Headlamp drive and control apparatus

Abstract

A mechanism and an electrical circuit are provided which control an up/down position and a tilt angle of a headlamp on a vehicle. The headlamp is supported by a drive mechanism which includes an electric motor as a drive source. The drive mechanism drives the headlamp to its up or down position, and also controls the tilt angle thereof. In one embodiment, an angle of rotation sensor having improved configurations and disposition of conductor electrodes and contactors is coupled to the sensor. An angle of inclination sensor is mounted on the vehicle. The headlamp is driven in accordance with the outputs from the both sensors so that it illuminates a given point forward of the vehicle. Time limit means is provided, and interrupts the energization of the motor after a given time duration. Retract switch may be operated to drive the headlamp to its up or down position. During such movement, the motor is energized at a high level while it is energized at a low level when controlling the tilt angle. In another embodiment, a second rotary switch is used to select a tilt angle. A headlamp drive mechanism is coupled to a first rotary switch, and the motor is energized through the first and the second rotary switch. The first rotary switch interrupts the circuit connection between the motor and the second rotary switch at a selected tilt angle of the headlamp which is established by the second rotary switch. The second rotary switch has improved combinations of conductor electrodes and contactors.