Repairable vehicle headlight
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202021004528
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2031-10-31
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a repairable vehicle headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a headlight housing with a headlight housing opening edge enclosing the interior of the headlight housing, and at least one translucent cover plate for closing the headlight housing, wherein the cover plate is made of polycarbonate and has a hard coating on its outer side facing away from the headlight housing.
[0002] A wide variety of headlight designs have become known from the state of the art. Vehicle headlights in the automotive industry, in particular, must function reliably even under particularly harsh environmental conditions. They are exposed to a broad temperature spectrum, mechanical and chemical influences, as well as changes in humidity or pressure. To prevent moisture from penetrating headlights and thus causing the cover lens to fog up on the inside, for example, headlight housings are often completely sealed by the cover lens in such a way that the cover lens cannot be removed later. The connection between the cover lens and the headlight housing is permanent, i.e. the cover lens cannot be removed from the housing without damaging it.
[0003] However, for the few headlights that do have removable covers, the problem is that the cover is brittle and can easily break during removal. There's also the risk that, when removing the cover, visible areas such as the design elements may be touched, leaving fingerprints, for example, visible later.
[0004] An object of the invention is therefore to provide a repairable vehicle headlight which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0005] This object is achieved with a repairable vehicle headlight of the type mentioned at the outset, in that, according to the invention, it has an adapter element that is firmly and sealingly connected to the cover plate, wherein the adapter element has a contour that corresponds to the headlight housing opening edge, so that the adapter element can be attached to the headlight housing opening edge in a form-fitting manner, whereby, in the attached state, the adapter element, together with the cover plate, closes the headlight housing, wherein the adapter element is designed such that the headlight housing edge is spaced at least 10 mm from the cover plate at every point, wherein a detachable seal is provided between the adapter element and the headlight housing edge, so that the adapter element together with the cover plate can be detached from the headlight housing edge by releasing the seal,wherein at least one opaque design element is arranged on the adapter element, which is firmly connected to the adapter element and is designed to conceal at least part of the area of the vehicle headlight housing surrounding the light exit surface of the at least one light module, wherein the shape and size of the at least one design element are selected such that a projection of the design element, viewed in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, onto the cover plate covers at least 10% of the area of the cover plate.
[0006] This stabilizes the removable cover plate and ensures that design elements are not accidentally touched when working on headlight components, as they are removed together with the cover plate. The design element could even be formed integrally with the adapter element or be cast in one piece. The design elements can be used not only for vehicle headlight design but also to conceal headlight components arranged behind them, particularly mechanically active elements. The use of the adapter element also eliminates the need to directly touch the cover plate during headlight repairs, which could scratch the hard coating. The adapter element therefore serves as a mechanical contact surface to exert the force required to open the headlight.
[0007] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one design element has a metallic coating on its surface. The coating can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, or copper, for example.
[0008] Furthermore, it can be provided that the detachable seal is designed as a one-piece rubber seal, in particular in the form of a sealing lip, wherein the headlight housing opening edge is formed by a largely flat contour surface, so that the rubber seal rests flatly on the headlight housing opening edge of the headlight housing.
[0009] In particular, it can be provided that the detachable seal is formed by a detachable adhesive layer, wherein an adhesive that can be detached chemically or by the application of heat is provided as the adhesive for forming the detachable adhesive layer.
[0010] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adhesive is a heat-soluble adhesive, the melting temperature of the adhesive being between 100°C and 150°C.
[0011] In particular, it can be provided that the repairable vehicle headlight further comprises clamping means with which the adapter element is clamped to the vehicle headlight housing.
[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adapter element is made of plastic, in particular of polypropylene PP or polybutylene terephthalate PBT.
[0013] In particular, the adapter element can be an injection-molded component consisting of two components stacked on top of one another. The two components have different degrees of elasticity, with the component with higher elasticity facing the headlight housing and the component with lower elasticity facing the cover plate. For this purpose, TPE, i.e., thermoplastic soft components, can be used for the adapter element.
[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adapter element is glued to the cover plate.
[0015] In particular, it can be provided that the bonding of the cover plate is provided by a silicone adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, or silane-modified polymers.
[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adapter element and the cover plate are free of electrical consumers and electrical cables arranged on or in them.
[0017] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one design element consists of a different material than the adapter element, wherein preferably each design element is screwed into the adapter element.
[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that two or more design elements are provided, wherein the shape and size of the design elements are selected such that a projection of the design elements, seen in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, onto the cover plate covers a total of at least 20% of the area of the cover plate, preferably at least 30% of the area of the cover plate.
[0019] In particular, it can be provided that the hard coating of the cover plate consists of silicon-modified UV-curing material.
[0020] According to the invention, the vehicle headlight additionally comprises at least one light module arranged within the headlight housing for emitting a light distribution, wherein the light module comprises at least one optically relevant component which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, wherein the light range of the at least one light module is regulated by pivoting the optically relevant component about the horizontal axis, wherein the at least one light module is detachably connected to the headlight housing in a non-destructive manner, and wherein the at least one light module has a light exit surface for emitting the light distribution, and comprises at least one adjusting device which is designed to pivot the optically relevant component about the horizontal axis.
[0021] The adapter element is firmly and sealingly connected to the cover plate. It cannot be removed from the cover plate without damaging it.
[0022] An optically relevant component influences the propagation of light that is either emitted by the optically relevant component itself or impinges on it, whereby the optically relevant component interacts with this impinging light so that the light is, for example, reflected, deflected, projected, partially or completely shaded, or absorbed by the optically relevant component. An optically relevant component is, for example, a light source, for example an LED and / or a laser light source, an aperture or aperture arrangements, a reflector, a lens, in particular a projection lens, a light guide, a thick-walled optics, a prism, an optical grating, a mirror, a MEMS component designed as a DMD chip, and / or an entire light module or assemblies comprising such components, etc. Individual components or a plurality of these components can also form the optically relevant component.The optically relevant component can, for example, be held in a support frame and / or be adjustable by means of an adjustment system, wherein the adjustment system can, for example, act on the optically relevant component or the support frame.
[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle headlight according to the prior art, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a vehicle headlight according to the invention, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the headlight according to Fig. 2 diagonally from the front including design elements arranged therein, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the headlight according to Fig. 3 in an open state without cover plate and design elements, Fig. 5 a rear view of a cover plate including the associated adapter element and design elements, and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a vehicle headlight housing and an adapter element that can be attached to the edge of the housing in a form-fitting manner.
[0024] In the following figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols denote the same features.
[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle headlight according to the prior art. This headlight does not have an adapter element between the headlight housing and the cover plate. The cover plate is firmly and permanently connected to the housing.
[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a repairable vehicle headlight 1 according to the invention, which is designed in particular as a motor vehicle headlight. The repairable vehicle headlight 1 comprises a headlight housing 2 with an interior 2a (see Fig. 4) of the headlight housing 2, and at least one translucent cover plate 5 for closing the headlight housing 2. The cover plate 5 is made of polycarbonate and has a hard coating 5a on its outer side 5' facing away from the headlight housing 2. The hard coating 5a serves to provide additional protection for the cover plate against the effects of environmental influences.
[0027] The repairable vehicle headlight 1 also comprises an adapter element 6 which is firmly and sealingly connected to the cover plate 5, wherein the adapter element 6 has a contour 6b corresponding to the headlight housing opening edge 2b (see Fig. 5), so that the adapter element 6 can be fitted in a form-fitting manner onto the headlight housing opening edge 2b, whereby in the fitted state the adapter element 6 closes the headlight housing 2 together with the cover plate 5. Fig. Figure 2 shows the headlight in such a closed state. The adapter element 6 is designed such that the headlight housing edge 2b is spaced at least 10 mm from the cover plate 5 at any point. This distance is shown in Fig. 2 with the reference symbol d.
[0028] Between the adapter element 6 and the headlight housing edge 2b there is a removable seal 7 (see Fig. 4) is provided so that the adapter element 6 together with the cover plate 5 can be detached from the headlight housing edge 2b by loosening the seal 7 or detaching the seal 7. In particular, the detachable seal 7 can be designed as a one-piece rubber seal, in particular in the form of a sealing lip, wherein the headlight housing opening edge 2b is formed by a largely flat contour surface, so that the rubber seal rests flatly on the headlight housing opening edge 2b of the headlight housing 2.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the detachable seal 7 can also be formed by a detachable adhesive layer, with the adhesive used to form the detachable adhesive layer being a chemically detachable or heat-removable adhesive. The adhesive can be a heat-removable adhesive, with the melting point of the adhesive being between 100°C and 150°C.
[0030] In Fig. 3 shows that two opaque design elements 8 and 8' are arranged on the adapter element 6 in the present embodiment. Of course, the number of these design elements can vary as desired. The design elements 8 and 8' are firmly connected to the adapter element 6 and are designed to cover at least part of the light exit surface 3' (see Fig. 4) of the area of the vehicle headlight housing 2 surrounding at least one light module 3, wherein the shape and size of the design elements 8 and 8' are selected such that their projection, seen in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis x (see Fig. 2), at least 10% of the area of the cover plate 5 is covered by the cover plate 5. The vehicle's longitudinal axis x is, of course, known in advance during the development of the headlight, since its shape is adapted so that the main beam direction is aligned with the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis x. This means that a vehicle headlight for a specific vehicle is also designed for a specific orientation in that vehicle when installed. Directional information with reference to the vehicle's longitudinal axis x therefore always refers - unless otherwise stated - to the vehicle headlight when properly installed in the vehicle.
[0031] It can be provided that the design elements 8 or 8' have a metallic coating on their surface.
[0032] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a vehicle headlight housing 2 and an adapter element 6 which can be attached to the edge 2b of the housing in a form-fitting manner. For fastening the adapter element 6 to the housing 2, the repairable vehicle headlight 1 can further comprise clamping means 9 with which the adapter element 6 is clamped to the vehicle headlight housing 2. These clamping means are in Fig. 6 are shown as examples and can in principle be arranged in any way, provided that a tight closure and the simplest possible operation and high durability are ensured.
[0033] It can be provided that the adapter element 6 is made of plastic, in particular polypropylene or polybutylene terephthalate. In particular, it can be provided that the adapter element 6 is an injection-molded component consisting of two components that are layered on top of one another, wherein the two components have different elasticities, wherein the component with higher elasticity faces the headlight housing 2 and the component with lower elasticity faces the cover plate 5.
[0034] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adapter element 6 is glued to the cover plate 5. In particular, the bonding of the cover plate 5 can be achieved using a silicone adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, or silane-modified polymers.
[0035] Preferably, the adapter element 6 and the cover plate 5 can be provided free of any electrical loads and electrical cables arranged thereon or therein. This ensures that no electrical connections need to be made when attaching the adapter element 6 together with the cover plate 5 to the housing 2. The seal 7 can thus be continuous and without any openings. Furthermore, it can be provided that the design elements 8 and 8' are made of a different material than the adapter element 6, wherein each design element 8 and 8' is preferably screwed into the adapter element 6.
[0036] In the present exemplary embodiment, two design elements 8 and 8' are provided. It can be provided that the shape and size of the design elements 8 and 8', respectively, are selected such that a projection of the design elements 8 and 8', respectively, viewed in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis x, onto the cover plate 5 covers a total of at least 20% of the surface area of the cover plate 5, preferably at least 30% of the surface area of the cover plate 5. Furthermore, it can be provided that the hard coating 5a of the cover plate 5 consists of a silicon-modified UV-curing material.
[0037] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the headlight 1 according to Fig.3 in an open state without adapter element 6, cover plate 5 or design elements 8 or 8'. The vehicle headlight 1 additionally comprises at least one light module 3 arranged within the headlight housing 2 for emitting a light distribution, wherein the light module 3 comprises at least one optically relevant component 3a pivotable about a horizontal axis y, e.g. a lens, a diaphragm, a light source or an entire optical device comprising a combination of these components. By pivoting the optically relevant component 3a about the horizontal axis y, the beam range of the at least one light module 3 is regulated.
[0038] The at least one light module 3 is detachably connected to the headlight housing 2 in a non-destructive manner (e.g., screwed) and has a light exit surface 3' for emitting the light distribution. Furthermore, at least one adjustment device 4 can be provided, which is configured to pivot the optically relevant component 3a about the horizontal axis y.
[0039] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiments may also be taken up and combined with one another. Any reference symbols in the claims are exemplary and serve only to facilitate the readability of the claims, without limiting them.
Claims
[1] Repairable vehicle headlight (1), in particular motor vehicle headlight, comprising - a headlight housing (2) with a headlight housing opening rim (2b) enclosing the interior (2a) of the headlight housing (2), as well as - at least one translucent cover (5) for closing the headlight housing (2), wherein the cover (5) is made of polycarbonate and has a hard coating (5a) on its outer side (5') facing away from the headlight housing (2), characterized by , that the repairable vehicle headlight (1) also - has an adapter element (6) that is firmly and sealingly connected to the cover plate (5), wherein the adapter element (6) has a contour (6b) corresponding to the headlight housing opening edge (2b), so that the adapter element (6) can be fitted onto the headlight housing opening edge (2b) in a form-fitting manner, whereby, in the fitted state, the adapter element (6) together with the cover plate (5) closes the headlight housing (2), wherein the adapter element (6) is designed such that the headlight housing edge (2b) is spaced at least 10 mm away from the cover plate (5) at every point, - wherein a removable seal (7) is provided between the adapter element (6) and the headlight housing edge (2b), so that the adapter element (6) together with the cover plate (5) can be detached from the headlight housing edge (2b) by releasing the seal (7), - wherein at least one opaque design element (8, 8') is arranged on the adapter element (6), which is fixedly connected to the adapter element (6) and is configured to cover at least part of the area of the vehicle headlight housing (2) surrounding the light emission surface (3') of the at least one light module (3), wherein the shape and size of the at least one design element (8, 8') is selected such that a projection of the design element (8, 8'), seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis (x) of the vehicle, onto the cover lens (5) covers at least 10% of the area of the cover lens (5), wherein the vehicle headlight (1) further comprises the following: - at least one light module (3) arranged within the headlight housing (2) for emitting a light distribution, wherein the light module (3) comprises at least one optically relevant component (3a) pivotable about a horizontal axis (y), wherein the illuminance range of the at least one light module (3) is regulated by pivoting the optically relevant component (3a) about the horizontal axis (y), wherein the at least one light module (3) is detachably connected to the headlight housing (2) without damage, and wherein the at least one light module (3) has a light emission surface (3') for emitting the light distribution, - at least one adjustment device (4) which is designed to pivot the optically relevant component (3a) about the horizontal axis (y). [2] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one design element (8, 8') has a metallic coating on its surface. [3] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the releasable seal (7) is designed as a one-piece rubber seal, in particular in the form of a sealing lip, wherein the headlight housing opening edge (2b) is formed by a largely flat contour surface, so that the rubber seal rests flat on the headlight housing opening edge (2b) of the headlight housing (2). [4] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable seal (7) is formed by a removable adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive for forming the removable adhesive layer is a chemically or heat-soluble adhesive. [5] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive is a heat-soluble adhesive, wherein the melting temperature of the adhesive is between 100°C and 150°C. [6] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the repairable vehicle headlight (1) further comprises clamping means (9) with which the adapter element (6) is clamped to the vehicle headlight housing (2). [7] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter element (6) is made of plastic, in particular polypropylene or polybutylene terephthalate. [8] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to claim 7, wherein the adapter element (6) is an injection-molded component consisting of two components stacked on top of each other, wherein the two components have different elasticities, the component with higher elasticity facing the headlight housing (2) and the component with lower elasticity facing the cover lens (5). [9] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter element (6) is bonded to the cover lens (5). [10] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to claim 9, wherein the bonding of the cover lens (5) is given by a silicone adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, or silane-modified polymers. [11] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter element (6) and the cover plate (5) are free of electrical consumers and electrical lines arranged on or in it. [12] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one design element (8, 8') is made of a different material than the adapter element (6), wherein preferably each design element (8, 8') is screwed into the adapter element (6). [13] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more design elements (8, 8') are provided, wherein the shape and size of the design elements (8, 8') are selected such that a projection of the design elements (8, 8'), seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis (x) of the vehicle, onto the cover plate (5) covers at least 20% of the area of the cover plate (5), preferably at least 30% of the area of the cover plate (5). [14] Repairable vehicle headlight (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hard coating (5a) of the cover lens (5) consists of silicon-modified UV-curing material.