Vehicle headlight assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight assembly (1), the headlight assembly (1) comprising a plurality of lighting modules. The present invention is characterized in that a flap unit (4) is provided on at least one first lighting module (3), the flap unit (4) can expose or cover the first lighting module (3), and at least one second lighting module (5) is arranged independently of the flap unit (4) and is not covered.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight assembly. Known headlight assemblies include at least one lighting module, preferably a plurality of lighting modules. Since the lighting modules are recognizable on the outer surface of the vehicle, they are used not only for lighting functions but also for design purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Therefore, in order to achieve a desirable appearance of the vehicle, the design of the headlight assembly is crucial. In that case, the appearance of the vehicle can be called a signature. Therefore, there are various possibilities for the design of the headlight module.

[0003] From Patent Document 1, a headlight having a cover is known. The cover consists of an upper cover element and a lower cover element, and can thereby cover the light emitting surface of the headlight. The cover elements are pivotally supported and each equipped with one drive unit. Thereby, the cover elements can be mechanically moved to a closed position and an open position. Different arrangements of the cover elements can affect the design of the vehicle. For example, a kind of "winking" can also be realized, whereby communication with vehicles or people outside the vehicle can be achieved by the cover elements.

[0004] In such a known device, the cover element needs to be at least partially open so as to enable the basic use of the headlight. Therefore, in the closed position, the headlight cannot emit light that can be recognized from the outside of the vehicle.

[0005] ​Alternatively, Patent Document 2 describes a headlight having a cover, the cover itself being able to switch between opaque and transparent states. For example, if the body is the same color as the opaque state, the cover is not visually recognizable. Furthermore, to make the transition area undetectable, the cover and body transition seamlessly from each other. In contrast, in the transparent state, the headlight can be clearly distinguished from the body. Therefore, in such known headlights, the cover is directly integrated into the headlight.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes a headlight having an operable cover for a functional component of the headlight. In this case, the cover is made of fibrous material. A similar structure is also known from Patent Document 4. In this case, within the headlight, one of the light-emitting elements is covered by an actuator, for example, in the form of a shade or flap that can rotate around an axis. Furthermore, prior art has shown that the entire headlight can be covered when it is not in use. In this regard, for example, one can refer to Patent Document 5, which shows a headlight that is completely covered by two flap elements that rotate around an axis. When the structure is opened, these flaps retract into the body and become completely invisible. However, a similar structure in which the flaps are only opened and do not retract completely into the body is further known from Patent Document 6. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] DE102019007708A1 [Patent Document 2] DE102019008729A1 [Patent Document 3] DE102012108772A1 [Patent Document 4] DE102012107946A1 [Patent Document 5] FR2387416A1 [Patent Document 6] US2,524,442A [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a headlight assembly that does not impair, or impairs, the individual design of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by claim 1, and more particularly by a headlight assembly having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and variations will become apparent from the dependent claims of claim 1.

[0010] At the heart of the headlight assembly according to the present invention is at least one first lighting module provided with a flap unit, the flap unit being able to expose or cover the first lighting module, and at least one second lighting module being positioned independently of the flap unit and not being covered. In other words, a movable flap is proposed that cannot cover all the lighting modules of the headlight assembly. This is particularly advantageous when there is a design requirement that the lighting modules should occupy only a small area on the outer skin of the vehicle. Thus, relatively large areas, or in general any lighting modules, can be covered by the flap unit when they are not in use. In other words, the flap unit can be called a movable flap, which can be moved in front of the first lighting module or to expose the lighting module.

[0011] Each lighting module may have multiple lighting units, which may have different shapes. In this case, the lighting units of the second lighting module, in particular, can be formed into any shape and can be arbitrarily arranged on the body, since the flap unit does not need to reach them. In contrast, preferably, the first lighting module is formed in such a shape that the lighting units of the first lighting module are placed side by side, so that the flap unit can reach or cover all of them.

[0012] It is also conceivable to provide a plurality of different flap units that can independently expose or cover different lighting units of the first lighting module. Thus, each of the flap units can be designed as intended by the present invention.

[0013] The headlight assembly is designed for a vehicle and comprises multiple lighting modules. Advantageously, in "normal conditions," only the lighting modules necessary for the normal use of the vehicle under daytime conditions are visible. In contrast, lighting modules that are not continuously used can be concealed by the flap unit. This can thus have a decisive impact on the vehicle's appearance, and in particular, the vehicle can operate in "normal conditions" even with the flap unit in the closed position, and even with the support of autonomous driving functions. Therefore, it is preferable that daytime running lights, sensors for autonomous driving functions, and, for example, headlight flashers, etc., are not covered by the flap unit.

[0014] Another advantage is that standard modules can be used for low and high beams, thereby saving costs as they do not need to be adapted to specific designs or models. Furthermore, the flap unit protects the second lighting module from dirt and damage. This prevents dirt from accumulating on the main light functions, including the low beams which are especially needed at night, thereby improving safety. Other sensors that are not used during the day can also be placed behind the flap unit.

[0015] In this case, according to the present invention, the flap unit is intended to be guided via two opposing guide tracks. The guide tracks have a straight section and a curved section. This ensures that the flap unit can move completely under the body.

[0016] In that case, the flap unit can be guided, for example, via pin elements in each guide path, and moved along the guide path by a drive device. The drive device may be an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, or a similar type of transmission device such as a link mechanism.

[0017] In that case, according to a favorable developmental form, gears can be used to ensure guidance along the guide trajectory.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment may involve the flap unit being fully movable beneath the body. In this case, the flap unit can be moved, for example, parallel to the body. This can be ensured, in particular, by the shape of the guide path on which the flap unit moves.

[0019] Preferably, the first lighting module can form a main lighting module including at least a low beam, a high beam, a cornering light, and / or an adaptive driving beam. Thus, the first lighting module includes light elements that are not continuously utilized in "normal use". For example, the low beam is used only during daytime or at specific times of night. The high beam is also not continuously used. The adaptive driving beam (ADB) is an additional headlight that supports the main lighting function. This main lighting function can be, in particular, a high beam or a so-called partial high beam, also referred to as a permanent high beam for example.

[0020] In that case, according to a very advantageous development of this idea, it can be contemplated that the second lighting module has daytime running lights, position lights, headlight flashers, direction indicators, and / or autonomous driving system marker lights. Thus, the second lighting module forms the recognition characteristics of the vehicle design. In contrast to the first lighting module, the second lighting module can have a smaller area, thereby reducing design limitations. In that case, the second lighting module can include a plurality of lighting units arranged on the outer skin of the vehicle independently of each other. The autonomous driving system marker light (ADS marker light) is a light source required for the autonomous driving system. In particular, objects recognized thereby can be better identified or tracked. In that case, visible light or infrared light can be used.

[0021] The lens, which is a transparent part of the lighting unit arranged behind the flap unit and is not always exposed to falling rocks, can be made of PMMA. It is also possible to make only a part of the lens from PMMA.

[0022] The flap unit can be moved to the outside or inside.

[0023] The flap unit can be attached to the body bumper or the lighting unit.

[0024] In that case, according to a very advantageous development of this idea, the flap unit, in the closed position, passes substantially seamlessly into the outer skin around the vehicle, whereby it is possible to envisage that the flap unit does not visually impair the outer skin. Thereby, in the closed state, the flap unit does not impair the vehicle design, and in particular the area of the first lighting module can be made to have an appearance formed from a continuous outer surface. If the first lighting module is arranged such that it cannot be seen next to the second lighting module, the focus is directed only to the second lighting module. Thus, the vehicle design is not impaired by the first lighting module.

[0025] In that case, according to an advantageous embodiment, it can be envisaged that the surface that can be covered by the flap unit is larger than the surface of the second lighting module. Thus, in particular, a large-area lighting module of the main light module can be covered when not needed. The main light module is in particular a low beam and / or a high beam. As a result, during the day, the flap unit can achieve a design that is formed as elegantly as possible, for example. In that case, the larger headlight surface cannot be recognized or can be concealed.

[0026] Another advantageous embodiment can be envisaged in which the headlight assembly is designed as a front headlight or a rear headlight of the vehicle. Thus, the rear headlight and the front headlight can also be designed with corresponding flap units.

[0027] Other advantageous embodiments of the headlight assembly according to the invention will also become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0028] The flap unit can be designed with a sealing lip to prevent wind noise and the intrusion of water, snow, and ice. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This figure shows possible embodiments of a headlight assembly. [Figure 2] This figure shows another possible embodiment of the headlight assembly. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of a headlight assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flap unit in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates possible embodiments of the headlight assembly 1. The left illustration shows the headlight assembly 1 with the flap unit 4 in the open position, where the flap unit 4 is not visible. The right illustration shows the headlight assembly 1 with the flap unit 4 closed, where the flap unit 4 covers a portion of the headlight assembly 1. The flap unit 4 is shown with a dashed line because it may visually transition into the outer skin of the vehicle.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the headlight assembly 1 comprises a first lighting module 3 and a second lighting module 5, each lighting module having two lighting units 2. The first lighting module 3 includes a larger base than the second lighting module 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting modules are arranged vertically. Other embodiments are also possible.

[0032] For example, in embodiments not shown, the arrangement of the lighting units 2 of each lighting module 3, 5 can be arbitrarily designed. For example, the lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be spaced apart from each other and spaced apart from the first lighting module 3. This is possible, in particular, because they do not need to be achieved in front of the flap unit 4. The lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be arranged, for example, in a circular arrangement. In contrast, it is preferable that the lighting units 2 of the first lighting module 3 be arranged close together so that they can be covered by the flap unit 4.

[0033] In Figure 2, another modified embodiment of the headlight assembly 1 can be seen. Since the same components are given the same reference numerals, further detailed explanation of these components is unnecessary. Unlike Figure 1, various lighting functions that can be concealed behind the first lighting module 3 and the second lighting module 5 are shown. The first lighting module 3 may have, for example, low beams 6, high beams 7, cornering lights 8, and ADBs 9. These can be arranged side-by-side or overlapping. The second lighting module 5 may have, for example, daytime running lights 10, position lights 11, headlight flashers 12, turn signals 13, and ADS marker lights 14. All of these lighting units 2 of the second lighting module 5 can be arbitrarily positioned on the outer skin of the vehicle and do not need to be in direct contact with each other. In the right region of Figure 2, it can be seen that the lighting units 2 of the first lighting module 3 may be covered by a single flap unit 4.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the headlight assembly 1 with the flap unit 4 in the closed position. The flap unit 4 transitions seamlessly into the outer skin 17 around the vehicle, thereby not visually obstructing the outer skin 17, or obstructing it only slightly. When the first lighting module 3 is positioned next to the second lighting module 5 so that it is not visible, the focus is directed solely to the second lighting module 5. Thus, the design of the vehicle is not obstructed by the first lighting module 3.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the flap unit 4 is guided along two opposing guide tracks 15, allowing the flap unit 4 to move under the body 16. In the illustrated cross-sectional view, only one guide track 15 is visible.

[0036] The flap unit 4 can be guided, for example, via two pin elements in each guide path 15, and can be moved along the guide path 15 by a drive device. In particular, a gear 18 can be used to ensure guidance along the guide path 15.

[0037] The guide track 15 may have a straight section 15' and a curved section 15''. This ensures that the flap unit 4 can move completely under the body 16, in particular as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the flap unit 4 can pivot relative to the outer skin 17 of the vehicle in order to reach under the body. This can be ensured in particular by the shape of the guide track 15 on which the flap unit 4 moves.

[0038] Teeth 19 can be provided on the curved portion 15'' of the guide track 15, and a gear 18 can mesh with them. The gear 18 is in particular connected to the flap unit 4, thereby allowing the flap unit to move along the guide track 15 by guiding the gear 18 with the teeth 19.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 with the flap unit 4 in the open position. The flap unit 4 is pivoted relative to the outer skin 17 and positioned under the body 16, and is not visible from the outside of the vehicle. This exposes the first lighting module 3. The guide track 15 is positioned next to the first lighting module 3, particularly to its left and right, so that the lighting unit 2 of the first lighting module 3 is not obstructed by the guide track 15.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the first lighting module 3 and the second lighting module 5 can be placed within a common housing. Therefore, the flap unit 4 can be positioned to cover a portion of the housing, i.e., the portion where the first lighting module 3 is located.

[0041] Naturally, the modified embodiments of the headlight assembly 1 described in Figures 1 to 4 can be combined with each other, thereby creating various possibilities. For example, the shape of the guide track 15, the shapes of the lighting modules 3 and 5, and the shape of the flap unit 4 can differ from those of the illustrated embodiments. This ensures, in particular, that a first lighting module 3 of a different shape can be covered by the flap unit 4 according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight assembly (1) comprising a plurality of lighting modules, wherein at least one first lighting module (3) is provided with a flap unit (4), the flap unit (4) can expose or cover the first lighting module (3), and at least one second lighting module (5) is arranged independently of the flap unit (4) and not covered, in the headlight assembly (1), The headlight assembly (1) is characterized in that the flap unit (4) is guided on two opposing guide tracks (15), the guide tracks (15) having a straight section (15') and a curved section (15''), and the flap unit (4) is movable below the body (16).

2. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lighting module (3) forms a main light module including at least a low beam (6), a high beam (7), a cornering light (8), and / or an adaptive drive beam (9).

3. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second lighting module (5) includes a daytime running light (10), a position light (11), a headlight flasher (12), a turn signal (13), and / or an autonomous driving system marker light (14).

4. The headlight assembly (1) according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the lens contains polymethyl methacrylate.

5. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the curved portion (15'') of the guide track (15) is provided with teeth (19) for a gear (18) connected to the flap unit (4).

6. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flap unit (4) is movable inward or outward.

7. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flap unit (4) transitions substantially seamlessly into the outer skin (17) around the vehicle when in the closed position, thereby the flap unit (4) does not visually impair the outer skin (17).

8. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flap unit includes a lip seal.

9. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the surface that can be covered by the flap unit (7) is larger than the surface of the second lighting module (5).

10. The headlight assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the headlight assembly (1) is designed as a front headlight or a rear headlight of the vehicle.

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