Receiving part for cover of headlight, assembly, headlight for motor vehicle, and method for replacing cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving part (1) for a cover (2) of a headlight (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least a support frame (11) and a sealing element (12), the support frame (11) having a first connecting device (13) for producing an adhesive connection (3) to the cover (2) and a second connecting device (14) for producing a detachable connection (4) to a housing (5) of the headlight (100), the sealing element (12) being arranged on the support frame (11). The sealing element (12) is designed to seal a gap between the support frame (11) and a body part (6) of the motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving part for a closure cap of a motor vehicle headlamp, an assembly consisting of the receiving part and the closure cap, a headlamp equipped with the assembly, and a method for replacing a closure cap of a headlamp. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicle headlamps have a plastic cover that closes the headlamp housing on the light-emitting side. The cover is typically attached to the housing via an adhesive connection, which also ensures a seal within the housing. In the prior art, a sealing element made of soft plastic is often also arranged outside the area surrounding the adhesive connection. This sealing element is intended to reduce the coefficient of air resistance ("C W -value") and the gap between the headlamp and the surrounding body of the associated motor vehicle is essentially sealed airtight.

[0003] In the prior art, replacement of the closure cap is often not provided, or can only be done at great expense. The adhesive connection of the closure cap is usually formed using a non-detachable two-component adhesive, as this is the only way to achieve permanent stability and integrity of the adhesive connection under the prevailing operating conditions. When replacing the closure cap, it requires considerable effort to loosen the adhesive connection, and may also require removal and subsequent reinstallation of the outer sealing element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose an alternative design for connecting a closure cap to a headlamp, which design in particular provides for the replacement of the closure cap.

[0005] This object is achieved by a receiving part according to claim 1, an assembly according to claim 7, a headlamp according to claim 8, and a method according to claim 11. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The technical teaching of the present invention discloses a receiving component for an enclosure cover of a headlamp, which comprises at least a supporting frame and a sealing element, wherein the supporting frame has a first connecting device for establishing an adhesive connection with the enclosure cover and a second connecting device for establishing a detachable connection with the housing of the headlamp, and the sealing element is designed to seal a gap between the supporting frame and a body part of the motor vehicle to which it belongs.

[0007] The basic idea of the invention is to provide a functionally integrated interface component via the receiving element, which, on the one hand, indirectly enables a detachable connection of the closure cap to the housing and, on the other hand, ensures an aerodynamically favorable seal with respect to the gap of the vehicle body surrounding the associated headlamp via the sealing element. The supporting frame is designed as a rigid and suitably load-bearing component, and the at least one sealing element comprises a relatively soft and, in particular, elastically deformable plastic.

[0008] The receiving component is preferably manufactured by two-component injection molding, with the supporting frame comprising a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and / or the sealing element comprising a thermoplastic elastomer. For example, a suitable material for the supporting frame is fiber-reinforced polypropylene with a glass fiber content of 25 to 35% by volume. The supporting frame is preferably made of the same material as the headlamp housing to ensure a reliable connection between the two components, even under thermal loads. The sealing element is made, for example, of thermoplastic polyurethane. Alternatively, it can comprise a suitably modified polyphenylene ether.

[0009] The first connecting means of the supporting frame for establishing the adhesive connection with the closure cap is preferably designed as a circumferential groove for accommodating the adhesive and a flange of the closure cap that projects into the adhesive. The surfaces of the groove and the flange thus form the joint surface of the adhesive connection. The groove and the corresponding flange are particularly designed to be completely circumferential, thereby ensuring a complete seal against media acting from the outside during operation, particularly moisture. Alternatively, the first connecting means can be designed as a circumferential flange, and a corresponding groove for accommodating the adhesive layer can be provided on the closure cap.

[0010] The second connecting device of the supporting frame for example has at least one hook, and this hook is used for forming a detachable snap connection with the corresponding engaging section of the headlamp housing.Alternatively or additionally, the second connecting device can be designed for forming a screw connection or a clip connection with the housing.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame has a sealing section for forming a seal between the supporting frame and the housing. The sealing section is designed as a circumferential flange that is configured to protrude into a corresponding sealant on the housing. The interior of the housing is sealed from the operating environment by a separate seal. In particular, this seal is also designed to be detachable or removable.

[0012] In another embodiment, the supporting frame has a predetermined breaking point, in particular a circumferential recess. The predetermined breaking point serves as pedestrian protection in the event of a collision with a corresponding headlamp in the motor vehicle. In other words, the supporting frame is provided for targeted failure in the area of the predetermined breaking point for pedestrian protection. Unlike conventional closures made of hard-coated polycarbonate, the breaking behavior of the supporting frame according to the present invention can be reliably predicted through simulations, making the introduction of the predetermined breaking point in the supporting frame particularly effective. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting frame can be made of a material with a suitably low ductility, thereby precipitating material failure in the supporting frame in the event of a collision.

[0013] The present invention also relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a receiving component according to one of the above-described embodiments and a closure cap, wherein the closure cap is connected to the supporting frame of the receiving component via an adhesive connection. The adhesive connection is formed by a first connecting means of the supporting frame, which is particularly designed as a completely circumferential groove filled with adhesive, wherein a suitable flange of the closure cap extends into the adhesive layer thus formed. Preferably, the adhesive connection is formed using a non-detachable two-component adhesive, which ensures the long-term operational strength of the adhesive connection. This adhesive connection is particularly suitable, considering that conventional closure caps are often subjected to a protective coating and subsequent heat treatment, which can cause significant dimensional deformation. The adhesive connection formed via the adhesive layer can sufficiently compensate for such deformation. In contrast, due to deformation of the closure cap, a direct detachable connection, in particular a snap-on connection, between the closure cap and the housing is rarely feasible in practice and results in a high level of scrap during production. Therefore, according to the present invention, the assembly is formed by a receiving component, which forms the interface for detachably connecting the closure cap to the housing. Thus, with the assembly according to the invention, the closure cap can be replaced when necessary, for example if the closure cap is damaged or in order to gain access to headlamp components accommodated in the headlamp housing for maintenance or replacement.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising at least an assembly according to the invention and a housing, wherein the housing is connected to a supporting frame of a receiving component via a detachable connection. The optical components of the headlamp are accommodated in the housing, and the housing is closed at the front by the assembly. When the headlamp is installed in the motor vehicle, the gaps to the surrounding body parts are sealed substantially airtight by at least one sealing element of the receiving component according to the invention.

[0015] For example, the releasable connection between the supporting frame and the housing is designed as a snap-on connection, a screw connection, or a clip connection. The clip connection can be established by riveting metal clips with a riveter. To form a seal between the supporting frame and the housing, the housing preferably has a circumferential groove in which a sealant, in particular a foam rubber element, a sealing foam, or a hot melt adhesive, is accommodated, the supporting frame having a sealing section in the form of a circumferential flange that projects into the sealant.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for replacing an enclosure cap of a headlamp according to the invention, comprising at least the following steps:

[0017] - releasing the detachable connection between the supporting frame of the receiving part of the assembly and the housing;

[0018] - Remove the assembly with the closure to be replaced;

[0019] - placing a new component on the housing; and

[0020] - A detachable connection is formed between the carrier frame of the receiving part and the housing of the new assembly.

[0021] Described unclamping is carried out according to the concrete structure of detachable connection, for example, by opening the clamping connection, unscrewing the threaded connection or heating the adhesive connection with detachable hot melt adhesive.In the process of changing the closure cover, especially can also upgrade the sealing between supporting frame and housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by describing preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A section of a headlamp 100 according to the invention is shown schematically in a sectional view in an installed position on a motor vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The headlamp 100 comprises an assembly 10 consisting of a receiving part 1 and a closure cap 2, as well as a housing 5. The supporting frame 11 of the receiving part 1 serves as the interface between the closure cap 2 and the housing 5. The closure cap 2 is connected to the supporting frame 11 via an adhesive connection 3, and the housing 5 is connected to the supporting frame via a releasable connection 4 designed as a snap-on connection 4'. Furthermore, the receiving part 1 has a sealing element 12, which seals the gap between the supporting frame 11 and the body part 6 of the motor vehicle. To completely seal this gap, the sealing element 12 extends over all corresponding sections on the outer side of the supporting frame 11.

[0025] The closure cap 2 is made, for example, of coated polycarbonate, the supporting frame 11 and the housing 5 are made of, in particular, the same fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, and the sealing element 12 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer or polyphenylene ether.

[0026] The adhesive connection 3 between the supporting frame 11 and the closure cap 2 is established by a first connecting device 13, an adhesive 31 contained therein, and a flange 21 extending therein. The first connecting device is designed as a circumferential groove. The adhesive 31 is in particular of an inseparable two-component type.

[0027] The releasable snap-in connection 4' between the supporting frame 11 and the housing 5 is formed by a second connecting means 14 in the form of a snap hook 14' and a nose-shaped engagement section 51 on the housing 5. When establishing the snap-in connection 4', the snap hook 14' is elastically deformed when sliding onto the engagement section 51 until it snaps elastically into place at the rear. To release the snap-in connection 4', the snap hook 14' must be bent upward accordingly.

[0028] The supporting frame 11 also has a sealing section 15 in the form of a circumferential flange that projects into the sealant 71 in the groove 52 of the housing 5, thereby forming the seal 7. As a result, the area below the snap connection 4' is sealed, so that the interior of the housing 5 is protected from penetrating media. To facilitate replacement, the sealant 71 is preferably formed from a foam rubber element.

[0029] In order to achieve pedestrian protection in the event of a collision, the supporting frame 11 has a circumferential recess as a predetermined breaking point 16 .

[0030] By integrating the receiving component 1 according to the present invention into the headlamp 100, the closure cap 2 can be easily replaced if damaged (e.g., due to stone impact). To do this, the entire assembly 10 is removed from the housing 5 by releasing the snap connection 4' and replaced with a new component of identical design. Furthermore, the detachability of the assembly 10 allows access to the interior of the housing 5 for maintenance, such as access to the light module housed therein. After the maintenance measures are completed, the headlamp 100 can be closed again using the same assembly 10.

[0031] List of reference numerals:

[0032] 100 headlights

[0033] 10 components

[0034] 1 receiving parts

[0035] 11 load-bearing frame

[0036] 12 Sealing elements

[0037] 13 first connecting device

[0038] 14 Second connecting device

[0039] 14' hook

[0040] 15 Sealing section

[0041] 16 Predetermined breaking point

[0042] 2 closed hood

[0043] 21 flange

[0044] 3. Adhesive connection

[0045] 31 Adhesive

[0046] 4 detachable connections

[0047] 4' snap-on connection

[0048] 5 Shell

[0049] 51 Joint section

[0050] 52 slots

[0051] 6 Body parts

[0052] 7. Seal

[0053] 71 sealant.

Claims

1. A receiving part (1) for a closure cap (2) of a headlamp (100) of a motor vehicle, said receiving part comprising at least a supporting frame (11) and a sealing element (12), wherein: The supporting frame (11) has a first connecting device (13) for establishing an adhesive connection (3) with the closure cover (2) and a second connecting device (14) for establishing a detachable connection (4) with the housing (5) of the headlamp (100), and the sealing element (12) is designed to seal a gap between the supporting frame (11) and a body part (6) of the motor vehicle.

2. The receiving component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The receiving part (1) is produced by two-component injection molding, wherein the supporting frame (11) comprises a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and / or the sealing element (12) comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The receiving component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first connecting device (13) is designed as a circumferential groove, which is provided for receiving the adhesive (31) and the flange (21) of the closure cap (2) which projects into the adhesive (31).

4. The receiving part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detachable connection (4) is configured as a mechanical connection, in particular a mechanical connection based on screws, snaps or C-springs.

5. The receiving part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second connecting device (14) has at least one hook (14') which is configured to form a detachable hook connection (4') with a corresponding engaging section (51) of the housing (5).

6. The receiving part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supporting frame (11) has a sealing section (15) for forming a seal (7) between the supporting frame (11) and the housing (5), wherein the sealing section (15) is designed as a circumferential flange that is provided to project into a corresponding sealant (71) on the housing (5).

7. The receiving part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supporting frame (11) has a predetermined breaking point (16), in particular a circumferential recess.

8. An assembly (10) for a headlamp (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving part (1) and a closure cap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The closure cap (2) is connected to the supporting frame (11) of the receiving part (1) via an adhesive connection (3).

9. A headlamp (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least the assembly (10) according to claim 8 and a housing (5), wherein: The housing (5) is connected to the supporting frame (11) of the receiving part (1) via a detachable connection (4).

10. The headlamp (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The detachable connection (4) is designed as a snap connection (4'), a threaded connection or a clip connection.

11. The headlamp (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The housing (5) has a circumferential groove (52) in which a sealant (71), in particular a foam rubber element, a sealing foam or a hot melt adhesive, is accommodated, wherein the supporting frame (11) has a sealing section (15) in the form of a circumferential flange that extends into the sealant (71) so that a seal (7) is formed between the supporting frame (11) and the housing (5).

12. A method for replacing a closure cap (2) of a headlamp (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the method comprising at least the following steps: - releasing the detachable connection (4) between the supporting frame (11) of the receiving part (1) of the assembly (10) and the housing (5); - Remove the assembly (10) with the closure (2) to be replaced; - arranging a new component (10) on the housing (5); and - A detachable connection (4) is formed between the supporting frame (11) of the receiving part (1) and the housing (5) of the new assembly (10).

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