Headlights for a motor vehicle

The headlight design with a conductive cover plate and integrated discharge device effectively dissipates electrostatic charges, improving performance and aesthetics by reducing dust and dirt accumulation, thus enhancing the service life and efficiency of automotive headlights.

DE102024123166A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-02-19DAIMLER TRUCK AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024123166
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-14
Publication Date
2026-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Internal electronic components in automotive headlights are susceptible to damage from electrostatic charging, which can also attract dust and dirt, leading to impaired performance and appearance.

Method used

A headlight design with a plastic cover plate featuring an electrically conductive structure covering a large part of its surface, connected to ground potential, and an integrated electrostatic discharge device to dissipate electrostatic charges, controlled by an electronic control unit.

Benefits of technology

Reduces dust and dirt accumulation, enhances performance and aesthetics, and extends the service life of headlights while maintaining visibility and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a headlight (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a headlight housing (2), a light source arranged therein and a plastic cover plate (3) covering the headlight housing (2), wherein the cover plate (3) has at least one electrically conductive structure (4) which extends at least over a large part of the surface of the cover plate (3) and which is connected at one end to an electrical ground potential.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Internal electronic components in automotive headlights can be damaged by electrostatic charging and discharging of the plastic lens. Furthermore, electrostatic charging can attract dust and dirt to the viewing area or the light-emitting surface. Lichtenberg figures also frequently appear on the inside of the lens when electrostatic charging is combined with condensation. This impairs the performance and appearance of the headlights.

[0003] DE 298 14279 U1 describes a headlight for vehicles with a plastic diffuser lens, wherein the diffuser lens has an electrically conductive connection to the vehicle ground for dissipating and / or preventing electrostatic charges.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel headlight for a motor vehicle.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by a headlight for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A headlight for a motor vehicle, for example a commercial vehicle, a bus, a passenger car or a motorcycle, is proposed, comprising a headlight housing, a light source arranged therein and a plastic cover plate covering the headlight housing.

[0008] In order to avoid as much as possible a reduction in the functionality of the headlight due to electrostatic charges on the cover plate, it is proposed according to the invention that the cover plate has at least one electrically conductive structure which extends at least over a large part of the surface of the cover plate and which is connected at one end to an electrical ground potential.

[0009] The present invention provides an integrated electrostatic discharge device that is directly integrated into the plastic lens of the automotive headlight. By selectively dissipating electrostatic charges, the accumulation of dust and dirt is reduced, thus improving the performance and aesthetics of the headlights. Furthermore, increased service life and efficiency of the automotive headlights, as well as improved aesthetics and visibility of the vehicle lighting, can be achieved. The solution according to the invention can be integrated cost-effectively into the production of headlights.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0011] This shows: Fig. 1: A schematic view of a headlight for a motor vehicle, and Fig. 2: a schematic detail view of the headlight

[0012] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a headlight 1 for a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic detail view of headlight 1.

[0014] The headlight 1 comprises a headlight housing 2, a light source arranged therein (not shown), and a plastic cover plate 3 covering the headlight housing 2. To minimize any reduction in the functionality of the headlight 1 due to electrostatic charges on the cover plate 3, the invention proposes that the cover plate 3 have at least one electrically conductive structure 4 extending over at least a large part of the surface of the cover plate 3 and connected at one end to an electrical ground potential.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is glued or applied as a layer to the inside of the end plate 3 facing a cavity of the headlight housing 2.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is formed within the end plate 3.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 meanders across the entire end plate 3.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is designed in a lattice shape.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is formed from several linear individual structures extending in a fan shape from a base point.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is formed from several linear, parallel individual structures.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive structure 4 is designed as a conductor track or wire.

[0022] In one embodiment, an electronic control unit 5 is arranged inside the headlight housing 2, which is connected to a sensor for detecting an electrostatic field and which controls a switch between the ground potential and the at least one electrically conductive structure 4.

[0023] The invention provides a discharge device which is embedded as an integrated system in the end plate 3 of the headlight 1 and comprises several components.

[0024] In this arrangement, at least one electrically conductive structure 4 is incorporated into the end plate 3, enabling the targeted dissipation of electrostatic charges. This electrically conductive structure 4 can be implemented in the form of conductive wires, strips, or grids and is arranged to ensure effective charge distribution.

[0025] The electronic control unit 5 is integrated into the headlight 1 to monitor and control the discharge device. This electronic control unit 5 detects electrostatic charges on the end plate 3 and activates the discharge function as needed.

[0026] During operation, the discharge device is automatically activated when electrostatic charges are detected on the end plate 3. The electronic control unit 5 continuously monitors the charge state and ensures efficient dissipation to minimize the accumulation of dust and dirt and optimize the performance of the headlight 1. Reference symbol list 1 headlight 2 headlight housings 3 End disc 4 electrically conductive structure 5 electronic control unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 298 14279 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Headlight (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a headlight housing (2), a light source arranged therein and a cover plate (3) made of plastic covering the headlight housing (2), characterized by , that the end disk (3) has at least one electrically conductive structure (4) which extends at least over a large part of the surface of the end disk (3) and which is connected at one end to an electrical ground potential. [2] Headlight (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is glued or applied as a layer to an inner surface of the end plate (3) facing a cavity of the headlight housing (2). [3] Headlight (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is formed within the end plate (3). [4] Headlight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the electrically conductive structure (4) meanders across the entire end plate (3). [5] Headlight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is lattice-shaped. [6] Headlight (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is formed from several linear individual structures extending in a fan shape from a base point. [7] Headlight (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is formed from several linear, parallel individual structures. [8] Headlight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrically conductive structure (4) is designed as a conductor or wire. [9] Headlight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an electronic control unit (5) is arranged inside the headlight housing (2) which is connected to a sensor for detecting an electrostatic field and which controls a switch between the ground potential and the at least one electrically conductive structure (4).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • headlights for vehicles

    DE29814279U1