DE102015225105A1 - Headlight for a motor vehicle and method for operating a headlight for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A headlight for a motor vehicle, wherein a low-beam light distribution (10A-10D) can be emitted by the headlight (101), and wherein the headlight (101) has a housing (102), characterized in that a number of individually activatable low-beam segments (8A 8D) is fixed to the housing (102), and that a lighting range (36) of the low beam distribution (10A-10D) is adjustable by means of the number of low beam segments (8A-8D).

Description

The invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of a dependent claim.

It is known that to implement a headlamp leveling actuators such as stepper motors are used to pivot a light module of a motor vehicle headlight vertically. For realizing a cornering light, actuators such as stepper motors are also used to pivot the light module of the headlight horizontally.

From the DE 10 2007 052 745 A1 is a headlamp for vehicles with a plurality of LED light sources known. In the vehicle apron at least one predetermined light function is completely generated by a group of LED light sources.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to develop a headlight in such a way that the number of mechanically movable components can be reduced or completely dispensed with mechanically movable components.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a headlight according to claim 1 and by a method for operating the headlamp according to an independent claim. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and can be found further in the following description of embodiments of the invention. Individual features of the description, regardless of their summary in the claims for the invention may be important, without being explicitly referred to again.

It is proposed a headlamp for a motor vehicle with a housing, from which a low-beam light distribution can be emitted. A number of individually activatable low beam segments are fixedly mounted to the housing. A headlight range of the low beam distribution is adjustable by means of the number of low beam segments. Thus, it can be ensured by the individual activation of the low-beam segments that glare both other road users and an optimal view for the driver is ensured. In addition, an adjustment of the headlight range to specific driving situations, such as a roadway inclination is possible. Especially in dangerous situations, such as full braking, the headlight range is quickly and reliably adjustable in this way. Thus, in particular, an automatic regulation of the lighting range can be carried out, which is prescribed for example when exceeding light limits by law. In addition, there are degrees of freedom in the integration and arrangement of the individual low-beam segments.

Thus, in particular, a headlight without electromechanical actuators and without appropriate mechanics for adjusting a cut-off line of the low beam can be created. Accordingly, the headlamp is less sensitive to mechanical stress such as vibrations occurring during driving or temperature fluctuations. The rigid connection of the individual activatable low-beam segments to the housing of the headlamp already allows by the attributable actuators a compact headlight.

Thus, a compact, low-wear headlight for motor vehicles can be created, which also improves the illumination in front of the motor vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment, a horizontal alignment of the low-beam light distribution, preferably a bend of a light-dark boundary in the low-beam light distribution, can be set by means of the number of low-beam segments. As a result, an adaptation of the low-beam light distribution to curve situations is made possible. Furthermore, adjustments to the headlamp can be achieved by setting the horizontal alignment of the low beam distribution to left and right traffic without hardware modifications, since only the software for controlling the low beam segments must be adjusted. Likewise, adaptations to legislative regulations or requirements of the motor vehicle manufacturer can be realized by changing or adapting the software without having to produce different headlight variants or light module variants. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one main beam segment for generating a high beam distribution to the housing is arranged stationary. By the equally fixed low-beam segments and their simultaneous operation or their activation together with the high beam segment, the apron of the motor vehicle can be optimally illuminated.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one individually activatable cornering light segment for generating a cornering light distribution and / or at least one individually activatable cornering segment for generating a turning light distribution to the housing is fixedly arranged. Advantageously, large horizontal angles without further electromechanical actuators can thus be illuminated with the headlight.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment for generating a daytime running light distribution to the housing is arranged stationary. The daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one of the dipped beam segments and / or the at least one main beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one cornering segment. This advantageously produces degrees of freedom in the design of the daytime running light, since the daytime running light segment can be generated beyond the limits of the other segments without additionally required light sources. Thus, an additional light function is created by utilizing the existing segments with light sources, which eliminates the cost of additional, required for the daytime running light function light sources.

In an advantageous embodiment, for adjustment of a respective vertical alignment of one of the respective light distributions, the low-beam segments and / or the at least one high-beam segment are dependent on a deflection of the motor vehicle and / or in response to an acceleration of the motor vehicle and / or in Depending on a roadway slope activatable. Advantageously, such an actuatorless provision of one or more vertically variable light distributions can be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, the dimming light segments and / or the at least one high-beam segment and / or the at least one cornering light segment and / or the at least one cornering segment are dependent on an adjustment of the respective horizontal alignment of one of the respective light distributions a steering angle of a steering of the motor vehicle activated. This makes possible an actuatorless provision of one or more horizontally variable light distributions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the low-beam segments and / or the at least one high-beam segment and / or the at least one cornering segment and / or the at least one cornering segment and / or the at least one daytime running segment each comprise a number of individually or group-wise switchable semiconductor light sources, which are arranged on a common circuit board or on a common substrate. By the common circuit board or the common substrate for the semiconductor light sources, the degree of integration of the segments is increased to generate light and thus created a compact headlight.

In an advantageous embodiment, the individual light sources of at least the low-beam segments and / or the high-beam segment have a horizontal and / or vertical resolution of less than or equal to 1.2 °, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 °. Through these resolutions, a headlamp is created, which enables a variable light distribution, in particular in the region of the high-resolution low beam, and in particular a headlamp leveling.

In an advantageous embodiment, this is the low-beam segments and / or the at least one high-beam segment and / or the at least one cornering segment and / or the at least one cornering segment and / or the at least one daytime running segment upon activation and / or deactivation for generating at least one intermediate light intensity operable. Due to the at least one intermediate light intensity, a dimming down is achieved, for example, when the respective segment is switched off, and when the light is switched on, the light intensity is increased, which increases the subjective resolution of the light distribution generated in front of the vehicle for the vehicle driver.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a hidden, preferably vertically strip-shaped zone by deactivating at least one low-beam segment and at least one high-beam segment in response to a detected road user, in particular a recognized oncoming or preceding vehicle, or a detected road sign generated. The headlamp thus enables the emission of a glare-free high beam.

In an advantageous embodiment, a highlighted zone can be generated by increasing a light intensity of at least one low-beam segment and / or at least one high-beam segment as a function of a recognized road user, in particular a recognized pedestrian. With the so-designed headlights traffic safety is increased.

Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. For functionally equivalent sizes and features, the same reference numerals are used in all figures, even in different embodiments. In the figures show:

1 a schematically illustrated illumination device for motor vehicles;

2 in schematic form, a light module; and

3 to 7 in each case a schematically represented visual situation from the perspective of a driver;

In 1 is a schematically illustrated lighting device for motor vehicles in their entirety by the reference numeral 101 designated. The lighting device 101 is designed as a motor vehicle headlight. The headlight 101 includes a housing 102 , which is preferably made of plastic. In a light exit direction 103 has the spotlight housing 102 a light exit opening, through a transparent cover 104 is closed. The cover 104 is made of colorless plastic or glass. The disc 104 can be designed as a so-called clear disc without optically effective profiles (for example, prisms). Alternatively, the disc 104 be at least partially provided with optically effective profiles, which in particular cause a scattering of the light passing through in the horizontal direction.

Inside the headlight housing 102 is a light module 106 arranged, of course, even more light modules in the headlight housing 102 can be arranged. The light module 106 is fixed to the housing 102 arranged.

On the outside of the spotlight housing 102 For example, a control unit can be arranged in a control unit housing. Of course, instead of a separate controller this integral part of the light module 106 be. Of course, the controller can also be removed from the headlight 101 be arranged. Via an electrical connection 110 there is a supply of the light module 106 with electrical energy and / or control signals. The electrical connection 110 is for example connected to a control unit or the electrical system or a communication network. In particular, a central plug on the headlight 101 used. Inside the headlight 101 the wiring is done with a separate wiring harness.

2 shows in schematic form the light module 106 , The light module 106 includes a light generating section 2 , a power electronics section 4 and a control section 6 , The light generation section 2 includes four individually or in groups jointly activated dipped beam segments 8A to 8D for generating a respective low beam distribution 10A to 10D in front of the motor vehicle. Those low beam distributions 10A to 10D , which are activated together at a respective time, form an overall low beam distribution. The light generation section 2 further includes a high beam segment 12 , a cornering light segment 16 and a cornering segment 20 , each for generating a high beam distribution 14 , Bend light distribution 18 or cornering light distribution 22 are provided in front of the vehicle.

The individual segments 8A to 8D . 12 . 16 and 20 are to the housing 102 fixed and thus substantially rigid with the housing 102 connected. The low beam segments 8A to 8D are configured such that by switching on ie activating one or more dipped beam segments 8A to 8D the front of the vehicle from the headlight 101 radiated overall low-beam light distribution with a variable headlamp range, ie with an adjustable vertical orientation of the light-dark boundary generated before the vehicle, can be generated. The segments 12 . 16 and 20 are also to the housing 102 set, whereby the space required for the headlamp or the corresponding light module space is reduced by eliminating actuators and the corresponding attributable mechanics.

According to a signal 24 becomes the control section 6 For example, a deflection of the motor vehicle, an acceleration of the motor vehicle, a roadway inclination or an equivalent size supplied. Depending on the signal 24 creates a block 6A a control signal, that of power electronics 4A is supplied. The power electronics 4A operates the low beam segments 8A to 8D depending on the through the power electronics 4A put current. By means of suitable connection or disconnection of the individual low-beam segments 8A to 8D becomes a beam angle of the headlight 101 to the road surface is changed in accordance with a change in the inclination of the vehicle body, which occurs in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

According to a signal 26 becomes the control section 6 a steering angle fed to a steering of the motor vehicle. Depending on the signal 26 the block generates 6A the corresponding control signal, by means of corresponding segments 8th in addition to change a horizontal orientation of the generated total dipped beam distribution in front of the vehicle, which is for example in the 3 and 5 to 7 is explained. The high beam segment 12 , Cornering light segment 16 and the cornering segment 20 can by means of a corresponding block 6B . 6C . 6D and a corresponding power electronics 4B . 4C . 4D be operated to an adjustment of the respective horizontal orientation, which includes, for example, in the simplest case, the activation of a single respective segment.

Beside the signals 24 and 26 can the control unit 6 Of course, further signals are supplied. In particular, signals from one detection device, the other Road users, traffic signs or other environmental features in the run-up of the motor vehicle recognizes, may, the control unit 6 be supplied.

The control unit 6 is designed, for example, as a microcontroller, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The control unit 6 , the power electronics 4 and the light generation section 2 can be arranged on the same board, on a same substrate or spatially separated, ie on different boards or different substrates. In particular, the arrangement of the individual light sources is independent of the segmentation of the individual light sources according to the low beam segments 8A to 8D , the high beam segment 12 , the cornering light segment 16 and / or the cornering light segment 20 ,

The low beam segments 8A to 8D , the high beam segment 12 , the cornering light segment 16 and the cornering segment 20 may in one embodiment of the light-generating section 2 each also comprise only a single individual light source.

The individual aforementioned segments 8A to 8D . 12 . 16 and 20 In one embodiment, the light generating section 2 in each case a number of individually or group-wise switchable semiconductor light sources, which are arranged on a common substrate, wherein in this case is spoken by a semiconductor light source chip. The dimension, arrangement and resolution of the semiconductor light sources can be selected homogeneously, but of course also inhomogeneous. By dividing into the segments, which have a number of switchable semiconductor light sources, the data stream, which must be provided, for example, for driving power electronic components, can be reduced.

In another embodiment, the individually or group-wise switchable semiconductor light sources are arranged on a common printed circuit board. Furthermore, other light sources, for example, a laser light source for the at least one high-beam segment 12 , be used. Consequently, the degree of integration of the individual segments 8A to 8D . 12 . 16 and 20 freely selectable.

In addition, the individual light sources in the form of semiconductor light sources have a horizontal resolution of none or equal to 1.2 °, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 °. Likewise, the vertical resolution of the individual semiconductor light sources may be less than or equal to 1.2 °, preferably less than 0.6 °. As a result of the thus selected vertical resolution of the individual light sources, all additional load states can easily be mapped and the statutory requirements for headlight range control can be met. In particular, this resolution makes it possible to adapt to the loading possibilities and the chassis of the motor vehicle type. Due to the vertical and / or horizontal resolution of less than or equal to 0.6 °, it is always possible to achieve a range of the cut-off point which is comparable to the basic setting of the cut-off line. In particular, headlamp range restrictions are avoided by too short ranges. By a delayed dimming or dimming of the individual segments can be prevented by the driver as annoying and hard perceived switching individual segments.

Of course, projection and imaging optics or a common projection and imaging optics may be placed in front of the light module or individual segments 8A to 8D . 12 . 16 . 20 be arranged to by individual segments 8A to 8D . 12 . 16 . 20 generated primary light distributions in the corresponding light distributions 10A to 10D . 14 . 18 . 22 , which are also denominated as Abstrahllichtverteilungen to convert

3 shows by way of explanation by means of the light module 106 resulting illumination image in the vehicle apron a schematically illustrated situation 28 from the perspective of a driver observable, for example, on a test screen spaced from the vehicle. They are schematically switched single spots 30 and switched off individual spots 32 shown, each of which is generated by a single light source. Of course, the switched-single spots are superimposed in the radiated light distribution.

Below the cut-off line 34 becomes the low beam distribution 10A by means of the switched-on individual light sources and individual light spots generated thereby 30 from the headlight 101 radiated. Above the cut-off line 34 , which runs around a horizontal H, no light is generated by the non-operated individual light sources and thus one above the cut-off line 34 running, darkened area 35 generated.

A vertical orientation 36 the light-dark border 34 is shifted by a corresponding on or off a number of segments and thus individual light sources. For this purpose, the segmentation of the existing individual light sources, in the case of dipped beam distributions 10A to 10D into the low beam segments 8A to 8D , what follows 4 is explained. The horizontal orientation 38 can also be shifted by turning on or off a number of light sources. For example, a kink in the light Off line 34 displaceable. By increasing the number of individual light sources used to create the cut-off line 34 serve, the resolution becomes the cut-off line 34 elevated.

When switching on individual light sources or segments comprising light sources, they can be operated from a zero luminous intensity for at least a period of time with an intermediate light intensity before an operating light intensity is reached. Likewise, when individual light sources or segments that comprise light sources are switched off, they can be operated with an intermediate light intensity for at least a period of time, based on an operating light intensity, before a light intensity of zero is reached. It is also possible to provide further intermediate light intensities independently in order to improve the dimming effect and thus the subjective resolution of the light distribution produced.

4 shows in a schematic form the visual situation 28 from the perspective of the driver on the road in another embodiment. A footprint 40 of the headlight 101 is indicated. The dipped beam distributions 10A to 10D each with a single light source according to the segments 8A to 8D the left headlight 101L and the right headlight 101R generated. The respective light-dark border 34 is by the imaging optical device in particular by means of a to the housing 102 generated fixed aperture. The high beam distribution 14 is by means of the respective high beam segment 12 of the respective left and right headlight 101L and 101R generated. With regard to the generation of the total low beam distribution and the high beam distribution, the headlamp system consists of the left and right headlamps 101L and 101R designed redundant.

The left-side curve light distribution 18L is by means of the cornering light segment 16L the left headlight 101L generated. The right-hand bend light distribution 18R is by means of the cornering light segment 16R the right headlight 101R generated. The left-sided cornering light distribution 22L is by means of the cornering light segment 20L the left headlight 101L generated. The right-sided cornering light distribution 22R is by means of the cornering light segment 20R the right headlight 101R generated.

The basic light according to the low beam distribution 10A is always active for generating the total dipped beam. By connecting the individual dipped beam distributions 10B to 10D through the respective low-beam segments 8B to 8D lets go the cut-off line 34 move vertically according to a horizontal direction corresponding to the driving state H1 to H4.

5 shows in a schematic form the visual situation 28 from the perspective of the driver on the road. In contrast to 4 includes a respective headlight 101L and 101R above the basic light distribution according to the low beam distribution 10A two horizontally juxtaposed, individually switchable low beam distributions 10B1 . 10B2 to 10E1 . 10E2 , Corresponding dipped-beam segments 8B1 . 8B2 to 8E1 . 8E2 are in the two headlights 101L and 101R arranged. The schematically illustrated cut-off line 34 is activated by a respective activation or deactivation of the low-beam segments 8A and 8B2 reached. 5 shown situation for right-hand traffic is readily switchable to left-hand traffic by the low-beam segment 8B2 disabled and the low beam segment 8B1 is activated.

6 shows in schematic form another situation 28 from the perspective of the driver on the road. In contrast to 5 For example, in the vertical direction, a low-beam region has four-fold segmentation in the horizontal direction in addition to vertical segmentation. Thus, another degree of freedom is in both the vertical gradation of the cut-off line 34 as well as the horizontal displacement of the cut-off line 34 allows. The headlights 101R and 101L are dipped beam segments 8a to 8q for the respective generation of a low beam distribution 10a to 10q assigned.

7 shows in schematic form another situation 28 from the perspective of the driver on the road. In contrast to 6 a further segmentation is shown. In particular, a total high beam distribution 42 is divided into vertically extending, individually activatable or deactivatable strip segments. As a result, fade-out areas can be switched so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic, for example. On the other hand, for example, external high beam distributions 44L and 44R be activated in recognized curve situations. Likewise, a horizontal segmentation in the form of individual Kurvenlichtverteilungen 18A to 18C available. Side of a central segmentation 44 of the low beam area may be a side low beam area 46 horizontal as well as vertically coarser segment text are considered in the area of central segmentation 44 ,

A hidden zone 48 is exemplified by the deactivation of two low-beam segments 8X and 8Y and a high beam segment 14X reached. Accordingly, no light distributions 10X . 10Y and 14X generated in front of the vehicle.

A highlighted zone 50 is exemplified by an increase in a light intensity in the range of the low-beam light distributions 10P to 10S reached. The light intensity for this is above a light intensity for the low beam of the surrounding low beam distributions. The highlighted zone 50 is by means of appropriate low-beam segments 8P to 8S generated, which provide the increased light intensity.

In not shown form is at least one daytime running light segment for generating a daytime running light distribution to the housing 102 fixedly arranged. The daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of the segments shown in the preceding figures. The daytime running light segment is operated to generate a light intensity that is below a light intensity for one of the low beam light distributions 10 lies.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• DE 102007052745 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

A headlight ( 101 ) for a motor vehicle, wherein a low-beam light distribution ( 10A - 10D ) of the headlight ( 101 ) is radiatable, and wherein the headlight ( 101 ) a housing ( 102 ), characterized in that a number of individually activatable low-beam segments ( 8A - 8C ) to the housing ( 102 ) is fixed and that a lighting range ( 36 ) of the low beam distribution ( 10A - 10D ) by means of the number of low-beam segments ( 8A - 8D ) is adjustable. The headlight ( 101 ) according to claim 1, wherein a horizontal orientation ( 38 ) of the low beam distribution ( 10A - 10E2 ), preferably a kink of a cut-off line ( 34 ) of the passing beam distribution, by means of the number of low-beam segments ( 8A - 8E1 ) is adjustable. The headlight ( 101 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one high-beam segment ( 12 ) for generating a high beam distribution ( 14 ) to the housing ( 102 ) is fixed. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one individually activatable curve light segment ( 16 ) for generating a curve light distribution ( 18 ) and / or at least one individually activatable cornering segment ( 20 ) for generating a cornering light distribution ( 22 ) to the housing ( 102 ) is fixed. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one individually activatable daytime running light segment for generating a daytime running light distribution to the housing ( 102 ) is arranged stationary, and wherein the daytime running light segment comprises a number of individual light sources of at least one of the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one main beam segment ( 12 ) and / or the at least one cornering light segment ( 16 ) and / or the at least one cornering segment ( 20 ). The headlight ( 101 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an adjustment of a respective vertical orientation ( 36 ) one of the respective light distributions ( 10 ; 14 ) the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one high-beam segment ( 12 ) are activated in response to a deflection of the motor vehicle and / or in response to an acceleration of the motor vehicle and / or in response to a roadway inclination. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adjustment of the respective horizontal orientation ( 38 ) one of the respective light distributions the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one high-beam segment ( 12 ) and / or the at least one cornering light segment ( 16 ) and / or the at least one cornering segment ( 20 ) are activated in response to a steering angle of a steering of the motor vehicle. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one high-beam segment ( 12 ) and / or the at least one cornering light segment ( 16 ) and / or the at least one cornering segment ( 20 ) and / or the at least one daytime running light segment each comprise a number of individually or group-wise switchable semiconductor light sources, which are arranged on a common printed circuit board or on a common substrate. The headlight ( 101 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the individual light sources of at least the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one main beam segment ( 12 ) have a horizontal and / or vertical resolution of less than or equal to 1.2 °, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 °. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the low-beam segments ( 8th ) and / or the at least one high-beam segment ( 12 ) and / or the at least one cornering light segment ( 16 ) and / or the at least one cornering segment ( 20 ) and / or the at least one daytime running light segment is operable upon activation and / or deactivation to generate at least one intermediate light intensity. The headlight ( 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hidden, preferably vertically strip-shaped zone ( 48 ) by deactivating at least one low-beam segment ( 8X . 8Y ) and at least one high beam segment ( 10X ) as a function of a detected road user, in particular a detected oncoming or preceding vehicle, or a detected road sign can be generated. The headlight ( 101 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a highlighted zone ( 50 ) by increasing a light intensity of at least one of the low-beam segments ( 8P . 8Q . 8R . 8S ) and / or the at least one main beam segment ( 12 ) as a function of a detected road user, in particular a recognized pedestrian, can be generated. A method of operating a headlamp ( 101 ) for a motor vehicle, wherein a low-beam light distribution ( 10 ) of the headlight ( 101 ) is radiatable, and wherein the headlight ( 101 ) a housing ( 102 ), characterized in that a number of individually activatable low-beam segments ( 8th ) to the housing ( 102 ) is fixed and that a lighting range ( 36 ) of the low beam distribution ( 10 ) by means of the number of low-beam segments ( 8th ) is set. The method according to claim 13, which is for operating a headlamp ( 101 ) is designed according to one of claims 2 to 12.

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