LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND ASSEMBLY OF COMPONENTS OF THE LIGHTING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, wherein a first structural component of the light module is connected to a second structural component of the light module.

[0002] Lighting devices are known from the prior art in which a first structural component, for example a cover plate or a lens, is connected to a second structural component, for example a housing or a lens holder.

[0003] From DE 20 2010 003 680 U1, for example, a lighting device is known in which a lens is attached to a lens holder by means of a retaining clip. Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to attach lenses to a lens carrier part by means of snap hooks. During assembly, the lens is pushed into the lens holder from the front with a translational movement. The snap hook is first deflected and then engages behind the lens. Plastic lenses may have a separating burr. During assembly, the snap hook is moved over this separating burr. This can lead to material removal, whereby particles can disadvantageously enter the lighting device.

[0004] EP0936402 A discloses a lighting device for a motor vehicle, wherein the cover is attached to the reflector by means of a bayonet closure.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a further fastening and positioning of a first structural component of the light module and a second structural component of the light module and to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0007] The first structural component is, for example, a lens or a cover plate. The second structural component is, for example, a lens carrier or a housing that accommodates parts of the lighting device.

[0008] The first structural component extends, in particular, flatly in an xy plane. The extension of the first structural component in the x-direction and / or y-direction is, for example, greater than the extension in the z-direction. However, the first structural component can also have a greater extension in the z-direction than in the x-direction and / or y-direction. This can be the case, for example, with a thick-walled optic.

[0009] During assembly, in order to bring the first structural component and the second structural component into a final assembly position, a rotational movement of the first structural component relative to the second structural component is performed. This rotational movement occurs in the xy plane. Before the rotational movement or simultaneously with the rotational movement, a translational movement of the first structural component relative to the second structural component can advantageously be performed in the z-direction or opposite to the z-direction.

[0010] The coupling elements of the second structural component, which at least partially engage behind, in particular overlap, the first structural component, secure the first and the second structural component relative to each other in the z-direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the coupling elements of the second structural component are at least partially hook-shaped, in particular as snap hooks. During assembly of the first and second structural components, the hook-shaped coupling elements can initially be deflected according to the invention and then "snap back" to reach the final assembly position. The deflection occurs in the z-direction.

[0012] It may prove advantageous if the first structural component comprises at least two guide ramps that interact with a respective coupling element of the second structural component during assembly, wherein each coupling element is deflected by a respective guide ramp during assembly. The deflection by the guide ramps occurs, for example, in the z-direction.

[0013] It may prove advantageous if the first structural component comprises at least two contact surfaces for a respective coupling element of the second structural component, which, in the final assembly position, interact with a respective coupling element of the second structural component. The contact surfaces are, for example, arranged offset from the guide ramps in the opposite direction to the z-direction. The coupling elements "snap" back toward the contact surface, for example, after being deflected by the guide ramps.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first structural component comprises at least one stop element for at least one coupling element of the second structural component, wherein the stop element prevents over-rotation of the first structural component relative to the second structural component during assembly. For example, the stop element protrudes relative to at least one of the contact surfaces in the z-direction. This prevents over-rotation of the first structural component relative to the second structural component in the xy plane. For example, this can prevent a respective coupling element that has already come into contact with a respective contact surface and thus into a final assembly position from being rotated further beyond this final assembly position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the first structural component comprises at least one guide element, in particular an outwardly directed guide surface, on a side facing the second structural component, which cooperates with at least one guide element of the second structural component during assembly.

[0016] According to the invention, it is provided that the second structural component comprises at least one positioning element, wherein the positioning element specifies, in particular secures, the position of the second structural component relative to the first structural component in the final assembly position.

[0017] According to the invention, it is provided that the positioning element of the second structural component is a locking element, in particular a locking hook.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the first structural component comprises at least one positioning element, in particular a positioning rib, wherein the positioning rib cooperates with the positioning element of the second structural component in the final assembly position.

[0019] The first structural component is, for example, a lens or a cover plate with a circumference that is, in particular, elliptical or circular in the xy plane. The geometry of the second structural component, a lens carrier or a housing, is adapted accordingly.

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0022] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a lighting device according to the invention in an assembly situation; Fig. 2 shows a lighting device according to the invention in a final assembly position; Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the lighting device according to the invention from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 the detailed view from Fig. 3 in an assembly situation; Fig. 5 the detailed view from Fig. 4 in a final assembly position; Fig. 6 a detailed view of a second structural component of the lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a view of a first structural component of the lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 8 a further view of the first structural component from Fig. 7 , and Fig. 9a to 9cDetail views of the first structural component from Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 .

[0023] Fig. 1shows a lighting device 10 in an assembly situation. Fig. 2 shows the lighting device 10 in a final assembly position.

[0024] The lighting device 10 comprises a first structural component 12 and a second structural component 14.

[0025] The first structural component 12 is a lens according to the illustrated embodiments.

[0026] The second structural component 14 is a lens carrier according to the illustrated embodiments.

[0027] The first and second structural components 12, 14 are fastened or connected to each other by a twist lock.

[0028] During assembly, in order to bring the first structural component and the second structural component into a final assembly position, a rotational movement of the first structural component relative to the second structural component is performed. This rotational movement occurs in the xy plane. The rotational movement is in Fig. 1 illustrated by arrow 16.

[0029] According to the embodiments, the second structural component 14 comprises two coupling elements 18. Advantageously, three or more coupling elements 18 can also be provided. Advantageously, two coupling elements 18 are arranged opposite one another in the xy plane over a circumference of the second structural component 14.

[0030] In the final assembly position, the coupling elements 18 engage behind, in particular overlap, the first structural component at least partially.

[0031] The first structural component 12 comes into this rear grip, in particular overgrip, by a rotational movement relative to the second structural component 14.

[0032] The coupling elements 18 of the second structural component 14, which at least partially engage behind, in particular overlap, the first structural component, secure the first and the second structural component 12, 14 relative to one another in the z-direction.

[0033] According to the illustrated embodiment, the coupling elements 18 of the second structural component 14 are hook-shaped, in particular designed as snap hooks. During assembly, the hook-shaped coupling elements 18 are initially deflected, then "snap" back, and thus return to the final assembly position. The deflection of the coupling elements 18 occurs at least in the z-direction. According to the embodiments, at least one part 18a of the coupling elements 18 extending in the xy plane is deflected in the z-direction during assembly.

[0034] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first structural component 12 comprises at least two guide ramps 20 which, during assembly, interact with a respective coupling element 18 of the second structural component 14. During assembly, when the rotary movement 16 is carried out, a respective coupling element 18 runs against a respective guide ramp 18, so that the part 18a of a respective coupling element 18 is deflected on the guide ramp 20 in the z-direction.

[0035] As the rotary movement continues, a respective coupling element 18 runs over the respective guide ramp and comes into contact with a respective contact surface 22 of the first component 12.

[0036] The contact surfaces 22 are offset from the guide ramps 20, opposite the z-direction. The coupling elements 18 "snap" back toward the contact surfaces 22 after being deflected by the guide ramps 20.

[0037] Due to the coupling elements 18 resting against the contact surfaces 22, a force acts on the first structural component 12 opposite to the z-direction, so that the first structural component is secured by the twist lock relative to the second structural component 14. The design of the coupling elements 18 is advantageously implemented in such a way that, on the one hand, sufficient holding force is generated and, at the same time, tolerance compensation can take place.

[0038] According to the embodiments, it is further provided that the first structural component 12 comprises two stop elements 24. The stop elements 24 prevent over-rotation of the first structural component 12 relative to the second structural component 14 during assembly in the direction of the rotational movement 16.

[0039] For example, the stop elements 24 can be used to prevent a respective coupling element 18, which has already come into contact with a respective contact surface 22 and thus into a final assembly position, from being rotated further beyond this final assembly position.

[0040] According to the Fig. 9a to 9c In the illustrated embodiment, a contact surface 22 of the first structural component 12 can also be provided by two contact surfaces 22a, 22b. According to the illustrated embodiment, the contact surfaces 22a, 22b are arranged offset from one another in the z-direction. In Fig. 6 It can be seen that the coupling element 18 comprises a projection 18c which corresponds in the region of the part 18a with the two contact surfaces 22a, 22b.

[0041] As an alternative to the two contact surfaces 22a and 22b arranged offset from one another in the z-direction, the contact surface 22 can also be provided by a single contact surface 22.

[0042] According to the illustrations, the first structural component 12 comprises at least one guide element 28, in particular an outwardly directed guide surface 28, on a side 26 facing the second structural component. During assembly, the guide element 28 of the first structural component 12 interacts with at least one guide element 30 of the second structural component 14. The guide element 28 of the first structural component 12 is, for example, in the Figures 7 and 8 The guide element 28 is, for example, an outwardly directed curved or bent guide surface 28 or a surface section.

[0043] This guide surface 28 contacts the guide element 30 of the second structural component 14 during assembly. The guide element 30 of the second structural component 14 is, for example, in Figures 3 to 5 visible.

[0044] During assembly, it is provided, for example, that the first and the second structural component are first moved towards each other in a translational movement, in particular a plug-in movement, in particular in or against the z-direction.

[0045] During the translational movement, in particular an edge surface 38 of the second structural component 14 extending in the xy plane, or an edge surface section 38, comes into contact with a surface section 40 of the first structural component also extending in the xy plane, cf. Figures 6 , 7 and 8 .

[0046] As a result, the guide surface 28 also contacts the guide element 30 of the second structural component 14.

[0047] The edge surface 38 of the second structural component 14, or the edge surface section 38, does not extend over the entire circumference of the second structural component 14 in the xy plane. At least one cutout 42, for example two cutouts, which are opposite one another, for example, over the circumference of the second structural component 14, is provided on an edge along the circumference of the second structural component 14. By means of such a cutout 42 or such cutouts, the second structural component 14 comprises, for example, at least one or more edge cutouts 42 or edge cutouts that are set back relative to the edge surface 38 or relative to the edge surface section 38, counter to the z-direction. Thus, the edge surface 38 does not form a circumferential contact surface for the first structural component 12. Such a cutout 42 is shown, for example, in the Figures 2 to 5 , in the installed position on the top side of the second structural component 14.

[0048] The first structural component 12 comprises the surface sections 40, which come into contact with a respective edge surface section 38 of the second structural component 14.

[0049] The first structural component 12 extends on the side facing the second structural component 14, in the orientation of the installation position opposite to the z-direction, beyond the surface sections 40. For example, in the Figures 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 and 8 It is shown that the lens 14, in the orientation of the installation position opposite to the z-direction, extends beyond the surface sections 40. The lens 14, for example, bulges beyond the surface sections 40.

[0050] The cutout 42 or the cutouts of the second structural component 14 enable, due to the edge cutout(s) 42 which are set back in relation to the edge surface section 38 opposite to the z-direction, that the surface sections 40 of the first structural component 12 can be brought into contact with the edge surface section 38 or the edge surface sections 38 of the second structural component despite the extension of the first structural component 12 beyond these surface sections 40 and the first and second structural components can be mounted.

[0051] The rotational movement 16 is then carried out.

[0052] The guide element 30 is a curved or bent edge portion 30 of the first structural component, wherein the guide surface 28 contacts an inner side 30a of this edge portion 30 during assembly. During the rotational movement 16, the guide surface 28 slides along the inner side 30a of the edge portion.

[0053] Advantageously, two guide elements 28 are provided for the first structural component 12, and correspondingly, two guide elements 30 are provided for the second structural component 14. The guide elements 28, 30 are advantageously arranged opposite one another in the xy plane over a circumference of the respective structural component 12, 14. Multiple guide elements 28, 30 can also be provided. In this case, a uniform distribution of the guide elements 28, 30 over the respective circumference can be advantageous.

[0054] According to the invention, it is further provided that the second structural component 16 comprises at least one positioning element 32, wherein the positioning element 32 specifies, in particular secures, the position of the second structural component relative to the first structural component in the final assembly position. Two or more such positioning elements 32 can also be provided. Advantageously, two or more positioning elements 32 are arranged distributed over the circumference of the second structural component. Two positioning elements 32 can, for example, be arranged opposite one another. With multiple positioning elements 32, a uniform distribution of the positioning elements 32 over the circumference can be advantageous.

[0055] According to the invention, the positioning element 32 of the second structural component 14 is a locking element 32, in particular a locking hook. The locking element 32 can be deflected outward in the xy plane.

[0056] According to the illustrated embodiments, it is provided that the first structural component 12 comprises at least one positioning element 34, in particular a positioning rib 34. The positioning element 34 of the first structural component 12 interacts with the positioning element 32 of the second structural component 14 in the final assembly position. This is, for example, in Figures 3 and 5 shown.

[0057] During assembly, when the rotary movement is carried out, the positioning element 32 of the second structural component 14 is deflected outwards on a respective positioning element 34 of the first structural component 12 in the xy plane and then snaps or locks back into the starting position when the rotary movement 16 is carried out further, cf. Figures 4 and 5In the final assembly position, the positioning element 34 of the first structural component 12 is arranged in front of the positioning element 32 of the second structural component 14 in the direction of the rotational movement 16. According to the embodiments, a recess 36 is provided between the positioning element 32 and the guide element 30 of the second structural component 14, in which the positioning element 34 of the first structural component 12 is arranged in the final assembly position.

[0058] The positioning elements 32, 34 specify the positioning of the first and second structural components relative to each other.

[0059] Advantageously, the first structural component 12 is thereby centered relative to the second structural component 14.

[0060] It proves to be advantageous if all described elements of the first and / or second structural component 12, 14 are each integral elements of the respective component 12, 14.

[0061] The respective structural components 12, 14 are manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process.

[0062] The figures show a first structural component with an elliptical shape in the xy plane. The described embodiments can also be applied analogously to first structural components that have a circular shape in the xy plane.

[0063] When the description refers to an xy-plane, this is not limited to the coordinate plane or the origin plane. It can also be understood, if it makes sense in the relevant text, as a plane parallel to it.

Claims

1. Lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein a first structural component (12) of the lighting device is connected to a second structural component (14) of the lighting device (10), wherein the connection between the first and the second structural component (12, 14) is formed by a rotary lock, wherein the second structural component (14) comprises at least two coupling elements (18) which are deflectable in a z-direction and which, in a final assembly position, at least partially engage behind, in particular overlap, the first structural component (12) in the z-direction, and the first structural component (12) achieves this engagement, in particular overlap, by means of a rotary movement (16) in an x-y plane relative to the second structural component (14), characterized in that the second structural component (14) comprises at least one positioning element (32) in the form of a latching element, wherein the positioning element (32) is deflectable outwards in the x-y plane and wherein the positioning element (32) specifies and secures the position of the second structural component (14) relative to the first structural component (12) by interacting with a positioning element (34) of the first structural component (12) in the final assembly position, and wherein the second structural component comprises at least one edge surface portion (38) extending in the x-y plane and at least one edge cutout (42) set back from the edge surface portion (38) counter to the z direction, and wherein the first structural component comprises at least one surface portion (40) extending in the x-y plane, which comes into contact with the edge surface portion (38) of the second structural component (14), and wherein the first structural component (12) extends beyond the surface portion (40) counter to the z direction on a side facing the second structural component (14).

2. Lighting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling elements (18) of the second structural component (14) are designed to be at least partially hook-shaped, in particular as snap hooks.

3. Lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first structural component (12) comprises at least two guide ramps (20) which interact with a corresponding coupling element (18) of the second structural component (14) during assembly, wherein a corresponding coupling element (18, 18a) is deflected by a corresponding guide ramp (20) during assembly.

4. Lighting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structural component (12) comprises at least two contact surfaces (22) for a corresponding coupling element (18, 18a) of the second structural component (14), said contact surfaces interacting with a corresponding coupling element (18) of the second structural component (14) in the final assembly position.

5. Lighting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structural component (12) comprises at least one stop element (24) for at least the coupling element (18) of the second structural component (14), wherein the stop element (24) prevents over-rotation of the first structural component (12) relative to the second structural component (14) during assembly.

6. Lighting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structural component (12) comprises at least one guide element (28), in particular an outwardly directed guide surface (28), on a side facing the second structural component (14), which guide element interacts with at least one guide element (30, 30a) of the second structural component (14) during assembly.

7. Lighting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (32) of the second structural component (14) is a latching hook.

8. Lighting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (34) of the first structural component (12) is a positioning rib (34), wherein the positioning rib (34) interacts with the positioning element (32) of the second structural component (14) in the final assembly position.

9. Lighting device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structural component (12) is in the form of a lens, in particular a projection lens, and the second structural component (14) is in the form of a lens carrier.