Dampened vehicle headlamp system

Abstract

The invention relates to a damped vehicle headlight system (1) having - at least one vehicle frame element (2) which can be connected firmly to the vehicle, - a vehicle headlight housing (3) which is held in a movable manner at the vehicle frame element (2), with at least one pin (4) which is connected to the vehicle headlight housing (3), the pin preferably being connected firmly to the vehicle headlight housing (3), - at least one triggering element (5) which can be connected mechanically to the bumper of the vehicle, and - at least one triggering mechanism (6) which is connected firmly to the vehicle frame element (2), the triggering mechanism being designed to accommodate the triggering element (5) and the pin (4) and to switch between a state (S1) in which the pin (4) is blocked and a state (S2) in which the pin (4) is released, at least depending on the position of the triggering element (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a damped vehicle headlamp system, having at least one vehicle frame element which can be firmly connected to the vehicle, a vehicle headlamp housing which is held in a movable manner at the vehicle frame element, the vehicle headlamp housing having at least one pin which is connected to the vehicle headlamp housing, preferably firmly, wherein the vehicle frame element has at least one guide device for accommodating and linearly guiding the pin, wherein the pin is in engagement with the guide device, so that the vehicle headlamp housing is guided by the movement of the pin along the guide device and can thereby be moved relative to the vehicle frame element, at least one trigger element which can be mechanically connected to the bumper of the vehicle, and at least one trigger mechanism which is firmly connected to the vehicle frame element, the trigger mechanism being designed to accommodate the trigger element and the pin and to switch between a latched state of the pin and a released state of the pin depending on at least the position of the trigger element, wherein in the released state of the pin the vehicle headlamp housing together with the pin can be moved relative to the vehicle frame element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Damped vehicle headlamps are used to protect pedestrians, since in the event of a collision the impact energy can be absorbed by the movement of the vehicle headlamp. The document EP 1 332 915 B1 shows a damped vehicle headlamp according to the prior art.

[0003] The prior art damped vehicle headlamp systems generally have the disadvantage that the headlamp housing is held elastically without being fixed in a position here. The headlamp housing thus also moves in some situations, in which this movement is even undesirable or inappropriate. Thus, for example, vibrations in the driving operation, jolts, manually applied pressure in the cleaning or washing facility, etc. can lead to the headlamp moving. This slight movability conveys an impression of a low-end instability. However, increasing the rigidity of the system reduces the protection of pedestrians. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore the task of the invention to create a damped vehicle headlamp system which provides reliable protection of pedestrians and at the same time has a high-end appearance.

[0005] This task is solved with a damped vehicle headlamp system of the type mentioned at the beginning of this text, in which a triggering mechanism according to the application comprises the following: a swivel arm which is rotatably supported in the triggering mechanism, which swivel arm has an insertion region for accommodating a pin, wherein the swivel arm is provided for swiveling between two positions, namely between a holding position, in which the swivel arm opposes the movement of the pin accommodated in the insertion region along the guide device, and a release position, in which the swivel arm releases the movement of the pin along the guide device; a locking element which is linearly movably held in the triggering mechanism, wherein the locking element is provided for being inserted into the swivel arm in a latching position and for latching this swivel arm in this latching position according to the position of the triggering element or for switching into the release position in such a way that the locking element can be moved between a locking position for latching the swivel arm and an unlocking position for switching the swivel arm into the release position, wherein a first spring element is provided, which exerts a spring force on the locking element which presses this locking element into the locking position, wherein the locking element is mechanically coupled with the triggering element in such a way that in the initial position of the triggering element the locking element is held in the locking position by means of the first spring element and the locking element is moved against the spring force into the unlocking position as a result of the position movement of the triggering element into the triggering position, as a result of which the swivel arm is swiveled from the holding position towards the release position and the triggering mechanism is thus switched into the released state. With these features a sophisticated configuration of the damped vehicle headlamp system is created, which on the one hand allows a movement of the vehicle headlamp housing in the event of an accident and on the other hand prevents undesired movements by latching of the housing.

[0006] It can be provided in particular that a second spring element is provided, which is connected with the vehicle frame element and with the vehicle headlamp housing, which second spring element is provided for exerting a restoring spring force on the vehicle headlamp housing, as a result of which the pin is pressed in the direction of the swivel arm. When the pin is held in the swivel arm, the vehicle headlamp housing is thus in a rest position. In the event of activation by the triggering element, the swivel arm is released and the vehicle headlamp housing can be moved together with the pin typically against the main illumination direction of the headlamp. The spring here also absorbs the crash energy, which is delivered to the vehicle, in particular to the headlamp or the housing of the headlamp, by a pedestrian in the event of a crash.

[0007] It can also be provided that the triggering mechanism has a third spring element which is arranged in such a way that a force is exerted on the swivel arm which presses the swivel arm in the direction of the holding position. The swivel arm can thus be returned automatically. It can in particular be provided that the triggering mechanism has a movable holding element and a fourth spring element, wherein the holding element is provided by means of the spring elements to block the swivel arm from switching from the release position into the blocking position in such a way that a spring force is exerted on the swivel arm in the release position which counteracts the spring force of the third spring element and exceeds this spring force, so that the return of the swivel arm is released by the movement of the holding element against the spring force of the fourth spring element by the addition of the return force exerted by the passage pin of the second spring element.

[0008] It can also be provided that the triggering element is configured as a projection, in particular a pin.

[0009] It can in particular be provided that the locking element has a hook for being plugged into the swivel arm.

[0010] It can also be provided that the guide in the vehicle frame element is configured as a slot or a long hole.

[0011] It can in particular be provided that the locking element is mechanically coupled with the triggering element in such a way that the locking element is pressed into the unlocked position against the force of the first spring element by the insertion of the triggering element into the locking element.

[0012] It can also be provided that the vehicle headlamp housing contains at least one light module which is provided for outputting a light distribution. A headlamp is thereby formed. The system thus likewise comprises a headlamp.

[0013] It can also be provided that the guide and the pin are designed in such a way that the maximum stroke of the vehicle headlamp housing along the guide is between 3 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 7 cm.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle which comprises at least one damped headlamp system according to any of the preceding claims.

[0015] It can also be provided that the motor vehicle has two headlamp units for producing a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, wherein the motor vehicle has two damped vehicle headlamp systems, wherein the two vehicle headlamp housings of the two damped vehicle headlamp systems form the vehicle headlamp housings of the two headlamp units.

[0016] It can also be provided that the motor vehicle has a bumper, wherein each triggering element is connected with the bumper, so that in the event of a collision causing a movement of the bumper, the triggering element is moved in the direction of the vehicle headlamp and thus a movement of the vehicle headlamp against the main driving direction of the vehicle is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The application is explained in more detail by means of the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a damped vehicle headlight system according to the application in a first position;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a damped vehicle headlight system according to the application in a second position according to Figure 1

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a damped vehicle headlight system according to the application in a third position according to Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a damped vehicle headlight system according to the application according to Figures 1 to 3

[0022] In the following drawings, identical reference signs refer to identical features, if not stated otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a damped vehicle headlight system 1 according to the application in a first position. The damped vehicle headlight system 1 comprises at least one vehicle frame element 2 which can be firmly connected to the vehicle and a vehicle headlight housing 3 which is held in a movable manner at the vehicle frame element 2, the vehicle headlight housing having at least one pin 4 which is connected to the vehicle headlight housing 3, preferably firmly. The vehicle frame element 2 has at least one guide device 2a for accommodating and linearly guiding the pin 4, wherein the pin 4 is in engagement with the guide device 2a, so that the vehicle headlight housing 3 is guided by the movement of the pin 4 along the guide device and thus can be moved with respect to the vehicle frame element 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the damped vehicle headlight system 1 has at least one triggering element 5 which can be mechanically connected to a bumper (not shown in the figures) of the vehicle and at least one triggering mechanism 6 which is firmly connected to the vehicle frame element 2. The triggering mechanism 6 is designed to accommodate the triggering element 5 and the pin 4 and to at least lock the pin 4 in a state SI (see Figure 1 ) and to release the pin 4 in a state S2 (see Figure 3 ​​​Switching between () and (). In state S2 with the pin 4 released, the vehicle headlight housing 3 together with the pin 4 can move about the frame element 2, more specifically, preferably against the main driving direction of the vehicle, so that the headlight including the vehicle headlight housing 3 can be moved into the vehicle in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.

[0025] exist Figure 1 As can be seen, the triggering mechanism 6 includes a rotating arm 6a rotatably supported within the triggering mechanism 6. The rotating arm 6a has an engagement region 6a' for receiving the pin 4, wherein the rotating arm 6a is configured to rotate between two positions, namely, a holding position D1 and a releasing position D2 (see...). Figure 3 The rotating arm 6a rotates between the following positions: in the holding position, the rotating arm 6a resists the movement of the pin 4 housed in the engagement region 6a' along the guide device 2a; in the release position, the rotating arm 6a releases the movement of the pin 4 along the guide device 2a. Furthermore, the triggering mechanism 6 has a locking element 6b, which is held in the triggering mechanism 6 in a linearly movable manner. The locking element 6b is configured to engage with the rotating arm 6a in the locked position D1 and switch between locking the rotating arm in this locked position and releasing it to the release position depending on the position of the triggering element 5. For this purpose, the locking element 6b is configured to be in the locked position V1 for locking the rotating arm 6a and the unlocked position V2 for switching the rotating arm 6a to the release position D2 (see [reference]). Figure 3 The device moves between the two positions. A first spring element 6c applies a spring force F to the locking element 6b, pressing the locking element into the locked position V1. F1 The locking element 6b is mechanically connected to the triggering element 5 such that, in the initial position P1 of the triggering element 5, the locking element 6b is held in the locked position V1 by means of the first spring element 6c, and moves to the triggering position P2 due to the position of the triggering element 5 (see...). Figure 3 In the process, the locking element 6b is overcome by the spring force F. F1 The arm moves to the unlock position V2, thus rotating the arm 6a from the holding position D1 to the release position D2, and triggering the mechanical device 6 to switch to the release state S2.

[0026] A side view of the vehicle headlight system 1 with shock absorption is shown. Figure 4 As can be seen, a second spring element 7 is provided, which is connected to the frame element 2 and the vehicle headlight housing 3. The second spring element 7 is configured to return the spring force F to its original position. F2The force is applied to the headlight housing 3, thus pressing the pin 4 along the direction of the rotating arm 6a. When the pin 4 is held in the rotating arm 6a, the headlight housing 3 is thus in a stationary position; in the event of a collision with the trigger element 5, the rotating arm 6a is released and the headlight housing 3, along with the pin 4, can typically be moved against the main illumination direction of the headlight. The spring 7 also absorbs the impact energy, which, for example, is transferred from a pedestrian to the vehicle, and in particular the headlight, in the event of a collision.

[0027] observe Figure 1 It should now be mentioned that the triggering mechanism 6 can have a third spring element 6d, arranged in such a way that the force F F3 The force applied to the rotating arm 6a presses it along the direction of the holding position D1. The rotating arm 6a can then automatically return to its original position.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be specified that the triggering mechanism 6 has a movable retaining element 6e and a fourth spring element 6f. The retaining element 6e, by means of the spring element 6f, is configured to prevent the rotating arm 6a from switching from the released position D2 to the locked position D1 in such a way that the spring force F F4 The spring force applied to the rotating arm 6a, which is in the release position D2, counteracts the spring force F of the third spring element 6d. F3 And exceeding this spring force, so that the restoring force F applied by the second spring element 7 through the pin 4 F2 Only by holding element 6e can the spring force F of the fourth spring element 6f be overcome. F4 The rotating arm 6a is released and reset. The trigger element 5 can be configured as a protrusion, particularly a pin. It can be specified that the locking element 6b has a hook 6b' for engaging with the rotating arm 6a.

[0029] observe Figures 1 to 3 The triggering process of the shock-absorbing vehicle headlight system 1 should now be explained, wherein the shock-absorbing vehicle headlight system 1 is implemented as self-healing. If based on... Figure 1 When a collision occurs with the bumper or rocker arm connected to the trigger element 5, the trigger element 5 can move toward the triggering mechanism 6. Through the inclined surface 5' (illustrated only) through which the trigger element 5 is inserted, the locking element 6b overcomes the spring force F. F1 The ground moves to the left (see also) Figure 2 In the middle position P12 and see Figure 3 In the intermediate position P2), hook 6b' is therefore no longer engaged in the rotating arm 6a. If the collision now also acts on the vehicle headlight housing 3, then this vehicle headlight housing, together with pin 4, can move along the guide device 2a in the direction of the vehicle center. The force applied by pin 4 overcomes the spring force F of the rotating arm 6a. F3The ground pressure is introduced into the position D3 (see Figure 3 , in which position the pin 4 is released, so that this pin can be moved along the guide 2a against the spring force F F2 in the direction of the vehicle center to reach the maximum stroke. The guide 2a and the pin 4 can be designed in such a way that the maximum stroke of the vehicle headlamp housing 3 along the guide 2a is between 3 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 7 cm. The guide 2a in the vehicle frame element 2 can be designed, for example, as a slot or a long hole. In other words, the locking element 6b is mechanically coupled to the trigger element 5 in such a way that the locking element 6b is pressed into the unlocked position V2 against the force of the first spring element 6c by the insertion of the trigger element 5 into the locking element 6b. Figure 2 The trigger mechanism 6 is shown in an intermediate position, in which the pin 4 is still held in the swivel arm 6a, but the swivel arm 6a is no longer locked by the locking element 6b in the position P12 and can therefore be moved both along the spring force F F3 and against this force. The direction of movement depends on whether an external force is still acting on the headlamp housing 3 due to a collision. If this is not the case, the pin 4 is pressed into the swivel arm 6a, so that the swivel arm 6a together with the pin is moved into the initial position D1 again. The trigger element 5 then leaves the intermediate position P12 and returns to the initial position P1 again.

[0030] It can be provided that the vehicle headlamp housing 3 comprises at least one light module, which is designed for outputting a light distribution, in particular a low beam distribution and / or a high beam distribution.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, which is not shown in the drawings, comprising at least one shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system 1 according to the invention.

[0032] The motor vehicle can have two headlamp units for generating a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, wherein the motor vehicle can have two shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp systems according to the invention, wherein the two vehicle headlamp housings 3 of the two shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp systems constitute the vehicle headlamp housings of the two headlamp units.

[0033] It can furthermore be provided that the motor vehicle has a bumper, wherein each trigger element 5 is connected to the bumper, so that in the case of a collision-induced movement of the bumper, the trigger element is moved in the direction of the vehicle headlamp and thus a movement of the vehicle headlamp against the main driving direction of the vehicle is achieved.

[0034] The application is not restricted to the shown embodiments, but is defined by the entire scope of the claims. Individual aspects of the application or of the embodiments can also be considered separately and combined with each other. The possible reference signs in the claims are exemplary and are only intended to more simply refer to the different elements in the claims, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Damped vehicle headlight system (1) having - at least one vehicle frame element (2) which can be firmly connected to the vehicle, - a vehicle headlamp housing (3) held in a movable manner at the vehicle frame element (2), with at least one pin (4) connected with the vehicle headlamp housing (3), the pin being connected with the vehicle headlamp housing (3), wherein the vehicle frame element (2) having at least one guide device (2a) for accommodating and linearly guiding a pin (4), wherein the pin (4) is in a form-fitting connection with the guide device (2a), so that the vehicle headlight housing (3) is guided by the movement of the pin (4) along the guide device (2a) and can thereby be moved with respect to the vehicle frame element (2), - at least one trigger element (5) which can be mechanically connected to the bumper of the vehicle, and - at least one trigger mechanism (6) which is firmly connected to the vehicle frame element (2) and is designed to accommodate the trigger element (5) and the pin (4) and to switch between a blocked state (SI) of the pin (4) and a released state (S2) of the pin (4) depending on at least the position of the trigger element (5), wherein in the released state (S2) of the pin (4) the vehicle headlight housing (3) can be moved with respect to the vehicle frame element (2) together with the pin (4), characterized in that the trigger mechanism (6) comprises the following: * a swivel arm (6a) which is rotatably mounted in the trigger mechanism (6) and has a form-fitting region (6a') for accommodating the pin (4), wherein the swivel arm (6a) is designed to be swiveled between two positions, namely between a holding position (Dl) in which the swivel arm (6a) counteracts the movement of the pin (4) along the guide device (2a) which is accommodated in the form-fitting region (6a'), and a release position (D2) in which the swivel arm (6a) releases the movement of the pin (4) along the guide device (2a), * A locking element (6b) is held in the trigger mechanism (6) in a linearly movable manner, wherein the locking element (6b) is configured to engage with the rotating arm (6a) in a locked position (D1) and to lock the rotating arm in this locked position (D1) or to release it to a released position (D2) depending on the position of the trigger element (5), i.e., the locking element (6b) is movable between a locked position (V1) for locking the rotating arm (6a) and an unlocked position (V2) for releasing the rotating arm (6a) to the released position (D2), wherein a first spring element (6c) is provided, the first spring element applying a spring force (F) to the locking element (6b) to press the locking element into the locked position (V1). F1 In this manner, the locking element (6b) and the triggering element (5) are mechanically connected such that, in the initial position (P1) of the triggering element (5), the locking element (6b) is held in the locked position (V1) by means of the first spring element (6c), and as the position of the triggering element (5) moves to the triggering position (P2), the locking element (6b) overcomes the spring force (F). F1 The rotating arm (6a) moves from the holding position (D1) to the releasing position (D2), thereby realizing the rotation of the rotating arm (6a) from the holding position (D1) to the releasing position (D2), and triggering the mechanical device (6) to switch to the released state (S2).

2. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 1, wherein A second spring element (7) is provided, which is connected with the vehicle frame element (2) and with the vehicle headlamp housing (3), wherein the spring element (7) is designed to exert a resetting spring force (F F2 ) onto the vehicle headlamp housing (3), as a result of which the pin (4) is pressed in the direction of the swivel arm (6a).

3. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 2, wherein The trigger mechanism (6) has a third spring element (6d) which is arranged such that a force (F F3 ) is exerted on the swivel arm (6a) which presses the swivel arm (6a) in the direction of the holding position (D1).

4. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 3, wherein The triggering mechanism (6) has a movable retaining element (6e) and a fourth spring element (6f), wherein the retaining element (6e) is configured by means of the spring element (6f) to prevent the rotating arm (6a) from switching from the released position (D2) to the locked position (D1) in such a way that a spring force (F) is applied to the rotating arm (6a) in the released position (D2). F4 The spring force (F) F4 The spring force (F) against the third spring element (6d) F3 And exceeded this spring force (F) F3 Therefore, by adding the second spring element (7) through the pin (4) the restoring force (F) applied. F2 Only then can the spring force (F) of the fourth spring element (6f) be overcome by the retaining element (6e). F4 The movement of the rotating arm (6a) releases the reset of the rotating arm (6a).

5. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trigger element (5) is designed as a protrusion.

6. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking element (6b) has a hook (6b') for form-fitting into the swivel arm (6a).

7. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide device (2a) in the vehicle frame element (2) is designed as a slot or a long hole.

8. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking element (6b) is mechanically coupled to the trigger element (5) in such a way that the locking element (6b) is pressed into the locking position (V2) against the force of the first spring element (6c) as a result of the insertion of the trigger element (5) into the locking element (6b).

9. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle headlight housing (3) contains at least one light module which is designed to output a light distribution.

10. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide device (2a) and the pin (4) are designed in such a way that the maximum stroke of the vehicle headlight housing (3) along the guide device (2a) is between 3 cm and 10 cm.

11. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the pin is firmly connected to the vehicle headlight housing (3).

12. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 5, wherein, the trigger element (5) is designed as a pin.

13. The shock-absorbing vehicle headlamp system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, the guide device (2a) and the pin (4) are designed in such a way that the maximum stroke of the vehicle headlight housing (3) along the guide device (2a) is between 5 cm and 7 cm.

14. Motor vehicle comprising a damped vehicle headlight system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The motor vehicle of claim 14, wherein, The motor vehicle has two headlight units for producing a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, wherein the motor vehicle has two damped vehicle headlight systems according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the two vehicle headlight housings (3) of the two damped vehicle headlight systems form the vehicle headlight housings of the two headlight units.

16. The motor vehicle of claim 15, wherein, The motor vehicle has a bumper, wherein each triggering element (5) is connected to the bumper, so that in the event of a collision causing a movement of the bumper, the triggering element moves in the direction of the vehicle headlight and thus a movement of the vehicle headlight against the main driving direction of the vehicle is achieved.

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