VEHICLE LAMP HEATER AND VEHICLE LAMP

Abstract

This disclosure refers to a vehicle lamp heater, comprising a PTC heating resistor, a metallic cooling body fixed to the PTC heating resistor, and a holder holding the PTC heating resistor and the metallic cooling body. Also disclosed is vehicle lamp comprising a plastic housing with a transparent cover and such vehicle lamp heater.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp heater, comprising: a PTC heating resistor; a metallic cooling body fixed to the PTC heating resistor; and a holder holding the PTC heating resistor and the metallic cooling body.

2. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the metallic cooling body is formed of corrugated metal sheet.

3. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the metallic cooling body is electrically insulated from the PTC heating resistor.

4. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the metallic cooling body is fixed to the PTC heating resistor with an adhesive.

5. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the PTC heating resistor is arranged between two metallic cooling bodies.

6. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the PTC heating resistor has a metallic coating on two opposing sides.

7. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the holder is made of a thermoplastic.

8. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a frame surrounding the PTC heating resistor.

9. The vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1, wherein the holder holds a fan.

10. The vehicle lamp comprising a plastic housing with a transparent cover and a vehicle lamp heater according to claim 1.

11. A vehicle lamp heater, comprising: a PTC heating resistor; a metallic cooling body fixed to the PTC heating resistor; a fan; and a holder holding the PTC heating resistor and the metallic cooling body; wherein the holder holds the fan and comprises a frame that surrounds the PTC heating resistor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above-mentioned aspects of exemplary embodiments will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle lamp heater;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a vehicle lamp heater;

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle head lamp; and

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a different view of the vehicle headlamp of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION

[0019] The embodiments described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of this disclosure.

[0020] The vehicle lamp heater shown in FIG. 1 comprises a polymer PTC heating resistor 1, two metallic cooling bodies 2, and holder 3 holding the polymer PTC heating resistor 1 and the cooling bodies 2. The holder 3 is typically made of plastic, e.g., PC, PA66, PBT or other thermoplastic, and comprises attachment elements 4 for fixing the holder to a housing of vehicle lamp. The attachment elements may for example comprise an eyelet or a lug.

[0021] The polymer PTC heating resistor has a metallic coating on opposite sides. Terminals for connection to a power source, e.g., the vehicle electric system, can be attached to the metallic coating, e.g., by soldering or welding.

[0022] The polymer PTC heating resistor may be a layer provided between two metal sheets. The polymer PTC heating resistor is electrically insulated from the cooling bodies 2, e.g., by an electrically insulating adhesive or glue that covers the metallic coating of the PTC heating resistor. The cooling bodies 2 are corrugated metal sheets, e.g., made of aluminum.

[0023] The holder 3 forms a frame surrounding the polymer PTC heating resistor 1. In addition the holder 3 comprises at least one wall 5. The wall 5 or walls can form a housing wherein the polymer PTC heater and the cooling bodies 2 are arranged. Moreover, the wall 5 or walls can guide an air flow.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a vehicle lamp heater that differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 only in that a funnel-like section 3a has been added to the holder 3. Section 3a is configured to hold a fan for blowing air onto and through the cooling bodies 2. The fan 13 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2.

[0025] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a vehicle headlamp comprising a plastic housing 10 with a transparent cover 11, an LED (not shown), and a vehicle lamp heater 12. The vehicle lamp heater 12 may be a vehicle lamp heater as shown in FIG. 1 or 2. In FIG. 3 metallic cooling bodies 2 of the vehicle lamp heater 12 can be seen. The vehicle lamp heater 12 is arranged in a slot in the bezel of the vehicle lamp.

[0026] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.