DE10005795C2 - Headlamp with a number of individual light emitters - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a headlamp according to the preamble of Claim 1.

For headlights, especially for car headlights are controllable Lichtlen known not only different light intensities. dipped and provide high beam functions, but also a lateral off lighting in the curve or a horizontal headlamp leveling ermögli chen. Possibilities to realize this result from fluid control te or by piezo or electromagnetically controlled in the headlight on ordered optical lenses.

US 5,438,486 describes a shape changeable lens for use in car headlights, which consist of a transparent, disc-like hollow body exists, whose one flat side is formed of an elastic material. The hollow body is filled with a likewise transparent liquid, so that the one side of elastic material with increase of the liquid pressure convex and thus the focal length of the lens is changed to the out switch between illuminated areas between dipped beam and main beam. in inside the lens can throttle or interconnected A be arranged to a displacement of the liquid during the To prevent acceleration. As a light source is a conventional glow selected lamps / reflector arrangement.

From DE 196 48 620 A1 is a lighting system with a by changes Change the fluid pressure changeable lens to adjust the lighting field known. Here is by means of a light bulb / concave mirror / lens-An Both a continuously variable. Illuminating cone as well as a Influencing the shape of the light cone of the illumination system allows.

From US 5,774,273 are for finer adjustment of the shape and distribution of the lighting field for lighting systems in theaters fields of after described above working principle flexible lenses. Here are respective cavities, each associated with a lens, by a Honeycomb structure formed over the as a flexible transparent material a meme bran is curious. All cavities or individual cavity groups are flui  in connection with each other, so that when pressurized all Lentils or the specific groups of lenses are domed similar. In addition to round or hexagonal lenses and cylindrical lenses are called. Here, too, all lenses are replaced by a common incandescent / reflector Radiated arrangement.

In DE 36 28 421 A1 a headlight for motor vehicles is described in for influencing the shape of the light beam reaching the roadway an incandescent lamp with a reflector, one in the focal point of the reflector festste rear aperture and a displaceable along the optical axis nachgeschal tete lens are provided.

All previously described headlamps have in common that a parabolic mirror or the like is used as a reflector by the light bulb produced light to obtain a parallel light beam, which by the nachge switched lens or the downstream lens system is affected. this has However, on the one hand the disadvantage that even with geometrically ideal shape of the Mirror not all beams are parallel, because the light source, here the lamps helix, is not punctiform, but has a finite extent. Wei ter there are the disadvantages that the production of the mirror is expensive and the mounted headlight in relation to its size, d. H. Light area, has a relatively large depth.

The use of light emitting diode fields as a tail light allows a flat design, but is not suitable as a headlight. The production of such a light emitting diode array is described in the article by T. Ashley et al. "Optical Concen trators for Light Emitting Diodes", SPIE, Vol. 3289 ( 1998 ), pages 43 to 50 described be.

From the generic DE 42 28 895 A1 is a lighting device known for vehicles, with a variety of semiconductor light sources. Every half Headlight source is provided with a transparent cover, op associated with elements of the table by which the semiconductor light sources radiated light is affected. In particular, the optical elements serve for diffraction of light.

The invention is based on the object, a simple to produce bill Specify a projector with a controllable light control system.  

This object is achieved erfindunsgemäß by a headlight according to the patent claim 1 . Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent subclaims.

The headlamp according to the invention comprises a field of n individual light emitters on, with each light emitter exactly one or more optical light steering  be associated with elements of each of the associated light mitter emitted light beam by preferably their Brenn wide or relative position with respect to the emitter is adjustable, or by Change in the refraction of the deflection angle is adjustable. By such before preferably liquid-controlled or by piezo or electromagnetically ge preferably controlled micro-optical elements, preferably before each Can individually control individual light emitter, a desired lighting be generated because the generation of parallel beams and a ge wished lighting field no longer on a combination of an annealing helix or a light emitter with a parabolic mirror and a lens or Lens group is based, but on n in a field arranged single emitters each with an upstream lens or lens group. In addition to the optical Lichtlenkungselementes can change the relative position of the Lichtlen kung element to the individual light emitter of the individual light emitter itself by min least one actuator can be adjusted.

According to the invention, similar to the prior art by means of the pressure of a fluid changeable lenses before a headlamp leveling Not only the low beam and high beam functions are available provides, but also a continuous horizontal headlamp leveling made possible light. Next is preferably by means of two additional, by the pressure ei Fes variable lens fluid a Leuchtbreiten- and / or Seitenausleuch adjustment, which is also infinitely adjustable in order to Example when cornering a forward-looking illumination of the road receive.

Alternatively to the variable by the pressure of a fluid lenses can switchable by a fluid from refraction to transmission according to the invention Prisms or actuators displaceable optical elements, preferably one Actuators slidable lens fixed focal length can be provided.

Be as a single light emitter, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), niedermoleku used lare or polymeric OLEDs or VCSELs, so according to the invention a Single-emitter based headlamp with a controllable light-guiding system realized in a flat design.

Preferably, the headlight according to the invention as a motor vehicle license used throwers. The inventive arrangement of a respective ver  adjustable optical light guide element in front of each individual light emitter also achieved sufficient illumination for this case.

The preferred embodiments of the invention can be to achieve a combination of desired functions combined or under be exchanged with each other.

The invention is based on schematic drawings Further basis of exemplary preferred embodiments erläu tert. Show it:

Fig. 1 is provided with three lenses per individual light emitter Lichtlen signaling system according to a first embodiment of the inven tion.

FIG. 2 shows different light-guiding functions of the light-guiding system illustrated in FIG .

Fig. 3 shows the principle of operation of the filling system of a lens array.

Fig. 4, the filling system of a lens array to the side illumination or luminous width regulation.

Fig. 5 shows a possible assignment of the filling channels shown in Fig. 4 and adapted thereto according to the Fig. 1 designed lenses to the individual light emitters.

Fig. 6 shows a light steering system with prisms and lenses according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows different light-guiding functions of the light-guiding system shown in FIG. 6.

Fig. 8 shows the assignment of filling channels and individual prisms and lenses to the individual light emitters for the light guidance system shown in FIG. 6.

Fig. 9 shows a headlamp light control function of a steering system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 light control functions of a light control system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a plan gent to a portion of the intel shown in Fig. 10 light control system.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS . 1 to 5, an inventive Lichtlen kungssystem described for a headlamp according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention, in which each individual light emitter 4 a field of n individual light emitters are assigned by the pressure of a fluid variable lenses, namely a first fillable lens 3 for near and high beam, ie for stu fenlosen headlamp leveling, and two second with respect to the field of the single light emitter 4 and the first lens 3 with half pitch, ie in the hori zontal dimension in half grid, arranged second lenses 2 L, 2 R for stepless side lighting to the left or to right or for stepless beam width regulation.

In the illustrated case, the individual light emitter 4 are arranged on a common sub strate 5 and each provided with a reflector 1 . About each re reflector 1 are two second lenses 2 L, 2 R and about a first lens 3 angeord net. In the upper part of Fig. 1 are unfilled first lens 3 and filled two te lenses 2 L, 2 R shown, ie, that a respective emanating from a single light emitter beam 4 through the front disposed thereon first lens 3 and the arranged there before 2 L lenses , 2 R is affected. In the lower part of Fig. 1 it is shown that the respective first lenses 3 are also filled with a fluid.

Due to the arrangement according to the invention exactly one lens group to each Single emitter of a field of n single emitters, the beam alignment in Comparison with the described prior art due to the reduced Image errors made more precise. It is further through the use of a Fel  of n single light emitters additionally possible, a flat headlight build.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a Einzelellichtemit ter shown in FIG. 1 ter 4 as an outgoing of this light beam from a respective first lens 3 or second lens 2 L, 2 R is affected. In the upper left part of Fig. 2, the case is shown that neither the first lens 3 nor a second lens 2 L, 2 R are pressurized. Therefore, the light rays radiated from the single light emitter 4 and reflected by the associated reflector 1 are unaffected by the lenses 3 , 2 L, 2 R variable by the pressure of a fluid, and radiated substantially as a parallel light beam.

In the upper right part of Fig. 2 it is shown that the light emitted from the Einzell light emitter 4 via the reflector 1 parallel light beams are bundled by a filled first lens 3 . Depending on the fluid pressure, the curvature of the lens surface of the first lens 3 changes , as a result of which the focal point can be displaced, ie, the luminous range can be variably regulated. The second lenses 2 L, 2 R are again not filled, so they do not affect the beam.

In the lower part of Fig. 2, a pressurized second lens 2 L is shown on the left, which is arranged on the left above the individual light emitter 4 , and right a pressurized second lens 2 R, which is arranged on the right light emitter above the Einzell. The respective other two lenses are not filled ge, which in turn does not affect the beam path. It is known to him that a filled second lens 2 L the generated light beam to the left and a filled second lens 2 R deflect the generated light beam to the right ken or widen. In this way, a directed side illumination or in the case that both second lenses 2 L, 2 R are filled, depending on the fluid pressure, any headlight range adjustment can be made. Of course, the degree of side illumination on the filling pressure is determined bar.

Fig. 3 shows the example of the first lens 3, the structure of the invention He used by the pressure of a fluid variable lenses. The headlamp leveling system shown here consists of two thin plastic plates internally provided with channels for fluid control. The surface containing the lenses 3 may be made of, for example, a stretchable silicone polymer as a membrane. For this purpose, a stretchable silicone polymer with a transparent thin solid polymer plate 3 a is connected, the round openings containing the spherical lenses ent speaking diameters and pitch. This creates a transparent membrane field. Due to the closed connection of the Membranenfel with a solid polymer plate 3 b, the targeted change in the overpressure allows a change in the focal length of the lens array due to the difference in the extensibility between the areas of the round Öffnun gene of the membrane field, ie the lenses 3 , and the areas between them ,

In the upper part of Fig. 3 it is shown how the field consisting of single lenses 3 is subjected to an equilibrium pressure P _0, which causes no curvature of the lenses 3 . The lower part of Fig. 3 shows an application of a necessary for the curvature of the lenses 3 overpressure P. Depending on the strength of the overpressure P, the curvature of the lenses 3 of the Membra nenfeldes and thus their focus, ie light range, are determined.

Referring to Fig. 4 is described using the example of the second lens 2 L, 2 R for headlamp leveling, as well as cylindrical lens fields can be used in place of the spherical lens fields described with reference to FIG .

To produce such cylindrical lens fields with lenses 2 L, 2 R, a non-structured stretchable film is glued over a transparent, thin, solid, provided with channels L, R polymer plate directly to the upper edges of liq sigkeitskanäle L, R. These edges replace the non-stretchable surfaces of the spherical fields shown in FIG .

Fig. 4 shows an example of a two channels L, R provided Polymerplat te 2 b, both channels L, R in the polymer plate 2 ends b, ie in each case have only one open end. The channels L, R are each designed so that they lie next to each other in the longitudinal direction alternately, ie in their transverse direction z. B. the order L, R, L, R is formed.

Fig. 5 diagrammatically shows the assignment of in Fig. 4 len Kanae shown in the channeled polymer sheet b 2 to the individual light emitters 4, wherein the polymer sheet b 2 is only shown as a section. It can be seen that each individual light emitter 4, two channels L, R in the polymer plate 2 b are arranged supplied.

As an alternative to directly adhering the stretchable film to the edges of the channels, instead of the cylindrical lens array, a spherical lens array may be placed over the channels, as also shown in FIG . The production of this spherical lens array is analogous to the pro duction of the first lenses 3 , but ensprechend the channels half the pitch is used, since by means of the second lens 2 L, 2 R side illumination or luminous width regulation is made, so - as previously be - written two second lenses 2 L, 2 R are arranged in front of a single light emitter 4 , ie, a second lens for each arranged over a single light emitter 4 channel L, R.

Fig. 6 shows a second Ausführunsform according to the invention, in which, in contrast to the above-described first embodiment of the invention, the second lens 2 L, 2 R, which divert the obliquely to the radiation direction of the entire emitter field rays even more laterally, ie on the two independent channel systems to fulfill the function of Seitenbeleuch tion, as an independent activation of the left and / or right lens system of the second lens 2 L. 2R is enabled by a solid Pris menfeld with a prism 7 with two Abblendflächen per individual light emitter 4 he sets is, wherein the prisms 7 are within a fillable with an immersion liquid hollow plate having for each prism 2 each abutting a deflection surface filling channels 6 . A respective prism 7 is arranged so that incident light beams when filling both Befül development channels 6 are transmitted without interference due to the transmission, in the case of a respective unfilled filling channel 6, however, the passing through the part of the prism 7 rays on the unfilled Be Filling channel 6 is deflected by refraction.

In Fig. 6 it is shown that the dipped and high beam functions, ie the headlamp leveling, which is realized in the first Ausführunsform according to the invention by an additional field of first lenses 3 , in the upper part of FIG. 6 without overpressure and in the lower part Fig. 6 are filled with pressure.

FIG. 7 shows, analogously to FIG. 2, the light-guiding function for the second embodiment according to the invention. In the upper left part of an over-pressure-filled first lens 3 and filled filling channels 6 is shown, whereby the generated by means of Einzellichtemitters 4 and the reflector 1 parallel rays pass through without interference from the prism 7 and the first lens 3 out. In the upper right part of a bundling of the generated paralle len beams is achieved by the pressurized first lens 3 .

The lower part shows left side deflection to the left and right side deflection to the right by a respective Entlehrung the left adjacent to the left Ablendfläche of the prism 7 and right to the right Ab lendfläche of the prism 7 adjacent filling channel. 6 By the Entleh tion of both filling channels is a defined beam expansion.

Fig. 8 shows a field of 3 x 3 individual light emitters 4, the respective voltage Assign a prism 7 with two filling channels 6 into a single light emitter 4. Next, a field of 3 × 3 first lenses 3 for the Ablend- and high beam function is shown for the headlamp leveling, of which each one first lens 3 is located above a single light emitter 4 .

For the high and low beam function of a third embodiment, a prism array with prisms 8 and filling channels may alternatively according to the invention are employed 9, per individual emitters 4 exactly one Pris ma allocates 8, by about 90 ° with respect to the in the Fig. 4 prisms shown is rotated to 7 Leuchtbreiten- or side illumination control, as shown in FIG. 9 in its lower part. The upper part of Fig. 9, the deflection of the end of a single emitter 4 beam is down shown by a single prism 8 for the case that, in the at a Ablendflä of the individual prism surface 8 adjoining filling duct 9 no Immersionsflüs is sigkeit present. In the case of filling the filling channel 9 with an immersion liquid, the light beam generated by the individual light emitter 4 is not deflected downwards. Alternatively, this embodiment can be used for headlamp leveling in two stages, for example to adapt to the loading condition.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described according to which, unlike the first to third embodiments described above, the light steering is done by a field of n optical slidable elements displaced by actuators.

Optical Lichtlenkungslemente turn lenses or from refraction on Transmission be switchable prisms. As actuators piezoelectric, electromagnetically or electrostatically driven actuators use fin the.

Fig. 10 shows in its upper part, an arrangement is arranged in which a lens 10 with a fixed curvature above a single light emitter 4 and through one or more first actuators 11 in z-direction and second actuators 14 in x- and y-direction can be adjusted. The attached to a support ring 12 lens 10 is compared to a parallel to the field of individual light emitters 4 arranged support plate 13 in the x and y directions of the Ak gates 14 moves while the support plate 13 by the first actuators 11 in Z-. Direction is being moved. It is also conceivable to use lenses whose focal length can be changed by, for example, compressive or tensile stress, if necessary by means of additional actuators.

Here, for the dimming or high beam function, the microlenses 10 are shifted with fe-th curvature in the direction of the optical axis of the exiting light beam of the single emitter, ie along the z-axis. For the curve light function or the side illumination, the lens 10 is horizontally displaced in the ge desired direction (x-axis). For an existing in addition to the low beam or high beam function headlight range control z. B. for adapting ei nes vehicle to different loading conditions, the lens is moved in verti ler direction (y-axis). Alternatively, both functions can also be achieved in that for a lens 10 actuators 11 for the z-shift shift are present, which are driven to different degrees. Since by results in a tilting of the lens 10 , which can also be used as cornering light or for headlamp leveling. This tilt can also be combined with a shift in the x-direction or y-direction, so as to reinforce the effect of the respective lateral deflection even more.

Advantageously, the optical elements can be moved independently of each other be, with the displacement along only the y, z or x-axis or in be given all three spatial directions.  

Fig. 11 shows a plan view of a part in Fig. 10 the fourth embodiment shown according to the invention, in which the two actuators 14 are shown for the x and y directions with an offset of 90 °. Accordingly, the actuators 14 opposite two resilient elements 15 are arranged.

In addition to an adjustment of the optical light-guiding element by actuators it is also possible, the individual light emitter by at least one actuator relative to adjust the optical light-guiding element. As light-guiding elements may be the Lichtlenkungsele previously described in the embodiments be used. Likewise, a light-guiding element also a before preferably micro-optical lens fixed or variable focal length. The Ver The adjustability of the individual light emitter is preferably along the optical axis and / or along one or both directions perpendicular thereto. The single cell light emitter itself or one or more individual light emitter having Arrangement, which may include, for example, the one or more reflectors is adjustable for this purpose. For simultaneous adjustment of several Lichtlenkungsele These elements and / or individual light emitters can be mechanically coupled to them.

All four described embodiments may be to achieve a combi nation desired functions are combined.

As a single emitter, for example, LEDs, low molecular weight or polymeric OLEDs, VCSELs are used, where as optical elements microlenses or microprisms find use.

Of course, other optical elements with corresponding properties used, for example, is a replacement of the refractive elements by dif fractile elements, such as gratings, conceivable.

According to the invention is thus a field of n optical for a headlight Light guide elements for the headlamp leveling or dimming and High beam function, a field of 2n optical light guide elements for Brightness and / or side illumination regulation or a field of n Actuators sliding optical elements for simultaneous fulfillment both functions in a field of n individual light emitters provided, wherein the optical light-guiding elements in the first two cases by  Pressure of a fluid changeable lens or by a fluid of refraction on transmission switchable prisms (a prism with m Abblendflächen ent speaks m Lichtlenkungselementen) and in the third case by actuators ver consist of sliding optical elements with fixed properties.

Claims (13)

1. Headlamp with a number of individual light emitters, wherein the individual light emitters are arranged in a field and before each individual light emitter ( 4 ) at least one optical light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R, 10 ) is provided, characterized in that the light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R, 10 ) and / or the individual light emitter ( 4 ) for influencing a respective one of the associated individual light emitter ( 4 ) emitted light beam are adjustable. 2. Headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that an opti cal light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R, 10 ) influences a light beam by the focal length of the light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R) and / or the relative position of the light-guiding element ( 10 ) is adjusted to the single-light emitter ( 4 ) and / or the deflection angle is changed by refraction of the light-directing element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R; 7 ; 8 ). 3. Headlight according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in front of each individual light emitter ( 4 ) a first optical element ( 3 ) is arranged for Leuchtwei tenregulierung. 4. Headlight according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that in front of each individual light emitter ( 4 ) two second optical light-guiding elements ( 2 L, 2 R) for regulating the horizontal illumination width and / or the horizontal side illumination of the headlamp are arranged. 5. Headlamp according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a first and / or second optical light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R) is a point visually adjustable focal length lens. 6. Headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that a first and / or second optical light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R) is an adjustable by the pressure of a fluid lens. 7. Headlight according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a first or second optical light-guiding element ( 3 , 2 L, 2 R) has a prism which can be brought into contact with an immersion liquid to adjust its transmission. 8. Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before each individual light emitter ( 4 ) a third optical Lichtlen kung element ( 10 ) for headlamp leveling and horizontal light width and / or side illumination regulation is arranged. 9. Headlight according to claim 8, characterized in that the third optical light-guiding element ( 10 ) by actuators ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) is adjustable ver lens. 10. Headlight according to claim 9, characterized in that the one cell light emitter ( 4 ) by at least one actuator element relative to Lichtlenkungsele ( 10 ) is adjustable. 11. Headlight according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the or the actuators ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) are arranged adjustable in the direction of the optical axis and / or in the directions perpendicular thereto. 12. Headlight according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that at least a portion of the adjustable light guide elements ( 10 ) or at least a portion of the adjustable single light emitter ( 4 ) are each mechanically coupled ge. 13. Use of a headlamp according to one of the preceding claims as a motor vehicle headlight.