Locking device for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device (10) for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight, comprising an adjustment mechanism with a connecting rod (1) which is movable for adjusting a horizontal alignment of a headlight relative to a headlight housing (2), and with a locking element (3) comprising a toothed ring (3b) which interacts with a counter-geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2) to prevent rotation, wherein the locking element (3) is designed as a separate component and has locking hooks (3a) which are designed to engage in a counter-geometry (1a) of the connecting rod (1) and to fix the connecting rod (1) relative to the locking element (3), wherein the toothed ring (3b) is designed to interact positively with the counter-geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2).so that rotation of the locking element (3) and adjustment of the connecting rod (1) are prevented. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight.

[0002] Such locking devices are intended for the adjustment mechanisms of vehicle headlights, particularly for fixing a set horizontal alignment relative to a headlight housing. Vehicle headlights must be adjusted to illuminate the road while simultaneously avoiding dazzling oncoming and / or preceding road users. Especially in the SAE market, legal regulations stipulate that the horizontal adjustment must maintain its position under operating conditions after an initial adjustment and / or be permanently secured after the initial adjustment.

[0003] Current solutions include simple locking mechanisms, such as a plug inserted into an adjustment opening. However, these solutions offer low tamper protection because such a plug can be removed in the aftermarket, allowing unauthorized adjustments and / or resulting in insufficient illumination and / or glare due to incorrect settings, and / or resulting in non-compliance with regulatory requirements and / or creating a reputational risk.

[0004] US patent 6050712 A discloses an adjustment mechanism that describes an anti-rotation device using a toothed ring and external detent hooks, wherein the detent hooks interact with an external structure. This describes a system in which locking is achieved via external detent structures that prevent rotation of a drive element.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a tamper-proof fixation of a set position by means of a locking device, thereby preventing subsequent adjustment.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of a locking device with the features of claim 1, and by means of a locking method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the locking device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the locking device can be used to carry out the respective method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a locking device for locking the horizontal adjustment of a vehicle headlight, comprising an adjustment mechanism with a connecting rod that is movable for adjusting the horizontal alignment of the headlight relative to a headlight housing, and a locking element with a toothed ring that interacts with a counter-geometry of the headlight housing to prevent rotation. The locking device thus includes a connecting rod that allows movement and a locking element that can engage with the headlight housing, thereby preventing rotation. The term "locking element" used here corresponds to the locking element mentioned in the description of the invention, and the connecting rod corresponds to an adjusting spindle and / or adjusting shaft.

[0008] To solve the problem of the invention and thus provide a tamper-proof fixation, the locking element is designed as a separate component and has locking hooks configured to engage with a counter-geometry of the connecting rod and fix the connecting rod relative to the locking element. The toothed ring is configured to interact positively with the counter-geometry of the headlight housing, thus preventing rotation of the locking element and adjustment of the connecting rod. The locking element therefore comprises locking hooks, which are directed radially inwards and enable engagement with the counter-geometry, and a toothed ring, which is directed radially outwards and interacts with the counter-geometry.The interaction between the locking hooks and the mating geometry is achieved through a positive engagement, while the interaction between the toothed ring and the mating geometry is also positive, resulting in a combined fixation in the axial and circumferential directions. The present invention provides, in particular, a separate locking element that is activated after initial adjustment. Locking hooks engage with a mating geometry of the connecting rod and / or a toothed ring engages with a mating geometry of the headlight housing, thereby providing anti-rotation protection and / or activation by a single push, turn, and / or snap action and / or preventing release without destruction. This design prevents subsequent adjustment, as releasing the lock is only possible by destroying the component and / or using special tools.

[0009] Unlike prior art, the locking mechanism does not use external locking hooks, but rather locking hooks that engage with a counter-geometry of the connecting rod, thus providing an internal locking mechanism. Simultaneously, the interaction of the toothed ring with the counter-geometry of the headlight housing prevents the locking element from rotating, creating a combined safeguard against axial and rotational misalignment.

[0010] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking hooks are arranged circumferentially on the locking element, thereby enabling a uniform distribution of force. The circumferential arrangement allows forces from different directions to be absorbed, especially during vibrations in driving operation. This ensures a uniform load on the connecting rod and reduces local stress peaks. One application example is a headlight used in a motor vehicle subject to vibrations.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking hooks are provided with an inclined approach ramp and a steep, interlocking back surface, which enables engagement with low force and release only with high force. The inclined approach ramp facilitates activation of the locking mechanism, while the steep back surface prevents slippage. This is particularly advantageous in mass production where simple assembly is required.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the counter-geometry of the connecting rod is designed as a circumferential groove, which enables a defined engagement position. The circumferential groove allows for engagement regardless of the angular position, thereby compensating for tolerances in the assembly process. This is particularly advantageous in automated assembly processes.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the counter-geometry of the headlight housing is designed as a toothed ring, which enables a positive locking mechanism to prevent rotation. The toothed ring provides a multitude of engagement positions, thereby achieving secure fixation. This is particularly useful for headlights of different sizes.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is formed in one piece, which simplifies manufacturing. A one-piece component reduces the number of components and thus potential sources of error. This is particularly advantageous in cost-sensitive applications.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is moved into a locked position by a single activation movement, which enables simple assembly. Activation can be achieved, for example, by pressing, thereby achieving a quick and reproducible locking action.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism can only be released by destruction, thus ensuring a high level of tamper resistance. This prevents unauthorized adjustments in the aftermarket. This, in particular, results in increased tamper resistance and / or improved road safety and / or compliance with legal requirements and / or a reduction in liability risks and / or permanent stability of the setting and / or easy activation and detectable tampering.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for locking the horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight, in which a connecting rod is moved relative to a headlight housing for adjustment and a locking element with a toothed ring is provided. The method comprises an initial adjustment and an activation of the locking mechanism, wherein locking hooks engage in a mating geometry and simultaneously a toothed ring engages in a mating geometry. The interaction is achieved through a positive engagement, thereby securing the set position. This ensures that the set position is maintained.

[0018] In other words, the locking device is designed to include not only a locking mechanism via detent hooks, but also a toothed ring that interacts with a counter-geometry, thereby achieving combined protection against axial and rotational movement. Additionally, high-strength materials can be used, ensuring long-term stability. The combination of these features essentially results in a tamper-proof locking mechanism that surpasses the known state of the art.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0020] This shows: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a locking device with a connecting rod; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the locking element with a toothed ring; Fig. 3 schematically a known design with a plug; Fig. 4 schematically a locking device with a locking element whose locking hook engages in the counter geometry of the connecting rod and whose toothed ring interacts with the counter geometry of the headlight housing.

[0021] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a locking device 10 with a connecting rod 1 having a mating geometry 1a, a headlight housing 2, and a locking element 3 with locking hooks 3a. The locking hooks 3a are designed to engage with the mating geometry 1a of the connecting rod 1 and allow for a back-hook engagement. In this context, the problem becomes clear that with known solutions, especially when using simple plugs, the locking mechanism is not sufficiently tamper-proof, as removal without damage is possible. This allows for subsequent adjustment of the horizontal setting, which can lead to incorrect alignment and thus to an impairment of road safety and a deviation from regulatory requirements.

[0023] The present invention relates in particular to a locking device 10 for tamper-proof locking of the horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight after its initial setting, especially for use in markets with regulatory requirements, wherein the locking device 10 is integrated into an existing adjustment mechanism comprising a connecting rod 1, the movement of which controls the horizontal alignment, and wherein the connecting rod 1 has a counter geometry 1a which is provided for the engagement of the locking hooks 3a.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the locking element 3 with a toothed ring 3b that interacts with a mating geometry 2a of the headlight housing 2. The toothed ring 3b engages positively with the mating geometry 2a, thereby preventing rotation of the locking element 3 relative to the headlight housing 2. The locking element 3 is designed as a separate and preferably one-piece component and, in addition to the locking hooks 3a, has the toothed ring 3b, which has a defined number of teeth designed for positive engagement with the mating geometry 2a of the headlight housing 2.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a known embodiment with a plug 11 inserted into an adjustment opening. This embodiment merely represents a simple cover, without any positive-locking and / or interlocking connection to a connecting rod 1. This allows the plug to be removed without damage, thus enabling manipulation of the setting. In contrast, the invention provides a locking mechanism by means of a locking device 10, which is activated after an initial adjustment. Known solutions do not provide permanent locking and therefore do not prevent unauthorized adjustment.

[0026] Fig.Figure 4 schematically shows a locking device 10 with a locking element 3, whose locking hook 3a engages in the counter-geometry 1a of the connecting rod 1 and whose toothed ring 3b interacts with the counter-geometry 2a of the headlight housing 2. This interaction fixes the connecting rod 1 relative to the locking element 3 and simultaneously secures the locking element 3 against rotation relative to the headlight housing 2, thus preventing any change in the horizontal setting after activation.The locking process takes place in several steps, first by making an initial adjustment of the connecting rod 1 and then by activating the locking element 3, for example by moving and / or pressing it in, so that the locking hooks 3a engage in the counter geometry 1a and the toothed ring 3b engages positively with the counter geometry 2a of the headlight housing 2, thereby achieving permanent locking and making manipulation possible only by destroying the device and / or using special tools.

[0027] The locking hooks 3a have a geometry with a ramp and a hooking rear surface, enabling engagement and making release difficult, while the combination of locking hook 3a and toothed ring 3b provides simultaneous locking against axial and rotational movement. Furthermore, the components, in particular the locking element 3, the locking hooks 3a, the toothed ring 3b, and the counter geometries 1a and 2a, can be made of high-strength plastics and / or metals, thus achieving high mechanical stability, and the locking device 10 is particularly suitable for use in vehicle headlights in markets with regulatory requirements.

[0028] In summary, the invention proposes a tamper-proof locking mechanism for the horizontal adjustment of vehicle headlights. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 6050712 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Locking device (10) for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight, comprising an adjustment mechanism having a connecting rod (1) which is movable for adjusting a horizontal alignment of a headlight relative to a headlight housing (2), and a locking element (3) which has a toothed ring (3b) which interacts with a counter geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2) to prevent rotation, characterized by, that the locking element (3) is designed as a separate component and has locking hooks (3a) designed to engage in a counter geometry (1a) of the connecting rod (1) and to fix the connecting rod (1) relative to the locking element (3), wherein the toothed ring (3b) is designed to engage positively with the counter geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2) so that rotation of the locking element (3) and adjustment of the connecting rod (1) is prevented. [2] Locking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking hooks (3a) are arranged around the perimeter of the locking element (3). [3] Locking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the locking hooks (3a) have a sloping approach ramp and a steep, hooking back side. [4] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the opposite geometry (1a) of the connecting rod (1) is designed as a circumferential groove. [5] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opposite geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2) is designed as a toothed ring. [6] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (3) is formed in one piece. [7] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (3) is designed to be moved into a locked position by a single activation movement. [8] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking mechanism can only be released by destroying the locking element (3), the connecting rod (1) or the headlight housing (2). [9] Method for locking a horizontal setting of a vehicle headlight by means of a locking device (10) in which a connecting rod (1) is moved relative to a headlight housing (2) to adjust a horizontal alignment and a locking element (3) is provided with a toothed ring (3b) which interacts with a counter geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2) to prevent rotation, characterized by, that after an initial adjustment of the connecting rod (1) the locking element (3) is activated, whereby locking hooks (3a) of the locking element (3) engage in a counter geometry (1a) of the connecting rod (1) and fix the connecting rod (1) relative to the locking element (3), and at the same time the toothed ring (3b) of the locking element (3) is brought into positive engagement with the counter geometry (2a) of the headlight housing (2), so that a rotation of the locking element (3) and an adjustment of the connecting rod (1) is prevented.

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