Vehicle lighting assembly with lens heating device and its jack connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting assembly (10). The lighting assembly (10) comprises a jack terminal (26) having a connection portion (28) defining a hole configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis (X) and an attachment portion (34) configured to attach the jack terminal (26) to a wire (36), a terminal housing (40, 140) defining a first oblong opening (42) and an oblong cavity (44) in which the connection portion (28) of the jack terminal (26) is disposed, and a terminal housing cover (50, 150) defining a second oblong opening (52), the terminal housing cover being attached to the terminal housing (40, 140) so as to enclose the connection portion (28). The connection portion (28) is sized, shaped and arranged to be located within the cavity (44) so as to be movable along a lateral axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202010884856.5, filed on August 28, 2020, entitled "Vehicle lighting assembly with lens heating device and its socket connector assembly". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a lighting assembly for a vehicle, and in particular a lighting assembly having a lens configured to heat the lighting assembly. Background Technology

[0003] Many vehicles have lighting systems that include various forms of headlights, taillights, and side marker lights. For example, lighting systems using incandescent or HID bulbs generate enough waste heat that snow and / or ice will not form or adhere to the lighting system lenses when the ambient temperature is below the freezing point of water. Snow or ice on the lighting system lenses can reduce the lens's light transmittance, thus degrading the lighting system's performance. Some lighting systems, such as those using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, do not generate enough waste heat due to their high energy efficiency to melt ice or snow on the lighting system lenses.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method for sufficiently heating a lighting system lens to melt snow and ice to avoid reducing the light transmittance of the lighting system lens. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lighting assembly is provided. The lighting assembly includes a socket terminal having a connecting portion and an attachment portion. The connecting portion defines an aperture configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis, and the attachment portion is configured to attach the socket terminal to a wire. The lighting assembly also includes a terminal housing defining a first elliptical opening and an elliptical cavity in which the connecting portion is disposed. The connecting portion is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lighting assembly also includes a terminal housing cover defining a second elliptical opening, the terminal housing cover being attached to the terminal housing to enclose the connecting portion.

[0006] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, a slot is formed between the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover, through which the attachment portion extends.

[0007] In an example embodiment of a lighting component having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connecting portion is characterized by having a circular shape.

[0008] In an example embodiment of a lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the attachment portion is offset at an angle relative to the connecting portion.

[0009] In an example embodiment of a lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding section, the attachment portion is arranged at a 45-degree angle relative to the connecting portion.

[0010] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connection portion defines a contact spring configured to apply a contact force on the respective plug terminals.

[0011] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the lighting assembly described in the preceding paragraphs, the lighting assembly further includes a lens covering the light source, a resistive circuit disposed on the surface of the lens, and post-shaped terminals connected to the resistive circuit. The post-shaped terminals are the corresponding plug terminals described above.

[0012] In an example embodiment of the lighting component having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the light source includes a light-emitting diode.

[0013] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the cylindrical terminal has a cylindrical body and rounded ends.

[0014] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connection portion defines a plurality of contact springs arranged around the hole, which are configured to apply contact force on the cylindrical terminal.

[0015] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, cylindrical terminals are soldered to the resistor circuit.

[0016] In an example embodiment having one or more features of a front-end lighting component, the lens has a transmittance greater than or equal to 0.9.

[0017] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover are integrally formed.

[0018] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, a hinge is provided between the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover.

[0019] In an example embodiment of the lighting component having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the light source includes a light-emitting diode.

[0020] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the lighting assembly described in the preceding paragraph, the lighting assembly further includes a pair of socket terminals, a pair of terminal housings, a pair of terminal housing covers, and a pair of cylindrical terminals.

[0021] In an example embodiment of the lighting assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the lens is characterized by having a circular shape, and the first cylindrical terminal of the pair of cylindrical terminals being arranged radially opposite to the second cylindrical terminal of the pair of cylindrical terminals.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a socket connector assembly is provided. The socket connector assembly includes a socket terminal having an annular connecting portion and an attachment portion. The annular connecting portion defines a central hole configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis. The attachment portion is configured to attach the socket terminal to a wire. The socket connector assembly also includes a terminal housing defining a first elliptical opening and an elliptical cavity in which the connecting portion is disposed. The connecting portion is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The socket connector assembly also includes a terminal housing cover defining a second elliptical opening, the terminal housing cover being attached to the terminal housing to enclose the connecting portion. The first elliptical opening is aligned with the second elliptical opening.

[0023] In an example embodiment of a jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, a slot is formed between the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover, through which the attachment portion extends.

[0024] In an example embodiment of a jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the attachment portion is offset at an angle relative to the connection portion.

[0025] In an example embodiment of a jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the attachment portion is arranged at a 45-degree angle relative to the connection portion.

[0026] In an example embodiment of a jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connection portion defines a contact spring configured to apply a contact force on the respective plug terminals.

[0027] In an example embodiment of a jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connection portion defines a plurality of contact springs surrounding a central hole, which are configured to apply contact force on the respective plug terminals.

[0028] In an example embodiment of the jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover are integrally formed.

[0029] In an example embodiment of the jack connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, a hinge is provided between the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a lighting assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Exploded view of the lighting components;

[0033] Figure 3 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A front view of the lighting components;

[0034] Figure 4A According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A front view of the lens of the lighting component;

[0035] Figure 4B According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 4A A side view of the lens;

[0036] Figure 5 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A separate top view of the electrical connector assembly of the lighting components;

[0037] Figure 6 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly;

[0038] Figure 7 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Side view of the female socket terminal assembly of the electrical connector assembly;

[0039] Figure 8 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 Top view of the female socket terminal assembly;

[0040] Figure 9 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 Bottom view of the female socket terminal assembly;

[0041] Figure 10 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 Exploded view of the female socket terminal assembly;

[0042] Figure 11 It is in a partially assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A perspective view of the female connector terminal assembly;

[0043] Figure 12 It is in a fully assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A perspective view of the female connector terminal assembly;

[0044] Figure 13A According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 A top view of the male cylindrical terminal of the electrical connector assembly;

[0045] Figure 13B According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 13A Side view of the cylindrical plug terminal;

[0046] Figure 14 It is in a partially assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Side view of the electrical connector assembly;

[0047] Figure 15A This is a perspective view of a female socket terminal assembly in a fully assembled state according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 15B It is in a partially assembled state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15A A perspective view of the female connector terminal assembly;

[0049] Figure 16A According to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 15A Side view of the terminal housing cover of the female socket terminal assembly;

[0050] Figure 16B This is according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16A A top view of the terminal housing cover; and

[0051] Figure 16C This is according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16A End view of the terminal housing cover.

[0052] In the preceding figures and the following description, similar elements share the last two digits. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0054] Figures 1 to 3A non-limiting example of a lighting assembly 10 is shown, such as a headlight for a motor vehicle. The lighting assembly 10 includes a light source or lamp 12, which in this example is an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LED lamps 12 are disposed within a lamp housing 14. Figure 1 As shown in the optimal configuration, lens 16 encloses lamp 12 within lamp housing 14. (As indicated...) Figure 3 As best shown, lens 16 has a resistance heating circuit 18 disposed on the surface of lens 16, which is heated by an electric current flowing through the heating circuit 18, thereby heating lens 16 to remove ice and / or snow from lens 16. In the illustrated example of the headlamp, lens 16 has a light transmittance greater than or equal to 0.9. The lighting assembly 10 also includes an electrical connector assembly 20 to provide current to the heating circuit 18 on lens 16. Connector assembly 20 includes a pair of male post terminals 22 attached to lens 16 and a pair of female socket terminal assemblies 24 configured to mate with male post terminals 22. The lighting assembly 10 also includes a plurality of retaining rings to secure lens 16 to lamp housing 14 and to secure socket terminal assemblies 24 within lamp housing 14.

[0055] Figure 4A and 4B Lens 16 is shown. Heating circuitry 18 is disposed on the inner surface of lens 16 and includes several radial and concentric elements. Heating circuitry 18 is formed on lens 16 by screen printing, pad printing, or by depositing circuitry material onto lens 16 using a robot-controlled dispenser. Lens 16 can be formed of glass or polymer material. Cylindrical terminals 22 are attached to connecting pads in heating circuitry 18. Cylindrical terminals 22 can be attached to heating circuitry 18 using low-temperature solder. Alternatively, cylindrical terminals 22 can be attached to heating circuitry 18 using conductive adhesive, spin soldering, or other materials and processes suitable for connecting metal terminals to circuitry material disposed on glass or polymer. Figure 1-3 In the example lighting assembly 10 shown, the lens 16 is characterized by having a circular shape, and the first cylindrical terminal 22 is arranged at the two o'clock position, radially opposite to the second cylindrical terminal 22 arranged at the eight o'clock position.

[0056] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connector assembly 20 is shown when it is installed within the lighting assembly 10. The male terminal 22 on the lens 16 is received within the female terminal 26 of the jack terminal assembly 24, thereby providing an electrical connection to the heating circuit 18 on the lens 16.

[0057] Figure 7-12A socket terminal assembly 24 is shown, comprising socket terminals 26 formed from a sheet of metal, such as brass-plated sheet metal. The socket terminals 26 have an annular connecting portion 28 defining a central hole 30 in which cylindrical terminals 22 are received along a longitudinal axis. The connecting portion 28 defines a plurality of arcuate contact springs 32 surrounding the central hole 30, the arcuate contact springs 32 configured to apply contact force to the respective cylindrical terminals 22. The socket terminals 26 also include attachment portions 34 configured to attach the socket terminals 26 to a wire 36. The attachment portions 34 are offset at an angle relative to the connecting portion 28. In the illustrated example, the attachment portions 34 are arranged at a 45-degree angle relative to the connecting portion 28.

[0058] The attached portion 34 shown includes a pair of crimping wings 38 crimped to the wire 36. Alternative embodiments of the attached portion 34 are conceivable, having a tubular section configured to be weldable to the wire 36 or a flat section to which the wire 36 can be ultrasonically welded. The socket terminal assembly 24 also includes a terminal housing 40 defining a first elliptical opening 42 and an elliptical cavity 44 in which the connecting portion 28 is disposed. The connecting portion 28 is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity 44 to move along a lateral axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z. The elliptical cavity 44 provides lateral positional tolerances between the socket terminal 26 and the cylindrical terminal 22. The terminal housing 40 also defines a pair of slits 46 in the sidewalls 48 of the cavity 44, which allow the connecting portion to also move along a transverse axis X perpendicular to both the lateral axis Y and the longitudinal axis Z. These slits 46 provide two degrees of freedom of movement for the connection portion 28, thereby providing additional positional tolerances between the socket terminal 26 and the cylindrical terminal 22. The socket terminal assembly 24 also includes a terminal housing cover 50 attached to the terminal housing 40, defining a second elliptical opening 52, thereby enclosing the connection portion 28 within the terminal housing 40. The first elliptical opening 42 is aligned with the second elliptical opening 52. A slot 54 is formed between the terminal housing 40 and the terminal housing cover 50, through which the attachment portion 34 extends. Figures 7 to 12 In the example shown, the terminal housing 40 and the terminal housing cover 50 are integrally formed, having a movable hinge 56 disposed between the terminal housing 40 and the terminal housing cover 50, and formed from a thin material segment between the terminal housing 40 and the terminal housing cover 50. Figure 10-12 The process of assembling the socket terminal assembly 24 is illustrated. The socket terminal 26 is placed within the cavity 44, and then the hinge 56 is folded to attach the terminal housing cover 50 to the terminal housing 40. The terminal housing cover 50 is secured to the terminal housing 40 by a flexible latching feature 58 opposite to the hinge 56 on the terminal housing cover 50, which engages a ridge or flange 60 on the terminal housing 40.

[0059] Figure 13A and 13B An example of a cylindrical terminal 22 is shown. The cylindrical terminal 22 is formed of a conductive material, such as a copper-based material. The cylindrical terminal 22 is typically cylindrical, with rounded ends and a flat base, thus giving it a bullet shape. The cylindrical terminal 22 can be a solid part formed by machining a blank or bar into the desired shape or by casting molten material into the desired shape. Alternatively, the cylindrical terminal 22 can be hollow and can be formed by rolling and stamping sheet metal.

[0060] Figure 14 The connector assembly 20 is shown in a partially assembled position. The rounded end of the cylindrical terminal 22 contacts and unfolds the contact spring 32 of the socket terminal 26, such that the contact spring 32 applies a contact force on the cylindrical terminal 22 to ensure a reliable and low-resistance electrical connection between the cylindrical terminal 22 and the socket terminal 26.

[0061] Figure 15A-16C An alternative design for the jack terminal assembly 124 is shown. In this design, the terminal housing 140 and the terminal housing cover 150 are two separate components, and the terminal housing cover 150 is attached to the terminal housing 140 by two flexible latching features 158 located on opposite ends of the terminal housing cover 150.

[0062] Although the example shown is a motor vehicle headlight, other embodiments of the invention can be applied to motor vehicle taillights, side marker lights, and central high-mounted parking lights. Other embodiments of the invention can be applied to non-automotive applications, such as building safety lighting systems. Other embodiments of the invention can be applied to non-lighting applications, such as cameras, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) systems, or light imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems.

[0063] Therefore, an illumination assembly 10 is provided, which includes an electrical connector assembly 20 for a heating circuit 18 on a lens 16 and a jack terminal assembly 24 for such an illumination assembly 10. The connector assembly 20 provides a simple push-in electrical connection that can be made precisely when the lens 16 is mounted onto the lamp housing 14. The jack terminal 26 has two axes as it moves within the jack terminal assembly 24, thereby providing dimensional tolerances for the electrical connection.

[0064] While the invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto, but rather to be limited only by the scope set forth in the following claims. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to adapt situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from its main scope. The dimensions, types, orientations of the various components, and the number and position of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting, but merely prototypical embodiments.

[0065] Having read the above description, many other embodiments and variations within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0066] As used herein, “one or more” includes functions performed by a single element, functions performed by more than one element in a distributed manner, functions performed by a single element, functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0067] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some cases to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0068] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims of the various described embodiments, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. It should also be understood that the term “comprising” as used herein specifically means the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0069] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as "when," "at," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determined" or "if [the stated condition or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as "in response to decision," "in response to decision," "when [the stated condition or event] is detected," or "in response to the detection of [the stated condition or event]."

Claims

1. A socket connector assembly, comprising: A socket terminal having a connecting portion defining a hole configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis; as well as A terminal housing defining an elliptical opening and an elliptical cavity, wherein a connecting portion is disposed within the cavity, wherein the connecting portion is sized, shaped and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the terminal housing further defining a pair of slits in the sidewall of the cavity, the pair of slits allowing the connecting portion to move along a transverse axis perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal axes.

2. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a terminal housing cover that defines a second opening, the terminal housing cover being attached to the terminal housing and configured to enclose the connection portion.

3. The socket connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal housing and the terminal housing cover are integrally formed.

4. The socket connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, A hinge is provided between the terminal housing and the terminal housing cover.

5. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket terminal also has an attachment portion configured to attach the socket terminal to a wire.

6. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion is characterized as having a circular shape.

7. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attachment portion of the jack terminal to the wire is offset at an angle relative to the connection portion.

8. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection portion defines a contact spring configured to apply a contact force to the respective plug terminal.

9. A lighting assembly, comprising: Lens, the lens covering the light source; A heating circuit is disposed on the surface of the lens and connected to a corresponding plug terminal; as well as The jack connector assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The lighting assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The light source includes a light-emitting diode.

11. The lighting assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The corresponding plug terminal has a cylindrical body and rounded ends.

12. The lighting assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connection portion defines a plurality of contact springs arranged around the hole, the plurality of contact springs being configured to apply a contact force on the plug terminal.

13. The lighting assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The corresponding plug terminals are soldered to the heating circuit.

14. The lighting assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lens has a transmittance of 0.9 or higher.

15. The lighting assembly of claim 9, comprising: The heating circuit is a resistance heating circuit.

16. The lighting assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heating circuit includes multiple radial elements.

17. The lighting assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The heating circuit includes multiple radial elements and multiple concentric elements.

18. The lighting assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heating circuit is connected to an electrical terminal, which is a cylindrical terminal.

19. The lighting assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cylindrical terminal is attached to the connection pad of the heating circuit by low-temperature solder.

20. The lighting assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cylindrical terminal is attached to the heating circuit by means of a method selected from the following: bonding the heating circuit with conductive adhesive, and soldering the cylindrical terminal to the heating circuit using a rotary soldering process.

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