JPH01282043A - Tilting device for car headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To secure high waterproofness for a long period of time by supporting a rod supporter on a tilter casing free of longitudinal motion, while inserting an adjusting rod being connected to a tilting member into its center hole, and sealing an interval between the rod supporter and the casing with a waterproofing member. CONSTITUTION:In a lamp housing 7 clamped to a car body, there is provided with a tilting device 21 which performs aiming adjustment and leveling adjustment of a headlight unit 2, and a rod supporter 46 is supported on the casing 22 free of movement in the longitudinal direction. An adjusting rod 50 is inserted into a support hole 58 of this rod supporter 46 free of rotation alone, and the front end is pivotally supported on the unit 2, while the rear end is connected to an aiming rotational means 99. The rod supporter 46 is moved in the axial direction by rotating a worm wheel 78 by drive of a motor 64 via gear trains 68, 74, 70 or the like. Then, both ends of waterproofing members 61, 62 bent in bellows element form are engaged with an interval between a projecting part of the rod supporter 46 and the casing 22, making them perform their sealing water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be explained according to the following items.

A. Industrial field of application B. Outline of the invention C. Prior art [Fig. 14 D9 Problem to be solved by the invention [Fig. 14] E. Means for solving the problem F. Examples [Fig. [Figure 13] F-1 First embodiment [Figures 1 to 10] a Headlight unit, lamp housing [Figures 1 to 5] b Rotating fulcrum mechanism [Figure 4] C Aiming adjustment Mechanism [Figure 5] d, Tilt device [Figures 1 to 10] d-1 Casing [Figures 1, 4, 6 to 10] cl-2 Rod support, adjustment rod [ Figures 1, 3, 4, 6 to 9 d-3 Opening gap of casing [Figure 1] d-4 Waterproof member [Figure 1, Figure 4, Figure 6, 9, 10] d-5 driving means [Fig. 1, 8, 9 d-6, sensor [Fig. 1, 8, 9] d-6-a, Configuration d-6-b Function d-7, Aiming rotating part [Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7] d-8 Connection with headlight unit, etc. [Fig. 1, Fig. 4] ] d-9 operation d-9-a, initial aiming adjustment in the vertical direction d-9-b, leveling adjustment d-10 watertightness inside the casing F-2, second embodiment [Fig. 11] F -3 Application Example [Figures 12 and 13] G4 Effects of the Invention (A. Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a novel tilting device for a vehicle headlamp. Specifically, a tilting member that is tilted when adjusting the irradiation direction is tiltably supported by a support system, and includes a casing in which a leveling drive means is housed and a rod support that is moved by the drive means. This invention relates to a tilting device for a vehicle headlamp, which includes an adjusting rod, etc., which is supported by the rod support and moves to tilt the tilting member, and the tilting device is for holding the opening of the casing watertight. The present invention aims to provide a novel vehicle headlamp tilting device that has improved waterproofing reliability by devising a waterproofing means.

(B. Summary of the Invention) The tilting device for a vehicle headlamp of the present invention is such that a tilting member that is tilted when adjusting the irradiation direction is tiltably supported on a support member, and a driving means is housed therein. It comprises a casing, a rod support supported by the casing so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and having both ends protruding from a hole in the casing, and an adjustment rod etc. that is inserted through and supported by the rod support and has a front end connected to a tilting member. The present invention relates to a tilting device for a vehicle headlamp that tilts a tilting member by moving the rod support or rotating the adjustment rod,
The waterproof means for keeping the hole in the casing watertight is made of a thin rubber elastic material and has a substantially cylindrical shape with a middle part bent like a bellows element. Both ends of the waterproof member are respectively locked to the rod support and the casing. This structure eliminates the part that rubs against the waterproof member as the rod support moves, and thereby
This increases the reliability of waterproofing.

(C, Prior Art) [Figure 14] For example, some automobile headlight devices require initial aiming adjustment of the irradiation direction. In addition to the direction adjustment, there are some devices that allow so-called leveling adjustment, that is, the adjustment of the irradiation direction that is made each time to correct the irradiation direction that is deviated due to changes in the load applied to the vehicle body.

FIG. 14 shows an example a of a conventional automobile headlamp device which also has such a leveling adjustment function. In the figure, b is a headlamp unit supported by a lamp housing (not shown) so as to be tiltable in the horizontal and vertical directions via one pivot point and two adjustment points, and C is the headlamp unit. This is a tilting device for tilting b, and is provided at the adjustment point to adjust the irradiation direction by the headlamp unit in the vertical direction among the two adjustment points above, and is used as an aiming means for initial aiming adjustment and as a leveling device. It is integrally combined with a leveling means for performing adjustment.

d is a casing fixed to the lamp housing;
Approximately cylindrical boss portions f, f' are formed at positions facing each other on both front and rear walls e, e', and a cylindrical support portion g protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the front side wall e. Inside this casing d, a leveling drive unit consisting of a motor h1, a worm gear i, a worm wheel J, etc., and a detection section for detecting the position of an adjustment rod, which will be described later, are housed. Part f,
It is rotatably supported by support part g in a state coaxial with insertion holes m and m' formed in f'. n is a rod support having a substantially cylindrical shape, the front part of which is supported non-rotatably and movably in the axial direction in the insertion hole m of the boss part f on the front side of the casing d, and the rear part is supported at the center of the worm wheel j. It is screwed into a dovetail hole 0 formed in the section. P is an adjustment rod whose front end q is connected to the lower end r of the headlamp unit b in a ball-and-socket shape, and whose intermediate part is screwed into a dovetail hole S formed by penetrating the center of the rod support n. The rear end t of the casing d is inserted through the boss f' on the rear side of the casing d, and is projected out of the casing d.

u and u' are waterproof members formed in a substantially cylindrical shape from a rubber material, one end of which is fixed to the end face of the boss parts f and f', respectively, and the other part t4M is the rod support of the adjustment rod p. They are separately fitted onto a portion protruding forward from n and a portion protruding from rear boss portion f'.

When making the initial aiming adjustment, the rear end t of the adjustment rod p is grasped and rotated, whereby the adjustment rod p is screwed into or unscrewed from the rod support n and moved in the front-rear direction. In addition, when performing the leveling adjustment, the drive unit k is driven, which causes the worm wheel j to rotate and move the rod support n integrally with the adjustment rod p in the front and back direction, thereby adjusting the headlight. The light unit b will be tilted in the vertical direction.

(D Problem to be Solved by the Invention) [Figure 14] By the way, in the above-mentioned tilting device C, in order to keep the holes m and m' of the boss parts f and f' of the casing d watertight.
A waterproof member u is provided between the two bosses f and f' and the adjustment rod p.
, u', or at least when performing aiming adjustment, the adjustment rod p must rotate relative to the waterproof members u, u', so these adjustment rods p and the waterproof members u, u'' are at least It is necessary for the adjustment rod p and the waterproof members u, u to contact each other in a rotatable manner.
Since it is not possible to bring them into complete contact with each other, there is a problem in that the maintenance of watertightness is unreliable. Also, when the adjustment rod p moves or rotates, the waterproof members u, u''
Since sliding occurs between the and adjustment rod p, the waterproof member u
, u' are worn out, and there is also the problem that the watertightness deteriorates during use.

(E. Means for Solving the Problems) Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the tilting device for a vehicle headlamp of the present invention is made of a thin rubber elastic material and has a middle portion bent in the shape of a bellows element. Both ends of a cylindrical waterproof member are respectively locked to a portion of the rod support that projects outside the casing and to the casing.

Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp tilting device of the present invention, the hole in the casing is located within the space defined by the waterproof member, the outer surface of the casing, and the outer peripheral surface of the rod support,
Moreover, since the rod support only moves in the axial direction and does not rotate, it is difficult to maintain the above-mentioned space completely watertight by making sure that the waterproof member and the outer peripheral surface of the rod support are in complete contact with each other. Moreover, since there is no sliding contact between the rod support and the waterproof member, the waterproof member does not wear out and the sealing performance is not impaired, thereby stably maintaining the waterproof property of the opening of the casing. I can do it.

(Embodiment F) [The details of the tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in accordance with the illustrated embodiments below in FIGS. 1 to 13.

(F-1 First Embodiment) [Figs. 1 to 10] Figs. 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of a tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. The headlight device 1 shown in this embodiment is a so-called unit movable type headlight device.
That is, a headlight unit consisting of a light bulb arranged in a lamp space defined by a lamp body having a reflective surface opened at the front and a lens covering the front opening is used as a tilting member, and this headlight unit is This is a type of headlight device that changes the direction of illumination by tilting with respect to the vehicle body.

(a Headlamp unit, lamp housing) [Figures 1 to 5] 2 is a headlamp unit, which includes a lamp body 3 formed in a concave shape opening approximately toward the front, and the lamp. It consists of a lens 4 attached to a body 3 so as to cover its front opening, and a light bulb 5 supported by the lamp body 3.

The lamp body 3 has a reflective surface 3a facing forward, the light bulb 5 is supported in a light bulb mounting hole 3b formed at the top of the reflective surface 3a, and the light emitting part of the light bulb 5 is connected to the lamp body 3. It is located within a lamp space 6 defined by a lens 4.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a lamp housing made of synthetic resin, which has a generally concave shape with an opening toward the front, and is fixed to the vehicle body 8 so as to be located on the rear side of the front opening of the vehicle body 8.

Point A, point B, and point 0 (see Figure 2) are headlight unit 2.
is the point supported by the lamp housing 7, point A is the rotation fulcrum, and point B and A are spaced laterally from point A.
The zero point spaced downward from the point is an adjustment part that can adjust the distance between the headlight unit 2 and the lamp housing 7, and the headlight unit 2 is adjusted by these adjustment parts. As a result, it can be tilted in the left-right direction (the left direction in FIG. 2 is the left side, and the right direction is the right side in FIG. 2) and up and down directions.

(b, Rotation fulcrum mechanism) [Fig. 4] Reference numeral 9 denotes a rotation fulcrum mechanism constituting the above-mentioned rotation fulcrum portion.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a supported part that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the lamp body 3. A metal support shaft 11 is fixed to the rear end of the supported part, and a spherical part 11a is integrally attached to the lower end of the support shaft 11. It is formed.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a synthetic resin receiver that is attached so as to protrude forward from the lamp housing 7, and has open spherical recesses 1 and 2a formed on its upper surface, and the spherical recess 12a.
The spherical portion 11a of the support shaft 11 is rotatably fitted inside.

Thus, the headlamp unit 2 has the ball portion 11a of the support shaft 11.
is supported by the receiver 12 (this point is the above-mentioned point A).

) is supported by the lamp housing 7 so as to be tiltable about the center of rotation.

(c. Aiming Adjustment Mechanism) [Fig. 5] Reference numeral 13 indicates an aiming adjustment mechanism that constitutes the adjustment section for the point B.

14 is a generally cylindrical protruding portion that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the lamp body 3, and a synthetic resin receiver 15 is fixed to the rear end. A spherical recess 15a opening toward the rear and a groove-shaped hole 15b continuously extending forward are formed at the front end of the spherical recess 15a.

A gear unit 16 includes a gear case 17 fixed to the front surface of the lamp housing 7, a first bevel gear 18 rotatably provided in the gear case 17 with the axial direction extending along the vertical direction, and the first bevel gear 18. It consists of a second bevel gear 19 that meshes with the bevel gear 18 and an aiming adjustment shaft 2o, and a dovetail hole 19a penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in a boss formed at the center of the second bevel gear 19. The upper end of the operating rod 18a fixed to the bevel gear 18 projects outside the gear case 17.

Most of the aiming adjustment shaft 20 has a spiral shape, and a spherical portion 20a and a plate-shaped projection 20b protruding forward from the spherical portion 20a are integrally formed at the front end thereof, and an intermediate portion thereof is screwed into the dovetail hole 19a of the second hevel gear 19, and is rotatably fitted into the spherical recess 15a of the receiver 15 through the spherical portion 20a, and the protrusion 20b is inserted into the receiver 15.
is slidably engaged with the hole 15b.

Therefore, the aiming adjustment shaft 20 is connected to the receiver 15 in a non-rotatable manner. Note that the connection point between the spherical portion 20a of the aiming adjustment shaft 20 and the spherical recess 15a of the receiver 15 is the point B.

Thus, the first bevel gear 18 is rotated by the operation shaft 18a.
When rotated, the second bevel gear 19 is rotated, and the aiming adjustment shaft 20 screwed into the second bevel gear 19 is sent in the axial direction, so that the receiver 15 is moved approximately in the front-rear direction. , the headlight unit 2 is
The irradiation direction is changed to the left and right by tilting approximately in the left and right directions using the straight line connecting the point and the zero point as the center axis of rotation. That is, aiming adjustment is made in the left and right directions.

(d, Tilt device) [Figures 1 to 10] Reference numeral 21 is a tilt device that constitutes the adjustment section of the support point C, and is used to adjust the aiming in the vertical direction of the irradiation direction of the headlamp unit 2. A leveling adjustment is effected by this tilting device 21.

(d-1 casing) [Figures 1, 4, 6 to 10] 22 is a casing of the tilting device 21, in which the front half 23 and the rear half 24, which can be divided into two, are integrated. It is made up of a combination of

Reference numeral 25 designates the main part of the front half 23, which opens toward the rear and is a two-thirds portion of the lower path when viewed from the front.
6 (hereinafter referred to as the "lower part") is approximately square-shaped, and the remaining portion 27 (hereinafter referred to as the "upper part") is approximately mountain-shaped, and the internal depth of the upper part 27 is the same as that of the lower part. The depth is approximately half of the internal depth of 26. 28 is the front wall 29 of the main part 25
It is a cylindrical portion that is integrally formed so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction at a position near the upper end, and an annular locking groove 30 extending in the circumferential direction is formed near the front end of the outer circumferential surface 28a.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a joint part formed integrally with the main part 25, which forms the rear end of the front half 23, and has a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front and rear directions. It is open at the rear. 32, 32, . . . are protrusions that protrude upward from both left and right ends of the upper end of the coupling portion 31, and downward from the center and left and right ends of the lower end, respectively. The protruding pieces 32, 32, . . . have insertion holes 32a,
32a1... are formed. Reference numerals 33 and 33 denote attachment holes formed at both left and right ends of the portion near the upper end of the coupling portion 31.

- In addition, the rear half 24 is also formed by integrally forming a main part 34 and a joint part 35, which are substantially similar to the front half 23, and the joint part 3
Projecting pieces 36 and 36 are provided protruding from both left and right ends of the lower end of 5,
In addition, holes 36a, 36a are formed in these projecting pieces 36, 36, and holes 36a are formed in both left and right ends near the upper end of the coupling part 35.
7.37 is formed. 38. 38, . . . are bosses for attaching an aiming operation unit, which will be described later, and are provided protruding rearward from the rear surface of the rear half 24, and are formed by four horizontally long diamond-shaped corners when viewed from the rear. It is located at a position corresponding to the section. Further, the intervals between adjacent bosses 38, 38, . . . and between bosses 38, 38, . Reference numeral 39 indicates an insertion hole formed approximately in the center of the upper part of the rear wall 40 of the main portion 34, and reference numeral 41 indicates an annular protrusion formed on the rear surface of the rear wall 40 so as to be located concentrically with the insertion hole 39. A locking groove 42 is formed in contact with the inner base of the protrusion 41.

The locking groove 42 and the locking groove 30 formed in the cylindrical portion 28 of the front half 23 have a substantially C-shaped cross section.

Thus, the front half 23 and the rear half 24 are in a state where their respective opening surfaces are abutted against each other, and the joint portions 31 and 35 are
Screws 43.43 are inserted into holes 33.33 and 37.37 formed in the lower protruding piece 32.32, holes 32a of the lower protruding piece 32.32, and hole 36a136a of the protruding piece 36.36.
・By screwing the nuts 44, 44, ... (see FIGS. 9 and 10), they are integrally connected to each other, and by being connected in this way, the cylindrical portion of the front half 23 28 and the insertion hole 39 of the rear half 24 are located coaxially.

A waterproof member 45 (see FIG. 1) is interposed at the abutting portion between the coupling portions 31 and 35, thereby making the abutting portion watertight.

(d-2, rod support, adjustment rod) [Fig. 1, 3
4, 6 to 9] 46 is a rod support. The rod support 46 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and an approximately one-third portion 47 near the front end thereof is formed to have a slightly larger diameter than the remaining portion.
Engaging protrusions 47a, 47a protrude from portions of the rear end of the large diameter portion 47 located on opposite sides of the axis, and a portion immediately behind the large diameter portion 47 is provided with engaging protrusions 47a, 47a. It is formed in the screw shaft portion 48. Furthermore, an annular locking groove 49 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of both the front and rear ends of the rod support 46.
．． 49' are formed, and these locking grooves 49.49'
The cross-sectional shape is formed into a substantially C-shape, and the size of the cross-sectional shape is approximately concave to that of the locking grooves 30 and 42 formed in the casing 22.

Reference numeral 50 designates an adjustment rod having a substantially cylindrical shape long in the front-rear direction, whose front end 51 is formed into a helical shaft, whose rear end 52 is a connecting portion having a substantially oval shape in cross section, and whose intermediate portion 53 A stopper flange 54 is formed at the boundary between the rear end portion 52 and the rear end portion 52;
Further, an annular groove 55 is formed at the boundary between the intermediate portion 53 and the helical shaft portion 51 .

The rod support 46 has its large diameter portion 47 slidably inserted into the hole 56 of the cylindrical portion 28 of the front half 23 and its rear end portion 57 slidably inserted into the insertion hole 39 of the rear half 24. The sliding member is supported by the casing 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and the engaging protrusions 47a, 47a of the large diameter portion 47 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hole 56 of the cylindrical portion 28 so as to extend in the axial direction. It is made non-rotatable by slidably engaging the grooves 56a, 56a.

Further, the adjustment rod 50 has its intermediate portion 53 rotatably inserted into a support hole 58 formed through the center of the rod support 46 , and the stopper flange 54 abuts the rear end of the rod support 46 . A retaining ring 59 is engaged in a groove 55 located adjacent to the front side of the front end of the
It is made immovable in the axial direction with respect to the rod support body 46.

Thus, the front end of the rod support 46 is connected to the front half 2.
The rear end portion 57 protrudes from the hole 57 of the cylindrical portion 28 of No. 3 to the outside of the casing 22 and is supported by the casing 22 with the rear end portion 57 protruding from the casing 22 from the insertion hole 39 formed in the back wall 40 of the rear half 24.

(d-3, between the openings of the casing [Fig. 1] However, in the part opened to the outside of the casing 22, that is, the hole 57 of the cylindrical part 28 and the insertion hole 39 of the back wall 40, the rod support 46 are inserted, so that these holes 57 and 39 are closed by the rod support 46, or the rod support 46 is slidably inserted through these holes 57, 39, so that
There is a gap of V460.60' (see FIG. 1) to some extent between the inner circumferential surfaces of these holes 57 and 39 and the outer circumferential surface of the rod support 46, so that the casing 22 is ' has a part that allows water to enter from the outside.

Note that the inner peripheral surface of the hole 58 of the rod support 46 and the adjustment rod 5
There is also a gap between the casing 22 and the
Since there is no opening inside the casing 22, even if water enters here, the water will not enter into the casing 22.

The gaps 60, 60' of the casing 22 are made watertight by a waterproof member, which will be described later.

(d-4, waterproof member) [Figure 1, Figure 4, Figure 6, Figure 9
FIG. 10 ] 61 and 62 are waterproof members. These waterproof members 61.
Reference numeral 62 is made of a relatively thin material having rubber elasticity, and before being incorporated into the tilting device 21, the front waterproof member 61 has a substantially lantern shape with a bulged center portion as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the rear waterproof member 62 has a substantially conical cylinder shape that is long in the axial direction.
These peripheral wall portions 61a are provided at both ends in the axial direction.
, 62a.
1b, 61b', 62b, and 62b' are formed.

The front waterproof member 61 has its locking portions 61b, 61
One side 61b of b' is locked in a locking groove 49 formed in the front end of the rod support 46, and the other locking part 61b''l is locked in a locking groove 30 formed in the cylindrical part 28 of the front half 23. In addition, the rear waterproof member 62 has its smaller diameter end folded back inward, and one of the locking parts 62b formed at the end is attached to the rear of the rod support 46. It is locked in a locking groove 49' formed at the end, and the other locking part 62b' is locked in a locking groove 42 formed in the rear wall 40 of the rear half 24.

In addition, the locking portions 6.1b, 61b-162b162b' are locked to the locking grooves 49, 30, 49', and 42 when the annular shape of the locking portions 61b, Bib', 62b, and 62b' is slightly enlarged in diameter. It is press-fitted into the locking grooves 49, 30, 49', and 42. Therefore, the locking parts 61b, 61b', 6
2b and 62b' are locking grooves 49 and 49 of the rod support 46.
' and the locking grooves 30 and 42 of the casing 22 so as to be tightened here.

Therefore, the outer surface of the front end of the cylindrical portion 28 and the rod support 46
The outer surface of the portion protruding forward from the cylindrical portion 28 and the waterproof member 6
1, a closed space 63 (see FIG. 1) is formed, and the front end of the gap 60 opens into this closed space 63, and the rear surface of the rear wall 40 of the casing 22 and the rod support 4
A sealed space 63' (see Fig. 1) is formed by the outer surface of the portion protruding rearward from the insertion hole 39 of 6 and the waterproof member 62, and the rear end of the gap 60' opens into this sealed space 63'. As a result, the above period is 1 s! 60.
60' are both made watertight to the outside.

The movements of these waterproof members 61 and 62 when the irradiation direction is adjusted will be described later.

(d-5, driving means) [Figs. 1, 8, 9] Reference numeral 64 denotes a motor, which is disposed at the lower end inside the casing 22 with its axial direction extending in the left-right direction.
The position relative to the casing 22 is fixed by support pieces 65, 65 (see Fig. 8) provided on the rear half 24, motor holder 66 (see Fig. 1) provided on the rear half 24, etc., and a pinion gear is attached to the rotating shaft 67. 68 is fixed.

69 is a ohmic body, in which a ohmic gear 70 and a pinion gear 71 are integrally formed coaxially with each other, and a ohmic support portion 72, 72, 72 formed on the front half 23 is formed.
and is rotatably supported by a shaft 73 held by the support piece 65 or the like.

74 is a reduction gear, in which a large gear 75 and a small gear 76 are integrally formed, and the gear support portion 7 formed on the front half 23
7 and the support piece 65, etc., the large gear 75 is meshed with a pinion gear 68 provided on the rotating shaft 67 of the motor 64, and the small gear 76 is meshed with the pinion gear 71 of the ohmic body 69. There is.

Reference numeral 78 designates a worm wheel, in which a substantially cylindrical boss portion 79 and a gear portion 80 centered at a portion near the rear end of the boss portion 79 are integrally formed, and the boss portion 79 is formed at the center thereof. Most of the hole 81 is formed as a dovetail hole, and gear teeth 82 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end.

The ohm wheel 78 has a front portion of the boss portion 79 from the gear portion 80 rotatably fitted into the rear portion of the hole 57 of the cylindrical portion 28 of the casing 22, and the gear portion 80 meshes with the worm gear 70. has been carried out, and also
The threaded shaft portion 48 of the rod support 46 is screwed into the dovetail hole portion 81a of the boss portion 79. In addition, the ohm wheel 78
is prevented from moving in the axial direction by being pinched from the front and back by the rear wheel surface of the cylindrical portion 28 and a clip to be described later.

When the motor 64 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the worm wheel 78 via the pinion gear 68, reduction gear 74, and worm body 69.
rotates, and when the ohm wheel 78 rotates, its dovetail portion 81a feeds the helical shaft portion 48 of the rod support 46 in the axial direction, thereby causing the rod support 46 to rotate.
is moved in the front-back direction integrally with the adjustment rod 50.

(d-6, sensor) [Fig. 1, Fig. 8, Fig. 9] 83 is a sensor for detecting the position of the adjustment rod 50 when it is moved by the rotation of the motor 64, and is a part of the circuit board. It consists of a part, a contact holding plate, a sensor gear, a means for rotating the sensor gear, etc.

(d-6-a Configuration) 84 is a circuit board supported inside the rear half 24, and a circular engagement hole 85 is formed near the upper end of the circuit board.

Reference numeral 86 denotes a clip made of synthetic resin, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a flange 87 formed at its front end, and whose rear part is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction by a groove that reaches the rear end, so that it can be rotated in the axial direction. Elastic pieces 88.88, .
8. Locking claw 89.89 protruding outward at the rear end
, . . are formed, and when the sensor gear and contact holding plate described later are fitted, the locking claws 89, 89, . . .
* is adapted to be engaged with the rear opening edge of the engagement hole 85 of the circuit board 84.

Reference numeral 90 denotes a sensor gear having a substantially flat gear shape, which is rotatably fitted onto the front portion of the clip 86, and has a conductor support plate 92 supporting conductors 91 and 91' attached to its rear surface.

93 is a contact holding plate having a substantially disk shape, and a clip 86
A large number of contact holding holes 94, 94, . Spherical contacts 95.95, . . . in holes 94.94, .
... is in contact with the conductor 91, 91', and
Conductive coil springs 96, 96, . . . are stored between the contacts 95, 95, . . . and a number of terminals (not shown) printed on the front surface of the circuit board 84. .

Reference numeral 97 denotes a transmission gear for rotating the sensor gear 90, which is composed of a large gear 97a and a small gear 97b that are coaxial with each other and are integrally formed, and a support shaft supported between the front half 23 and the rear half 24. The large gear 97a is rotatably supported by the worm wheel 98, and the large gear 97a is connected to the gear teeth 8 of the worm wheel 78.
2, and the small gear 97b is meshed with the sensor gear 90.

Therefore, when the worm wheel 78 rotates, the rotation is decelerated through the transmission gear 97 and transmitted to the sensor gear 90, and the sensor gear 90 is rotated.
The positions of the conductors 91, 91' of the conductor support plate 92 attached to the sensor gear 90 relative to the contacts 95, 95, . . . change.

(d-6-b, function) The contacts 95, 95, . . . are the first polarity group and the second polarity group.
Although not shown, the rear ends of the coil springs 96, 96, . Two of the electrode contacts are connected to two input terminals of the motor 64 with different polarities, and the other contacts are connected to two rotary contacts provided on the remote control unit that interlock with each other. The rotary switch is connected to the switched contacts of the switch separately, and the rotary switch is connected to a power source battery, and when any one set of switched contacts is selected in this rotary switch, the selected set of contacts is connected separately. Switching contact and two contacts 9 connected to it
5.95, the conductor 91.91', the motor 64, and the power source, the circuit is closed so that the motor 64 can be rotated forward or reverse.

Then, when the motor 64 rotates, the worm wheel 7
8 is rotated, the worm wheel 78 moves the rod support body 46 and the adjustment rod 50 integrally forward or backward, and at the same time, the sensor gear 90 and the conductor support plate 92 are rotated, and these are moved to their positions. When rotated a fixed amount,
The conductors 91, 91' are connected to the selected contacts 95 and 95.
When the motor 64 is separated from the motor 64, the circuit described above is opened and the rotation of the motor 64 is stopped. Therefore, the amount and direction of rotation of the motor 64 are determined by the switched contact selected by the rotary switch, and the position of the adjustment rod 50 is detected by the sensor 83.

The control system of the control mechanism including such a sensor 83 is substantially the same as the control system of the control mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-209932.

(d-7 Aiming rotation part) [Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 6
FIG. 7 ] Reference numeral 99 denotes an aiming rotation unit for rotating the adjustment rod 50 when performing initial aiming adjustment in the irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a case of the rotating part 99, the side ends of which are connected to four bosses 38 and 38 provided on the casing 22.
, ... are fixed with screws 101, 101, 101, and the insertion holes 103, 103 formed in the front and rear side walls 102, 102 are positioned coaxially with the rod support 46. There is. 104 is a worm wheel, and a cylindrical boss 10 is integrally formed in the center of the worm wheel.
Both ends of the boss 103 are rotatably supported by the insertion holes 103 and housed in the case 100, and the hole 106 formed through the boss 105 has a substantially oval shape when viewed from the axial direction. The adjustment rod 5 is inserted into this hole 106.
The rear end portion 52 of 0 is slidably inserted therethrough. Therefore,
The adjustment rod 50 and the worm wheel 104 rotate integrally. 107 is an operating shaft, one end of which is located inside the case 100 and rotatably supported by the case, and a worm gear 108 is fixed to the part located inside the case 100. It meshes with the ohm wheel 104.

Therefore, when the operating shaft 107 is rotated, the worm wheel 104 is rotated and the adjustment rod 50 is rotated.

(d-8, connection with headlight unit, etc.) [Fig. 1, 4
[Figure] Such a tilting device 21 is installed in the front half 23 of the casing 22 with the approximately middle portion of the casing 22 in the front-rear direction located in the opening 109 formed in the back surface of the lamp housing 7. the upper 2
two protrusions 32.32 and a hole 32a in the lower central protrusion 32
, 32a, 32a and the screws 111.111.111 inserted through the mounting bosses 110.110.110 protruding from the rear surface of the lamp housing 7, and the nuts 112.112.
112 is screwed together to be fixed to the lamp housing.

Further, 113 is a bracket fixed to the lower end of the back surface of the lamp body 3 of the headlamp unit 2, and a nut 114 is supported on the bracket 113. are screwed together.

(d-9, Operation) Aiming adjustment and leveling adjustment by the tilting device 21 as described above are performed as follows.

(d-9-a, Initial Aiming in the Vertical Direction When performing initial aiming adjustment in the open side irradiation direction in the vertical direction, rotate the operating shaft 107 of the aiming rotation unit 99. Then, the operating shaft 107 Since the ohm 108 fixed to rotates the ohm wheel 104,
The adjustment rod 50 is rotated integrally with this, and the adjustment rod 50 is connected to the nut 11 supported by the headlamp unit 2.
Nut 114 for being screwed into or unthreaded into 4.
is moved in the front-back direction along the adjustment rod 50. As a result, the distance between the headlamp unit 2 and the lamp housing 7 in the tilting device 21 changes, so that the headlamp unit 2 connects the rotation fulcrum A and the adjustment point B in the aiming adjustment mechanism 13. It is tilted downward on the road with a straight line as its central axis of rotation, thereby adjusting the irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

(d-9-b, Leveling Adjustment) Leveling adjustment is performed by rotating the motor 64 by remote control. When the motor 64 rotates, the rod support 46 moves forward and backward 3 degrees integrally with the adjustment rod 50, as described above.

Since the nut 114 is moved in the backward direction,
As a result, the headlamp unit 2 is tilted downward on the road, thereby adjusting the irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

The direction and amount of movement of the adjustment rod 50 are determined by the sensor 8.
3 as described above.

(d-10 Watertightness inside the casing) As described above, the hole 56 of the cylindrical portion 28 of the casing 22 and the insertion hole 39 of the back wall 40 are held watertight by the waterproof members 61 and 62, and this state is Even if the initial aiming adjustment and leveling adjustment are performed as described above, no damage will occur.

That is, when vertical cutting aiming adjustment is performed, the adjustment rod 50 rotates relative to the rod support, and when leveling adjustment is performed, the rod support 46 rotates.
and the adjustment rod 50 move together in the axial direction, but when the leveling adjustment is performed, the portions of the waterproof members 61 and 62 that are engaged with the rod support 46 move toward the rod support 46.
By moving in the front-rear direction integrally with the peripheral wall portion 61
This is because only the deformation of a and 62a does not change the state in which they are in close contact with the rod support 46, and there is no rubbing against the rod support 46.

Therefore, the watertightness maintained by these waterproof members 61 and 62 is extremely stable.

(F-2, Second Embodiment) [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 shows a second embodiment of the tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.

The difference between the headlamp device 115 shown in the second embodiment and the headlamp device 1 shown in the first embodiment is the connection structure between the adjustment rod and the headlamp unit, and the connection structure attached thereto. Only the part that was Therefore, for parts that are not different from the headlamp device 1 described above, explanations will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals to the same parts in the headlamp device 1 in the first embodiment. .

The usage of such codes is the same in the application examples described later.

Reference numeral 116 designates a synthetic resin receiver supported by a bracket 117 integrally formed with the lamp body 3, in which a spherical recess 116a facing rearward is formed.

Further, the hole in the rod support 46 is a dovetail hole 118.

Reference numeral 119 designates an adjustment rod, which has a spherical body 120 formed at its front end, a rear end 121 formed into a non-cylindrical shape, and most of the remainder 122 formed into a helical shaft.
2 is screwed into the dovetail hole 118 of the rod support 46, and the rear end 121 is the ohm wheel 1 with the aiming rotation part 99.
The sphere 12 is slidably inserted into the hole 106 of 04.
0 is rotatably fitted into the spherical recess 116a of the receiver 116.

When the operating shaft 107 of the aiming rotation unit 99 is rotated, the adjustment rod 119 is screwed into or unscrewed from the rod support 46 and moves in the axial direction, so that the receiver 116 moves approximately in the front-back direction. As a result, the headlamp unit 2 is tilted downward on the road and the irradiation direction is changed.

Note that leveling is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

(F-3, Application example) [Figs. 12 and 13] Figs. 12 and 13 show an application example of the tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. Note that the headlight device 12 shown in this application example
3 is a headlight device of a so-called movable reflector type, that is, a reflector rotatably supported by a lamp body is used as a tilting member, and the irradiation direction is changed by tilting this reflector with respect to the lamp body. This type of headlamp device is different from the headlamp device 1 shown in the first embodiment only in this point and related points.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a headlamp unit, which includes a lamp body 125 made of synthetic resin and having an open front, and the lamp body 1.
A lens 126 is attached to the lamp body 25 so as to cover the front opening thereof, and a reflecting mirror 1 is disposed within a lamp space 127 defined by the lamp body 125 and the lens 126.
28 and a light bulb 129 supported on the rear top of the reflector 128
etc., the lamp body 125 is the lamp housing 7.
is fixed.

The reflecting mirror 128 is supported by the lamp body 125 at three points A, B, and C shown in FIG. This rotation fulcrum is constituted by, for example, a ball joint-shaped support means. Further, the other two support points B and C are adjustment parts where the distance between the reflector 128 and the lamp body 125 is adjusted, and among these, the rotation fulcrum part A
The adjustment section at point B, which is spaced to the left from the point, is configured by, for example, an adjustment mechanism similar to the aiming adjustment mechanism 13 shown in the first embodiment.

Further, the adjustment section at the 0 point is constituted by the above-mentioned tilting device 21, and in this application example, the tilting device 21
is attached to the back part of the lamp body 125,
The front end of the adjustment rod 119 is connected to a receiver 130 supported by the lower end of the reflecting mirror 128 in a ball joint shape.

Therefore, when the operating member of the aiming adjustment section at point B is operated, the reflecting mirror 128 is tilted approximately in the left and right directions with the straight line connecting point A and point 0 as the center axis of rotation. When the operating shaft 107 is rotated or the motor 64 is rotated, it is tilted downward on the road with the straight line connecting points A and B as the center axis of rotation. In this way, the irradiation direction is adjusted.

(G. Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, the tilting device for the vehicle headlamp of the present invention allows the tilting member that is tilted when changing the irradiation direction to be tiltably supported by the support member. This tilting device for a vehicle headlamp includes a casing fixed to a support member, the casing supports the casing so as to be movable in the front and rear directions, and both front and rear ends of the tilting device include a casing fixed to a support member, and both front and rear ends of the casing are moved through holes formed in the wall of the casing. a rod support protruding outside the casing;
an adjustment rod that is inserted through and supported by the rod support, has a front end connected to a tilting member, and a rear end connected to an aiming rotation means; and a leveling drive means disposed within a casing for moving the rod support. The waterproof member is made of a thin rubber elastic material and has a substantially cylindrical shape with a middle portion bent like a bellows element. Both ends of the waterproof member are respectively locked to a portion of the rod support that protrudes outside the casing and to the casing. do.

Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp tilting device of the present invention, the hole in the casing is located within the space defined by the waterproof member, the outer surface of the casing, and the outer peripheral surface of the rod support,
Moreover, since the rod support only moves in the axial direction and does not rotate, the waterproof member and the outer peripheral surface of the rod support can be brought into perfect contact with each other, making it possible to maintain the space completely watertight. Moreover, since there is no sliding contact between the rod support and the waterproof member, the waterproof member does not wear out and the sealing performance is not impaired, thereby stably maintaining the waterproof property of the opening of the casing. can.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 10 show a first embodiment of a tilting device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower end of the headlamp unit and the tilting device. Figure 2 is a front view, Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2,
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V in Figure 2, Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view showing the tilting device with a portion thereof cut away, and Figure 7 is taken along the line ■-■ in Figure 6. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the tilting device, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the casing of the tilting device. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second embodiment of the tilting device for a headlamp for a vehicle according to the present invention, and FIGS. 12 and 13 are a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a waterproof member. Fig. 12 is a front view, Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along the cross-layer line in Fig. 12, and Fig. 14 is a conventional vehicle headlamp. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of a tilting device. Explanation of symbols 1...Vehicle headlight, 2...Tilt member (headlight unit), 7...Support member, 22...Casing, 29.40...Wall portion, 39. 56... Hole (in the wall), 46... Rod support, 50... Adjustment rod, 51... Front end (of the adjustment rod), 52... (
61.62...Waterproof member, 61b, 61b', 62b, 62b'...End (of waterproof member), 64.68.69.74.78...Drive Means, 99... Aiming rotation means, 53... Middle part (of the adjustment rod), 114... Nut, 115... Vehicle headlight, 119... Adjustment rod, 122... Middle part (of the adjustment rod), 123...
Vehicle headlight, 125... Support member, 128... Tilting member

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A tilting device for a vehicle headlamp that tiltably supports a tilting member that is tilted when changing the irradiation direction on a support member, the device comprising: a casing fixed to the support member; and a casing attached to the casing in the longitudinal direction. a rod support that is movably supported and whose front and rear ends protrude outside the casing through holes formed in the wall of the casing; a rod support that is inserted through and supported by the rod support and whose front end is connected to a tilting member; It is equipped with an adjustment rod whose rear end is connected to an aiming rotation means, and a leveling drive means disposed within the casing to move the rod support, and is made of a thin rubber elastic material and whose middle part is bent in the shape of a bellows element. A tilting device for a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that both ends of a substantially cylindrical waterproof member are respectively latched to a portion of a rod support protruding from the casing and to the casing. (2) The adjusting rod is rotatably supported by the rod support body at its intermediate portion but not movable in the axial direction, and its front end portion is screwed into a nut supported by the tilting member. Tilt device for vehicle headlights as described in scope 1 (3) A vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment rod has an intermediate portion screwed to the rod support and a front end connected to the tilting member in a ball joint shape. tilting device