Description:TITLE
A VENT COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A HEADLAMP

Field of Invention

[0001] The present subject matter relates in general to a luminous device, and more specifically, relates to a vent cover assembly formed in a housing of a headlamp.

Background

[0002] Luminous devices of a motor vehicle include various lighting devices, such as a headlight, fog light, turn light, brake light, position light, daytime running light, and the like. The various luminous devices may be utilized for different purposes of the motor vehicle such as illuminating a road, illuminating the interior of the vehicle, providing an aesthetic appearance for the motor vehicle, and the like. The luminous devices may comprise at least a light housing, a light source, reflectors, light guide and the like as the major components in addition to other parts.

[0003] In general, luminous devices generate heat while in operation. The heat generated may spread to components disposed inside the luminous devices. Although the components of the luminous devices may have some sort of tolerance, they might be affected by long durations of heat. Conventionally, a vent is provided on a housing of the luminous device. The conventional vent has an opening that allows airflow into the luminous device and provides ventilation. Therefore, the vent ensures airflow and allows dissipation of heat generated by the luminous device. However, when the luminous device is turned off after operation, the outer components such as outer lens, outer cover and the like that are exposed to the atmosphere may be cooled at a faster rate when compared with the components that are not in direct contact with outside. In addition, there may also be pressure differences between components that are exposed to the atmosphere when compared with the components that are not in direct contact with outside. Because of different cooling rate and difference in pressure, condensation problems might occur in the luminous device when it is turned on. For example, exterior of an headlight may be cooler than the interior and causes air to be condensed within the headlight. Further, moisture, dust and other particles may directly enter the luminous device through the conventional vent which may cause problems such as reduced intensity of light, reduced lifespan of the luminous device and the like.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present subject matter seeks to solve the above-mentioned problem of conventional vent cover assemblies of the light housing.

[0005] The present invention relates to a vent cover assembly for a headlamp. The vent assembly comprises a vent body formed in a light housing and comprises a base with an opening for egress of a fluid into the housing, and a plurality of annular and continuous projections extending from the base of the vent body and radially spaced with each other comprising at least an inner projection and an intermediate projection disposed within an outer covering projection and wherein the inner projection encompasses the opening in the base. The vent assembly further comprises a cover mounted on the plurality of projections for covering the vent body. The plurality of projections having at least two reliefs formed on the projections and away from the base. The reliefs smaller than the length of the projections and enabling forming a contiguous pathway for the fluid to flow between an outside and inside of the housing through a spacing between the projections and the opening. Because the relief provided is smaller than the length of the projections, the relief structure enables forming of a contiguous pathway for the fluid to flow between the outside and inside of the housing through a spacing between the projections and the opening. The structure of the relief prevents direct flow of fluid through the vent cover assembly. Moreover, the flow of fluid is channelized via the contiguous pathway formed by the reliefs such that the vent cover assembly aids in averting direct water entry into the light housing.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover includes a wall with a projection projecting from an inner surface such that the projection is received in a slot defined by the inner projection of the vent body. Further, the cover includes a side wall extending perpendicular from the inner surface of the wall and having a set of first cutouts to accommodate within the vent body, wherein the side wall is received in a gap defined between the intermediate projection and the outer covering projection.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first relief of the at least two reliefs is provided on the intermediate projection and a second relief of the at least two reliefs is formed on the inner projection.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid enters the assembly through the first relief and exits the assembly into the light housing via the second relief.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, length of the first relief is larger than the second relief to avert water entry into the vent cover assembly.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover is rotatably configured with the vent body such that selective rotation of the cover in a pre-determined direction enables calibrated opening of the opening defined in the base.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening defined on the base of the vent body is partially closed by the projection defined on the wall of the cover.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the projection defined on the wall of the cover lies on a stepped surface defined on the base of the vent body, thereby maintaining a clearance between the cover and vent body.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an annular gap is defined between the projection of the cover and the side wall.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ribs are provided in between the intermediate projection and the outer covering projection of the vent body.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening provided in the base of the vent body is partially closed.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is at least one of air, gas, or a combination of both having traces of moisture.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention, but only as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following characteristics:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a vent body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled vent cover assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional cut-off view of an assembled vent cover assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a vent cover assembly assembled in a headlamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or examples consistent with the description, however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or examples provided in the drawings.

Detailed Description
[0024] Embodiments of the present application will be explained below in detail by ways of examples with reference to the accompanied drawings. Throughout the description, same or similar reference numerals represent same or similar parts. The following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept of the present application, instead of limiting it to the present invention.
[0025] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to be limiting and/or restrictive of the disclosure.
[0027] It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0028] Also, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another
[0029] Luminous devices of automotive vehicles are designed to perform more functions in addition to illuminating a road. The motor vehicles are generally provided with a right side luminous device and a left side luminous device. The luminous devices are placed symmetrically to each other and operate synchronously to produce the overall beam pattern or beam output. For ease of understanding, the present invention is being explained with respect to a single luminous device. It should be understood that the invention is applicable to both the luminous device and as well as to other lighting functions of the automotive vehicle such as tail lamp, direction indicator light, fog lamp etc.
[0030] The present subject matter relates in general to a light housing, and more specifically, relates to an improved design of the vent cover assembly that improves the rate of condensation removal. Further, another objective of the present invention can be considered to provide a standardized vent cover assembly that can be used in a majority of designs of light housings.

[0031] In the description that follows, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and which is shown by way of illustration-specific implementation in which the invention may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable that skilling in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the implementations may be combined, or that other implementation may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0032] The present invention applies to luminous devices and preferably to lighting devices used in automotive vehicles. In particular, a motor vehicle lighting device can be a lighting and/or signalling device. As an example, the lighting device may be a front lamp (headlamp) or a rear lamp of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the lighting device may include, without limitation, one or more of the following: a main beam module, a dipped beam module, a daytime running lamp, a lantern, a turn signal lamp, a stop lamp, a position lamp, a direction indicator, a fog lamp or any other illuminating device that may be used in the automotive vehicle.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a vent body 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vent body 100 may be part of a vent cover assembly (not shown) for a headlamp (not shown). The vent body 100 is formed in a housing (not shown) of the headlamp. The vent body 100 comprises a base 102 with an opening 104 for egress of a fluid into the housing (not shown). The vent body 100 further comprises a plurality of annular and continuous projections 106, 108, and 110 extending from the base 102 of the vent body 100 and radially spaced with each other. The plurality of annular and continuous projections 106, 108, and 110 comprises atleast an inner projection 106 and an intermediate projection 108. The inner projection 106 and the intermediate projection 108 are disposed within an outer covering projection 110. The inner projection 106 encompasses the opening 104 in the base 102. At least two reliefs 112, 114 are formed on the plurality of the projections 106, 108 and 110 and away from the base 102. The atleast two reliefs 112, 114 may be adapted such that length of the reliefs 112, 114 is smaller than length of the projections 106, 108, and 110.

[0034] As can be seen from the figure, a first relief 112 of the at least two reliefs (112 and 114) is provided on the intermediate projection 108 and a second relief 114 of the at least two reliefs (112 and 114) is formed on the inner projection (106). The dimension of the reliefs 112, 114 and the projections 106, 108, and 110 enables forming a contiguous pathway for the fluid to flow between an outside and inside of the housing. The fluid may be atleast one of a liquid, gas, or a combination of both having traces of moisture. As can be seen from the figure, an annular spacing is formed between the inner projection 106 and the intermediate projection 108. Similarly, the annular spacing is formed between the intermediate projection and the outer covering projection 110. The annular spacing is formed such that the fluid may pass between outside and inside of the housing through the annular spacing formed between the projections 106, 108, and 110 and the opening 104. The vent body 100 further comprises a plurality of ribs 118 provided in the spacing between the intermediate projection 108 and the outer covering projection 110 of the vent body 100. The plurality of ribs 118 enables the vent body 100 to be attached to a vent cover (not shown). The vent cover is explained in figure 2.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a vent cover 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cover 200 includes a wall 202 with a projection 204 projecting from an inner surface such that the projection 204 is received in a slot defined by the inner projection 106 of the vent body 106. The cover 200 further includes a side wall 206 extending perpendicular from the inner surface of the wall 202. The cover 200 consists of a set of first cutouts 208. The first cutouts 208 are shaped such that the first cutouts 208 may accommodate the side wall 206 within the vent body 100. The shape of the first cutouts 208 are adapted to receive atleast one of the plurality of ribs 118. The side wall 206 is received in a gap defined between the intermediate projection 108 and the outer covering projection 110.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled vent cover assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vent cover assembly 300 comprises a vent body 100 and a vent cover 200. In an embodiment, the vent body 100 and the vent cover 200 may be formed as a single piece component. In another embodiment, the vent body 100 and the vent cover 200 may be formed as separate components which can be attached together. The vent cover 200 is rotatably configured with the vent body100 such that selective rotation of the cover 200 in a pre-determined direction enables calibrated opening of the opening 104 defined in the base 102 of the vent body 100. In an embodiment, the opening 104 defined on the base 102 of the vent body 100 maybe partially closed by the projection 204 defined on the wall 202 of the cover 200. The size of the opening 104 may determine atleast one parameter such as volume, flow rate, and the like of the fluid that is used for ventilation of the luminous device. The size of the opening 104 in the base 102 may be configured to be partially closed or fully open by the vent cover 200.Thus, the cover 200 when mounted on the vent body 100 may be calibrated to adjust the rate of condensation removal from the luminous device. The configuration of the vent body 100 with the vent cover 200 may determine the path of the fluid entering the luminous device through the vent cover assembly 300. The path of the fluid is explained with reference to figure 4.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional cut-off view of an assembled vent cover assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vent cover 200 and the vent body 100 of the vent cover assembly 300 together form a continuous flow path for the fluid as shown in the figure. The fluid may enter the vent cover assembly 300 via the annular spacing formed between the outer covering projection 110 of the vent body 100 and the side wall 206 of the vent cover 200 as shown by reference A. The reference “A” represents point of entry of the fluid into the vent cover assembly 300. The fluid may then pass through the spacing provided between the side wall 206 of the vent cover 200 and the first relief 112 of the intermediate projection 108 of the vent body 100. The direct passage of the fluid is blocked by the projection 204 projecting from the inner surface of the vent cover such that the projection 204 is received in a slot defined by the inner projection (106) of the vent body100. Therefore, the fluid has to travel further around the spacing between the inner projection 106 and the intermediate projection 108. Subsequently, the fluid passes through the spacing formed between the second relief 114 of the inner projection 106 and the vent cover 200 to finally exit the vent cover assembly 300 as shown by reference B. The reference “B” represents the point of exit of the fluid through the vent cover assembly 300. As can be seen, the direct entry of the fluid into the housing of the luminous device is blocked by the vent cover assembly 300.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a vent cover assembly 300 assembled in a headlamp 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vent cover assembly 300 may be mounted at a bottom side of the headlamp 500 so that the moisture or fluid that might be present inside the housing of the headlamp 500 may reach the vent cover assembly 300 by gravitational force and consequently exit from the headlamp 500. In an embodiment, more than one vent cover assembly 300 may be mounted on the headlamp 500. Additionally, the one or more vent cover assembly 300 may be utilized to control flow rate or volume of the fluid entering and exiting the headlamp 500. In an embodiment one of the vent cover assembly 300 may be configured to have the opening 104 opened at 50 percent of the total area and the other vent cover assembly may be configured to have the opening opened at 100 percent of the total area. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid during ventilation and the entry and the exit of the fluid with respect to the headlamp 500 during condensation may be controlled by the vent cover assembly 300.

[0039] Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter is defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
100 Vent Body
102 Base
104 Opening
106 Inner Projection
108 Intermediate Projection
110 Outer covering Projection
112 First Relief
114 Second Relief
116 Stepped Surface
118 Plurality of Ribs
200 Vent Cover
202 Wall
204 Projection
206 Side Wall
208 First Cutouts
300 Vent Cover Assembly
500 Headlamp

Digitally Signed
KARTHIK NARASIMHAN S
IN/PA No.:2932,
Agent for the Applicant

Dated: 23rd December 2022
, Claims:Claims

We Claim:

1. A vent cover assembly (300) for a headlamp, said assembly comprising:
a vent body (100) formed in a housing and comprising:
a base (102) with an opening (104) for egress of a fluid into the housing; and
a plurality of annular and continuous projections (106, 108 and 110) extending from the base (102) of the vent body (100) and radially spaced with each other, comprising at least an inner projection (106) and an intermediate projection (108) disposed within an outer covering projection (110) and wherein the inner projection (106) encompasses the opening (104) in the base (102);
a cover (200) mounted on the plurality of projections (106, 108 and 110) for covering the vent body (100); and
wherein the plurality of projections (106, 108 and 110) having at least two reliefs (112 and 114) formed on the projections (106, 108 and 110) and away from the base (102), the reliefs (112 and 114) smaller than the length of the projections (106, 108 and 110) and enabling forming a contiguous pathway for the fluid to flow between an outside and inside of the housing through a spacing between the projections (106, 108 and 110) and the opening (104).

2. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (200) includes a wall (202) with a projection (204) projecting from an inner surface such that the projection (204) is received in a slot defined by the inner projection (106) of the vent body (100); and
a side wall (206) extending perpendicular from the inner surface of the wall (202) and having a set of first cutouts (208) to accommodate within the vent body (100), wherein the side wall (206) is received in a gap defined between the intermediate projection (108) and the outer covering projection (110).

3. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first relief (112) of the at least two reliefs (112 and 114) is provided on the intermediate projection (108) and a second relief (114) of the at least two reliefs (112 and 114) is formed on the inner projection (106).

4. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fluid enters the assembly (300) through the first relief (112) and exits the assembly (300) into the light housing via the second relief (114).

5. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein length of the first relief (112) is larger than the second relief (114) to avert water entry into the vent cover assembly (300).

6. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (200) is rotatably configured with the vent body (100) such that selective rotation of the cover (200) in a pre-determined direction enables calibrated opening of the opening (104) defined in the base (102).

7. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opening (104) defined on the base (102) of the vent body (100) is partially closed by the projection (204) defined on the wall (202) of the cover (200).

8. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection (204) defined on the wall (202) of the cover (200) lies on a stepped surface (116) defined on the base (102) of the vent body (100), thereby maintaining a clearance between the cover (200) and vent body (100).

9. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an annular gap is defined between the projection (204) of the cover (200) and the side wall (206).

10. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs (118) are provided in the spacing between the intermediate projection (108) and the outer covering projection (110) of the vent body (100).

11. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (104) provided in the base (102) of the vent body (100) is partially closed.

12. The vent cover assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least one of air, gas, or a combination of both having traces of moisture.

Digitally Signed
KARTHIK NARASIMHAN S
IN/PA No.:2932,
Agent for the Applicant

Dated: 23rd December 2022