Lighting device and vehicle with the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a support element (3), at least one main light source (4) arranged on the support element (3), and a cornering light device (5) arranged on the support element (3) with a cornering light source (13). A key feature of the invention is that the cornering light device (5) has a base body (8) that is separate from the support element (3) and formed in one piece. This base body (8) has a base section (9) fixed to the support element (3), a pivot section (10), and a holder section (11) which, to implement a cornering light function, is arranged on the base section (9) via the pivot section (10) and is pivotable about the base section (9) about a pivot axis (12) defined by the pivot section (10). The invention further relates to a vehicle (2) with at least one such lighting device (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates in particular to a vehicle with such a lighting device.

[0002] A lighting device of the type mentioned above is known from publication DE 10 2012 111 639 A1. To implement a cornering light function, it has at least one cornering light source which is pivotable about a rotational axis by means of an actuating device.

[0003] Further lighting devices are described, for example, in the publications DE 10 2005 013 367 A1 and AT 500 892 A1.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a lighting device compared to known lighting devices.

[0005] In the present invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The invention recognizes that the cornering light function of known lighting devices, with regard to both the quality of the executed pivoting movement of the cornering light source and the expected product lifespan, depends significantly on the design of a pivot bearing used to pivot the cornering light source. The invention further recognizes that an advantageous lighting device can be provided by implementing a pivot bearing for pivoting the cornering light source using a solid hinge, in particular a film hinge.

[0007] Accordingly, a lighting device for a vehicle, in particular a headlight, is proposed, comprising a support element, at least one main light source arranged on the support element, and a cornering light device arranged on the support element. The main light source is configured to emit light in the direction of travel along an optical axis of the main light source in a main light distribution, which can be realized, in particular, in the form of a light cone. A key aspect of the invention is that the cornering light device has a base body formed in one piece with respect to the support element, which comprises a base section fixed to the support element, a hinged section, and a retaining section arranged on the base section via the hinged section and pivotable with respect to the base section about a pivot axis defined by the hinged section.The cornering light device further comprises a cornering light source, which is arranged on the side of the bracket section facing the main light distribution and is configured to emit light along an optical axis of the cornering light source in a secondary light distribution, which can be realized in particular in the form of a cornering light cone. In order to align the secondary light distribution and the main light distribution relative to each other, the cornering light device is provided with a controllable or manual adjustment device arranged on the support element, which is configured to pivot the bracket section about the pivot axis.

[0008] This allows the optical axis of the cornering light source to be adjusted relative to the optical axis of the main light source using the adjusting device, thus enabling a preferred, and in particular optimal, alignment of the secondary light distribution of the cornering light device with respect to the main light distribution of the main light source. The articulated section of the one-piece base offers the advantage that movement of the holder section and the cornering light source mounted on it around the pivot axis is possible without typical bearing play and, apart from negligible internal friction, without bearing friction. Furthermore, due to the practically non-existent bearing friction and, in particular, the absence of friction points, no mechanical abrasion occurs in the proposed cornering light device, thus preventing unwanted contamination of the lighting device and wear-induced bearing play.Furthermore, the proposed lighting device is relatively compact and lightweight compared to known lighting devices, as bearing elements such as pivot bolts and the like are not required.

[0009] The invention understands a main light source to advantageously be a headlight unit comprising at least one light source and / or an optical system. The optical system may comprise at least one lens and / or at least one reflector. Furthermore, the headlight unit may be provided with lighting functions, such as low beam, high beam, and / or ADB functions.

[0010] The invention understands a cornering light source to advantageously be a headlight unit for generating a cornering light, which comprises at least one light source and / or an optical system. The optical system may comprise at least one lens and / or at least one reflector.

[0011] The said support element can be realized by a housing of the lighting device or as a separate component, in particular as a module frame, and arranged on a housing of the lighting device.

[0012] The main light source and / or the cornering light source are advantageously designed to emit light in a wavelength spectrum visible to the human eye (so-called light spectrum). The main light source and / or the cornering light source can each be an LED light source or an LED light module comprising one or more LED light sources and, if necessary, other components required for operation.

[0013] It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in this case, two or more elements joined by force, form, and / or material bonding constitute a "one-piece" component. Accordingly, elements screwed, clamped, glued, or welded together are to be understood as a "one-piece" component. This is to be distinguished, according to the present understanding, from "one-piece" components, such as the one-piece base body, which are pre-formed, monolithic elements, i.e., "components cast in one piece."

[0014] The one-piece base body could, for example, be realized using a cost-effectively available cast element, in particular an injection-molded element. The one-piece base body can be made of a plastic or a metal material.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention, the joint section of the one-piece base body is realized by a solid hinge, namely a film hinge. The joint section or the film hinge can have a joint groove extending along the pivot axis and a folding area extending along the pivot axis, wherein the retaining section is integrally and pivotably arranged on the base section over the folding area. The folding area and the joint groove together form a local cross-sectional weakening of the base body extending along the pivot axis, wherein the folding area can, for example, be elastically and reversibly deformed around the pivot axis within certain limits.In this case, the actuating force required for the elastically reversible deformation of the folding area can be applied to the holder section, for example, by means of the actuating device, whereby the base section is fixed to the support element, i.e., immovable. Furthermore, the pivot axis is advantageously defined by the joint groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned hinge groove can be arranged on the base body on a side facing the main light distribution and / or the secondary light distribution. Additionally, the hinge groove and / or the pivot axis can be aligned with the main light source. This ensures that the hinge groove faces the main light distribution and / or the secondary light distribution. By appropriately arranging the hinge groove, actuation of the holding section by the actuating device can be achieved with a relatively low actuating force.

[0017] Furthermore, the base section can be fixed to the support element by force-fit and / or form-fit. Such a force-fit and / or form-fit connection can be achieved, in particular, by a cost-effective and easy-to-assemble screw connection. This allows the base body or the entire cornering light assembly to be attached to the support element in a cost-effective and technically simple manner. Furthermore, the cornering light assembly can be removed from the support element relatively easily. It is also conceivable that the base section could be bonded to the support element by material bonding, for example, by gluing the base section to the support element.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the base body of the cornering light device is permanently molded onto the overall frame with a film hinge, thus becoming an integral part of the main frame. It is also possible that the aforementioned film hinge is virtually an integral part of the main support frame.

[0019] It is also conceivable that the cornering light system includes a light-directing element associated with the cornering light source. This light-directing element could, for example, be implemented as a lens and / or a reflector. Advantageously, the light-directing element can be positioned on the side of the bracket section facing the main light distribution. Using a suitable light-directing element, the secondary light distribution of the cornering light source can be specifically shaped. For example, the light emitted by the cornering light source can be focused and / or reflected by means of the light-directing element.

[0020] It can further be provided that the pivot axis and the optical axis of the main light source form an angle α of less than or equal to 90° between them. Furthermore, the pivot axis and the optical axis of the angled light source can form an angle β between them, which is preferably smaller than the angle α. This ensures that the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution are aligned towards each other.

[0021] It may also be advantageously provided that the holder section has a projection on its side facing the main light distribution, with a wedge-shaped surface that is inclined about an axis that is oriented transversely, in particular at right angles, to the pivot axis and / or forms a vertical axis in a standard installation position of the lighting device in a vehicle, relative to a base surface of the base section that lies in a plane spanned jointly by the pivot axis and the axis. The cornering light source can be arranged on the wedge surface. In addition to the cornering light source, the light-guiding element described above can also be arranged on the wedge surface of the holder section. This places the cornering light source at a preferred position of the cornering light device.It can further be provided that the aforementioned angle β is spanned between the wedge surface on the one hand and the base surface on the other. This results, so to speak, in an offset angle for the cornering light source, i.e., a fixed preset angle between the optical axis of the cornering light source and the optical axis of the main light source. This allows for a preferred alignment of the secondary light distribution of the cornering light source with respect to the main light distribution of the main light source.

[0022] The pivot axis in question can be oriented horizontally during the intended operation of the lighting device. The term "horizontal" refers to a level surface on which a vehicle equipped with the lighting device is positioned. However, the pivot axis could also be oriented vertically.

[0023] For lightweight construction purposes, the base section and / or the holder section may be designed with stiffening ribs. It is understood that the hinge section is free of stiffening ribs, allowing the pivoting movement of the holder section. This enables the base section and / or the holder section to be manufactured using a thin-wall technique, i.e., a (plastic) injection molding process for low wall thicknesses, resulting in a relatively lightweight base body. The stiffening ribs ensure sufficient mechanical rigidity of the base body, i.e., sufficient resistance of the base body to external deformation.

[0024] According to a further fundamental concept of the invention, a vehicle is provided which has at least one lighting device that has at least one feature of the lighting device described above. This provides an advantageous vehicle whose lighting device has a relatively robust cornering light function, both with regard to the quality of the executed swiveling movement of the cornering light source and with regard to the expected product service life.

[0025] In summary, the present invention advantageously relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising a carrier element, at least one main light source arranged on the carrier element, and a cornering light device arranged on the carrier element with a cornering light source. Essential to the invention is that the cornering light device has a base body formed in one piece with respect to the carrier element, which has a base section fixed to the carrier element, a hinge section, and a holder section. The holder section is arranged on the base section via the hinge section to implement a cornering light function and is pivotable about the base section about a pivot axis defined by the hinge section. The invention further relates in particular to a vehicle with at least one such lighting device.

[0026] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0027] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0029] Each of these shows, schematically: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lighting device, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a basic body of a turning light device of the lighting device Fig. 1 and last Fig. 3 a section of the lighting device from Fig. 1 according to a in Fig. 1 registered arrow III.

[0030] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of a lighting device for a vehicle 2, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 1. The main function of the lighting device 1 is to provide a light function for a user of the vehicle 2, so that a section of a surface (not illustrated) located, for example, in front of the vehicle 2 in the direction of travel, on which the vehicle 2 is arranged, can be illuminated in a manner that is pleasant for the user and increases driving safety. For this purpose, the lighting device 1 has a support element 3, which in this case is designed as a frame and which can be attached, for example, to a structural element of the vehicle 2 or to a housing of the lighting device 1.A main light source 4, implemented purely as an example by an LED arrangement, is arranged on the support element 3 and is designed to emit light along an optical axis 6 of the main light source 4 in a direction of travel that is in . Fig. The main light distribution 7, indicated by a dashed line (1), is to be emitted in a main light distribution 7, also indicated by dashed lines. The main light distribution 7 has, for example, the shape of a light cone.

[0031] To ensure that the ground is illuminated even when the vehicle 2 is turning, the lighting device 1 is further equipped with a cornering light device 5, which, like the main light source 4, is arranged on the support element 3. The cornering light device 5 has a plate-like base body 8, which is formed separately and in one piece, i.e., monolithically, with respect to the support element 3. The base body 8 could, for example, be made of injection-molded plastic. The base body 8 has a base section 9, fixed to the support element 3 by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit screw connection 30, a hinge section 10, and a holder section 11. The holder section 11 is integrally arranged on the base section 9 via the hinge section 10 and is designed to pivot about a pivot axis 12 defined by the hinge section 10 with respect to the base section 9.Furthermore, it is provided that the cornering light device 5 has a cornering light source 13, for example an LED arrangement, which is arranged on the side 14 of the holder section 11 facing the main light distribution 7. The cornering light source 13 is configured to emit light along an optical axis 15 of the cornering light source 13, which is in . Fig. The low beam is indicated by a dashed line (1) and emitted in a secondary light distribution 16, which is also indicated by dashed lines. The secondary light distribution 16 can typically be implemented in the form of a cone of light that connects to the low beam in the direction of turning and has a cut-off line. This results in significantly better illumination at the edges of the roadway, particularly in urban traffic.

[0032] To align the secondary light distribution 16 and the main light distribution 7 relative to each other, the cornering light device 5 is provided with a controllable or manually adjustable positioning device 17 arranged on the support element 3. This device is configured to pivot the holder section 11 in a pivoting movement 29 about the aforementioned pivot axis 12. This allows the optical axis 15 of the cornering light source 13 to be pivoted relative to the optical axis 6 of the main light source 4 by means of the positioning device 17, so that the secondary light distribution 16 can be optimally adjusted with respect to the main light distribution 7. Fig. 3 The indicated adjusting device 17 is purely exemplary and is formed by an adjusting screw which can act on the holder section 11 along an actuating axis 31 which is angular or substantially perpendicular to the holder section 11 in order to pivot the holder section 11 around the said pivoting axis 12 within the scope of the said pivoting movement 29.

[0033] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the joint section 10 of the one-piece base body 8 is realized by a film hinge joint 18. This allows movement of the holder section 11 and the cornering light source 13 attached to it about the pivot axis 12 without typical bearing play and, apart from negligible internal friction, without bearing friction. Furthermore, due to the practically non-existent bearing friction and, in particular, the absence of friction points, no mechanical abrasion occurs in the proposed cornering light device 5, thus preventing unwanted contamination of the lighting device and making the proposed lighting device 1 relatively durable.

[0034] Regarding the film hinge joint 18, it should be further noted that it has a joint groove 19 extending along the pivot axis 12 and a folding area 20 extending along the pivot axis 12, over which the holder section 11 is integrally and pivotably arranged on the base section 9. The folding area 20 and the joint groove 19 represent a local cross-sectional weakening of the base body 8 extending along the pivot axis 12. The cross-sectional weakening is designed such that the folding area 20 has a reduced wall thickness compared to the base section 9 and the holder section 11, so that when a force is applied to the base body 8, the folding area 20 can be elastically and reversibly deformed within certain limits, while the base section 9 and the holder section 11 remain dimensionally stable. According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the hinge groove 19 is arranged on the side 14 of the base body 8 facing the main light distribution 7 and the secondary light distribution 16, so that the hinge groove 19 is, so to speak, facing the main light source 4 and / or the main light distribution 7. Furthermore, it is provided that the pivot axis 12 is oriented horizontally or vertically during the intended operation of the lighting device 1.

[0035] Referring to Fig. It should also be noted that the pivot axis 12 and the optical axis 6 of the main light source 4 form an angle α 21 between them, purely by way of example, of less than or equal to 90°. Furthermore, it can be seen that the pivot axis 12 and the optical axis 15 of the deflecting light source 13 form an angle β 22 between them, which is smaller than the angle α 21. The holder section 11 has a wedge-shaped projection 23 with a wedge surface 24 on its side 14 facing the main light distribution 7. The wedge surface 24 is inclined about an axis 27 perpendicular to the pivot axis 12 relative to a base surface 25 of the base section 9, which lies in a plane 28 defined by the pivot axis 12 and the axis 27, towards the main light source 4 and / or the main light distribution 7. In this case, the axis 27 can form a vertical axis when the lighting device 1 is installed in the vehicle 2 in the intended position.Furthermore, the turning light source 13 is arranged on the wedge surface 24. The angle β 22 is also formed between the wedge surface 24 and the base surface 25. This results in an offset angle between the optical axis 15 of the turning light source 13 and the optical axis 6 of the main light source 4, which can favor a preferred alignment of the secondary light distribution 16 with respect to the main light distribution 7.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the basic body 8 can be designed with thin walls overall for lightweight construction reasons and can be provided with stiffening ribs 26. In particular in Fig. Figure 2 shows that several stiffening ribs 26 are arranged on both the base section 9 and the holder section 11, so that the base body 8 is optimally mechanically stiffened.

Claims

[1] Lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), in particular a headlight, - comprising a carrier element (3), at least one main light source (4) arranged on the carrier element (3) and a cornering light device (5) arranged on the carrier element (3), - wherein the main light source (4) is designed to emit light in a direction of travel along an optical axis (6) of the main light source (4) in a main light distribution (7), - wherein the cornering light device (5) has a base body (8) which is separate from the carrier element (3), which has a base section (9) fixed to the carrier element (3), a joint section (10) and a holder section (11) which is arranged on the base section (9) via the joint section (10) and is pivotable with respect to the base section (9) about a pivot axis (12) defined by the joint section (10), - wherein the cornering light device (5) has a cornering light source (13) which is arranged on a side (14) of the holder section (11) facing the main light distribution (7) and is designed to emit light along an optical axis (15) of the cornering light source (13) in a secondary light distribution (16), - wherein the cornering light device (5) for aligning the secondary light distribution (16) and the main light distribution (7) relative to each other has a controllable or manual adjusting device (17) arranged on the carrier element (3), which is designed to pivot the holder section (11) about the pivot axis (12), characterized by , that - the base body (8) is formed in one piece, - the joint section (10) of the one-piece base body (8) is realized by a solid joint, - the joint section (10) of the one-piece base body (8) is realized by a film hinge joint (18). [2] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the film hinge joint (18) has a joint groove (19) extending along the pivot axis (12) and a folding region (20) extending along the pivot axis (12), via which the holder section (11) is pivotably arranged on the base section (9). [3] Lighting device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that - the joint groove (19) is arranged on the base body (8) on a side of the base body (8) facing the main light distribution (7) and / or the secondary light distribution (16). [4] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the base section (9) is fixed to the support element (3) in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. [5] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the cornering light device (5) has a light-guiding element associated with the cornering light source (13). [6] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the pivot axis (12) and the optical axis (6) of the main light source (4) form an angle α (21) of less than or equal to 90°. [7] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the pivot axis (12) and the optical axis (15) of the cornering light source (13) form an angle β (22) between them which is smaller than the angle α (21). [8] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the holder section (11) has, on its side (14) facing the main light distribution (7), a projection (23) with a wedge surface (24) which is inclined about an axis (27) extending transversely with respect to the pivot axis (12) relative to a base surface (25) of the base section (9) lying in a plane (28) spanned jointly by the pivot axis (12) and the axis (27), - the cornering light source (13) is arranged on the wedge surface (24). [9] Lighting device (1) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized by , that - the angle β (22) is spanned between the wedge surface (24) and the base surface (25). [10] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the pivot axis (12) is aligned horizontally or vertically during normal operation of the lighting device (1). [11] Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the base section (9) has stiffening ribs (26), and / or - the holder section (11) has stiffening ribs (26). [12] Vehicle (2) comprising at least one lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

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