U.S. patent application number 15/638977 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-14 for moisture electrolysis apparatus for headlamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hyundai Motor Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation. Invention is credited to So La CHUNG, Jae Woong KIM, Sang Shin LEE, Man Ju OH, Jae Woo PARK, So Yoon PARK.
Application Number | 20180162728 15/638977 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62485680 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180162728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Jae Woo ; et
al. |
June 14, 2018 |
MOISTURE ELECTROLYSIS APPARATUS FOR HEADLAMP
Abstract
A moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp may include a
first electrode connected to one electrode of a power supply,
exposed to an internal space of a headlamp housing, and having a
pillar shape; a second electrode connected to the other electrode
of the power supply, exposed to the internal space of the headlamp
housing, surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the first
electrode and distanced from the first electrode by a predetermined
distance to form a gap between the electrodes, and having a pillar
shape; a dielectric coated on a surface of a one of the first
electrode and the second electrode facing each other; and an
electric discharge air duct formed between the first electrode and
the second electrode, circulating air in the headlamp, and
electrolyzing moisture in the air through an electric discharge
phenomenon generated between the first electrode and the second
electrode.
Inventors: |
PARK; Jae Woo; (Ansan-si,
KR) ; LEE; Sang Shin; (Suwon-si, KR) ; PARK;
So Yoon; (Suwon-si, KR) ; OH; Man Ju;
(Yongin-si, KR) ; KIM; Jae Woong; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; CHUNG; So La; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hyundai Motor Company
Kia Motors Corporation |
Seoul
Seoul |
|
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hyundai Motor Company
Seoul
KR
Kia Motors Corporation
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
62485680 |
Appl. No.: |
15/638977 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21L 4/04 20130101; F21L
4/005 20130101; F21S 45/60 20180101; C01B 3/10 20130101; F21S 45/33
20180101; C01B 3/02 20130101; F21V 31/03 20130101; F21S 45/10
20180101; Y02E 60/36 20130101; C25B 1/04 20130101; F21S 45/20
20180101 |
International
Class: |
C01B 3/10 20060101
C01B003/10; C01B 3/02 20060101 C01B003/02; F21L 4/04 20060101
F21L004/04; F21L 4/00 20060101 F21L004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 14, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0170845 |
Claims
1. A moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp, including: a
first electrode connected to one electrode of a power supply,
exposed to an internal space of a headlamp housing, and having a
pillar shape; a second electrode connected to the other electrode
of the power supply, exposed to the internal space of the headlamp
housing, surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the first
electrode and spaced from the first electrode by a predetermined
distance to form a gap between the first electrode and the second
electrode, and having a pillar shape; a dielectric coated on a
surface of one of the first electrode and the second electrode
facing each other; and an electric discharge air duct formed
between the first electrode and the second electrode, circulating
air in the headlamp, and electrolyzing moisture in the air through
an electric discharge phenomenon generated between the first
electrode and the second electrode.
2. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
wherein a plurality of ventilation holes is formed in each of the
first electrode and the second electrode.
3. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
wherein ventilation holes of the first electrode and the second
electrode are formed to intersect with each other.
4. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
wherein a moisture absorbent is provided in an internal portion of
the first electrode.
5. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
further including a heat conductor having a first surface
penetrating through the headlamp housing to be exposed to an
internal portion of the first electrode and a second surface on
which heat radiation fins are formed.
6. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 5,
further including an insulating housing fixing the first electrode
and the second electrode to maintain the gap therebetween and
blocking thermal connection between the first and second electrodes
and the heat conductor.
7. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
wherein the dielectric is an ionomer.
8. The moisture electrolysis apparatus for the headlamp of claim 1,
wherein the dielectric is formed by impregnating an ionomer in a
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2016-0170845, filed Dec. 14, 2016, the entire
contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing
moisture formed in a headlamp through electrolysis.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Generally, as a light source in a headlamp of a vehicle
emits light, the headlamp generates heat, wherein an internal
portion of the headlamp is heated at a high temperature. Due to the
temperature difference between an external surface of the headlamp,
cooled by the influence of traveling wind or the surrounding
environment, and the heated internal portion of the headlamp,
moisture in the internal portion of the headlamp easily arrives at
the condensing point, and a water drop is formed on an internal
surface of a lens. When the water drop is formed and flows on the
internal surface of the lens, the surrounding related components
are corroded and damaged, or the water drop is repeatedly condensed
and evaporated to leave a residue on a surface of the lens, wherein
the lens becomes cloudy, thereby decreasing illuminance of the
headlamp.
[0004] To prevent the problem described above, in the related art,
a method of disposing a fan, or the like, in the headlamp to
forcibly circulate the internal air of the headlamp or making an
internal space of the headlamp vacuum sealed has been used.
However, additional energy for driving the fan is consumed, costs
are increased in the case of making the internal space of the
headlamp vacuum sealed, and even though a light source simply needs
to be replaced, the entire set of the headlamp is replaced wherein
the repairing cost is very expensive.
[0005] The information disclosed in this Background of the
Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the
general background of the invention and should not be taken as an
acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information
forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the
art.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to
providing an apparatus configured for solving the problem that
moisture is condensed in a headlamp, and preventing the
deterioration in performance of the headlamp by electrolyzing and
removing moisture present in the headlamp housing.
[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed
to providing a moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp,
including a first electrode connected to one electrode of a power
supply, exposed to an internal space of a headlamp housing, and
having a pillar shape; a second electrode connected to the other
electrode of the power supply, exposed to the internal space of the
headlamp housing, surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the
first electrode and separated from the first electrode by a
predetermined distance to form a gap between the first electrode
and the second electrode, and having a pillar shape; a dielectric
coated on a surface of any one of the first electrode and the
second electrode facing each other; and an electric discharge air
duct formed between the first electrode and the second electrode,
circulating air in the headlamp, and electrolyzing moisture in the
air through an electric discharge phenomenon generated between the
first electrode and the second electrode.
[0008] A plurality of ventilation holes is configured to be formed
in each of the first electrode and the second electrode.
[0009] Ventilation holes of the first electrode and the second
electrode is configured to be formed to intersect with each
other.
[0010] A moisture absorbent is configured to be disposed in an
internal space of the first electrode.
[0011] The moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp is
configured to further include a heat conductor having a first
surface penetrating through the headlamp housing to be exposed to
an internal space of the first electrode, and a second surface on
which heat radiation fins are disposed.
[0012] The moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp is
configured to further include an insulating housing fixing the
first electrode and the second electrode to maintain the gap
therebetween and blocking thermal connection between the first and
second electrodes and the heat conductor.
[0013] The dielectric may be an ionomer.
[0014] The dielectric may be formed by impregnating an ionomer in a
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film.
[0015] The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have
other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are
set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are
incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which
together serve to explain certain principles of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for a layout of a moisture
electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the moisture
electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the moisture electrolysis apparatus
for a headlamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture
electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of an electric discharge
principle of the moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various features illustrative of the basic
principles of the invention. The specific design features of the
present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example,
specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be
determined in part by the particular intended application and use
environment.
[0022] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or
equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several
figures of the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and described below. While the
invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood that the present description is
not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is/are intended to
cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various
alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments,
which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for a layout of a moisture
electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded
perspective view of the moisture electrolysis apparatus for a
headlamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the moisture electrolysis
apparatus for a headlamp according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the
moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a
conceptual diagram of an electric discharge principle of the
moisture electrolysis apparatus for a headlamp according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] The moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
includes a first electrode 201 connected to one electrode of a
power supply, exposed to an internal space of a headlamp housing
101 and having a pillar shape; a second electrode 205 connected to
the other electrode of the power supply, exposed to the internal
space of the headlamp housing 101, surrounding an outer peripheral
surface of the first electrode 201 and separated from the first
electrode 201 by a predetermined distance to form a gap between the
first electrode 201 and the second electrode 205, and having a
pillar shape; a dielectric 203 coated on a surface of any one of
the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 205 facing each
other; and an electric discharge air duct 207 formed between the
first electrode 201 and the second electrode 205, circulating air
in the headlamp and electrolyzing moisture in the air through an
electric discharge phenomenon generated between the first electrode
201 and the second electrode 205.
[0026] There are two methods to lower humidity in the air. That is,
there are a method of lowering relative humidity by raising the
temperature of air, and a method of lowering absolute humidity by
removing moisture in the air. The method of lowering the relative
humidity may not be an ideal solution because moisture is again
condensed in the headlamp in the case in which a temperature of an
inner portion of the headlamp drops. Therefore, in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to remove the
moisture in the headlamp by electrolysis.
[0027] In the general electrolysis of water, electrodes are
inserted into water which includes an electrolyte to electrolyze
the water. However, in a case of the headlamp, a space of moisture
is limited, wherein electricity is not conducted. Therefore, it is
impossible to electrolyze the moisture in the headlamp by a general
electrolysis method.
[0028] Therefore the present invention intends to electrolyze the
moisture in the air by inducing electric discharge at a low
voltage.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the moisture electrolysis apparatus 100
for a headlamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention may be freely disposed in the internal space of the
headlamp housing 101 when only a disposition area thereof is
secured. However, it will be preferable to dispose the moisture
electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp at a position in which it
is not directly observed from an outside thereof through the lens
of the headlamp in consideration of the aesthetics of the assembly.
For example, the moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp
may be disposed at a position including a lower end of the headlamp
housing 101, a bezel 105 of the headlamp, a dust cover 103, or the
like.
[0030] In detail, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the first
electrode 201 is disposed to be connected to one electrode of the
power supply, be formed in a pillar shape, penetrate through the
headlamp housing 101, and be exposed to the internal space of the
headlamp housing 101. The second electrode 205 is disposed to be
connected to the other electrode of the power supply, be formed in
a pillar shape, and be exposed to the internal space of the
headlamp housing 101 as with the first electrode 201, but is
disposed to have a larger diameter than that of the first electrode
201 to form the gap between the first electrode 201 and the second
electrode 205 while surrounding the first electrode 201.
[0031] Although a current flows along conducting wires connected to
each other, when a very high voltage is applied, even in a state in
which conducting wires are disconnected from each other, electric
discharge wherein electrons directly leap and are transferred
between the conducting wires, which are disconnected from each
other, is generated. However, to secure a voltage high to directly
induce the electric discharge in a vehicle is not easy, and it is
not preferable to induce the electric discharge through the high
voltage in a vehicle in which a plurality of electronic components
are present. Thus, it is required to generate the electric
discharge at a low voltage.
[0032] A role of the dielectric 203 is to solve the above mentioned
problem. Referring to FIG. 5, the dielectric 203 is coated on a
surface of the electrode to allow the electric discharge to be
uniformly generated over the entirety of the surface of the
electrode, and helps the electrons to be easily emitted to induce
generation of an electric discharge even at the low voltage.
[0033] The gap is formed between the first electrode 201 and the
second electrode 205, wherein the electric discharge air duct 207
through which the air in the headlamp may pass is formed. The
electric discharge is generated in the electric discharge air duct
207, and the air in the headlamp electrolyzes the moisture included
in the headlamp while passing through a portion of the electric
discharge air duct 207. Therefore, absolute humidity of the air in
the headlamp may be lowered.
[0034] A plurality of ventilation holes 209 may be formed in each
of the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 205. The
ventilation holes 209 of the first electrode 201 and the second
electrode 205 may be formed to intersect with each other.
[0035] The electric discharge air duct 207 formed between the first
electrode 201 and the second electrode 205 has a very narrow
clearance. In the case in which the gap between the first and
second electrodes becomes large, an amount of air corresponding to
a non-conductor is increased therefore increasing the resistance,
wherein it is difficult to generate an electric discharge at the
low voltage. Therefore, the gap is narrow (several millimeters or
less), wherein the air in the headlamp may not be smoothly supplied
to the electric discharge air duct 207.
[0036] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the ventilation
holes 209 are disposed in the electrodes themselves to allow the
air to be smoothly supplied to the electric discharge air duct 207.
In addition, the ventilation holes 209 formed in the first
electrode 201 and the second electrode 205 are not aligned with
each other, but are formed to intersect with each other to increase
the time for which air introduced through the ventilation holes 209
stays in the electric discharge air duct 207, providing a time for
which moisture in the air is electrolyzed.
[0037] A moisture absorbent 301 may be disposed in an internal
portion of the first electrode 201.
[0038] When all the moisture in the headlamp is electrolyzed by the
moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp, there is no
problem. However, a considerable time period is required for all
the moisture in the headlamp to be supplied to and electrolyzed in
the moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp by a natural
diffusion method. In addition, in the case in which a driving the
vehicle stops, the operation of the moisture electrolysis apparatus
100 for a headlamp is also stopped, and the time period required is
further increased to remove the moisture.
[0039] In the present case, the moisture absorbent 301 may be
provided to remove the moisture in the headlamp. However, the
amount of the moisture absorbent 301 is limited, wherein there is a
limitation in removing the moisture by moisture absorbent 301 over
time.
[0040] Desiccant, calcium chloride, silica gel, or the like may be
used as the moisture absorbent 301, and absorb and hold moisture in
the air, and again discharging the held moisture in the case in
which heat is applied from an outside thereof.
[0041] In a case of the present invention, during a period in which
an electric discharge is generated by power applied to the first
electrode 201 and the second electrode 205, heat is generated in
the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 205. The moisture
held in the moisture absorbent 301 is discharged by the heat, and
is then electrolyzed and removed while passing through the electric
discharge air duct 207.
[0042] The moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp may
further include a heat conductor 401 having one surface penetrating
through the headlamp housing 101 to be exposed to the internal
portion of the first electrode 201 and the other surface on which
heat radiation fins are formed.
[0043] The temperature of an internal portion of the headlamp
housing 101 is raised by a lamp, which is a light source, and the
greenhouse effect, wherein the temperature of an external portion
of the headlamp housing 101 is relatively low. Therefore, the
external portion of the headlamp housing 101, of which the
temperature is low, and the headlamp housing 101 are thermally
connected to each other using the heat conductor 401, making it
possible to allow the moisture in the headlamp discharged to the
internal portion of the first electrode 201 to be condensed on the
other surface of the heat conductor.
[0044] The condensed moisture is absorbed by the moisture absorbent
301 and discharged through the heat generated in the first
electrode 201 operated in the moisture electrolysis apparatus 100
for a headlamp to be thus electrolyzed.
[0045] The moisture electrolysis apparatus 100 for a headlamp may
further include an insulating housing 501 fixing the first
electrode 201 and the second electrode 205 to maintain the gap
therebetween, and blocking thermal connection between the first and
second electrodes 201 and 205 and the heat conductor 401.
[0046] A short circuit between the first and second electrodes 201
and 205 due to direct contact between the first and second
electrodes 201 and 205 must be prevented. When the heat generated
in the first and second electrodes 201 and 205 during an operation
of the first and second electrodes 201 and 205 is transferred to
the heat conductor 401, efficiency of the heat conductor 401 is
decreased. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the first and second
electrodes 201 and 205 are fixed to maintain a predetermined gap
therebetween through the insulating housing 501, and the thermal
connection between the first and second electrodes 201 and 205 and
the heat conductor 401 is blocked by the insulating housing
501.
[0047] The dielectric 203 may be an ionomer.
[0048] The dielectric 203 is configured to assist in the movement
of electrons to allow an electric discharge to be efficiently
generated even at the low voltage.
[0049] The ionomer is a polymer material including positive and
negative electric charges. In more detail, the ionomer is a
thermoplastic material simultaneously possessing a covalent bond
and an ionic bond, and has very strong electrostatic force. The
dielectric 203, which is essentially a plastic polymer material,
has a property of an insulator but assists in movement of the
electrons on the basis of the excellent electrostatic force to
assist in the electric discharge at the low voltage.
[0050] The dielectric 203 may be formed by impregnating the ionomer
in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film.
[0051] Due to the characteristics of the abovementioned dielectric
203 mounted in the headlamp of the vehicle, a high durability
wherein the performance is maintained even though the dielectric
203 is exposed to various temperature changes, moisture,
vibrations, and the like, for a long time period is required in the
dielectric 203.
[0052] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the ionomer is impregnated in the
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, that is, a porous Teflon film,
which is not easily stripped even at the time of being plated
without a change in chemical characteristics at a high temperature
(300.degree. C. or more), to coat the dielectric on the electrode.
Therefore, durability of the coated dielectric may be improved
while maintaining the excellent electrostatic force of the
ionomer.
[0053] By means of the moisture electrolysis apparatus for a
headlamp, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention as described above, the moisture condensed in a headlamp
may be removed to prevent deterioration in the performance of the
headlamp, and even though air having a high humidity is introduced
into the headlamp when replacing an electric bulb in the headlamp
or repairing the headlamp, the problem wherein moisture is
condensed does not occur.
[0054] For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in
the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "upwards",
"downwards", "front", "rear", "back", "inside", "outside",
"inwardly", "outwardly", "interior", "exterior", "forwards", and
"backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary
embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as
displayed in the figures.
[0055] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments
of the present invention have been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments
were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of
the invention and their practical application, to thereby enable
others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, as well as various
alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the
scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and
their equivalents.
* * * * *