EP0590454B1 - Headlamp for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A headlamp (headlight) for vehicles has a reflector and a converging lens arranged in front of the reflector, between which a fixed and adjustable diaphragm is arranged. The adjustable diaphragm can be pivoted about a bearing point of the fixed diaphragm into two end positions. In this case, the two diaphragms border on each other with their broad side surfaces. In at least one end position of the adjustable diaphragm its diaphragm edge or one section thereof is imaged as light/dark boundary. The adjustable diaphragm is produced from spring-steel sheet and at the same time serves as leaf spring which in both end positions either engages resiliently with a projection in one respective cutout of the fixed diaphragm or with one respective cutout resiliently overlaps a projection of the fixed diaphragm. In the two end positions of the leaf spring the projection and the cutout lock in a positive manner in the pivoting direction. <IMAGE>

Description

• zwischen einer im Bereich des Brennortes eines Reflektors angeordneten Lichtquelle und einer Sammellinse sind eine ortsfeste Blende und eine verstellbare Blende eingesetzt,
• die verstellbare Blende ist an der ortsfesten Blende verschwenkbar gelagert und in zwei Endstellungen arretierbar, in welchen die Blenden mit breiten Seitenflächen aneinandergrenzen,
• zumindest in einer Endstellung der verstellbaren Blende ist ihre Blendenkante als Hell-Dunkel-Grenze oder als ein Abschnitt davon abgebildet,
• die verstellbare Blende ist durch eine Blattfeder in ihren beiden Endstellungen gehalten.

The invention relates to a headlight for vehicles with the following features:

• a fixed diaphragm and an adjustable diaphragm are inserted between a light source arranged in the region of the focal point of a reflector and a converging lens,
• the adjustable panel is pivotally mounted on the stationary panel and can be locked in two end positions in which the panels adjoin one another with wide side surfaces,
• at least in an end position of the adjustable diaphragm, its diaphragm edge is shown as a light-dark boundary or as a section thereof,
• the adjustable diaphragm is held in its two end positions by a leaf spring.

Such a headlight is known from DE 39 03 631 C1. With this headlight, the fixed and the adjustable cover lie flat against each other. Two side-by-side sticks of the fixed cover go through a longitudinal slot of the adjustable cover. The longitudinal slot runs in a circular arc, the center of which lies on the swivel axis. In the two end positions of the adjustable diaphragm, one of the rods of the fixed diaphragm lies against one of the two ends of the longitudinal slot. In these end positions, the adjustable screen is held by a separate leaf spring. The leaf spring passes between the free end portions of the rods of the fixed aperture protruding from the longitudinal slot and is pretensioned with its two end portions between two abutments attached to the adjustable aperture, which open a line passing through the swivel axis are inserted with such a large preload that it runs in an arc in the two end positions and in each end position presses the adjustable diaphragm with one end of the longitudinal slot against a rod of the fixed diaphragm. So that the retaining spring cannot release itself from its clamped state between the abutments, a tab cut free from the adjustable diaphragm is additionally bent over the leaf spring. In the known embodiment described above, the leaf spring is a separate part and must be inserted with a large preload between the two abutments of the adjustable diaphragm so that it is held in the end positions without rattling. The assembly of such a small separate leaf spring is cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, not only abutments of the adjustable diaphragm are necessary for the mounting of the separate leaf spring, but it must also be secured against unintentional loosening by the tab cut out of the adjustable diaphragm and bent over the leaf spring.

• die verstellbare Blende aus Federblech hergestellt ist und gleichzeitig die Blattfeder ist,
• die Blattfeder (verstellbare Blende) in beiden Endstellungen entweder mit einem Vorsprung in jeweils einer Aussparung der ortsfesten Blende federnd eingreift oder mit jeweils einer Aussparung einen Vorsprung der ortsfesten Blende federnd übergreift,
• in den beiden Endstellungen der Blattfeder der Vorsprung und die Aussparung an einer Seite zumindest mit einer Auflauffläche aneinanderliegen, welche eine solche Lage und Größe aufweist, daß die Blattfeder beim Verschwenken von einer Endstellung in die andere an einer ersten Auflauffläche von der ortsfesten Blende gleitend abhebt und an einer zweiten Auflauffläche zur ortsfesten Blende hin abgleitet und daß der Vorsprung und die Aussparung nach dem Abgleiten der Blattfeder in die Endstellung an der der Auflauffläche gegenüberliegenden Seite unmittelbar aneinandergrenzen.

The object of the invention is to improve the headlight described in the generic term such that the leaf spring is not an additional part and no additional mounting is required for the leaf spring, and still the adjustable diaphragm should still be able to be positioned exactly in its two end positions. This object is achieved according to the invention in that

• the adjustable cover is made of spring sheet metal and is also the leaf spring,
• the leaf spring (adjustable diaphragm) in both end positions either engages resiliently with a protrusion in a recess in each of the fixed diaphragm or resiliently engages over a protrusion of the fixed diaphragm with one recess in each case,
• in the two end positions of the leaf spring, the projection and the recess lie on one side at least with one run-up surface which has such a position and size that the leaf spring slides from the fixed orifice on a first run-up surface when pivoting from one end position to the other and on a second run-up surface slides towards the fixed diaphragm and that the projection and the recess immediately adjoin one another after the leaf spring has slid into the end position on the side opposite the run-up surface.

In such an advantageous embodiment, although the adjustable cover is also a leaf spring, the assembly of the adjustable cover is still simple and easy. In addition, the adjustable panel in the adjustment direction is free of play and thus rattle-free fixed on the fixed panel, since there is a form fit in the adjustment direction between the projection and the recess. This positive engagement is secure in the two end positions of the adjustable diaphragm, since the diaphragm slides as far as it adjusts in its end position on the run-up surface until the projection and the recess lie against one another on the side opposite the run-up surface.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the leaf spring bears against the fixed diaphragm under prestress. Here, the pivotable screen at the bearing point, which is also the clamping point for the leaf spring, is held securely and rattle-free in its two end positions. In this context, it is also advantageous if the leaf spring between its clamping point and the locking points determining the two end positions is bent away in a section from the fixed panel and this bent section is made before the leaf spring is assembled. This ensures that the leaf spring bears against the fixed cover under tension. It is furthermore expedient if the bending point is close to the clamping point lies and is a bending line running approximately in the pivoting direction. It is only necessary to bend the leaf spring around a bending line. As a result, in its assembled state, the leaf spring rests in an end section located away from the swivel axis under pretension with a section running parallel to the flat, fixed diaphragm. In this section, the fixed and adjustable panel should also have its two locking points. It is also advantageous if the adjustable diaphragm has its effective diaphragm edge in the section abutting the fixed diaphragm. As a result, the effective diaphragm edge of the adjustable diaphragm does not run in the direction of the optical axis at a distance or only at a very small distance from the diaphragm edge of the fixed diaphragm.

It is a further advantage if the cross section of the leaf spring, in which the bending line runs, is designed to be small in accordance with the desired spring force with which the leaf spring presses against the stationary diaphragm. As a result, any desired material thickness can be selected for the adjustable diaphragm, and yet the spring force with which the leaf spring is to bear against the stationary diaphragm can be precisely defined. In this context, it is also advantageous if the leaf spring is clamped on the stationary screen with an end section that tapers outwards laterally. With such a solution, the size of the spring force varies, depending on at which point of the tapered end section of the leaf spring the bending line runs.

It is also advantageous if, in the case of a projection and two recesses arranged next to one another, each of which is provided with a run-up surface, a run-up surface is arranged on the adjacent sides of the recesses, which runs at an acute angle to the pivoting direction of the leaf spring. As a result, the leaf spring cannot move in its two end positions get caught and can always be swiveled smoothly out of their end positions.

It is also advantageous if the run-up surfaces adjoin one another directly. This allows a very small adjustment of the swiveling screen.

It is also advantageous if the cutouts in the pivoting direction of the leaf spring on the side opposite the run-up surface have an inner edge section running transversely to the pivoting direction on their outer edge section, which either serves as a stop for the projection or with which the cutout bears against a stop of the projection.

In this context, it is also advantageous if the inner surface portion serving as a stop is formed by punching out an opening, the opening being designed so large that only the portion of the recess having the run-up surface remains, which is a web running between the two openings. Such an embodiment is not only simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but the diaphragm and thus its diaphragm edge can be positioned very precisely in both settings.

It is also advantageous here if the web runs at a distance from the adjacent screen. In such an embodiment, when the diaphragm is pivoted, the spring travel of the leaf spring is smaller, the greater the distance between the web and the fixed diaphragm.

It is also advantageous if the projection is a cam pressed out of the panel. Such a cam is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is also advantageous if the cam is spherical on its end face and the end face serves as a run-up surface. Is there such a cam with his spherical end face on a run-up surface of the recess, its contact is point-shaped and represents only a negligible resistance when pivoting the panel.

A further advantage is if the cam on its circumferential edge section of its lateral surface adjoining the screen is cylindrical and the edge section serves as a stop for the recess in both end positions of the leaf spring or is pressed against the stop of the recess. The cylindrical edge section can be produced together with the cam at no additional cost.

In another advantageous development of the invention, either the recess can be formed exclusively by an opening, the cam having a run-up surface on each side in the adjustment direction, or the recess can be formed exclusively by a depression pressed into the panel.

In addition, it is advantageous if the cutouts are made substantially wider than the projection transversely to the pivoting direction. This is very advantageous because the projection and the recesses can then be very roughly tolerated with respect to the distance from the pivot axis.

In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the pivot bearing (the clamping point) for the leaf spring is formed by a hollow rivet which is made in one piece with the fixed diaphragm and which engages in an opening of the adjustable diaphragm and is flanged at its end protruding from the opening. As a result, no separate part is required to produce the clamping point of the leaf spring formed by the adjustable diaphragm.

A further advantage is if the leaf spring in its two end positions, apart from its clamping point, only with one of the locking elements determining the two end positions on the fixed diaphragm is applied and thus runs with its wide area of the rivet at a small distance from the fixed panel. As a result, it is certain that the leaf spring slides on a run-up surface during pivoting until it assumes its desired end position and does not previously hit the fixed aperture.

Fig. 1

einen mittleren vertikalen Längsschnitt durch eine eine ortsfeste und verschwenkbare Blende aufweisende optische Einheit eines Scheinwerfers,

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht aus Richtung X auf die ortsfeste Blende und die verstellbare Blende in einer ihrer beiden Endstellungen,

Fig. 3

die Ansicht der Fig. 2, jedoch mit der in die andere Endstellung verschwenkten Blende,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt nach der Linie A-A durch zwischen der ortsfesten und verstellbaren Blende zusammenwirkende Arretierungselemente,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt nach der Linie B-B durch die Ansicht der Fig. 4 und

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt nach der Linie C-C der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ansicht.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing, namely show

Fig. 1

2 shows a central vertical longitudinal section through an optical unit of a headlight, which has a fixed and pivotable diaphragm,

Fig. 2

a view from the direction X of the fixed diaphragm and the adjustable diaphragm in one of its two end positions,

Fig. 3

2, but with the diaphragm pivoted into the other end position,

Fig. 4

2 shows a section along the line AA through locking elements interacting between the fixed and adjustable diaphragm,

Fig. 5

a section along the line BB through the view of Fig. 4 and

Fig. 6

a section along the line CC of the view shown in Fig. 1.

The optical unit shown in the drawing consists essentially of a bowl-shaped reflector (1), an incandescent lamp (2), a frame (4) carrying a converging lens (3) and a fixed diaphragm (5) and arranged between the incandescent lamp and the converging lens an aperture (6) that can be adjusted manually in two end positions. The bulb (2) is from the back of the reflector (1) with its glass bulb ahead through an opening in the apex of the reflector (1) is inserted and lies with a surrounding base flange on the outer edge of the reflector (1). The incandescent lamp (2) is attached to the reflector (1) by a retaining spring, not shown. The incandescent filament (7) of the incandescent lamp (2) serving as the light source lies approximately in the focal point if the reflection surface of the reflector is elliptical and approximately in a focal point if the reflection surface of the bowl-shaped reflector is composed of an infinite number of free small areas, i.e. the reflecting surface of the reflector does not have any particular mathematical function. In the installed position, the bowl-shaped reflector (1) has a flattened portion (8) which is bent upwards in a plane running perpendicular to the light exit direction. The flattened portion (8) is provided on its inside with a reflective surface on which the light rays of the light source (7) reflecting good apron illumination reflect. The outer edge of the reflector (1) has a flange (9) placed radially outwards. The frame (4) carrying the collecting lens (3) is made of sheet metal and has an annular section (10), in the central opening of which the collecting lens (3) is inserted and fastened to it by adhesive. The ring-shaped section (10) is supported by three support arms (11) of the frame (4) distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped section (10). The support arms (11) are bent radially outwards with their free end section, lie against the flange (9) and are fastened to the flange by a rivet connection (not shown). The fixed cover (5) is made of sheet metal and is flat. The fixed diaphragm (5) is arranged below the horizontal central plane of the reflector and lies with its lower circular-arc-shaped edge section against the flange (9) of the reflector (1). Flags (29) are cut free on the lower edge of the fixed cover (5), which are bent towards the rear of the reflector (1) and which are guided through openings in the flange (5) when the fixed cover (5) is placed on the reflector and then by bending her protruding from the opening Attach the fixed cover to the flange (9) of the reflector (1) at the end section. The fixed cover (5) has at its lower middle edge (5) a recess (12) into which the lower support arm (11) of the frame (4) is fastened to the flange (9) of the reflector (1). The diaphragm edge of the fixed diaphragm (5) is composed of a horizontal section (13) and a section (14) that slopes downward from the horizontal. Contrary to the direction of light exit, the horizontal section, starting from the optical axis (15), runs to the left and the section falling downwards to the right. With this diaphragm edge (13, 14), the stationary diaphragm (5) represents the light-dark boundary of a light figure, which is asymmetrical due to the sloping section (14). This asymmetrical light distribution exists when the adjustable diaphragm (6) assumes the end position shown in FIG. 3.

The adjustable cover (6) is made of spring sheet metal and can be adjusted in two end positions by means of a swivel bearing (15). In Fig. 2 the end position of the adjustable diaphragm (6) is shown, in which the diaphragm (6) extends by pivoting upwards with its diaphragm edge (16) in the horizontal plane, in which the horizontal section (13) of the diaphragm edge of the stationary Aperture lies, and passes without a paragraph into section (13). This creates a symmetrical light distribution. The pivot bearing (15), as seen against the light exit direction, is arranged in the upper left corner area of the two screens (5 and 6). The pivot bearing (15) is formed by a hollow rivet (17) which is produced in one piece with the fixed cover (5) and which, after the adjustable cover (6) has been placed on the wide side surface of the fixed cover (5) facing the converging lens (3) an opening of the fixed aperture passes through. Then the end section of the hollow rivet (17) protruding from the opening of the adjustable diaphragm (6) is flanged. The adjustable diaphragm (6) has on the side opposite the pivot bearing, that is to say on its upper left Corner, an upward operating lever (18). The actuating lever (18) has on its free end section an eyelet-like bent end section (19) which serves as a handle. The angle at which the edges of the corner region having the pivot bearing (15) run is an acute one. The adjustable diaphragm (6) is bent before it is mounted on the side of the swivel bearing on which it has the diaphragm edge (16) by a bending line (20) close to the swivel bearing (15) towards the stationary diaphragm (5). As a result, after the diaphragm (5) has been fastened to the swivel bearing (15), the diaphragm (5) with the end section having the diaphragm edge (16) bears against the stationary diaphragm (5) under prestress, the swivel bearing (15) additionally acting as a clamping point serves for the aperture. Such an adjustable diaphragm (6) made of spring sheet thus additionally serves as a leaf spring. In the section running the bending line (20), the adjustable screen (6) is bent away from the fixed screen (5) after installation and runs parallel to the end section having the screen edge (16) because of the proximity of the bending line to the pivot bearing (15) fixed aperture (5). The locking elements, by which the adjustable diaphragm (6) is held in the two end positions, are introduced into the end section having the diaphragm edge (16). The locking elements consist of two recesses (25 'and 25 ") made in the leaf spring (6) and a projection (22) of the fixed cover (5). The projection (22) is a cam pressed out of the fixed cover (5). Its end face (23) is spherical, and its lateral surface section (24) adjoining the fixed cover (5) is cylindrical In both end positions of the adjustable cover (6), the cam (22) engages in the respective recess in the adjustment direction with positive locking (25 'and 25 ") of the adjustable diaphragm (6). The recesses (25 'and 25 ") are spaced apart from one another by openings (21) and a central section of the web (26) separating the two openings (21). The web (26) is bent so that it is V-shaped in cross-section and the outside (27) of the legs of the V-shape serve as a run-up surface with which they are in the two end positions of the leaf spring (6) on the spherical end face of the cam (22) resiliently. The leaf spring (6) slides through the run-up surfaces (27 'and 27 ") as it pivots from one end position to the other and through a first run-up surface (27") away from the fixed diaphragm (5) and through the second run-up surface (27 " ) towards the fixed diaphragm (5) until the cylindrical lateral surface section (24) of the cam (22) strikes the inner surface section (28) of the opening (21) opposite the run-up surface (27), in which case it is advantageous if both the web and the screen (6) is at a distance from the fixed screen, so that it is ensured that the adjustable screen rests with the inner surface section (28) on the stop (24).

The adjustable diaphragm (6) can be pivoted either by the actuating lever (8) or by the actuating device (30, 31) shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3. The actuating device (30, 31) consists of an actuating arm (not shown) pivotably mounted on the outer circumferential edge of the reflector (1), which extends with one free end close to the bulb holder and is fork-shaped with the other free end. The two legs (30) of the fork include, with play, a tab (31) cut free from the leaf spring (6). It is advantageous here that the adjustable diaphragm (6) cannot be lifted off the fixed diaphragm (5) either by the actuating lever (8) or by the actuating device (30, 31), and thus the adjustable diaphragm (6) cannot be raised the two specific end positions can be pivoted.

Reference numbers Headlights for vehicles

(1)

reflector

(2)

Light bulb

(3)

Converging lens

(4)

frame

(5)

fixed aperture

(6)

adjustable aperture

(7)

Incandescent filament

(8th)

Flattening

(9)

flange

(10)

annular section

(11)

Support arms

(12)

Recess

(13)

horizontal section

(14)

downward sloping section

(15)

Swivel bearing

(16)

Aperture edge

(17)

Hollow rivet

(18)

Operating lever

(19)

Handle

(20)

Bending line

(21)

Recess

(22)

head Start

(23)

Face

(24)

Lateral surface section

(25)

openings

(26)

web

(27)

Ramp area

(28)

Inner surface section

(29)

Flags

(30)

leg

(31)

Tab

Claims (10)

1. Headlamp for vehicles, with the following features:

   - a spatially fixed diaphragm (5) and an adjustable diaphragm (6) are inserted between a light source (7) arranged in the focal area of a reflector (1) and a collector lens (3).;

   - the adjustable diaphragm (6) is pivotally mounted on the spatially fixed diaphragm (5) and arrestable in two end positions in which the diaphragms (5 and 6) abut each other with broad lateral surfaces;

   - at least in one end position of the adjustable diaphragm (6), its diaphragm edge (16) is imaged as a light-dark border line or as a portion thereof;

   - the adjustable diaphragm (6) is held in its two end positions by a leaf spring,

   characterized in that

   - the adjustable diaphragm (6) is made of spring sheet and also serves as a leaf spring;

   - the leaf spring / adjustable diaphragm (6) resiliently engages in both its end positions either with a protrusion into a respective cutout of the spatially fixed diaphragm or reaches with a respective cutout (25' or 25") over a protrusion (22) of the spatially fixed diaphragm (5);

   - the protrusion (22) and the cutout (25' or 25") abut each other in both end positions of the leaf spring (6) on one side with at least one run-up surface (27', 27", 23' or 23") which are in such a position and of such a dimension that the leaf spring (6) slidingly lifts off the spatially fixed diaphragm (5) at a first run-up surface (23' or 27') whilst pivoting from one end position to the other and slides off a second run-up surface (23" or 27") towards the spatially fixed diaphragm, and that after the leaf spring (6) has slid off into the end position the protrusion (22) and the cutout (25") are directly adjacent to each other at the side opposite the operative run-up surface (23" or 27").
2. Headlamp according to Claim 1, characterized in that the leaf spring (6) abuts the spatially fixed diaphragm under tension.
3. Headlamp according to Claim 2, characterized in that the leaf spring is in one section between its clamping point and the arresting points which determine both end positions bent away from the spatially fixed diaphragm.
4. Headlamp according to Claim 3, characterized in that the leaf spring is near its clamping point bent towards both arresting points around a bending line which extends virtually in the pivoting direction and has in the area of the bending line a cross-section which is designed to be small so as to correspond with the desired spring force by which the leaf spring presses against the spatially fixed diaphragm (5).
5. Headlamp according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that with one protrusion (22) and two adjacent cutouts (25' and 25") the cutouts (25' and 25") are at their adjacent sides provided with a respective run-up surface (27' or 27"), which extend respectively at an acute angle to the pivoting direction of the leaf spring (6) and which are directly adjacent to each other.
6. Headlamp according to Claim 5, characterized in that the cutouts (25' and 25") have in the pivoting direction of the leaf spring (6) at the side opposite the run-up surface (27' or 27") on its outer edge section an inner surface section (28) which extends transversely to the pivoting direction and which either serves as a stop for the protrusion or by which the cutout (25' or 25") abuts a stop (24) of the protrusion (21).
7. Headlamp according to Claim 6, characterized in that the inner surface section of the cutout (25' and 25") which serves as a stop (28) is formed by punching out an opening (21), and that the cutout (25; and 25") is composed of both the opening (21) and the run-up surface (27' or 27"), which is adjacent the opening and which is formed by a web which extends between both openings (21).
8. Headlamp according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the protrusion (22) is a cam which is pushed out of the diaphragm (5), bulged at its end surface (23) which serves as a run-up surface (27' and 27") and cylindrical at its casing-surface section (24) which is adjacent the diaphragm and which in both end positions of the leaf spring (6) either serves as a stop for the cutout (25' and 25") or abuts under pressure against the stop of the cutouts (25' and 25").
9. Headlamp according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pivot mount (15) and the clamping point (15) for the leaf spring (6) are formed by a one-piece hollow groove (17), which is integrated with the spatially fixed diaphragm (5) and which engages an opening of the adjustable diaphragm (6) and is flanged at its end which protrudes from the opening .
10. Headlamp according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the leaf spring (6) abuts in both its end position except its clamping point under tension against the spatially fixed diaphragm (5) exclusively with one of the arresting elements which determine both end positions.

Images