Motorized headlamp adjuster

Details Motorized headlamp adjuster Motorized headlamp adjuster

2001-02-14

2003-05-27

Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)

Illumination

Supported by vehicle structure

Including headlamp beam measuring or indicating

C362S524000, C362S529000, C362S523000, C362S460000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06568837

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to headlamp adjusters which are used to adjust the position of a reflector of an automobile headlamp assembly, and relates more specifically to a headlamp adjuster which is motorized.
Modern day headlamps for vehicles are engineered and designed to be aerodynamically efficient. In this regard, the headlamps are designed as sealed assemblies wherein the portion of the headlamp approximate the outer surface of the automobile is relatively stationary, and is aerodynamic.
A typical modem day headlamp assembly
12
is illustrated in a plan view seen as
FIG. 1
, and normally includes: a fixed housing
20
, to which an outer headlamp lens
22
is affixed; a movable reflector
24
, which is mounted within the fixed housing
20
; and a stationary headlamp bulb (not shown), which is positioned within the movable reflector
24
. Typically, the movable reflector
24
is mounted to the housing
20
by a universal or ball-type pivot
26
which is stationary, or fixed, on the housing
20
.
A first pivot point
28
is disposed generally vertical of the fixed pivot
26
, and a second pivot point
30
is disposed generally horizontal of the fixed pivot
26
. As such, the movable reflector
24
may be pivoted about the fixed pivot
26
in the vertical and horizontal planes to aim the headlamp beam. Adjustment mechanisms, or headlamp adjusters,
40
and
42
are typically provided at the first and second pivot points,
28
and
30
, normally termed the vertical pivot and the horizontal pivot, and the headlamp adjusters
40
and
42
can be operated to effect movement of the reflector
24
in the vertical and horizontal planes.
The headlamp adjusters
40
and
42
are typically mounted to the housing
20
of the headlamp assembly
12
and have adjuster output shafts
44
,
46
operatively connected to the movable reflector
24
by ball and socket type pivots, or the like, such that linear movement of the adjuster output shafts
44
,
46
produces pivoting of the movable reflector in the vertical and horizontal planes. Specifically, each headlamp adjuster
40
,
42
typically includes drive structure
48
,
50
for receiving a tool, and typically the drive structure
48
,
50
is precision geared to the adjuster output shaft
44
,
46
. The gearing provides that using the tool to rotate the drive structure
48
,
50
causes linear translation of the adjuster output shaft
44
,
46
and therefore adjustment of the position of the headlamp reflector
24
.
Before an automobile is released to the consumer, the movable reflectors of the headlamp assemblies are adjusted to a desired position so that the headlamp beams are properly aimed in both the vertical and horizontal directions. To this end, headlamp adjusters are normally operated at the automobile assembly plant. Thereafter, if a movable reflector moves from its desired position, due, for example, to vibration, jarring, or the vehicle being in an accident, a mechanic can operate the headlamp adjusters in order to properly re-align the reflectors.
It is advantageous to provide that a headlamp adjuster is motorized. Some motorized headlamp adjusters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,070,433 and 5,105,342, European Publication Nos. 0 297 953, 0652 134, 0 692 404 and 0 692 405, and Japanese Publication Nos. 05085255, 58101836 and 59008544. Motorized headlamp adjusters provide that, instead of having to use a tool to adjust the headlamp, a motor is actuated to extend or retract an adjuster output shaft to adjust the headlamp.
While motorized headlamp adjusters are presently commercially available, many of those which are currently available present certain disadvantages. For example, many of the motorized headlamp adjusters which are presently available are complex and include many parts, are not sealed well, and do not seal well with the headlamp housing when the headlamp adjuster is installed. As such, these headlamp adjusters are expensive, relatively difficult to assemble, and may have a reduced life due to moisture leaking into the assembly. Additionally, the life of the headlamp may be reduced due to moisture leaking into the headlamp housing due to inadequate sealing between the headlamp adjuster and the housing of the headlamp assembly.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY
Accordingly, it is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a motorized headlamp adjuster which is less complex than at least some of the previous designs of motorized headlamp adjusters.
Another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a motorized headlamp adjuster which is relatively easy to assemble.
Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a motorized headlamp adjuster which is sealed and which, when installed, provides desired sealing with a headlamp housing.
Briefly, and in accordance with one or more of the foregoing objects, the present invention provides a motorized headlamp adjuster which is operably connectable to a control circuit and which is engageable with a headlamp assembly. Specifically, the headlamp adjuster includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The headlamp adjuster includes a housing, and the adjuster output shaft extends from the housing. The adjuster output shaft preferably has a sealing member thereon which seals with the housing. Preferably, an external surface of the housing also has a sealing member thereon for engaging and sealing with the housing of the headlamp assembly when the headlamp adjuster is installed—i.e., when the adjuster output shaft is engaged with the headlamp reflector and the housing of the headlamp adjuster is engaged with the housing of the headlamp assembly. As such, the headlamp adjuster is sealed, and seals with a headlamp housing when installed. Preferably, the headlamp adjuster does not include several complex components and is relatively easy to assemble.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5070433 (1991-12-01), Zillgitt et al.
patent: 5105342 (1992-04-01), Zillgitt et al.
patent: 5446630 (1995-08-01), Chikada et al.
patent: 5446632 (1995-08-01), Childs et al.
patent: 5897202 (1999-04-01), Denley
patent: 5906431 (1999-05-01), Chianale et al.
patent: 6247834 (2001-06-01), Suehiro
patent: 6315439 (2001-11-01), Denley
patent: 0297953 (1992-05-01), None
patent: 0692404 (1996-01-01), None
patent: 0652134 (1998-03-01), None
patent: 0692405 (1999-09-01), None
Patent Abstracts of Japan, Publication No. 05085255 A, published Apr. 6, 1993, Mazda Motor Corp. Only Abstract.
Patent Abstract of Japan, Publication No. 59008544 A, published Jan. 17, 1984, Koito Mfg. Co. Ltd. Only Abstract.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, Publication No. 58101836 A, published Dec. 14, 1981, Koito Mfg. Co. Ltd. Only Abstract.

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