EP0890785B1 - Vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Vehicle headlights Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0890785B1
EP0890785B1 EP98112725A EP98112725A EP0890785B1 EP 0890785 B1 EP0890785 B1 EP 0890785B1 EP 98112725 A EP98112725 A EP 98112725A EP 98112725 A EP98112725 A EP 98112725A EP 0890785 B1 EP0890785 B1 EP 0890785B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
reflector
headlight
lens
profiles
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98112725A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0890785A3 (en
EP0890785A2 (en
Inventor
Karl-Otto Dobler
Kurt Schuster
Juergen Dr. Wulf
Andreas Schien
Klaus Nagel
Doris Boebel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Marelli Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19814478A external-priority patent/DE19814478A1/en
Application filed by Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH filed Critical Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
Publication of EP0890785A2 publication Critical patent/EP0890785A2/en
Publication of EP0890785A3 publication Critical patent/EP0890785A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0890785B1 publication Critical patent/EP0890785B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/28—Cover glass
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a headlamp for vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a headlamp is known from US 1,393,573.
  • a projection type vehicle headlamp comprising a reflector, a light source and a lens.
  • an annular translucent element is arranged around the lens, into which light is coupled via an outer peripheral surface by means of separate light sources, which returns to the front in the light exit direction of the element by means of coupling optics arranged in the element via an end face of the element Headlamps is decoupled.
  • a headlight for vehicles which has a reflector, a light source and a lens through which light reflected by the reflector passes.
  • the headlamp on the lens surrounding at least a portion of its circumference translucent element through which light emitted by the light source, which is not detectable by the reflector, can pass through and is collected.
  • the element has for this purpose prisms, is deflected by the passing light.
  • the headlamp according to the invention with the features according to claim 1 has the advantage over the type that can be applied to the profiles in a simple manner, a coating without the entire surface of the light-transmissive element is covered by the coating.
  • the at least partially reflecting layer it is achieved that the headlamp has a brilliant appearance when switched off, although sufficient illumination of the area around the lens is achieved by the light-collecting effect of the Fresnel lens despite the partial shielding of the light having passed through the element becomes.
  • the development according to claim 7, the distribution of the light passing through the element can be influenced.
  • a headlight for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 is preferably constructed according to the projection principle and serves to generate at least the low beam.
  • the headlight has a reflector 10 made of plastic or metal, in which in the apex region of a light source 12 is used.
  • the light source 12 may be an incandescent lamp, a gas discharge lamp or another suitable lamp.
  • a lens 16 made of glass or plastic Seen in the light exit direction 14 after the reflector 10, a lens 16 made of glass or plastic is arranged, which may have, for example, a reflector 10 facing the flat side 18 and opposite a convex curved side 20.
  • the lens 16 is held in a support element 22 which may be connected to the front edge 24 of the reflector 10 pointing in the light exit direction 14.
  • the reflector 10 and the lens 16 may be arranged in a housing 15 having a light exit opening, which is covered with a translucent disc 17 made of glass or plastic.
  • the cover 17 may be smooth, so that uninfluenced by this light passes or alternatively at least partially have optical elements, is deflected by the passing light, for example, scattered.
  • the reflector 10 Through the reflector 10, light emitted by the light source 12 is reflected as a convergent light beam which passes through the lens 16 and is thereby deflected.
  • the lens 16 acts as a converging lens and through this the light passing through is refracted towards the optical axis 11 of the reflector 10.
  • the reflector 10 may, for example, have an at least approximately ellipsoidal shape, an ellipsoid-like shape or a numerically determined shape derived from the characteristic of the light beam to be reflected by the reflector 10.
  • an opaque aperture 26 may be provided which is disposed substantially below the optical axis 11 and on which only a portion of the light beam reflected by the reflector 10 can pass.
  • the light beam passing past the diaphragm 26 receives a light-dark boundary determined by the upper edge of the diaphragm 26, which is imaged by the lens 16 as the bright-dark boundary of the low-beam beam emerging from the headlight.
  • the aperture 26 may also be omitted if the shape of the reflector 10 is determined such that the light beam reflected by it already has the required light-dark boundary, which is imaged by the lens 16.
  • the reflector 10 has a cross section Q1 at its front edge 24 and the lens 16 has a smaller cross section Q2 with respect to this cross section Q1.
  • the support element 22 may have one or more webs 28, which extend from the front edge 24 of the reflector 10 to close to the lens 16, where they are interconnected, for example, by an annular portion 30 may be in which the lens 16 is held with its edge. Between the webs 28 remain openings 32, can pass through the emitted light from the light source 12, which can not be detected by the reflector 10.
  • the webs 28 are preferably formed as narrow as possible in order to obtain large openings 32 between them, so that a correspondingly large part of the light emitted by the light source 12 can pass through them.
  • At least one element 40 surrounding the lens 16 on at least part of its circumference is provided, which is shown in different embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • the element 40 is made of translucent material such as glass or plastic.
  • the element 40 is formed at least in regions, preferably over its entire extension, as a Fresnel lens and in this case has a plurality of annular at least approximately concentric optically active profiles 42. As is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the optical profiles 42 can be arranged on the side of the element 40 facing the reflector 10 or else on the side of the element 40 which faces away from the reflector 10 and points in the light exit direction 14.
  • the optical profiles 42 are, for example, wedge-shaped formed and by this light passing through the element 40 light is deflected toward the optical axis 11 and thus collected.
  • the optical profiles 42 may, for example, be formed such that light emitted by the light source 12 after passing through it extends approximately parallel to the optical axis 11.
  • the element 40 can be arranged as shown in Figure 1 such that it has approximately the same distance from the reflector 10 in the direction of the optical axis 11 as the lens 16. Alternatively, the element 40, however, in the direction of the optical axis 11 a different distance from Reflector 10 may be arranged as the lens 16 and thus offset from the lens 16.
  • the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens are arranged on the side of the element 40 facing the reflector 10.
  • the element 40 has an opening 41 for the passage of the lens 16.
  • the element 40 is formed substantially flat and formed on its side facing the light exit direction 14 side substantially smooth.
  • the profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens can also be arranged on the side facing the light exit direction 14 side of the element 40, in which case the reflector 10 facing side of the element 40 is formed substantially smooth.
  • an at least partially reflective coating 44 is applied on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 at least in regions.
  • the coating 44 may be designed so that it is opaque, which is then only partially disposed on the element 40, to allow a partial passage of the light emitted from the light source 12.
  • the coating 44 can be designed in the form of lines or rings. From the outside of the coating 44 striking light is reflected by this.
  • the coating 44 may also be designed such that it is partially translucent and partially reflective. In this case, the entire surface of the element 40 may be covered by the coating 44 or even only part of its surface. In this case, light emitted by the light source 12 can partially pass through the coating 44 while on the outside Coating 44 incident light is partially reflected.
  • the element 40 is arranged approximately at the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16.
  • the coating 44 is preferably made of metal, for example aluminum, and can be applied to the element 40 by means of known methods, for example by means of vapor deposition, sputtering, painting, printing or Shape.
  • the light transmission of the coating 44 can be varied by its thickness, the light transmission decreases with increasing thickness. In order to achieve a partial light transmission of the coating 44, this is thus carried out with a small thickness while it is designed to achieve a high degree of reflection with a correspondingly greater thickness.
  • the element 40 is shown according to a second embodiment, in which the element 40 deviating from the first embodiment is not flat but concave curved.
  • the element 40 in turn has the opening 41 for the passage of the lens 16, wherein the element 40 in the region of its opening 41 approximately the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 and extending from the lens 16 further in the light exit direction 14.
  • the amount of curvature of the element 40 can be selected according to the space in the headlamp and the desired appearance of the headlamp.
  • the element 40 has, on its side facing the reflector 10, the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens and profiles raised at its side pointing in the light exit direction 14.
  • the profiles 46 may be formed, for example, approximately rectangular and have in the light exit direction 14 facing sides with flats 48.
  • a coating 44 may be applied, preferably on the in the light exit direction 14 facing flats 48 of the profiles 46 of the element 40 may be applied, while lying between the profiles 46 areas of the element 40 have no coating 44.
  • the coating 44 may in turn be reflective or partially reflective and partially translucent as in the first embodiment and applied as indicated therein.
  • the profiles 46 can of course also be provided in the planar element 40 according to the first embodiment, and the concavely curved element 40 according to the second embodiment can also be made smooth, ie without the profiles 46.
  • the element 40 is shown according to a third embodiment in which this is deviating convexly curved to the second embodiment, the rest of the formation of the element 40 is described the same as in the second embodiment.
  • the element 40 has in the region of its opening 41 for the lens 16 again about the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 and extends from the lens 16 against light exit direction 14. Again, the curvature of the element 40 can be chosen such that a desired appearance of the headlamp is achieved when viewing from the outside.
  • the element 40 may deviate from the embodiments described above also be formed approximately frusto-conical. In this case, the element 40 may be formed such that its cross-section, starting from the lens 16 in the light exit direction 14 or against the light exit direction 14 increases.
  • the element 40 according to the above-described first to third embodiments is shown in FIG a view opposite light exit direction 14 shown.
  • the lens 16 has a round cross section and the element 40 surrounds the lens 16 over its entire circumference and is annular.
  • the element 40 has the approximately round opening 41 for the lens 16 and an approximately round outer shape, but this can also be selected, for example, oval or angular. It can also be provided that the element 40 surrounds the lens 16 only on a part of its circumference and, for example, is arranged only laterally next to the lens 16 or only above and / or below the lens 16.
  • the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 has, over its entire surface, the profiles 46 which run as rings which are at least approximately concentric with one another.
  • the light passing through the element 40 is substantially not deflected. Deviating from the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the profiles 46 can also run in any other way, for example straight or curved.
  • the light passing through the element 40 causes illumination of the element 40, so that the illuminated surface of the headlight is enlarged relative to the surface of the lens 16.
  • the light passing through the element 40 also forms a light bundle in addition to the light beam passing through the lens 16, through which the actual low-beam light distribution is generated.
  • incident light is at least partially reflected by the coating 44 so that the element 40 appears at least approximately brilliant or reflective like a reflector. If the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens are arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14, then the coating 44 can also be applied thereto.
  • the element 40 is shown according to a fourth embodiment, in which this is formed substantially flat as in the first embodiment.
  • the element 40 has, on its side facing the reflector 10, the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens and on its side pointing in the light exit direction 14 profiles 56 which are wedge-shaped and at its in the light exit direction 14 facing sides as shown in Figure 6 enlarged flats 58 have.
  • the coating 44 is applied, which in turn is designed to be reflective or partially reflective and partially translucent.
  • the coating 44 can be applied in a simple manner, for example by a printing or embossing process on the flats 58, without additional effort such as covers or the like, the areas between the flats 58 no coating 44th receive.
  • the wedge-shaped formation of the profiles 56 deflects light passing through them, the arrangement and formation of the profiles 56 being such that this deflection of the light passing through takes place in a predetermined strength and in predetermined directions.
  • the above-described configuration of the wedge-shaped profiles 56 can also be provided in a curved as in the second or third embodiment, element 40.
  • the profiles 42 forming the Fresnel lens can also be arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 and provided with the flats onto which the coating 44 is applied.
  • the element 40 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is shown in a view opposite to the light exit direction 14.
  • the element 40 surrounds In this case, the lens 16, which has a round cross section, over its entire circumference and also has at least approximately a round cross section.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the element 40 may also differ from a round shape and be for example oval or rectangular.
  • the profiles 56 arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 and designed as explained above run in a line-shaped and substantially horizontal manner in the embodiment of the element 40 shown in FIG. Through the profiles 56, light passing through the element 40 is deflected downwards. This formation of the profiles 56 prevents light passing through the element 40 from causing excessive glare by extending above the light-dark boundary of the actual low-beam beam passing through the lens 16.
  • the element 40 is shown in a view opposite light exit direction 14 according to a modified embodiment, in which the profiles 56 are linear and substantially vertical. Through the profiles 56 light passing through the element 40 is thereby deflected in the horizontal direction and thus scattered in the horizontal direction. This reduces the glare caused by the light passing through the element 40 and also provides better visibility of the headlamp from lateral directions.
  • FIG. 9 shows the headlight according to a fifth exemplary embodiment, in which the basic construction of the headlight is the same as in the exemplary embodiments described above, but unlike the latter, the coating 44 is not applied to the element 40. It is arranged in the light exit direction 14 after the element 40 translucent disc 60th provided that surrounds the lens 16 at least on a part of its circumference. However, light passing through the lens 16 does not pass through the disc 60, and the disc 60 has an opening 62 for unimpeded passage of the light having passed through the lens 16.
  • the disk 60 is formed so as to extend over at least a portion of the optical path of the light transmitted through the element 40 or over the entire optical path thereof.
  • the coating 44 is applied at least to a region of the side of the pane 60 which faces in the light exit direction 14 and is designed to be at least partially reflecting.
  • the coating 44 may be arranged in the form of rings or lines on the disc 60 as in the embodiments described above, or as a partially transparent coating.
  • the disc 60 may be formed smooth or have at least on one side at least partially profiles that may also be formed such that it is deflected by passing light, the coating 44 may be applied to the profiles.
  • the disk 60 may be flat as shown in Figure 9, but alternatively also concave or convexly curved or approximately conical.
  • the disk 60 may have in the direction of the optical axis 11 about the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 or a different distance than the lens 16 and thus arranged offset to this.
  • the design of the headlamp according to the fifth embodiment makes it possible in particular to arrange the element 40 closer to the lens 16 on the reflector 10 and to arrange the disk 60 in the region of the lens 16 or at a greater distance from the reflector 10 between the lens 16 and the cover 17 whereby the appearance of the headlight can be improved because the coating 44 of the disc 60 is clearly visible from the outside when viewing the headlight.
  • At least one additional reflector 70 is arranged between the reflector 10, precisely its front edge pointing in the light exit direction 14, and the element 40.
  • the additional reflector 70 extends over at least a part of the circumference of the reflector 10, for example over approximately the same circumference as the element 40.
  • the additional reflector 70 reflects a part of the light emitted by the light source 12 that can not be detected by the reflector 10 in such a way that this light at least partially passes through the element 40.
  • the additional reflector 70 may, for example, be formed annularly around the front edge of the reflector 10.
  • the additional reflector 70 may be formed in the optical axis 11 containing axial longitudinal sections flat or in any way concave or convex curved.
  • the additional reflector 70 may be integrally formed with the reflector 10 or held on this as a separate part.
  • the additional reflector 70 may also be held, for example, on the support element 22 or in any other way.
  • light emitted directly by the light source 12 can pass through the element 40, which light can not be detected by the additional reflector 70.
  • At least one auxiliary reflector 70 configured as described above can also be provided in the headlamp according to the first to fourth embodiments.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Scheinwerfer für Fahrzeuge nach der Gattung des Anspruchs 1. Ein solcher Scheinwerfer ist aus der US 1,393,573 bekannt.The invention relates to a headlamp for vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a headlamp is known from US 1,393,573.

Aus der US 4,949,226 ist ein Fahrzeugscheinwerfer vom Projektionstyp bekannt, der einen Reflektor, eine Lichtquelle und eine Linse aufweist. Um den Scheinwerfer größer erscheinen zu lassen, wird um die Linse herum ein ringförmiges lichtdurchlässiges Element angeordnet, in welches über eine äußere Umfangsfläche mittels separater Lichtquellen Licht eingekoppelt wird, das mittels in dem Element angeordneter Auskoppeloptiken über eine Stirnfläche des Elements wieder nach vorne in Lichtaustrittsrichtung des Scheinwerfers ausgekoppelt wird.From US 4,949,226 a projection type vehicle headlamp is known comprising a reflector, a light source and a lens. In order to make the headlamp appear larger, an annular translucent element is arranged around the lens, into which light is coupled via an outer peripheral surface by means of separate light sources, which returns to the front in the light exit direction of the element by means of coupling optics arranged in the element via an end face of the element Headlamps is decoupled.

Aus der DE 32 18 703 Al ist ein Scheinwerfer für Fahrzeuge bekannt, der einen Reflektor, eine Lichtquelle und eine Linse aufweist, durch die vom Reflektor reflektiertes Licht hindurchtritt. Außerdem weist der Scheinwerfer ein die Linse zumindest auf einem Teil ihres Umfangs umgebendes lichtdurchlässiges Element auf, durch das von der Lichtquelle ausgesandtes Licht, das nicht vom Reflektor erfassbar ist, hindurchtreten kann und gesammelt wird. Das Element weist hierzu Prismen auf, durch die hindurchtretendes Licht abgelenkt wird. Durch diese Ausbildung des Elements erscheint bei eingeschalteter Lichtquelle die leuchtende Fläche des Scheinwerfers gegenüber der Fläche der Linse vergrößert, so dass durch den Scheinwerfer keine oder nur eine geringe subjektive Blendung verursacht wird. Bei ausgeschalteter Lichtquelle erscheint das Element dunkel und der Scheinwerfer weist ein unerwünschtes uneinheitliches Erscheinungsbild auf. Durch die Prismen des Elements kann außerdem nur ein Teil des durch das Element hindurchtretenden Lichts erfasst werden.From DE 32 18 703 Al a headlight for vehicles is known, which has a reflector, a light source and a lens through which light reflected by the reflector passes. In addition, the headlamp on the lens surrounding at least a portion of its circumference translucent element through which light emitted by the light source, which is not detectable by the reflector, can pass through and is collected. The element has for this purpose prisms, is deflected by the passing light. As a result of this design of the element, when the light source is switched on, the illuminating surface of the headlight relative to the surface of the lens increases, so that no or only slight subjective glare is caused by the headlight. When the light source is off, the item appears dark and the spotlight has an undesirable inconsistent appearance. In addition, only part of the light passing through the element can be detected by the prisms of the element.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Der erfindungsgemäße Scheinwerfer mit den Merkmalen gemäss dem Anspruch 1 hat gegenüber der Gattung den Vorteil, die dass auf die Profile in einfacher Weise eine Beschichtung aufgebracht werden kann, ohne dass die gesamte Fläche des lichtdurchlässigen Elements von der Beschichtung bedeckt wird. Durch die wenigstens teilweise reflektierende Schicht wird erreicht, dass der Scheinwerfer in ausgeschaltetem Zustand ein brillantes Erscheinungsbild aufweist, wobei durch die lichtsammelnde Wirkung der Fresnellinse trotz der teilweisen Abschirmung des durch das Element hindurchgetretenen Lichts durch die Schicht dennoch eine ausreichende Beleuchtung des Bereichs um die Linse erreicht wird.The headlamp according to the invention with the features according to claim 1 has the advantage over the type that can be applied to the profiles in a simple manner, a coating without the entire surface of the light-transmissive element is covered by the coating. As a result of the at least partially reflecting layer, it is achieved that the headlamp has a brilliant appearance when switched off, although sufficient illumination of the area around the lens is achieved by the light-collecting effect of the Fresnel lens despite the partial shielding of the light having passed through the element becomes.

In den abhängigen Ansprüchen sind vorteilhafteIn the dependent claims are advantageous

Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfers angegeben. Durch die Weiterbildung gemäss Anspruch 7 kann die Verteilung des durch das Element hindurchtretenden Lichts beeinflusst werden.Embodiments and developments of the headlamp according to the invention specified. The development according to claim 7, the distribution of the light passing through the element can be influenced.

Zeichnungdrawing

Mehrere Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Figur 1
einen Scheinwerfer in einem vertikalen Längsschnitt gemäss einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, das aber kein Teil der Erfündung ist.
Figur 2
ausschnittsweise den Scheinwerfer in einem vertikalen Längsschnitt gemäss einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,
Figur 3
ausschnittsweise den Scheinwerfer in einem vertikalen Längsschnitt gemäss einem
dritten Ausführungsbeispiel, Figur 4 eine Ansicht des Scheinwerfers in Pfeilrichtung IV in Figur 3, Figur 5 ausschnittsweise den Scheinwerfer in einem vertikalen Längsschnitt gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel, Figur 6 einen mit V bezeichneten Ausschnitt des Scheinwerfers von Figur 5, Figur 7 eine Ansicht des Scheinwerfers in Pfeilrichtung VII in Figur 5, Figur 8 eine Ansicht des Scheinwerfers gemäß einer modifizierten Ausführung. Und Figur 9 den Scheinwerfer in einem vertikalen Längsschnitt gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel, das aber kein Teil du Erfindung ist.Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it
FIG. 1
a headlight in a vertical longitudinal section according to a first embodiment, but which is not part of the Erffündung.
FIG. 2
detail of the headlight in a vertical longitudinal section according to a second embodiment,
FIG. 3
Sectionally the headlight in a vertical longitudinal section according to a
FIG. 4 shows a view of the headlight in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows a detail of the headlight in a vertical longitudinal section according to a fourth exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6 shows a section of the headlight of FIG. 5, V is a view of the headlight in FIG Arrow direction VII in Figure 5, Figure 8 is a view of the headlamp according to a modified embodiment. And Figure 9 shows the headlamp in a vertical longitudinal section according to a fifth embodiment, but which is not part of the invention.

Beschreibung der AusführungsbeispieleDescription of the embodiments

Ein in den Figuren 1 bis 9 dargestellter Scheinwerfer für Fahrzeuge, insbesondere Kraftfahrzeuge, ist vorzugsweise nach dem Projektionsprinzip aufgebaut und dient zur Erzeugung wenigstens des Abblendlichts. Der Scheinwerfer weist einen Reflektor 10 aus Kunststoff oder Metall auf, in den in dessen Scheitelbereich eine Lichtquelle 12 eingesetzt ist. Die Lichtquelle 12 kann eine Glühlampe, eine Gasentladungslampe oder eine andere geeignete Lampe sein. In Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 gesehen nach dem Reflektor 10 ist eine Linse 16 aus Glas oder Kunststoff angeordnet, die beispielsweise eine dem Reflektor 10 zugewandte ebene Seite 18 und gegenüberliegend eine konvex gekrümmte Seite 20 aufweisen kann. Die Linse 16 ist in einem Tragelement 22 gehalten, das mit dem in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Vorderrand 24 des Reflektors 10 verbunden sein kann. Der Reflektor 10 und die Linse 16 können in einem Gehäuse 15 angeordnet sein, das eine Lichtaustrittsöffnung aufweist, die mit einer lichtdurchlässigen Scheibe 17 aus Glas oder Kunststoff abgedeckt ist. Die Abdeckscheibe 17 kann glatt ausgebildet sein, so daß durch diese Licht unbeeinflußt hindurchtritt oder alternativ zumindest bereichsweise optische Elemente aufweisen, durch die hindurchtretendes Licht abgelenkt, beispielsweise gestreut wird.A headlight for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 is preferably constructed according to the projection principle and serves to generate at least the low beam. The headlight has a reflector 10 made of plastic or metal, in which in the apex region of a light source 12 is used. The light source 12 may be an incandescent lamp, a gas discharge lamp or another suitable lamp. Seen in the light exit direction 14 after the reflector 10, a lens 16 made of glass or plastic is arranged, which may have, for example, a reflector 10 facing the flat side 18 and opposite a convex curved side 20. The lens 16 is held in a support element 22 which may be connected to the front edge 24 of the reflector 10 pointing in the light exit direction 14. The reflector 10 and the lens 16 may be arranged in a housing 15 having a light exit opening, which is covered with a translucent disc 17 made of glass or plastic. The cover 17 may be smooth, so that uninfluenced by this light passes or alternatively at least partially have optical elements, is deflected by the passing light, for example, scattered.

Durch den Reflektor 10 wird von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandtes Licht als ein konvergentes Lichtbündel reflektiert, das durch die Linse 16 hindurchtritt und dabei abgelenkt wird. Die Linse 16 wirkt dabei als Sammellinse und durch diese wird das hindurchtretende Licht zur optischen Achse 11 des Reflektors 10 hin gebrochen. Der Reflektor 10 kann beispielsweise eine zumindest annähernd ellipsoide Form, eine ellipsoidähnliche Form oder eine numerisch bestimmte, aus der Charakteristik des durch den Reflektor 10 zu reflektierenden Lichtbündels hergeleitete Form aufweisen. Zwischen dem Reflektor 10 und der Linse 16 kann eine lichtundurchlässige Blende 26 vorgesehen sein, die im wesentlichen unterhalb der optischen Achse 11 angeordnet ist und an der nur ein Teil des durch den Reflektor 10 reflektierten Lichtbündels vorbeigelangen kann. Das an der Blende 26 vorbeigelangende Lichtbündel erhält eine durch die Oberkante der Blende 26 bestimmte Helldunkelgrenze, die durch die Linse 16 als die Helldunkelgrenze des aus dem Scheinwerfer austretenden Abblendlichtbündels abgebildet wird. Alternativ kann die Blende 26 auch entfallen, wenn die Form des Reflektors 10 derart bestimmt ist, daß das durch diesen reflektierte Lichtbündel bereits die erforderliche Helldunkelgrenze aufweist, die durch die Linse 16 abgebildet wird.Through the reflector 10, light emitted by the light source 12 is reflected as a convergent light beam which passes through the lens 16 and is thereby deflected. The lens 16 acts as a converging lens and through this the light passing through is refracted towards the optical axis 11 of the reflector 10. The reflector 10 may, for example, have an at least approximately ellipsoidal shape, an ellipsoid-like shape or a numerically determined shape derived from the characteristic of the light beam to be reflected by the reflector 10. Between the reflector 10 and the lens 16, an opaque aperture 26 may be provided which is disposed substantially below the optical axis 11 and on which only a portion of the light beam reflected by the reflector 10 can pass. The light beam passing past the diaphragm 26 receives a light-dark boundary determined by the upper edge of the diaphragm 26, which is imaged by the lens 16 as the bright-dark boundary of the low-beam beam emerging from the headlight. Alternatively, the aperture 26 may also be omitted if the shape of the reflector 10 is determined such that the light beam reflected by it already has the required light-dark boundary, which is imaged by the lens 16.

Der Reflektor 10 weist an seinem Vorderrand 24 einen Querschnitt Q1 auf und die Linse 16 weist einen gegenüber diesem Querschnitt Q1 kleineren Querschnitt Q2 auf. Das Tragelement 22 kann einen oder mehrere Stege 28 aufweisen, die sich ausgehend vom Vorderrand 24 des Reflektors 10 bis nahe an die Linse 16 erstrecken, wo diese beispielsweise durch einen ringförmigen Abschnitt 30 miteinander verbunden sein können, in dem die Linse 16 mit ihrem Rand gehalten ist. Zwischen den Stegen 28 verbleiben Öffnungen 32, durch die von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandtes Licht, das vom Reflektor 10 nicht erfaßt werden kann, hindurchtreten kann. Die Stege 28 sind vorzugsweise möglichst schmal ausgebildet, um große Öffnungen 32 zwischen diesen zu erhalten, so daß ein entsprechend großer Teil des von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandten Lichts durch diese hindurchtreten kann.The reflector 10 has a cross section Q1 at its front edge 24 and the lens 16 has a smaller cross section Q2 with respect to this cross section Q1. The support element 22 may have one or more webs 28, which extend from the front edge 24 of the reflector 10 to close to the lens 16, where they are interconnected, for example, by an annular portion 30 may be in which the lens 16 is held with its edge. Between the webs 28 remain openings 32, can pass through the emitted light from the light source 12, which can not be detected by the reflector 10. The webs 28 are preferably formed as narrow as possible in order to obtain large openings 32 between them, so that a correspondingly large part of the light emitted by the light source 12 can pass through them.

Veiterhin ist wenigstens ein die Linse 16 auf wenigstens einem Teil ihres Umfangs umgebendes Element 40 vorgesehen, das in den Figuren 1 bis 8 in verschiedenen Ausführungsformen dargestellt ist. Allen Ausführungsformen gemeinsam ist, daß das Element 40 aus lichtdurchlässigem Material wie beispielsweise Glas oder Kunststoff besteht. Das Element 40 ist zumindest bereichsweise, vorzugsweise über seine gesamte Erstreckung, als Fresnellinse ausgebildet und weist dabei mehrere ringförmige zumindest annähernd konzentrische optisch wirksame Profile 42 auf. Die optischen Profile 42 können wie in den Figuren 1 bis 5 dargestellt auf der dem Reflektor 10 zugewandten Seite des Elements 40 angeordnet sein oder auch auf der dem Reflektor 10 abgewandten, in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40. Die optischen Profile 42 sind beispielsweise keilförmig ausgebildet und durch diese wird durch das Element 40 hindurchtretendes Licht zur optischen Achse 11 hin abgelenkt und somit gesammelt. Die optischen Profile 42 können beispielsweise derart ausgebildet sein, daß von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandtes Licht nach dem Durchtritt durch diese etwa parallel zur optischen Achse 11 verläuft. Das Element 40 kann wie in Figur 1 dargestellt derart angeordnet sein, daß es in Richtung der optischen Achse 11 etwa denselben Abstand vom Reflektor 10 aufweist wie die Linse 16. Alternativ kann das Element 40 jedoch auch in Richtung der optischen Achse 11 einen anderen Abstand vom Reflektor 10 aufweisen als die Linse 16 und somit versetzt zur Linse 16 angeordnet sein.Furthermore, at least one element 40 surrounding the lens 16 on at least part of its circumference is provided, which is shown in different embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 8. Common to all embodiments is that the element 40 is made of translucent material such as glass or plastic. The element 40 is formed at least in regions, preferably over its entire extension, as a Fresnel lens and in this case has a plurality of annular at least approximately concentric optically active profiles 42. As is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the optical profiles 42 can be arranged on the side of the element 40 facing the reflector 10 or else on the side of the element 40 which faces away from the reflector 10 and points in the light exit direction 14. The optical profiles 42 are, for example, wedge-shaped formed and by this light passing through the element 40 light is deflected toward the optical axis 11 and thus collected. The optical profiles 42 may, for example, be formed such that light emitted by the light source 12 after passing through it extends approximately parallel to the optical axis 11. The element 40 can be arranged as shown in Figure 1 such that it has approximately the same distance from the reflector 10 in the direction of the optical axis 11 as the lens 16. Alternatively, the element 40, however, in the direction of the optical axis 11 a different distance from Reflector 10 may be arranged as the lens 16 and thus offset from the lens 16.

Bei den dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen sind die optischen Profile 42 zur Bildung der Fresnellinse auf der dem Reflektor 10 zugewandten Seite des Elements 40 angeordnet. Das Element 40 weist eine Öffnung 41 zum Durchtritt der Linse 16 auf. Bei dem in Figur 1 dargestellten ersten Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Element 40 im wesentlichen eben ausgebildet und auf seiner in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite im wesentlichen glatt ausgebildet. Alternativ können die Profile 42 zur Bildung der Fresnellinse auch auf der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40 angeordnet sein, wobei dann die dem Reflektor 10 zugewandte Seite des Elements 40 im wesentlichen glatt ausgebildet ist.In the exemplary embodiments illustrated, the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens are arranged on the side of the element 40 facing the reflector 10. The element 40 has an opening 41 for the passage of the lens 16. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the element 40 is formed substantially flat and formed on its side facing the light exit direction 14 side substantially smooth. Alternatively, the profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens can also be arranged on the side facing the light exit direction 14 side of the element 40, in which case the reflector 10 facing side of the element 40 is formed substantially smooth.

Erfindungsgemäβ ist auf der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40 zumindest bereichsweise eine wenigstens teilweise reflektierende Beschichtung 44 aufgebracht. Die Beschichtung 44 kann derart ausgeführt sein, daß diese lichtundurchlässig ist, wobei diese dann nur bereichsweise auf dem Element 40 angeordnet ist, um einen teilweisen Durchtritt des von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandten Lichts zu ermöglichen. Die Beschichtung 44 kann dabei in Form von Linien oder Ringen ausgeführt sein. Von außen auf die Beschichtung 44 treffendes Licht wird durch diese reflektiert. Alternativ kann die Beschichtung 44 auch derart ausgeführt sein, daß diese teilweise lichtdurchlässig ist und teilweise reflektierend. In diesem Fall kann die gesamte Fläche des Elements 40 von der Beschichtung 44 bedeckt sein oder auch nur ein Teil von dessen Fläche. Von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandtes Licht kann dabei teilweise durch die Beschichtung 44 hindurchtreten während von außen auf die Beschichtung 44 treffendes Licht teilweise reflektiert wird. Das Element 40 ist etwa im selben Abstand vom Reflektor 10 angeordnet wie die Linse 16. Die Beschichtung 44 besteht vorzugsweise aus Metall, beispielsweise Aluminium, und kann mittels bekannter Verfahren auf das Element 40 aufgebracht werden, beispielsweise mittels Aufdampfung, Sputtern, Lackieren, Drucken oder Prägen. Die Lichtdurchlässigkeit der Beschichtung 44 kann durch deren Dicke variiert werden, wobei deren Lichtdurchlässigkeit mit zunehmender Dicke abnimmt. Um eine teilweise Lichtdurchlässigkeit der Beschichtung 44 zu erreichen wird diese somit mit geringer Dicke ausgeführt während sie zur Erzielung eines hohen Reflexionsgrads mit entsprechend größerer Dicke ausgeführt wird.According to the invention, an at least partially reflective coating 44 is applied on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 at least in regions. The coating 44 may be designed so that it is opaque, which is then only partially disposed on the element 40, to allow a partial passage of the light emitted from the light source 12. The coating 44 can be designed in the form of lines or rings. From the outside of the coating 44 striking light is reflected by this. Alternatively, the coating 44 may also be designed such that it is partially translucent and partially reflective. In this case, the entire surface of the element 40 may be covered by the coating 44 or even only part of its surface. In this case, light emitted by the light source 12 can partially pass through the coating 44 while on the outside Coating 44 incident light is partially reflected. The element 40 is arranged approximately at the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16. The coating 44 is preferably made of metal, for example aluminum, and can be applied to the element 40 by means of known methods, for example by means of vapor deposition, sputtering, painting, printing or Shape. The light transmission of the coating 44 can be varied by its thickness, the light transmission decreases with increasing thickness. In order to achieve a partial light transmission of the coating 44, this is thus carried out with a small thickness while it is designed to achieve a high degree of reflection with a correspondingly greater thickness.

In Figur 2 ist das Element 40 gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, bei dem das Element 40 abweichend zum ersten Ausführungsbeispiel nicht eben sondern konkav gekrümmt ausgebildet ist. Das Element 40 weist wiederum die Öffnung 41 zum Durchtritt der Linse 16 auf, wobei das Element 40 im Bereich seiner Öffnung 41 etwa den selben Abstand vom Reflektor 10 aufweist wie die Linse 16 und ausgehend von der Linse 16 weiter in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 verläuft. Die Stärke der Krümmung des Elements 40 kann entsprechend den Platzverhältnissen im Scheinwerfer und dem gewünschten Erscheinungsbild des Scheinwerfers gewählt werden. Das Element 40 weist an seiner dem Reflektor 10 zugewandten Seite die optischen Profile 42 zur Bildung der Fresnellinse und an seiner in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite erhabene Profile 46 auf. Die Profile 46 können beispielsweise etwa rechteckförmig ausgebildet sein und in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisende Seiten mit Abflachungen 48 aufweisen. Auf das Element 40 kann wiederum eine Beschichtung 44 aufgebracht sein, die vorzugsweise auf die in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Abflachungen 48 der Profile 46 des Elements 40 aufgebracht sein kann, während die zwischen den Profilen 46 liegenden Bereiche des Elements 40 keine Beschichtung 44 aufweisen. Die Beschichtung 44 kann wiederum wie beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel reflektierend oder teilweise reflektierend und teilweise lichtdurchlässig ausgeführt sein und wie dort angegeben aufgebracht werden. Die Profile 46 können selbstverständlich auch beim ebenen Element 40 gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehen werden und das konkav gekrümmte Element 40 gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel kann auch glatt, also ohne die Profile 46 ausgeführt werden.In Figure 2, the element 40 is shown according to a second embodiment, in which the element 40 deviating from the first embodiment is not flat but concave curved. The element 40 in turn has the opening 41 for the passage of the lens 16, wherein the element 40 in the region of its opening 41 approximately the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 and extending from the lens 16 further in the light exit direction 14. The amount of curvature of the element 40 can be selected according to the space in the headlamp and the desired appearance of the headlamp. The element 40 has, on its side facing the reflector 10, the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens and profiles raised at its side pointing in the light exit direction 14. The profiles 46 may be formed, for example, approximately rectangular and have in the light exit direction 14 facing sides with flats 48. On the element 40, in turn, a coating 44 may be applied, preferably on the in the light exit direction 14 facing flats 48 of the profiles 46 of the element 40 may be applied, while lying between the profiles 46 areas of the element 40 have no coating 44. The coating 44 may in turn be reflective or partially reflective and partially translucent as in the first embodiment and applied as indicated therein. The profiles 46 can of course also be provided in the planar element 40 according to the first embodiment, and the concavely curved element 40 according to the second embodiment can also be made smooth, ie without the profiles 46.

In Figur 3 ist das Element 40 gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, bei dem dieses abweichend zum zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel konvex gekrümmt ausgebildet ist, die übrige Ausbildung des Elements 40 jedoch gleich wie beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben ist. Das Element 40 weist im Bereich seiner Öffnung 41 für die Linse 16 wiederum etwa denselben Abstand vom Reflektor 10 auf wie die Linse 16 und verläuft ausgehend von der Linse 16 entgegen Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14. Auch hierbei kann die Krümmung des Elements 40 derart gewählt werden, daß ein gewünschtes Erscheinungsbild des Scheinwerfers beim Einblick von außen erreicht wird.In Figure 3, the element 40 is shown according to a third embodiment in which this is deviating convexly curved to the second embodiment, the rest of the formation of the element 40 is described the same as in the second embodiment. The element 40 has in the region of its opening 41 for the lens 16 again about the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 and extends from the lens 16 against light exit direction 14. Again, the curvature of the element 40 can be chosen such that a desired appearance of the headlamp is achieved when viewing from the outside.

Das Element 40 kann abweichend zu den vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen auch etwa kegelstumpfförmig ausgebildet sein. Dabei kann das Element 40 derart geformt sein, daß sich dessen Querschnitt ausgehend von der Linse 16 in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 oder entgegen Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 vergrößert.The element 40 may deviate from the embodiments described above also be formed approximately frusto-conical. In this case, the element 40 may be formed such that its cross-section, starting from the lens 16 in the light exit direction 14 or against the light exit direction 14 increases.

In Figur 4 ist das Element 40 gemäß den vorstehend beschriebenen ersten bis dritten Ausführungsbeispielen in einer Ansicht entgegen Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 dargestellt. Die Linse 16 weist dabei einen runden Querschnitt auf und das Element 40 umgibt die Linse 16 über deren gesamten Umfang und ist ringförmig ausgebildet. Das Element 40 weist die etwa runde Öffnung 41 für die Linse 16 und eine etwa runde Außenform auf, wobei diese jedoch auch beispielsweise oval oder eckig gewählt werden kann. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß das Element 40 die Linse 16 nur auf einem Teil von deren Umfang umgibt und beispielsweise nur seitlich neben der Linse 16 oder nur oberhalb und/oder unterhalb der Linse 16 angeordnet ist. Die in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisende Seite des Elements 40 weist dabei über ihre gesamte Fläche die Profile 46 auf, die als zumindest annähernd zueinander konzentrische Ringe verlaufen. Durch die Profile 46 wird dabei das durch das Element 40 hindurchtretende Licht im wesentlichen nicht abgelenkt. Die Profile 46 können abweichend von der Ausführung gemäß Figur 4 auch in beliebiger anderer Weise verlaufen, beispielsweise geradlinig oder gekrümmt. Das durch das Element 40 hindurchtretende Licht bewirkt eine Beleuchtung des Elements 40, so daß die beleuchtete Fläche des Scheinwerfers gegenüber der Fläche der Linse 16 vergrößert ist. Das durch das Element 40 hindurchtretende Licht bildet außerdem ein Lichtbündel zusätzlich zu dem durch die Linse 16 hindurchtretenden Lichtbündel, durch das die eigentliche Abblendlichtverteilung erzeugt wird. In ausgeschaltetem Zustand des Scheinwerfers wird von außen einfallendes Licht durch die Beschichtung 44 wenigstens teilweise reflektiert, so daß das Element 40 zumindest annähernd brillant oder reflektierend erscheint wie ein Reflektor. Wenn die optischen Profile 42 zur Bildung der Fresnellinse auf der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40 angeordnet sind, so kann die Beschichtung 44 auch auf diese aufgebracht sein.In FIG. 4, the element 40 according to the above-described first to third embodiments is shown in FIG a view opposite light exit direction 14 shown. The lens 16 has a round cross section and the element 40 surrounds the lens 16 over its entire circumference and is annular. The element 40 has the approximately round opening 41 for the lens 16 and an approximately round outer shape, but this can also be selected, for example, oval or angular. It can also be provided that the element 40 surrounds the lens 16 only on a part of its circumference and, for example, is arranged only laterally next to the lens 16 or only above and / or below the lens 16. The side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 has, over its entire surface, the profiles 46 which run as rings which are at least approximately concentric with one another. By the profiles 46, the light passing through the element 40 is substantially not deflected. Deviating from the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the profiles 46 can also run in any other way, for example straight or curved. The light passing through the element 40 causes illumination of the element 40, so that the illuminated surface of the headlight is enlarged relative to the surface of the lens 16. The light passing through the element 40 also forms a light bundle in addition to the light beam passing through the lens 16, through which the actual low-beam light distribution is generated. When the headlamp is switched off, incident light is at least partially reflected by the coating 44 so that the element 40 appears at least approximately brilliant or reflective like a reflector. If the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens are arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14, then the coating 44 can also be applied thereto.

In den Figuren 5 und 6 ist das Element 40 gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, bei dem dieses wie beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel im wesentlichen eben ausgebildet ist. Das Element 40 weist an seiner dem Reflektor 10 zugewandten Seite die optischen Profile 42 zur Bildung der Fresnellinse und an ihrer in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite Profile 56 auf, die keilförmig ausgebildet sind und an ihren in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seiten wie in Figur 6 vergrößert dargestellt Abflachungen 58 aufweisen. Auf die Abflachungen 58 ist die Beschichtung 44 aufgebracht, die wiederum reflektierend oder teilweise reflektierend und teilweise lichtdurchlässig ausgeführt ist. Durch die erhabene Ausbildung der Profile 56 und deren Abflachungen 58 kann die Beschichtung 44 auf einfache Weise beispielsweise durch ein Druck- oder Prägeverfahren auf die Abflachungen 58 aufgebracht werden, wobei ohne zusätzlichen Aufwand wie beispielsweise Abdeckungen oder ähnliches die Bereiche zwischen den Abflachungen 58 keine Beschichtung 44 erhalten. Durch die keilförmige Ausbildung der Profile 56 wird durch diese hindurchtretendes Licht abgelenkt, wobei die Anordnung und Ausbildung der Profile 56 derart ist, daß diese Ablenkung des hindurchtretenden Lichts in einer vorgegebenen Stärke und in vorgegebene Richtungen erfolgt. Die vorstehend erläuterte Ausbildung der keilförmigen Profile 56 kann auch bei einem wie beim zweiten oder dritten Ausführungsbeispiel gekrümmten Element 40 vorgesehen werden. Außerdem können auch die die Fresnellinse bildenden Profile 42 an der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40 angeordnet und mit den Abflachungen versehen sein, auf die die Beschichtung 44 aufgebracht ist.In the figures 5 and 6, the element 40 is shown according to a fourth embodiment, in which this is formed substantially flat as in the first embodiment. The element 40 has, on its side facing the reflector 10, the optical profiles 42 for forming the Fresnel lens and on its side pointing in the light exit direction 14 profiles 56 which are wedge-shaped and at its in the light exit direction 14 facing sides as shown in Figure 6 enlarged flats 58 have. On the flats 58, the coating 44 is applied, which in turn is designed to be reflective or partially reflective and partially translucent. Due to the raised formation of the profiles 56 and their flats 58, the coating 44 can be applied in a simple manner, for example by a printing or embossing process on the flats 58, without additional effort such as covers or the like, the areas between the flats 58 no coating 44th receive. The wedge-shaped formation of the profiles 56 deflects light passing through them, the arrangement and formation of the profiles 56 being such that this deflection of the light passing through takes place in a predetermined strength and in predetermined directions. The above-described configuration of the wedge-shaped profiles 56 can also be provided in a curved as in the second or third embodiment, element 40. In addition, the profiles 42 forming the Fresnel lens can also be arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 and provided with the flats onto which the coating 44 is applied.

In Figur 7 ist das Element 40 gemäß dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Ansicht entgegen Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 dargestellt. Das Element 40 umgibt dabei die Linse 16, die einen runden Querschnitt aufweist, über deren gesamten Umfang und weist ebenfalls zumindest annähernd einen runden Querschnitt auf. Die Querschnittsform des Elements 40 kann auch von einer runden Form abweichen und beispielsweise oval oder rechteckig sein. Die an der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite des Elements 40 angeordneten und wie vorstehend erläutert ausgebildeten Profile 56 verlaufen bei der in Figur 7 dargestellten Ausführung des Elements 40 linienförmig und im wesentlichen horizontal. Durch die Profile 56 wird dabei durch das Element 40 hindurchtretendes Licht nach unten abgelenkt. Durch diese Ausbildung der Profile 56 wird verhindert, daß durch das Element 40 hindurchtretendes Licht eine zu starke Blendung verursacht, indem es oberhalb der Helldunkelgrenze des durch die Linse 16 tretenden eigentlichen Abblendlichtbündels verläuft.In FIG. 7, the element 40 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is shown in a view opposite to the light exit direction 14. The element 40 surrounds In this case, the lens 16, which has a round cross section, over its entire circumference and also has at least approximately a round cross section. The cross-sectional shape of the element 40 may also differ from a round shape and be for example oval or rectangular. The profiles 56 arranged on the side of the element 40 pointing in the light exit direction 14 and designed as explained above run in a line-shaped and substantially horizontal manner in the embodiment of the element 40 shown in FIG. Through the profiles 56, light passing through the element 40 is deflected downwards. This formation of the profiles 56 prevents light passing through the element 40 from causing excessive glare by extending above the light-dark boundary of the actual low-beam beam passing through the lens 16.

In Figur 8 ist das Element 40 in einer Ansicht entgegen Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 gemäß einer modifizierten Ausführung dargestellt, bei der die Profile 56 linienförmig und im wesentlichen vertikal verlaufen. Durch die Profile 56 wird dabei durch das Element 40 hindurchtretendes Licht in horizontaler Richtung abgelenkt und somit in horizontaler Richtung gestreut. Hierdurch wird die von dem durch das Element 40 hindurchtretenden Licht verursachte Blendung verringert und außerdem eine bessere Sichtbarkeit des Scheinwerfers aus seitlichen Richtungen erreicht.In Figure 8, the element 40 is shown in a view opposite light exit direction 14 according to a modified embodiment, in which the profiles 56 are linear and substantially vertical. Through the profiles 56 light passing through the element 40 is thereby deflected in the horizontal direction and thus scattered in the horizontal direction. This reduces the glare caused by the light passing through the element 40 and also provides better visibility of the headlamp from lateral directions.

In Figur 9 ist der Scheinwerfer gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, bei dem der grundsätzliche Aufbau des Scheinwerfers wie bei den vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen ist, abweichend von diesen die Beschichtung 44 jedoch nicht auf das Element 40 aufgebracht ist. Es ist eine in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 nach dem Element 40 angeordnete lichtdurchlässige Scheibe 60 vorgesehen, die die Linse 16 zumindest auf einem Teil ihres Umfangs umgibt. Durch die Linse 16 hindurchgetretendes Licht tritt jedoch nicht durch die Scheibe 60 hindurch, wobei die Scheibe 60 für den ungehinderten Durchtritt des durch die Linse 16 getretenen Lichts eine Öffnung 62 aufweist. Die Scheibe 60 ist derart ausgebildet, daß sie sich zumindest über einen Teil des Strahlengangs des durch das Element 40 hindurchgetretenen Lichts oder über dessen gesamten Strahlengang erstreckt. Die Beschichtung 44 ist zumindest auf einen Bereich der in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisenden Seite der Scheibe 60 aufgebracht und zumindest teilweise reflektierend ausgebildet. Die Beschichtung 44 kann wie bei den vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen in Form von Ringen oder Linien auf der Scheibe 60 angeordnet sein oder flächenhaft als teilweise lichtdurchlässige Beschichtung. Die Scheibe 60 kann glatt ausgebildet sein oder zumindest an einer Seite zumindest bereichsweise Profile aufweisen, die auch derart ausgebildet sein können, daß durch diese hindurchtretendes Licht abgelenkt wird, wobei die Beschichtung 44 auf die Profile aufgebracht sein kann. Die Scheibe 60 kann wie in Figur 9 dargestellt eben ausgebildet sein, alternativ jedoch auch konkav oder konvex gekrümmt oder etwa konisch. Die Scheibe 60 kann in Richtung der optischen Achse 11 etwa denselben Abstand vom Reflektor 10 aufweisen wie die Linse 16 oder einen anderen Abstand als die Linse 16 und somit zu dieser versetzt angeordnet sein. Die Ausbildung des Scheinwerfers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel ermöglicht es insbesondere, das Element 40 gegenüber der Linse 16 näher am Reflektor 10 anzuordnen und die Scheibe 60 im Bereich der Linse 16 oder mit größerem Abstand vom Reflektor 10 zwischen der Linse 16 und der Abdeckscheibe 17 anzuordnen, wodurch das Erscheinungsbild des Scheinwerfers verbessert werden kann, da die Beschichtung 44 der Scheibe 60 beim Einblick in den Scheinwerfer von außen gut sichtbar ist.FIG. 9 shows the headlight according to a fifth exemplary embodiment, in which the basic construction of the headlight is the same as in the exemplary embodiments described above, but unlike the latter, the coating 44 is not applied to the element 40. It is arranged in the light exit direction 14 after the element 40 translucent disc 60th provided that surrounds the lens 16 at least on a part of its circumference. However, light passing through the lens 16 does not pass through the disc 60, and the disc 60 has an opening 62 for unimpeded passage of the light having passed through the lens 16. The disk 60 is formed so as to extend over at least a portion of the optical path of the light transmitted through the element 40 or over the entire optical path thereof. The coating 44 is applied at least to a region of the side of the pane 60 which faces in the light exit direction 14 and is designed to be at least partially reflecting. The coating 44 may be arranged in the form of rings or lines on the disc 60 as in the embodiments described above, or as a partially transparent coating. The disc 60 may be formed smooth or have at least on one side at least partially profiles that may also be formed such that it is deflected by passing light, the coating 44 may be applied to the profiles. The disk 60 may be flat as shown in Figure 9, but alternatively also concave or convexly curved or approximately conical. The disk 60 may have in the direction of the optical axis 11 about the same distance from the reflector 10 as the lens 16 or a different distance than the lens 16 and thus arranged offset to this. The design of the headlamp according to the fifth embodiment makes it possible in particular to arrange the element 40 closer to the lens 16 on the reflector 10 and to arrange the disk 60 in the region of the lens 16 or at a greater distance from the reflector 10 between the lens 16 and the cover 17 whereby the appearance of the headlight can be improved because the coating 44 of the disc 60 is clearly visible from the outside when viewing the headlight.

Beim Scheinwerfer gemäß dem in Figur 9 dargestellten fünften Ausführungsbeispiel ist zwischen dem Reflektor 10, genau dessen in Lichtaustrittsrichtung 14 weisendem Vorderrand, und dem Element 40 wenigstens ein Zusatzreflektor 70 angeordnet. Der Zusatzreflektor 70 erstreckt sich wenigstens über einen Teil des Umfangs des Reflektors 10, beispielsweise über etwa den selben Umfang wie das Element 40. Durch den Zusatzreflektor 70 wird ein Teil des von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandten, vom Reflektor 10 nicht erfaßbaren Lichts derart reflektiert, daß dieses Licht zumindest teilweise durch das Element 40 hindurchtritt. Der Zusatzreflektor 70 kann beispielsweise ringförmig um den Vorderrand des Reflektors 10 herum ausgebildet sein. Der Zusatzreflektor 70 kann in die optische Achse 11 enthaltenden axialen Längsschnitten eben oder in beliebiger Weise konkav oder konvex gekrümmt ausgebildet sein. Der Zusatzreflektor 70 kann einstückig mit dem Reflektor 10 ausgebildet sein oder an diesem als separates Teil gehalten sein. Alternativ kann der Zusatzreflektor 70 auch beispielsweise an dem Tragelement 22 oder in beliebiger anderer Weise gehalten sein. Durch das Element 40 kann außerdem auch direkt von der Lichtquelle 12 ausgesandtes Licht hindurchtreten, das vom Zusatzreflektor 70 nicht erfaßt werden kann. Wenigstens ein wie vorstehend erläutert ausgebildeter Zusatzreflektor 70 kann auch bei dem Scheinwerfer gemäß dem ersten bis vierten Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehen werden.In the case of the headlamp according to the fifth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, at least one additional reflector 70 is arranged between the reflector 10, precisely its front edge pointing in the light exit direction 14, and the element 40. The additional reflector 70 extends over at least a part of the circumference of the reflector 10, for example over approximately the same circumference as the element 40. The additional reflector 70 reflects a part of the light emitted by the light source 12 that can not be detected by the reflector 10 in such a way that this light at least partially passes through the element 40. The additional reflector 70 may, for example, be formed annularly around the front edge of the reflector 10. The additional reflector 70 may be formed in the optical axis 11 containing axial longitudinal sections flat or in any way concave or convex curved. The additional reflector 70 may be integrally formed with the reflector 10 or held on this as a separate part. Alternatively, the additional reflector 70 may also be held, for example, on the support element 22 or in any other way. In addition, light emitted directly by the light source 12 can pass through the element 40, which light can not be detected by the additional reflector 70. At least one auxiliary reflector 70 configured as described above can also be provided in the headlamp according to the first to fourth embodiments.

Claims (10)

  1. A headlight for vehicles, comprising a reflector (10), a light source (12), a lens (16), through which light passes that is reflected by the reflector (10), and at least one element (40) that at least on part of its periphery surrounds the lens (16) and that is at least partially permeable to light, and through which light that is emitted by a light source (12) and that cannot be captured by the reflector (10) passes and is collected, whereby the element (40) is configured at least in places as a Fresnel lens having circular optical profiles (42), wherein the element (40) on its side facing away from the reflector (10) and pointing in the light exit direction (14) has raised profiles (42; 46; 56), to which an at least partially reflective coating (44) is applied.
  2. The headlight as recited in Claim 1, wherein the element (40) is configured so as to be essentially planar.
  3. The headlight as recited in either of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the element (40) is configured so as to be curved.
  4. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the profiles (42; 46; 56) have flattened areas (48; 58) that point in the light exit direction (14), on which the coating (44) is applied.
  5. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the profiles (46; 56) on the element (4) are circular.
  6. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the profiles (46; 56) run in at least approximately a straight line, in particular at least approximately horizontally or vertically.
  7. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the profiles (46, 56) are configured such that light passing through them is refracted.
  8. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the coating (44) is applied to the element (40) using a pressure or a stamping method.
  9. The headlight as recited in any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the coating (44) is partially reflective and partially permeable to light.
  10. The headlight as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one supplemental reflector (70) is provided that is arranged between the reflector (10) and the element (40) and through which light that has been emitted by the light source (12) and not captured by the reflector (10) is at least partially reflected such that it passes through the element (40).
EP98112725A 1997-07-10 1998-07-09 Vehicle headlights Expired - Lifetime EP0890785B1 (en)

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DE19729478 1997-07-10
DE19729478 1997-07-10
DE19814478 1998-04-01
DE19814478A DE19814478A1 (en) 1997-07-10 1998-04-01 Headlights for vehicles

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EP0890785A3 EP0890785A3 (en) 2001-01-17
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DE59813700D1 (en) 2006-10-12
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EP0890785A2 (en) 1999-01-13

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