JP2002519839A - Projector headlights for cars - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: The present invention is a projector-type headlight for an automobile, mainly for a headlight casing, a lamp, a parabolic mirror, a projection lens, and individual components. And a holding frame. In accordance with the invention, in a projector headlight for a motor vehicle, the projection lens (1) is provided with a mirror in order to enlarge the visual design of the projection lens without apparently increasing the construction space. On the side facing, there is an inner area (3) illuminated in a defined manner, which area (3) is surrounded by an annular integral molding (2) and comprises a projection lens (1). It is proposed that the shaping part (2) be shaped such that the holding frame (4) of (1) is located mainly behind the illuminated inner lens body of the projection lens (1).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a projector-type headlight for a motor vehicle of the type described in the preamble of claim 1, mainly comprising the following elements: a headlight casing in which a lamp is embedded; The present invention relates to a type in which an object-like mirror, a projection lens, and at least a holding frame for the projection lens are provided.

[0002] Projector-type headlights are widely used in today's automotive construction. Primarily, projector-type headlights consist of the elements described above. In this case, the illuminating means, ie the lamp, is arranged at one focal point of the parabolic reflector. At the other focus of the parabolic mirror, a lens is positioned relative to the focus of the lens. For this reason, constant geometric dimensions are obtained if the illumination distance defined in a particular frame in the motor vehicle is preset. Furthermore, this dimension is related to how much the light cone should have a lateral spread when impacting on the roadway.

[0003] Furthermore, the individual elements have to be held relative to one another in a positioned position. That is, it is desirable that the lamp maintain the focus sufficiently except for a slight vibration stroke. The same applies to projection lenses. For this reason, these optical elements, which are adjusted relative to one another and to interact with one another, are held by one frame. In many cases, the holding frame connects and holds all of the elements together. By coupling these elements, such as projection lenses, lamps and parabolic mirrors, which are to be positioned relative to one another in a geometrical position, by placing these elements in a common holding frame, they are connected in terms of vibration can do. In the unlikely event that vehicle vibrations occur, the three elements described above never vibrate relative to one another or can vibrate together.

In another aspect, the required construction space inside the casing of such a projector-type headlight is taken into account. The casing dimensions must be within a predetermined dimension range by geometrical or geometrical optical parameters, and the construction space is limited to a narrow width, so that the illumination Each change in properties or visual design is extremely difficult under conditions that do not increase construction space. In addition, lens diameters tend to be designed to be relatively small. However, with a lens designed to be small, dazzling can occur because the illumination density, that is, the illumination ratio per unit area is concentrated. In addition, the dazzle causes the observer, ie, the driver of the oncoming vehicle, to make a driving error. This is because the diameter of the light cone emitted from the vehicle looks very small.

[0005] Furthermore, small lens diameters are disadvantageous for headlight, visual design.

[0006] Projection headlights or lens headlight devices are known from DE 43 05 633 A1. However, in this lens headlight device, the position of the lens is simply improved. For this purpose, a tubular fixing unit is provided. This fixed unit
It consists of two parts, which can be nested and slid together and still hold the lens between the two parts. Another resilient element between the fixing elements and the lens improves the position of the lens itself. In this case, firstly, there is the disadvantage that the vibrations in the frame and the lens itself can only be isolated in the lens area by the use of elastic elements. This mechanical or vibrational separation disadvantageously results in a relative movement with respect to the remaining elements which is sensitive with respect to the geometric position of the lens.
That is, this can be sensed directly in the illumination characteristics of the headlight during vibration.

Furthermore, the known prior art does not describe any arrangement for improving the visual pattern of the lens diameter when the lens diameter is at a minimum.

[0008] A dimmed vehicle headlight is known from DE 3516813 A1. The vehicle headlight consists of an ellipsoidal reflector and a light source located at a first focal point of the reflector, and is also provided with the elements already mentioned above. Again, a tubular or, better, cup-shaped frame device is provided for holding the lens. However, this frame device is designed with great effort, and in this frame device the construction space is not used properly or the imaging of the projection lens is visually enlarged.

From German Patent DE 38 27 594, dimmed vehicle headlights are also known. The vehicle headlight is provided with a similar frame element to hold the lens. In this case, the frame element likewise supports the different components of the headlight in the manner described above. However, such an arrangement does not take into account the optimal use of the installation space or the enlargement of the visual impression of the projection lens in terms of dimensions.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a projector-type headlight for motor vehicles of the type mentioned at the outset, in spite of the increased visual impression of the diameter of the projection lens. Is to provide a clearly advantageous construction space over known headlights.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a projector-type headlight of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0012] Further advantageous configurations of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The central idea of the invention is that the projection lens has, on the side facing the mirror, an inner area which is illuminated in a defined manner, which area is surrounded by an annular integral molding. It is in the point that is. This annular integral part of the projection lens displaces the lens body, which is originally illuminated in the nuclear light region, clearly beyond the holding frame. In other words, the holding frame is obviously shifted rearward behind the original lens body, so that a very advantageous construction space is obtained.

Thereby, the projection lens acquires a convex outer contour which is directed outwardly, that is to say on the side opposite the parabolic mirror. The diameter provided by the convex surface of the projection lens formed according to the invention is set to be greater than the illuminated inner area of the projection lens. That is, the headlight looks larger on the convex side of the projection lens. However, the area that is originally illuminated, in this case directly illuminated by the parabolic mirror, is smaller. In other words, the projection lens is enlarged in design, but the original direct illumination area is smaller. However, the parabolic mirror and the other optical geometric adjustments are such that substantially all of the nuclear light component is directed towards the illuminated inner area, which has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the projection lens Dimensioned so that

As will be apparent from the following text and the associated drawings, such a configuration cannot increase the configuration space. Similarly, the original nuclear light illumination area of the projection lens is no longer adversely affected, and nevertheless the projection lens is enlarged visually, ie outwardly with respect to the design.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the annular integral molding of the projection lens is optically dense on the side facing the mirror.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the annular integral shaped part, optionally with respect to the machined surface, has a Fresnel structure for providing ambient lighting.

[0018] Alternatively, the annular integral molding may be optically densely chrome plated, otherwise metallized, or entirely It may be etched. If etched, diffuse afterglow is created. The same applies to the Fresnel structure described above.

In a further advantageous refinement of the invention, the sheet-metal lining element is mounted on a holding frame such that the annular integral molding can be formed optically dense in the plane extension. This provides an optically dense cover. As already mentioned above, the projection lens is held by a holding frame that is also mechanically rigidly connected to the other headlight components. In other words, the projection lens advantageously has a lateral integral molding or a protruding edge which is clamped by the clamping element of the holding frame. in this case,
In the area opposite the clamping element, a sheet-metal lining ring can be arranged in the adjusting part, which provides an optically tight cover, also connected to the holding frame.

Therefore, the above-mentioned problem is solved as a whole by the present invention, so that the configuration space is not necessarily increased by the configuration.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the headlight in a side view, but with only the most important components shown. In this case, the headlight casing is not shown, and only the headlight glass 10 which forms a partition toward the front is shown. Behind the headlight glass 10, the projection lens 1 is located. The projection lens 1 is arranged in the holding frame 4 or held by the holding frame 4. Similarly, a lamp element 6 is connected to the holding frame 4. This lamp element 6 is arranged substantially at one focal point of the parabolic mirror 7.
The mechanically rigid connection between the holding frame 4 and the parabolic mirror 7 is not shown here.

In this case, the projection lens 1 has an edge area 2. The edge region 2 is formed in the projection lens 1 in a ring shape and integrally. In other words, the projection lens 1
In any case, the edge region 2 is integrally formed by appropriate grinding or mechanical processing of the projection lens 1. On the side of the projection lens 1 facing the lamp element 6 or the parabolic mirror 7, the correspondingly illuminated inner area 3 can be seen. The region 3 here extends flat, that is, over the entire surface on the lens side ground flat. The flat ground region 3 is a region directly illuminated by the lamp element 6 via the parabolic mirror 7. The light emitted outward in the region 3 is the above-described nuclear light (Kernricht). Furthermore, stray light or scattered light also exists inside the headlight casing. This scattered light will be referred to in the following text. The integrally formed part 2 of the projection lens 1 arranged on the edge side according to the invention is chamfered obliquely on the side which is also arranged in the inner area 3 described above. However, the slanted chamfers are exemplary only and need not be present. By this chamfer, the scattered light is separated from the original nuclear light cone. further,
This defines an inner area 3 which is almost directly illuminated. That is, the concave surface integrally molded on the other side of the projection lens 1 extends beyond the inner region 3 and also over the region of the integrally molded portion 2. The diameter of the projection lens 1 is set outwardly, that is, visually in terms of design, to be larger than the area 3 originally illuminated for nuclear light. This achieves a visual enlargement of the design of the projection lens 1 without significantly increasing the construction space.

Now, as shown in another drawing, the integrally molded part 2 can be formed by being individually changed. This region is therefore characterized by the detail circle A in FIG. This detail circle A is shown individually in FIGS.

In the corresponding detail circle A shown in FIG. 2, the integrally formed part 2 is matted with a suitably beveled surface or optically worked in the manner already described above. . In this case, this surface may be matted or optically densely covered. In this case, this has the same effect in that it separates the scattered light.

FIG. 3 shows the notches on the surface for forming the Fresnel structure. The Fresnel structure has the effect that scattered light, ie light other than the nuclear light cone, is also used consciously, ie for ambient lighting.

In another alternative shown in FIG. 4, a thin lining is attached to the holding frame 4. The thin plate lining covers the projection lens 1 optically densely in the area behind it, up to the full extension of the oblique chamfer of the integral molding 2. Indeed, the holding frame 4 has a spherical or truncated spherical surface (K) that engages from behind the projection lens 1 formed according to the invention until the chamfer is optically tightly covered.
alotte) is formed.

In another variant, the sheet lining can be metallized specularly on the side facing the projection mirror, so that the scattered light is reflected into the usable nuclear light cone of the projection mirror. Sheet linings can also be formed. This should result in higher light efficiencies in addition to the advantages described above for the construction space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a projector-type headlight according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a first variation of the partial circle A shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a second variation of the partial circle A shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a third variation of the partial circle A shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Projection lens, 2 Edge area or integrally molded part, 3 Area, 4 Holding frame, 6 Lamp element, 7 Parabolic mirror, 10 Headlight glass

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] July 14, 2000 (2000.7.14)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Detailed description of the invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a projector-type headlight for a motor vehicle of the type described in the preamble of claim 1, mainly comprising the following elements, namely a lamp element, in which a lamp element is arranged: And a reflective element, a projection lens and at least a holding frame for the projection lens.

[0002] Projector-type headlights are widely used in today's automotive construction. Primarily, projector-type headlights consist of the elements described above. In this case, the illuminating means, ie the lamp, is arranged at the focal point of a generally parabolic reflecting element. In the direction of light emission of the reflective element, a lens is positioned in relation to the focal point of the lens. If the illumination distance defined in a particular frame in the motor vehicle is preset, an invariant geometric dimension is obtained.
Furthermore, this dimension is related to how much the light cone should have a lateral spread when impacting on the roadway.

[0003] Furthermore, the individual elements have to be held relative to one another in a positioned position. That is, it is desirable that the lamp maintain the focus sufficiently except for a slight vibration stroke. The same applies to projection lenses. For this reason, these optical elements, which are adjusted relative to one another and to interact with one another, are held by one frame. In many cases, the holding frame connects and holds all of the elements together. Coupling these elements with respect to vibration by arranging these elements in a common holding frame by coupling the elements that are to be positioned with respect to one another in a geometric position, such as projection lenses, lamps and reflective elements Can be. In the unlikely event that vehicle vibrations occur, the three elements described above never vibrate relative to one another or can vibrate together.

In another aspect, the required construction space inside the casing of such a projector-type headlight is taken into account. The casing dimensions must be within a predetermined dimension range by geometrical or geometrical optical parameters, and the construction space is limited to a narrow width, so that the illumination Each change in properties or visual design is extremely difficult under conditions that do not increase construction space. In addition, lens diameters tend to be designed to be relatively small. However, with a lens designed to be small, dazzling can occur because the illumination density, that is, the illumination ratio per unit area is concentrated. In addition, the dazzle causes the observer, ie, the driver of the oncoming vehicle, to make a driving error. This is because the diameter of the light cone emitted from the vehicle looks very small.

[0005] Furthermore, small lens diameters are disadvantageous for headlight, visual design.

[0006] Projection headlights or lens headlight devices are known from DE 43 05 633 A1. However, in this lens headlight device, the position of the lens is simply improved. For this purpose, a tubular fixing unit is provided. This fixed unit
It consists of two parts, which can be nested and slid together and still hold the lens between the two parts. Another resilient element between the fixing elements and the lens improves the position of the lens itself. In this case, firstly, there is the disadvantage that the vibrations in the frame and the lens itself can only be isolated in the lens area by the use of elastic elements. This mechanical or vibrational separation disadvantageously results in a relative movement with respect to the remaining elements which is sensitive with respect to the geometric position of the lens.
That is, this can be sensed directly in the illumination characteristics of the headlight during vibration.

Furthermore, the known prior art does not describe any arrangement for improving the visual pattern of the lens diameter when the lens diameter is at a minimum.

[0008] A dimmed vehicle headlight is known from DE 3516813 A1. The vehicle headlight consists of an ellipsoidal reflector and a light source located at a first focal point of the reflector, and is also provided with the elements already mentioned above. Again, a tubular or, better, cup-shaped frame device is provided for holding the lens. However, this frame device is designed with great effort, and in this frame device the construction space is not used properly or the imaging of the projection lens is visually enlarged.

From German Patent DE 38 27 594, dimmed vehicle headlights are also known. The vehicle headlight is provided with a similar frame element to hold the lens. In this case, the frame element likewise supports the different components of the headlight in the manner described above. However, such an arrangement does not take into account the optimal use of the installation space or the enlargement of the visual impression of the projection lens in terms of dimensions.

[0010] DE-A-196 21 254 discloses a headlight with an integral molding that surrounds the illuminated area of a projection lens in an annular manner and that appears to be at least approximately frustoconical. . The integral molding provided on the projection lens is light-transmissive and serves to reduce the dazzling effect compared to known headlights whose illuminated surface is relatively small. In this case, the illuminated surface of the headlight is enlarged by the integral molding. In this way, the headlights are sensed with little obstruction in the road traffic. The headlight described here also has a relatively large structure.

[0011] Furthermore, a lighting device for a bicycle lighting installation is known from EP-A-0 485 818.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a projector-type headlight for motor vehicles of the type mentioned at the outset, in spite of the increased visual impression of the diameter of the projection lens. Is to provide a clearly advantageous construction space over known headlights.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a projector-type headlight of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0014] Further advantageous configurations of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The central idea of the invention is that the projection lens has, on the side facing the reflective element, an inner area which is illuminated in a defined manner, this area being defined by an annular integral molding. It is in a point surrounded by. This annular integral part of the projection lens displaces the lens body, which is originally illuminated in the nuclear light region, clearly beyond the holding frame. In other words, the holding frame is obviously shifted rearward behind the original lens body, so that a very advantageous construction space is obtained.

[0016] The projection lens thereby acquires a convex outer contour which is directed outwardly, that is to say on the side opposite to the reflective element. The diameter provided by the convex surface of the projection lens formed according to the invention is set to be greater than the illuminated inner area of the projection lens. That is, the headlight looks larger on the convex side of the projection lens. However, the area that is originally illuminated, in this case directly illuminated by the reflective element, is smaller. In other words, the projection lens is enlarged in design, but the original direct illumination area is smaller. However, the reflecting element and the further optical geometric adjustment are such that almost all nuclear light components are directed to the illuminated inner area, which has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the projection lens. Dimensioned. In this case, the annular integral molding of the projection lens is optically densely worked on the side facing the reflective element.

As will be apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings, such a configuration cannot increase the configuration space. Similarly, the original nuclear light illumination area of the projection lens is no longer adversely affected, and nevertheless the projection lens is enlarged visually, ie outwardly with respect to the design.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the annular integral molding, optionally with respect to the machined surface, has a Fresnel structure for providing ambient lighting.

Alternatively, the annular one-piece molding may be optically densely chromed, otherwise metallized, or entirely It may be etched. If etched, diffuse afterglow is created. The same applies to the Fresnel structure described above.

In a further advantageous refinement of the invention, the sheet-metal lining element is mounted on a holding frame in such a way that the annular one-piece molding can be formed optically dense in the plane extension. This provides an optically dense cover. As already mentioned above, the projection lens is held by a holding frame that is also mechanically rigidly connected to the other headlight components. In other words, the projection lens advantageously has a lateral integral molding or a protruding edge which is clamped by the clamping element of the holding frame. in this case,
In the area opposite the clamping element, a sheet-metal lining ring can be arranged in the adjusting part, which provides an optically tight cover, also connected to the holding frame.

[0021] The object is therefore achieved entirely by the present invention, such that the construction space is not necessarily increased by the arrangement.

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the headlight in a side view, but with only the most important components shown. In this case, the headlight casing is not shown, and only the headlight glass 10 which forms a partition toward the front is shown. Behind the headlight glass 10, the projection lens 1 is located. The projection lens 1 is arranged in the holding frame 4 or held by the holding frame 4. Similarly, a lamp element 6 is connected to the holding frame 4. This lamp element 6 is arranged approximately at the focal point of a parabolic mirror used here as a reflecting element 7. The mechanically rigid connection between the holding frame 4 and the parabolic mirror 7 is not shown here.

In this case, the projection lens 1 has an integrally formed part 2 in the edge region. The edge region 2 is formed in the projection lens 1 in a ring shape and integrally. In other words,
In any case, the projection lens 1 is integral, and the edge region 2 is formed integrally by appropriate grinding or mechanical processing of the projection lens 1. On the side of the projection lens 1 facing the lamp element 6 or the parabolic mirror 7, the correspondingly illuminated inner area 3 can be seen. The region 3 here extends flat, that is, over the entire surface on the lens side ground flat. The flat ground region 3 is a region directly illuminated by the lamp element 6 via the parabolic mirror 7. The light emitted outward in this region 3 is the above-described nuclear light (Kernricht).
It is. Furthermore, stray light or scattered light also exists inside the headlight casing. This scattered light will be referred to in the following text. Projection lens 1
According to the present invention, the integrally formed portion 2 arranged on the edge side is chamfered obliquely on the side which is also arranged in the above-mentioned inner region 3. However, the slanted chamfers are exemplary only and need not be present. By this chamfer, the scattered light is separated from the original nuclear light cone. Furthermore, this defines an inner area 3 which is almost directly illuminated. That is, the concave surface integrally molded on the other side of the projection lens 1 extends beyond the inner region 3 and also over the region of the integrally molded portion 2. Towards the outside,
In other words, visually regarding the design, the diameter of the projection lens 1 is set to be larger than the area 3 originally illuminated for nuclear light. This achieves a visual enlargement of the design of the projection lens 1 without significantly increasing the construction space.

Now, as shown in another drawing, the integrally molded part 2 can be formed by being individually changed. This region is therefore characterized by the detail circle A in FIG. This detail circle A is shown individually in FIGS.

In the corresponding detail circle A shown in FIG. 2, the integrally formed part 2 is matted with a suitably chamfered surface or optically worked in the manner already described above. . In this case, this surface may be matted or optically densely covered. In this case, this has the same effect in that it separates the scattered light.

FIG. 3 shows notches in the surface for forming a Fresnel structure. The Fresnel structure has the effect that scattered light, ie light other than the nuclear light cone, is also used consciously, ie for ambient lighting.

In another alternative shown in FIG. 4, a thin lining is attached to the holding frame 4. The thin plate lining covers the projection lens 1 optically densely in the area behind it, up to the full extension of the oblique chamfer of the integral molding 2. Indeed, the holding frame 4 has a spherical or truncated spherical surface (K) that engages from behind the projection lens 1 formed according to the invention until the chamfer is optically tightly covered.
alotte) is formed.

In another variant, the sheet lining of the holding frame 4 can be metallized specularly on the side facing the projection mirror, and the scattered light is converted into usable nuclear cones of the projection mirror. The sheet lining can also be shaped to reflect. This should result in higher light efficiencies in addition to the advantages described above for the construction space.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (71) Applicant Wolfsburg, BRD

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A projector-type headlight for a motor vehicle, which mainly comprises the following elements: a headlight casing with an internal lamp, a parabolic mirror, a projection lens, and at least the projection lens. A projection frame (1) is provided on the side facing the mirror, with the inner area (3) illuminated as specified.
), The region (3) is surrounded by an annular integral molding (2), and the holding frame (4) of the projection lens (1) is mainly
A projector headlight for an automobile, characterized in that the molding part (2) is molded so as to be located behind the inner lens body to be illuminated in 1). 2. The projector headlight according to claim 1, wherein the molding (2) is optically densely worked on the side facing the mirror. 3. The projector-type headlight according to claim 2, wherein the processed surface of the molding (2) has a Fresnel structure. 4. Projector-type headlight according to claim 2, wherein the machined surface of the molding (2) is chromium plated or otherwise metallized. 5. The projector headlight according to claim 2, wherein the machined surface of the molding (2) is etched. 6. The processed surface of the molded part (2) is provided on a holding frame (4).
3. The projector-type headlight according to claim 1, wherein the headlight is optically densely covered by a thin plate lining attached to the headlight. 7. The mirror frame of claim 6, wherein said sheet lining of the holding frame (4) is oriented on the mirror-facing side and is mirror-finished metallized so that the scattered light can be used in the mirror's usable nuclear light cone 7. The projector-type headlight according to claim 6, wherein the light is reflected by the projector.