Ventilation module for a motor vehicle lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation module (200) for a lighting device (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising: an air-inlet chamber which, starting from at least one external air-inlet opening and tapering in particular at least partially, leads to at least a first air passage; and a water-separator chamber into which the at least a first air passage leads, the water-separator chamber comprising at least one laterally arranged passage, and the water-separator chamber leading to at least a second air passage.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ventilation module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Due to the physical effect of condensation, a thin film of water can form on the inside of the headlight or taillight and deposit onto the lens under certain environmental conditions. This is visible from the outside as an unsightly film. Many customers mistakenly assume this is a defect and contact their dealer to report the issue.

[0003] JP 2011150919 A ​​discloses an inner cylindrical elastomer body made of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is directly attached to a ventilation hole portion of the ventilation cap. A filter is connected to one end of the elastomer body. An outer circumferential portion of the inner cylindrical elastomer body is injection molded to an outer cylindrical body made of resin, between which a ventilation space is located. A resin-made cover element with a base is pressed in by elastic deformation and press-fitted to one end of the outer cylindrical body of the assembly, with a ventilation space between them, to form a ventilation cap.

[0004] CN 211232756 U discloses an automotive lamp housing that can increase air circulation. The automotive lamp housing aims to solve the problem of poor water and dust resistance in prior art automotive lamp housings by improving breathability. The LED lamp comprises a lampshade with air inlet holes on both sides of the front of the lampshade. A connecting cavity is formed within the lampshade. Two sets of heat dissipation holes are formed on the side of the connecting cavity opposite the air inlet holes. Each heat dissipation hole consists of multiple air holes. Dustproof devices are attached to the outer surfaces of the two sets of heat dissipation holes. A water outlet hole is formed in the bottom of the connecting cavities.

[0005] DE 10 2008 064 344 A1 discloses a headlight for a motor vehicle with a housing comprising a ventilation system with an air inlet and an air outlet provided on the housing and an air supply line to the air inlet, in particular a hose, wherein a radially symmetrical cyclone filter with respect to a longitudinal axis is provided in the course of the air supply line and / or at its end.

[0006] EP 3 816 501 A1 discloses a ventilation module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle, wherein the ventilation module comprises: a first air passage opening, a labyrinth section which is arranged between the first air passage opening and an air filter section, the air filter section which is arranged between the labyrinth section and a second air passage opening, and the second air passage opening, wherein a first fastening section is associated with the second air passage opening, wherein the first fastening section is designed for a detachable fastening of the ventilation module to a housing of the lighting device.

[0007] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a ventilation module according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawing.

[0008] A ventilation module for a motor vehicle lighting device is provided, comprising: an air inlet chamber which leads from at least one outer air inlet opening, in particular tapering at least sectionally, to at least one first air passage; a water separator chamber into which the at least one first air passage leads, wherein the water separator chamber comprises at least one laterally arranged passage, and wherein the water separator chamber leads to at least one second air passage; a filter chamber into which the at least one second air passage leads, wherein the filter chamber is designed to accommodate an air filter; and a connecting section for connection to an air duct of the lighting device.

[0009] The airflow from driving creates an opening for air to enter the air intake. The air intake chamber thus acts as a wind deflector or air funnel, increasing the airflow to the lighting system while driving.

[0010] Any existing condensation on the lighting equipment is quickly thawed by driving the vehicle, or the risk of condensation is reduced by lowering the humidity inside.

[0011] In addition to air, smaller dirt particles and rainwater can also enter the ventilation module. The water separator chamber increases the service life and improves the filter effect, as the water can drain away unhindered and is kept away from the filter material.

[0012] According to the invention, a plurality of laterally arranged, in particular a number of at least 5 or at least 7, through-openings surround the water separator chamber.

[0013] This allows water to drain from the water separator chamber and prevents water from accumulating in any installation position. Overall, the water separator chamber reduces the risk of water ingress and wetting the air filter.

[0014] An advantageous example is characterized in that a first shield is arranged between the air inlet chamber and the water separator chamber, which includes the at least one first air passage, and wherein the at least one air passage is spaced apart from the outer air inlet opening.

[0015] The first shield already provides an advantage by preventing water from entering the water separator chamber due to counter-pressure.

[0016] An advantageous example is characterized in that a second shield separates the water separator chamber from the filter chamber, and wherein a summed opening cross-section of the at least one first air passage is smaller than a total opening cross-section of the at least one second air passage.

[0017] The resulting pressure loss is advantageous because it is primarily caused by the air filter located in the filter chamber. Therefore, the pressure loss from the air filter dominates the total pressure loss generated by the ventilation module.

[0018] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that a plurality of secondary air inlets are distributed essentially evenly over the second shield.

[0019] Evenly distributed air inlets enable homogeneous filter flow.

[0020] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that at least one filter chamber of the ventilation module has a cylindrical casing.

[0021] A cylindrical air filter can be easily inserted into the filter chamber, which is advantageous.

[0022] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the connecting section, the filter chamber and the water separator chamber are essentially rotationally symmetrical.

[0023] This allows for flexible design and testing of ventilation modules. The applied angle can be finalized via a coding element integrated into the housing of the lighting unit. The design of the ventilation module itself, however, can remain consistent across multiple different lighting units and vehicle types.

[0024] The ventilation module can therefore be used as a standard component for any spotlight project and individually adapted. Positioning is possible, for example, on the side or bottom of the spotlight.

[0025] A one-time measurement on the vehicle determines the optimal position and orientation of the fan on the headlight. This is then incorporated into series production.

[0026] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the laterally arranged through-openings of the water separator chamber each include an outer opening whose opening direction deviates from a lateral direction, in particular running parallel to a central axis of the ventilation module.

[0027] The filter splash guard provided in this way prevents filter damage from water jets.

[0028] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the connecting section is designed to create a detachable connection with the housing of the lighting device.

[0029] For example, a bayonet-style closure allows the ventilation module or the filter located within it to be replaced in case of a defect or for maintenance.

[0030] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that a main body of the ventilation module is made of an elastomer, a thermoset or a thermoplastic.

[0031] Especially when designed as an elastomer, assembly is simplified.

[0032] The drawing shows: Figure 1: A schematic representation of a lighting device for a motor vehicle; Figure 2: A schematic section of a ventilation module; Figure 3: A top view of the ventilation module; Figure 4: A section CC according to the Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows an injection-molded part for the production of the ventilation module in a perspective view.

[0033] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a lighting device 100 in the form of a schematically represented headlight for a motor vehicle. Of course, the lighting device 100 can also be a taillight, a turn signal, or another type of lighting device for a motor vehicle. A light module 104 is located inside the housing 102. The light module 104 is operated by the control unit 106 such that it emits a light distribution 108. A light outlet opening in the housing 102 is closed by a transparent cover plate 110, through which the light distribution 108 passes.

[0034] At least one ventilation module 200 is arranged on the outside of the housing 102 and is connected to an air duct 120, which distributes the incoming air within the housing 102. One of the outlet openings 122a located inside is directed, for example, towards the light module 104, while another outlet opening 122b is directed towards an inner area of ​​the cover plate 110.

[0035] The air supplied to the vehicle is distributed throughout the interior via air duct 120. In one example, a motor-driven fan is located in air duct 120 or in the airflow after the air filter. This fan ensures that sufficient air is supplied to the interior when the vehicle is stationary.

[0036] To prevent condensation when parked (ignition off, headlights receive no power), the ventilation module or the headlight itself is equipped with its own energy storage device (e.g., a battery or a supercapacitor) that powers the fan when condensation occurs. When the vehicle is moved again, the energy storage device recharges and can thus prevent condensation again for the following days or weeks while parked.

[0037] The following refers to the Figures 2 to 4 Reference is made.

[0038] According to the cut of the Figure 2 The ventilation module 200 comprises an air inlet chamber 210, which leads from at least one outer air inlet opening 212, in particular tapering at least sectionally, to first air passages 214a, 214b.

[0039] A water separator chamber 220, into which the first air inlets 214a, 214b lead, comprises according to Figure 4A plurality of laterally arranged, and for example equidistantly spaced from one another, in particular a number of at least five or at least seven, in particular a number of eight passages 222x, 222y. The passages 222x to 222y surround the water separator chamber 220. The laterally arranged passages 222x, 222y of the water separator chamber 220 each comprise an outer opening 226x, 226y, the opening direction of which deviates from a lateral direction, in particular runs parallel to a central axis M of the ventilation module 200.

[0040] The water separator chamber 220 leads to at least one second air passage 224a-d, which leads into a filter chamber 230. The filter chamber 230 has a cylindrical housing. An air filter 232 is arranged in the filter chamber 230. The air filter 232 arranged in the filter chamber 230 is, for example, made of a hydrophobic material. Alternatively or additionally, the density of the air filter 232 increases in the direction of flow.

[0041] A connecting section 240 serves to connect to an air duct 120 of the lighting device 100. Figure 1 The connecting section 240 is designed to create a detachable connection with the housing 102 of the lighting device 100.

[0042] A first shield 218, comprising the first air passages 214a-b, is arranged between the air inlet chamber 210 and the water separator chamber 220. The air passages 214a-b are spaced from the outer air inlet opening 212, for example by at least 1 / 4 or 1 / 3 of the diameter of the first shield 218 perpendicular to the central axis M. For example, at least two of the air passages 214 run parallel to the inlet opening 212.

[0043] The air inlet chamber 210 is bounded in the proximal direction by the first shield 218 and in the distal direction by a cover 216, which runs obliquely to the central axis M of the ventilation module 200.

[0044] A second shield 228 separates the water separator chamber 220 from the filter chamber 230. The combined opening cross-section of the first air inlets 214a-b is smaller than the combined opening cross-section of the second air inlets 224a-d. The majority of the second air inlets 224a-c are distributed essentially evenly across the second shield 228.

[0045] Towards the housing of the lighting device, the ventilation module 200 is closed by a cover 250 perforated with air passages. The cover 250 prevents the air filter 232 from falling out of the filter chamber 230.

[0046] The connecting section 240, the filter chamber 230, and the water separator chamber 220 are essentially rotationally symmetrical, in particular cylindrical in shape. A main body of the aeration module 200 is made of an elastomer, a thermoset, or a thermoplastic.

[0047] Figure 5Figure 1 shows an injection-molded part 500 for manufacturing the ventilation module 200 from the previous figures. The first shield 218, connected to the main body 502 via a film hinge, is rotated towards the second shield 228. Subsequently, the cover 216 is rotated towards the already rotated first shield 218, thus closing the ventilation module 200. Radial projections of the first shield 218 engage in corresponding openings of the main body 502 and form at least one wall of the lateral passages for water drainage.

Claims

1. Ventilation module (200) for a lighting device (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising: an air inlet chamber (210), which leads outwards from at least one outer air inlet opening (212) to at least one first air passage (214a, 214b); a water separator chamber (220) into which the at least one first air passage (214a, 214b) leads, wherein a plurality of laterally arranged through-openings (222x, 222y) for water drainage surround the water separator chamber (220), and wherein the water separator chamber (220) leads to at least one second air passage (224a-d); a filter chamber (230) into which the at least one second air passage (224a-d) leads, wherein the filter chamber (230) is designed to receive an air filter (232); and a connecting portion (240) for connecting to an air duct (120) of the lighting device (100).

2. Ventilation module (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least 5 or at least 7 through-openings (222x, 222y) surround the water separator chamber (220).

3. Ventilation module (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first shield (218) is arranged between the air inlet chamber (210) and the water separator chamber (220), which first shield comprises the at least one first air passage (214a-b), and wherein the at least one air passage (214a-b) is spaced apart from the outer air inlet opening (212).

4. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second shield (228) separates the water separator chamber (220) from the filter chamber (230), and wherein a cumulated opening cross-section of the at least one first air passage (214a-b) is smaller than a total opening cross-section of the at least one second air passage (224a-d).

5. Ventilation module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein a plurality of second air passages (224a-c) are distributed substantially evenly over the second shield (228).

6. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filter chamber (230) comprises a housing in the shape of a cylindrical casing.

7. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (240), the filter chamber (230) and the water separator chamber (220) are formed substantially rotationally symmetrically.

8. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laterally arranged through-openings (222x, 222y) of the water separator chamber (220) comprise a corresponding outer opening (226x, 226y), the opening direction of which deviates from a lateral direction, in particular runs parallel to a center axis (M) of the ventilation module (200).

9. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (240) is designed to establish a detachable connection to the housing (102) of the lighting device (100).

10. Ventilation module (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a main body of the ventilation module (200) is made of an elastomer, a thermoset or a thermoplastic.

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