Device for compensating for thermal expansion in headlamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for compensating for thermal expansion in a headlight (200), in particular for a vehicle (300), comprising: a compensator (10) which is designed to expand or contract in an expansion direction (A) depending on the temperature; a tappet (30) which is operatively connected to the compensator (10), whereby an expansion or contraction of the compensator (10) in the expansion direction (A) causes a movement of the tappet (30) in a compensation direction (K); a lever (20), which rotatably and / or pivotally connects the compensator (10) to the tappet (30) in order to establish the operative connection. The invention further relates to a headlamp comprising the device.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device having the features of an independent device claim and a headlamp having the features of an independent claim related to a headlamp. Background Art

[0002] Known headlamps for vehicles can have a light unit, such as a high beam and / or low beam. The light unit can be used to illuminate the area in front of (or behind) the vehicle. In particular, when the headlamp is operating in low beam, a light-dark boundary that extends substantially horizontally can be generated. Here, the area where oncoming traffic is located can be at least partially left empty. When the temperature changes, especially heating (e.g., due to electrical losses in the headlamp, vehicle heat, engine heat, and / or ambient temperature) and / or cooling (e.g., due to ambient temperature, cooling or shutdown of the vehicle / engine), expansion and / or contraction of the headlamp and / or its components can occur. Due to the resulting (mechanical) movement, the lighting characteristics can change. In particular, the light-dark boundary can (undesirably) shift. This can lead to insufficient illumination of the vehicle and / or for the driver. This can also lead to glare for oncoming traffic and thereby especially to a safety risk. Thus, it can be provided that the expansion and / or contraction caused by temperature and / or temperature changes is at least partially reduced.

[0003] However, the methods and systems known from the prior art have different disadvantages. For example, these methods and systems do not have sufficient adjustability. It can be provided that these systems and / or the adjustability is complex and / or expensive. In addition, compensation and / or stabilization of thermal expansion and / or contraction cannot be implemented or can only be implemented insufficiently. Furthermore, it is possible that the known systems are not flexible or not flexible enough, which can especially require special designs or developments for different headlamps and / or requirements. Therefore, the structural space size can vary strongly. In particular, the cost can be increased (thereby). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for compensating thermal expansion and / or contraction. In addition, an object can be to achieve improved and / or more accurate adjustability. An object can also be to provide an optimized and / or constant structural space size of the device and / or to provide a device that can be used flexibly and / or an action direction of the device that can be variably adjusted.

[0005] The above task is solved according to the invention by a device having the features of an independent device claim and a headlamp having the features of an independent claim related to a headlamp. Further features and details of the invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in connection with the device according to the invention of course also apply in connection with the headlamp (and the vehicle) according to the invention, and vice versa respectively, so that the disclosures regarding the individual inventive aspects always refer to each other or can refer to each other. In particular, the advantages described in the scope of the first and / or second aspect also apply respectively to the first and / or second aspect.

[0006] The above task is solved according to the first aspect by a device for compensating thermal expansion and / or contraction in a headlamp (or its components), said headlamp being especially for a vehicle, the device having:

[0007] - a compensator, which is designed to expand or contract along the expansion direction according to the temperature,

[0008] - a tappet, which is in operative connection with the compensator, whereby the expansion or contraction of the compensator along the expansion direction causes the tappet to move along the compensation direction,

[0009] - a lever, which rotatably and / or pivotably connects the compensator to the tappet in order to establish the operative connection.

[0010] Thermal changes and / or temperature changes, for example caused by the operation of the headlamp, especially the light unit, can here lead to (geometric) expansion and / or contraction of the headlamp and / or its components. The compensation can here lead to the fact that preferably the thermal shape change / deformation (especially due to expansion and / or contraction) of the compensator (and at least partly also of the remaining components) does not bring about a change in the lighting characteristics of the light unit and / or the headlamp connected to (or arranged on) the device or (only) brings about a small change in the lighting characteristics. In other words, it can be provided that the expansion and / or contraction of the compensator at least partly (preferably completely) compensates for the thermal deformation of the remaining components. Here, the stabilization and / or constant maintenance of the light-dark boundary (in the same relative position) can be implemented. Thus, the expansion and / or contraction of the headlamp, the light unit, the compensator, the lever, the tappet, the housing and / or the bracket can be (as completely as possible) compensated. This can be carried out according to the (material-specific) temperature coefficient of the compensator in particular. By selecting the geometry and / or material of the compensator, the lever, the tappet, the housing and / or the bracket in particular, the thermal shape change can be determined especially in advance, for example during development (by simulation), and thus an as-optimized-as-possible compensation can be achieved especially for the subsequent operating temperature range (for example between -20 °C and 60 °C).

[0011] The compensator is designed to expand and / or contract in accordance with temperature and / or temperature changes. Here, the compensator can expand and / or contract along the expansion direction, in particular along the longitudinal extension of the compensator (see also the drawings). Thus, during expansion and / or contraction, the compensator can change its length and / or move at least locally. The compensator can be connected to the housing (see below), in particular at a fixed point (rotatably and / or pivotably). When the compensator deforms, in particular the end of the compensator that is not arranged on the housing (for example, the compensator lever shaft) can move relative to the housing. Such movement can be transmitted to the lever and / or the tappet. Here, it can be provided that the direction of movement changes. The compensator can, for example, have polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and / or polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0012] The tappet is preferably in a mechanical functional connection with the compensator. The tappet can be movable, in particular along the compensation direction, in particular relative to the housing of the device. It can be simply assumed that, during a temperature change, only the compensator expands or contracts first and / or primarily. However, it can also be provided that all other components also expand and / or contract (at least partially). However, the mechanism of the present invention can be most simply understood through the compensator. When the compensator thermally deforms, the resulting movement can be transmitted to the tappet, in particular via the lever or the functional connection. Thereby, the tappet can move and, in particular, move relative to the housing, the bracket, the compensator, and / or the lever. The tappet can be connected to the optical unit. The optical unit can move in accordance with the movement of the tappet. Thereby, compensation and / or stabilization can be implemented in accordance with the (thermal) deformation of the compensator. The tappet and / or the joint can have polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and / or sintered steel D10.

[0013] The lever can be connected here to the compensator and / or the tappet preferably in a rotatable and / or pivotable manner. The lever can be designed to transmit the expansion and / or contraction of the compensator and / or the associated movement (in the expansion direction) along another direction and / or the compensation direction, in particular via the acting connection. This allows for additional and / or more accurate adjustability. In particular, a larger / smaller deformation / movement of the compensator can be (adjustably) transmitted into a smaller / larger movement of the tappet. This allows for high flexibility during the planning, construction, assembly and / or repair of the device and / or the headlight. For example, the upper end of the lever can be rotatably and / or pivotably connected to the compensator, in particular via the compensator lever axis, and preferably the lever and / or the compensator are rotatable and / or pivotable about the compensator lever axis. For example, the lower end of the lever can be rotatably and / or pivotably connected to the tappet, in particular via the lever tappet axis, and preferably the lever and / or the tappet are rotatable and / or pivotable about the lever tappet axis. The compensator lever axis and / or the lever tappet axis can be arranged here aligned and / or parallel to the vertical line and / or perpendicular to the expansion direction and / or the compensation direction. The lever and / or another lever can be made of steel, for example.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be advantageous if the lever has a hole in which an insertion shaft can be arranged (flexibly and / or variably and / or releasably reversibly and / or manually), wherein the lever is rotatably and / or pivotably supported about the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft can be made of steel, for example.

[0015] Here, the insertion shaft can be non-rotatable relative to the housing and / or the lever. The insertion shaft preferably has a (cylindrical) screw which can be releasably fastened in the thread of the housing. Alternatively, it can be provided that the insertion shaft is also rotatable relative to the housing and / or the lever. Preferably, it can be provided here that the housing (in particular a housing part or a housing half) at least partially positively surrounds the insertion shaft. Thereby, the insertion shaft can be held in its position. It can also be provided that the insertion shaft can be fastened or is fastened in the hole and / or another hole of the lever, for example the insertion shaft is designed as a (cylindrical) screw and is preferably screwed into the thread of the hole and / or the other hole. Here, the insertion shaft can preferably be at least partially designed as a rod, in particular so that it can be twisted relative to the housing. The insertion shaft can be made of steel and / or polyethylene. Particularly preferably, the insertion shaft can be rotated at least relative to the housing or the lever.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that the device has a bracket which is designed to adjustably arrange the device on or in a headlight, wherein in particular the bracket is arranged (oppositely) aligned with the tappet, wherein the bracket and the tappet are arranged at a distance from each other, and the distance therebetween changes according to the temperature.

[0017] The bracket described herein may have an adjusting screw, which may preferably be screwed into the housing. It may be provided that the end of the bracket, in particular the end protruding from the housing, can be connected to the headlight. Thus, the bracket can be arranged and / or fastened on or in the headlight (housing). The bracket can be designed to adjust the distance between the headlight and the device and / or the housing. This may include "coarse adjustment". Thus, it may be provided that the device and / or the housing are positioned within the headlight. For example, the bracket, in particular the adjusting screw, can be screwed in or out of the thread of the housing. When the other end is connected to the headlight, the distance can thus be adjusted. Preferably, the bracket and the tappet are not connected to each other. Thus, the adjustability of the bracket and the tappet can be carried out independently of each other. Here, the tappet can be used for "fine adjustment". In particular, the tappet can allow compensation according to the deformation of the compensator. The bracket preferably has a longitudinal extension and / or a cylindrical (screw) shape. It may be provided that the bracket, the tappet and / or the compensation direction are arranged parallelly and / or alignedly. Thus, particularly effective adjustability and / or force transmission can be allowed.

[0018] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be provided that the expansion direction is formed at an angle with respect to the compensation direction.

[0019] Preferably, the expansion direction and the compensation direction may be formed non-aligned. Here, the expansion direction and / or the compensation direction may be arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal line and / or the vertical line, in particular perpendicular to the horizontal line and / or the vertical line. Thus, the thermal expansion of the compensator along the expansion direction (by means of a lever) to the movement of the tappet along the compensation direction can be allowed. Thus, transmission (similar to that in a transmission) can be allowed. Thus, particularly accurate (fine) adjustability and / or compensation can be implemented. It may be provided that the compensation direction is preferably formed along the light beam direction of the light unit. The compensation direction, the vertical line and the horizontal line may form an (orthogonal) right-handed system here. (For explanation) It may be provided that the light-dark boundary also extends (substantially) along the horizontal line (for example, dark / sky above and bright / road below). Due to the thermal deformation of the headlight and / or the light-emitting unit, the light-dark boundary may move upwards, for example, and dazzle oncoming traffic. By using the compensation of the device, the light-dark boundary can be stabilized and / or maintained (constant) at the same position.

[0020] Alternatively, it can be envisaged that, especially when the compensator is arranged (almost) parallel to the tappet, the expansion direction and the compensation direction are arranged at least locally (substantially or approximately) parallelly and / or alignedly, or the longitudinal direction of the compensator is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tappet. Thus, at least locally, an almost parallel movement can be carried out through the design of the lever. Thus, the structural space of the housing can be minimized.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the lever has at least one additional hole, in particular at least two, three or four additional holes, into which the insertion shaft can be selectively inserted in order to preferably provide an altered axis of rotation respectively.

[0022] Here, the lever may preferably have the additional holes extending along the longitudinal extension of the lever. Here, one hole and / or the additional holes may preferably be arranged aligned and / or parallel to the horizontal line. It may be provided that another lever also has these holes. In particular, the lever and the other lever may be designed identically. Through these holes (i.e., the hole and the additional holes), the adjustability of the insertion shaft, the compensator and / or the device can be achieved. For example, the insertion shaft can thereby be (adjustably) arranged in different positions and / or in different holes of the lever. Preferably, the insertion shaft can be reversibly detachably, tool-free and / or flexibly arranged in one of the additional holes of the hole and / or the additional holes. Here, the pivot point and / or the pivot point of the lever can in particular be changed relative to the housing. Thus, the thermal deformation of the compensator can be transmitted to the tappet differently through the lever. Thus, the movement of the tappet can be adjusted according to the compensator (in particular the geometry and / or the material) and ( / or) the insertion shaft (in particular its position and / or the hole in which the insertion shaft is arranged). This can allow for improved and / or more flexible adaptation during construction, planning, assembly and / or repair. Thereby, the (same) device can be used for multiple (different) headlights, for example for the entire fleet of a manufacturer. Alternatively or additionally, the compensator lever shaft can also be arranged in the hole and / or an additional hole (see below). Here, the above-described embodiments can be applied analogously.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the lever is at least partially designed in an arcuate shape.

[0024] This can advantageously selectively allow a (flexible) arrangement of the insertion shaft and / or the compensator lever shaft in the hole and / or an additional hole. Preferably, the lever can be at least partially designed in a circular arc shape. This can provide particularly good adjustability and / or mobility (rotatability / pivotability). It can be particularly preferred that the radius of curvature of the lever (substantially) corresponds to the length or the longitudinal extension of the compensator. Thereby, a particularly low-friction and / or low-wear rotational and / or pivoting movement can be allowed. Furthermore, an arrangement in different holes of the lever can be allowed and / or improved thereby. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the lever is (at least partially) designed in a straight line. This can allow for simplified manufacturing. The above-mentioned embodiments can be applied analogously to another / second lever as well.

[0025] Optionally possible within the scope of the present invention is that the tappet has a joint, in particular a ball joint head, through which the device can be coupled to the optical unit.

[0026] Preferably, the joint can be arranged on an end of the tappet that protrudes from the housing in particular. Through the joint, the tappet can be coupled to the light unit, for example in such a way that the joint is inserted into a socket of the light unit. Thereby, the movement of the tappet can be transmitted to the light unit. Thereby, compensation can be allowed. The light unit can have a lamp set here, for example a light-generating set that includes or generates a light-dark boundary in particular, a reflector, a projector, and / or (in the simplest case) an incandescent lamp or an LED. The device and / or the light unit can be installed and / or fastened in a headlight. Preferably, the light unit can have and / or define a beam direction, and the beam direction can be designed to be parallel and / or aligned with the compensation direction in particular.

[0027] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the device has another lever, wherein the lever and the other lever surround the tappet and / or the compensator on both sides.

[0028] Thus, the lever and the other lever can be identical, identically shaped, and / or symmetrically designed (in particular with respect to a plane formed by a vertical line and the compensation direction). Here, preferably, an upper end portion of the lever and / or the other lever can be connected to the compensator, for example, rotatably and / or pivotably, via a compensator lever shaft. Here, the lever and the other lever can surround the compensator especially on both sides (for example, along a horizontal line and / or on the right / left). Here, preferably, a lower end portion of the lever and / or the other lever can be connected to the tappet, for example, rotatably and / or pivotably, via a lever tappet shaft. Here, the lever and the other lever can surround the tappet especially on both sides (for example, along a horizontal line and / or on the right / left).

[0029] Regarding the present invention, it is conceivable that the lever is arranged centrally and / or symmetrically on the compensator and / or the tappet, and in particular, the compensator and / or the tappet surround the lever on both sides. This can especially result in increased stability (of the movement) and / or high precision.

[0030] Thus (alternatively), it can be provided that exactly one lever is arranged. The lever can be arranged centrally and / or symmetrically with respect to the compensator and / or the tappet. Thereby, the weight and / or cost can be reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the insertion shaft can be variably arranged between the tappet and the compensator, in particular with respect to a vertical line and / or the compensation direction, or the compensator can be variably arranged between the tappet and the insertion shaft, in particular with respect to a vertical line and / or the compensation direction.

[0032] Thus, the acting direction can be adjusted. In other words, it is possible to (adjustably) reverse the acting direction. Here, the tappet can move in the other direction according to the situation, in particular according to the expansion and / or contraction of the compensator (respectively).

[0033] For example, the insertion shaft can be (variably) arranged or arranged between the tappet and the compensator. Thereby, the insertion shaft can form a central rotation and / or pivot axis, and preferably the compensator and the tappet can move in opposite directions around the rotation and / or pivot axis. Here, the expansion of the compensator can cause a movement (into the housing). The compensator, in particular the compensator lever shaft and the insertion shaft, can preferably be arranged in different holes. Here, a larger distance can result in a smaller movement of the tappet (and vice versa).

[0034] For example, the compensator can be (variably) arranged or arranged between the tappet and the insertion shaft, in particular relative to the vertical line and / or the compensation direction. Here, the insertion shaft can be (variably) arranged or arranged above the tappet and the compensator (along the vertical line). Thereby, the insertion shaft can form an outer and / or upper rotation and / or pivot axis, and preferably the compensator and the tappet can move in the same direction around the rotation and / or pivot axis. Here, the expansion of the compensator can cause a movement (out of the housing). The compensator, in particular the compensator lever shaft and the insertion shaft, can preferably be arranged in different holes. Here, a larger distance can result in a smaller movement of the tappet (and vice versa).

[0035] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be advantageous that the compensator has a compensator lever shaft, and the lever and in particular the other lever are rotatably and / or pivotably arranged on the compensator lever shaft, wherein the compensator lever shaft can be arranged in the hole or in particular the other hole, and in particular the insertion shaft is arranged in another hole (i.e., the hole or another hole).

[0036] Thus, it can be stipulated that the same hole (i.e., another hole in the hole or the other hole) does not have both the insertion shaft and the compensator lever shaft (simultaneously). The compensator lever shaft can preferably be formed as a cylindrical bulge on the compensator along the horizontal line on both sides. The bulge can be rotatably connected to the lever and / or the other lever.

[0037] Here, the tappet can have a lever tappet shaft. The lever tappet shaft can preferably be formed as a cylindrical shape and / or bulge on the tappet along the horizontal line on both sides, in particular. The shape and / or bulge can be rotatably connected to the lever and / or the other lever. The tappet can preferably be movably supported relative to the housing, for example, by a (track-shaped) guiding device (on the housing). The lever tappet shaft can preferably be movable relative to the housing.

[0038] It is conceivable within the scope of the present invention that the compensator has a compensator housing shaft, and the compensator is rotatably and / or pivotably arranged relative to the housing of the device about the compensator housing shaft.

[0039] Here, the compensator housing shaft can have and / or form a fixed point, a rotation point, and / or a pivot point for the compensator. Preferably, the compensator is rotatable and / or pivotable about the compensator housing shaft, especially relative to the housing, the bracket, and / or the tappet.

[0040] It can be stipulated within the scope of the present invention that the device has a bushing, which is arranged between the lever and the tappet, and the bushing has at least one sliding surface, preferably two sliding surfaces, along which the lever is movably supported.

[0041] Advantageously, the lever and / or the other lever can be movably supported thereby. Thereby, (instead of the contact points and / or sliding points on the periphery along the lever tappet axis), one of the (two) sliding surfaces can be provided for the lever and / or the other lever. This can preferably better compensate for the surface pressure (without point support) and / or achieve reduced wear. Here, the lever tappet axis can be at least partially and / or completely surrounded by the bushing. Preferably, the at least one sliding surface (or two sliding surfaces) can be arranged parallel to the vertical line and / or the horizontal line here. The two sliding surfaces can preferably be formed on opposite sides. Here, it can be stipulated that the bushing is arranged on and / or at the lever tappet axis.

[0042] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the device has a housing, which at least partially surrounds the compensator, the lever, especially the other lever, the insertion shaft, especially the bracket, and / or the tappet (and optionally the above-mentioned components), and especially the insertion shaft can be arranged in a hole of the housing to allow the rotation movement of the lever about the insertion shaft.

[0043] The holes described herein can be implemented flush with the holes and / or additional holes. In particular, at least one, two, three, or four additional holes can be provided, which can preferably (all) be provided flush with the housing and / or aligned with the holes of the one lever (or the plurality of levers) (along a vertical line). It can be provided here that the housing is designed in two parts and in particular has two housing components, in particular including a right and a left housing component along a vertical line, in particular housing halves. A joint, such as a membrane joint, can be formed between the housing halves here. Thereby, simpler assembly, repair, and / or alteration (adjustment) of the insertion shaft and / or the compensator (or compensator lever shaft) can be carried out. It can be provided that the housing has at least one locking element. This locking element can be opened and / or closed in a reversibly releasable manner and / or permit this for the housing or the housing halves. Here, the locking element can have a latching projection and / or a latching opening, which can engage with each other and / or be fastened (in a reversibly releasable manner). Preferably, the locking element can be operated without tools. Thereby, adjustability can be permitted (more easily). The insertion shaft can in particular be mechanically fastened non-rotatably, for example screwed, in the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the insertion shaft can be form-fittingly held in the housing, in particular between the housing halves, in particular such that movement along a horizontal line is not possible.

[0044] It is also conceivable that the housing has a sliding unit by means of which the housing can be movably supported on and / or in the headlight.

[0045] The housing described here can be arranged linearly movable in the headlight. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can thereby also be arranged rotatably and / or pivotably within the headlight. The housing can be movable relative to the headlight (or the headlight module), in particular along a compensation direction and / or parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sliding unit. It can be provided that (for this purpose) the sliding unit interacts with a corresponding sliding unit (of the headlight), for example the sliding unit and the corresponding sliding unit can engage with each other (in a reversibly releasable manner). Here, the sliding unit and / or the corresponding sliding unit can be designed as a track and / or a clamping connection.

[0046] Furthermore, the above task is solved by a headlight according to the invention, which has at least one, preferably at least two or three devices according to the first aspect.

[0047] Here, at least one device can preferably be arranged in or on the headlight, in particular within the headlight module, by means of a bracket. Thereby, compensation can be permitted, in particular along a compensation direction, a horizontal line, and / or a vertical line. Here, compensation of the cut-off edge along a vertical line can preferably be achieved.

[0048] By coordinating the materials and / or geometries of the compensator, the bracket, the tappet, the lever, another lever, the headlight, the housing and / or the light unit, optimized compensation can be allowed especially during development (e.g., by mechanical and / or thermal simulation). Depending on the temperature and / or temperature change in or of the headlight - for example due to electrical losses in the light unit or due to waste heat from the engine - the light unit can be kept substantially in the same position and / or compensation for thermal expansion in the headlight can be allowed. Thus, especially even if the headlight is subject to thermal fluctuations, the cut-off line can preferably be kept (as much as possible) constant.

[0049] Thereby, the same advantages as already described with respect to the device according to the invention are obtained for the headlight according to the invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the above task can be solved by a vehicle having at least one device according to the first aspect and / or a headlight according to the second aspect.

[0051] Thereby, the same advantages as already described with respect to the device and / or the headlight according to the invention are obtained for the vehicle. Description of the Drawings

[0052] Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description can be important for the invention individually on their own or in any combination. Shown schematically here are:

[0053] Figure 1 The device is shown;

[0054] Figure 2 The device is shown;

[0055] Figure 3 The device is shown;

[0056] Figure 4 The device is shown;

[0057] Figure 5 The device is shown;

[0058] Figure 6 The device is shown;

[0059] Figure 7 A vehicle including a headlight is shown.

[0060] In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments. Detailed Description

[0061] Figure 1Shows a device 100 for compensating for thermal expansion in a headlight 200, in particular for a vehicle 300, the device having:

[0062] - A compensator 10, which is designed to expand or contract along the expansion direction A according to the temperature,

[0063] - A tappet 30, which is in operative connection with the compensator 10, whereby the expansion or contraction of the compensator 10 along the expansion direction A causes the tappet 30 to move along the compensation direction K,

[0064] - A lever 20, which rotatably and / or pivotably connects the compensator 10 to the tappet 30 in order to establish the operative connection.

[0065] It can be provided here that the lever 20 has a hole 25, in which an insertion shaft 40 is arranged, and the lever 20 is rotatably and / or pivotably supported around the insertion shaft 40.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be envisaged that the device 100 has a bracket 60, which is designed to adjustably arrange the device 100 on or in the headlight 200, in particular the bracket 60 is arranged aligned with the tappet 30, and the bracket 60 and the tappet 30 are arranged at a distance from each other and the distance therebetween changes according to the temperature.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be envisaged that the expansion direction A is formed at an angle with respect to the compensation direction K.

[0068] It can be provided that the lever 20 has at least one further hole 26, 27, 28, in particular at least two, three or four further holes 26, 27, 28, into which the insertion shaft 40 can be selectively inserted in order to preferably provide a changed axis of rotation in each case.

[0069] Currently, it can be provided that the lever 20 is at least partially designed in an arc shape. The lever 20 and / or another lever 22 can be rotatably and / or pivotably supported around the lever tappet axis 29 here.

[0070] It can be envisaged here that the tappet 30 has a joint 35, in particular a ball joint head 35, through which the device 100 can be coupled to the light unit.

[0071] Furthermore, it can be provided that the device 100 has another lever 22, and the lever 20 and the other lever 22 surround the tappet 30 and / or the compensator 10 on both sides. Currently, the lever 20 and the other lever 22 are (exemplarily) designed identically.

[0072] It can be provided here that the compensator 10 is arranged between the tappet 30 and the insertion shaft 40, in particular with respect to the vertical line V and / or the compensation direction K.

[0073] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the compensator 10 has a compensator lever shaft 19, on which the lever 20 and in particular another lever 22 are rotatably and / or pivotably arranged, wherein the compensator lever shaft 19 can be arranged in the hole 25 or in particular in another hole 26, 27, 28, and in particular the insertion shaft 40 is arranged in one of the other holes 25, 26, 27, 28.

[0074] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the compensator 10 has a compensator housing shaft 11, and the compensator 10 is rotatably and / or pivotably arranged relative to the housing 50 of the device 100 about the compensator housing shaft.

[0075] Currently, the device 100 can have a bushing 70, which is arranged between the lever 20 and the tappet 30, wherein the bushing 70 has at least one sliding surface 71, preferably two sliding surfaces 71, 72, along which the lever 20 is movably supported. Thereby, an improved guiding of the lever 20 and / or another lever 22 can be allowed.

[0076] Furthermore, exemplary in Figure 1 the vertical line V and the horizontal line H (perpendicular thereto) are shown. The vertical line and the horizontal line can be used for illustration. Here, the device can also be oriented differently (in principle) in order to achieve the advantages according to the invention.

[0077] Figure 1 Here, the following state is shown, in which the compensator 10 is not expanded and / or in a cooled or contracted state.

[0078] Figure 2 Exemplary (and according to Figure 1 ) the following state of the device 100 is shown, in which the compensator 10 is expanded. Thereby, the lever 20 and / or another lever 22 can move, in particular a rotational and / or pivoting movement about the insertion shaft 40 can be carried out. Thereby, the tappet 30 can move to the right, for example (in Figure 2 ). Thus, the thermal deformation (here expansion) of the compensator 10 can be transmitted to the tappet 30.

[0079] Figure 3 (According to Figure 1 ) the device 100 including (only) one lever 20 is shown. Here, it can be provided that the lever 20 is symmetrically arranged on the compensator 10 and / or the tappet 30, and in particular the compensator 10 and / or the tappet 30 surround the lever 20 on both sides.

[0080] Figure 4 (According to Figure 3 ) the device including (only) one lever 20 is shown. Thus, based on the compensator 10 (compared to Figure 3) expansion, the lever 20 can cause the tappet 30 (to move rightward in Figure 4 )

[0081] Figure 5 (According to Figure 1 ) shows a device 100 having a housing 50. It is conceivable that the compensator 10 has a compensator housing shaft 11, and the compensator 10 is rotatably and / or pivotally arranged relative to the housing 50 of the device 100 about the compensator housing shaft. In addition, it can be stipulated that the device 100 has a housing 50 which at least partially surrounds the compensator 10, the lever 20, in particular another lever 22, the insertion shaft 40, in particular (at least part of) the bracket 60 and / or the tappet 30, wherein in particular the insertion shaft 40 can be arranged in a hole of the housing 50 to allow rotational movement of the lever 20 about the insertion shaft 40, and in particular the housing 50 has one (or more) sliding units 51 by means of which the housing 50 can be movably supported on and / or in the headlight 200.

[0082] Figure 6 shows a device 100, wherein the insertion shaft 40 is arranged between the compensator 10 and the tappet 30. Thus, a reversal of the movement of the tappet 30 can be produced according to the thermal shape change of the compensator 10 (compared to Figures 1 to 5 ). Therefore, it can be stipulated that when the compensator 10 expands, the tappet 30 moves leftward and / or into the housing 50 ( Figure 6 ). In addition, it can be stipulated that the device 100 can be connected to a light range adjustment device (exemplarily shown between the bracket 60 and the device 100). Here, it can be stipulated that the bracket 60 is arranged on the light range adjustment device.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a vehicle 300 having one (or two) headlights 200. The headlight can, for example, have one or more devices 100. Thus, for example, compensation for thermal deformation in and / or on the headlight 200 along the horizontal line H, the vertical line V and / or the compensation direction K can be carried out by means of the device 100, in particular by means of the compensator 10. This can be allowed according to the arrangement structure of the device 100 in the (corresponding) headlight 200.

[0084] List of reference numerals

[0085] 10 Compensator

[0086] 11 Compensator housing shaft

[0087] 19 Compensator lever shaft

[0088] 20 Lever

[0089] 22 Another lever

[0090] 25 holes

[0091] 26, 27, 28 additional holes

[0092] 29 lever tappet shaft

[0093] 30 tappet

[0094] 35 joint

[0095] 40 insertion shaft

[0096] 50 housing

[0097] 51 sliding unit

[0098] 60 bracket

[0099] 70 bushing

[0100] 71, 72 sliding surfaces

[0101] 100 device

[0102] 200 headlamp

[0103] 300 vehicle

[0104] A expansion direction

[0105] K compensation direction

[0106] V vertical line

[0107] H horizontal line

Claims

1. A device (100) for compensating for thermal expansion in a headlamp (200), in particular for a vehicle (300), comprising: - a compensator (10) designed to expand or contract in an expansion direction (A) depending on the temperature, a tappet (30) which is in operative connection with the compensator (10), whereby an expansion or contraction of the compensator (10) in the expansion direction (A) causes a movement of the tappet (30) in the compensation direction (K), A lever (20) which connects the compensator (10) to the tappet (30) in a rotatable and / or pivotable manner in order to establish the operative connection.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The lever (20) has a hole (25) in which an insertion axis (40) can be arranged, wherein the lever (20) is mounted rotatably and / or pivotably about the insertion axis (40).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The device (100) has a bracket (60) which is designed to adjustably arrange the device (100) on or in the headlight (200), in particular the bracket (60) is arranged in alignment with the push rod (30), wherein the bracket (60) and the push rod (30) are arranged spaced apart and the distance therebetween changes depending on the temperature.

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The expansion direction (A) is configured at an angle to the compensation direction (K).

5. The device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, It is characterized in that The lever (20) has at least one further hole (26, 27, 28), in particular at least two, three or four further holes (26, 27, 28), into which the insertion shaft (40) can be selectively inserted, in order to preferably provide a respectively changed axis of rotation.

6. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The lever (20) is designed at least partially in an arc-shaped manner.

7. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tappet (30) has a joint (35), in particular a ball and socket joint (35), via which the device (100) can be coupled to a light unit.

8. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (100) has a further lever (22), wherein the lever (20) and the further lever (22) surround the tappet (30) and / or the compensator (10) on both sides.

9. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The lever (20) is arranged centrally and / or symmetrically on the compensator (10) and / or the tappet (30), and in particular the compensator (10) and / or the tappet (30) surround the lever (20) on both sides.

10. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The insertion axis (40) can be arranged between the tappet (30) and the compensator (10), in particular relative to the vertical (V) and / or the compensating direction (K), or The compensator (10) can be arranged, in particular relative to a vertical (V) and / or the compensating direction (K), between the tappet (30) and the insertion shaft (40).

11. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, It is characterized in that The compensator (10) has a compensator lever shaft (19), on which the lever (20) and in particular the further lever (22) are rotatably and / or pivotably arranged, wherein the compensator lever shaft (19) can be arranged in the hole (25) or in particular the further hole (26, 27, 28), and in particular the insertion shaft (40) is arranged in one of the other holes (25, 26, 27, 28).

12. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The compensator (10) has a compensator housing axis (11), about which the compensator (10) is arranged rotatably and / or pivotably, in particular relative to a housing (50) of the device (100).

13. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (100) has a bushing (70) which is arranged between the lever (20) and the tappet (30), wherein the bushing (70) has at least one sliding surface (71), preferably two sliding surfaces (71, 72), along which the lever (20) is movably mounted.

14. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (100) comprises a housing (50) which at least partially surrounds the compensator (10), the lever (20), in particular the further lever (22), the insertion shaft (40), in particular the bracket (60) and / or the push rod (30), in particular the insertion shaft (40) being capable of being arranged in a hole in the housing (50) so as to allow a rotational movement of the lever (20) around the insertion shaft (40), in particular the housing (50) comprising a sliding unit (51) by means of which the housing (50) can be movably supported on and / or in the headlamp (200).

15. Headlamp (200) comprising at least one, preferably at least two or three, devices (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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