DE102013106562B4 - Adjustment device for a motor vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjusting device (1) for adjusting at least one optically relevant structural unit (100) of a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the adjusting device (1) comprises: - a drive (2) for adjusting the structural unit (100); - At least one adjusting element (3) which is driven by the drive (2) and moves substantially linearly, wherein the at least one adjusting element (3) with the structural unit (100) is coupled such that the structural unit (100) at a Stroke movement of the adjusting element (3) is mechanically adjusted, characterized in that the at least one adjusting element (3) is pivotally coupled to a rotary slide member (4), which rotary slide member (4) about an axis of rotation (X) rotatable and along the Rotary axis (X) is mounted displaceably, and wherein the at least one adjusting element (3) on the rotary sliding element (4) outside the axis of rotation (X) engages, so that a lifting movement of the at least one adjusting element (3) in a rotational movement of the rotational Sliding element (4) is reacted, and wherein displacement means (5, 6) are provided which a rotational movement of the rotary slide member (4) in a linear movement of the rotary slide member (4) along the axis of rotation (X ) implement.

Description

The invention relates to an adjusting device for adjusting at least one optically relevant structural unit of a motor vehicle headlight with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight with at least one adjustable, visually relevant structural unit

Analogous motors are unsuitable for adjusting, for example, pivoting of an optically relevant structural unit, in particular for adjusting or pivoting one or more lighting units due to the positional inaccuracy of such analog motors. This inaccuracy has the consequence that the usually extremely small travel can not be precisely controlled.

The drive for adjustment can often not be installed in the stroke direction of the actuating element due to lack of space. Furthermore, the drive must not or only little radial forces, d. H. Forces, which are not directed exactly in the stroke direction of the actuating element record.

So far, the LWR drive (motor) is always connected via a bearing shell or directly to a support frame, which typically serves to attach individual components of the headlamp. However, if the LWR motor is connected directly to the support frame or through a bearing shell, it must absorb all forces coming from the support frame.

From the publication DE 10 2009 006 092 A1 For example, a vehicle headlight is known which comprises at least one headlight module which has an LED light source and a plurality of elements associated with the LED light source, which differ from one another with regard to their optical properties. The relative position of the elements with respect to the LED light source can be changed by means of an actuating element.

It is an object of the invention to provide an adjusting device with which one, several or preferably all of the above-mentioned problems can be eliminated.

This object is achieved with an adjusting device mentioned above in that, according to the invention, the at least one adjusting element is pivotably coupled to a rotary sliding element, which rotary sliding element is rotatable about an axis of rotation and slidably mounted along the axis of rotation, and wherein the at least one adjusting element on the Rotation sliding member engages outside the axis of rotation, so that a lifting movement of the at least one adjusting element is converted into a rotational movement of the rotary slide member, and wherein displacement means are provided which convert a rotational movement of the rotary slide member in a linear movement of the rotary slide member along the axis of rotation ,

By the invention, the movement of the drive, in particular the movement of the actuating element by the rotary slide element in an adjustment, z. B. a pivoting movement of the adjustable, z. B. pivotable component are deflected. This makes it possible to position the drive easier. In addition, the extent of the adjustment, z. B. pivoting is no longer realized by the extent of the lifting movement of the actuating element but by the displacement elements, so that inaccuracies in the lifting movement of the actuating element no longer fall into the weight. The displacement elements can easily be formed sufficiently accurate to a proper adjustment, for. B. pivoting of the unit to realize.

It is particularly advantageous if the direction of movement of the actuating element is substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the rotary sliding element. In this way, the drive can be positioned laterally next to the rotary sliding element and not behind it, so that the available space can be optimally utilized.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the axis of rotation is normal to the pivot axis of the at least one structural unit.

In order to enable a height adjustment of the generated photo, it is further provided that the pivot axis is a horizontal axis.

In a concrete, mechanically robust and reliably realizable embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the displacement means comprise at least one guideway and at least one engagement element, which is guided in the at least one guideway.

By appropriate shaping of the guide track, it is possible to set how far the rotational sliding element moves linearly. Thus, the extent of the adjustment, z. B. the pivoting movement of the adjustable, for example, pivotable unit can be adjusted.

In particular, it is advantageous if the guideway has at least two mutually "parallel", ie lying in parallel planes guideway sections which normal to the Run axis of rotation, and wherein adjacent guideway sections are each connected by a sloping portion with each other, so that the two interconnected guideway sections are arranged offset relative to each other and with respect to the axis of rotation. The term "parallel planes" is discussed in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures.

As a result of this embodiment, the rotational slide element can be moved in discrete steps from one parallel guide track section to the next, thus realizing an adjustment or pivoting about discrete steps. Depending on the number of parallel guideway sections, a corresponding number of adjustment or Verschwenkschritten be realized.

Due to the special orientation of the parallel guideway sections, it is also ensured that even with an action of high external forces or in the event of a failure of the drive, the rotary sliding element remains in its last occupied position and so an unintentional, undesired adjustment occurs.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one guideway is arranged on the rotary sliding element or on a bearing element, which is arranged stationary with respect to the rotary sliding element.

At this bearing element, the rotary slide member is rotatably and slidably mounted.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one engagement element is arranged on the rotary slide element or on a bearing element which is stationary with respect to the rotary slide element.

But it can also be a "mix" of these variants, in which z. B. one (or more) engaging element (s) and one (or more) guide track (s) are arranged on the bearing element, and the respectively associated guide tracks and engaging elements are arranged on the rotary slide member.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of construction if the at least one engagement element and / or the at least one guideway is arranged on a circumferential region of the rotary sliding element.

Furthermore, it is then advantageously provided that to the at least one engaging element corresponding guideways and / or to the at least one guideway corresponding engaging elements are arranged on a circumferential region of the opposite region of the bearing element.

It is also advantageous if the bearing element has a two-part construction of a first and a second bearing component. As a result, the assembly of the adjusting device, in particular the mounting of the rotary rotary element in the bearing element is simplified.

In particular, it is advantageous in this context if the division of the bearing element in the region of the at least one guideway runs. In this way, the engagement elements, which are arranged in this case on the rotary slide member, particularly easy to be arranged in the assembly in the guideways.

The guideways are arranged, for example, as recesses, preferably in the bearing element, in which recesses each preferably an engagement element is guided.

It is particularly advantageous in the adjusting device according to the invention, when the coupling between the at least one adjusting element and the rotary sliding element by means of a ball-head coupling element which engages in a corresponding receptacle, and wherein either the coupling element or the receptacle on the actuating element and either the recording or the coupling element are arranged on the rotary sliding element, takes place, wherein the receptacle is designed such that the coupling element is displaceable in a direction transverse to the adjustment direction of the adjusting element in the receptacle, in particular parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotary sliding element.

In a specific embodiment, it is provided that the drive is an analog motor. The invention is particularly well suited to the use of analog motors, since their disadvantages are eliminated by the construction according to the invention and analog motors are generally much cheaper than digital motors.

Of course, in the invention but also digital motors, linear drives and / or electric motors can be used.

In the context of this invention, a "digital" motor or drive is to be understood as a drive which is provided with its own drive electronics, which preferably also receive feedback about the actuated position of the drive. Under "analog" motor or drive is a drive understood, which does not have such a control electronics, but is controlled for example with a potentiometer by means of applied voltage.

Accordingly, such an analog drive is much cheaper, but also much less accurate than a digital drive.

In the following the invention is discussed in more detail with reference to the drawing. In this shows

1 the adjusting device according to the invention in a first perspective view;

1a the adjustment from 1 connected to a pivotable lighting unit;

2 the adjustment from 1 in a further perspective view;

3 an exploded view of the adjustment of 1 and 2 ;

4 a perspective view of a rotary slide member;

5 a perspective view of the rotary slide member and a half of the bearing element;

6 a further perspective view of a rotary slide member and a half of the bearing element;

7 a perspective view of the rotary slide between the two removed halves of the bearing element;

8th a detailed view of the rotary sliding element in the region of a displacement element and a guide track; and

9 a further embodiment of the displacement elements for converting a rotational movement of the rotary sliding element in a linear movement.

The figures show various perspective views and an exploded perspective view of an adjustment 1 (As well as details of this adjustment) for a motor vehicle headlamp, which has a pivotable, optically relevant unit. In the present example, this is a lighting unit 100 , Such a lighting unit typically consists of an assembly consisting of one or more light sources, one or more light-shaping elements, such as a reflector, lens, aperture, etc. 1a shows a part of such a lighting unit 100 , pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis H.

In principle, however, the optically relevant structural unit may also be an individual part of a vehicle headlight or a lighting unit, such as a reflector, a lens, a light source, diaphragm arrangement, etc., or the optically relevant structural unit comprises one or more such components or one or more a plurality of light units on a common carrier, which carrier is pivotable.

Furthermore, it is noted at this point that in the example shown here, the adjustments of the optically relevant component are shown in the form of a pivoting of this component about an axis. However, the construction according to the invention is also suitable for a general adjustment movement of the optically relevant component, for example a displacement of the optically relevant component.

For example, in this context, the optically relevant component may be a shading lamp for low beam / high beam, the z. B. on high beam and extends at dipped beam. It can be realized with the device according to the invention, for example, a variable spacing between the light source (LED) and reflector and / or lens.

The adjusting device 1 for pivoting the optically relevant assembly has a drive 2 on, in particular a linear drive such as in the form of an electric motor. In particular, an analog drive can be used in the present invention.

Furthermore, the adjustment comprises 1 an actuator 3 which of the drive 2 is driven and moves in a substantially linear manner. The actuator 3 is either part of the drive 2 or connected to it.

The actuator 3 is with the unit 100 coupled so that the assembly 100 is pivoted about its pivot axis H in a lifting movement of the adjusting element 3.

This is the actuator 3 articulated with a rotary sliding element 4 coupled, which rotational sliding element 4 is rotatable about an axis of rotation X and slidably mounted along the axis of rotation X.

The bearing of the rotary sliding element 4 takes place in a bearing element or bearing component 7 , which preferably, as explained later, a two-part construction of two components 7a . 7b having. One around the X axis rotatable and along this axis X displaceable mounting of the rotary slide element 4 For example, it is provided that the bearing element 7 a cylindrical opening 7a ' in which the rotary slide element 4 with a correspondingly shaped, corresponding cylinder 4c engages, so that a rotation and displacement movement is possible (see also 4 ).

The actuator 3 engages the rotary slide element 4 outside the axis of rotation X, so that a lifting movement of the actuating element 3 in a rotational movement of the rotary sliding element 4 is implemented.

In the embodiment shown specifically, it is provided that the coupling between the actuator 2 and the rotary slider 4 by means of a ball-headed coupling element 3a takes place, which in a corresponding recording 4b engages, wherein the coupling element 3a on the actuator 2 and the recording 4b on the rotary slider 4 are arranged. The recording 4b is formed such that the coupling element 3a in a direction transverse to the adjustment of the control element 2 , in particular parallel to the direction of the axis X in the receptacle 4b is displaceable.

The recording 4b thus forms a parallel to the axis X extending guide for the actuator, so that the rotary slide can move freely along the axis X and at the same time the actuator can cause the rotary slide to a twisting motion.

A lifting movement of the actuating element 3 is thus in a rotational movement of the rotary slide member 4 implemented, which moves along the axis X by the rotational movement, as discussed below. The rotary slide element 4 has a connection point 10 , For example in the form of a ball seat on which the optically relevant component with a corresponding counterpart directly or indirectly (via one or more intermediate elements) is pivotally connected, so that a displacement of the rotary slide member 4 along the axis X leads to a pivoting of the optically relevant component about the axis H.

Thus, the rotational movement of the rotary sliding element 4 in a sliding movement of the rotary sliding element 4 is converted along the axis X, are corresponding displacement means 5 . 6 provided which a rotational movement of the rotary sliding element 4 in a linear movement of the rotary sliding element 4 along the axis of rotation X implement.

As in particular the 4 - 8th As can be clearly seen, in the embodiment shown, the displacement means comprise guideways 5 , which on the bearing element 7 are arranged.

Furthermore, the displacement means comprise one of the number of guideways 5 corresponding number of engaging elements 6 , which on the rotary sliding element 4 , specifically at a peripheral area 4a of the rotary sliding element 4 are arranged. One engaging element each 6 engages in an associated guideway 5 , And by the special shaping of the guideways, preferably in addition also the engaging elements, the rotational movement of the rotary sliding element 4 converted into a linear movement, ie the rotational movement is superimposed on a linear movement.

By appropriate shaping of the guide track, it is possible to set how far the rotational sliding element moves linearly. Thus, the extent of the pivoting movement of the pivotable assembly can be adjusted.

In particular, it is advantageous, as in the 6 - 8th Good to see if a guideway 5 at least two, specifically three guideway sections lying in parallel planes 5a . 5b . 5c wherein these planes are normal to the axis of rotation X and wherein the planes are offset in the direction of the axis of rotation X to each other.

Specifically, in the present example, this means that the guideway has an upper and a lower contour, between which an engagement element is guided. The term "plane" is here virtually an idealization and refers, for example, to a center line between the contours, since the guideway itself has an extension along the axis X. The term "plane" is thus intended primarily to describe the orientation / position of the guideway or the individual sections thereof.

Adjoining guideway sections 5a . 5b . 5c are each by a sloping section 5d . 5e interconnected, so that the two each interconnected Führungsbahnabschitte 5a . 5b ; 5b . 5c are arranged offset relative to each other and with respect to the axis of rotation X and the engaging element 6 from a position along the guideway in a subsequent offset position, whereby the rotary sliding element 4 is moved linearly along the axis X.

Guideway and corresponding engaging element are adapted to each other in such a way from the shape that the engaging element can move along the guideway, in the direction of the X- But axis only when sliding over into an adjacent position due to a rotation of the rotary sliding element 4 is possible. Without rotation of the rotary sliding element 4 In contrast, the engaging element can 6 Do not move in the guideway in the X direction.

As a result of this configuration, the rotational slide element can be moved in discrete steps from one parallel guide track section to the next, thus realizing a pivoting about discrete steps. Depending on the number of parallel guideway sections, a corresponding number of Verschwenkschritten be realized.

In the present embodiment, an engaging element 6 two "parallel" sections 6a . 6b corresponding to the sections 5a - 5c the assigned guideway 5 on, giving two different positions of the engaging element 6 are feasible. The two rectilinear sections 6 . 6b are through a sloping section 6c connected with each other.

If the engaging element were designed only as a pin, three positions would be realizable in this example. Become more than three sections 5a - 5c provided, as well as several positions of the engaging element can be realized.

A simple variant of the invention is in 9 outlines where the engaging element as a pin 6 is formed, which in a guideway 5 with two parallel sections 5a . 5b passing through a beveled section 5d are connected to each other, is guided. With this variant, two adjustment positions can be realized.

Due to the special orientation of the parallel guideway sections ensures that even with an impact of high external forces or in the event of failure of the drive, the rotary slide remains in its last occupied position and so an unintentional, undesirable adjustment occurs.

Especially when using an engaging element as in the 6 - 8th shown, this stability is further increased.

As can be seen from the figures, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation X runs normally on the pivoting axis H of the lighting unit 100 ,

In order to enable a height adjustment of the generated photo, it is further provided that the pivot axis H is a horizontal axis.

The direction of movement of the control element 3 is substantially normal to the axis of rotation X of the rotary slide member 4 , In this way, the drive can be positioned laterally next to the rotary sliding element and not behind it, so that the available space can be optimally utilized.

The drive 2 that with the actuator 3 is connected (or wherein the actuator 3 Part of the drive 2 is), is connected to a housing, not shown, of the vehicle headlight. In addition, the drive 2 in the bearing element 7 , which is the rotary sliding element 4 takes up, stored. For this purpose, this has, for example, as shown in the figures, a drive bearing portion 7c with a corresponding recording 7d for receiving a portion of the drive 2 on.

It is also advantageous if the bearing element 7 as shown in the figures, a two-part construction of a first and a second bearing component 7a . 7b having. This simplifies the assembly of the adjusting device, in particular the mounting of the rotary rotary element in the bearing element.

In particular, it is in this context advantageous if the division of the bearing element 7 in the field of guideways 5 runs. In this way, the engagement elements, which are arranged in this case on the rotary slide member, particularly easy to be arranged in the assembly in the guideways.

With the bearing element 7 becomes the rotary slider 4 attached to the housing of the headlamp.

With the invention it is possible to decouple the drive mechanically, d. H. he does not have to absorb any forces from the light module.

The drive can be installed at 90 ° to the desired stroke direction of the rotary sliding element.

About the displacement elements, the positioning inaccuracy of the drive can be compensated.

In case of failure of the drive, the system remains mechanically stable, d. H. there is no undesirable adjustment of the optically relevant component.

The adjustment takes place in discrete steps.

Claims (19)

Adjusting device ( 1 ) for adjusting at least one optically relevant structural unit ( 100 ) of a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ): - a drive ( 2 ) for adjusting the assembly ( 100 ); At least one actuating element ( 3 ), which depends on the drive ( 2 ) is driven and moves substantially linearly, wherein the at least one actuating element ( 3 ) with the structural unit ( 100 ) is coupled in such a way that the structural unit ( 100 ) during a stroke movement of the actuating element ( 3 ) is mechanically adjusted, characterized in that the at least one actuating element ( 3 ) hinged with a rotary sliding element ( 4 ), which rotary sliding element ( 4 ) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (X) and slidably mounted along the axis of rotation (X), and wherein the at least one adjusting element (X) 3 ) on the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) outside of the axis of rotation (X) engages, so that a lifting movement of the at least one actuating element ( 3 ) in a rotational movement of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ), and wherein displacement means ( 5 . 6 ) are provided which a rotational movement of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) in a linear movement of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) along the axis of rotation (X). Adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of movement of the adjusting element ( 3 ) substantially normal to the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) stands. Adjusting device according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the structural unit ( 100 ) during a stroke movement of the actuating element ( 3 ) is pivoted about its pivot axis (H). Adjusting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the axis of rotation (X) normal to the pivot axis (H) of the at least one structural unit ( 100 ) stands. Adjusting device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the pivot axis (H) is a horizontal axis. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement means ( 5 . 6 ) at least one guideway ( 5 ) and at least one engaging element ( 6 ), which in the at least one guideway ( 5 ) is guided. Adjusting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the guideway ( 5 ) at least two mutually parallel guideway sections ( 5a . 5b . 5c ), which run normal to the axis of rotation (X), and wherein adjoining guideway sections ( 5a . 5b . 5c ) each by a sloping section ( 5d . 5e ) are interconnected, so that the two interconnected Führungsbahnabschitte ( 5a . 5b ; 5b . 5c ) are arranged offset relative to each other and with respect to the axis of rotation (X). Adjusting device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one guideway ( 5 ) on the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) or on a bearing element ( 7 ), which in relation to the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) is arranged stationary, is arranged. Adjusting device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the at least one engaging element ( 6 ) on the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) or on a bearing element ( 7 ), which in relation to the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) is arranged stationary, is arranged. Adjusting device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the at least one engaging element ( 6 ) and / or the at least one guideway ( 5 ) at a peripheral area ( 4a ) of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) is arranged. Adjusting device according to claim 10, characterized in that to the at least one engaging element ( 6 ) corresponding guideways ( 5 ) and / or to the at least one guideway corresponding engaging elements on a bearing element ( 7 ) are arranged. Adjusting device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the bearing element ( 7 ) a two-part construction of a first and a second bearing component ( 7a . 7b ) having. Adjusting device according to claim 12, characterized in that the division of the bearing element ( 7 ) in the region of the at least one guideway ( 5 ) runs. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the coupling between the at least one adjusting element ( 2 ) and the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) by means of a ball-head-like coupling element ( 3a ), which in a corresponding recording ( 4b ), and wherein either the coupling element or the receptacle on the actuator ( 2 ) and either the receptacle or the coupling element are arranged on the rotary slide element takes place, wherein the receptacle ( 4b ) is formed such that the coupling element ( 3a ) in a direction transverse to the Adjustment direction of the actuating element ( 2 ), in particular parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary sliding element ( 4 ) in the recording ( 4b ) is displaceable. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the drive is an actuator, in particular an analog or a digital motor. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the drive is a linear drive. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the drive is designed as an electric motor. Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the optically relevant structural unit ( 100 ) is a lighting unit or at least comprises a lighting unit. Motor vehicle headlight with at least one adjustable optically relevant structural unit ( 100 ) as well as with at least one adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18 for adjusting the at least one optically relevant structural unit ( 100 ).

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