Headlamp assembly for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a headlight assembly (1) for a vehicle, wherein the headlight assembly (1) comprises a plurality of lighting modules. The invention is characterized in that at least one first lighting module (3) is provided with a flap unit (4), the flap unit (4) can expose or cover the first lighting module (3), and at least one second lighting module (5) is arranged independently of the flap unit (4) in an uncovered manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a headlight (searchlight, Scheinwerfer) assembly for a vehicle. Known headlight assemblies include at least one lighting module, but preferably multiple lighting modules. Since these lighting modules are visible on the exterior surface of the vehicle, they must not only have an illumination function but also meet design requirements. Background Technology

[0002] Therefore, the implementation scheme of the headlight assembly plays a decisive role in achieving the desired vehicle appearance. The vehicle appearance can be referred to here as a distinctive feature. Consequently, there are different possibilities for the implementation scheme of the headlight module.

[0003] A headlight with a lampshade is known from DE 10 2019 007 708 A1. The lampshade consists of an upper cover element and a lower cover element, which can cover the light-emitting surface of the headlight. The cover elements are swivelly supported and each is equipped with a drive unit. Thus, the cover elements can be mechanically moved to a closed position and an open position. Different arrangements of the cover elements can affect the vehicle design. For example, a "blinking" function can also be achieved, enabling communication with vehicles or people outside the vehicle through the cover elements.

[0004] For such known devices, the cover element must be partially opened at least for the headlights to function properly. Therefore, in the closed position, the headlights cannot emit any light that is visible from outside the vehicle.

[0005] Alternatively, DE 10 2019 008 729 A1 describes a headlight with a lens that can be switched between opaque and transparent states. For example, if the vehicle body has the same color as in the opaque state, the lens is visually invisible. Furthermore, the lens and the vehicle body transition seamlessly to each other, so that the transition is not visible. In contrast, in the transparent state, the headlight can be separated from the vehicle body. Therefore, in such known headlights, the lens is directly integrated into the headlight.

[0006] DE 10 2012 108 772 A1 illustrates a headlight with an actuable lampshade for use as a functional component of the headlight. Here, the lampshade is made of a fabric element. A similar structure is also known from DE 10 2012 107 946 A1. In this case, one of the light-emitting elements within the headlight is covered by an actuating mechanism, which takes the form, for example, a rotatable light shield or flap.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known in the prior art to cover the headlights as a whole when they are not in use. In this regard, for example, FR 2 387 416 A1 shows a headlight that is covered as a whole by two flap elements that rotate about an axis. When this structure is open, these flaps are completely concealed within the vehicle body. A similar structure is also known from US2,524,442A; however, in which the flaps are only opened and not completely concealed within the vehicle body. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a headlight assembly that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and does not or hardly affects the personalized design of a vehicle.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a headlight assembly having the features of claim 1, and particularly the feature portion of claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] The core of the headlight assembly according to the invention comprises at least one first lighting module equipped with a flap unit, wherein the flap unit can expose or cover the first lighting module, and wherein at least one second lighting module is arranged independently of the flap unit in an uncovered manner. In other words, the invention proposes a movable flap that cannot cover all the lighting modules of the headlight assembly. This is particularly advantageous when the design concept requires that the lighting modules occupy only a small area on the vehicle body. Therefore, the flap unit can cover a large area of ​​the lighting modules when they are not in use, or generally cover any lighting module. In other words, the flap unit can be referred to as a movable flap that can be moved in front of or expose the first lighting module.

[0011] Each lighting module can have multiple lighting units, which can take on different shapes. In particular, the lighting units of the second lighting module can have any shape and can be positioned anywhere on the vehicle body, since the flap unit does not need to consider / approach these lighting units. In contrast, the first lighting module is preferably shaped such that its lighting units are arranged side-by-side so that all lighting units can be approached or covered by the flap unit.

[0012] Similarly, it is conceivable to provide multiple different flap units, which can independently expose or cover different lighting units of the first lighting module. Therefore, each flap unit can be designed according to the configuration of the present invention.

[0013] The headlight assembly is designed for vehicles and includes multiple lighting modules. Advantageously, in a "normal state," only the lighting modules required for regular use by the vehicle under daytime conditions are visible. In contrast, lighting modules not in continuous use can be covered by a flap unit. This significantly affects the vehicle's appearance, especially since the vehicle can be driven in a "normal state" even with the flap unit closed, and also when using automated driving assistance functions. Therefore, daytime running lights, automated driving function sensors, and, for example, headlight strobes, are preferably not covered by the flap unit.

[0014] Another advantage is that standard modules can be used for both low beam and high beam headlights, saving costs as these modules do not need to be adjusted for specific designs or vehicle models. Furthermore, the flap unit protects the secondary lighting module from contamination and damage. This is particularly beneficial for preventing contamination of the main lighting function, which includes the low beams required at night, thus improving safety. Similarly, other sensors not used during the day can be positioned behind the flap unit.

[0015] According to the present invention, the flap unit is configured to be guided by two opposing guide rails. The guide rails have straight sections and curved sections. This ensures that the flap unit can be completely moved under the vehicle body.

[0016] Here, the flap unit can be guided in a corresponding guide rail, for example, by a pin element, and moved along the guide rail by a drive device. The drive device can be an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, or a similar type of transmission device, such as a coupling drive (Koppelgetriebe).

[0017] According to an advantageous improvement, gears can be used here to ensure guidance along the guide rail.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment can be configured such that the flap unit can be moved completely under the vehicle body. Here, the flap unit can, for example, move parallel to the vehicle body. In particular, this can be ensured by the shape of the guide rails along which the flap unit moves.

[0019] Preferably, the first lighting module can form a main lighting module, which includes at least low beam headlights, high beam headlights, turn signals, and / or adaptive high beam (ADB). Therefore, the first lighting module includes lighting elements that are not continuously used during "normal use." For example, the low beam headlights are only used during the day or after a certain time at night. Similarly, the high beam headlights are not continuously used. The adaptive high beam headlight is an auxiliary headlight used to support the main lighting function. In particular, the main lighting function can be a high beam headlight or a so-called partial high beam headlight, which is also known as a constant high beam headlight.

[0020] A highly advantageous improvement to this concept is that the second lighting module can be configured to include daytime running lights, position lights, hazard lights (high beams for overtaking), turn signals, and / or automated driving system (ADS) indicator lights. Therefore, the second lighting module constitutes a distinctive feature of the vehicle design. Compared to the first lighting module, the second lighting module can be designed to be smaller, thus incorporating fewer design constraints. The second lighting module can include multiple lighting units arranged independently on the vehicle body. The ADS indicator lights are the light source required by the automated driving system. Specifically, this allows for better identification and tracking of detected objects. Visible light or infrared light can be used.

[0021] The transparent portion of the lighting unit, i.e., the light-transmitting panel, may be made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, i.e., plexiglass). This transparent portion is located behind the flip-up unit and is not continuously exposed to the impact of flying stones. The light-transmitting panel may also be made only partially of PMMA.

[0022] The flap unit can move outward or inward.

[0023] The flap unit can be installed on the vehicle bumper or lighting unit.

[0024] A highly advantageous improvement based on this concept is that the flap unit, when closed, transitions substantially seamlessly to the adjacent vehicle body, thus visually not affecting the body. Therefore, the flap unit, when closed, does not interfere with the vehicle design, allowing the area of ​​the first lighting module, in particular, to be designed as a continuous outer surface. If the first lighting module is not visibly positioned next to the second lighting module, the focus will be entirely on the second lighting module. Therefore, the first lighting module does not affect the vehicle design.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flap unit can be configured such that the surface it can cover is larger than the surface of the second lighting module. Therefore, in particular, a large area of ​​the main lighting module can be covered when a large area of ​​the main lighting module is not needed. The main lighting module is particularly the low beam and / or high beam. Thus, the flap unit allows for a design that is as elegant as possible during the daytime. Here, the larger area of ​​the headlight is invisible or can be covered.

[0026] Another advantageous implementation is that the headlight assembly is designed as either a front headlight or a rear headlight. Therefore, both the rear and front headlights can be designed with corresponding flap units. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other advantageous embodiments of the headlight assembly according to the invention are also given by way of examples described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] The flap unit can be implemented with a sealing lip to prevent wind noise and the intrusion of water, snow and ice.

[0029] in:

[0030] Figure 1 This illustrates one possible implementation of a headlight assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 This illustrates another feasible implementation of the headlight assembly;

[0032] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of the headlight assembly is shown; and

[0033] Figure 4 Show Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the middle flap unit in the open state. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 The illustration shows one possible implementation of the headlight assembly 1. The left figure shows the headlight assembly 1 with the flap unit 4 in the open state, where the flap unit 4 is not visible. The right figure shows the headlight assembly 1 with the flap unit 4 in the closed state, where the flap unit 4 covers a portion of the headlight assembly 1. Because the flap unit 4 can visually blend / transition into the vehicle body, it is shown in dashed lines.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the headlight assembly 1 includes a first lighting module 3 and a second lighting module 5, each of which includes two lighting units 2. The base surface of the first lighting module 3 is larger than that of the second lighting module 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting modules are arranged vertically. Similarly, other embodiments are conceivable.

[0036] For example, in an embodiment not shown, the arrangement of the lighting units 2 of each lighting module 3, 5 can be arbitrary. For instance, the lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be arranged at a distance from each other and from the first lighting module 3. This is particularly feasible because the flap unit 4 does not need to consider / approach these lighting units. Therefore, the lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be arranged, for example, in a circular layout or a similar layout. In contrast, the lighting units 2 of the first lighting module 3 are preferably arranged closer to each other so that they can be covered by the flap unit 4.

[0037] exist Figure 2Another embodiment of headlight assembly 1 can be seen here. The same components have the same reference numerals and need not be described in detail. Unlike... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates different lighting functions that can be concealed behind the first lighting module 3 and the second lighting module 5. Therefore, the first lighting module 3 may, for example, have low beam headlights 6, high beam headlights 7, turn signals 8, and ADB (Adaptive Dashboard) lights 9. These lights can be arranged side-by-side or vertically. The second lighting module 5 may, for example, have daytime running lights 10, position lights 11, hazard lights 12, turn signals 13, and ADS (Adaptive Dashboard) marker lights 14. All these lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be arranged anywhere on the vehicle body and do not necessarily need to be in direct contact with each other. Figure 2 In the right-hand area, it can be seen that the lighting unit 2 of the first lighting module 3 can be covered by a single flip-plate unit 4.

[0038] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of the headlight assembly 1 is shown, wherein the flap unit 4 is in a closed state. The flap unit 4 is substantially seamlessly integrated / transitioned into the adjacent vehicle housing 17, so that the flap unit 4 has little or no visual impact on the housing 17. If the first lighting module 3 is not visibly arranged next to the second lighting module 5, the focus will be entirely on the second lighting module 5. Therefore, the first lighting module 3 does not affect the vehicle design.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the flap unit 4 is guided by two opposing guide rails 15, wherein the flap unit 4 can be moved below the vehicle body 16. In the illustrated cross-sectional view, only one guide rail 15 is visible.

[0040] The flap unit 4 can be guided, for example, in a corresponding guide rail 15 by two pin elements and moved along the guide rail 15 by a drive device. In particular, a gear 18 can be used to ensure guidance along the guide rail 15.

[0041] The guide rail 15 can have a straight section 15' and a curved section 15'. Therefore, it can be particularly ensured that the flap unit 4 can be completely moved under the vehicle body 16, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Here, the flap unit 4 can rotate relative to the vehicle body 17 to move under the vehicle body. In particular, this can be ensured by adjusting the shape of the guide rail 15 that the flap unit 4 follows.

[0042] Teeth 19 may be provided on the curved section 15” of the guide rail 15 so that gear 18 can mesh with it. Gear 18 is specifically connected to the flap unit 4 so that the flap unit can be moved along the guide rail 15 by guiding gear 18 in the teeth 19.

[0043] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3Cross-sectional view of the flap unit 4 in the open state. The flap unit 4 is arranged rotatably under the vehicle body 16 relative to the housing 17 and is not visible from the outside of the vehicle. This exposes the first lighting module 3. Since the guide rail 15 is located next to the first lighting module 3, specifically on its left and right sides, the lighting unit 2 of the first lighting module 3 is not affected by the guide rail 15.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the first lighting module 3 and the second lighting module 5 can be arranged in a common housing. Therefore, the flap unit 4 can be arranged such that it covers a portion of the housing, namely the portion used to house the first lighting module 3.

[0045] certainly, Figures 1 to 4 The embodiments of the headlight assembly 1 described herein can also be combined with each other, resulting in various possibilities. Therefore, for example, the shape of the guide rail 15, the shape of the lighting modules 3 and 5, and the shape of the flip-up unit 4 can differ from the illustrated embodiment. In this way, it can be particularly ensured that the first lighting module 3 of different shapes can be covered by the flip-up unit 4 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A headlight assembly (1) for a vehicle, wherein the headlight assembly (1) includes a plurality of lighting modules, wherein at least one first lighting module (3) is equipped with a flap unit (4), wherein the flap unit (4) is capable of exposing or covering the first lighting module (3), and at least one second lighting module (5) is arranged independently of the flap unit (4) in an uncovered manner. Its features are, The flap unit (4) is guided by two opposing guide rails (15), wherein the guide rails (15) have a straight section (15') and a curved section (15”), wherein the flap unit (4) can be moved under the vehicle body (16).

2. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The first lighting module (3) forms a main lighting module, which includes at least a low beam headlight (6), a high beam headlight (7), a turn signal (8), and / or an adaptive high beam headlight (9).

3. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The second lighting module (5) has daytime running lights (10), position lights (11), hazard lights (12), turn signals (13) and / or automatic driving system indicator lights (14).

4. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, Its features are, At least a portion of the light-transmitting panel contains polymethyl methacrylate.

5. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Its features are, The guide rail (15) has a toothed section (19) on the curved section (15”) for the gear (18), which is connected to the flap unit (4).

6. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Its features are, The flap unit (4) can move outward or inward.

7. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Its features are, The flap unit (4) transitions substantially seamlessly to the adjacent vehicle shell (17) in the closed state, so that the flap unit (4) does not visually affect the shell (17).

8. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Its features are, The flap unit includes a lip seal.

9. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Its features are, The flap unit (7) can cover a surface larger than the surface of the second lighting module (5).

10. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Its features are, The headlight assembly (1) is designed as the front headlight or rear headlight of the vehicle.

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