JP4916610B2 - Automotive headlight with discharge lamp and improved electromagnetic shielding means - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a headlamp comprising a discharge lamp.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such headlights usually consist of a reflector fitted with a discharge lamp which is supplied with power by another high-voltage power supply module fixed to the casing of the headlight, for example. A shielded cable connects the power module to the lamp, and electromagnetic radiation in the range of the lamp and power module is trapped by a specific shielding mechanism.
[0003]
In recent years, discharge lamps have been developed in which all or part of the high-voltage power supply circuit is provided on a fixed or detachable base of the lamp. To avoid dependence on power casings that are difficult to install on automotive headlights, which are bulky and bulky to accommodate converters and high voltage circuits, and are increasingly required to be smaller and lighter Can do. In this type of lamp, only one DC-DC converter circuit is required, which is separate from the lamp, and the weight and bulk can be considerably reduced.
[0004]
However, one of the anticipated difficulties for this new type of lamp is the problem of electromagnetic interference with the power circuit associated with the lamp.
[0005]
Improving the electromagnetic interference around the entire headlight requires improving the design of the adjacent car body in such a way as to shield against stray electromagnetic radiation.
[0006]
If the manufacturer wants to ensure complete freedom in designing the car body in front of the car, the manufacturer will feel undesirable constraints. Furthermore, such an approach is not applicable in the case of car bodies made of composite materials, more generally non-conductive materials.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and does not increase the weight, complexity, and cost of any of the casing and other elements, and there is no need to design adjacent vehicles in a specific way with respect to these interference issues. It is to provide a headlight that can satisfy the usual requirements for electromagnetic interference.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a gas discharge lamp combined with a power supply circuit and attached to a mirror, and a shielding means for interference electromagnetic radiation, the power supply circuit is housed in a rear housing associated with the lamp. And the shielding means comprises a conductive material that completely surrounds the housing and that can provide electrical continuity between the shielding braid of the power cable reaching the housing and the shielding mechanism associated with the mirror. It is characterized by being.
[0009]
Preferred but non-limiting features of the headlight according to the present invention are as follows.
The conductive material belongs to the casing that defines the housing.
-The conductive material is mechanically fixed to the outside of the casing.
-Conductive material is deposited on the outer surface of the casing.
The conductive material is attached to the rear of the mirror and belongs to a cover surrounding a non-conductive casing that defines the housing.
The headlight comprises first coupling means for ensuring electrical continuity between the conductive material surrounding the housing and the second shielding conductive material provided on the rear surface of the mirror;
The first connecting means comprises a series of clips that are electrically connected to the second conductive material and abut against the first conductive material;
• The clip is attached to the lamp holder attached to the mirror.
The first connecting means comprises a mechanism for supporting the cover against the second conductive material behind the mirror;
The first coupling means is made of a conductive material and consists of a deformable seal interposed between the first and second conductive materials;
• A deformable seal is attached to the mirror.
• A deformable seal is attached to the lamp holder attached to the mirror.
The headlight comprises a second connecting means for ensuring electrical continuity between the conductive material surrounding the housing and the shielding braid.
The lamp casing has a first connector and the end of the power cable has a second connector that can be inserted into the first connector. When the first and second connectors are separated, the lamp power supply voltage is applied. Only after the contacts of the first and second connectors are separated, the second connecting means is able to cut the electrical continuity between the conductive material surrounding the housing and the shielding braid.
The second connecting means comprises a series of clips supported by the second connector, the clips being in contact with the shielding braid and the conductive material surrounding the casing;
The second connecting means comprises a shielding braid and a conductive seal in contact with the conductive material surrounding the casing;
Elastic means for holding the lamp in the axial position is provided, this means being in contact with the conductive shielding material and having electrical conductivity, and in the holding position, elastic means for contacting the shielding braid of the cable; It constitutes a part of the second connecting means.
The second connecting means comprises a mechanism for supporting the braid of the power cable formed on the cover around the orifice through which the cable passes;
-Conductives that can abut the conductive material in the area of the rear of the casing so that the headlamps hold the lamps axially and provide electrical continuity of shielding with other shielding elements of the headlights Made of elastic elastic material.
-The housing forms an integral part of the lamp.
The housing forms part of the connector to which the lamp is detachably attached.
The headlight further includes a control circuit housed in a conductive control box disposed away from the lamp, and a third connecting means for ensuring electrical continuity between the control box and the braid of the cable It consists of.
The third connecting means comprises a third connector provided in the control box and a fourth connector provided at the end of the power cable opposite to the lamp and capable of being inserted into the third connector; When the third and fourth connectors are separated from each other, the third connecting means is not electrically connected between the control box and the shielding braid only after the contacts of the third and fourth connectors to which the power supply voltage of the lamp is applied are separated. The continuity can be cut.
[0010]
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a gas discharge lamp for an automobile headlight combined with a power circuit, including the power circuit in the housing, completely enclosing the housing and reaching the housing It is characterized by further comprising shielding means made of a conductive material capable of ensuring electrical continuity between the shielding braid of the power cable and the shielding mechanism provided in the mirror capable of accommodating the lamp.
[0011]
【Example】
In each figure, the same code | symbol shows the same member.
[0012]
Reference is first made to FIGS. Shown is a discharge lamp 10 comprising an outer bulb 11 not shown but protecting the inner bulb holding the gas mixture and the two electrodes in a known manner so as to form a luminous arc by a gas discharge phenomenon. Yes.
[0013]
Extending behind the bulb 11 is a lamp body 12 with a collar 13 intended to cooperate with a suitable support of the mirror so that it serves as a reference for the position of the lamp inside, for example integral with the body. By a casing 14 that defines a cavity 15 that is molded and made entirely of a suitable plastic and intended to shield an electronic circuit (not shown) that allows the lamp to be powered at a suitable voltage. The body extends rearward.
[0014]
To supply power to the lamp 10 and to supply a voltage generated by a suitable DC / DC converter and processed by a power supply circuit in an appropriate manner, preferably higher than the voltage of the network mounted on the vehicle. A connector 17 is defined at the bottom of the casing 14 that can cooperate with a complementary connector (not shown) provided at the end of the shielded cable.
[0015]
It will be appreciated here that the present invention applies equally to lamps with a casing, which is detachably mounted behind the lamp, with a suitable connector.
[0016]
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the casing 14 for the power supply circuit is provided with a headlight mirror and a metal shade disposed on the mirror in front of the lamp. In a manner, an essentially continuous conductive outer envelope 16 is formed, aimed at trapping stray electromagnetic radiation emitted by the power supply circuit so as to complete the already contributed shielding. .
[0017]
According to the first method of execution, the envelope 16 is made in the form of a thin metal sheet mounted around the casing 14.
[0018]
According to a second method of implementation, this envelope is formed by depositing at least one conductive layer 16 on the outer surface of the casing, in particular by chemical or physical means.
[0019]
According to one variant, it is possible to form this vapor deposition on the inner surface of the casing, in which case shielding continuity with other parts of the headlight provided outside the casing is achieved. Auxiliary conductive means are provided.
[0020]
A thin envelope extends through 16a, which is part of connector 17, so that only those parts that are strictly necessary to provide connector 17 for interacting with the complementary connector remain accessible.
[0021]
FIG. 5 shows the principle of the second embodiment according to the present invention. In this figure, the lamp 10 made as described above is shown, but comprises a casing 14 which is not itself shielded, a mirror 20 to which the lamp is attached, and a metal shade 40. The mirror 20 includes a conductive layer 22 on the rear surface opposite the reflective surface 21 that is either mechanically mounted or deposited by physical or chemical means. Both the conductive layer 22 and the shade 40 are grounded in a well-known manner, primarily for the arc and lamp electrodes, as they are involved in shielding against disturbing electromagnetic radiation.
[0022]
Also shown in FIG. 5 is a power cable 50 provided with a bare outer shielding braid 51 and terminated with a connector 52 capable of interacting with the connector 17 provided on the lamp casing 14. This cable has a similar connector that can ensure shielding continuity with the above-described DC-DC converter, and more generally a grounded conductive casing that protects the headlight control circuit, under the same conditions. It is desirable to prepare for.
[0023]
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the lamp casing 14 protruding from the rear of the mirror is accommodated in the conductive cover 30 mounted on the rear of the mirror.
[0024]
This cover is placed opposite the rear, side, upper and lower surfaces of the casing 14 while providing electrical continuity with the conductive layer 22 of the mirror at the opening front end (right side of FIG. 5). For this purpose, a bent portion 32 or a main wall 31 characterized by a peripheral configuration such as a clip is provided.
[0025]
In a variant or in addition, a deformable seal of conductive material that can be attached to either the cover or the mirror is interposed between the front end of the cover 30 and the rear surface of the mirror comprising the conductive layer 22. Is possible.
[0026]
The cover 30 also includes a hole in the area of the lower wall surrounded by a member 33 such as a clip that can provide electrical contact with the bare shield braid 51 of the cable 50. Again, a conductive seal can be used.
[0027]
It is the cover 30 versus the shade 40 that provides electrical continuity between the ground shielding element constituted by the braid 51 and the ground shielding element constituted by the conductive layer 22 of the mirror 20. It can be seen here that is connected to the conductive layer 22 by means of a conductive support lug (not shown).
[0028]
FIGS. 6-9 show one possible embodiment for attaching the lamp to the mirror as described above with reference to FIGS.
[0029]
Here, a bell-shaped element 23 extending from the periphery of the lamp hole to the rear of the mirror and opening to the rear is provided on the mirror as a single unit or attached to the mirror.
[0030]
The lamp is attached to the mirror from the rear so that the casing 14 with the conductive outer layer 16 partially engages the bell 23.
[0031]
The bell supports a plurality of metal clips 231 made of spring steel with appropriate resilience and made of spring steel that can abut the conductive layer 16 of the casing 14 when the lamp is in place.
[0032]
The clip is further electrically connected to a conductive layer 22 located behind the mirror 20 to ensure electrical continuity of shielding between the lamp mirror 20 and the casing 14.
[0033]
Furthermore, in order to hold the lamp 10 in place, a means composed of a leaf spring 232 or other elastic element is attached so that one end bends to the bell and the other end is hung on the bell on the opposite side. The bell 23 is convenient. In this position, the leaf spring 232 abuts the rear surface of the casing 14 to hold the lamp in a reference position defined by the support of the collar 13 in an appropriate configuration surrounding the lamp hole of the mirror. The leaf spring 232 also contributes to the electrical continuity of the shield.
[0034]
In particular, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the leaf spring 232 is pivotally attached at one end 2321 and fastened at the other end.
[0035]
Further, FIG. 8 shows a conductive piece belonging to the lampholder that fits into the lamp hole of the mirror and contacts both the mirror's conductive layer 22 and shade 40 (also not shown) by means of a fixing lug (not shown). It also shows that the clip 231 extends forward (i.e. downward in the figure) to reach 60.
[0036]
FIG. 9 shows the entire lamp holder PL that supports the four clips 231 and includes the components 61 and 62 for pivotally attaching the holding leaf spring 232 and fixing the leaf spring in the latch position. ing.
[0037]
Deformable seals made of conductive material that can be pressed between conductive surfaces that must ensure electrical continuity as a modification of the various shaped clips described above and in addition to these clips One or more can be used.
[0038]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outline of the interaction between the connector 17 belonging to the casing 14 of the lamp and the supplementary connector 52 provided at the end of the shielded power cable.
[0039]
Thus, the body of this supplemental connector 52 supports a series of clips 521 with elasticity and conductivity that can abut the conductive layer 16a surrounding the connector 17 when the connector is assembled. . In this way, the electrical continuity of shielding between the outer braid 51 of the cable 50 and the conductive coatings 16 and 16a of the lamp casing 14 and, as a result, other elements, mainly the mirrors and shades involved in the shielding, is ensured. The
[0040]
Again, the clip 521 can be replaced or supplemented by a deformable seal made of a conductive material that is pressed between the surfaces where the electrical continuity of the shield must be ensured.
[0041]
Connectors 17 and 52 are designed such that when they are disconnected, the conductor or conductors to which the power supply voltage for the lamp is applied are first cut, and then the link providing shielding continuity is cut only for the first time. This is convenient.
[0042]
Conversely, when the connectors 17 and 52 are assembled, shielding continuity is established before the power connector or connectors are properly connected.
[0043]
Similarly, it is advantageous if the connector located between the opposite end of the cable 50 and the control box belonging to the headlight and spaced from the lamp performs the same operation.
[0044]
FIG. 11 shows another method of implementation for mounting the lamps of FIGS.
[0045]
The lamp hole is surrounded by an axial collar 24, and a conductive crown ring 25 is attached to the open annular surface defined at the rear end of the collar 24, for example by screws.
[0046]
The crown ring 25 supports a series of double clips 251 around its periphery, and the front part of the clip extends to the conductive layer 22 formed behind the mirror 20 (this conductive layer extends to 22a which is the range of the outer surface of the collar 24). The rear part can contact the conductive coating 16 formed on the casing 14 of the lamp 10. Again, a conductive seal can be used.
[0047]
Further, the crown ring 25 supports a leaf spring 252 for holding the lamp, similar to the leaf spring 232 described above.
[0048]
Again, electrical continuity is ensured between the shielding layer 16 of the lamp casing 14 and the shielding layer 22 of the mirror.
[0049]
FIG. 12 shows an improvement with respect to the retaining leaf spring 242 that is either fabricated as a single piece with the mirror 20 or directly attached to a collar 24 mounted to the mirror. According to this improvement, the leaf spring 242 supports the attachment 2421 that is conductive and intended to cover the bare outer braid of the power cable 50. Thereby, in particular, electrical continuity is achieved between the braid and the shielding layer 22 of the mirror 20, and conductivity with the leaf spring 242 is achieved by suitable means.
[0050]
Finally, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the shielding cover 30 of FIG. 5 is attached to the rear part of the lamp. The cover 30 is held in a predetermined position with the aid of a screw or the like when the cover is in a predetermined position where the cover covers the lamp, and a first attachment 34 for attaching the cover so as to pivot on a spindle integral with the mirror. A second appendage.
[0051]
The present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described and illustrated above, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations or modifications can be envisaged. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a discharge lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lamp of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view, partly in section, of the lamp of FIGS. 1 and 2;
4 is a rear view, partly in section, of the lamp of FIGS. 1 to 3; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view, partly in section, of a lamp / mirror assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view partially including a cross section showing a state in which the lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mirror of the headlight.
7 is a partial rear view showing details of the attachment of FIG. 6;
8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the attachment of FIG. 7 in more detail.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of a lamp holder used for attachment in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 shows a means for ensuring shielding continuity between the lamp and the cable used for the lamp according to the invention.
11 is a side view partially including a cross section for a variation of the lamp / mirror assembly of FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 12 is a side view, partly in section, showing means for ensuring shielding continuity between the lamp and the cable used in the lamp according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic rear view of a rear cap of a mirror that can be used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Gas discharge lamp 15 Housing 16 Conductive material

Claims (27)

A vehicle headlight comprising a gas discharge lamp (10) combined with a power supply circuit and attached to a mirror (20), and means (30; 22, 40, 51) for shielding against disturbing electromagnetic radiation,
The power circuit is housed in a housing (15) associated with the rear lamp;
The shielding means comprises a conductive material (16; 30) that completely encloses the housing and provides electrical continuity between the shielding braid of the power cable reaching the housing and the shielding device associated with the mirror And
The housing (15) is defined by a casing (14) having a connector (17), and the connector (17) is a second connector or supplement that can be inserted into the connector (17) at one end of the power cable. An automotive headlight characterized in that it is capable of interacting with a shaped connector (52).   Headlight according to claim 1, wherein the conductive material (16) belongs to a casing (14) defining a housing.   The headlight according to claim 2, wherein the conductive material (16) is mechanically fixed to the outside of the casing (14).   Headlight according to claim 2, wherein the conductive material (16) is deposited on the outer surface of the housing (14).   2. The conductive material according to claim 1, wherein the conductive material belongs to a cover (30) surrounding the non-conductive casing (14) that is mounted behind the mirror (20) and that defines the housing (15). Headlight.   For ensuring electrical continuity between the conductive material (16; 30) surrounding the housing and the second shielding conductive material (22) provided on the rear surface of the mirror (20). The headlight according to claim 1, comprising first connecting means (231, 251; 32).   The first coupling means comprises a series of clips (231; 251) electrically coupled to the second conductive material (22) and in contact with the first conductive material (16). The headlight according to claim 6, in combination with 3 or 4.   The headlight according to claim 7, wherein the clip (231) is attached to a lamp holder (23, 60, PL) attached to the mirror.   6. Combination with claim 5, wherein said first coupling means comprises a mechanism (32) for supporting said cover (30) against said second conductive material (22) behind said mirror (20). The headlight according to claim 6.   The headlight according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting means comprises a deformable seal made of a conductive material interposed between the first and second conductive materials.   The headlight of claim 10, wherein the deformable seal is attached to the mirror.   11. Headlight according to claim 10, wherein the deformable seal is attached to a lamp holder (23, 60, PL) mounted on the mirror.   The second connecting means (521; 33) for ensuring electrical continuity between the conductive material (16; 30) surrounding the housing and the shielding braid (51). The headlight in any one of 1-5.   The casing (14) of the lamp includes a first connector (17), and an end of the power cable (50) includes a second connector (52) that can be inserted into the first connector. Only when the contacts of the first and second connectors to which the power supply voltage of the lamp is applied are separated when the second connector is separated, the second connecting means is the conductive material ( 16. Headlight according to claim 13, in combination with claim 3 or 4, wherein the electrical continuity between 16; 30) and the shielding braid (51) can be cut.   The second connecting means comprises a series of clips (52) supported by the second connector, the clips contacting the shielding braid (51) and the conductive material (16a) surrounding the casing. The headlight according to claim 14.   15. Headlight according to claim 14, wherein the second connecting means comprises the shielding braid (51) and a conductive seal in contact with the conductive material (16a) surrounding the casing.   Elastic means (232; 242; 252) are provided for holding the lamp in an axial position, the means abuts the conductive shielding material (16) and is electrically conductive, and in the holding position the 14. Headlight according to claim 13, combined with claim 3 or 4, wherein the elastic means in contact with the shielding braid (51) of the cable form part of the second connecting means.   From the mechanism (33) for supporting the braid (51) of the power cable formed on the cover (30) around the orifice through which the cable (50) passes, the second connecting means. 14. A headlight according to claim 13 in combination with claim 5.   In order to hold the lamp in an axial position and at the same time provide electrical continuity for shielding with the other shielding elements (22, 40, 51) of the headlight, in the area of the rear face of the casing 5. The headlight according to claim 2, comprising a conductive elastic element (232; 242; 252) capable of contacting the conductive material (816).   Headlight according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (15) forms an integral part of the lamp.   The headlight according to claim 1, wherein the housing forms a part of a connector to which the lamp is detachably attached.   A control circuit housed in a conductive control box disposed away from the lamp, and third connection means for ensuring electrical continuity between the control box and the braid of the cable, The headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 21.   The third connecting means is provided at a third connector provided in the control box and at an end of the power cable (50) opposite to the lamp, and is capable of being inserted into the third connector. When the third and fourth connectors are separated from each other, the third connecting means is not the first time after the contact of the third and fourth connectors to which the power supply voltage of the lamp is applied is separated. 23. Headlight according to claim 22, wherein the electrical continuity between the control box and the third shielding braid (51) can be cut. A gas discharge lamp (10) for an automotive headlight, used in combination with a power supply circuit and having this power supply circuit in a housing (15),
It is made of a conductive material that completely surrounds the housing and can ensure electrical continuity between the shielding braid of the power cable reaching the housing and the shielding mechanism provided in the mirror that can accommodate the gas discharge lamp. Shielding means (16)
Is further provided ,
The housing (15) is defined by a casing (14) having a connector (17), and the connector (17) is a second connector or supplement that can be inserted into the connector (17) at one end of the power cable. Gas discharge lamp (10) for automotive headlights, characterized in that it can interact with a shaped connector (52 ).   The gas discharge lamp according to claim 24, wherein the conductive material (16) belongs to a casing (14) defining the housing.   26. A gas discharge lamp according to claim 25, wherein the conductive material (16) is mechanically mounted on the outside of the casing (14).   26. A gas discharge lamp according to claim 25, wherein the conductive material (16) is deposited on the outer surface of the casing (14).

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