DE102010011082A1 - Motor vehicle headlight has reflector, reflector neck, which is designed to incorporate gas discharge lamp, and clamping unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor vehicle headlight (10) has a reflector (20), a reflector neck (26), which is designed to incorporate a gas discharge lamp (22), and a clamping unit (24), which is designed to clamp the gas discharge lamp on the reflector neck. The gas discharge lamp is designed to serve as retainer for a separate ignition device (30). The clamping unit is connected with the reflector such that a movement of the clamping unit in locked ignition device required for loosening the clamping unit is blocked by the ignition device.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Such a headlamp is known per se and has a reflector with a reflector neck arranged for receiving a gas discharge lamp and a tensioned on the reflector clamping means, which is adapted to tension the gas discharge lamp on the reflector neck, wherein the gas discharge lamp is adapted to, as a holder to be used for a separate ignitor and to be interlocked with the ignitor.

In a first known headlight, the attachment takes place by means of a one-piece, rotatable ring. An EMC shielding (EMC = electromagnetic compatibility) is realized via small contact lugs of an additional sheet metal part. In a second known attachment the lamp is used and pressed with a wire bow spring to the reflector. Here, too, the EMC shielding takes place via separate contact lugs. Another known attachment via a lamp support and a contact element made of sheet metal and a disposed inside the reflector neck and spring-loaded sliding control element made of metal. In this case, the gas discharge lamp is locked to the reflector neck via a rotary and slide movements, which are generated by geometric constraints from the rotational movement. The EMC shielding is realized via small contact lugs of an additional component.

These known solutions have as a common feature that the gas discharge lamp can be taken out of the reflector together with the electrically connected ignitor.

Commercially available gas discharge lamps have a glass bulb and a running outside of the glass bulb wire that is under voltage when connected igniter. Improper handling, in which the gas discharge lamp is removed from the reflector with the ignitor connected, can lead to life-threatening high-voltage surges.

Against this background, the object of the invention in the specification of a headlamp of the type mentioned, in which the risk of such high voltage shocks is reduced by design measures.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. The headlight according to the invention is thus distinguished by the fact that the clamping means is connected to the reflector so that a required for releasing the clamping means movement of the clamping means is blocked when the ignitor ignited by the ignitor.

In this way, the release of the clamping device, which forms a prerequisite for the removal of the gas discharge lamp from the reflector, can only be done with removed ignitor. In other words: The ignitor must be unlocked and removed before the clamping device can be released and the gas discharge lamp can be removed from the reflector. By removing the ignitor, the grounded in the reflector gas discharge lamp is automatically potential-free, so that in the subsequent removal no high voltage shock can occur.

It is also preferred that the tensioning means is pivotally hinged to the reflector neck, wherein a pivot axis extends transversely across a configured for receiving the gas discharge lamp opening of the reflector neck.

This embodiment allows an axial, d. H. in the insertion of the gas discharge lamp taking place tensioning of the gas discharge lamp in the lamp seat of the reflector neck and a symmetrical introduction of the clamping force in the reflector neck, which is helpful for a secure fit and easy assembly and disassembly. In the case of an asymmetrical introduction of force, on the other hand, force components acting in a tilting manner on the gas discharge lamp can occur, which make it difficult to handle the lamp and the clamping device when changing the lamp.

As a desired consequence, there is the further advantage that a mounting and dismounting of the gas discharge lamp without tools can be done manually and with only one hand. Another advantage is that the reflector neck does not require complicated undercut reflector geometries for lamp mounting. Another advantage is the low space requirement and the small number of parts required.

It is further preferred that a first, open pivot position is achieved from a second, closed pivot position by a pivoting movement leading away from the reflector neck and thus to the rear.

This embodiment allows a simple realization of the blocking of the opening pivoting movement by the ignited with the lamp ignitor.

It is also preferred that the clamping means comprises a comparatively rigid pivoting frame, which is articulated with two pivot bearings on the reflector neck, and which connects the two pivot bearings in the form of an open towards the pivot axis bracket with a lying between the pivot bearings part of the swing frame in a elastic element passes, the shape of which for the purpose of lamp mounting or dismounting performing the gas discharge lamp in the first, open pivot position of the clamping element allows and slides during the transfer of the clamping element in its second, closed pivot position on a collar or plate of a gas discharge lamp used and elastic is braced against the rigid swing frame and / or guideways in the reflector neck.

By this configuration, the clamping means is effectively divided into a rigid and an elastically resilient part. The rigidity of the rigid part facilitates handling and makes the clamping device also resistant to improper operation. Thereby, the elasticity of the remaining elastic member can be optimized to the requirements for a secure and reliable mounting of the gas discharge lamp in the lamp seat, without having to take account of properties required for handling.

It is also preferred that the elastic element has spring tabs defining a half-open recess with a curved edge, wherein radii clearances of the recess are smaller than a radius of the collar or plate of the gas discharge lamp.

These dimensions of the clear widths of the recess make it possible to clamp the clamping means in the second, closed pivoting position in a form-fitting manner with the collar or plate of the gas discharge lamp, while the half-side opening allows the clamping to be released by swinging out of the elastic element.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the spring tabs are in the second, closed pivot position in a lying between the pivot bearings and the reflector neck surface, wherein the first, open pivot position of the second, closed pivot position by a pivot angle of 20 ° < α <40 ° is separated and wherein a distance between the pivot bearings and one end of the spring tabs when changing from the first pivot position to the second pivot position and vice versa goes through a minimum.

Angle values from this range are well suited for one-handed manual handling and require little space for the pivoting movement. By passing through the minimum distance results in a latching effect, which provides an intuitively perceptible feedback on the clamping state and also secures the clamping element against unintentional release.

The ease of handling are also used swivel angle stops on the reflector neck, which prevent excessive swinging. This is particularly advantageous under tight installation space conditions, in which the installation under certain circumstances must be controlled more by the sense of touch and in which a malposition of the clamping device would make it difficult to insert the gas discharge lamp into the lamp seat in the reflector neck.

One-handed manual assembly is further facilitated by the fact that the ignitor and the gas discharge lamp are mutually matched to each other to be locked together by a plug-and-turn connection.

In a preferred embodiment, both the reflector and the reflector neck and the clamping means and a housing of the control device are each made of metal.

Further, it is preferred that the reflector neck for electrical contacting of the housing of the control unit has at least one contact point, and / or that the clamping element for electrical contacting of the housing of the control unit has at least one contact point.

Each of these features contributes to ensuring electromagnetic shielding.

Further advantages will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the attached figures.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

drawings

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. In this case, like reference numerals in the different figures each have the same elements. In each case, in schematic form:

1 an embodiment of a headlight according to the invention;

2 a detailed embodiment of a reflector, the reflector neck is adapted to receive the gas discharge lamp, and an embodiment of a clamping means and an ignition device;

3 the reflector with mounted clamping means in a first, open pivot position;

4 a sectional view of the headlamp with a clamping means in its first open pivot position when inserting the gas discharge lamp;

5 the object of 4 with completely inserted gas discharge lamp and the clamping means in its second, closed pivot position;

6 the object of 5 and in addition the ignitor 30 before fitting onto the gas discharge lamp seated in the reflector neck;

7 the object of 6 with igniter connected but not yet locked; and

8th the object of 7 with locked ignitor.

In detail, the shows 1 a motor vehicle headlight 10 with a housing 12 and a transparent cover 14 that the case 12 in the light exit direction 16 covers. Inside the case 12 is at least one light module 18 arranged, which is a reflector 20 with a gas discharge lamp 22 having. The light module 18 In one embodiment, a curve light module whose reflector 20 Cardan in the housing 12 is suspended. In the 1 is the reflector 20 in a frame 21 pivoting about a horizontal axis to allow a headlight leveling. In addition, the frame is about a vertical axis 23 swiveling to allow cornering function. The invention is not on light modules 18 limited with cornering light functions, but in headlamps with the features of the preamble of claim 1 generally applicable.

The gas discharge lamp 22 is doing by a clamping device 24 on a reflector neck 26 curious; excited. The clamping device 24 indicates in the highly schematic representation of 1 two ends 25 and 27 one of which is non-positive and / or positive fit with the reflector neck 26 and the other non-positively and / or positively with the base 28 the gas discharge lamp 22 connected is. Through the clamping device 24 becomes the gas discharge lamp 22 in a defined position within the reflector 20 held in place in cooperation with the reflector 20 and optionally further optical elements such as a diaphragm and / or a projection lens and / or a lens, a specific light distribution, for example a low-beam distribution, in the apron of the motor vehicle headlight 10 to create.

The gas discharge lamp 22 is designed to be used as a holder for a separate ignitor 30 to serve and with the ignitor 30 to be locked, for example by a bayonet connection. As will be explained in more detail below, is the clamping device 24 so with the reflector neck 26 and therefore also with the reflector 20 connected, that one for releasing the clamping means 24 required movement of the clamping device 24 with locked ignitor 30 through the ignitor 30 is blocked. cable connections 32 allow control and power supply of the ignitor 30 and thus the gas discharge lamp 22 by a connection to an electrical system of a motor vehicle.

2 shows a detailed embodiment of a reflector 20 , whose reflector neck 26 for receiving the gas discharge lamp 22 is set up, and an embodiment of a clamping means 24 and a ignitor 30 , The reflector neck 26 has two journals 34 . 36 on, whose connecting line a pivot axis 37 defined, across one for receiving the gas discharge lamp 22 decorated opening 39 of the reflector neck 26 runs. The pivot axis 37 can be arranged horizontally, vertically or in any lying between these layers angular position.

The clamping device 24 has a comparatively rigid swing frame 38 up, with two pivot bearings 40 . 42 which the trunnions 34 . 36 record, pivotally attached to the reflector neck 26 is articulated. In this case, the swivel angle by a limit stop 43 at the reflector neck 26 limited. In a preferred embodiment, the swivel angle limit stop 43 , the projecting part of the reflector neck 26 is realized, dimensioned so that it the pivot angle α to which the clamping means 24 in the pivot stores 40 . 42 around the pivot axis 37 can be pivoted around, limited to a value 20 ° <α <40 °.

The swing frame 38 has the shape of a pivot axis 37 open stirrups. One between the pivot bearings 40 . 42 arranged part 44 of the swing frame 38 goes into an elastic element 46 above. The elastic element 46 has spring tabs 48 . 50 on, the one half open recess 52 with a curved edge 54 limit. The radii of the recess 52 are chosen so that they are smaller than a radius of the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp 22 are. The edge 54 does not necessarily have to be curved. It may also have a polygonal shape or have a plurality of inwardly directed projections.

It is essential in each case that the remaining clear width of the recess 52 smaller than a diameter of the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp 22 is. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 52 a subarea 53 which, by its dimensions, is adapted to tangentially from the swivel angle limit stop 43 protruding projections 58 . 60 to cooperate as a stop.

The reflector 20 , the clamping device 24 and a housing of the ignitor 30 are preferably made of electrically conductive material, in particular of metal. In the form of protrusions realized contact points 62 . 64 at the reflector neck 26 and on the clamping device 24 are arranged so that they are inserted and strained gas discharge lamp 22 and with the gas discharge lamp 22 locked ignitor 30 ensure a continuous electrical connection to shield the resulting assembly.

The fastening and locking of the ignitor 30 with the gas discharge lamp 22 takes place in the illustrated embodiment by at least two pins 66 on the pedestal 28 the gas discharge lamp 22 , By a complementarily equipped plug-in rotary guide recess 68 in a mounting structure of the ignitor 30 be recorded and allow a plug-in rotary connection.

3 shows the reflector 20 with mounted clamping device 24 in a first, open pivot position, in which the spring tabs 48 . 50 at the tangent of the swivel angle limit stop 43 protruding projections 58 . 60 issue.

In this first pivot position are the spring tabs 48 . 50 out of the opening 39 panned out, leaving the open space of the opening 39 is comparatively large. In this position, the gas discharge lamp 22 in the reflector 20 be plugged in, with the collar or plate 56 on the swung-out spring tabs 48 . 50 over and through the recess 52 through into a lamp seat of the reflector neck 26 which introduces a stop for the collar or plate 56 forms.

In a preferred embodiment, a lamp receiving seat of the reflector neck on a first structural element, and the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp 22 has a second structural element that is complementary to the first structural element, wherein the first structural element and the complementary second structural element are configured to be at the onset of the gas discharge lamp 22 under plastic and / or elastic deformation of either the first structural element or the second structural element engage one another such that a play-free seat of the gas discharge lamp 22 with respect to a radial movement and a rotational movement of the gas discharge lamp 22 in the lamp seat results.

As a result, play and accurate positioning of the lamp in the reflector neck with respect to the geometry of optical elements such as the reflector and an optional diaphragm arrangement and / or lens arrangement is achieved by such mutually complementary to each other encoding and structural elements of the lamp and the lamp seat, which for the Generation of a defined light distribution in advance of the headlamp is required.

Following the insertion of the gas discharge lamp until it stops 22 in the reflector neck is the clamping device 24 forward, that is in the light exit direction 16 pivoted and thus transferred to a second, closed pivot position. In the second, closed pivot position are the spring tabs 48 . 50 between the pivot bearings 40 . 42 and the actual reflector, ie without the reflector neck 26 considered remainder of the reflector 20 and thus at a certain radial distance of the spring tabs from the pivot bearings 40 . 42 , The first, open pivot position is separated from the second, closed pivot position by a pivot angle α of 20 ° <α <40 °.

When transferring to the second, closed pivot position, the spring tabs slide 48 . 50 on the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp inserted in the lamp seat 22 on. The spring tabs 48 . 50 slide in guideways 70 of the reflector neck 26 and be between the collar or plate 56 on one side and the edges of the guideways 70 and the swing frame 38 on the other side elastically tensioned. During the pivoting movement, the distance between the pivot bearings and one end of the spring tabs undergoes a minimum. This results from the fact that the ends of the spring tabs 48 . 50 when, or after slipping on the collar or plate 56 along a straight line, namely on the plate plane, are guided, although the pivoting movement without such a geometric constraint, a circular movement of the ends of the spring tabs 48 . 50 would cause. Since this straight line intersects the circular line in the illustrated arrangement, the distance during the movement along the straight line must be smaller than the radius of the circular line, so that the distance inevitably passes through a minimum.

By passing through the minimum distance is obtained in conjunction with the elastic restoring force of the spring tabs and occurring during the tangential friction force a desired latching effect that provides the installer an intuitively perceptible feedback on the clamping state and secures the clamping element against unintentional release beyond. By a form of the guideways, which forces an elastic deformation of the spring tabs when passing through the minimum distance, this locking effect is further enhanced in one embodiment.

As a result, the gas discharge lamp 21 partly non-positive, partly positive fit in the reflector neck 26 recorded.

Subsequently, the ignitor 30 on the reflector neck 26 clamped gas discharge lamp 22 plugged and locked. When locked, the ignitor blocks 30 the clamping device 24 in its second, closed pivot position.

The 4 to 8th show different stages in lamp assembly in a sectional view viewed from the side. In the 4 is the clamping device 24 in its first, open pivot position, and the gas discharge lamp 22 is located with its pedestal 28 outside the reflector neck 26 ,

In the 5 is the gas discharge lamp 22 completely in the reflector neck 26 been inserted so that the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp 22 at a stop designed for this purpose 71 of the lamp seat in the reflector neck 26 is applied. The clamping device 24 is in its second, closed pivot position, in which the spring tabs 48 . 50 on the collar or plate 56 of the gas discharge lamp 22 are slipped on, leaving the collar or plate 56 the gas discharge lamp 22 between the stop 71 in the reflector neck 26 and the spring tabs 48 . 50 of the clamping device 24 is held positively and positively.

6 shows the subject of the 5 and in addition the ignitor 30 in a position in which it turns to the right in the reflector neck 26 seated gas discharge lamp 22 can be plugged. 6 illustrates in particular the arrangement of pins 66 and a plug-in rotary guide 68 in a mounting structure of the ignitor 30 before plugging in the ignitor 30 on the gas discharge lamp 22 ,

The 7 shows the subject of the 6 with plugged on, but not yet locked ignitor 30 , The cones 66 on the lamp base 28 are now in the plug-in rotary guide 68 of the ignitor 30 ,

8th shows the subject of the 7 with locked ignitor 30 , The locking is done by turning the ignitor 30 so that the pins 66 glide in the plug-in rotary guide in a position in which the ignitor 30 can not be deducted.

How out 7 and 8th is visible, the igniter blocks 30 in this plugged and locked position a leading back pivotal movement of the clamping device 24 , wherein under a pivoting movement leading backwards a pivoting movement in the direction of the ignitor 30 is understood. In this way, the gas discharge lamp 22 with their partially exposed power supply 72 not from the reflector 20 be removed without the ignitor before 30 from the gas discharge lamp 22 has been removed.

The ignitor can basically also contain an electronic unit which controls the operation of the gas discharge lamp.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle headlights ( 10 ) with a reflector ( 20 ) and a reflector neck ( 26 ), for receiving a gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) is set up, and with a clamping means ( 24 ), which is adapted to the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) on the reflector neck ( 26 ), the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) is designed as a holder for a separate ignitor ( 30 ) and with the ignitor ( 30 ), characterized in that the tensioning means ( 24 ) so with the reflector ( 26 ), that one for releasing the tensioning means ( 24 ) required movement of the clamping device ( 24 ) with the ignitor ( 30 ) by the ignitor ( 30 ) is blocked. Headlights ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning means ( 24 ) pivotally mounted on the reflector neck ( 26 ) is hinged, wherein a pivot axis ( 37 ) across one for receiving the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) opening ( 39 ) of the reflector neck ( 26 ) runs. Headlights ( 10 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first, open pivot position of the clamping means ( 24 ) from a second, closed pivoting position of the clamping device ( 24 ) by a reflector neck ( 26 ) away pivoting movement of the clamping means ( 24 ) is achieved. Headlights ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the tensioning means ( 24 ) a comparatively rigid swing frame ( 38 ) provided with two pivot bearings ( 40 . 42 ) to the reflector neck ( 26 ) is hinged, and the two pivot bearings ( 40 . 42 ) in the form of a pivot axis ( 37 ), whereby one between the pivot bearings ( 40 . 42 ) lying part ( 44 ) of the swing frame ( 38 ) in an elastic element ( 46 ) whose shape is performed for the purpose of lamp mounting or dismounting performing the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) in the first, open pivot position of the clamping element ( 24 ) and that during the transfer of the clamping element ( 24 ) in its second, closed pivoting position on a collar or plate ( 56 ) of an inserted gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) slips on and elastic against the rigid swing frame ( 38 ) and / or guideways ( 70 ) in the reflector neck ( 26 ) is tightened. Headlights ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element ( 46 ) Spring tabs ( 48 . 50 ), which has a half-side open recess ( 52 ) with a curved edge ( 54 ), radii of clear widths of the recess ( 52 ) smaller than a radius of the collar or plate ( 56 ) of the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) are. Headlights ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring tabs ( 48 . 50 ) in the second, closed pivot position in one between the pivot bearings ( 40 . 42 ) and the reflector ( 20 ), wherein the first, open pivot position is separated from the second, closed pivot position by a pivot angle of 20 ° <α <40 ° and wherein a distance between the pivot bearings ( 40 . 42 ) and one end of the spring tabs ( 48 . 50 ) goes through a minimum when changing from the first pivot position to the second pivot position and vice versa. Headlights ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector neck ( 26 ) at least one pivot angle stop ( 43 ) having. Headlights ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition device ( 30 ) and the gas discharge lamp ( 22 ) are mutually matched to each other to be locked by a plug-and-turn connection with each other. Headlights ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector ( 20 ) and the reflector neck ( 26 ) as well as the clamping means ( 24 ) and a housing of the ignition device ( 30 ) consist of metal. Headlights ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector neck ( 26 ) for electrical contacting of the housing of the ignition device ( 30 ) at least one contact point ( 62 ), and / or that the tensioning means ( 24 ) for electrically contacting the housing of the ignition device ( 30 ) at least one contact point ( 64 ) having.

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