Motor vehicle headlamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlamp (1) with an adjustable low beam, comprising at least two low-beam modules (2) for joint emission of a low-beam distribution, with each low-beam module (2) respectively being configured to emit a portion of the low-beam distribution with a specifiable luminous intensity, at least one light source carrier (3) with light sources (4), at least one light source (4) being assigned to each low-beam module (2), each low-beam module (2) comprising a reflector (2a) with at least a focal point (P) or a focal line, and at least one light source (4) being arranged on the focal point (P) or a focal line of the reflector (2a), and each low-beam module reflector (2a) being designed such that the light distribution emitted by each low-beam module (2) and also the light / dark boundary of the respective low-beam distribution are conclusively defined in conjunction with the assembled position of the low-beam module reflector (2a), the low-beam module reflector (2a), for the purposes of defining the course of a light / dark boundary of the respective portion of the low-beam distribution, having at least one edge (K) in the reflector surface reproducing this boundary, and at least one heatsink (5), on which the light source carrier (3) and the low-beam modules (2) are fastened, with at least one of the low-beam module reflectors (2a, 2a2) being securely connectable to the heatsink (5) in adjustable fashion by way of a reflector holder (2b) in each case, each reflector holder (2b) having at least one guide section (2b'), and each adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) having a corresponding engaging section (2a') for engagement in the guide section (2b'), the guide section (2b') of the reflector holder (2b) being designed such that a low-beam module reflector (2a2) engaging with the reflector holder (2b) can be continuously rotated along a section of a circular trajectory (B) and can be set and fixed in any relative rotational position in relation to the reflector holder (2b) within a rotational range defined thereby, the guide section (2b') being designed in such a way in the process that the center of the circular trajectory coincides with the focal point (P) of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) or is located on the focal line of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2).

Description

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

[0002] Such vehicle headlights are known from the prior art. During the manufacture and assembly of these vehicle headlights, care must be taken to ensure that the individual low-beam modules, which can generally have the same beam characteristics, are correctly mounted in relation to each other, so that the light-dark boundaries of the respective modules, which become visible in the form of the projected light distribution, coincide.

[0003] Since the position of the cut-off line is critical and typically must comply with legal requirements, many automotive headlight systems have previously used low-beam modules consisting of a single imaging system. This eliminates the need to superimpose and precisely align identical light distributions. However, when multiple identical low-beam modules were used, they had to be manufactured and assembled with exceptional precision to ensure accurate alignment of the respective cut-off lines. Consequently, in these cases, both the manufacturing processes and the materials used had to meet particularly stringent requirements, significantly complicating the production of automotive headlights, at least the low-beam modules, and incurring considerable costs.

[0004] Document DE 102007040728 A1 shows a vehicle headlight comprising a reflection module. Document WO 2014 / 009185 A1 shows a modular assembly for a headlight. Document WO 2014 / 008523 A1 shows a lighting device for a motor vehicle. Document JP 2016 007911 A shows a vehicle light and a reflector. An object of the invention is therefore to provide a vehicle headlight of the type mentioned above that can be manufactured more cost-effectively. This object is achieved with a vehicle headlight according to claim 1.

[0005] This makes it possible to easily and precisely align the light distribution of the low-beam module reflectors, or the low-beam modules comprising them, after their manufacture. This allows for larger manufacturing tolerances during both production and assembly, resulting in more cost-effective manufacturing. During final assembly of the headlight, the modules can be aligned, allowing for a final check and optimization of the headlight's light distribution. In other words, by rotating the reflector around the focal point, the mechanical connection of the reflector can be positioned very close to the light source (e.g., LED). This results in a short tolerance chain between the light source and the reflector, which also leads to cost savings.This adjustment concept avoids defocusing, which is particularly advantageous for small reflectors, as defocusing would severely distort the light pattern and could potentially lead to problems complying with legal requirements. Small reflectors are very sensitive to changes in their position relative to the LED, which is why conventional adjustment mechanisms that involve, for example, partially deforming the reflector (e.g., deliberately "pushing" the reflector) are not effective. The adjustment mechanism described in the invention offers the particular advantage that the light distribution itself remains unchanged during rotation around the focal point.

[0006] The number of light sources can be freely chosen and is not limited to a specific number. For example, there could be exactly one light source, or two or more light sources per low-beam module. The adjustable low-beam module reflector rotates around a horizontal axis, allowing the height of the cut-off line to be set. The term "horizontal" refers to the final installation position in a vehicle that is on a horizontal plane – i.e., horizontally oriented.The expression, according to which "the light distribution emitted by each low beam module and also the cut-off line of the respective low beam distribution is definitively determined in conjunction with the mounting position of the low beam module reflector", means that no projection lenses or other light-shaping components are connected downstream of the respective low beam module reflector, but rather that this represents the last link in the light-shaping optical chain of the low beam module and that the low beam module reflector thus determines - depending on its position and orientation - the final position of the cut-off line in its projection, whereby, of course, the projections of individual low beam modules are superimposed on each other as already described above.

[0007] To achieve a compact and stable design, the light source carrier can be arranged between the heat sink and the low beam module reflectors.

[0008] According to the invention, the guide section of each reflector holder has a cup-shaped or cylindrical segment-shaped surface, and the engagement section of each adjustable low-beam module reflector is designed accordingly, enabling the engagement section to slide positively along the guide section. This creates a robust adjustment mechanism.

[0009] According to the invention, a threaded hole for receiving the thread of a screw is formed in the engagement section of each adjustable low-beam module reflector, and a corresponding elongated hole for receiving a fastening screw is arranged in the guide section of each reflector holder. The elongated hole is designed such that a fastening screw can be inserted through the elongated hole into the threaded hole of the adjustable low-beam module reflector in any position along the entire rotation range, thus enabling the adjustable low-beam module reflector to be fixed in relation to the respective reflector holder. This allows for continuous adjustment as well as fixing in any adjusted position.

[0010] According to the invention, a bore is formed in both the guide section and the engagement section, which is designed for the positive-locking reception of a locking pin. In the engaged state, this pin connects the guide section and the engagement section, thereby defining a reference position within the rotational range. This allows, for example, the predefined reference position to be used as a starting point. This reference position can be selected to correspond to the expected optimal setting position, thus providing the best starting point for verification. In some cases, this eliminates the need for further adjustment – ​​namely, when the expected optimal setting position corresponds to the verified, established optimal setting position. In the event of a deviation from the established optimal setting position, a quick and optimal readjustment can be performed.

[0011] According to the invention, the motor vehicle headlight has exactly two low beam modules, and the low beam module reflector of one of the two low beam modules is fixed in an unadjustable position, and the low beam module reflector of the remaining low beam module is adjustable and fixed to the heat sink via a reflector holder.

[0012] In particular, it may be stipulated that the light source is an LED light source.

[0013] Furthermore, the light source can be arranged at the focal point or along the focal line of the respective low-beam module reflector. This means that if the low-beam module reflector is rotated, only the position of the light distribution changes, without manipulating the light pattern itself (i.e., the composition of the light distribution as a normal projection, independent of its position).

[0014] In particular, the arrangement of the light source can be such that the center of the circular path of the adjustable low-beam module reflector's rotation range coincides with the center of gravity of the light-emitting surface of the light source. Since the light sources typically exhibit a somewhat planar radiation pattern, changes in the light pattern when the low-beam module reflector is rotated can be minimized.

[0015] Furthermore, the light source can be arranged such that the center of the circular path of the adjustable low-beam module reflector's rotation range coincides with an edge defining the light-emitting surface of the light source. The LED's emitting surface is typically a rectangle or square. The LED's focal point is located at the geometric center of the emitter surface. Normally, the reflector is rotated around the center of the focal point, as this is where most of the light is concentrated. However, in the case of a low-beam configuration, the reflector can be rotated around its outer edge (of the emitter surface) to achieve a more clearly defined cut-off line (on the road).

[0016] It is designed that one of the two low-beam module reflectors is permanently and immovably connected to the heat sink. Immovably connected means that no reflector holder with guides is required or provided; instead, the low-beam module reflector can be screwed directly and immovably to the heat sink.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light-shaping reflective surfaces of the low-beam module reflectors are identical. This means that the reflectors are identical on their inner sides – that is, in the optically active area facing the light source. This allows the individual components of the low-beam distribution to be designed in a completely uniform manner. Preferably, the light sources associated with the reflectors can also be identical. It is also possible for the low-beam modules to be constructed in a completely identical manner overall.

[0018] In particular, it may be provided that the motor vehicle headlight additionally has low beam modules to generate a low beam distribution.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be provided that the low beam modules are permanently connected to the heat sink.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures. These show Figure 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention, Figure 2 a detailed view of the back of the headlight's low beam modules Figure 1 , Figure 3 a sectional view of an adjustable low beam module reflector of the headlight according to the invention Figures 1 to 2 in the first layer L1, Figure 4 a sectional view of the adjustable low beam module reflector according to Figure 3 in a second layer L2, and Figure 5 a view of the rear of the adjustable low beam module reflector Figures 3 and 4 .

[0021] In the following figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols denote the same features.

[0022] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle headlight 1 according to the invention with an adjustable low beam. This motor vehicle headlight 1 comprises at least two low beam modules 2 for the joint emission of a low beam distribution, wherein each low beam module 2 is configured to emit a portion of the low beam distribution with a predefinable light intensity, so that a joint low beam distribution is created by superimposing the low beam distribution components.

[0023] Furthermore, the headlight 1 comprises at least one light source carrier 3 with a number of light sources 4, wherein each low-beam module 2 is assigned at least one light source 4. Each low-beam module 2 comprises a reflector 2a with at least one focal point P (see Figure 3 ) or a focal line. The at least one light source 4 is arranged at the focal point P or the focal line of the reflector 2a.

[0024] Each low beam module reflector 2a is designed such that the light distribution emitted by each low beam module 2 and also the light-dark boundary of the respective low beam distribution are definitively determined in conjunction with the mounting position of the low beam module reflector 2a, wherein the low beam module reflector 2a defines the course of a light-dark boundary of the respective portion of the low beam distribution by having at least one edge K that maps this boundary (see Fig. 3The headlight 1 also includes at least one heat sink 5, on which the light source carrier 3 and the low-beam modules 2 are mounted. The light source carrier 3 is arranged between the heat sink 5 and the low-beam module reflectors 2a and 2a1 and 2a2, respectively. The headlight 1 additionally includes low-beam modules 6 for generating a low-beam distribution. These low-beam modules 6 are rigidly connected to the heat sink 5. The light modules 2 and 6 are enclosed in a housing 10, which may, for example, be formed integrally with the heat sink 5.

[0025] With regard to the Figures 2 and 3 It can be seen that in the present embodiment shown two low beam module reflectors 2a are provided, one of the low beam module reflectors 2a being fixedly mounted, namely the low beam module reflector which is referenced by the reference numeral 2a1 (see Fig. 2 and3 The low-beam light module reflector 2a2, on the other hand, is adjustable by being slidable and firmly connected to the heat sink 5 via a reflector holder 2b. The reflector holder 2b has at least one guide section 2b' for this purpose (see Figs. 3 and 4 ) and the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 has a corresponding engagement section 2a' for engaging with the guide section 2b'. The guide section 2b' of the reflector holder 2b is designed such that the low-beam module reflector 2a2, which engages with the reflector holder 2b, can be continuously rotated along a section of a circular path B and adjusted and fixed in any rotational position relative to the reflector holder 2b within a rotationally defined range.

[0026] In Figure 2In the guide section 2a', a guide groove 9 is visible, into which a projection of the reflector holder 2b, not shown in the figures, engages. The guide groove 9 extends like a circular segment around the center of the circular path B, so that the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 can be rotated along the groove 9 around the center of the circular path B.

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the low-beam module reflector 2a2 in a first position L1. The guide section 2b' is designed such that the center of the circular path B coincides with the focal point P of the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2. Alternatively, a focal line could also be provided instead of the focal point.

[0028] The guide section 2b' of the reflector holder 2b has a cup-shaped or cylindrical segment-shaped surface, with the engagement section 2a' of the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 being designed correspondingly, so that a positive-locking sliding of the engagement section 2a' along the guide section 2b' is enabled. In the engagement section 2a' of the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2, a threaded hole 7a for receiving the thread of a screw (not shown in the figures) is formed, and in the guide section 2b' of the reflector holder 2b, a corresponding elongated hole 7b for receiving a fastening screw is arranged.

[0029] The elongated hole 7b is designed in such a way that a fastening screw can be inserted through the elongated hole 7b into the threaded hole 7a of the adjustable low beam module reflector 2a in any position of the adjustable low beam module reflector 2a2 along the entire range of rotation, thus enabling the adjustable low beam module reflector 2a to be fixed in relation to the reflector holder 2b.

[0030] In the guide section 2b' and in the engagement section 2a', a bore 8 is formed, which is designed for the positive-locking reception of a locking pin (not shown in the figures). By inserting a locking pin into the bore 8, the guide section 2b' can be connected to the engagement section 2a', thus fixing the position of the low-beam module reflector 2a2 – in this case, in a reference position L1. This position lies within an adjustable rotation range and can advantageously represent the center position of the rotation range. Generally, the light-shaping reflective surfaces of the low-beam module reflectors 2a or 2a1 and 2a2 can be designed identically.

[0031] The light source 4 can be, for example, an LED light source. It can be located at the focal point P or along the focal line of the respective low-beam module reflector 2a, 2a1, or 2a2. The light source can be arranged such that the center point of the circular path B of the rotation range of the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 coincides with the center of gravity of the light-emitting surface of the light source 4. Alternatively, the light source 4 can be arranged such that the center point of the circular path B of the rotation range of the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 coincides with an edge that bounds the light-emitting surface of the light source 4.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the adjustable low beam module reflector 2a2 according to Figure 3In a second position L2, the adjustable low-beam module reflector 2a2 was rotated clockwise by the angle α. The axis of rotation is horizontally oriented in the installed state. Therefore, in this example, the cut-off line was lowered by the angle α in the second position L2. Of course, rotation in the opposite direction is also possible. The elongated hole 7b is designed to allow sufficient adjustability in both directions of rotation, thus providing an adequate range of rotation.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a view of the rear of the adjustable low beam module reflector 2a2. Figures 3 and 4 The reflector holder 2b can be seen therein, which can be firmly connected to the light source carrier 3 and the heat sink 5 via screw openings 11.

[0034] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle headlight 1 has exactly two low-beam modules 2, and the low-beam module reflector 2a1 of one of the two low-beam modules 2 is fixed in a non-adjustable position, while the low-beam module reflector 2a2 of the remaining low-beam module 2 is adjustable and fixed to the heat sink 5 via a reflector holder 2b. Of course, the number of adjustable low-beam module reflectors 2a2 can also differ from the illustrated embodiment, but this is not part of the invention.

[0035] Alternatively, all low-beam module reflectors 2a could be adjustable, and at least one of them could be fixed in the reference position L1 by means of a locking pin. In this case, all low-beam modules could be of the same design.

[0036] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of protection of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiments may also be adopted and combined. Any reference numerals in the claims are exemplary and serve only to improve the readability of the claims, without limiting them.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) with adjustable low beam, comprising - exactly two low-beam modules (2) for joint emission of a low-beam distribution, each low-beam module (2) being configured to emit a portion of the low-beam distribution with a predeterminable light intensity, so that a joint low-beam distribution is created by superimposing the low-beam distribution portions, - at least one light source carrier (3) comprising a number of light sources (4), wherein with each low-beam module (2) at least one light source (4) is associated, each low-beam module (2) comprising a reflector (2a) having at least one focal point (P) or a focal line, and at least one light source (4) being arranged in the focal point (P) or a focal line of the reflector (2a), and each low-beam module reflector (2a) is designed such that the light distribution emitted by each low-beam module (2) and also the cut-off line of the respective low-beam distribution is definitively determined in connection with the mounting position of the low-beam module reflector (2a), wherein the low-beam module reflector (2a), for defining the course of a cut-off line of the respective portion of the low-beam distribution, comprises at least one edge (K) in the reflector surface imaging this boundary, and - at least one heat sink (5) on which the light source carrier (3) and the low-beam modules (2) are mounted, wherein the low-beam module reflector (2a1) of one of the two low-beam modules (2) is fixed in a non-adjustable manner and the low-beam module reflector (2a2) of the other low-beam module (2) is fixed to the heat sink (5) in an adjustable manner via a reflector holder (2b), wherein the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) is fixedly connectable to the heat sink (5) via a reflector holder (2b), the reflector holder (2b) comprising at least one guiding section (2b') and the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) comprising a corresponding engagement section (2a') for engaging with the guiding section (2b'), wherein the guiding section (2b') of the reflector holder (2b) is conformed wherein the low-beam module reflector (2a2) being engaged with the reflector holder (2b) can be continuously rotated along a section of a circular path (B) and can, within a rotational range defined therethrough, be adjusted and fixed in any rotational position relative to the reflector holder (2b), the guiding section (2b') being configured such that the center point of the circular path (B) coincides with the focal point (P) of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) or is on the focal line of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2), characterized in that the guiding section (2b') of the reflector holder (2b) has a shell-shaped or cylindrical shell segment-shaped surface and the engagement section (2a') of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) is shaped corresponding thereto, so as to enable a positive sliding of the engagement section (2a') along the guiding section (2b'), wherein a threaded hole (7a) for receiving the thread of a screw is provided in the engagement section (2a') of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2), and a corresponding elongated hole (7b) for receiving a fastening screw is provided in the guiding section (2b') of the reflector holder (2b), wherein the elongated hole (7b) is designed such that a fastening screw can be inserted through the elongated hole (7b) into the threaded hole (7a) of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a) in any position of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) along the entire range of rotation, thus enabling fixing the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a) with respect to the reflector holder (2b), wherein a bore is provided in the guiding section (2b') and in the engagement section (2a'), said bore being configured to positively receive a fixing pin which, when received, connects the guiding section (2b') and the engagement section (2a'), thereby defining a reference position (L1) within the range of rotation.

2. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein the light source carrier (3) is arranged between the heat sink (5) and the low-beam module reflectors (2a, 2a1, 2a2).

3. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (4) is an LED light source.

4. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source is positioned in the focal point (P) or in the focal line of the respective low-beam module reflector (2a, 2al, 2a2).

5. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 4, wherein the light source is arranged such that the center point of the circular path (B) of the rotation range of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) coincides with the centroid of the light-emitting surface of the light source (4).

6. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 4, wherein the light source (4) is arranged such that the center point of the circular path (B) of the rotation range of the adjustable low-beam module reflector (2a2) coincides with an edge delimiting the light-emitting surface of the light source.

7. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-shaping reflective surfaces of the low-beam module reflectors (2a, 2a1, 2a2) are shaped conformingly.

8. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein further the motor vehicle headlamp (1) comprises additional low-beam modules (6) for generating a low-beam distribution.

9. Motor vehicle headlamp (1) according to claim 8, wherein the low-beam modules (6) are fixedly connected to the heat sink (5).

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