US20190376661A1 - Vehicle lamp assembly having a bezek, lens and lamp housing with a micro mesh of holes in a side wall - Google Patents
Vehicle lamp assembly having a bezek, lens and lamp housing with a micro mesh of holes in a side wall Download PDFInfo
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- US20190376661A1 US20190376661A1 US16/002,288 US201816002288A US2019376661A1 US 20190376661 A1 US20190376661 A1 US 20190376661A1 US 201816002288 A US201816002288 A US 201816002288A US 2019376661 A1 US2019376661 A1 US 2019376661A1
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- Prior art keywords
- hole
- holes
- micro mesh
- lens
- light source
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
- F21S45/30—Ventilation or drainage of lighting devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/50—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/50—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
Definitions
- the subject disclosure generally relates to vehicle lamp assemblies such as headlight assemblies and taillight assemblies. More particularly, a solution for venting vehicle lamp assemblies is disclosed to reduce or eliminate condensation inside vehicle lamp assemblies.
- a wide variety of different vehicles are equipped with one or more lamp assemblies to allow nighttime operation of the vehicle and/or to provide signaling capabilities.
- Such light assemblies are typically located on the exterior of the vehicle.
- road-going vehicles are commonly provided with headlights (also known as headlamps), taillights (also known as tail lamps), indicator lights (also known as indicators), and running lights.
- headlights also known as headlamps
- taillights also known as tail lamps
- indicator lights also known as indicators
- running lights running lights.
- the headlights, taillights, and running lights also make the vehicle more visible to other drivers during nighttime operation and during weather conditions that limit visibility.
- the vehicle lamp assemblies often comprise a lamp housing, a light source, a reflector, and a lens. Some vehicle lamp assemblies also include a bezel that secures the lens to the body of the vehicle.
- the lamp housing, lens, and/or bezel typically form one or more internal lamp cavities with the light source positioned inside one of the internal lamp cavities.
- condensation can build-up inside the internal lamp cavities, which can fog up the lens and/or cause the light source, socket, and/or wiring harness to corrode or short-out. Condensation within the internal lamp cavities can therefore be detrimental to the aesthetic appearance and functionality of vehicle lamp assemblies. Customer complaints about condensation within the internal lamp cavities remains one of the most common warranty claims for vehicle lighting components.
- the subject disclosure provides for a vehicle lamp assembly comprising a lamp housing, a light source, a lens, and a bezel.
- the light source is attached to and supported by the lamp housing and the lens is spaced from the light source.
- the lens is attached to and supported by the bezel.
- the lamp housing, lens, and/or bezel include a wall with one or more perforated areas that are defined by a micro mesh of holes.
- Each hole in the micro mesh has a cross-sectional area that is less than or equal to 0.3 square millimeters (mm 2 ).
- the micro mesh of holes provides airflow through the vehicle lamp assembly to reduce or eliminate the build-up of condensation inside the vehicle lamp assembly.
- the vehicle lamp assembly disclosed herein has greater reliability and performance throughout its service life.
- the vehicle lamp assembly disclosed herein improves customer perception of quality by reducing or eliminating complaints related to condensation build-up inside vehicle lamp assemblies.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with exemplary vehicle lamp assemblies constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle lamp assembly constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure
- FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a perforated area of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the perforated area of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged front perspective view of a perforated area of another vehicle lamp assembly constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure where the perforated area forms a logo.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “interior,” “exterior,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- a vehicle 20 is illustrated with four vehicle lamp assemblies 22 that are constructed according to the subject disclosure with one vehicle lamp assembly 22 at each corner 24 of the vehicle 20 .
- the corners 24 of the vehicle 20 and therefore the vehicle lamp assemblies 22 are outboard of a centerline 26 of the vehicle 20 that extends between a front end 28 of the vehicle 20 and a rear end 30 of the vehicle 20 .
- the centerline 26 extends from the front end 28 of the vehicle 20 in a forward driving direction 32 and the centerline 26 extends from the rear end 30 of the vehicle 20 in a reverse driving direction 34 .
- the vehicle lamp assemblies 22 are mounted to a body of the vehicle 20 (i.e., vehicle body 36 ).
- the vehicle lamp assemblies 22 positioned at the front end 28 of the vehicle 20 are configured as headlights (also called headlamps) and the vehicle lamp assemblies 22 positioned at the rear end 30 of the vehicle 20 are configured as taillights (also called tail lamps). These vehicle lamp assemblies 22 are provided simply as examples. It should be appreciated that the scope of the subject disclosure is applicable to all vehicle lamp assemblies 22 , regardless of their shape, location on the vehicle 20 , or function. By way of example and without limitation, the teachings of the subject disclosure are applicable to headlights (also known as headlamps), taillights (also known as tail lamps), indicator lights (also known as indicators), and running lights.
- each vehicle lamp assembly 22 generally includes a lamp housing 38 , a light source 40 , a lens 44 , and a bezel 46 .
- the lamp housing 38 is attached to the vehicle body 36 .
- the lamp housing 38 may be made of a wide variety of different materials, by way of non-limiting example, the lamp housing 38 may be made of plastic or metal.
- the light source 40 is attached to and supported by the lamp housing 38 .
- the lamp housing 38 may include a socket 48 that receives and supports the light source 40 .
- the socket 48 may also electrically connect the light source 40 to a wire harness (not shown) that operates to provide electricity to the light source 40 . It should be appreciated a wide variety of different light sources 40 can be used.
- the light source 40 may include one or more incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, xenon light bulbs, high intensity discharge light bulbs, and/or light emitting diodes and may be configured as a projector lamp subassembly.
- a light source axis 50 extends co-axially with the light source 40 .
- the light source axis 50 may be substantially parallel to and pointed in the same direction as the forward driving direction 32 in the case of a headlight, the light source axis 50 may extend substantially parallel to and pointed in the same direction as the reverse driving direction 34 in the case of a taillight, or alternative may extend away from the centerline 26 of the vehicle 20 in other lamp configurations.
- the light source 40 is configured to emit a beam of light along the light source axis 50 ; however, it should be appreciated that the light source 40 may also emit beams of light in other directions that do not extend along the light source axis 50 .
- the lens 44 is spaced from the light source 40 with the light source axis 50 intersecting the lens 44 .
- the lens 44 is designed to protect the light source 40 and the reflector from environmental conditions (e.g., rain and snow) and from debris (e.g., dust, sand, and gravel).
- the lens 44 has a lens perimeter 52 and is made of a light transmitting material, meaning that the beams of light emitted by the light source 40 can pass through the lens 44 .
- the lens 44 is transparent or translucent.
- examples of the light transmitting material include, but are not limited to, glass, acrylic, and plastic.
- the lens 44 may be for example a headlight lens or a taillight lens and may be clear, tinted, red, orange, or combinations thereof.
- the lens 44 may be shaped to focus, direct, or scatter the beams of light emitted from the light source 40 .
- the lens 44 is attached to and supported by the bezel 46 and the bezel 46 attached to and supported by the vehicle body 36 .
- the lens 44 and the bezel 46 are connection by a glue joint 47 where a rib 49 protruding from the lens 44 is received in a glue channel 51 in the bezel 46 .
- the bezel 46 is connected to the lamp housing 38 by glue, fasteners, clips or other attachment mechanisms. Although a wide variety of different materials may be used, the bezel 46 may be made of plastic.
- the vehicle lamp assembly 22 has an outboard half 54 and an inboard half 56 .
- the outboard half 54 and inboard half 56 are not necessarily separate components, but rather different spatial portions or regions of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 .
- the inboard half 56 is closer to the centerline 26 of the vehicle body 36 than the outboard half 54 .
- the bezel 46 and the lens 44 cooperate to define a first internal lamp cavity 42 and the bezel 46 and the lamp housing 38 cooperate to define a second internal lamp cavity 58 .
- the light source 40 is disposed within the second internal lamp cavity 58 .
- condensation i.e., moisture
- condensation within the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 can be detrimental to the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 and can lead to customer complaints and a perception that the vehicle lamp assembly 22 is of poor quality.
- the vehicle lamp assembly 22 of the subject disclosure includes a venting solution.
- the lamp housing 38 , lens 44 , and/or bezel 46 include a wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c with one or more perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c that are defined by a micro mesh of holes 64 .
- Each hole 64 in the micro mesh has a cross-sectional area 66 of less than 0.3 square millimeters (mm 2 ).
- each hole 64 in the micro mesh may preferably have a cross-sectional area 66 of that ranges from 0.018 square millimeters (mm 2 ) to 0.071 square millimeters (mm 2 ) depending on the specifications (e.g., internal volume, wattage, etc.) of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 .
- the micro mesh of holes 64 provides airflow in the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 to reduce condensation within the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 .
- the perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c are configured to provide a certain volumetric flowrate for the airflow through the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 .
- the perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c may be configured to provide a volumetric flowrate that enables the air in the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 to be completely replenished (i.e., 100 percent turnover) in 1 minute at a pressure differential of 0.7 pounds per square inch (psi).
- the perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c may be configured to allow 16 liters (L) of air to flow through (i.e., enter and escape) the vehicle lamp assembly 22 when pushed by a pressure differential of 0.7 pounds per square inch (psi).
- each perforated area 62 a , 62 b , 62 c is an array of holes that may range from 3 holes wide and 3 holes high to 25 holes wide and 25 holes high and may cover, for example, an overall area of approximately 6.45 square centimeters (cm 2 ).
- each hole 64 in the micro mesh extends through the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c of the lamp housing 38 , lens 44 , and/or bezel 46 along a hole axis 68 from an interior surface 70 to an exterior surface 72 of the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c .
- the hole axes 68 of the holes 64 in the micro mesh may be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by a hole centerline spacing 74 .
- the hole centerline spacing 74 may range from 0.7 to 1.2 millimeters (mm).
- the hole axis 68 of each hole 64 in the micro mesh is arranged at a hole angle 76 that is greater than zero degrees, but less than ninety degrees, relative to the light source axis 50 .
- the hole angle 76 may be downwardly directed, moving from the interior surface 70 to the exterior surface 72 of the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c , to allow water to run out of the internal lamp cavity 58 through the micro mesh of holes 64 under the pull of gravity.
- the hole axis 68 may be arranged in a direction that extends outwardly away from the centerline 26 of the vehicle 20 .
- each hole 64 in the micro mesh is also arranged at a penetration angle 78 relative to the exterior surface 72 of the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c .
- the penetration angle 78 may be equal to ninety degrees such that each hole 64 extends perpendicularly through the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c .
- FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement where the penetration angle 78 of each hole 64 in the micro mesh is greater than zero degrees, but less than ninety degrees, relative to the exterior surface 72 of the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c.
- each hole 64 in the micro mesh may have a cylindrical shape and a hole diameter D that ranges from 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters (mm).
- each hole 64 in the micro mesh may have a non-cylindrical shape, such as a cubic or other shape.
- the holes 64 in the micro mesh need not necessarily have circular shaped openings as shown in the illustrated example.
- different configurations are possible where the micro mesh has holes 64 of uniform size, shape, and/or spacing or where the micro mesh has holes 64 of irregular (i.e., varying) size, shape, and/or spacing.
- the micro mesh of holes 64 can be made using a wide variety of different manufacturing operations.
- the micro mesh of holes 64 may be formed by laser cutting.
- the lens 44 includes a first perforated area 62 a
- the lamp housing 38 includes a second perforated area 62 b
- the bezel 46 includes a third perforated area 62 c .
- the micro mesh of holes 64 in the first perforated area 62 a are positioned in the outboard half 54 of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 with the hole axis 68 of each hole 64 in the micro mesh pointing away from the centerline 26 of the vehicle body 36 .
- the micro mesh of holes 64 in the first perforated area 62 a scavenge/pull air flowing along the vehicle body 36 and past the lens 44 into the first internal lamp cavity 42 .
- the air entrained by the micro mesh of holes 64 in the first perforated area 62 a flows through the first internal lamp cavity 42 , passes through the micro mesh of holes 64 in the third perforated area 62 c , and is vented/discharged through the micro mesh of holes 64 in the second perforated area 62 b .
- the perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c provide airflow through the vehicle lamp assembly 22 by allowing air to flow into and out of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 due to convection currents formed within the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 as a result of the heat generated by the light source 40 .
- the number, location, and configuration of the one or more perforated areas 62 a , 62 b , 62 c can be varied from the configuration shown in the Figures and tailored to the specifications of a particular vehicle lamp assembly 22 .
- the first perforated area 62 a is located below the light source axis 50 and the second and third perforated areas 62 b , 62 c are located above the light source axis 50 to promote convection driven airflow through the vehicle lamp assembly 22 when the vehicle 20 is stationary.
- the micro mesh of holes 64 may optionally be arranged in a pattern 80 that forms a logo, letter, word, and/or words.
- the micro mesh of holes 64 can be used to apply branding, a part identification label, or authentic designs to the lamp housing 38 , lens 44 , and/or bezel 46 in addition to providing airflow through the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 .
- the micro mesh of holes 64 may also be backlit by the light source 40 of the vehicle lamp assembly 22 or a backlight 82 positioned adjacent to the interior surface 70 of the wall 60 a , 60 b , 60 c .
- Such an arrangement increases the visibility of the micro mesh of holes 64 , particularly at night, which may be desirable when the micro mesh of holes 64 are arranged in a pattern 80 that forms a logo, letter, word, and/or words.
- backlighting the micro mesh of holes 64 can be used to provide accent lighting to the vehicle lamp assembly 22 .
- Many of today's vehicles 20 have lamp assemblies with lines of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are spaced from the primary light source to provide accent lighting.
- the vehicle lamp assembly 22 disclosed herein can provide a similar visual effect without the cost and power consumption of a separate line of light emitting diodes, while at the same time reducing or eliminating condensation within the internal lamp cavities 42 , 58 .
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Abstract
Description
- The subject disclosure generally relates to vehicle lamp assemblies such as headlight assemblies and taillight assemblies. More particularly, a solution for venting vehicle lamp assemblies is disclosed to reduce or eliminate condensation inside vehicle lamp assemblies.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
- A wide variety of different vehicles are equipped with one or more lamp assemblies to allow nighttime operation of the vehicle and/or to provide signaling capabilities. Such light assemblies are typically located on the exterior of the vehicle. In the automotive industry, road-going vehicles are commonly provided with headlights (also known as headlamps), taillights (also known as tail lamps), indicator lights (also known as indicators), and running lights. The headlights illuminated the roadway ahead of the vehicle while the taillights and indicator fights illuminate to signal to other drivers that the vehicle is braking, stopped (e.g. hazard flashing), turning, or in reverse. The headlights, taillights, and running lights also make the vehicle more visible to other drivers during nighttime operation and during weather conditions that limit visibility.
- The vehicle lamp assemblies often comprise a lamp housing, a light source, a reflector, and a lens. Some vehicle lamp assemblies also include a bezel that secures the lens to the body of the vehicle. The lamp housing, lens, and/or bezel typically form one or more internal lamp cavities with the light source positioned inside one of the internal lamp cavities. One problem that frequently occurs in such vehicle lamp assemblies is that condensation can build-up inside the internal lamp cavities, which can fog up the lens and/or cause the light source, socket, and/or wiring harness to corrode or short-out. Condensation within the internal lamp cavities can therefore be detrimental to the aesthetic appearance and functionality of vehicle lamp assemblies. Customer complaints about condensation within the internal lamp cavities remains one of the most common warranty claims for vehicle lighting components.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- The subject disclosure provides for a vehicle lamp assembly comprising a lamp housing, a light source, a lens, and a bezel. The light source is attached to and supported by the lamp housing and the lens is spaced from the light source. The lens is attached to and supported by the bezel. The lamp housing, lens, and/or bezel include a wall with one or more perforated areas that are defined by a micro mesh of holes. Each hole in the micro mesh has a cross-sectional area that is less than or equal to 0.3 square millimeters (mm2). Advantageously, the micro mesh of holes provides airflow through the vehicle lamp assembly to reduce or eliminate the build-up of condensation inside the vehicle lamp assembly. As a result, the vehicle lamp assembly disclosed herein has greater reliability and performance throughout its service life. In addition, the vehicle lamp assembly disclosed herein improves customer perception of quality by reducing or eliminating complaints related to condensation build-up inside vehicle lamp assemblies.
- Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with exemplary vehicle lamp assemblies constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle lamp assembly constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a perforated area of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the perforated area of the vehicle lamp assembly illustrated inFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged front perspective view of a perforated area of another vehicle lamp assembly constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure where the perforated area forms a logo. - Referring to the Figures, like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
- When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, attached, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “interior,” “exterior,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , avehicle 20 is illustrated with fourvehicle lamp assemblies 22 that are constructed according to the subject disclosure with onevehicle lamp assembly 22 at eachcorner 24 of thevehicle 20. Thecorners 24 of thevehicle 20 and therefore the vehicle lamp assemblies 22 are outboard of a centerline 26 of thevehicle 20 that extends between afront end 28 of thevehicle 20 and arear end 30 of thevehicle 20. The centerline 26 extends from thefront end 28 of thevehicle 20 in aforward driving direction 32 and the centerline 26 extends from therear end 30 of thevehicle 20 in areverse driving direction 34. Thevehicle lamp assemblies 22 are mounted to a body of the vehicle 20 (i.e., vehicle body 36). The vehicle lamp assemblies 22 positioned at thefront end 28 of thevehicle 20 are configured as headlights (also called headlamps) and thevehicle lamp assemblies 22 positioned at therear end 30 of thevehicle 20 are configured as taillights (also called tail lamps). Thesevehicle lamp assemblies 22 are provided simply as examples. It should be appreciated that the scope of the subject disclosure is applicable to allvehicle lamp assemblies 22, regardless of their shape, location on thevehicle 20, or function. By way of example and without limitation, the teachings of the subject disclosure are applicable to headlights (also known as headlamps), taillights (also known as tail lamps), indicator lights (also known as indicators), and running lights. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-4 , eachvehicle lamp assembly 22 generally includes alamp housing 38, alight source 40, alens 44, and abezel 46. Thelamp housing 38 is attached to thevehicle body 36. Although thelamp housing 38 may be made of a wide variety of different materials, by way of non-limiting example, thelamp housing 38 may be made of plastic or metal. Thelight source 40 is attached to and supported by thelamp housing 38. For example, thelamp housing 38 may include asocket 48 that receives and supports thelight source 40. Thesocket 48 may also electrically connect thelight source 40 to a wire harness (not shown) that operates to provide electricity to thelight source 40. It should be appreciated a wide variety of differentlight sources 40 can be used. By way of example and without limitation, thelight source 40 may include one or more incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, xenon light bulbs, high intensity discharge light bulbs, and/or light emitting diodes and may be configured as a projector lamp subassembly. - A
light source axis 50 extends co-axially with thelight source 40. Depending upon the type ofvehicle lamp assembly 22, thelight source axis 50 may be substantially parallel to and pointed in the same direction as theforward driving direction 32 in the case of a headlight, thelight source axis 50 may extend substantially parallel to and pointed in the same direction as thereverse driving direction 34 in the case of a taillight, or alternative may extend away from the centerline 26 of thevehicle 20 in other lamp configurations. Thelight source 40 is configured to emit a beam of light along thelight source axis 50; however, it should be appreciated that thelight source 40 may also emit beams of light in other directions that do not extend along thelight source axis 50. - The
lens 44 is spaced from thelight source 40 with thelight source axis 50 intersecting thelens 44. Thelens 44 is designed to protect thelight source 40 and the reflector from environmental conditions (e.g., rain and snow) and from debris (e.g., dust, sand, and gravel). Thelens 44 has alens perimeter 52 and is made of a light transmitting material, meaning that the beams of light emitted by thelight source 40 can pass through thelens 44. In other words, thelens 44 is transparent or translucent. Although a wide variety of different materials may be used, examples of the light transmitting material include, but are not limited to, glass, acrylic, and plastic. Depending upon the type ofvehicle lamp assembly 22, thelens 44 may be for example a headlight lens or a taillight lens and may be clear, tinted, red, orange, or combinations thereof. Optionally, thelens 44 may be shaped to focus, direct, or scatter the beams of light emitted from thelight source 40. - The
lens 44 is attached to and supported by thebezel 46 and thebezel 46 attached to and supported by thevehicle body 36. In the illustrated example, thelens 44 and thebezel 46 are connection by a glue joint 47 where arib 49 protruding from thelens 44 is received in aglue channel 51 in thebezel 46. Thebezel 46 is connected to thelamp housing 38 by glue, fasteners, clips or other attachment mechanisms. Although a wide variety of different materials may be used, thebezel 46 may be made of plastic. Thevehicle lamp assembly 22 has anoutboard half 54 and aninboard half 56. Theoutboard half 54 andinboard half 56 are not necessarily separate components, but rather different spatial portions or regions of thevehicle lamp assembly 22. Theinboard half 56 is closer to the centerline 26 of thevehicle body 36 than theoutboard half 54. - The
bezel 46 and thelens 44 cooperate to define a firstinternal lamp cavity 42 and thebezel 46 and thelamp housing 38 cooperate to define a secondinternal lamp cavity 58. Thelight source 40 is disposed within the secondinternal lamp cavity 58. In typicalvehicle lamp assemblies 22, condensation (i.e., moisture) can build-up or accumulate in theinternal lamp cavities lens 44 and/or cause thelight source 40,socket 48, and/or wiring harness to corrode or short-out. As a result, condensation within theinternal lamp cavities vehicle lamp assembly 22 and can lead to customer complaints and a perception that thevehicle lamp assembly 22 is of poor quality. - To address this problem, the
vehicle lamp assembly 22 of the subject disclosure includes a venting solution. With additional reference toFIG. 5 , thelamp housing 38,lens 44, and/orbezel 46 include awall perforated areas holes 64. Eachhole 64 in the micro mesh has across-sectional area 66 of less than 0.3 square millimeters (mm2). By way of example and without limitation, eachhole 64 in the micro mesh may preferably have across-sectional area 66 of that ranges from 0.018 square millimeters (mm2) to 0.071 square millimeters (mm2) depending on the specifications (e.g., internal volume, wattage, etc.) of thevehicle lamp assembly 22. Advantageously, the micro mesh ofholes 64 provides airflow in theinternal lamp cavities vehicle lamp assembly 22 to reduce condensation within theinternal lamp cavities perforated areas internal lamp cavities perforated areas internal lamp cavities internal lamp cavities perforated areas vehicle lamp assembly 22 when pushed by a pressure differential of 0.7 pounds per square inch (psi). Although other configurations are possible, eachperforated area - With additional reference to
FIG. 6 , eachhole 64 in the micro mesh extends through thewall lamp housing 38,lens 44, and/orbezel 46 along ahole axis 68 from aninterior surface 70 to anexterior surface 72 of thewall holes 64 in the micro mesh may be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by ahole centerline spacing 74. For example, the hole centerline spacing 74 may range from 0.7 to 1.2 millimeters (mm). Thehole axis 68 of eachhole 64 in the micro mesh is arranged at ahole angle 76 that is greater than zero degrees, but less than ninety degrees, relative to thelight source axis 50. As shown inFIG. 6 , thehole angle 76 may be downwardly directed, moving from theinterior surface 70 to theexterior surface 72 of thewall internal lamp cavity 58 through the micro mesh ofholes 64 under the pull of gravity. Alternatively, thehole axis 68 may be arranged in a direction that extends outwardly away from the centerline 26 of thevehicle 20. - The
hole axis 68 of eachhole 64 in the micro mesh is also arranged at apenetration angle 78 relative to theexterior surface 72 of thewall FIG. 5 , thepenetration angle 78 may be equal to ninety degrees such that eachhole 64 extends perpendicularly through thewall FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement where thepenetration angle 78 of eachhole 64 in the micro mesh is greater than zero degrees, but less than ninety degrees, relative to theexterior surface 72 of thewall - The shape of the
holes 64 in the micro mesh may vary. For example, eachhole 64 in the micro mesh may have a cylindrical shape and a hole diameter D that ranges from 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters (mm). Alternatively, eachhole 64 in the micro mesh may have a non-cylindrical shape, such as a cubic or other shape. As such, it should be appreciated that theholes 64 in the micro mesh need not necessarily have circular shaped openings as shown in the illustrated example. In addition, it should be appreciated that different configurations are possible where the micro mesh hasholes 64 of uniform size, shape, and/or spacing or where the micro mesh hasholes 64 of irregular (i.e., varying) size, shape, and/or spacing. The micro mesh ofholes 64 can be made using a wide variety of different manufacturing operations. By way of example, the micro mesh ofholes 64 may be formed by laser cutting. - In the illustrated example, the
lens 44 includes a firstperforated area 62 a, thelamp housing 38 includes a secondperforated area 62 b, and thebezel 46 includes a thirdperforated area 62 c. The micro mesh ofholes 64 in the firstperforated area 62 a are positioned in theoutboard half 54 of thevehicle lamp assembly 22 with thehole axis 68 of eachhole 64 in the micro mesh pointing away from the centerline 26 of thevehicle body 36. In accordance with this arrangement, the micro mesh ofholes 64 in the firstperforated area 62 a scavenge/pull air flowing along thevehicle body 36 and past thelens 44 into the firstinternal lamp cavity 42. The air entrained by the micro mesh ofholes 64 in the firstperforated area 62 a flows through the firstinternal lamp cavity 42, passes through the micro mesh ofholes 64 in the thirdperforated area 62 c, and is vented/discharged through the micro mesh ofholes 64 in the secondperforated area 62 b. Even when thevehicle 20 is stationary, theperforated areas vehicle lamp assembly 22 by allowing air to flow into and out of thevehicle lamp assembly 22 due to convection currents formed within theinternal lamp cavities light source 40. It should be appreciated that the number, location, and configuration of the one or moreperforated areas vehicle lamp assembly 22. For example, in the illustrated example the firstperforated area 62 a is located below thelight source axis 50 and the second and thirdperforated areas light source axis 50 to promote convection driven airflow through thevehicle lamp assembly 22 when thevehicle 20 is stationary. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , the micro mesh ofholes 64 may optionally be arranged in apattern 80 that forms a logo, letter, word, and/or words. As a result, the micro mesh ofholes 64 can be used to apply branding, a part identification label, or authentic designs to thelamp housing 38,lens 44, and/orbezel 46 in addition to providing airflow through theinternal lamp cavities holes 64 may also be backlit by thelight source 40 of thevehicle lamp assembly 22 or a backlight 82 positioned adjacent to theinterior surface 70 of thewall holes 64, particularly at night, which may be desirable when the micro mesh ofholes 64 are arranged in apattern 80 that forms a logo, letter, word, and/or words. In addition, backlighting the micro mesh ofholes 64 can be used to provide accent lighting to thevehicle lamp assembly 22. Many of today'svehicles 20 have lamp assemblies with lines of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are spaced from the primary light source to provide accent lighting. Thevehicle lamp assembly 22 disclosed herein can provide a similar visual effect without the cost and power consumption of a separate line of light emitting diodes, while at the same time reducing or eliminating condensation within theinternal lamp cavities - Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.
Claims (15)
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US16/002,288 US10502390B1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2018-06-07 | Vehicle lamp assembly having a bezek, lens and lamp housing with a micro mesh of holes in a side wall |
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US16/002,288 US10502390B1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2018-06-07 | Vehicle lamp assembly having a bezek, lens and lamp housing with a micro mesh of holes in a side wall |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD927745S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-08-10 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light |
USD928360S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-08-17 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light |
USD953587S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2022-05-31 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light bar |
US11486556B1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2022-11-01 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle auxiliary light luminaire bezel attachment assembly |
USD969368S1 (en) | 2021-01-28 | 2022-11-08 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle auxiliary light |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2836708A (en) * | 1956-06-18 | 1958-05-27 | Marvin Electric Mfg Company | Light fixture |
US4733335A (en) | 1984-12-28 | 1988-03-22 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp |
US5785418A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 1998-07-28 | Hochstein; Peter A. | Thermally protected LED array |
JP2000243129A (en) | 1999-02-22 | 2000-09-08 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Lighting device for vehicle |
TWM372923U (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2010-01-21 | Risun Expanse Corp | Lamp structure |
KR20160139777A (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2016-12-07 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Lamp for vehicle |
-
2018
- 2018-06-07 US US16/002,288 patent/US10502390B1/en active Active
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD927745S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-08-10 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light |
USD928360S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-08-17 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light |
USD953587S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2022-05-31 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle light bar |
US11486556B1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2022-11-01 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle auxiliary light luminaire bezel attachment assembly |
US11674657B1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2023-06-13 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle auxiliary light luminaire bezel attachment assembly |
USD969368S1 (en) | 2021-01-28 | 2022-11-08 | Kc Ip Holdings, Llc | Vehicle auxiliary light |
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