrer Außenseite, etc., abgeschattet wird, um Fehl/Streulicht zu vermeiden
Die Außenfläche 3a der Austrittslinse 3 des Körpers 101 ist in vertikaler Richtung nach Außen gekrümmt, und zwar vorzugsweise derart, dass in einem mittleren Bereich die Austrittsfläche in Lichtaustrittsrichtung weiter vorne ist als ihr oberer und unterer Randbereich. In horizontaler Richtung verläuft die Austrittslinse vorzugsweise geradlinig, und ist beispielsweise durch eine Zylinderfläche mit geradem Querschnitt entlang einer nach außen konvexen Kurve gebildet ist, oder durch eine Freiformlinse, die in vertikaler Richtung nach Außen gekrümmt und in horizontaler Richtung nicht gekrümmt ist.The light possibly emerging below the edge 4 via the surface 1a is shaded / blocked or absorbed by the surface 1a lying below the edge 4 being shaded, for example, by an aperture or a dark, for example black or brown coating on the outside, etc. to avoid false / stray light
The outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 of the body 101 is curved outwards in the vertical direction, preferably in such a way that in a central region the exit surface is further forward in the light exit direction than its upper and lower edge region. In the horizontal direction, the exit lens preferably runs in a straight line and is formed, for example, by a cylindrical surface with a straight cross section along an outwardly convex curve, or by a free-form lens which is curved outwards in the vertical direction and is not curved in the horizontal direction.

Figur 4 zeigt den vorderen Teil einer Beleuchtungseinheit 101', von welcher ausgehend eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheit 101 wie bereits in den vorstehenden Figuren prinzipiell angedeutet abgeleitet werden kann. Die in Figur 4 teilweise gezeigte Beleuchtungseinheit 101' weist eine Austrittslinse 3' mit einer glatten Austrittsfläche 3a' auf. Figure 4 shows the front part of a lighting unit 101 ', from which a lighting unit 101 according to the invention can be derived, as already indicated in principle in the previous figures. In the Figure 4 Illumination unit 101 'partially shown has an exit lens 3' with a smooth exit surface 3a '.

Figur 4a zeigt eine Lichtverteilung mit einer Hell-Dunkel-Grenze, z.B. eine Abblendlichtverteilung oder einen Teil, z.B. das Vorfeld einer Abblendlichtverteilung. Eine solche Lichtverteilung hat eine gewisse Breite, wie in Figur 4a angedeutet. Figure 4a shows a light distribution with a cut-off line, for example a low beam distribution or a part, for example the apron of a low beam distribution. Such a light distribution has a certain width, as in Figure 4a indicated.

Ausgehend von einer solchen Beleuchtungseinheit 101' ist nun in Figur 5 der vordere Teil einer bereits an Hand der Figuren 1, 1a, 2, 2a und 3, 3a beschriebenen Beleuchtungseinheit 101 dargestellt.Starting from such a lighting unit 101 ', FIG Figure 5 the front part of one already based on the Figures 1, 1a , 2, 2a and 3, 3a Illumination unit 101 described.

Der Unterschied zu der Ausführung nach Figur 4 liegt darin, dass bei der Beleuchtungseinheit 101 aus Figur 5 die Außenfläche 3a der Austrittslinse 3 aus einer glatten Basisfläche BF (entsprechend der Austrittsfläche 3a' aus Figur 4) besteht, welche mit einer rillenförmigen Struktur versehen ist, wobei die die rillenförmige Struktur bildenden Rillen 3b in vertikaler Richtung, also von oben nach unten, verlaufen. Konkret ist die Außenfläche 3a der Austrittslinse 3 durch eine rillenförmige Struktur in einer glatten Basisfläche BF gebildet, wobei die die rillenförmige Struktur bildenden Rillen 3b in im Wesentlichen vertikaler Richtung verlaufen, und wobei vorzugsweise jeweils zwei in horizontaler Richtung nebeneinander liegende Rillen 3b durch eine, insbesondere im Wesentlichen vertikal verlaufende, Erhebung, die sich vorzugsweise über die gesamte Vertikalerstreckung der Rillen 3b erstreckt, getrennt sind.The difference to the execution after Figure 4 is that in the lighting unit 101 Figure 5 the outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 from a smooth base surface BF (corresponding to the exit surface 3a ' Figure 4 ), which is provided with a groove-shaped structure, the grooves 3b forming the groove-shaped structure running in the vertical direction, that is to say from top to bottom. Specifically, the outer surface 3a of the exit lens 3 is formed by a groove-shaped structure in a smooth base surface BF, the grooves 3b forming the groove-shaped structure running in a substantially vertical direction, and preferably two grooves 3b lying next to one another in the horizontal direction by one, in particular essentially vertical elevation, which preferably extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves 3b, are separated.

Wie eingangs beschrieben kann mit einer glatten Außenfläche BF, 3a' der Austrittslinse oftmals nicht die notwendige Breite für das gewünschte Lichtbild, insbesondere nicht für eine Vorfeld-Lichtverteilung einer Abblendlichtverteilung, erzielt werden. Durch eine Struktur auf der Außenfläche der Austrittslinse wird ein horizontales Verwischen der austretenden Lichtstrahlen erreicht, wodurch sich die gewünschte Breite der Lichtverteilung erzielen lässt, wie dies schematisch in Figur 5a gezeigt ist. Darüberhinaus wird die Qualität der Lichtverteilung deutlich verbessert, da der Homogenitätseindruck sich durch die Struktur auf der Außenfläche der Austrittslinse verbessert.As described at the beginning, the smooth width of the exit lens BF, 3a 'of the exit lens can often not achieve the required width for the desired light image, in particular not for an apron light distribution of a low-beam light distribution. A structure on the outer surface of the exit lens achieves horizontal blurring of the emerging light beams, as a result of which the desired width of the light distribution can be achieved, as is shown schematically in FIG Figure 5a is shown. In addition, the quality of the light distribution is significantly improved since the impression of homogeneity is improved by the structure on the outer surface of the exit lens.

Die Figuren 6 - 8, 9a - 9d, 10a - 10d zeigen im Folgenden noch eine bevorzugte Ausgestaltung dieser erfindungsgemäßen Rillenstruktur.The Figures 6-8 , 9a - 9d , 10a - 10d show below a preferred embodiment of this groove structure according to the invention.

Figur 6 und Figur 8 zeigen Vertikalschnitte durch den Körper 101, und zwar jeweils einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers zwischen seiner Brennlinie FL und der Lichtaustrittsfläche 3a. Figure 6 and Figure 8 show vertical sections through the body 101, namely an enlarged section of the translucent body between its focal line FL and the light exit surface 3a.

Figur 6 zeigt dabei einen zweiten vertikalen Schnitt, welcher einen betrachteten Punkt P auf der Basisfläche BF enthält, die Figur 8 zeigt einen zweiten vertikalen Schnitt SE2, in welchem vier beispielhaft betrachtete Punkte PA, PB, PC und PD liegen. Figure 6 shows a second vertical section, which contains a considered point P on the base surface BF, the Figure 8 shows a second vertical section SE2, in which four exemplary considered points PA, PB, PC and PD lie.

Schneidet man die glatte Basisfläche BF mit ersten, nicht-vertikalen Schnittebenen SE1 (diese Schnittebenen SE1 sind weiter unten noch genauer erörtert), beispielsweise im Punkt P (Figur 6) oder entsprechend den Schnitten A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D (Figur 8), so ergeben sich erste Basis-Schnittkurven BSK1, die geradlinig verlaufen, wobei die sich bei einem Schneiden der Außenfläche 3a mit diesen ersten Schnittebenen SE1 ergebenden ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SK1 (die dem Verlauf der Linsen-Außenfläche in diesen Schnittebenen SE1 entsprechen) einen sinusförmigen Verlauf aufweisen.If you cut the smooth base surface BF with first, non-vertical cutting planes SE1 (these cutting planes SE1 are discussed in more detail below), for example in point P ( Figure 6 ) or according to the sections AA, BB, CC, DD ( Figure 8 ), this results in first basic intersection curves BSK1, which run in a straight line, the first outer surface intersection curves SK1 (which correspond to the course of the lens outer surface in these intersection planes SE1) which result when the outer surface 3a is cut with these first intersection planes SE1 have a sinusoidal shape.

Bei der glatten Basisfläche handelt es sich um ein gedankliches Konstrukt, in Bezug auf welche die dann tatsächlich realisierte Außenfläche beschrieben wird. Bei den ersten, nicht vertikalen Schnittebenen SE1 handelt es sich um eine Vielzahl an solchen nicht-vertikalen Schnittebenen, die im Folgenden noch genau definiert werden.The smooth base surface is a conceptual construct, with reference to which the outer surface actually realized is described. The first, non-vertical cutting planes SE1 are a large number of such non-vertical cutting planes, which are still precisely defined below.

In dem gezeigten, bevorzugten Beispiel verlaufen die ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SK1 in den ersten Schnittebenen SE1, in Bezug auf die Basis-Schnittkurve BSK1 der jeweiligen ersten Schnittebene SE1, proportional zu sinN(k∗x), mit N = 1, 2, 3, .... (im gezeigten Beispiel N = 1), wobei x die Koordinate entlang der jeweiligen Basis-Schnittkurve BSK1 und k eine Konstante bezeichnet.In the preferred example shown, the first outer surface intersection curves SK1 run in the first intersection planes SE1, in relation to the basic intersection curve BSK1 of the respective first intersection plane SE1, proportional to sin N (k ∗ x), with N = 1, 2, 3, .... (in the example shown N = 1), where x denotes the coordinate along the respective basic intersection curve BSK1 and k denotes a constant.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Nulldurchgänge der sinusförmigen ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SK1 auf den ersten Basis-Schnittkurven BSK1 liegen. Es gilt somit, dass der Verlauf proportional zu sinN(k∗x) + c mit c = 0 ist.It can be provided that the zero crossings of the sinusoidal first outer surface intersection curves SK1 lie on the first basic intersection curves BSK1. It therefore applies that the curve is proportional to sin N (k ∗ x) + c with c = 0.

Figur 7 zeigt eine solche beispielhafte erste Schnittebene SE1, in welcher der Punkt P liegt, welche normal auf die Tangentialebene TE in dem Punkt P steht (Figur 6), zur allgemeinen Veranschaulichung der Zusammenhänge. In diesem Schnitt ist die Linsen-Außenfläche in Bezug auf eine erste Basis-Schnittkurve BSK1 dargestellt. Die Basis-Schnittkurve BSK1 ist eine Gerade mit dem Parameter x entlang dieser Geraden BSK1. Die Linsen-Außenkontur ist in diesem Schnitt eine erste Außenflächen-Schnittkurve SK1, welche in diesem Beispiel proportional zu sin(k∗x) ist. Abhängig von einer Position s (zum Parameter s siehe die weiter untenstehenden Erörterungen), welche dem Punkt P entspricht, d.h. s = sP in dem Schnitt gemäß Figur 6 ist die maximale Amplitude bestimmt durch A(sP), wie in Figur 7 eingezeichnet. Die Bestimmung der Amplitude wird weiter unten ebenfalls noch näher erörtert. Figure 7 shows such an exemplary first sectional plane SE1 in which the point P lies, which is normal to the tangential plane TE in the point P ( Figure 6 ), for a general illustration of the relationships. In this section, the outer surface of the lens is shown in relation to a first basic section curve BSK1. The basic intersection curve BSK1 is a straight line with the parameter x along this straight line BSK1. In this section, the outer lens contour is a first outer surface section curve SK1, which in this example is proportional to sin (k ∗ x). Depending on a position s (for the parameter s see the discussions below) which corresponds to the point P, ie s = s P in the section according to Figure 6 is the maximum amplitude determined by A (s P ), as in Figure 7 drawn. The determination of the amplitude is also discussed in more detail below.

Figur 8 zeigt einen Schnitt entlang einer zweiten, vertikalen Schnittebenen SE2 parallel zur optischen Achse Z, mit den vier beispielhaft betrachteten Punkten PA, PB, PC und PD. Figure 8 shows a section along a second, vertical sectional plane SE2 parallel to the optical axis Z, with the four points PA, PB, PC and PD considered by way of example.

In diesen vier Punkten sind erste Schnittebenen SE1 dargestellt, die entsprechenden Verläufe der sich ergebenden zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SK2 für die vier ausgewählten Schnittebenen SE1 (entsprechend den Schnitten A-A, B-B, C-C und D-D) sind in den Figuren 9a - 9d gezeigt. Der besseren Übersichtlichkeit halber ist in den Schnitten jeweils die doppelte Amplitude, also der Abstand zwischen maximaler und minimaler Auslenkung dargestellt.In these four points, first section planes SE1 are shown, the corresponding courses of the resulting second outer surface section curves SK2 for the four selected section planes SE1 (corresponding to sections AA, BB, CC and DD) are shown in FIGS Figures 9a - 9d shown. For the sake of clarity, the sections show twice the amplitude, i.e. the distance between maximum and minimum deflection.

Erkennbar ist wiederum, in Entsprechung zur Figur 6, der sinus-förmige Verlauf der zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurve SK2, für k gilt dabei k = 2∗π/T, mit der Periodenlänge T. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass der Wert für die Konstante k für alle ersten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SE1 identisch ist.It is recognizable again, in correspondence to Figure 6 , The sine-shaped curve of the second outer surface intersection curve SK2, for k is given to k = 2 * π / T, with the period length T. It is preferably provided that the value for the constant k is the same for all of the first outer surface section curves SE1 .

Generell, unabhängig von der gezeigten Ausführungsform, liegen typische Werte für die Periodenlänge T [mm] in einem Bereich bis 2,50 mm, bevorzugt bis 2,00 mm. Insbesondere liegen bevorzugte Werte zwischen 0,10 mm bis 2,00 mm, beispielsweise zwischen 0,25 mm und 0,75 mm.In general, regardless of the embodiment shown, typical values for the period length T [mm] are in a range up to 2.50 mm, preferably up to 2.00 mm. In particular, preferred values are between 0.10 mm to 2.00 mm, for example between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm.

Bevorzugte Werte für die maximale Amplitude A0 [µm], unabhängig von der gezeigten Ausführungsform, liegen in einem Bereich von 25 µm bis 350 µm, ein typischer Wert liegt bei 50 µm.Preferred values for the maximum amplitude A 0 [µm], regardless of the embodiment shown, are in a range from 25 µm to 350 µm, a typical value is 50 µm.

Als günstiger Wertebereich für das Größenverhältnis A0 zu T hat sich beispielsweise 0,075 < (Ao/T) < 0,250 ergeben.For example, 0.075 <(Ao / T) <0.250 has emerged as a favorable range of values for the size ratio A 0 to T.

Obige Angaben gelten für den Fall K = 1 (zum Parameter K siehe die Ausführungen weiter oben in der Beschreibungseinleitung), für den Fall K > 1 gelten die analogen Überlegungen, wobei in diesem Fall die in den beiden vorstehenden Absätzen A0 durch A0 ∗K zu ersetzen ist.The above information applies to the case of K = 1 (parameter K See the comments above in the introduction) the analog considerations apply in the case of K> 1, in which case the above in the two paragraphs A 0 through A 0 * K is to be replaced.

Figur 8 zeigt weiters (ebenso wie Figur 6), dass die sich bei einem Schneiden der glatten Basisfläche BF mit den zweiten, vertikalen Schnittebenen SE2, welche parallel zu einer optischen Achse Z der Austrittslinse 3 verlaufen, ergebenden zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven BSK2 gekrümmt, insbesondere nach Außen gekrümmt, ausgebildet sind, wobei vorzugsweise die zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven BSK2 stetig sind. Figure 8 also shows (as well as Figure 6 ) that the second basic cutting curves BSK2, which result when cutting the smooth base surface BF with the second, vertical cutting planes SE2, which run parallel to an optical axis Z of the exit lens 3, are curved, in particular curved outwards, preferably the second basic intersection curves BSK2 are continuous.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist dabei vorgesehen, dass die sich bei einem Schneiden der Außenfläche 3a mit definierten zweiten Schnittebenen SE2 ergebenden zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven SK2 Punkte der Außenfläche 3a mit maximalem Abstand zu der Basisfläche BF miteinander verbinden. Die zweiten Ebenen SE sind somit vorzugsweise vertikale Schnittebenen parallel zu der optischen Achse Z, für welche gilt, dass der Betrag von sinN(k∗x) = 1 ist. Diese zweiten Ebenen sind für die Definition der Linsen-Außenfläche ausreichend, die Bereiche zwischen diesen vertikalen Ebenen werden durch die oben beschriebene Sinus-Funktion definiert.In this context, it is provided that the second outer surface intersection curves SK2 that result when the outer surface 3a is cut with defined second cutting planes SE2 connect points of the outer surface 3a with a maximum distance from the base surface BF. The second planes SE are thus preferably vertical sectional planes parallel to the optical axis Z, for which it applies that the amount of sin N (k ∗ x) = 1. These second levels are sufficient for the definition of the outer surface of the lens, the areas between these vertical levels are defined by the sine function described above.

Bei einem Fortschreiten entlang der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven BSK2 in den definierten Schnittebenen SE2 lässt sich der Normalabstand der zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurve SK2 zu der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve BSK2 als eine Funktion A(s) eines Parameters s, welcher die Position auf der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve BSK2 angibt, darstellen.When advancing along the second basic intersection curves BSK2 in the defined intersection planes SE2, the normal distance of the second outer surface intersection curve SK2 to the second basic intersection curve BSK2 can be seen as a function A (s) of a parameter s which determines the position on the second base -Section curve BSK2 indicates represent.

Vorerst noch einmal auf die ersten Schnittebenen zurückkommend, ist zu sagen, dass sich in einem betrachteten Punkt P (Fig. 6), PA, PB, PC, PD (Fig. 8) auf der Basisfläche BF die ersten Schnittebene SE1 wie folgt ergeben: die erste Schnittebene SE1 in dem betrachteten Punkt P, PA, ... ist eine Ebene, die normal steht auf die Tangentialebene TE an die Basisfläche BF, wobei diese Ebene (= Schnittebene SE1) weiters noch normal auf die zweite Schnittebene SE2, in welcher der Punkt P liegt, steht. Bei der zweiten Schnittebene handelt es sich, wie oben schon ausgeführt, um eine vertikale Schnittebene durch die glatte Basisfläche BF, welche parallel zu der optischen Achse Z (oder durch diese optische Achse Z) verläuft, und in welcher der betrachtete Punkt P liegt. Die ersten Schnittebenen SE1 schließen mit der zweiten Basis-Schnittkurve BSK2 einen Winkel von 90° ein.Returning to the first section planes for the time being, it can be said that at a point P ( Fig. 6 ), PA, PB, PC, PD ( Fig. 8 ) the first on the base area BF Section plane SE1 results as follows: the first section plane SE1 in the point P, PA, ... is a plane that is normal to the tangential plane TE to the base surface BF, this plane (= section plane SE1) also being normal to the second section plane SE2, in which the point P lies. As already explained above, the second sectional plane is a vertical sectional plane through the smooth base surface BF, which runs parallel to the optical axis Z (or through this optical axis Z) and in which the point P under consideration lies. The first cutting planes SE1 enclose an angle of 90 ° with the second basic cutting curve BSK2.

Bei einer Basisfläche, welche lediglich in vertikaler Richtung gekrümmt ist, in horizontaler Richtung normal auf die optische Achse Z aber geradlinig verläuft, ändert sich zwischen benachbarten ersten Schnittebenen SE1 zwar der Winkel in Bezug auf die optische Achse Z, in horizontaler Richtung normal zu der optischen Achse Z verlaufen hingegen alle Schnittebenen geradlinig und "parallel" zueinander.In the case of a base surface which is only curved in the vertical direction, but extends in a straight line in the horizontal direction normal to the optical axis Z, the angle with respect to the optical axis Z changes in a horizontal direction normal to the optical one between adjacent first cutting planes SE1 Axis Z, on the other hand, runs in a straight line and "parallel" to each other.

Nun wieder zurückkommend auf die zweiten, vertikalen Schnittebenen SE2 und auf den Verlauf der Außenflächen-Schnittkurve SK2, folgt die Funktion A(s) beispielsweise dem Zusammenhang A(s) = A0 ∗ (1 - s), mit s[0, 1], wobei A0 der Normalabstand an dem oberen Rand der Basisfläche BF ist.Now coming back to the second, vertical cutting planes SE2 and the course of the outer surface cutting curve SK2, the function A (s) follows, for example, the relationship A (s) = A 0 ∗ (1 - s), with s [0, 1 ], where A 0 is the normal distance at the upper edge of the base surface BF.

Dabei ist s = 0 die Position am oberen Rand der Basisfläche, wo somit A(0) = A0 gilt, am unteren Rand gilt A(1) = 0. Der Parameter stellt somit eine normierte Bogenlänge entlang der Schnittkurve BSK2 dar.Here s = 0 is the position at the upper edge of the base area, where A (0) = A 0 applies, at the lower edge A (1) = 0. The parameter thus represents a normalized arc length along the intersection curve BSK2.

Für den Parameter s gilt in den vier Punkten gemäß Figur 9:

  • PA: s = sPA = 1,
  • PB: s = sPB, sPB < 1,
  • PC: s = sPC, sPC < sPB, und
  • PD: s = sPD = 0.
A s PA = A 0 * 0 = 0 , A s PD = A 0 * 1 = A 0 , sowie 0 < A s PB < A s PC < A s PD = A 0 .
Figure imgb0001
 The following applies to the parameter s in the four points Figure 9 :
  • PA: s = s PA = 1,
  • PB: s = s PB , s PB <1,
  • PC: s = s PC , s PC <s PB , and
  • PD: s = s PD = 0.
A s PA = A 0 * 0 = 0 , A s PD = A 0 * 1 = A 0 , such as 0 < A s PB < A s PC < A s PD = A 0 .
Figure imgb0001

Somit gibt es bei dieser Ausgestaltung vertikale zweite Schnittebenen, in welchen jeweils die übereinander liegenden "Nulldurchgänge", also jene Bereiche, wo die Außenfläche und die Basisfläche zusammenfallen, miteinander durch entsprechende zweite Außenflächen-Schnittkurven, die in diesem Fall mit den zweiten Basis-Schnittkurven zusammenfallen, verbunden sind.Thus, in this embodiment there are vertical second sectional planes, in each of which the "zero crossings" lying one above the other, that is to say those areas where the outer surface and the Base surface coincide, are connected to one another by corresponding second outer surface intersection curves, which in this case coincide with the second base intersection curves.

Genauso gibt es zweite Schnittebenen, in welchen die zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven die negativen Normalabstände/Amplituden miteinander verbinden. Für eine eindeutige Beschreibung ist es aber ausreichend, die zweiten Außenflächen-Schnittkurven für die "positiven" Normalabstände/Amplituden anzugeben, die anderen Zusammenhänge ergeben sich durch den Sinus-Verlauf in den ersten Schnittebenen.There are also second cutting planes in which the second outer surface cutting curves connect the negative normal distances / amplitudes with one another. For a clear description, it is sufficient to specify the second outer surface intersection curves for the "positive" normal distances / amplitudes, the other relationships result from the sine curve in the first section planes.

Der oben beschriebene Zusammenhang A(s) = A0 ∗(1 - s) ist ein Spezialfall des allgemeineren Falles A(s) = A0 ∗(K - s), mit K = 1. Es hat sich herausgestellt, dass zum Teil die optische Effizienz für K > 1 besser ist als für K = 1. Ein typischer Wert für den Parameter K liegt im Bereich von 1,2 - 1,45, vorzugsweise bei ca. 1,33.The relationship A (s) = A 0 ∗ (1 - s) described above is a special case of the more general case A (s) = A 0 ∗ (K - s), with K = 1. It has been found that in part the optical efficiency for K> 1 is better than for K = 1. A typical value for the parameter K is in the range from 1.2 to 1.45, preferably around 1.33.

In diesem in den Figuren 10a - 10d dargestellten Fall gilt A s PA = A 0 * K − 1 > 0 , A s PD = A 0 * K , sowie A 0 * K − 1 < A s PB < A s PC < A s PD = A 0 * K .

Figure imgb0002
In this in the Figures 10a - 10d illustrated case applies A s PA = A 0 * K - 1 > 0 , A s PD = A 0 * K , such as A 0 * K - 1 < A s PB < A s PC < A s PD = A 0 * K .
Figure imgb0002

Zusammenfassend lässt sich die Kontur der Außenfläche 3a über einer "gedachten" Basisfläche BF darstellen als z s x = A s * sin N k * x .

Figure imgb0003
In summary, the contour of the outer surface 3a can be represented as an "imaginary" base surface BF e.g. s x = A s * sin N k * x .
Figure imgb0003

Bei einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist zusammenfassend eine sinusförmige Rillenoptik vorgesehen, wobei die Sinus-Funktion normal zu der Linsenoberfläche, d.h. der glatten Basisfläche der Austrittslinse steht. Die Periode bleibt vorzugsweise unverändert, während vorzugsweise sich die Rillentiefe (Amplitude), insbesondere linear, von einem bestimmten Ausgangswert A0 (mit diesem Wert kann die Breite der Lichtverteilung eingestellt werden) an der Oberkante der Lichtaustrittsfläche auf einen Wert von Null an der Unterkante der Linse verändert. Damit kann erreicht werden, dass sich die Lichtverteilung wie gewünscht verbreitert, und überraschender Weise hat sich dabei auch ergeben, dass sich die Hell-Dunkel-Grenze nach Außen, auch bei einer geradlinig verlaufenden Brennlinie des lichtdurchlässigen Körpers, nicht aufbiegt.In one embodiment of the invention, a sinusoidal groove optic is provided in summary, the sine function being normal to the lens surface, ie the smooth base surface of the exit lens. The period preferably remains unchanged, while preferably the groove depth (amplitude), in particular linear, of a certain initial value A 0 (with this value the width of the light distribution can be set) on the upper edge of the light exit surface to a value of zero on the lower edge of the Lens changed. It can thus be achieved that the light distribution widens as desired, and surprisingly it has also been found that the light-dark boundary does not bend outwards, even with a straight-line focal line of the translucent body.

Figur 11 zeigt eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung umfassend vier erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheiten 100, welche einen oben beschriebenen Aufbau aufweisen. Die Optikkörper der einzelnen Beleuchtungseinheiten 100 sind ebenso wie die Lichtquellen 1 horizontal nebeneinander angeordnet. Vorzugsweise bilden die Optikkörper einen gemeinsamen einstückigen Optikkörper 1101. In dem gezeigten Beispiel bilden die Austrittsflächen der Austrittslinsen 3 eine durchgehende Fläche, welche in Horizontalschnitten eine gerade Linie darstellen. Figure 11 shows a lighting device comprising four lighting units 100 according to the invention, which have a structure described above. The optical bodies of the individual lighting units 100, like the light sources 1, are arranged horizontally next to one another. The optic bodies preferably form a common one-piece optic body 1101. In the example shown, the exit surfaces of the exit lenses 3 form a continuous surface, which represent a straight line in horizontal sections.

Figur 12 zeigt eine weitere solche Beleuchtungsvorrichtung in einer Vorderansicht, die im Prinzip einen ähnlichen Aufbau wie jene aus Figur 11 (z.B. mit einstückigem Optikkörper; die einzelnen Optikkörper können aber auch getrennt sein) aufweist, wobei die Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit sechs Beleuchtungseinheiten und somit sechs Austrittslinsen (wiederum einstückig oder getrennt) ausgestattet ist. Figure 12 shows another such lighting device in a front view, which in principle has a similar structure to that Figure 11 (For example, with a one-piece optic body; the individual optic bodies can also be separate), the lighting device being equipped with six lighting units and thus six exit lenses (again in one piece or separately).

Aufgrund der erfindungsgemäßen Einspeisung des Lichtes in Abstrahlrichtung(=Fahrtrichtung) können mehrere erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheiten modulartig nebeneinander und/oder in der Höhe zueinander versetzt angeordnet werden, wobei die optischen Achsen der einzelnen Beleuchtungseinheiten einer DK folgen. Dies ist dadurch möglich, da die Austrittslinsen einfacher beschnitten werden können und entsprechende Designwunsch erfüllt werden können. Außerdem kann durch einen schräger Beschnitt der Austrittslinsen (bzw. der Gesamt-Austrittslinse, das ist die Summe aller einzelnen Austritslinsen 3) die Breite der einzelnen Beleuchtungseinheit reduziert werden und/oder eine Anpassung an eine gewünschte Fahrzeugscheinwerferpfeilung erfolgern.Due to the feeding of the light according to the invention in the radiation direction (= direction of travel), a plurality of lighting units according to the invention can be arranged next to one another in a modular manner and / or offset in height, the optical axes of the individual lighting units following a DK. This is possible because the exit lenses can be cut more easily and the corresponding design requirements can be met. In addition, the width of the individual lighting unit can be reduced by an oblique trimming of the exit lenses (or the total exit lens, that is the sum of all the individual exit lenses 3) and / or an adaptation to a desired vehicle headlight sweep can take place.

Claims (15)

  1. An illumination unit for a motor-vehicle headlamp for creating a light bundle with cut-off line, wherein the illumination unit (100) comprises:
    - at least one light source (1),
    - at least one collimator (2),
    - one light source (1) in each case for each collimator (2),
    - an exit lens (3) with an outer surface (3a),
    - a focal-line region (4), which is arranged between the at least one collimator (2) and the exit lens (3),
    wherein the at least one collimator (2) aligns the light beams (S1) fed into the collimator (2) by the light source (1) assigned to the collimator to form a light bundle of light beams (S2),
    and wherein light beams (S2) of the light bundle exiting from the at least one collimator (2) make it into the focal-line region (4),
    and wherein the light beams (S2) exiting from the at least one collimator (2) are deflected at least in the vertical direction (V) by the exit lens (3) in such a manner that the light beams (S3) exiting from the exit lens (3) form a light distribution with a cut-off line, wherein the cut-off line is created as an image of the focal line (FL) or the focal-line region (4) by the exit lens (3),
    and wherein
    the at least one collimator (2), the exit lens (3) and the focal-line region (4) are formed in one piece from a transparent body (101), and wherein the light beams (S1, S2) propagating in the transparent body (101) are totally internally reflected at least at one boundary surface (2a) of the at least one collimator (2), wherein
    the at least one collimator (2) is constructed and arranged in such a manner that light beams (S2) exiting from the at least one collimator (2) are bundled in the vertical direction onto a focal line (FL), which lies in the focal-line region (4) and runs in a straight line, characterized in that the outer surface (3a) of the exit lens (3) is formed by a groove-like structure in a smooth base surface (BF), wherein the grooves (3b) forming the groove-like structure run in a substantially vertical direction, and wherein in each case two grooves (3b) lying next to one another in the horizontal direction are separated by an elevation, which in particular runs substantially vertically and extends over the entire vertical extent of the grooves (3b), wherein the groove depth changes, linearly in particular, from a certain initial value A0 at an upper edge of the exit lens to a value of zero at a lower edge of the exit lens, wherein the at least one collimator (2), in particular at least one boundary surface (2a) and/or a central coupling region (2b) of the at least one collimator (2), is or are constructed in such a manner that the light beams exiting from the at least one collimator (2) run parallel to one another in the horizontal direction.
  2. The illumination unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one boundary surface (2a) of the at least one collimator (2) is constructed in such a manner that the light of the light source (1) assigned to the collimator (2), which light is totally internally reflected on this at least one boundary surface (2a), is radiated in a convergent manner in the vertical direction, so that it is bundled onto the focal line (FL) or into the focal-line region (4).
  3. The illumination unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a central coupling region (2b) of the at least one collimator (2) is constructed in the form of a lens, particularly in the form of a free-form lens (2b') in such a manner that light coupled via the central coupling region (2b) into the collimator (2) is radiated in a convergent manner in the vertical direction, so that it is bundled onto the focal line (FL) or into the focal-line region (4).
  4. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all of the light beams (S2) exiting from the collimator (2) are bundled in the vertical direction onto the focal line (FL) or into the focal-line region (4).
  5. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the illumination unit has exactly one collimator (2) with an assigned light source (1) .
  6. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one collimator (2) and the exit lens (3) are arranged in such a manner with respect to one another that light exiting from the at least one collimator (2) reaches the exit lens (3) directly, particularly without prior deflection and/or reflection.
  7. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a light exit surface (2d) of the at least one collimator (2) is substantially normal to an optical axis of the exit lens (3).
  8. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one light source
    - lies deeper than the focal-line region (4) or the focal line (FL), or
    - lies higher than the focal-line region (4) or the focal line (FL), or
    - is at the same height as the focal-line region (4) or the focal line (FL).
  9. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two converging optical body outer surfaces (1a, 1b) on the underside of the optical body (1) form a body edge (4'), which lies in the region of the focal line (FL) or in the focal-line region (4) or forms the focal-line region, wherein preferably
    the optical body outer surface (1a) facing the at least one collimator (2) is constructed in an absorbing manner on its outside, at least in certain regions, preferably over its entire area, for light propagating in the optical body (1) and impinging onto this optical body outer surface (1a).
  10. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first base intersecting curves (BSK1), which result in the case of cutting of the base surface (BF) with first non-vertical intersecting planes (SE1), run in a straight line, and wherein the first outer surface intersecting curves (SK1), which result in the case of cutting of the outer surface (3a) with these first intersecting planes (SE1), have a sinusoidal course, wherein preferably
    the first outer surface intersecting curves (SE1) run in the first intersecting planes (SE1), in relation to the base intersecting curve (BSK1) of the respective first intersecting plane (SE1), proportionally to sinN(k∗x), where N = 1, 2, 3, ..., wherein x denotes the coordinate along the respective base intersecting curve (SE1) and k denotes a constant, wherein preferably
    the zero crossings of the sinusoidal first outer surface intersecting curves (SE1) lie on the first base intersecting curves (BSK1), wherein preferably
    the value for the constant k is identical for all first outer surface intersecting curves (SE1).
  11. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second base intersecting curves (BSK2), which result in the case of cutting of the base surface with second vertical intersecting planes (SE2) which run parallel to an optical axis (Z) of the exit lens (3), are constructed in a curved, particularly outwardly curved, manner, wherein the second base intersecting curves (BSK2) are preferably constant, wherein preferably
    the second outer surface intersecting curves (SK2), which result in the case of cutting of the outer surface (3a) with defined second intersecting planes (SE2), connect points of the outer surface (3a), with maximum distance from the base surface (BF), to one another, wherein preferably
    when advancing along the second base intersecting curve (BSK2) in the defined intersecting planes (SE2), the normal distance from the second outer surface intersecting curve (SK2) is a function A(s) of a parameter s, which specifies the position on the second base intersecting curve (BSK2), wherein preferably when advancing along the second base intersecting curve (BSK2), the normal distance A(s) increases continuously, wherein the normal distance at a lower edge of the base surface (BF) is preferably smaller than at an upper edge of the base surface, wherein the normal distance A(s) results for example according to the relationship A(s) = A0 ∗ (K - s), where s[0,1], wherein s = 0 denotes the upper edge and s = 1 denotes the lower edge, and K = 1 or K > 1, wherein A0 is the normal distance at an upper or lower, preferably the upper, edge of the base surface (BF).
  12. The illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the outer surface (3a) of the exit lens (3) is curved outwards in the vertical direction, and preferably runs in a straight line in the horizontal direction, and for example is formed by a cylindrical surface with straight cross section along an outwardly convex curve, and/or
    the at least one light source (1) comprises one or more semiconductor-based light-emitting elements, e.g. a light-emitting diode or a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and/or e.g. at least one laser light source comprising at least one laser diode with at least one conversion coating.
  13. An illumination device comprising at least two illumination units according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the transparent bodies (101) of the illumination units preferably lie horizontally next to one another and/or above one another.
  14. The illumination device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the transparent bodies (101) of the at least two illumination units are connected to one another, preferably are constructed in one piece.
  15. A motor-vehicle headlamp having at least one illumination unit according to one of Claims 1 to 12 or having at least one illumination device according to Claim 13 or 14.
EP17723237.8A 2016-04-29 2017-04-26 Lighting device for a vehicle headlamp with a light pattern having a dark-light-boundary Active EP3449178B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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ATA50394/2016A AT518557B1 (en) 2016-04-29 2016-04-29 Lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light beam with cut-off line
PCT/AT2017/060107 WO2017185118A1 (en) 2016-04-29 2017-04-26 Lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light bundle having a light-dark boundary

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KR20180132149A (en) 2018-12-11

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