WO2019076914A1

WO2019076914A1 - Adjustable reflector assembly, and method for adjusting a reflector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019076914A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/078275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manuel Ziegler; Andreas Stang; Dieter Hartnagel; Stephan Braun
Original assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-10-17
Filing date: 2018-10-16
Publication date: 2019-04-25
Also published as: DE102017124094A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable reflector assembly (2) for a motor vehicle lighting device, comprising a reflector (4) for reflecting light, said reflector being arranged on a support (12) . A joint section (10) secures the reflector (4) to the support (12) such that the reflector (4) can be rotated about an imaginary rotational center (14). The reflector (10) rests against the support (12) such that a rotation of the reflector (4) about an imaginary first axis (x) is prevented. A first adjustment means (20) which can be moved relative to the support (12) engages on a first counter bearing section (24) of the reflector (4) so as to allow the reflector (4) to rotate about an imaginary second axis (y), and a second adjustment means (30) which can be moved relative to the support (12) engages on a second counter bearing section (34) of the reflector (4) so as to allow the reflector (4) to rotate about an imaginary third axis (z).

Description

Adjustable reflector arrangement and method for

Adjustment of a reflector arrangement

description

The invention relates to an adjustable reflector arrangement for a light module of a

Automotive lighting device and a method for adjusting a reflector assembly.

Known adjustable reflector arrangements comprise a reflector arranged on a support for the reflection of light. Such reflector arrangements are to

designed to perform an adjustment of the reflector assembly to an associated light source prior to delivery of the illumination device. In addition to an increased number of individual parts known reflector assemblies are formed so that the horizontal and vertical

Adjustment can not be carried out independently of each other.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a

decoupled vertical and horizontal To allow adjustability of the reflector while reducing the number of components.

A first aspect concerns an adjustable one

Reflector assembly. A hinge section fixes the reflector to the carrier in such a way that the reflector is rotatable about a center of rotation intended. The reflector abuts against the carrier, so that a rotation of the

Reflektors is prevented by an imaginary first axis. A first adjustment means which can be displaced relative to the carrier thus acts on a first abutment portion of the reflector in order to enable a rotation of the reflector about an imaginary second axis. A displaceable to the carrier second adjustment means engages in such a second

Counter bearing portion of the reflector to allow rotation of the reflector about an imaginary third axis.

Advantageously, with the provided

Reflector arrangement a respective rotation of the reflector to the second and about the third axis independently

be performed from each other, whereby a decoupling of the horizontal adjustment is achieved by the vertical adjustment. This means, for example, that with a horizontal adjustment of a bend of the cut-off line of a low beam, the previously set vertical adjustment of the cut-off line is maintained. In addition, due to the small number of used

Components are kept very low overall tolerance of the reflector assembly and the entire light module, whereby the overall system stability is increased. A

Cost savings result from the proposed

Reflector arrangement due to the reduction of individual parts and process steps for the production and adjustment of the entire light module. At the same time the Process reliability through the decoupling of the

Adjustment options and the reduction of process steps increased overall.

Another aspect relates to a method for adjusting a reflector arrangement. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description and drawings. In the drawing show:

Figure 1 is a schematically illustrated reflector assembly; Figure 2 is a flowchart;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of

Reflector assembly;

Figure 4 exploded view of the reflector assembly;

Figure 5 is a front view of the reflector assembly;

FIGS. 6 to 9, 11 and 12

each a section of Figure 5 or 10;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the reflector assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a spring component;

and

Figure 14 is a lighting device for motor vehicles.

Figure 1 shows a schematically illustrated

Reflector assembly 2. A reflector 4 comprises a

Reflector surface 6, which is a light originating from a light source 8 in a light exit direction 103rd diverted. The reflector 4 is fixed via a hinge portion 10 to a support 12 such that the reflector 4 is rotatable about a rotational center 14 as intended. Two movable bearings 16 and 18 set the reflector 4 relative to the carrier 12 so that a rotation of the reflector 4 about a first axis x, which passes through the center of rotation 14, is limited and thus not possible. The first axis x is in the installed state in the motor vehicle in the light exit direction 103 or parallel to it

oriented. The third axis z is oriented substantially vertically in the installed state in the motor vehicle. The second axis y is oriented horizontally in the installed state in the motor vehicle. Orthogonal to each other run the imaginary first axis x, an imaginary second axis y and an imaginary third axis z through the

imaginary pivot 14. The light source 8 is located

for example on the first axis x.

A first adjustment means 20 is displaceable along its longitudinal axis 22 relative to the carrier 12 and engages a first abutment portion 24 of the reflector 4, whereby a rotation of the reflector 4 about the second axis y for adjustment purposes is feasible. Preferably, the first adjustment means 20 and the first touch

Abutment portion 24 on or near the third axis z. The rotation about the second axis y is used

For example, to adjust a light-dark boundary of the emitted light distribution in the vertical direction. A second adjustment means 30 is displaceable along its longitudinal axis 32 relative to the carrier 12 and engages a second abutment portion 34 of the reflector 4, whereby a rotation of the reflector 4 about the third axis z for adjustment purposes is feasible. Preferably touch each other the second adjustment means 30 and the second

Counter bearing portion 34 on or near the second axis y. The rotation about the third axis z is used

For example, for adjusting a bend of the cut-off line of the radiated light distribution in the horizontal direction.

The first and second adjustment means 20, 30 are to the

Carrier 12 set and thus ensure that an introduction of force in the reflector 4 is omitted and thus no deformation of the reflector 4 takes place. Consequently, the reflector 4 with the aid of an evaluation of the light image, d. H. a light measurement of the deflected by the reflector 4 light to be set exactly, without the adjustment tools used for adjustment the

Deform reflector 4 in any way. An unwanted movement of the first and second adjustment means 20, 30 is prevented by the engagement of the threads. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart. In a first step 36, the reflector 4 is rotated about the second axis y. In a second step 38, the reflector 4 is rotated about the third axis z. Of course, steps 36 and 38 may also take place in reverse order or simultaneously.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of

Reflector assembly 2. The hinge portion 10 includes an intermediate member 40 which is disposed between the reflector 4 and the carrier 12.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the reflector arrangement 2. The reflector 4 is formed with a joint ball 42, which is formed in a ball seat 44 of the intermediate element 40 is receivable for example einclipbar. In the installed state, the reflector 4 is thus imaginary

Rotating center rotatable. The joint ball 42 and the

Ball seat 44 form a ball joint. The ball seat 44 opposite the intermediate element 40 comprises a

Fixing portion 46, by means of which the intermediate member 40 in a fixing portion 48 of the carrier 12 can be fixed, for example einclipbar is. By the separate

Intermediate member 40 is achieved that a demolding of the reflector 4 and the carrier 12 and thus a

corresponding tool is simplified.

A spring component 50 can be fastened in sections by means of screws 52 and 54 on the carrier part 12. Screws 56 and 58 serve with corresponding through holes in

Carrier 12 to a determination of the support member 12 to another element, for example, to a heat sink to which the light source 8 is fixed. By the

Spring component 50, the reflector 4 is tension-free and free of play attached to the support 12.

Figure 6 shows a section A-A of Figure 5. The

Adjustment means 30 engages with an external thread in a

Internal thread of the carrier 12 and is thus along its longitudinal axis 32 to the carrier 12 displaced and fixed. The longitudinal axis 32 is substantially parallel to the third axis z. The adjustment means 30 has a

Attack region 60, in which an adjustment tool along the longitudinal axis 32 can engage. A second spring element 62 is fixed to the carrier 12 and presses the second

Counter bearing portion 34 of the reflector 4 to a conical portion of the second adjustment means 30. The adjustment means 30 includes a distal conical portion, which is opposite to the engagement portion 60. The distal conical Attack area and the second abutment portion are coordinated so that they abut each other punctiform. In the present case, this punctiform contact is formed by the distal conical section of the adjustment means 60 and a mating surface of the abutment section 34

provided, wherein the counter surface opposite to the

Surface of the conical section is inclined. The imaginary point of contact between the distal conical portion of the adjusting means and the counter surface of the

Counter bearing portion 34 is located on the second axis y. If the adjustment means 30 is screwed further into the carrier 14, the distal conical portion pushes against the counter surface and moves the counter bearing portion 34 against the

Spring force direction of the second spring element 62nd

Figure 7 shows a section B-B of Figure 5. The movable bearing 18 is presently by a bearing portion 64 of

Reflector 4 and a bearing portion 66 of the support 12 realized. The bearing section 64 comprises a web with a longitudinal extent parallel to the second axis y. The bearing section 66 comprises a web with a

Longitudinal extension parallel to the first axis x. In order for a point-like storage in the area of the movable bearing 18 is realized. The floating bearing 16 is realized analogously.

Within a recess 68, the reflector 4 has an engagement surface 70 for a third spring element 72, which engages in the region of the engagement surface 70 and presses the reflector 4 against the z-direction on the carrier 12. An imaginary point of contact according to the

point-shaped storage in the region of the movable bearing 18 is preferably located on the second axis y, which extends through a center of the joint ball 42 of Figure 4 and 8 of FIG.

Figure 8 shows a section CC of Figure 5. The first Justagemittel 20 has an engaging into an internal thread of the carrier 12 external thread to allow a displacement along its longitudinal axis, which in this case coincides with the third axis z. The first adjustment means 20 has an engagement region 74 for

Adjustment tool on. A first spring element 76 is fixed to the carrier 12 and presses the first

Counter bearing portion 24 of the reflector 4 in the direction of a conical portion of the first adjustment means 20. By displacement of the first adjustment means 20, a rotation of the reflector 4 is achieved about the second axis y.

Figure 9 shows a section D-D of Figure 5. The

Intermediate member 40 is disposed between the reflector 4 and the carrier 12. The intermediate element 40 provides a ball seat for the ball joint 42 of the reflector 4.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the reflector arrangement 2 in the x-direction.

FIG. 11 shows a section E-E from FIG. 10. The carrier 12 has a recess 78 in which a projection 80 of the reflector 4 engages. A rotation about the second axis y is limited by the recess 78 and corresponding abutment areas for the projection 80.

FIG. 12 shows a section F-F from FIG. 10. The carrier 12 comprises a projection 82 which, together with a stop region 84 of the reflector 4, limits rotation of the reflector 4 about the third axis z. The

Stop area 84 and the other stop areas ensure that a plastic deformation of the

Spring member 50 is prevented. Figure 13 shows the spring component shown in perspective with the spring elements 76, 62 and 72. The spring member is on the support 12 bswp. attached from Figure 3.

FIG. 14 shows a lighting device for

Motor vehicles in their entirety by the reference numeral

101 denotes. The lighting device 101 is in the illustrated embodiment as a

Motor vehicle headlights formed. The

Lighting device 101 comprises a housing 102, which is preferably made of plastic. In a

Light exit direction 103 has the spotlight housing

102, a light exit opening, which through a

transparent cover 104 is closed. The

Cover 104 is made of colorless plastic or glass. The disk 104 can be without optically effective

Profiles (for example, prisms) be designed as a so-called clear disc. Alternatively, the disc 104 at least partially with optically effective profiles, the

in particular cause a scattering of the light passing through, be provided.

Inside the headlight housing 102 are in the

illustrated embodiment, two light modules 105, 106 are arranged. The light modules 105, 106 are arranged fixed or relative to the housing 102 movable. By a

Relative movement of the light modules 105, 106 to the housing 102 in the horizontal direction, for example, a dynamic cornering function can be realized. In a movement of the light modules 105, 106 about a horizontal axis, ie in the vertical direction, a headlight range control

will be realized. Of course, in the

Headlight housing 102 also more or less than the be shown two light modules 105, 106 may be provided. On the outside of the headlight housing 102 is a

Controller 107 in a controller housing 108th

arranged. Of course, the controller 107 also at any other place of

Lighting device 101 may be arranged. In particular, for each of the light modules 105, 106 a separate

Control unit be provided, the control units

can be an integral part of the light modules 105, 106. Of course, the controller 107 may also be disposed away from the illumination device 101. The control unit 107 serves to control and / or regulate the light modules 105, 106 or of subcomponents of the light modules 105, 106, such as, for example

Light sources of the light modules 105, 106. The control of the light modules 105, 106 and the sub-components by the controller 107 via connecting lines 110, which in Figure 1 by a dashed line only

symbolically represented. Via the lines 110, the light modules 105, 106 are supplied with electrical energy. The lines 110 are through an opening in

Headlight housing 102 is guided in the control unit housing 108 and connected there to the circuit of the control unit 107. If a plurality of controllers are provided as an integral part of the light modules 105, 106, the leads 110 and may be the opening in the

Spotlight housing 102 omitted.

Claims

An adjustable reflector assembly (2) for a

Light module (105) a

Motor vehicle lighting device (101) having a reflector (4) arranged on a support (12) for reflecting light,

- Wherein a hinge portion (10) determines the reflector (4) to the support (12), so that the

Reflector (4) is rotatable about an imaginary center of rotation (14),

- wherein the reflector (10) in such a way against the carrier (12), so that a rotation of the reflector (4) about an imaginary first axis (x) is prevented,

- Wherein a to the carrier (12) displaceable first Justagemittel (20) in such a manner at a first

Abutment portion (24) of the reflector (4) engages to allow rotation of the reflector (4) about an imaginary second axis (y), and

- Wherein one to the carrier (12) displaceable second adjustment means (30) in such a second

Abutment portion (34) of the reflector (4) engages to allow rotation of the reflector (4) about an imaginary third axis (z). The reflector arrangement (2) according to claim 1,

- Wherein at least two bearing portions (64) of the

Reflector (4) to at least two bearing portions (66) of the carrier (12) correspond such that the reflector (4) and the carrier (12) in at least two storage areas, which substantially on the

imaginary second axis (y) lie, point-shaped abut each other.

The reflector assembly (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal courses of two mutually associated bearing portions (64, 66) of the reflector (4) and the carrier (12) are arranged orthogonal to each other.

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the first adjusting means (20) in the region of the imaginary third axis (z) on the first

Abutment portion (24) attacks.

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the second adjusting means (30) in the region of the imaginary second axis (y) on the second

Abutment portion (34) attacks.

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- wherein a first spring element (76) the first

Counter bearing portion (24) in the direction of the first

Adjustment means (20) press, and

- Wherein a second spring element (62) the second abutment portion (34) in the direction of the second Adjustment means (30) presses.

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- Wherein a third spring element (72) the

Reflector assembly (2) on the support (12) presses.

The reflector assembly (2) according to claim 6 and / or 7, wherein at least two of the spring elements (76, 62, 72) are united in a spring member (50), and wherein the spring member (50) is fixed in sections to the carrier (12) ,

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- Wherein the attack areas (60, 74) of

Adjusting means (30, 20) are oriented for an adjustment tool in a common direction.

The reflector arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the hinge portion (10) comprises a joint ball (42) which is integrally formed or arranged on the reflector (4) or the carrier (12),

- wherein the hinge portion (10) comprises an intermediate element (40) which provides a ball seat (44) for the ball joint (42), and which one

Locking section (46) for fixing the

Intermediate member (40) on the support (12) or the reflector (4) provides.

A light module (2) for a

Automotive lighting device (101) comprising:

a reference reflector arrangement with one to one Carrier fixed reflector and a light source fixed to the carrier, and

- At least one adjustable reflector assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims with a light source (8) fixed to the respective carrier.

A method for adjusting a reflector arrangement (2) for a light module (105) of a

- Wherein the reflector assembly (2) has a

Articulated portion (10) which defines the reflector (4) to the support (12), so that the reflector (4) is rotatable about an imaginary center of rotation (14),

- wherein the reflector (4) in such a way against the carrier (12), so that a rotation of the reflector (4) about an imaginary first axis (x) is prevented, the method comprising:

- Rotating (36) of the reflector (4) about an imaginary second axis (y) by means of a to the carrier (14) displaceable and at a first abutment portion (24) of the reflector (4) engaging first

Adjustment means (20), and

- Rotating (38) of the reflector (4) about an imaginary third axis (z) by means of a to the carrier (12) displaceable and on a second abutment portion (34) of the reflector (4) engaging second

Adjustment means (30).