EP1573248A1 - Headlight unit for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Headlight unit for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP1573248A1
EP1573248A1 EP03779894A EP03779894A EP1573248A1 EP 1573248 A1 EP1573248 A1 EP 1573248A1 EP 03779894 A EP03779894 A EP 03779894A EP 03779894 A EP03779894 A EP 03779894A EP 1573248 A1 EP1573248 A1 EP 1573248A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat
housing
headlight unit
light source
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03779894A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Reiner Jocher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Daimler AG
Original Assignee
DaimlerChrysler AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DaimlerChrysler AG filed Critical DaimlerChrysler AG
Publication of EP1573248A1 publication Critical patent/EP1573248A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
    • F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
    • F21V29/71—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks using a combination of separate elements interconnected by heat-conducting means, e.g. with heat pipes or thermally conductive bars between separate heat-sink elements
    • F21V29/717—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks using a combination of separate elements interconnected by heat-conducting means, e.g. with heat pipes or thermally conductive bars between separate heat-sink elements using split or remote units thermally interconnected, e.g. by thermally conductive bars or heat pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/10—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to vehicle inclination, e.g. due to load distribution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/12—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to steering position
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F21S41/153—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines arranged in a matrix
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F21S45/47—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings
    • F21S45/48—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings with means for conducting heat from the inside to the outside of the lighting devices, e.g. with fins on the outer surface of the lighting device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F21S45/49—Attachment of the cooling means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a headlight unit for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.
  • Such a headlight unit usually comprises a housing which can be fastened to a vehicle body.
  • the housing usually houses several light sources, usually light bulbs or, in modern vehicles, LEDs (light-emitting diodes), for example to generate a turn signal, a low beam, a parking light, a high beam, a rear light, a brake light or a reversing light.
  • LEDs light-emitting diodes
  • the invention seeks to remedy this.
  • the present invention deals with the problem of an improved design for a headlight unit of the type mentioned at the beginning. Specify the form in which, in particular, an increase in temperature during operation is reduced.
  • the invention is based on the general idea that the heat generated by the at least one light source during operation is at least partially removed from the housing of the headlight unit with the aid of a heat-conducting device.
  • a heat-conducting bridge can thus be provided from the inside of the housing into the surroundings of the housing, which helps to avoid an undesirably high temperature rise in the housing.
  • the invention proposes to connect the heat-conducting device at one end with the at least one light source or with one of the at least one light source and at the other end in the installed state of the headlight unit with a zone of the vehicle body in a heat-transferring manner, this zone of the vehicle body thus is chosen that it is particularly well suited for heat dissipation.
  • this zone is formed on a metal support to which the headlight unit is attached in the installed state.
  • the heat-conducting device has a stationary section, which has an outlet end section of the heat-conducting device and is arranged in the housing in a stationary manner, and a flexible section, which has an inlet end section of the heat-conducting device, is connected to the stationary section in a heat-transferring manner and has relative movements between the at least one light source and / or the reflector on the one hand and the housing on the other hand can participate or follow.
  • This design allows the heat-conducting device to adapt to changing positions of the light source or of the reflector within the housing and to further ensure the dissipation of the heat generated by the light source.
  • the headlight unit can be designed to implement a cornering light following the steering angle of the vehicle.
  • the headlight unit can be designed in such a way that changes in inclination of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with respect to the roadway can be compensated in order to be able to regulate the headlight range.
  • the at least one light source or the associated reflector must be suitably supported or mounted in a suitable manner in the housing.
  • the flexible section of the heat-conducting device is dimensioned such that it can easily follow all the relative positions that occur during normal operation, so that the desired heat dissipation is always achieved.
  • FIG. 1 shows a greatly simplified longitudinal section through a headlight unit according to the invention.
  • a headlight unit 1 has a housing 2.
  • the headlight unit 1 is used for installation in a motor vehicle, in particular in a passenger car, and forms a front lighting or a rear lighting on a vehicle side there.
  • the housing 2 can be fastened to a vehicle body 3, which is represented here only by a cross member 4.
  • At least one light source 5 for generating a vehicle light, in particular a low beam, is arranged in the housing 2.
  • the light sources 5 are e.g. formed by LEDs.
  • a light from the headlight unit 1, e.g. The light sources 5 assigned to the low beam are actuated simultaneously to generate the respective light.
  • the light sources 5 are attached to a common carrier 6 here.
  • This carrier 6 is coupled to the light sources 5 in a heat-transferring manner, so that the light sources 5 at least partially emit the heat generated during operation to the carrier 6.
  • the carrier 6 is pivotally mounted on a holder 7 about a horizontal pivot axis 8 standing on the drawing plane via side cheeks (not shown).
  • the holder 7 is in turn mounted on a bracket 9 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation 10 lying in the plane of the drawing.
  • the console 9 enables an adjustment in a horizontal plane standing on the drawing plane.
  • the carrier ⁇ has a reflector 11 assigned to the light sources 5 or merges into it. In any case, the reflector 11 is coupled to the carrier 6 in a heat-transmitting manner at 12.
  • the special embodiment shown here thus enables, on the one hand, an adjustment of the light panel generated by the headlight unit 1 in normal operation, in which the carrier 6, together with its light sources 5 and the reflector 11, are moved accordingly in the adjustment plane of the console 9.
  • This adjustment is carried out once in the factory and should be readjusted over a longer period as part of maintenance. With this adjustment, the relative position between the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the one hand and the housing 2 on the other hand changes.
  • the embodiment shown here enables an inclination adjustment of the generated headlight beam in which the carrier 6 with the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 is pivoted about the pivot axis 8.
  • This adjustment option is required, for example, for headlight range adjustment to compensate for a change in the inclination of the vehicle's longitudinal axis with respect to the road.
  • Such a change in inclination can arise, for example, when the vehicle is loaded differently or when the vehicle is accelerating or braking.
  • Modern motor vehicles or modern headlight units 1 then have a corresponding inclination adjustment device which compensates for the effects of the change in inclination on the generated light field by pivoting the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 about the pivot axis 8.
  • the relative position between the housing 2 on the one hand and the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the other hand also changes during these pivoting movements.
  • the particular embodiment shown here enables rotations of the carrier 6 with the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 about the axis of rotation 10.
  • Modern motor vehicles in particular modern headlight units, can be equipped with a device for generating a cornering light, this cornering light being a steering lock of the vehicle follows.
  • Corresponding actuators then drive the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 to rotate about the axis of rotation 11 depending on the steering angle.
  • the relative position between the housing 2 on the one hand and the light sources 5 or the reflector 11 on the other hand also changes during this rotary movement.
  • the housing 2 also comprises a frame part 13 and a disc, not shown, through which the light generated by the light sources 5 emerges from the housing 2.
  • the housing 2 is now equipped with a heat-conducting device 14, which makes it possible for heat, which arises in the housing 2 during operation of the light sources 5, to be led out of the housing 2.
  • a heat-conducting device 14 which makes it possible for heat, which arises in the housing 2 during operation of the light sources 5, to be led out of the housing 2.
  • an input end section 15 of the heat-conducting device 14 is heat-directly coupled to the reflector 11 and thus indirectly to the carrier 6 and indirectly to the light sources 5.
  • the heat-conducting device 14 has an output end section 16 which is led out of the housing 2 and is designed such that it can be connected in a heat-transferring manner to a zone 17 of the vehicle body 3.
  • this zone 17 is formed on the cross member 4 and is selected so that it is particularly suitable for heat dissipation.
  • the heat-conducting device 14 extends from its input end section 15 to its Output end section 16 runs within the housing 2 and is only led out of the housing 2 with its output end section 16.
  • This design is advantageous if the housing 2 is exposed to other heat sources of the vehicle, in particular in the engine compartment, due to the installation situation.
  • a heat conduction device running outside the housing 2 could be counterproductive if, for example, it transfers heat radiated from the engine compartment into the interior of the housing 2 and thus onto the reflector 11 and ultimately onto the light sources 5.
  • the heat conducting device 14 has a stationary section 18 and a flexible section 19.
  • the stationary section 18 is connected at one end to the outlet end section 16 and at the other end to the flexible section 19 in a heat-transferring manner. Furthermore, the stationary section 18 is accommodated in a stationary manner in the housing 2, in particular fastened.
  • the stationary section 18 is made, for example, from a comparatively stiff band, in particular a metal band.
  • the flexible section 19 is connected at one end to the input end section 15 and at the other end to the stationary section 18 in a heat-transferring manner.
  • the flexible section 19 is designed such that it can follow the above-described relative movements between the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the one hand and the housing 2 on the other hand, without interrupting the heat-transferring coupling of the heat-conducting device 14 to the reflector 11.
  • the heat can be transported from the reflector 11 out of the housing 2.
  • the flexible section 19 consists, for example, of at least one flexible band, in particular a metal band.
  • a band can be knitted, for example, that is, it can consist of a wire mesh.
  • the band can be constructed in several parts and can therefore be spatially flexible.
  • the stationary section 18 comprises at least one band 20 which is coupled to the flexible section 19 in a heat-transferring manner.
  • the band 20 is laid in the housing 2 and extends to the frame part 13 and can be connected to it in a heat-transferring manner in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • the frame part 13 then forms part of the stationary section 18 of the heat-conducting device 14.
  • the band 20 is also connected to a tab 21 for heat transfer, this tab 21 being formed here by the outlet end section 16.
  • the tab 21 thus penetrates the housing 2.
  • the tab 21 can also be connected to the frame part 13 in a heat-transferring manner, as a result of which the band 20 can be coupled in a heat-transmitting manner indirectly via the frame part 13 or directly to the tab 21.
  • the tab 21 of the heat-conducting device 14 has a double function, since with the aid of this tab 21, the housing 2 is held on the vehicle body 3 in the installed state. This means that the tab 21 effects the holding of the housing 2 on the vehicle body 3 or cooperates thereon.
  • the heat conducting device 14 can have a plurality of flexible sections 19 and / or a plurality of bands 20 and / or a plurality of tabs 21. The number and dimensions of the individual components of the heat conduction device 14 are based on the expected Heat that can arise during continuous operation of the light sources 5 and unfavorable environmental conditions.
  • the heat-conducting device 14 has a particularly good thermal conductivity
  • its individual components are expediently made from a material that is particularly suitable for heat conduction, such as Metal, in particular made of copper or a copper alloy.
  • the headlight unit 1 operates as follows:
  • the light sources 5 emit not only light, symbolized by arrows 22, but also heat, symbolized by arrows 23.
  • the emitted heat is thus transmitted to the reflector 11.
  • heat generated during the light generation passes directly from the light sources 5 into the carrier 6 and from there into the reflector 11.
  • the heat reaches the input end section 15 of the heat-conducting device 14.
  • the heat then passes through the flexible section 19 and the stationary section 18 into the outlet end section 16 of the heat-conducting device 14.
  • the heat that is led out of the housing 2 then finally reaches the cross member 4 via zone 17, from which it dissipates into the vehicle body 3.
  • the cross member 4 expediently also consists of metal and is connected to other metal parts of the vehicle body 3.
  • the undisturbed removal of the during operation is achieved for relative positions between the housing 2 and the adjustable unit comprising the carrier 6, light sources 5 and reflector 11 arising heat from the housing 2 guaranteed sufficiently.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a headlight unit (1) for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, comprising a housing (2) which can be fixed to a vehicle body and within which at least one light source (5) is disposed. In order to be able to prevent the temperature inside the housing (2) from rising by an undesired degree during operation of the at least one light source (5), the inventive headlight unit is provided with a heat-conducting device (14), a terminal input section (15) of one end of which is coupled to the at least one light source (5) and/or a reflector (11) assigned to the at least one light source (5) so as to convey heat while a terminal output section (16) of the other end thereof is guided out of the housing (2) and can be connected to a zone of the vehicle body (3) so as to convey heat, said zone of the vehicle body (3) being suitable for dissipating heat.

Description

DaimlerChrysler AGDaimlerChrysler AG
Scheinwerfereinheit für ein KraftfahrzeugHeadlight unit for a motor vehicle
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Scheinwerfereinheit für ein Kraftfahrzeug, insbesondere eines Personenkraftwagens .The present invention relates to a headlight unit for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.
Üblicherweise umfasst eine solche Scheinwerfereinheit ein Gehäuse, das an einer Fahrzeugkarosserie befestigbar ist. Im Gehäuse sind in der Regel mehrere Lichtquellen, normalerweise Glühbirnen oder bei modernen Fahrzeugen LEDs (Licht emittierende Dioden), untergebracht, um beispielsweise ein Blinklicht, ein Abblendlicht, ein Standlicht, ein Fernlicht, ein Rücklicht, ein Bremslicht oder ein Rückfahrlicht zu erzeugen.Such a headlight unit usually comprises a housing which can be fastened to a vehicle body. The housing usually houses several light sources, usually light bulbs or, in modern vehicles, LEDs (light-emitting diodes), for example to generate a turn signal, a low beam, a parking light, a high beam, a rear light, a brake light or a reversing light.
Um stets steigenden Sicherheitsanforderungen genügen zu können, werden in den Scheinwerfereinheiten immer stärkere Lichtquellen verwendet, die größere Lichtabstrahlungsleistun- gen besitzen. Insbesondere bei Glühbirnen, aber auch bei LEDs geht eine Leistungssteigerung mit einer Zunahme der von der jeweiligen Lichtquelle abgegebenen Wärme einher. Während dies bei Glühbirnen vergleichsweise unproblematisch ist, ist die Wärmebeständigkeit von LEDs auf vergleichsweise niedrige Temperaturen (ca. 120°C) begrenzt. Die Verwendung mehrerer, leistungsstarker LEDs z.B. zur Erzeugung eines Abblendlichts kann daher zu thermischen Problemen führen.In order to be able to meet ever increasing safety requirements, increasingly stronger light sources are used in the headlight units, which have greater light radiation outputs. In the case of light bulbs in particular, but also in the case of LEDs, an increase in output is accompanied by an increase in the heat emitted by the respective light source. While this is comparatively unproblematic with light bulbs, the heat resistance of LEDs is limited to comparatively low temperatures (approx. 120 ° C). The use of several powerful LEDs e.g. the generation of a low beam can therefore lead to thermal problems.
Hier will die Erfindung abhilfe schaffen. Die vorliegende Erfindung beschäftigt sich mit dem Problem, für eine Scheinwerfereinheit der eingangs genannten Art ein verbesserte Ausfüh- rungsform anzugeben, bei der insbesondere ein Temperaturanstieg im Betrieb reduziert ist.The invention seeks to remedy this. The present invention deals with the problem of an improved design for a headlight unit of the type mentioned at the beginning. Specify the form in which, in particular, an increase in temperature during operation is reduced.
Dieses Problem wird erfindungsgemäß durch den Gegenstand des unabhängigen Anspruchs gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.According to the invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
Die Erfindung beruht auf dem allgemeinen Gedanken, die im Betrieb von der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle erzeugte Wärme zumindest teilweise mit Hilfe einer Wärmeleiteinrichtung aus dem Gehäuse der Scheinwerfereinheit herauszuführen. Mit Hilfe einer derartigen Wärmeleiteinrichtung kann somit eine wärmeleitende Brücke vom Inneren des Gehäuses in die Umgebung des Gehäuses bereitgestellt werden, die einen unerwünscht hohen Temperaturanstieg im Gehäuse zu vermeiden hilft. Zur Erlangung einer besonders effektiven Wärmebrücke schlägt die Erfindung vor, die Wärmeleiteinrichtung einenends mit der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle bzw. mit einem der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle zugeordneten Reflektor und anderenends im Einbauzustand der Scheinwerfereinheit mit einer Zone der Fahrzeugkarosserie wärmeübertragend zu verbinden, wobei diese Zone der Fahrzeugkarosserie so gewählt ist, dass sie sich besonders gut für eine Wärmeableitung eignet. Beispielsweise ist diese Zone an einem Metallträger ausgebildet, an dem die Scheinwerfereinheit im Einbauzustand befestigt ist. Hierdurch kann die aus dem Gehäuse herausgeführte Wärme vergleichsweise rasch in die Metallbauteile der Fahrzeugkarosserie dissipie- ren.The invention is based on the general idea that the heat generated by the at least one light source during operation is at least partially removed from the housing of the headlight unit with the aid of a heat-conducting device. With the aid of such a heat-conducting device, a heat-conducting bridge can thus be provided from the inside of the housing into the surroundings of the housing, which helps to avoid an undesirably high temperature rise in the housing. To achieve a particularly effective thermal bridge, the invention proposes to connect the heat-conducting device at one end with the at least one light source or with one of the at least one light source and at the other end in the installed state of the headlight unit with a zone of the vehicle body in a heat-transferring manner, this zone of the vehicle body thus is chosen that it is particularly well suited for heat dissipation. For example, this zone is formed on a metal support to which the headlight unit is attached in the installed state. As a result, the heat conducted out of the housing can dissipate comparatively quickly into the metal components of the vehicle body.
Von besonderem Vorteil ist eine Weiterbildung, bei welcher die Wärmeleiteinrichtung einen stationären Abschnitt, der einen Ausgangsendabschnitt der Wärmeleiteinrichtung aufweist und im Gehäuse ortsfest angeordnet ist, und einen flexiblen Abschnitt aufweist, der einen Eingangsendabschnitt der Wärmeleiteinrichtung aufweist, wärmeübertragend mit dem stationären Abschnitt verbunden ist und Relativbewegungen zwischen der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle und/oder dem Reflektor ei- nerseits und dem Gehäuse andererseits mitmachen oder folgen kann. Durch diese Bauweise kann sich die Wärmeleiteinrichtung sich ändernden Positionen der Lichtquelle bzw. des Reflektors innerhalb des Gehäuses anpassen und die Ableitung der von der Lichtquelle erzeugten Wärme weiterhin gewährleisten. Eine derartige Bauweise ist vor allem dann von Bedeutung, wenn derartige Änderungen der Relativlage zwischen dem Gehäuse und der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle bzw. dem Reflektor im Betrieb des Fahrzeugs regelmäßig vorkommen. Beispielsweise kann die Scheinwerfereinheit zur Realisierung eines dem Lenkeinschlag des Fahrzeugs folgenden Kurvenlichts ausgebildet sein. Ebenso kann die Scheinwerfereinheit so gestaltet sein, dass Neigungsänderungen der Fahrzeuglängsachse gegenüber der Fahrbahn ausgleichbar sind, um die Leuchtweite regulieren zu können. Damit diese Zusatzfunktionen realisierbar sind, müssen die wenigstens eine Lichtquelle bzw. der zugehörige Reflektor in geeigneter Weise im Gehäuse verstellbar gehaltert bzw. gelagert sein. Der flexible Abschnitt der Wärmeleiteinrichtung ist so dimensioniert, dass er allen im ordnungsgemäßen Betrieb auftretenden Relativlagen ohne weiteres folgen kann, so dass stets die gewünschte Wärmeableitung realisiert ist.A further development is particularly advantageous in which the heat-conducting device has a stationary section, which has an outlet end section of the heat-conducting device and is arranged in the housing in a stationary manner, and a flexible section, which has an inlet end section of the heat-conducting device, is connected to the stationary section in a heat-transferring manner and has relative movements between the at least one light source and / or the reflector on the one hand and the housing on the other hand can participate or follow. This design allows the heat-conducting device to adapt to changing positions of the light source or of the reflector within the housing and to further ensure the dissipation of the heat generated by the light source. Such a construction is particularly important if such changes in the relative position between the housing and the at least one light source or the reflector occur regularly during operation of the vehicle. For example, the headlight unit can be designed to implement a cornering light following the steering angle of the vehicle. Likewise, the headlight unit can be designed in such a way that changes in inclination of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with respect to the roadway can be compensated in order to be able to regulate the headlight range. So that these additional functions can be implemented, the at least one light source or the associated reflector must be suitably supported or mounted in a suitable manner in the housing. The flexible section of the heat-conducting device is dimensioned such that it can easily follow all the relative positions that occur during normal operation, so that the desired heat dissipation is always achieved.
Weitere wichtige Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen, aus den Zeichnungen und aus der zugehörigen Figurenbeschreibung anhand der Zeichnungen.Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.
Es versteht sich, dass die vorstehend genannten und die nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in der jeweils angegebenen Kombination, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung verwendbar sind, ohne den Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung zu verlassen.It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und wird in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert . Die einzige Fig. 1 zeigt einen stark vereinfachten Längsschnitt durch eine Scheinwerfereinheit nach der Erfindung.A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail in the following description. The only Fig. 1 shows a greatly simplified longitudinal section through a headlight unit according to the invention.
Entsprechend Fig. 1 besitzt eine erfindungsgemäße Scheinwerfereinheit 1 ein Gehäuse 2. Die Scheinwerfereinheit 1 dient zum Einbau in ein Kraftfahrzeug, insbesondere in einen Personenkraftwagen, und bildet dort eine Frontbeleuchtung oder eine Heckbeleuchtung an einer Fahrzeugseite. Das Gehäuse 2 ist zu diesem Zweck an einer Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 befestigbar, die hier lediglich durch einen Querträger 4 repräsentiert ist .1, a headlight unit 1 according to the invention has a housing 2. The headlight unit 1 is used for installation in a motor vehicle, in particular in a passenger car, and forms a front lighting or a rear lighting on a vehicle side there. For this purpose, the housing 2 can be fastened to a vehicle body 3, which is represented here only by a cross member 4.
Im Gehäuse 2 ist wenigstens eine Lichtquelle 5 zur Erzeugung eines Fahrzeuglichts, insbesondere eines Abblendlichts, angeordnet. Im vorliegenden Fall sind eine Vielzahl von einzelnen Lichtquellen 5 zu einer Einheit zusammengefasst . Die Lichtquellen 5 sind dabei z.B. durch LEDs gebildet. Die einem Licht der Scheinwerfereinheit 1, z.B. dem Abblendlicht, zugeordneten Lichtquellen 5 werden zur Erzeugung des jeweiligen Lichts simultan betätigt.At least one light source 5 for generating a vehicle light, in particular a low beam, is arranged in the housing 2. In the present case, a large number of individual light sources 5 are combined to form one unit. The light sources 5 are e.g. formed by LEDs. A light from the headlight unit 1, e.g. The light sources 5 assigned to the low beam are actuated simultaneously to generate the respective light.
Die Lichtquellen 5 sind hier an einem gemeinsamen Träger 6 angebracht. Dieser Träger 6 ist mit den Lichtquellen 5 jeweils wärmeübertragend gekoppelt, so dass die Lichtquellen 5 die im Betrieb entstehende Wärme zumindest teilweise an den Träger 6 abgeben. Der Träger 6 ist über nicht gezeigte Seitenwangen an einem Halter 7 um eine horizontale, auf der Zeichnungsebene stehende Schwenkachse 8 schwenkbar gelagert. Der Halter 7 ist seinerseits an einer Konsole 9 um eine vertikale, in der Zeichnungsebene liegende Drehachse 10 drehbar gelagert. Desweiteren ermöglicht die Konsole 9 eine Justierung in einer horizontalen, auf der Zeichnungsebene stehenden Ebene . Der Träger β weist einen den Lichtquellen 5 zugeordneten Reflektor 11 auf oder geht in diesen über. Jedenfalls ist der Reflektor 11 hier bei 12 wärmeübertragend mit dem Träger 6 gekoppelt .The light sources 5 are attached to a common carrier 6 here. This carrier 6 is coupled to the light sources 5 in a heat-transferring manner, so that the light sources 5 at least partially emit the heat generated during operation to the carrier 6. The carrier 6 is pivotally mounted on a holder 7 about a horizontal pivot axis 8 standing on the drawing plane via side cheeks (not shown). The holder 7 is in turn mounted on a bracket 9 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation 10 lying in the plane of the drawing. Furthermore, the console 9 enables an adjustment in a horizontal plane standing on the drawing plane. The carrier β has a reflector 11 assigned to the light sources 5 or merges into it. In any case, the reflector 11 is coupled to the carrier 6 in a heat-transmitting manner at 12.
Die hier gezeigte, spezielle Ausführungsform ermöglicht somit einerseits eine Justierung des im Normalbetrieb von der Scheinwerfereinheit 1 erzeugten Leuchtfels, in dem der Träger 6 zusammen mit seinen Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 in der Justierebene der Konsole 9 entsprechend verfahren werden. Diese Justierung wird werksseitig einmalig durchgeführt und sollte in größeren Zeiträumen im Rahmen einer Wartung nachjustiert werden. Bei dieser Justierung verändert sich die Relativlage zwischen den Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 einerseits und dem Gehäuse 2 andererseits.The special embodiment shown here thus enables, on the one hand, an adjustment of the light panel generated by the headlight unit 1 in normal operation, in which the carrier 6, together with its light sources 5 and the reflector 11, are moved accordingly in the adjustment plane of the console 9. This adjustment is carried out once in the factory and should be readjusted over a longer period as part of maintenance. With this adjustment, the relative position between the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the one hand and the housing 2 on the other hand changes.
Desweiteren ermöglicht die hier gezeigte Ausführungsform eine Neigungsverstellung des erzeugten Scheinwerferstrahls, in dem der Träger 6 mit dem Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 um die Schwenkachse 8 verschwenkt wird. Diese Verstellmöglichkeit wird beispielsweise zur Leuchtweitenregulierung zum Ausgleich einer Veränderung der Neigung der Fahrzeuglängsachse gegenüber der Fahrbahn benötigt. Eine derartige Neigungsänderung kann beispielsweise bei unterschiedlichen Beladungszu- ständen oder beim Beschleunigen oder Abbremsen des Fahrzeugs entstehen. Moderne Kraftfahrzeuge bzw. moderne Scheinwerfereinheiten 1 verfügen dann über eine entsprechende Neigungseinstelleinrichtung, die über eine Verschwenkung der Lichtquellen 5 und des Reflektors 11 um die Schwenkachse 8 die Auswirkungen der NeigungsVeränderung auf das erzeugte Leucht- feld ausgleichen. Auch bei diesen Schwenkbewegungen verändert sich die Relativlage zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 einerseits und den Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 andererseits. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht die hier gezeigte besondere Ausführungsform Rotationen des Trägers 6 mit den Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 um die Drehachse 10. Moderne Kraftfahrzeuge, insbesondere moderne Scheinwerfereinheiten, können mit einer Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung eines Kurvenlichts ausgestattet sein, wobei dieses Kurvenlicht einem Lenkeinschlag des Fahrzeugs folgt. Entsprechende Stellglieder treiben dann in Abhängigkeit des Lenkeinschlags die Lichtquellen 5 und den Reflektor 11 zu einer Drehbewegung um die Drehachse 11 an. Auch bei dieser Drehbewegung verändert sich die Relativlage zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 einerseits und den Lichtquellen 5 bzw. dem Reflektor 11 andererseits.Furthermore, the embodiment shown here enables an inclination adjustment of the generated headlight beam in which the carrier 6 with the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 is pivoted about the pivot axis 8. This adjustment option is required, for example, for headlight range adjustment to compensate for a change in the inclination of the vehicle's longitudinal axis with respect to the road. Such a change in inclination can arise, for example, when the vehicle is loaded differently or when the vehicle is accelerating or braking. Modern motor vehicles or modern headlight units 1 then have a corresponding inclination adjustment device which compensates for the effects of the change in inclination on the generated light field by pivoting the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 about the pivot axis 8. The relative position between the housing 2 on the one hand and the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the other hand also changes during these pivoting movements. In addition, the particular embodiment shown here enables rotations of the carrier 6 with the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 about the axis of rotation 10. Modern motor vehicles, in particular modern headlight units, can be equipped with a device for generating a cornering light, this cornering light being a steering lock of the vehicle follows. Corresponding actuators then drive the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 to rotate about the axis of rotation 11 depending on the steering angle. The relative position between the housing 2 on the one hand and the light sources 5 or the reflector 11 on the other hand also changes during this rotary movement.
Das Gehäuse 2 umfasst außerdem ein Rahmenteil 13 sowie eine nicht gezeigte Scheibe, durch welche das von den Lichtquellen 5 erzeugte Licht aus dem Gehäuse 2 austritt.The housing 2 also comprises a frame part 13 and a disc, not shown, through which the light generated by the light sources 5 emerges from the housing 2.
Erfindungsgemäß ist nun das Gehäuse 2 mit einer Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 ausgestattet, die es ermöglicht, Wärme, die beim Betrieb der Lichtquellen 5 im Gehäuse 2 entsteht, aus dem Gehäuse 2 herauszuführen. Zu diesem Zweck ist ein Eingangsendabschnitt 15 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 wärmeübertragend direkt mit dem Reflektor 11 und somit indirekt mit dem Träger 6 und indirekt mit den Lichtquellen 5 gekoppelt. Desweiteren besitzt die Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 einen Ausgangsendabschnitt 16, der aus dem Gehäuse 2 herausgeführt und so gestaltet ist, dass er mit einer Zone 17 der Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 wärmeübertragend verbindbar ist. Diese Zone 17 ist bei dem hier gezeigten Beispiel am Querträger 4 ausgebildet und dabei so gewählt, dass sie sich besonders zur Wärmeableitung eignet .According to the invention, the housing 2 is now equipped with a heat-conducting device 14, which makes it possible for heat, which arises in the housing 2 during operation of the light sources 5, to be led out of the housing 2. For this purpose, an input end section 15 of the heat-conducting device 14 is heat-directly coupled to the reflector 11 and thus indirectly to the carrier 6 and indirectly to the light sources 5. Furthermore, the heat-conducting device 14 has an output end section 16 which is led out of the housing 2 and is designed such that it can be connected in a heat-transferring manner to a zone 17 of the vehicle body 3. In the example shown here, this zone 17 is formed on the cross member 4 and is selected so that it is particularly suitable for heat dissipation.
Von besonderer Bedeutung ist hierbei, dass die Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 von ihrem Eingangsendabschnitt 15 bis zu ihrem Ausgangsendabschnitt 16 innerhalb des Gehäuses 2 verläuft und erst mit ihrem Ausgangsendabschnitt 16 aus dem Gehäuse 2 herausgeführt ist. Diese Bauweise ist von Vorteil, wenn das Gehäuse 2 aufgrund der Einbausituation anderen Wärmequellen des Fahrzeugs, insbesondere im Motorraum, ausgesetzt ist. Eine außerhalb des Gehäuses 2 verlaufende Wärmeleiteinrichtung könnte dann kontraproduktiv sein, wenn sie z.B. vom Motorraum abgestrahlte Wärme in das Innere des Gehäuses 2 und somit auf den Reflektor 11 und letztlich auf die Lichtquellen 5 überträgt. Zweckmäßig kann bei einer derartigen Einbausituation auch ein Gehäuse 2 sein, das wärmeisolierend gestaltet ist.It is particularly important here that the heat-conducting device 14 extends from its input end section 15 to its Output end section 16 runs within the housing 2 and is only led out of the housing 2 with its output end section 16. This design is advantageous if the housing 2 is exposed to other heat sources of the vehicle, in particular in the engine compartment, due to the installation situation. A heat conduction device running outside the housing 2 could be counterproductive if, for example, it transfers heat radiated from the engine compartment into the interior of the housing 2 and thus onto the reflector 11 and ultimately onto the light sources 5. In such an installation situation, it may also be expedient to have a housing 2 which is designed to be heat-insulating.
Die Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 besitzt einen stationären Abschnitt 18 und einen flexiblen Abschnitt 19. Der stationäre Abschnitt 18 ist einenends mit dem Ausgangsendabschnitt 16 und anderenends mit dem flexiblen Abschnitt 19 wärmeübertragend verbunden. Desweiteren ist der stationäre Abschnitt 18 ortsfest im Gehäuse 2 untergebracht, insbesondere befestigt. Der stationäre Abschnitt 18 ist beispielsweise aus einem vergleichsweise steifen Band, insbesondere Metallband, hergestellt.The heat conducting device 14 has a stationary section 18 and a flexible section 19. The stationary section 18 is connected at one end to the outlet end section 16 and at the other end to the flexible section 19 in a heat-transferring manner. Furthermore, the stationary section 18 is accommodated in a stationary manner in the housing 2, in particular fastened. The stationary section 18 is made, for example, from a comparatively stiff band, in particular a metal band.
Im Unterschied dazu ist der flexible Abschnitt 19 einenends mit dem Eingangsendabschnitt 15 und anderenends mit dem stationären Abschnitt 18 wärmeübertragend verbunden. Der flexible Abschnitt 19 ist so gestaltet, dass er den oben beschriebenen Relativbewegungen zwischen den Lichtquellen 5 und dem Reflektor 11 einerseits und dem Gehäuse 2 andererseits folgen kann, ohne dabei die wärmeübertragende Kopplung der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 mit dem Reflektor 11 zu unterbrechen. Somit ist für alle einstellbaren Relativlagen zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 und dem Träger 6 mit Lichtquellen 5 und Reflektor 11 ein Transport der Wärme vom Reflektor 11 aus dem Gehäuse 2 heraus erzielbar. Der flexible Abschnitt 19 besteht beispielsweise aus wenigstens einem biegeweichen Band, insbesondere Metallband. Ein derartiges Band kann beispielsweise gewirkt sein, also aus einem Drahtgeflecht bestehen. Ebenso kann das Band mehrglied- rig aufgebaut sein und dadurch räumlich nachgiebig sein.In contrast, the flexible section 19 is connected at one end to the input end section 15 and at the other end to the stationary section 18 in a heat-transferring manner. The flexible section 19 is designed such that it can follow the above-described relative movements between the light sources 5 and the reflector 11 on the one hand and the housing 2 on the other hand, without interrupting the heat-transferring coupling of the heat-conducting device 14 to the reflector 11. Thus, for all adjustable relative positions between the housing 2 and the carrier 6 with light sources 5 and reflector 11, the heat can be transported from the reflector 11 out of the housing 2. The flexible section 19 consists, for example, of at least one flexible band, in particular a metal band. Such a band can be knitted, for example, that is, it can consist of a wire mesh. Likewise, the band can be constructed in several parts and can therefore be spatially flexible.
Im vorliegenden Fall umfasst der stationäre Abschnitt 18 wenigstens ein Band 20, das wärmeübertragend mit dem flexiblen Abschnitt 19 gekoppelt ist. Das Band 20 ist im Gehäuse 2 verlegt und erstreckt sich bis zum Rahmenteil 13 und kann mit diesem entsprechend einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wärmeübertragend verbunden sein. Bei dieser Ausführungsform bildet dann das Rahmenteil 13 einen Bestandteil des stationären Abschnitts 18 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14. Das Band 20 ist außerdem mit einer Lasche 21 wärmeübertragend verbunden, wobei diese Lasche 21 hier durch den Austrittsendabschnitt 16 gebildet ist. Die Lasche 21 durchdringt somit das Gehäuse 2. Darüber hinaus kann die Lasche 21 auch wärmeübertragend mit dem Rahmenteil 13 verbunden sein, wodurch das Band 20 indirekt über das Rahmenteil 13 oder direkt mit der Lasche 21 wärmeübertragend gekoppelt sein kann.In the present case, the stationary section 18 comprises at least one band 20 which is coupled to the flexible section 19 in a heat-transferring manner. The band 20 is laid in the housing 2 and extends to the frame part 13 and can be connected to it in a heat-transferring manner in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the frame part 13 then forms part of the stationary section 18 of the heat-conducting device 14. The band 20 is also connected to a tab 21 for heat transfer, this tab 21 being formed here by the outlet end section 16. The tab 21 thus penetrates the housing 2. In addition, the tab 21 can also be connected to the frame part 13 in a heat-transferring manner, as a result of which the band 20 can be coupled in a heat-transmitting manner indirectly via the frame part 13 or directly to the tab 21.
Bei der hier gezeigten Ausführungsform besitzt die Lasche 21 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 eine Doppelfunktion, da mit Hilfe dieser Lasche 21 im Einbauzustand das Gehäuse 2 an der Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 gehaltert ist. Das bedeutet, dass die Lasche 21 die Halterung des Gehäuses 2 an der Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 bewirkt oder daran mitwirkt. Es ist klar, dass die Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 mehrere flexible Abschnitte 19 und/oder mehrere Bänder 20 und/oder mehrere Laschen 21 aufweisen kann. Die Anzahl und Dimensionierung der einzelnen Komponenten der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 richten sich dabei nach er erwarteten Wärme, die bei einem Dauerbetrieb der Lichtquellen 5 und ungünstigen Umgebungsbedingungen entstehen kann.In the embodiment shown here, the tab 21 of the heat-conducting device 14 has a double function, since with the aid of this tab 21, the housing 2 is held on the vehicle body 3 in the installed state. This means that the tab 21 effects the holding of the housing 2 on the vehicle body 3 or cooperates thereon. It is clear that the heat conducting device 14 can have a plurality of flexible sections 19 and / or a plurality of bands 20 and / or a plurality of tabs 21. The number and dimensions of the individual components of the heat conduction device 14 are based on the expected Heat that can arise during continuous operation of the light sources 5 and unfavorable environmental conditions.
Damit die Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 eine besonders gute Wärmeleitfähigkeit aufweist, sind ihre einzelnen Komponenten zweckmäßig aus einem besonders für die Wärmeleitung geeigneten Material hergestellt, wie z.B. Metall, insbesondere aus Kupfer oder aus einer Kupferlegierung.So that the heat-conducting device 14 has a particularly good thermal conductivity, its individual components are expediently made from a material that is particularly suitable for heat conduction, such as Metal, in particular made of copper or a copper alloy.
Die erfindungsgemäße Scheinwerfereinheit 1 arbeitet wie folgt:The headlight unit 1 according to the invention operates as follows:
Im Betrieb der Lichtquellen 5 emittieren diese neben Licht, symbolisiert durch Pfeile 22, auch Wärme, symbolisiert durch Pfeile 23. Die emittierte Wärme wird somit auf den Reflektor 11 übertragen. Darüber hinaus gelangt bei der Lichterzeugung entstehende Wärme direkt von den Lichtquellen 5 in den Träger 6 und von diesem in den Reflektor 11. Vom Reflektor 11 gelangt die Wärme in den Eingangsendabschnitt 15 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14. Vom Eingangsendabschnitt 15 gelangt dann die Wärme über den flexiblen Abschnitt 19 und den stationären Abschnitt 18 in den Ausgangsendabschnitt 16 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14. Vom Ausgangsendabschnitt 16 gelangt dann schließlich die aus dem Gehäuse 2 herausgeführte Wärme über die Zone 17 in den Querträger 4, von dem aus sie in die Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 dissipiert. Es ist klar, dass der Querträger 4 zweckmäßig ebenfalls aus Metall besteht und mit weiteren Metallteilen der Fahrzeugkarosserie 3 verbunden ist.In operation, the light sources 5 emit not only light, symbolized by arrows 22, but also heat, symbolized by arrows 23. The emitted heat is thus transmitted to the reflector 11. In addition, heat generated during the light generation passes directly from the light sources 5 into the carrier 6 and from there into the reflector 11. From the reflector 11, the heat reaches the input end section 15 of the heat-conducting device 14. From the input end section 15, the heat then passes through the flexible section 19 and the stationary section 18 into the outlet end section 16 of the heat-conducting device 14. From the outlet end section 16, the heat that is led out of the housing 2 then finally reaches the cross member 4 via zone 17, from which it dissipates into the vehicle body 3. It is clear that the cross member 4 expediently also consists of metal and is connected to other metal parts of the vehicle body 3.
Durch den flexiblen Abschnitt 19 der Wärmeleiteinrichtung 14 wird dabei für Relatiwerstellungen zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 und der verstellbaren Einheit aus Träger 6, Lichtquellen 5 und Reflektor 11 der ungestörte Abtransport der im Betrieb entstehenden Wärme aus dem Gehäuse 2 heraus hinreichend gewährleistet . Through the flexible section 19 of the heat-conducting device 14, the undisturbed removal of the during operation is achieved for relative positions between the housing 2 and the adjustable unit comprising the carrier 6, light sources 5 and reflector 11 arising heat from the housing 2 guaranteed sufficiently.

Claims

DaimlerChrysler AGPatentansprüche DaimlerChrysler AG patent claims
1. Scheinwerfereinheit für ein Kraftfahrzeug, insbesondere Personenkraftwagen, mit einem Gehäuse (2) , das an einer Fahrzeugkarosserie (3) befestigbar ist und in dem wenigstens eine Lichtquelle (5) angeordnet ist, wobei eine Wärmeleiteinrichtung (14) vorgesehen ist, die einenends mit einem Eingangsendabschnitt (15) mit der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle (5) und/oder mit einem der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle (5) zugeordneten Reflektor (11) wärmeübertragend gekoppelt ist und anderenends mit einem Ausgangsendabschnitt (16) aus dem Gehäuse (2) herausgeführt und mit einer zur Wärmeleitung- geeigneten Zone (17) der Fahrzeugkarosserie (3) wärmeübertragend verbindbar ist.1. headlight unit for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a housing (2) which can be fastened to a vehicle body (3) and in which at least one light source (5) is arranged, a heat-conducting device (14) being provided, which ends with an input end section (15) with the at least one light source (5) and / or with a reflector (11) assigned to the at least one light source (5) is coupled in a heat-transmitting manner and at the other end with an output end section (16) is led out of the housing (2) and with a zone (17) of the vehicle body (3) suitable for heat conduction can be connected in a heat-transferring manner.
2. Scheinwerfereinheit nach Anspruch 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass die Wärmeleiteinrichtung (14) bis zum Ausgangsendabschnitt (16) innerhalb des Gehäuses (2) verläuft.2. Headlight unit according to claim 1, so that the heat conduction device (14) extends to the outlet end section (16) within the housing (2).
3. Scheinwerfereinheit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass die Wärmeleiteinrichtung (14) einen den Ausgangsendabschnitt (16) aufweisenden stationären Abschnitt (18) , der im Gehäuse (2) ortsfest angeordnet ist, und einen den Eingangsendabschnitt (15) aufweisenden flexiblen Abschnitt (19) aufweist, der wärmeübertragend mit dem stationären Abschnitt (18) verbunden ist und Relativbewegungen zwischen der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle (5) und/oder dem Reflektor (11) einerseits und dem Gehäuse (2) andererseits mitmachen kann.3. Headlamp unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat-conducting device (14) has an output end section (16) having a stationary section (18) which is arranged in the housing (2) in a stationary manner, and a flexible section having the input end section (15) (19), which is connected to the stationary section (18) for heat transfer and has relative movements between the at least one light source (5) and / or the reflector (11) on the one hand and the housing (2) on the other hand.
4. Scheinwerfereinheit nach Anspruch 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der flexible Abschnitt (19) wenigstens ein elastisches Band oder ein gewirktes oder mehrgliedriges Band aufweist .4. Headlight unit according to claim 3, so that the flexible section (19) has at least one elastic band or a knitted or multi-part band.
5. Scheinwerfereinheit nach Anspruch 3 oder 4 , d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der stationäre Abschnitt (18) wenigstens ein mit dem flexiblen Abschnitt (19) wärmeübertragend verbundenes Band (20) , ein mit dem Band (20) wärmeübertragend verbundenes Rahmenteil (13) des Gehäuses (2) und wenigstens eine mit dem Rahmenteil (13) wärmeübertragend verbundene Lasche (21) aufweist, wobei die Lasche (21) aus dem Gehäuse (2) herausgeführt ist und den Austrittsendabschnitt (16) bildet oder aufweist.5. Headlight unit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the stationary section (18) at least one with the flexible section (19) heat-connected band (20), with the band (20) heat-connected frame part (13) of the housing ( 2) and at least one tab (21) connected to the frame part (13) for heat transfer, the tab (21) being led out of the housing (2) and forming or having the outlet end section (16).
6. Scheinwerfereinheit nach Anspruch 5 , d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass das Gehäuse (2) im Einbauzustand der Scheinwerfereinheit mittels der wenigstens einen Lasche (21) an der Fahrzeugkarosserie (3) gehaltert ist.6. Headlight unit according to claim 5, so that the housing (2) is held on the vehicle body (3) by means of the at least one tab (21) in the installed state of the headlight unit.
7. Scheinwerfereinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 6, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass die wenigstens eine Lichtquelle (5) und/oder der Reflektor (11) im Gehäuse (2) verstellbar gehaltert und/oder gelagert sind, derart,7. Headlight unit according to one of claims 3 to 6, that the at least one light source (5) and / or the reflector (11) in the housing (2) are adjustably supported and / or supported, such that
- dass ein dem Leckeinschlag des Fahrzeugs folgendes Kurvenlicht realisierbar ist und/oder- That a cornering light following the leakage of the vehicle can be implemented and / or
- dass eine die Neigung des Fahrzeugs gegenüber der Fahrbahn ausgleichende Neigungsanderung oder Leuchtweitenregulierung realisierbar ist und/oder - dass eine Justierung des von der Scheinwerfereinheit (1) ausgeleuchteten Bereichs realisierbar ist.- That a change in inclination or headlight range adjustment that compensates for the inclination of the vehicle relative to the roadway can be implemented and / or - That an adjustment of the area illuminated by the headlight unit (1) can be implemented.
8. Scheinwerfereinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass die Wärmeleiteinrichtung (14) aus Metall, insbesondere aus Kupfer, besteht.8. Headlight unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, that the heat conduction device (14) is made of metal, in particular copper.
9. Scheinwerfereinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Eingangsendabschnitt (15) mit einem Träger (6) wärmeübertragend verbunden ist, an dem die wenigstens eine Lichtquelle (5) angebracht ist, so dass der Eingangsendabschnitt (15) über den Träger (6) indirekt mit der wenigstens einen Lichtquelle (5) wärmeübertragend gekoppelt ist.9. Headlight device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the input end section (15) with a carrier (6) is connected in a heat-transferring manner, on which the at least one light source (5) is attached, so that the input end section (15) via the Carrier (6) is indirectly coupled to the at least one light source (5) in a heat-transferring manner.
10. Scheinwerfereinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass das Gehäuse (2) wärmeisolierend ausgebildet ist. 10. Headlight unit according to one of claims 1 to 9, that the housing (2) is designed to be heat-insulating.
EP03779894A 2002-12-16 2003-11-12 Headlight unit for a motor vehicle Withdrawn EP1573248A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10258624A DE10258624B3 (en) 2002-12-16 2002-12-16 Headlamp unit for a motor vehicle
DE10258624 2002-12-16
PCT/EP2003/012616 WO2004055433A1 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-11-12 Headlight unit for a motor vehicle

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EP1573248A1 true EP1573248A1 (en) 2005-09-14

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EP03779894A Withdrawn EP1573248A1 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-11-12 Headlight unit for a motor vehicle

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EP (1) EP1573248A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006510177A (en)
DE (1) DE10258624B3 (en)
WO (1) WO2004055433A1 (en)

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JP2006510177A (en) 2006-03-23
WO2004055433A1 (en) 2004-07-01

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