EP1136750B1 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp with a light source, a light emitted by the light source reflecting reflector, a lens disposed in the beam path in front of the reflector and a reflector disposed between the lens arrangement and the aperture, which consists of at least two mutually optically small spaced aperture , wherein at least one of the panels is height adjustable.

Such a vehicle headlight has become known from DE 39 03 631 C1. This has in the beam path between a reflector and a lens on a diaphragm arrangement, which consists of a fixed aperture with a diaphragm top edge course for generating an asymmetric Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters and further comprises a height-adjustable aperture, the upper edge of the diaphragm in the optically effective position of the diaphragm shows a continuous, horizontal curve ,

For switching from a dipped-beam distribution pattern for right-hand traffic, which is generated by the fixed aperture, to left-hand traffic, the adjustable diaphragm is pivoted upwards into its optically effective position, so that the diaphragm upper edge of the fixed diaphragm is covered by the height-adjustable diaphragm. As a result, the asymmetrical component in the light distribution of the fixed aperture is cut off, so that when switching to left-hand traffic, dazzling of oncoming traffic is avoided.

A disadvantage of this headlamp is that by the pivoting of the height-adjustable aperture in the beam path no asymmetric light distribution can be generated, so that the own traffic side of the vehicle can be illuminated only below the horizon. In the case of left-hand traffic, this unfavorably leads to reduced visibility on one's own traffic side. This problem is solved in DE 195 01 173 with a single adjustable aperture.

It is an object of the invention to remedy the above problem in a structurally simple manner.

• eine erste Blende einen oberen Blendenkantenverlauf zur Erzeugung eines ersten Lichtverteilungsmuster und
• eine zweite Blende einen oberen Blendenkantenverlauf zur Erzeugung eines zweiten Lichtverteilungsmusters aufweist,
• beide Blenden jeweils zwischen zumindest zwei definierten Positionen verstellbar sind, und
• in einer definierten, angehobenen Position der ersten Blende deren obere Blendenkante mit wesentlichen Bereichen oberhalb der Blendenkante der zweiten Blende und
• in einer angehobenen, definierten Position der zweiten Blende deren obere Blendenkante mit wesentlichen Bereichen oberhalb der Blendenkante der ersten Blende liegt.

This object is achieved according to the invention for a headlight mentioned above, that

• a first diaphragm has an upper diaphragm edge profile for generating a first light distribution pattern and
• a second diaphragm has an upper diaphragm edge profile for generating a second light distribution pattern,
• both diaphragms are each adjustable between at least two defined positions, and
• in a defined, raised position of the first diaphragm whose upper diaphragm edge with essential areas above the diaphragm edge of the second diaphragm and
• in a raised, defined position of the second diaphragm whose upper diaphragm edge lies with essential areas above the diaphragm edge of the first diaphragm.

With the aid of the invention, it is possible to switch in a simple manner between at least two different beam distribution patterns, each beam distribution pattern only being dependent on the design of the diaphragm top edge of the respectively optically active diaphragm, ie. H. depends on that aperture, which is pivoted into the beam path of the headlamp.

To use the headlamp as a dimmable headlamp, in which the above-mentioned problems are resolved, the first diaphragm expediently has a Blen denkantenverlauf for generating a first Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters and the second diaphragm on a diaphragm edge profile for generating a second Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters on. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the first diaphragm has a diaphragm edge profile for generating a low beam distribution pattern for left (right) traffic and the second diaphragm has an diaphragm edge profile for generating a low beam distribution pattern for right (left) traffic in order to prevent the use of the headlight according to the invention in most or to allow all states.

In a structurally simple manner, the invention can be realized when the panels are rotatable height adjustable about axes, each aperture has its own, its associated axis.

The axes are in an advantageous embodiment of the invention on both sides outside a vertical longitudinal center plane of the reflector.

In terms of a simple adjustment of the panels these are coupled with an adjusting element on movement.

In this case, in an expedient embodiment, the diaphragms are coupled to the adjusting element via pin-slot connections for movement.

• in der einen definierten Position des Verstellelementes sich die erste Blende in ihrer angehobenen und die zweite Blende in einer abgesenkten Position befindet, und
• in der zweiten Position des Verstellelementes sich die zweite Blende in ihrer angehobenen und die erste Blende in einer abgesenkten Position befindet, und
• mittels eines Bewegens des Verstellelementes aus der ersten/ zweiten Position in die zweite/erste Position die erste/zweite Blende aus ihrer angehobenen in eine abgesenkte Position sowie gegenläufig dazu die zweite/erste Blende aus einer abgesenkten in ihre angehobene Position verschwenkbar ist.

In a proven embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element between at least two defined positions is adjustable, wherein

• in the one defined position of the adjusting element, the first panel is in its raised position and the second panel is in a lowered position, and
• in the second position of the adjusting element, the second aperture is in its raised position and the first aperture is in a lowered position, and
• by means of a movement of the adjusting element from the first / second position to the second / first position, the first / second aperture from its raised to a lowered position and in opposite directions, the second / first aperture from a lowered into its raised position is pivotable.

In order to fix the panels in their respective desired positions in a stable manner, the adjusting element in at least one defined position, preferably on a support element for the panels, releasably latched.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element is designed as a pivot lever which is rotatably mounted on a central axis with respect to the reflector.

In another favorable embodiment, the panels are connected to a connecting element and coupled with each other on this movement. The coupling is expediently such that the panels are moved in opposite directions. When swiveling up or down from one aperture, this moves the other aperture up or down.

Switching between two diaphragm positions for a user is particularly simple if at least one diaphragm is designed in regions as a handle. Advantageously, this handle protrudes out of the headlight, so that it can be easily operated.

Reliably this variant of the invention works; when the connecting element is designed as a spring element, which is connected under pretension with the panels, whereby the panels are pressed against a respective respective upper or lower stop in its end position.

So that intermediate positions of the panels are avoided, which can lead to glare of oncoming traffic under certain circumstances, it is advantageous if the connecting element is pressed against a tilting element, wherein in a first defined position of the diaphragm, the connecting element is pressed against a first region and in a second position of the diaphragm against a second region of the tilting element.

In a proven embodiment, the tilting element is formed as an angle, which is for example a right angle.

In another embodiment, the tilting element is designed as a straight web, which has a course substantially from top to bottom. This can, for example, be easily bent out of the carrier sheet for the panels, etc. during production.

Thus, the connecting element can only perform permissible movements, it is advantageous if the web has a receptacle in which the spring element guided laterally displaceable and an evasive movement is prevented upwards and / or down.

Particularly suitable for interaction with such tilting elements is connecting element, which is formed in a straight line in a first region and bent in a second region.

A good snap in both directions of movement of the connecting element on the tilting element, in particular on the web-shaped tilting element is given when the connecting element has a substantially symmetrical structure.

In a preferred embodiment, this case has a substantially U-shape, which can be easily connected under bias with the two panels, for example, in an embodiment of the connecting element as a spring element.

Fig.1

einen Schnitt durch einen Schweinwerfer entlang seiner Längsmittelebene,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Blendenanordnung,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Rückansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Blendenanordnung,

Fig.4

eine Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Blendenanordnung zur Erzeugung eines Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters für Linksverkehr,

Fig.5

eine Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Blendenanordnung zur Erzeugung eines Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters für Rechtsverkehr,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch die Blendenanordnung nach der Linie A-A der Figur 5,

Fig. 7

eine Detailansicht einer Stift-Schlitzverbindung zwischen Hebel und Blende,

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie C-C nach der Figur 7,

Fig. 9

eine Rückansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Blendenanordnung in einer ersten Blendenstellung,

Fig. 10

eine Rückansicht der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 9 in einer zweiten Blendemtellung, und

Fig. 11

eine Rückansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit einer anderen Ausführungsform eines Verbindungselementes zwischen den Blenden.

In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to the drawing. In this show

Fig.1

a section through a putter along its longitudinal center plane,

Fig. 2

a front perspective view of an aperture arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 3

a perspective rear view of a diaphragm arrangement according to the invention,

Figure 4

a front view of a diaphragm arrangement according to the invention for generating a low beam distribution pattern for left-hand traffic,

Figure 5

a front view of a diaphragm arrangement according to the invention for producing a dimming light distribution pattern for right-hand traffic,

Fig. 6

a section through the diaphragm arrangement along the line AA of Figure 5,

Fig. 7

a detailed view of a pin-slot connection between lever and panel,

Fig. 8

a section along the line CC of Figure 7,

Fig. 9

a rear view of another embodiment of an aperture arrangement according to the invention in a first aperture position,

Fig. 10

a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 in a second Blendemtellung, and

Fig. 11

a rear view of another embodiment with another embodiment of a connecting element between the panels.

FIG. 1 shows a headlight 30 for producing two different low beam distribution patterns, in particular for right and left traffic; in a vertical section along the longitudinal center plane of the headlight. The headlight consists essentially of a reflector 28, which reflects light emitted by a light source 29, which is emitted by a arranged in front of the reflector lens 27 in the outer space of the headlamp. The lens 27 is fixed to the reflector 28 with a lens carrier 26 in the illustrated embodiment. In the beam path between the light source 29 and the lens there is a diaphragm arrangement 20 consisting of two diaphragms 1, 2 for producing the different dimming light distribution patterns.

As shown in FIG. 2 it can be seen, the two panels 1, 2 are connected in height adjustable with a support member 25, wherein in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the panels 1, 2 about axes 4, 5 are rotatably mounted. The panels are designed as flat sheet metal elements which are arranged at a small optical distance from each other. By optically small distance is to be understood that for the aperture shape shown, the two diaphragms lie substantially in one plane, which is essentially a vertical plane. With this arrangement of the diaphragms, it is achieved that both diaphragms produce a sharp cut-off for the low-beam light distribution pattern.

Quite generally, the term "close-to-optical distance" is to be understood as meaning that the diaphragm upper edges of different diaphragms of a diaphragm arrangement all have approximately the same distance to a point on the reflector surface when the diaphragms are positioned in their optically effective position.

In another expedient embodiment, however, the diaphragms can also be arranged to be displaceable. Also, a formation of the panels as flat sheet metal parts is not absolutely necessary, they may also - for example, in a plan view of the diaphragm assembly - have a curved shape to produce a sharp cut-off of the low-beam light distribution pattern. In any case, but the two panels are to be arranged in an optically small distance from each other, which means in practice that they should be thin and close together.

The first of the two diaphragms has a profile of its diaphragm upper edge 1a, 1b for generating a low-beam light distribution pattern for left-hand traffic. The second panel 2 has a sale of its diaphragm top edge 2a, 2b for generating a low beam distribution pattern for right-hand traffic. The upper edges 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b of the two panels 1, 2 are formed so that each produced Abblendlichtverteilungsmusters is asymmetrical and has a projecting beyond the horizon asymmetry wedge on their own traffic side, so that both for right and for left-hand traffic a good view on the own traffic side is achieved.

The panels 1, 2 are coupled via pin-slot connections 7, 8 with an adjusting element 3 for movement. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element is designed as a pivoting lever 3, which is rotatably mounted about an axis 6, which in the support member 25, disposed in an upper region and approximately in the middle of the support element, in the region of the vertical longitudinal center plane L of the headlamp is. The pin or the nose 9 of such a pin-slot connection 7, 8 between the diaphragm and the lever, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in detail refer, arranged in the embodiment shown on the lever 3 and is in a recesses, such as a slot 10 of the aperture performed with play, so that a pivoting of the panels 1, 2 by moving the lever 3 is possible. However, the axis of rotation 6 of the lever 3 can also be arranged in a different area; Thus, it may be provided that one of the axes 3, 4 for the panels 1, 2 also serves as a rotation axis for the lever 3. The arrangement of the pin-slot connections is then carried out in a manner corresponding to the kinematic conditions, familiar to the person skilled in the art.

As a rule, the lever 3 is actuated manually, to which end it has, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an angled handle in order to ensure good accessibility. In principle, however, it should not be ruled out that the lever is actuated automatically, wherein a movement of the lever can take place approximately via a motor.

The lever 3 is pivotable between two defined positions P1 and P2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, upon pivoting the lever 3 from a first, lower position P1 (FIG. 4) to a second, upper position P2 (FIG Pin-slot connections 7, 8, the two panels 1, 2 to each other in opposite directions moves, and that seen in the light exit direction front panel 1 from its upper, optically active position (Fig. 4) about the rotation axis 5 in a lower position (Fig.5 ), while the rear panel 2 is pivoted upwards from its optically inoperative position (FIG. 4) into its photometrically active position (FIG. 5). In the optically or photometrically effective position of a diaphragm 1, 2 covers the upper edge of the panel 1a, 1b; 2a, 2b, at least with the optically effective areas completely the diaphragm upper edge of the second diaphragm, so that a beam distribution pattern corresponding to the dazzling edge profile of the effective diaphragm is generated. Optically effective regions of a diaphragm upper edge are understood to be all those regions which exert an actual influence on the formed beam distribution pattern.

3, the support element 25, which is designed in the illustrated embodiment as a substantially planar sheet metal part, upper stops 21, 22 and lower stops 23, 24 for the panels 1, 2. The upper stops 21, 22 serve to hold the panels 1, 2 exactly in their photometrically effective position, while the lower stops 23, 24 are provided for preventing overpressing of the panels in a downward pivoting.

The lever 3 can be fixed by means of a latch 100 in its two positions P1 and P2, wherein this latching in the illustrated embodiment with the support member 25 zusarnmenwirkt. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 6 on the basis of a vertical section through the diaphragm arrangement 20 along the line A-A of FIG. 5. The lever 3 is formed in the embodiment shown as a resilient sheet metal element and can be fixed with the illustrated latching 100 known in the art in its two positions P1 and P2

The fixation of the lever 3 does not necessarily take place on the carrier element 25. The lever can for example also be fixed to a reflector edge, but the simplest and most reliable way to manufacture the lever is the locking of the support element.

Furthermore, while the two diaphragms can be pivoted, the adjusting element can only be displaced linearly, for example in the vertical direction. For pivoting the panels, the adjusting element engages, for example with a pin in slots of the panels, wherein the slots have a suitable position and geometry to be pivoted at a displacement of the adjustment from its raised to its lowered position or vice versa.

Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the invention with two pivotable panels 1 ', 2', which are rotatably mounted about axes 4 ', 5'. Furthermore, upper stops 21 ', 22' and lower stops 23 ', 24' for the panels 1 ', 2' can be seen, the upper stops 21 ', 22' serve, the panels 1 ', 2' exactly in their to maintain photometrically effective position, while the lower stops 23 ', 24' to prevent overpressing of the panels in a downward pivoting.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, no additional adjusting element is provided in this variant of the invention, but one of the panels 2 'is partially formed as a handle 3', with which it is adjustable for example by a user in the vertical direction. The two panels 1 ', 2' are further connected to a connecting element 50 - preferably articulated via joint points 51, 52 - and coupled with each other on this movement, so that in a up / down moving the handle 3 'provided aperture. 2 'the aperture 1' is moved down / up.

In the embodiment shown, the connecting element 50 is designed as a spring element, for example as a wire spring. This is biased between the two panels 1 ', 2' and thus presses the panels against the respective upper or lower stop. In order to avoid intermediate positions of the panels, which could possibly lead to glare of oncoming traffic, the spring element 50 is so fitted between the panels 1 ', 2' that it is still pressed against a tilting element 70. This is, for example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, as an angle, designed as a right angle. In a first position of the diaphragm, in which the diaphragm 2 'is in its photometrically effective position, the spring element 50 is pressed with a region 50' against a first leg 70 'of the tilting element 70. When the handle 3 'is pressed downwards, the diaphragm 2' is pivoted downwards from its lighting-technically effective position. At the same time the aperture 1 'is pivoted from bottom to top, via the spring element 50, in its photometrically effective position. In addition, the spring element 50 snaps from the position shown in FIG. 9, where it is pressed against the first leg 70 'of the tilting element 70, into a second position shown in FIG. 10, where it is pressed against a second leg 70 "of the tilting element 70 is.

The tilting element 70 is preferably arranged on a carrier element 25 ', on which the diaphragms 1', 2 'are pivotably mounted. The spring element 50 has in the embodiment shown a substantially rectilinear portion 50 ', which cooperates with the first leg 70' of the tilting element 70, and a second portion 50 ", which is bent, so that a bias of the spring element 50th between the two apertures is possible. The bent portion acts together with the second leg 70 "of the tilting element 70.

Finally, FIG. 11 shows a diaphragm arrangement with a symmetrically constructed spring element 50 which has a substantially U-shape. The spring element 50 is connected with its end portions with the panels 1 ', 2'. In the embodiment shown here, the spring element 50 is suspended at corresponding suspension points 90, 91 on the panels under bias. The tilting element 70 is designed as a simple web, which is for example bent out of the carrier element. The web is designed so that the spring element 50 can not move up or down and only a snap when pivoting the panels is possible, so that they are held exactly in their respective end positions. For example, the web-shaped tilting element 70 has a corresponding recess in which the spring element 50 is guided accordingly.

In principle, the aperture arrangement according to the invention can be used for the generation of different beam distribution patterns and not solely for the production of aberration beam distribution patterns, since the light distribution produced essentially depends on the respectively optically active diaphragm, i. H. in particular of their Blendenoberkantenverlauf depends. However, particular advantages of the diaphragm arrangement according to the invention are in particular provided when used for generating low beam distribution patterns for right and left traffic.

Claims (22)

1. An automobile headlight (30) comprising a light source (29), a reflector (28) reflecting the light emitted by said light source, a lens (27) positioned in front of said reflector in the path of the light beam and a diaphragm assembly (20) located between said reflector (28) and said lens (27), which assembly is composed of at least two diaphragms (1,2) disposed optically close to each other, wherein the height of at least one of said diaphragms (1,2) can be adjusted; the first diaphragm (1) has an upper diaphragm edge profile (1a, 1 b) for the creation of a first light distribution pattern, and the second diaphragm (2) has an upper diaphragm edge profile (2a, 2b) for the creation of a second light distribution pattern, and wherein in a defined, raised position of said first diaphragm (1), the significant regions of the upper diaphragm edge (1a, 1b) thereof are positioned above the diaphragm edge (2a, 2b) of said second diaphragm (2),
   characterized in that

   • the two diaphragms (1,2) can each be set to one of at least two defined positions, and

   • in a defined, raised position of said second diaphragm (2), the significant regions of the upper diaphragm edge (2a, 2b) thereof are positioned above the diaphragm edge (1a, 1 b) of said first diaphragm (1).
2. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 1, characterized in that said first diaphragm (1) has a diaphragm edge profile (1 a, 1 b) for the creation of a first dimmed light distribution pattern and said second diaphragm (2) has a diaphragm edge profile (2a, 2b) for the creation of a second dimmed light distribution pattern.
3. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 2, characterized in that said first diaphragm (1) has a diaphragm edge profile (1 a, 1 b) for the creation of a dimmed light distribution pattern for left hand (or right hand) traffic and said second diaphragm (2) has a diaphragm edge profile (2, 2a) for the creation of a dimmed light distribution pattern for right hand (or left hand) traffic, respectively.
4. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said diaphragms (1,2) can be adjusted in height by rotating them about axes (4,5), of which each diaphragm (1,2) has its own assigned axis.
5. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 4, characterized in that said axes (4, 5) are one on each side of, and at a distance from, a vertical longitudinal center plane (L) of said reflector.
6. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said two diaphragms (1, 2) are coupled to an adjustment element (3) adapted to cause movement of said diaphragms.
7. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 6, characterized in that said diaphragms (1, 2) are coupled to said adjustment element (3) by pin/slot connections (7, 8) to effect movement of said diaphragms.
8. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that said adjustment element (3) can be set to one of at least two defined positions (P1, P2) such that

   • in the first defined position (P1) of said adjustment element (3), said first diaphragm (1) is in its raised position and said second diaphragm (2) is in its lowered position, and

   • in the second position (P2) of said adjustment element (3), said second diaphragm (2) is in its raised position and said first diaphragm (1) is in its lowered position, and

   • by moving said adjustment element (3) from said first position (P1) or said second position (P2) to said second position (P2) or said first position (P1), said first diaphragm (1) or said second diaphragm (2) can be moved from its raised position to its lowered position and said second diaphragm (2) or said first diaphragm (1) can be moved countercurrently from its lowered position to its raised position, respectively.
9. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said adjustment element (3) can be releasably locked in at least one defined position (P1, P2), preferably on a support element (25) for said diaphragms (1, 2).
10. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said adjustment element (3) is in the form of a pivoted lever.
11. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 10, characterized in that said pivoted lever (3) is pivot-mounted on an axis (6) which is positioned centrally relative to said relector (28).
12. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said diaphragms (1', 2') are connected to a connecting element (50) and are moveably linked to each other via said connecting element.
13. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 12, characterized in that at least one diaphragm (2') is partially designed as a handle (3').
14. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that said connecting element (50) is in the form of a spring element that is connected to said diaphragms (1', 2') with spring bias.
15. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said connecting element (50) is pressed against a tilting element (70), and in a first defined position of said diaphragms (1', 2'), said connecting element (50) is pressed against a first zone (70') of said tilting element and, in a second position of said diaphragms (1', 2'), against a second zone (70") of said tilting element.
16. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 15, characterized in that said tilting element (70) is in the form of an angle piece.
17. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 16, characterized in that the angle of said angle piece is a right angle.
18. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 15, characterized in that said tilting element (70) is in the form of a straight bar.
19. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 18, characterized in that said bar has a catch in which the spring element is guided so that it can be slid sideways while it is prevented from slipping upwardly or downwardly.
20. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that said connecting element (50) is designed such that it is straight in a first region (50') and curved in a second region (50").
21. An automobile headlight as defined in any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that said connecting element has a substantially symmetrical design.
22. An automobile headlight as defined in claim 21, characterized by a general U-shape.

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