DE102007053727B4 - Motor vehicle headlight with spring-mounted light module - Google Patents

Abstract

Headlamp for a motor vehicle, the headlamp comprising a holding frame (7) and at least one therein about a pivot axis (13) pivotally mounted light module (1) with a light source (3) for emitting light, with a reflector (2) for focusing the emitted Light and with a projection lens (6) for projecting the reflected light onto a road ahead of the vehicle to produce a desired light distribution, the headlight having an upper bearing (30) and a lower bearing (40), at least one bearing (30 40) between the holding frame (7) and the light module (1) vibration damping means, wherein the vibration damping means at the upper bearing point (30) acting perpendicular to the pivot axis spring element (15), characterized in that at both bearing points (30, 40 ) vibration damping means act, the vibration damping means at both bearing points perpendicular to the pivot axis we kende spring elements (15, 20) which press the light module (1) within the two bearing points (30, 40) in a predetermined position relative to the holding frame (7) and that the vibration damping means acting on the upper bearing point parallel to the pivot axis comprise acting spring element (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle. The headlamp comprises at least one light module and a holding frame for the pivotable mounting of the at least one light module. The light module comprises a light source for emitting light, a reflector for focusing the emitted light, and a projection lens for projecting the reflected light onto a roadway in front of the vehicle to produce a desired light distribution, the headlight having an upper bearing point and a lower bearing point, wherein at both bearing points between the support frame and light module vibration damping means act, wherein the vibration damping means comprise a perpendicular to the pivot axis acting spring element and acting parallel to the pivot axis spring member at the upper bearing and comprise at the lower bearing a perpendicular to the pivot axis acting spring element. Such a headlamp is from the document DE 102 55 989 A1 known.

Such headlamps are used in the prior art for generating different light functions, such as dipped beam, high beam, fog light, city light, highway light, motorway light, etc. In this case, the light and illuminance distribution of the respective light function can be generated by a light module of the headlight alone or in conjunction with at least one further light module of the headlight. The light module can be designed as a reflection module (with light source and reflector) or as a projection module (additionally with aperture and lens), wherein the light source can be designed as a halogen lamp, as a gas discharge lamp or increasingly as a light emitting diode (LED).

The projection modules (so-called polyellipsoid system (PES) modules) preferably have ellipsoidal reflectors. Such PES modules are usually equipped with diaphragm assemblies for generating a light-dark boundary of light distribution on the road. An aperture arrangement can have an aperture element with an upper optically active upper edge, which is projected onto the roadway as a light-dark boundary of the light distribution. Alternatively, the diaphragm arrangement has a plurality of diaphragm elements which can be moved relative to one another and which preferably extend around a horizontal axis extending parallel to the optical axis, the optically active upper edge of the diaphragm arrangement being composed of a superposition of parts of the optically effective upper edges of the individual diaphragm elements. In this way, by moving the aperture elements relative to one another, an adaptive light distribution with a variable light-dark boundary can be realized. A variation of the optically effective upper edge of the diaphragm arrangement in any other way for generating the adaptive light distribution is also conceivable. The diaphragm assembly may also be pivotally mounted in its entirety, for example, to switch between dipped beam and high beam. From the DE 102 17 194 A1 is a headlight with a horizontally pivotable light module is known, which is pivotally mounted in an upper and in a lower storage in a holding frame and which has an additional, spatially separated from the lower storage and perpendicular to the pivot axis elastic support.

Further known headlights usually have a holding frame, via which the light module is connected to the headlight housing, preferably vertically pivotable. The holding frame may also be part of the headlight housing. To realize a, preferably in the horizontal direction, changeable light exit direction, the light module is mounted pivotably in the holding frame about a vertical, transverse to the optical axis pivot axis. This is done at bearings, eg. By means of bolts which are connected to the light module and rotatably mounted in the holding frame. The pivoting of the light module is preferably carried out by actuators, preferably stepper motors, which are controlled by control signals of a control unit. Depending on the light function implemented (for example cornering light or headlight range control), the swivel axis can be aligned vertically and / or horizontally.

The further known headlights have the disadvantage that the bearings between the light module and support frame are formed so that vibrations of the vehicle when driving due to road bumps and / or engine vibration are transmitted to the light module virtually without damping, resulting in uncontrolled movements or vibrations of the light module and leads to a very disturbing trembling of the light distribution on the road. This adverse behavior (resonance behavior) can be demonstrated in the course of vibration and shaking tests in a test field, as well as in practical driving of the vehicle. After long-term stress, the light modules in the bearings due to wear effects also over time more and more game on what the o.g. Movements or vibrations of the light module further amplified. As a result, when driving the vehicle, the driver perceives a restless light cone in front of his vehicle. This is subjectively perceived as disturbing (reduction of subjective perceived ride comfort of the vehicle) and may even be the cause of a nervous and hectic driving style of the driver, which may result in a hazard to road traffic.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to further improve a headlamp of the type mentioned ..

To solve the problem, it is proposed starting from the light module of the type mentioned that the force acting perpendicular to the pivot axis spring elements press the light module within the two bearing points in a predetermined position relative to the support frame.

The invention thus proposes that vibration damping means are used to prevent the transmission of vehicle vibrations and engine vibrations to the light module. This means that the vibrations of the vehicle are damped or even completely compensated before they reach the light module. So there is a passive vibration and vibration isolation, by which the vibration and vibration sensitive light module from vibration and vibration of the environment (vehicle, engine, etc.) is protected. In addition, by the vibration damping means insulation against shocks can be achieved, with short-term power pulses are converted into longer-lasting vibrations and the vibrations are damped quickly. As a result, an increased driving comfort is achieved when driving with the light on, since a jitter of the light distribution is practically no longer available.

The dependent claims have advantageous embodiments of the invention the subject. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the vibration-damping means comprise at least one spring element. As spring elements are preferably on screw or leaf springs, which act between holding frame and light module. This results in a particularly cost-effective embodiment. It is also conceivable, however, the use of resilient rubber or plastic elements for vibration damping. By the spring constant or the hardness of the rubber or the plastic to be damped frequencies of vibration or vibration can be adjusted. A combination of different spring constants or material hardnesses in a spring element is also conceivable, in order to be able to attenuate targeted vibrations or vibrations in certain frequency bands. Particularly advantageous springs with a progressive spring characteristic can be used, which have a particularly good damping effect. Thus, the requirement for a high shaking resistance of the storage of the light module is advantageously met.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one spring element acts perpendicular and / or parallel to the pivot axis of the light module. Regardless of the orientation of the pivot axis (vertical or horizontal) act spring forces of the spring elements such that the light module is mounted largely free of shaking in all directions, ie in three-dimensional space. By acting perpendicular to the pivot axis spring element, the light module is always stored without play even after a prolonged load duration and the occurrence of abrasion and wear-related wear in the bearing.

It is also proposed that the at least one spring element presses the light module within the at least one bearing point in a predetermined position relative to the holding frame. This ensures that the light module is always positioned in a predetermined position relative to the support frame, even while driving the vehicle and after the occurrence of wear effects. In addition, the spring elements damp and / or compensate for vibrations resulting from road bumps and / or engine vibration.

It is further proposed that the at least one light module has at least one bolt which engages in the region of the at least one bearing point in a corresponding opening of the holding frame, wherein the vibration damping means act between an edge of the opening and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one bolt. The bolts are preferably cylindrical or spherical (i.e., the peripheral surface is bowed outwardly). As a result, due to the relatively small contact area between the outer circumference of the pin and the inner circumference of the opening, it is advantageously achieved that the pivoting of the light module can be carried out particularly easily, without, for example, expensive ball bearings or other special bearing means having to be used. The servomotors for pivoting the light module can work without having to overcome large frictional forces, whereby a very accurate positioning of the light module can be ensured. The frictional resistance is further reduced by the spherical embodiment of the bolt, since on the one hand, the spring element here only a point contact with the curved outer peripheral surface of the bolt and on the other hand, the bolt has only a line contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening (hole) in the holding frame. The frictional resistance thus hardly affects the pivoting function of the light module.

It is also proposed that the diameter of the opening is larger than the corresponding diameter of the bolt. This prevents that vibrations that arise during operation of the vehicle and thus transferred to the support frame, directly on the bolt, which is part of the light module, go over. The bigger one Diameter of the opening allows so that the vibration damping means between holding frame and bolt can act.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one light module works according to the reflection principle or according to the projection principle. This means that the light module of the headlamp according to the invention is not limited to a specific type of light module. The light module thus always has a light source and a reflector (reflection principle). To realize the light module according to the projection principle, at least one projection lens or several lens segments and at least one diaphragm arrangement with one or more diaphragm elements are additionally present.

list of figures

• 1 einen Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfers mit Halterahmen und Lichtmodul gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem Vertikalschnitt längs der optischen Achse;
• 2 eine detaillierte Darstellung einer oberen Lagerstelle zwischen Halterahmen und Lichtmodul des Scheinwerfers aus 1 im Vertikalschnitt;
• 3 eine detaillierte Darstellung einer unteren Lagerstelle zwischen Halterahmen und Lichtmodul des Scheinwerfers aus 1 im Vertikalschnitt;
• 4 den Scheinwerfer aus 1 im Schnitt A-A quer zur optischen Achse;
• 5 die obere Lagerstelle des Scheinwerfers aus 1 im Schnitt B-B; und
• 6 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Lagerstelle zwischen Halterahmen und Lichtmodul eines erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfers.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

• 1 a portion of a headlamp according to the invention with holding frame and light module according to a preferred embodiment in a vertical section along the optical axis;
• 2 a detailed view of an upper bearing between holding frame and light module of the headlamp 1 in vertical section;
• 3 a detailed view of a lower bearing between the support frame and light module of the headlamp 1 in vertical section;
• 4 the headlight off 1 in section AA transverse to the optical axis;
• 5 the upper bearing point of the headlamp 1 in section BB; and
• 6 a further embodiment of a bearing between the holding frame and the light module of a headlight according to the invention.

Detailed description

In 1 a light module of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention is shown in a vertical section along the optical axis and in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 designated. 4 shows the light module 1 from 1 in a vertical section transverse to the optical axis. The light module 1 is designed as a so-called Polyellipsoid system (PES) module and is installed in a headlight housing (not shown). The PES module 1 (also called PES insert) includes a reflector 2 , which is made of plastic, preferably with a reflective coating, or metal, for example of metal, in particular aluminum die-cast. The reflector 2 is preferably formed ellipsoidal or he has a deviating from the ellipsoidal free form. It also includes the PES module 1 a light source 3 , which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a gas discharge lamp. Also, an incandescent lamp or one or more LEDs would be conceivable as a light source. Integral part of the gas discharge lamp 3 is a ignitor 4 for igniting and maintaining an arc in the glass bulb of the gas discharge lamp 3 serves. The fastening of the ignitor 4 at the back of the reflector 2 takes place by means of a fastening device 5 , for example. In the form of a bayonet closure. Furthermore, the PES module includes 1 a projection lens 6 for the projection of the reflector 2 reflected light through a light exit opening of the headlamp (not shown) for generating a desired light distribution on a roadway in front of the vehicle.

The light exit opening of the headlamp is closed by a transparent cover (not shown) made of glass or plastic. The cover plate can be provided without, in part with or completely with optically effective elements (for example prisms and / or lenses, in particular cylindrical lenses).

In the beam path of the reflected light beams is often arranged a diaphragm arrangement whose upper edge can be projected as a light-dark boundary on the road ahead of the vehicle. An aperture arrangement can have an aperture element with an upper optically active upper edge, which is projected onto the roadway as a light-dark boundary of the light distribution. Alternatively, the diaphragm arrangement has a plurality of diaphragm elements which can be moved relative to one another and are movable relative to one another, preferably around a plane parallel to the optical axis. The optically effective upper edge of the diaphragm arrangement is composed of a superposition of parts of the optically effective upper edges of the individual diaphragm elements. Of course, the light module of the headlamp according to the invention could also work on the reflection principle (without aperture and lens 6 ).

The PES module 1 is inside a support frame 7 arranged, which is preferably made of plastic. The support frame 7 can in turn be movable, for example. To a horizontal, transverse to the optical axis pivot axis pivotally mounted on the headlight housing. The support frame 7 has outside on two opposite sides bearing means 10 on, with which he on the headlight housing for the realization of a vertical pivoting movement, eg. For the realization a headlight range control, the PES module 1 around a horizontal pivot axis 14 is mounted relative to the headlight housing. But it is also conceivable that the holding frame 7 is firmly attached to the housing and is a kind of integral part of the housing.

The support frame 7 surrounds the PES module 1 between the reflector 2 and the projection lens 6 approximately annular at a distance. In the preferred embodiment, the support frame 7 in an upper and a lower area two bearings 30 and 40 for mounting the PES module 1 on. The bearings 30 and 40 allow a horizontal pivoting movement of the PES module 1 , for example, to realize a cornering light function.

For a more detailed explanation of the mounting of the PES module 1 in the frame 7 shows 2 a detailed view of the upper bearing 30 and 3 a detailed view of the lower bearing 40 (each in section along the optical axis).

At the PES module 1 are at the front edge of the reflector 2 two holding plates at the top and bottom 8th and 9 fastened, preferably screwed. Other connecting means for fixing the sheets 8th . 9 at the PES module 1 such as riveting, welding or gluing are quite conceivable. The retaining plates 8th . 9 Can also be integral with the reflector 2 formed and at the front edge of the reflector 2 be formed. The retaining plates 8th . 9 are via the PES module 1 rigidly connected. An integrally formed retaining ring that holds the PES module 1 encloses, instead of the two separate holding plates 8th . 9 for attaching the PES module 1 is also possible.

At the retaining plates 8th . 9 are downwardly projecting bolts 11 and 12 , preferably by riveting, but alternatively also attached by welding or gluing. Of course, the bolts can 11 and 12 also in one piece with the retaining plates 8th . 9 be educated. The support frame 7 points to the upper bearing point 30 and at the lower depository 40 one hole each 21 on, with the vertical pivot axis 13 of the light module 1 through the holes 21 runs. In these holes 21 are the bolts 11 and 12 used from above. Bolts 11 and 12 each have a radially outwardly extending collar 22 on top of the holes 21 surrounding bearing area of the holding frame 7 rests. Bolts 11 and 12 can also be executed spherical, ie the peripheral surfaces of the bolt 11 and 12 are arched outwards.

The holes 21 in the frame 7 are designed such that they are larger than the diameter of the bolt 11 and 12 , Furthermore, the holding frame 7 in the area of the upper and lower bearing points 30 . 40 in conjunction with the holes 21 one recess each 20 into which a coil spring 15 perpendicular to the pivot axis 13 is used. The spring force of the coil springs 15 presses against the peripheral surface of the bolt 11 and 12 , It is also conceivable that the coil springs 15 in the inner circumference of the holes 21 at least partially sunk. The coil springs 15 point on the attack side to the bolts 11 and 12 towards small slide plates 16 on to the spring force of the spring 15 evenly over the entire height of the bolts 11 and 12 to distribute. The slide plates 16 can also shape the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the bolt in shape 11 . 12 correspond and bent (as a hollow cylinder segment) or curved (spherical segment-like) be formed.

The support frame 7 points in the area of the upper depository 30 a U-shape, with the hole 21 is formed in a lower leg of the U-shape. The U-shape results in an upper stop 17 on which there is another coil spring 18 can support. The spring 18 is on the upper face of the bolt 11 positioned. Their spring force acts in the direction of the pivot axis 13 , The coil spring 18 has a slider at the bottom 19 in, for example, in the form of a solid ball segment, with its flat cutting surface to the coil spring 18 shows and with the curved spherical surface almost punctiform with the bolt 11 is in contact, resulting in low friction between the sliding element 19 and bolts 11 result.

This results in the following function: The bolts 11 and 12 are over the retaining plates 8th and 9 stuck with the PES module 1 connected. After inserting the bolts 11 and 12 in the respective holes provided 21 the holding device 7 is a horizontal panning of the PES module 1 at least possible. The spring forces of the coil springs 15 Press at the upper and lower bearing point 30 . 40 over the leaflets 16 against the outer peripheral surface of the bolts 11 and 12 and hold the PES module with it 1 free of play but pivotable in a defined position, ie both parallel to the optical axis and transversely thereto, relative to the holding frame 7 , The sliding leaflets 16 provide a vertical line contact with the bolts 11 and 12 and thereby reduce the frictional resistance so that the PES module 1 can be pivoted without great effort.

By the alternative, crowned embodiment of the bolt 11 and 12 in which the outer peripheral surface of the bolts 11 and 12 is curved to the outside, a further reduction of the frictional resistance is possible because on the one hand, the sliding lamina 16 now only one point contact with the bolts 11 and 12 on the other hand, only a horizontally extending line contact of the bolt 11 and 12 with the inner wall of the holes 21 received. This reduction of the contact surface and thus also the frictional resistance also prevents a possible misalignment and resulting tension and positional shifts of the PES module 1 ,

In addition, a spring force of the coil spring presses 18 in the direction of the pivot axis 13 from above on the bolt 11 , Again, the frictional resistance is kept low by the spherical segment-shaped sliding element 19 just a point contact with the bolt 11 causes. In addition, the coil spring stops 18 in interaction with the solid support of the collar 22 on the support frame 7 the PES module 1 in a defined vertical position relative to the support frame 7 (And thus also relative to the headlight housing and on to the vehicle body) and thus serves as a position assurance for the PES module 1 ,

The coil springs 15 and 18 compensate for vibrations and vibrations from the vehicle while driving or from the engine during operation on the support frame 7 be transferred so that the PES module 1 is stored vibration-free as far as possible.

Both swivel movements of the PES module 1 (vertical and horizontal) are generally performed by servomotors (not shown). Corresponding control signals receive the servomotors from a control unit (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, instead of the coil springs 15 and 18 at least partially other types of springs such. B. leaf springs or rubber or plastic springs are used.

A depository 30 . 40 Such an alternative embodiment is, for example, in 6 shown. Here is the holding frame 7 in the area of the depository 30 . 40 divided into two parts and comprises a main part 7 ' of the holding frame 7 and a separate storage part 7 " with the hole 21 , Between the main part 7 ' and the bearing part 7 '' acts an annular damping element made of rubber or plastic. The damping element acts both parallel and transverse to the axis of rotation 13 and thus corresponds to the function of both the first spring element 15 as well as the second spring element 18 of the embodiment of the 1 to 3 , The bolt 11 , over the retaining plate 8th at the PES module 1 is fixed, preferably without play in the bore 21 of the holding frame 7 introduced. Inside the hole 21 a bearing bush can be formed or arranged.

In a further embodiment, of course, the storage 10 of the holding frame 7 on the spotlight housing for the vertical pivoting movement of the PES module 1 For example, be designed to realize a headlight range control with the spring bearing according to the invention.

Claims (9)

Headlamp for a motor vehicle, the headlamp comprising a holding frame (7) and at least one therein about a pivot axis (13) pivotally mounted light module (1) with a light source (3) for emitting light, with a reflector (2) for focusing the emitted Light and with a projection lens (6) for projecting the reflected light onto a road ahead of the vehicle to produce a desired light distribution, the headlight having an upper bearing (30) and a lower bearing (40), at least one bearing (30 40) between the holding frame (7) and the light module (1) vibration damping means, wherein the vibration damping means at the upper bearing point (30) acting perpendicular to the pivot axis spring element (15), characterized in that at both bearing points (30, 40 ) vibration damping means act, wherein the vibration damping means wi at both bearing points perpendicular to the pivot axis wi rkende spring elements (15, 20) which press the light module (1) within the two bearing points (30, 40) in a predetermined position relative to the holding frame (7) and that acting on the upper bearing point vibration damping means acting parallel to the pivot axis Comprise spring element (18). Headlight after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one light module (1) at least one bolt (11; 12) which engages in the region of the at least one bearing point (30; 40) in a corresponding opening of the holding frame (7), wherein the vibration damping means between an edge of the opening and the at least one bolt (11, 12) act. Headlight after Claim 2 , characterized in that the diameter of the opening is larger than the corresponding diameter of the bolt (11, 12). Headlight after Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the bolt (11, 12) is cylindrical. Headlight after Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the peripheral surface of the bolt (11, 12) is curved outwards. Headlights after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the holding frame (7) is part of a housing of the headlamp. Headlights after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the holding frame (7) in turn about a further pivot axis (14) is pivotally mounted in a housing of the headlamp, wherein the further pivot axis (14) is substantially orthogonal to the pivot axis (13) of the light module. Headlights after one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the at least one light module (1) operates on the projection principle. Headlights after one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the at least one light module (1) operates on the reflection principle.

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