DE102009056853A1 - Headlight, particularly fog headlight for vehicle, comprises housing, and light module, which is arranged in housing, where light module comprises reflector and lighting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The headlight comprises a housing (12), and a light module, which is arranged in the housing. The light module comprises a reflector and a lighting unit. An adjusting element (22) is provided for adjusting the reflector corresponding to the lighting unit. An electric motor (20) is provided, which is connected with the housing for operating the adjusting element.

Description

The invention relates to a headlight, in particular a fog light, for a vehicle.

Out DE 10 2005 048 415 A1 a fog lamp is known, which has a housing with a light module inserted therein, wherein the position of the light module is adjustable with respect to the housing. For this purpose, an adjusting element is provided by which an adjustability of the light module is made possible by a substantially horizontal axis.

A disadvantage of such a headlight is that it must be positioned in a bumper so that it can be easily adjusted from the outside, whereby the design freedom for the positioning of the fog lamp is limited.

The object of the invention is to provide a headlight, in particular a fog light, which can be positioned without restrictions in the design freedom.

This object is achieved by a headlamp with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The headlight according to the invention, in particular fog lights, for a vehicle comprises a housing, a light module arranged in the housing, the light module having a reflector and a luminous means, and an adjusting element for adjusting the reflector with respect to the luminous means, one connected to the housing Electric motor is provided for actuating the adjusting element.

By providing an electric motor for actuating the adjusting element, no openings at the front of the vehicle adjacent to the headlights are more necessary. This creates a great freedom of design, since, for example, the bumper around the fog lamp around can be substantially closed or no specific requirements must be placed on this. Furthermore, no openings in the engine compartment are more necessary, over which an adjustment of the pork thrower is also feasible.

Furthermore, the headlight according to the invention is inexpensive to manufacture, since the adjustment of the same in the factory is much easier and faster.

In addition, complex mechanisms can be dispensed with.

The adjustment, in particular the basic setting of a headlight by means of an electric motor is also much more accurate feasible than a comparable setting on manual mechanisms. As a result, the headlight according to the invention is often set more accurately and provides an improved photograph.

In an advantageous embodiment, the electric motor is arranged on the outside of the housing. This allows a particularly compact design of the headlight according to the invention can be realized.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the reflector is vertically adjustable. As a result, in particular a basic adjustment in the height of the light cone is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the vertical adjustment depending on the loading condition of the vehicle executable. As a result, the light / dark boundary of the headlamp is always properly adjustable despite a variable inclination of the vehicle, wherein the reflector about a substantially horizontally extending axis can be pivoted or rotatable.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the headlight is connected via a CAN bus with a means for determining the state of charge, in particular an axle sensor. As a result, the headlight is automatically adjustable and can respond to changing conditions without the intervention of the driver. The headlamp is always set correctly.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the reflector is adjustable as a function of left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. This is particularly advantageous since the headlights do not emit a completely symmetrical light image, but rather specifically illuminate the left-hand side of the road and the right-hand side of the road. Thus, the right edge of the road is usually illuminated higher, but this would require for headlights, which are set to right-hand traffic, a dazzling oncoming traffic oncoming traffic. This is avoided.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the reflector is horizontally adjustable. As a result, a basic setting with respect to the width of the illuminated cone of the headlamp is also possible. As a result, the illumination of the headlamp can be further improved.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a headlamp according to the invention.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show in detail:

1 a schematic view of a headlamp according to the invention obliquely from behind;

2 a schematic view of a headlamp according to the invention obliquely from the front;

3 a sectional view of a headlamp according to the invention from the side.

The following explanations apply in particular to a fog lamp. However, the invention equally includes a normal headlight, so for example the headlamp for the low beam of a vehicle. Therefore, the following explanations apply equally to a normal headlamp without departing from the scope of the invention.

In 1 is a fog lamp according to the invention 10 shown. The fog lamp according to the invention 10 is preferably arranged in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car. But it can be arranged in any vehicle.

The fog light 10 includes a housing 12 in which a light module is arranged. The housing 12 has an inside and an outside. The inside is the side arranged in the direction of the light module and encloses the light module. The outside of the case 12 is the opposite side of the light module.

The light module has a reflector provided with a reflective layer 14 and at least one light source. The reflector 14 increases the luminous efficacy of the bulb and directs that in the fog lamp 10 light generated by the bulb in the desired direction. The illuminant is preferably a halogen incandescent bulb, but also designed as LED bulbs are possible. The bulbs are connected via an electrical connection 16 powered. Furthermore, diaphragms and / or projection lenses known to the person skilled in the art can be provided in the housing 12 and / or on the reflector 14 be arranged.

That in the fog light 10 light generated by the bulb is transmitted through the reflector 14 and possibly existing lenses and / or diaphragms to a cone of light of the fog lamp 10 bundled. The cone of light of the fog lamp 10 is through a transparent cover 18 out of the case 12 directed. The cover 18 is in 2 Shown and closes the housing 12 on its front side. The cover 18 serves as a headlight lens and is usually made of glass or plastic. The cover 18 may also be formed as a lens and / or aperture or have a lens and / or aperture. The cover 18 thus forms the outlet for the cone of light of the fog lamp 10 ,

The light distribution of the cone of light must meet special requirements. Thus, a basic setting of the light cone must be present, which ensures good illumination of the road or the areas adjacent to the road. In addition, a dazzle of the preceding or oncoming traffic participants must be prevented.

The light distribution of the fog light 10 However, it may change from its default setting, for example, when the vehicle is loaded. Thus, the light distribution changes in particular in their height, for example, if several people are transported in the back seat, a trailer is transported, or even the trunk is fully loaded. As a result, the light cone appears higher than in its desired basic setting.

The fog lights 10 should therefore be vertically adjustable to counteract this effect and to allow a suitable default setting. A vertical adjustability is an adjustability with respect to the height or the radiation angle of the illuminated cone. With such a setting of the fog lamp 10 Thus, the height and / or the beam angle of the cone can be influenced.

To the fog light 10 set vertically, and restore the basic setting of the photo, is an electric motor according to the invention 20 intended. The electric motor is with the housing 12 connected and preferably attached to this. It is particularly advantageous if the electric motor 20 on the outside of the case 12 is arranged. In this way is the electric motor 20 directly with an adjusting element 22 connectable without having to provide another power transmission. However, it may also be advantageous if the electric motor is arranged in the interior of the housing, since it is thus protected from external influences.

The electric motor 20 thus engages the adjustment 22 on to press this. By pressing the adjusting element 22 can the fog light 10 be adjusted, by adjusting the reflector 14 in terms of that Lamp and thus preferably also in relation to the housing 12 is feasible.

As a result, even when the vehicle is loaded, the light cone of the fog lamp is achieved 10 is only slightly above the road surface. This is especially with fog lights 10 advantageous because fog lights 10 only fulfill their purpose if they "dim" the fog. Too high a set fog lamp 10 reflects the light on the water droplets and disturbs the driver. On the other hand, oncoming traffic can be caused by too high-illuminating fog lights 10 be blinded.

Such adjustability of the reflector 14 in terms of the bulb is in 3 shown. The housing 12 has on its insides an upper attachment nose 24 and a lower attachment nose 26 on. At these attachment lugs 24 . 26 is the reflector 14 hinged. In its basic position is the reflector 14 shown in the solid line. With a vertical adjustment of the reflector 14 this is preferably pivoted or rotated about a substantially horizontal axis. Then there is the reflector 14 in an altered position or orientation, indicated by the dashed line in 3 is indicated. For this purpose, the reflector 14 for example, on the lower attachment nose 26 pivotally hinged and along the upper attachment nose 24 glide along. The reflector 14 can also pivotally or rotatably on the housing in its center 12 be articulated and at the attachment noses 24 and 26 slide along, these possibilities are given only as an example.

The adjusting element 22 For example, it may be an adjusting screw which is rotatable on the housing 12 is arranged and further to the reflector 14 of the light module attacks. Then, for example, by turning the adjusting screw of the reflector 14 adjusted, in particular, be pivoted. This is inventively possible by the driving of the electric motor 20 , which is possible for example by a switch on the dashboard of the vehicle. Then the driver of the vehicle can easily the electric motor 20 drive, the adjusting element 22 , in particular the adjusting screw, operated, and so the fog lamp by adjusting the reflector 14 set vertically.

It is particularly advantageous if the reflector 14 is vertically adjustable depending on the loading condition of the vehicle. For just a loading of the vehicle can cause the height or the angle of the beam changes, which leads to the disadvantages mentioned above. For this purpose, a switch, such as a rotary switch, may be provided in the cockpit of the vehicle, with which the driver depending on the load state, the electric motor 20 control and so on the adjustment 22 the reflector 14 can adjust vertically.

It can also be provided that the fog lamp 10 in particular automatically adjustable in dependence on the state of charge of the vehicle. For this purpose, a means for determining the state of charge, in particular an axle sensor, may be provided, with which the electric motor 20 the fog lamp 10 is connectable. Preferably, the electric motor 20 Connected to the axle sensor via a CAN bus, leaving the fog lamp 10 is set automatically at a changing state of charge. An incorrect setting of the fog light 10 can be avoided so practically completely. Furthermore, the driver does not have to adjust the fog light every time the vehicle is loaded or unloaded 10 make. In addition, the adjustment of the fog lamp 10 be carried out much more accurately via an axle sensor, as over a setting of the driver, as the driver can possibly estimate, to what extent the fog lights 10 by adjusting the reflector 14 must be adjusted.

The light cones are basically set so that the light cone on the right side of the roadway shines with a larger beam range, so the light cone is set slightly higher. In contrast, the beam range of the light cone on the left side of the road is very limited, since it must be ensured that oncoming traffic participants are not dazzled. With such a setting are the best and safest ways to illuminate the road as possible.

To prevent the headlights 10 are set incorrectly, when a vehicle, which is set for right-hand traffic, operated in a country where left-hand traffic prevails, can also be provided that the reflector 14 is adjustable depending on left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. For this example, two different basic settings can be preprogrammed, between which the driver can choose.

These basic settings take into account that in a vehicle set for right-hand traffic, the light cone is set precisely wrong when operating on left-hand traffic. Because the light cone on the right side of the vehicle now appears in oncoming traffic, whereas the left side in the direction of travel, so the left edge of the road, is insufficiently lit.

Then, the basic setting of the light cone can be switched by simply switching from right to left and vice versa, by using the left and right reflectors 14 be adjusted vertically.

The fog lights 10 can also be switched on or off manually by the driver of the vehicle in poor visibility conditions either. In addition, it is possible with the aid of fog sensors, which can detect a reduction in visibility, the fog lights automatically on or off. This will ensure that the fog lights 10 only illuminate at greatly reduced visibility and so dazzle the oncoming road users, since incorrect operations are largely avoided.

In the fog lamp according to the invention 10 Furthermore, a horizontal adjustability can be provided. That means the reflectors 14 in particular are pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. As a result, the illumination of the headlight and thus the illumination of the road is even more advantageous because the headlights or the width of their light cone are precisely adapted to the vehicle or on the currently prevailing events.

Such horizontal adjustability is also by driving the electric motor 20 possible, this being an adjusting element 22 actuated. It can be provided that for vertical and horizontal adjustability only an electric motor 20 and only one adjusting element 22 is provided. In addition, it is conceivable that for the horizontal and vertical adjustability depending on an electric motor 20 and / or one adjusting element 22 are provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

fog lights

12

casing

14

reflector

16

Electrical connection

18

cover

20

electric motor

22

adjustment

24

upper attachment nose

26

lower attachment nose

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005048415 A1 [0002]

Claims (8)

Headlamps, in particular fog lamps ( 10 ), for a vehicle comprising a housing ( 12 ), one in the housing ( 12 ) arranged light module, wherein the light module is a reflector ( 14 ) and a lighting means, and an adjusting element ( 22 ) for adjusting the reflector ( 14 ) with respect to the lighting means, characterized in that an electric motor connected to the housing ( 20 ) for actuating the adjusting element ( 22 ) is provided. Headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric motor ( 20 ) on the outside of the housing ( 20 ) is arranged. Headlamp according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflector ( 14 ) is vertically adjustable. Headlamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the vertical adjustment depending on the loading condition of the vehicle is executable. Headlight according to claim 4, characterized in that the headlight is connected via a CAN bus with a means for determining the state of charge, in particular an axle sensor. Headlamp according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reflector ( 14 ) is adjustable depending on left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. Headlamp according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reflector ( 14 ) is horizontally adjustable. Vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a headlamp according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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