DE102009023093B4 - Method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle (F) with at least one swiveling headlight (2li, 2re), in which a low beam distribution (AVri, AVre) and a high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) are set as light distributions, and with a sensor (1) for one Detection of oncoming objects (O) and/or objects moving in the same direction, with the high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) depending on a position of the detected objects (O) being pivoted out of the area of these in such a way that an object (O ) glare-free space is generated, with the high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) being pivoted up to the lateral edges (K) of the object (O), the lateral edges (K) of at least one in front of the vehicle (F ) located object (O) are determined in the form of a left edge angle (ωKli) and a right edge angle (ωKre) in relation to a sensor zero axis (Ys) of the sensor (1), and with a reduction in the left edge angle (ωKli) and/ or the right edge angle (ωKre), the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) is pivoted on the corresponding side at a specifiable pivoting speed, characterized in that- with an increase in the left edge angle (ωKli) and/or the right edge angle (ωKre), the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) is pivoted on the corresponding side with a maximum possible pivoting speed, - the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) has an inner high beam angle (liωfl0, reωfl0) and an outer high beam angle (liωfla, reωfla) with respect to a respective headlight zero axis (Ysw). , wherein the headlight (2li, 2re) is pivoted up to a maximum pivoting angle (ωKlimax, ωKIamax), and a pivoting angle for pivoting the headlight (2li, 2re) is selected such that the inner high beam angle (liωfl0, reωfl0) is visible of the object (O) reaches at most up to the edge (K) facing the corresponding headlight (2li, 2re) if the pivoting angle is smaller than the maximum pivoting angle (ωKIimax, ωKIamax,,

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

In the post-published patent application DE 10 2008 014 182 A1 the applicant discloses a method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a swiveling headlight, in which a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution are set as light distributions, and a sensor for detecting oncoming objects and/or objects moving in the same direction. Depending on a position of the detected objects, the high beam distribution is pivoted out of the area of these in such a way that a glare-free space is generated for the objects, with the high beam distribution being pivoted at most to the edges of the object.

In the WO 2009/039882 A1 a projection headlamp assembly for vehicles is described. The projection headlamp assembly has a left projection headlamp and a right projection headlamp, each including a reflector, a light source, a lens, and an aperture shaft. The diaphragm shaft can be adjusted into several rotational positions about a horizontal axis of rotation running transversely to the optical axis. A lateral surface of the diaphragm shaft has a focal line for each rotational position, which produces a light-dark boundary of a light distribution. The left projection headlight and the right projection headlight have the same aperture geometry, the focal lines of which are arranged mirrored with respect to a vertical mirror plane running between the left projection headlight and the right projection headlight. The focal lines of the left projection headlight and the right projection headlight run in such a way that a first or second partial light distribution is imaged by means of the focal line of the left or right projection headlight, which are superimposed to form an overall light distribution. The overall light distribution has a light cut-out area which is delimited by two opposing lateral flanks, the first flank being formed by the first partial light distribution and the second flank being formed by the second partial light distribution.

The invention is based on the object of specifying an improved method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle with the features of claim 1 .

Preferred refinements and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In a method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle with at least one swiveling headlight, in which a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution are set as light distributions, and with a sensor for detecting oncoming objects and/or objects moving in the same direction, the high beam distribution is dependent on a position of the detected objects in such a way that a glare-free area is created for the objects, with the high beam distribution being swiveled as far as the lateral edges of the object and with the lateral edges of at least one object in front of the vehicle being scanned by means of the sensor Shape of a left edge angle and a right edge angle are determined with respect to a sensor zero axis of the sensor.

If the left-hand edge angle and/or the right-hand edge angle is reduced, the high beam distribution is pivoted on the corresponding side at a predeterminable pivoting speed. According to the invention, when the left edge angle and/or the right edge angle increases, the high beam distribution is pivoted on the corresponding side at a maximum possible pivoting speed.

Using the method according to the invention, a specifically predefinable illumination characteristic of an area in front of the vehicle can be implemented. In particular, a glare-free area for other road users can be generated with maximum possible visibility for a driver of the vehicle while avoiding unpleasant lighting effects. Furthermore, by automatically setting the glare-free space, the driver of the vehicle is able to continuously use a light setting corresponding to a high beam without forgetting to turn the high beam on or off, which increases driving comfort for the driver and increases safety created for all road users. Since when the left edge angle and/or the right edge angle is reduced, the high beam distribution is panned on the corresponding side at a specifiable panning speed, frequent and/or very strong panning of the high beam distribution, which is perceived as annoying by the driver and other road users, is avoided, so that a largely constant illumination of an area in front of the vehicle is ensured. This further increases safety for all road users. The specifiable pivoting speed is advantageously specified in such a way that it clearly is lower than the maximum possible slewing speed. If the left edge angle and/or the right edge angle is increased, the high beam distribution on the corresponding side is immediately and further pivoted outwards at the maximum possible pivoting speed, whereby the glare-free space for the objects in front of the vehicle is maintained, so that other road users are not dazzled is avoided.

A position of the edges of the object is preferably determined from the associated edge angle and a distance of the vehicle from the object and is transformed from a coordinate system related to the sensor into a coordinate system related to the corresponding headlight in order to set a swivel angle.

In vehicles with several headlights, the headlights can preferably be controlled individually, so that the method according to the invention can be carried out optimally. A coordinated driving light control of the individual headlights is carried out so that a wide variety of illumination characteristics can be generated.

The swiveling speed is expediently specified manually. For example, an optimal pivoting speed is already set during the manufacture of the vehicle. Alternatively, the swivel speed can also be set manually by the driver and can therefore be optimally adjusted to ensure good driving comfort.

In a preferred embodiment, the panning speed is specified as a function of a speed of the vehicle, so that optimal illumination of the area in front of the vehicle is very quickly ensured by a higher panning speed, particularly at high vehicle speeds.

Furthermore, a cornering light angle from a cornering light function of the headlight is used to determine whether the object is in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. If the object is outside the area in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, the headlights are controlled according to the cornering light function, so that maximum illumination is achieved for the driver of the vehicle.

By means of the headlights, it is also possible that when cornering, the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights is adjusted as a function of the speed of the vehicle and a steering angle, i. H. that the headlights can be used simultaneously to implement cornering and/or turning lights or that headlights already used in the vehicle to implement cornering and/or cornering lights are suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention and its developments.

According to the invention, the high-beam distribution has an inner high-beam angle and an outer high-beam angle with respect to a respective zero axis of the headlight, with the headlight being pivoted up to a maximum pivoting angle.

If, in order to create a glare-free area, a pivoting angle that goes beyond the maximum pivoting angle is required when the high beam distribution is switched on, the high beam distribution is switched to the low beam distribution. This provides the driver of the vehicle with an optimal illumination that is adapted to the current traffic situation, with no action on the part of the driver being necessary to adjust this illumination. This makes it possible for the driver to concentrate exclusively on what is happening on the road, so that road safety is further increased.

The pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights is consequently selected according to the invention such that the inner high beam angle from the point of view of the object reaches at most the edge facing the corresponding headlight, provided the pivoting angle is smaller than the maximum pivoting angle.

Alternatively, the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights is selected such that a tolerance range is set between the inner high beam angle as seen from the object and the edge facing the corresponding headlight. This results in the advantage that when the object in front of the vehicle moves, there is no constant panning of the high beam distribution, which the driver of the vehicle finds unpleasant, so that uniform driving light control is achieved. Furthermore, an inaccurate detection of the object, for example by means of a camera, can be compensated in this way.

According to a useful development of the method, the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights is selected such that a safety range is set between the inner high beam angle as seen from the object and the edge facing the corresponding headlight. Dazzling of a vehicle driver driving ahead via the exterior mirrors of his vehicle is thus preferably avoided.

If there is an object in front of the vehicle when cornering, the swivel angle for swiveling the headlights is selected in such a way that a tolerance range and a cornering safety range are set between the inner high beam angle as seen by the object and the edge facing the corresponding headlight. This prevents the driver driving ahead from being dazzled by the exterior mirrors, the interior mirror and/or direct dazzling from the windows of his vehicle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tolerance range, the safety range and/or the cornering safety range are set variably depending on a vehicle speed, an object speed, a distance between the vehicle and the object and/or the steering angle, so that the maximum illumination, avoidance, is always achieved of glare and a driving light control that is pleasant for the driver is achieved.

If there are several objects in front of the vehicle, at least one relevant object is determined. According to one embodiment of the invention, the object is determined to be relevant if it is in an area in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. If there are several relevant objects, the swivel angle of the headlight is selected or switched to the low beam distribution in such a way that a glare-free area is generated for a first relevant object and then one or more adjacent objects are detected and one or more glare-free areas are generated for them. This achieves maximum illumination for the driver of the vehicle while at the same time avoiding blinding of all other road users.

In a further development, the method also provides for the sensor to detect whether the vehicle is moving in an area with street lighting. In this case, the high beam distribution is switched to the low beam distribution.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, a vertical light-dark boundary is generated at the inner high-beam angle by means of the headlights, so that a precisely delimited, glare-free space is created. This achieves a further improvement in the view for the driver of the vehicle while at the same time improving the delimitation of the glare-free space.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

• 1 schematisch ein Fahrzeug mit einem Sensor und zwei Scheinwerfern und ein in Fahrtrichtung in einem Bereich vor dem Fahrzeug befindliches Objekt,
• 2 schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und Fernlichtverteilungen der Scheinwerfer,
• 3 schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und einen maximalen Schwenkbereich eines Scheinwerfers,
• 4 schematisch das Fahrzeug und das Objekt gemäß 1 und eine geschwenkte Fernlichtverteilung,
• 5A schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und ein in geringer Entfernung vor dem Fahrzeug befindliches Objekt,
• 5B schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und ein in geringer Entfernung links vor dem Fahrzeug befindliches Objekt,
• 5C schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und ein in geringer Entfernung rechts vor dem Fahrzeug befindliches Objekt,
• 6 schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und ein vor dem Fahrzeug befindliches Objekt und die Einstellung eines Sicherheitsbereiches,
• 7 schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und ein in Fahrtrichtung vor dem Fahrzeug in einer Kurve befindliches Objekt,
• 8 schematisch das Fahrzeug gemäß 1 und mehrere vor dem Fahrzeug befindliche Objekte,
• 9A schematisch klassische Fernlichtverteilungen, und
• 9B schematisch Fernlichtverteilungen mit einer vertikalen Hell-Dunkel-Grenze.

show:

• 1 schematically a vehicle with a sensor and two headlights and an object located in the direction of travel in an area in front of the vehicle,
• 2 schematically the vehicle according to 1 and main beam distribution of the headlights,
• 3 schematically the vehicle according to 1 and a maximum swivel range of a headlight,
• 4 schematically the vehicle and the object according to 1 and a pivoted high beam distribution,
• 5A schematically the vehicle according to 1 and an object a short distance ahead of the vehicle,
• 5B schematically the vehicle according to 1 and an object a short distance to the left in front of the vehicle,
• 5C schematically the vehicle according to 1 and an object a short distance to the right in front of the vehicle,
• 6 schematically the vehicle according to 1 and an object in front of the vehicle and the setting of a safety area,
• 7 schematically the vehicle according to 1 and an object in front of the vehicle on a curve,
• 8th schematically the vehicle according to 1 and several objects in front of the vehicle,
• 9A schematic classic high beam distribution, and
• 9B schematic high beam distribution with a vertical light-dark boundary.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

1 shows a vehicle F with a sensor 1 and two headlights 2li, 2re and an object O located in the direction of travel in an area in front of the vehicle F. The sensor 1 is in particular a camera with which the object O is detected. The sensor 1 has an opening angle ω _K and ω _K in relation to a sensor zero axis Ys. Oncoming objects and/or objects O moving in the same direction can be detected in an area in front of the vehicle F in the direction of travel.

The headlights 2li, 2re can be pivoted to perform a cornering light function and an in 9B shown low beam distribution AVIi, AVre and an in 2 shown high beam distribution FVli, FVre can be set.

A distance E from the vehicle F, a direction of travel and lateral edges K in the form of a left edge angle ωk ^li and a right edge angle ω _K ^re determined in relation to the sensor zero axis Y _S . A position of an edge K is determined from the associated edge angle ω _K ^re or ω _K ^li and the distance E.

Depending on a position of the detected object O, the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is pivoted out of the area of this in such a way that a glare-free space is generated for the object O, with the high beam distribution FVli, FVre being pivoted up to edges K of the object O at most.

According to the invention, the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is pivoted at a predeterminable pivoting speed ^when the edge angle ω _Kli , ω _K ^re is reduced, and when the edge ^angle ω _Kli , ω _Kre is increased, the high beam distribution FVli, ^FVre is pivoted at a maximum possible pivoting speed . By pivoting the high beam distribution FVli, FVre, a specifically predefinable illumination characteristic of an area in front of the vehicle F can be implemented; in particular, a glare-free area for other road users can be generated with the maximum possible view for a driver of the vehicle F while avoiding unpleasant lighting effects. Furthermore, by automatically setting the glare-free space, the driver of the vehicle F is able to permanently use a light setting that corresponds to a high beam without forgetting to turn the high beam on or off, which increases driving comfort for the driver and increases safety for all road users.

By pivoting the high-beam distribution FVli, FVre when the edge angle ω _K ^li , ω _K ^re is reduced at a specifiable pivoting speed, frequent and/or very strong pivoting of the high-beam distribution FVli, FVre, which is perceived as annoying by the driver and other road users, is avoided, see above that a largely constant illumination of an area in front of the vehicle F is ensured. This further increases safety for all road users. When the edge angle ω _K ^li , ω ^{K re increases, the high beam distribution FVli, Fvre} _is pivoted at the maximum possible pivoting speed in order to prevent other road users from being dazzled.

In vehicles F with several headlights 2li, 2re, such as the vehicle F shown here, the headlights 2li, 2re can preferably be controlled individually, so that the method according to the invention can be carried out optimally. A coordinated driving light control of the individual headlights 2li, 2re is carried out, so that a wide variety of illumination characteristics can be generated.

For example, does the in move 1 shown object O in relation to the vehicle F to the left, it enters the left high beam distribution FVli of the vehicle F and is blinded by it. The right high beam distribution FVre, on the other hand, no longer extends to the corresponding edge K of the object O. This can ^be recognized by the sensor 1 of the vehicle F by an increase in the left edge angle ω _K ^li and a decrease in the right edge angle ω _Kre .

In order to remove the glare from the object O as quickly as possible, the left high beam distribution FVli is therefore panned further to the left at the maximum possible panning speed until the corresponding edge K of the object O is reached again, i. H. until the left high beam distribution FVli reaches the corresponding edge K of the object O again. The right high beam distribution FVre is also pivoted to the left until it again reaches the corresponding edge K of the object O, i. H. until the right high beam distribution FVre again reaches the corresponding edge K of the object O. However, since the object O is not dazzled by the right high beam distribution FVre, the right high beam distribution FVre does not have to be swiveled at the maximum possible swiveling speed, but is carried out at the specified swiveling speed.

In this way, if it is not absolutely necessary to avoid dazzling other road users, a slow panning of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre, which is perceived as pleasant by the driver of the vehicle F, in the example described the right high beam distribution FVre, is possible, whereby For example, a constant rapid panning of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is avoided with frequent lateral changes in the position of the object O in relation to the vehicle F.

The pivoting speed of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre can be specified manually, for example. For example, an optimal pivoting speed of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is already set during the manufacture of the vehicle F. Alternatively, the pivoting speed of the high beam distribution is FVli, FVre can also be adjusted manually by the driver and can therefore be optimally adjusted to ensure good driving comfort. This is particularly advantageous when there are several users of the vehicle F, since the pivoting speed of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre can be set individually according to the wishes of the respective driver. For example, one user prefers the fastest possible pivoting of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre in order to constantly enable maximum possible illumination of the area in front of the vehicle F, while another user finds frequent and rapid adjustments to the high beam distribution FVli, FVre annoying.

Furthermore, the pivoting speed of the high beam distribution FVli, FVre, alternatively or in addition to manually set specifications, can also be specified, for example, as a function of a speed of the vehicle F, so that, especially at high speeds of the vehicle F, a higher pivoting speed very quickly achieves an optimal high beam distribution FVli , FVre is set and thus a maximum possible illumination of the area in front of the vehicle F is ensured.

A pivoting speed of the right-hand high beam distribution FVre in the example described, which is predetermined as a function of the speed of the vehicle F currently being driven, can be used, for example, to achieve optimal protection for pedestrians on the right-hand side of the road, since at a high speed, at which pedestrians must be detected as early as possible, very a maximum possible illumination of the right edge of the road is quickly made possible by a faster pivoting of the right high beam distribution FVre.

To set a swivel angle, the position of the edge K is transformed from a coordinate system related to the sensor 1 into a coordinate system related to the corresponding headlight 2li, 2re.

The respective high beam distribution FVli, FVre has, as in 2 shown, a zero position. The high beam distributions FVli, FVre are characterized and limited by the inner high beam angles _li ω _fl ⁰ and _re ω _fl ⁰ with respect to a headlight zero axis Ysw. The respective outer high beam angles _li ω _fl ^a and _re ω _fl ^a result arithmetically from a total opening angle ω _fl minus the respective inner high beam angle _li ω _fl ⁰ and _re ω _fl ⁰ .

To generate the glare-free space, the high-beam distributions FVli, FVre according to FIG 1 from the zero position of the inner high beam angles _li ω _fl ⁰ and _re ω _fl ⁰ at most to the edges K of the object O, so that the high beam distributions FVli, FVre are limited by the inner high beam angles _li ω _fl ⁰ * and _re ω _fl ⁰ * and the object O is in the glare-free room.

In 3 For a simplified representation, the vehicle F is shown with only one headlight 2li, ie only with the left headlight 2li, since the following explanations also apply analogously to the right headlight 2re of the vehicle F, not shown here. The illustration makes it clear that the pivoting angle of the high beam distribution FVli is limited on the one hand by an inner maximum pivoting angle ω _KI ^imax and on the other hand by an outer maximum pivoting angle ω _K ^amax . These maximum pivot angles ω _KI ^imax , ω _KI ^amax are limited by a maximum pivotability of the headlight 2li around an inner cornering light angle ω _KI ⁱ and an outer cornering light angle ω _K I ^a from a cornering light function.

A set cornering light angle ω _KI ⁱ , ω _KI ^a from the cornering light function of headlight 2li is used to determine whether object O is in a region in front of vehicle F in the direction of travel. The objects O can be both objects O approaching the vehicle F and objects O moving ahead of it. This means that if the object O is in a region of the high beam distribution FVli that is pivoted or not pivoted about the cornering light angle ω _KI i ω _KI ^a , the glare-free space is generated by pivoting the high beam distribution FVIi. However, if the object O is outside of the area in front of the vehicle F in the direction of travel, the driving light of the headlight 2li is controlled according to the cornering light function and the high beam distribution FVli is maintained.

4 shows the vehicle F and the object O according to FIG 1 and a pivoted right high beam distribution FVre of the right headlight 2re. To simplify the illustration, only the right headlight 2re and the associated high beam distribution FVre are shown again, since the following explanations also apply analogously to the left headlight 2li of the vehicle F. The object O is in the direction of travel in an area in front of the vehicle F, so that the object O would be in a non-pivoted position of the high beam distribution FVre in this. In order to avoid glare, as shown, the high beam distribution FVre of the right headlight 2re is pivoted to the right by a pivoting angle that corresponds to the illustrated outer cornering light angle ω _KI ^a . The high beam distribution FVre is pivoted at least far enough for the right inner high beam angle _re ω _fl ⁰ to reach the edge K of the object O at most.

According to a development of the invention, the pivoting angle of the high beam distribution FVre is selected such that a tolerance range T is set between the inner high beam angle _re ω _fl ⁰ as seen from the object O and the edge K of the object O facing the headlight 2re, so that constant pivoting of the high beam distribution FVre can be avoided by inaccurate detection of the sensor 1 or by movements of the object O.

In the 5A until 5C are the vehicle F according to 1 and the object O in three different situations. To ensure clarity, only the left headlight 2li with its high beam distribution FVIi, the inner and outer maximum swivel angle ω _KI ^imax , ω _KI ^amax and a necessary angle ω _{KI_k} are shown, which describes the swivel angle that is necessary for the left inner high beam angle _li ω _fl ⁰ is pivoted to a maximum of the edge K of the object O.

In 5A the object O is in the direction of travel in the area in front of the vehicle F with almost no lateral offset to this. The necessary angle ω _{KI_k} for pivoting the headlight 2li is therefore smaller than the outer maximum pivoting angle ω _KI ^amix , so that a glare-free space for the object O is generated by pivoting the high beam distribution FVli.

In 5B the object O is in the direction of travel in the area in front of the vehicle F with a lateral offset to the left of this. The necessary angle ω _{KI_k} is therefore greater than the outer maximum swivel angle ω _KI ^amax , so that no glare-free space for the object O is generated by swiveling the high beam distribution FVli. In this case, the high beam distribution FVli is switched to the low beam distribution AVli in order to create the glare-free space. The transition between the high beam distribution FVli and the low beam distribution AVli can take place gradually, so that flicker phenomena are avoided, for example.

In 5C the object O is in the direction of travel in the area in front of the vehicle F with a lateral offset to the right of this. The lateral offset is so great that the object O is outside the area of the high beam distribution FVli that is pivoted or not pivoted about the cornering light angle ω _KI ⁱ , ω _KI a , so that the driving light of the headlight 2li is controlled according to the cornering light function. It is not possible for the object O to be dazzled, at least by means of the left headlight 2li, since the inner maximum swivel angle ω _KI ^imax is smaller than the necessary angle ω _{KI_k} .

6 shows the vehicle F according to FIG 1 and an object O located in front of the vehicle F, in particular another vehicle. At least one exterior mirror OA is located on this vehicle. In order not to dazzle a driver of the vehicle in front with his exterior mirror OA, in addition to the required angle ω _{KI_k} , a safety range S is set between the left inner high beam angle _li ω _fl ⁰ (not explicitly shown here) and the edge K of the object O facing it.

7 shows the vehicle F according to FIG 1 and the object O located in front of the vehicle F in a curve in the direction of travel. Since the vehicle F also follows the curve, the high beam distributions FVli, FVre of the headlights 2li, 2re (here the left headlight 2li is only shown as an example) are in the direction of the curve panned. The pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights 2li, 2re is set as a function of a speed of the vehicle F and a steering angle.

Since there is a risk of blinding a driver of a vehicle in front when cornering as shown, both by the exterior mirror OA and an interior mirror and by the windows of his vehicle, the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlights 2li, 2re is selected so that between the left inner high beam angle _li ω _fl ⁰ from the perspective of the object O and the edge K facing the corresponding headlight 2li, a cornering safety range KS is set in addition to the safety range S, so that the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is guided past the object O.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tolerance range T, the safety range S and/or the cornering safety range KS are set variably depending on a vehicle speed, an object speed, the distance E between the vehicle F and the object O and/or the steering angle, so that there is always the maximum illumination, the avoidance of glare and a driving light control that is perceived as pleasant by the driver is achieved. Furthermore, the tolerance range T, the safety range S and/or the cornering safety range KS avoids constant switching between the high beam distribution FVli, FVre and the low beam distribution AVIi, AVre, which is advantageous both for the driver of the vehicle F and for the other road users.

8th shows the vehicle F according to FIG 1 and a plurality of objects O1 to O3 located in front of the vehicle F. At least one relevant object O1 is determined from these objects O1 to O3. The object O1 is relevant when, as already described, it is in the area in front of the vehicle F in the direction of travel. The headlights 2li, 2re are pivoted at least by the necessary angle ω _{KI_k} to the left or the necessary angle ω _{KI_k1} to the right, so that the glare-free space is generated for the relevant object O1.

If other relevant objects, such as the object O2, are detected, the headlight or headlights 2li, 2re are swiveled in such a way that this object O2 is also located in the glare-free room. Here, in particular, the right headlight 2re is pivoted further to the right by a necessary angle ω _{KI_k2} , so that the right inner high beam angle _re ω _fl ⁰ reaches a maximum of the right edge K of the object O2.

The object O3 is not relevant in the exemplary embodiment shown, so that the left high beam distribution FVli can be carried out between the relevant object O1 and the irrelevant object O3 without dazzling both objects O1 and O3.

The 9A shows typical high beam distributions FVli, FVre of two headlights 2li, 2re on a white wall, with the brightest point of the respective high beam distribution FVli, FVre being in the center and the brightness decreasing towards the outside. A portion of the low beam distribution AVIi, AVre is imperceptible.

The 9B shows high beam distributions FVli, FVre of two headlights 2li, 2re with a vertical light-dark boundary HDG on the white wall. The respective high beam distributions FVli, FVre are vertically sharply delimited in the center of the vehicle and are supported in the middle and on the outside by the respective low beam distributions AVIi, AVre. This light distribution is referred to as partial high beam.

The inventive method and configurations of this can with both in the 9A and 9B illustrated high beam distributions FVli, FVre are carried out. Due to the sharp vertical light-dark boundary HDG, the partial high beam is particularly well suited for masking, ie for creating a glare-free space, since the object delimitation points or the edges K of the object O can be illuminated directly past.

The classic high beam distribution FVli, FVre according to 9A has the advantage of greater illumination and higher brightness compared to the partial high beam.

For this reason, according to an advantageous development, the method is extended in such a way that if no objects O are detected, the classic high beam distribution is selected when the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is activated, while, on the other hand, if an object O is detected, the high beam distribution FVli, FVre is used to hide the high beam distribution FVli, FVre via the Partial high beam takes place.

According to further developments of the invention not shown in detail, the sensor 1 detects whether the vehicle F is moving in an area with street lighting, so that in this case a switch is made from the high beam distribution FVli, FVre to the low beam distribution AVIi, AVre.

Furthermore, as already described, a coordinated driving light control of the individual headlights 2li, 2re performed. In addition to different swivel angles, one headlight 2li, 2re can also be operated with high beam distribution FVli, FVre and the other with low beam distribution AVIi, AVre.

Any known type of headlights 2li, 2re and lamps can be used to carry out the method according to the invention and developments of this. Both separate and separate lighting means can be provided for realizing the high beam distribution FVli, FVre and the low beam distribution AVIi, AVre.

Claims (9)

Method for controlling the headlights of a vehicle (F) with at least one swiveling headlight (2li, 2re), in which a low beam distribution (AVri, AVre) and a high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) are set as light distributions, and with a sensor (1) for one Detection of oncoming objects (O) and/or objects moving in the same direction, with the high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) depending on a position of the detected objects (O) being pivoted out of the area of these in such a way that an object (O ) glare-free space is generated, with the high beam distribution (FVri, FVre) being pivoted up to the lateral edges (K) of the object (O), the lateral edges (K) of at least one in front of the vehicle (F ) located object (O) in the form of a left edge angle (ω _K ^li ) and a right edge angle (ω _K ^re ) in relation to a sensor zero axis (Y _s ) of the sensor (1) are determined, and with a reduction in the left edge angle (ω _K ^li ) and/or the right edge angle (ω _K ^re ), the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) is pivoted on the corresponding side at a predeterminable pivoting speed, characterized in that - with an increase in the left edge angle (ω _K ^li ) and/or the right edge angle (ω _K ^re ), the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) is pivoted on the corresponding side with a maximum possible pivoting speed, - the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) an inner high beam angle ( _li ω _fl 0, _re ωfl ⁰ ) and an outer high beam angle ( _li ω _fl ^a , _re ω _fl ^a ) with respect to a respective headlight zero axis (Y _sw ), the headlight (2li, 2re) having a maximum of up to a maximum pivoting angle (ω _Kl ^imax , ω _KI ^amax ) is pivoted, and - a pivoting angle for pivoting the headlight (2li, 2re) is selected so that the inner high beam angle ( _li ω _fl ⁰ , _re ω _fl ⁰ ) from the perspective of the object (O) reaches at most up to the edge (K) facing the corresponding headlight (2left, 2re) if the pivoting angle is smaller than the maximum pivoting angle (ω _KI ^imax , ω _KI ^amax, , procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the pivoting speed is specified manually. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pivoting speed is specified as a function of a speed of the vehicle (F). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cornering light angle (ω _KI ) from a cornering light function of the headlight (2li, 2re) is used to determine whether the object (O) is in the direction of travel in an area in front of the vehicle (F). , the headlights being controlled according to the cornering light function when the object (O) is outside the area in front of the vehicle (F) in the direction of travel. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlight (2li, 2re) is selected such that between the inner high beam angle ( _li ω _fl ⁰ , _re ω _fl ⁰ ) from the point of view of the object (O) and a tolerance range (T) or a safety range (S) is set for the edge (K) facing the corresponding headlight (2li, 2re). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when cornering, the pivoting angle for pivoting the headlight (2li, 2re) is selected such that between the inner main beam angle ( _li ω _fl ⁰ , _re ω _fl ⁰ ) from the point of view of the object ( O) and the edge (K) facing the corresponding headlight (2li, 2re) a curve safety area (KS) is set. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one relevant object (O1, O2) is determined from a number of objects (O) located in front of the vehicle (F). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (1) detects whether the vehicle (F) is moving in an area with street lighting and that in this case the high beam distribution (FVli, FVre) is switched to the low beam distribution (AVIi, AVre) is switched. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vertical light-dark boundary (HDG) is generated at the inner high beam angle ( _li ω _fl ⁰ , _re ω _fl ⁰ ) by means of the headlight (2li, 2re).

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