Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lamp capable of suppressing moisture from entering the light source side and efficiently releasing heat from the light source. The vehicle lamp (10) includes a light source (21), a heat dissipation component (22) for releasing heat from the light source (21) by bringing the light source (21) close to a mounting surface (43), and a socket (23) for mounting the heat dissipation component (22). The heat dissipation component (22) has a heat dissipation fin portion (42) protruding from a heat dissipation surface (44) on the side opposite to the mounting surface (43), and a heat dissipation side positioning portion (positioning protrusion (53)) provided on the heat dissipation surface (44). The socket (23) has a fin recess (66) in which the heat dissipation fin portion (42) is embedded in a mounting surface (63) opposite to the heat dissipation surface (44), and a socket side positioning portion (positioning hole (68)) that cooperates with the heat dissipation side positioning portion to determine the positional relationship between the heat dissipation component (22) and the socket (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle lighting fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle lighting fixtures require the use of high-output and high-brightness light sources. Therefore, in vehicle lighting fixtures, efficient heat dissipation from the light source is considered (for example, see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] In this vehicle lamp, a heat dissipation component that mounts a substrate to which a light source is mounted has multiple fins, which are then inlaid into the heat dissipation component assembly connector (socket) in a way that fills the spaces between the fins. Therefore, this vehicle lamp can properly engage the fins and the connector, and can efficiently release heat from the light source from the heat dissipation component via the connector.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-253774 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, during the inlay molding of the aforementioned vehicle lamps, in order to properly position the heat dissipation component with multiple fins within the metal mold, a support component is required within the metal mold to support the fins from one side. Therefore, in the connector section of the aforementioned vehicle lamp, a through hole is formed in the mark left after the support component is removed, connecting the finned side of the heat dissipation component to the outside. Here, in the aforementioned vehicle lamp, if the through hole is formed in the connector section, the heat dissipation component containing the fins (its periphery) becomes an air passage between the outside and the substrate in the connector section, i.e., the side where the light source is located (the light source side). Thus, there is a concern that moisture may enter the light source side, i.e., the space where the light source is located, through the through hole in the aforementioned vehicle lamp, and there is room for improvement.

[0009] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a vehicle lamp that can suppress moisture from entering the light source side and can efficiently release heat from the light source.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The vehicle lighting fixture disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a light source; a heat dissipation component that brings the light source close to a mounting surface and releases heat from the light source; and a socket for mounting the heat dissipation component, wherein the heat dissipation component has a heat dissipation fin portion protruding from a heat dissipation surface opposite to the mounting surface and a heat dissipation side positioning portion provided on the heat dissipation surface, and the socket has a fin groove portion into which the heat dissipation fin portion is embedded in a mounting surface facing the heat dissipation surface, and a socket side positioning portion that cooperates with the heat dissipation side positioning portion to determine the positional relationship between the heat dissipation component and the socket.

[0012] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0013] The vehicle lamps disclosed herein can suppress moisture from entering the light source side and can efficiently release heat from the light source. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lamp as an embodiment 1 of the vehicle lamp disclosed herein.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the light source unit of a vehicle lamp.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the light source unit in detail.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the heat dissipation components of the light source unit as viewed from the heat dissipation surface side.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the socket of the light source unit as viewed from the mounting surface side.

[0019] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 3 An explanatory diagram of the cross section obtained from line II.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the light source unit of the vehicle lamp of Embodiment 2.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the light source unit of Embodiment 2 in an exploded view.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the heat dissipation component of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the heat dissipation surface side.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the socket of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the mounting surface side. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of a vehicle lamp 10, which is an example of a vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] use Figures 1 to 6 The vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, which is one embodiment of the vehicle lamp disclosed herein, will be described. The vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1 is used as a lamp for vehicles such as automobiles, for example, as a headlight, fog light, daytime running light, and distance light. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction of the vehicle's forward movement and the direction of the illuminating light are defined as the optical axis direction (denoted as Z in the figure, with the illuminating side being the front side), the vertical direction when mounted on the vehicle is defined as the vertical direction (denoted as Y in the figure), and the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction and the vertical direction is defined as the width direction (denoted as X in the figure).

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a lamp housing 11, a lamp lens 12, a reflector 13, and a light source unit 20. The lamp housing 11 is formed from a non-transparent component such as a colored, coated resin material, and has a hollow shape with an opening at the front and a sealed rear. A mounting hole 11a is provided in the lamp housing 11, extending through the sealed rear end. At the edge of the mounting hole 11a, a plurality of cutouts and limiting portions are provided at approximately equal intervals.

[0028] The lamp lens 12 is formed from light-transmitting components such as transparent resin and glass, and is shaped to cover the open front end of the lamp housing 11. The lamp lens 12 is fixed to the opening of the lamp housing 11 in a sealed manner, ensuring watertightness. The lamp housing 11 and the lamp lens 12 divide the space to form the lamp chamber 14.

[0029] The reflector 13 is a light distribution control unit that controls the light emitted from the light source unit 20, and is disposed in the lamp chamber 14 in a manner fixed to the lamp housing 11 or the like. The reflector 13 is positioned above the light source 21 (see reference 20) of the light source unit 20. Figure 2The reflector 13 has a curved shape near the focal point, with its inner surface serving as a reflective surface 13a for reflected light, and a mounting hole 13b at its bottom. When the reflector 13 is positioned within the lamp housing 14, the mounting hole 13b communicates with the mounting hole 11a of the lamp housing 11. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the reflector 13 is formed as a component independent of the lamp housing 11, but the inner surface of the integrated structure, i.e., the lamp housing 11, can be used as the reflective surface, or other structures are possible; it is not limited to the structure of Embodiment 1. Additionally, a light guide component can be provided on the front side of the light source unit 20 in the optical axis direction to emit light from an area different in position and size from the light source 21, instead of the reflector (reflective surface); it is not limited to the structure of Embodiment 1. Even with such a light guide component, the vehicle lamp 10 can be used, for example, as a headlight, fog light, daytime running light, or distance light.

[0030] In the lamp chamber 14, a light source unit 20 is arranged such that it passes through the mounting hole 11a of the lamp housing 11 and the mounting hole 13b of the reflector 13. The light source unit 20 is fitted with a sealing member (O-ring) 15 between itself and the lamp housing 11, and is detachably mounted in the mounting hole 11a. Alternatively, the light source unit 20 can also be installed in the lamp chamber 14 via a vertical optical axis adjustment mechanism and a horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanism.

[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the light source unit 20 includes a light source 21, a heat dissipation component 22, a socket 23, and a power supply component 24. The light source 21 is formed as a light-emitting element of the sub-base type, on which a light-emitting chip 32 is provided on a sub-mounting substrate 31. Regarding the mounting surface 31a of the sub-mounting substrate 31, it is approximately rectangular when viewed from the front along the optical axis, and when viewed from the front... Figure 2 A light-emitting chip 32 is mounted on the upper part, and two connecting terminals 31b are provided in pairs at the two lower corners. In the light source 21, the light-emitting chip 32 and the two connecting terminals 31b are electrically connected via the sub-mounting substrate 31 (its circuit). If power is supplied between the two connecting terminals 31b, the light-emitting chip 32 will be lit.

[0032] The light-emitting chip 32 is a self-emissive semiconductor light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an EL (Organic EL) LD (Laser Diode) chip; in Example 1, it is set to an LED chip. With the light source unit 20 assembled, the light-emitting chip 32 is located near the focal point of the reflector 13.

[0033] The heat dissipation component 22 is a heat sink component that transfers (releases) the heat generated by the light source 21 to the socket 23. It is formed of a metal material or resin material with high thermal conductivity, and in Embodiment 1, it is formed of an aluminum die-casting part. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the heat dissipation component 22 has a base portion 41 and a heat dissipation fin portion 42. The base portion 41 is plate-shaped and orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The front side in the optical axis direction serves as a mounting surface 43, and the opposite side (the rear side in the optical axis direction) serves as a heat dissipation surface 44 continuous with the heat dissipation fin portion 42. The mounting surface 43 has a convex portion 43a that protrudes towards the front side in the optical axis direction and a concave portion 43b that is recessed towards the rear side in the optical axis direction. The convex portion 43a has a T-shape including the central region of the mounting surface 43, and a light source 21 is mounted in the central region. The light source 21 is mounted on the convex portion 43a (its central region) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer 33. The adhesive layer 33 mounts the light source 21 (its sub-mounting substrate 31) to the convex portion 43a and is made of epoxy resin adhesive, silicone resin adhesive, acrylic resin adhesive, etc., and is in the form of liquid, flow, strip, etc.

[0034] The concave portion 43b is U-shaped, surrounding the portion of the convex portion 43a where the light source 21 is mounted, and is provided with a pair of riveting protrusions 45 and a pair of terminal holes 46. The two riveting protrusions 45 are cylindrical, protruding from the concave portion 43b along the optical axis, and are arranged in pairs, spaced apart from the light source 21 in the width direction. Each riveting protrusion 45 is aligned in the optical axis direction with the connecting fin 52 described below (see reference). Figure 6 The two terminal holes 46 are through holes that pass through the base portion 41, allowing the pin terminals 24a of the power supply component 24 to pass through.

[0035] A circuit board 47 is provided in the concave portion 43b. The circuit board 47 transmits control signals from the control circuit mounted on the vehicle to the light source 21, and appropriately provides multiple components such as capacitors. The circuit board 47 is a U-shaped plate component that is embedded in the concave portion 43b, that is, surrounds the portion of the convex portion 43a where the light source 21 is mounted. If it is provided in the concave portion 43b in the optical axis direction, it will be at a height position approximately equal to that of the convex portion 43a.

[0036] The circuit board 47 is provided with a pair of riveting holes 47a, a pair of terminal connection holes 47b, and a pair of connection terminals 47c. The two riveting holes 47a are through holes penetrating the circuit board 47 in the optical axis direction and are paired across the light source 21 in the width direction. Each riveting hole 47a is located at a position corresponding to a pair of riveting protrusions 45 provided on the concave portion 43b of the heat sink 22, and allows the corresponding riveting protrusions 45 to pass through. Each terminal connection hole 47b is a through hole penetrating the circuit board 47 in the optical axis direction and is located at a position corresponding to a pair of terminal holes 46 provided on the concave portion 43b of the heat sink 22, and allows the pin terminals 24a of the power supply component 24 to pass through. Each terminal connection hole 47b is electrically connected to the control circuit in the circuit board 47, and the corresponding pin terminals 24a are electrically connected to the power supply component 24 by being fixed with solder or the like. Two connection terminals 47c are disposed in the mounting surface 31a of the sub-mounting substrate 31 at positions corresponding to the connection terminal 31b, and are electrically connected to the control circuit formed on the circuit board 47.

[0037] The circuit board 47 is mounted on the recessed portion 43b via an adhesive sheet 48. The adhesive sheet 48 has a pair of riveting cutouts 48a and a pair of terminal connection cutouts 48b. The two riveting cutouts 48a are correspondingly provided with two riveting holes 47a, i.e., two riveting protrusions 45, and allow the corresponding riveting protrusions 45 to pass through. The two terminal connection cutouts 48b are correspondingly provided with two terminal connection holes 47b, i.e., two pin terminals 24a, and allow the corresponding pin terminals 24a to pass through.

[0038] The circuit board 47 is electrically connected to the light source 21 via a pair of bonding leads 49. These bonding leads 49 are arranged in pairs, positioned between the connection terminals 31b of the sub-mounting substrate 31 of the light source 21 mounted on the convex portion 43a and the connection terminals 47c of the circuit board 47 mounted on the concave portion 43b. In Embodiment 1, each bonding lead 49 is electrically connected at one end to the connection terminal 31b and at the other end to the connection terminal 47c using ultrasonic bonding. Furthermore, the light source 21 (the sub-mounting substrate 31) can be electrically connected to the circuit board 47; the structure is not limited to Embodiment 1.

[0039] The heat dissipation fin portion 42 has a plurality of parallel fins 51 protruding from the heat dissipation surface 44 of the base portion 41 toward the rear side in the optical axis direction. Each parallel fin 51 is in the form of a flat plate orthogonal to the vertical direction in the heat dissipation surface 44 of the base portion 41, and is arranged (parallel) with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction. That is, each parallel fin 51 is made into a flat plate shape, with flat outer surfaces on the top and bottom, and is arranged side by side with their outer surfaces facing each other. The number and thickness of the parallel fins 51 can be appropriately set. In Embodiment 1, four fins are used, and they are made into a thick plate shape (compared to the parallel fins 51A in Embodiment 2, the vertical dimension is proportionally larger to the size on the surface orthogonal to the vertical direction).

[0040] In the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of Embodiment 1, connecting fins 52 are provided. The connecting fins 52 are mounted on each of the parallel fins 51 in the parallel direction of each parallel fin, and in Embodiment 1, two connecting fins are provided. The two connecting fins 52 are aligned on the same straight line as the riveting protrusion 45 on the concave portion 43b of the mounting surface 43 in the optical axis direction (see reference). Figure 6 The two connecting fins 52 are positioned near the ends of each parallel fin 51 in the width direction, i.e., from the uppermost parallel fin 51 through the two middle parallel fins 51 to the lowermost parallel fin 51. Therefore, the heat dissipation fin section 42 of Embodiment 1 is composed of four parallel fins 51 and two connecting fins 52 arranged in a grid pattern. Moreover, the two riveting protrusions 45 of Embodiment 1 are positioned on the same straight line in the optical axis direction at the positions where they overlap with the parallel fins 51 in the corresponding connecting fins 52, i.e., at the positions where the parallel fins 51 and the connecting fins 52 intersect (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0041] In the heat dissipation component 22, such as Figure 4 As shown, a pair of terminal holes 46 penetrate the base portion 41, so that in the heat dissipation surface 44, the two terminal holes 46 are located below the lowermost parallel fins 51. In addition, in the heat dissipation component 22, a pair of positioning protrusions 53 are provided on the heat dissipation surface 44 of the base portion 41. Each positioning protrusion 53 is located outside the pair of terminal holes 46 in the width direction of the heat dissipation surface 44 and is columnar, protruding from the heat dissipation surface 44 towards the rear in the optical axis direction.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown, the socket 23 is formed of a thermally conductive material, and in Embodiment 1, it is formed of a resin component. The socket 23 has a socket body portion 61 and a socket heat dissipation portion 62, which has the function of releasing heat transferred from the heat dissipation component 22 to the outside (mainly the socket heat dissipation portion 62). The front side of the socket body portion 61 in the optical axis direction serves as a mounting surface 63, and its opposite side (the rear side in the optical axis direction) serves as a heat dissipation surface 64 that is continuous with the socket heat dissipation portion 62. The mounting surface 63 is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 61a with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 11a of the lamp housing 11, a flange wall 61b protruding outward from this side along a surface orthogonal to the optical axis direction, and a bottom wall 61c that closes the rear side of the peripheral wall 61a in the optical axis direction. The socket body portion 61 is divided into a mounting surface 63 side and a heat dissipation surface 64 side by the bottom wall 61c.

[0043] The main body 61 of the socket has four mounting protrusions 61d that protrude outward from the peripheral wall 61a in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The four mounting protrusions 61d are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 61a, and can pass through the cutout provided at the edge of the mounting hole 11a in the lamp housing 11. After passing through the cutout, each mounting protrusion 61d, due to the change in rotational posture relative to the lamp housing 11, comes into close contact with the limiting portion, thereby allowing the periphery of the mounting hole 11a and the sealing member 15 (see reference 15) to be clamped between the protrusion and the flange wall 61b. Figure 1 Thus, each mounting protrusion 61d can engage with the flange wall 61b to detachably mount the socket 23, i.e., the light source unit 20, to the lamp housing 11 via the sealing member 15.

[0044] In the main body 61 of the socket, a finned groove 66, a mounting hole 67, and a positioning hole 68 are provided inside the peripheral wall 61a of the mounting surface 63. The finned groove 66 allows the heat dissipation fins 42 to be inserted, and is shaped such that the heat dissipation fins 42 are reversed. That is, the finned groove 66 is formed by combining parallel grooves 66a suitable for four parallel fins 51 and connecting grooves 66b suitable for two connecting fins 52 in a grid pattern. Therefore, the finned groove 66 can receive the heat dissipation fins 42 in a manner that appropriately engages with them.

[0045] Setting hole 67 is for setting power supply component 24 (see reference). Figure 3 The portion of the power supply component 24 extends through the bottom wall 61c in the optical axis direction. The power supply side connector 16 (see reference) Figure 1The power supply component 24 is mechanically detachable and intermittently electrically connected, supplying power from the connector 16 to the light source unit 20. The power supply component 24 has a pair of pin terminals 24a, which are electrically connected to terminal connection holes 47b, thereby supplying power to the circuit board 47. The mounting hole 67 is shaped to mimic the shape of the power supply component 24, and the insulation of the power supply component 24 is ensured by embedding insulating material within it. The mounting hole 67 communicates with a mounting portion (inside) located on the heat dissipation surface 64. The power supply component 24 is located in the mounting hole 67, so that the rear connection terminal in the optical axis direction is exposed within the mounting portion. If the power supply side connector 16 (see reference) is mounted at this mounting portion... Figure 1 If the connection terminal is connected to the connection terminal of the connector 16, then the connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the connector 16.

[0046] The positioning holes 68 are paired with a pair of positioning protrusions 53 on the heat dissipation component 22, serving as holes into which the positioning protrusions 53 can be inserted. Each positioning hole 68 is located outside the setting hole 67 in the width direction of the mounting surface 63, serving as a hole extending rearward in the optical axis direction. Each positioning hole 68 determines the relative position of the heat dissipation component 22 and the socket 23 by inserting the corresponding positioning protrusion 53. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the pair of positioning protrusions 53 of the heat dissipation component 22 becomes the heat dissipation-side positioning part, and the pair of positioning holes 68 of the socket 23 becomes the socket-side positioning part. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation-side positioning part and the socket-side positioning part determine the relative position of the heat dissipation component 22 and the socket 23, the position and number can be set appropriately, and the protrusions and holes can be interchanged, or other structures can be used, without being limited to the structure of Embodiment 1.

[0047] The heat dissipation section 62 of the socket releases (radiates) heat transferred from the heat dissipation component 22 to the outside and has multiple fins 69. Each fin 69 is plate-shaped along a plane orthogonal to the width direction, protruding from the heat dissipation surface 64 toward the rear side in the optical axis direction and arranged side by side in the width direction. In this heat dissipation surface 64, as... Figure 1 As shown, a mounting portion for inserting a power supply connector 16 is provided in the area where the fins 69 are not located. This mounting portion allows for the mechanical installation and removal of the connector 16. When the connector 16 is installed, its connection terminals are connected to the power supply component 24 (see reference 67) located in the mounting hole 67. Figure 3 Electrical connection of the terminals (etc.).

[0048] The light source unit 20 is assembled as follows. First, as... Figure 3As shown, the power supply component 24 is embedded in the mounting hole 67 of the mounting surface 63 of the socket 23 via an insulating material. Additionally, in the mounting surface 43 of the base portion 41 of the heat dissipation component 22, the light source 21 is mounted in the central region of the convex portion 43a via an adhesive layer 33, and the circuit board 47 is mounted in the concave portion 43b via an adhesive sheet 48. At this time, in the adhesive sheet 48 and the circuit board 47, a pair of riveting protrusions 45 on the concave portion 43b overlap with corresponding riveting cuts 48a and riveting holes 47a, and with terminal connection holes 47b and terminal connection cuts 48b corresponding to a pair of terminal holes 46 on the concave portion 43b. Then, by flattening the front ends of the two riveting protrusions 45 to plastically deform them through riveting, the circuit board 47 is more firmly fixed to the concave portion 43b.

[0049] Next, a pair of bonding leads 49 are arranged such that each connection terminal 31b of the sub-mounting substrate 31 of the light source 21 and each connection terminal 47c of the circuit board 47 are mounted on it. Then, the two ends of each bonding lead 49 close to each connection terminal 31b and each connection terminal 47c are electrically connected by ultrasonic wire bonding. Next, a heat conductor 71 is provided in the fin groove portion 66 of the mounting surface 63 of the socket body portion 61 of the socket 23. This heat conductor 71 is provided to improve the thermal conductivity between the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the heat dissipation component 22 and the fin groove portion 66 of the socket 23, and thermally conductive grease is used in Embodiment 1.

[0050] Next, within the peripheral wall 61a of the socket body 61, each positioning protrusion 53 is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 68 so that the heat dissipation surface 64 is pressed against the mounting surface 63, and the heat dissipation component 22 is pressed into the socket 23. During this pressing, ultrasonic waves can be used appropriately; either ultrasonic waves can be used or not. At this time, through the positioning action of each positioning protrusion 53 and each positioning hole 68, the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the heat dissipation surface 64 is embedded in the fin groove portion 66 of the mounting surface 63, and each pin terminal 24a of the power supply component 24 provided in the setting hole 67 of the socket 23 passes through the corresponding terminal hole 46 of the socket body 61 and through the corresponding terminal connection hole 47b of the circuit board 47. Next, using solder or the like, each pin terminal 24a is electrically connected to the terminal connection hole 47b, thereby enabling the assembly of the light source unit 20.

[0051] With the sealing member 15 provided around the peripheral wall 61a and close to the flange wall 61b, the light source unit 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 11a of the lamp housing 11 from the light source 21 side, and each mounting protrusion 61d of the socket 23 passes through the cutout provided at the edge of the mounting hole 11a. Then, as the socket body 61 rotates relative to the lamp housing 11, each mounting protrusion 61d comes into close contact with its corresponding limiting portion, thereby mounting the light source unit 20 onto the lamp housing 11 with the sealing member 15 sandwiched between the flange wall 61b and the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 11a. The vehicle lamp 10 is assembled by mounting the reflector 13 and the lamp lens 12 onto the lamp housing 11. In this vehicle lamp 10, the light source 21 of the light source unit 20 and the circuit board 47 are disposed within the lamp chamber 14 on the reflective surface 13a side of the reflector 13 via the mounting hole 11a of the lamp housing 11 and the mounting hole 13b of the reflector 13. The vehicle lamp 10 has a power supply connector 16 mounted on the mounting portion of the socket 23 of the light source unit 20 mounted on the lamp housing 11 (see reference). Figure 1 It can supply power to the circuit board 47 via the power supply component 24, thereby enabling the light source 21 to be lit and turned off appropriately.

[0052] In this vehicle lamp 10, since the heat dissipation fins 42 of the heat dissipation component 22 are embedded in the fin grooves 66 of the socket 23, the heat generated by the light source 21 can be efficiently transferred from the heat dissipation component 22 to the socket 23, thereby releasing the heat to the outside from the socket 23. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can properly cool the light source 21 and properly illuminate the light source 21. In particular, since the socket 23 is also provided with a socket heat dissipation portion 62 (each fin 69), the heat transferred from the heat dissipation component 22 to the socket 23 can be efficiently emitted, thereby promoting the heat dissipation of the heat dissipation component 22.

[0053] Here, we will explain the problems with existing vehicle lighting fixtures as described in prior art documents. In existing vehicle lighting fixtures, multiple fins are provided in the heat dissipation component, and the components are inlaid into the heat dissipation component assembly connector (equivalent to the socket 23 of this disclosure) by filling the spaces between the fins. When inlaying this existing vehicle lighting fixture, a support member is provided in the metal mold to support the heat dissipation component with multiple fins in an appropriate position within the metal mold. Therefore, in existing vehicle lighting fixtures, a through hole is formed in the connector after the support member is removed, extending from the side of the heat dissipation component with each fin to the outside. This through hole, through the heat dissipation component containing each fin (and its periphery), becomes an air passage between the outside and the substrate side. As a result, in existing vehicle lighting fixtures, there is a concern that moisture may enter the substrate side, i.e., the space where the light source, etc., is located on the substrate, through the through hole, causing fogging, water droplets, etc., and therefore, there is room for improvement.

[0054] To address this, in the light source unit 20 of the vehicle lamp 10, the mounting surface 63 of the socket 23 is provided with a fin groove 66 for embedding the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the heat dissipation component 22 and a pair of positioning holes 68, and the heat dissipation surface 44 of the heat dissipation component 22 is provided with a pair of positioning protrusions 53. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can mount the heat dissipation component 22 and the socket 23 by positioning them with the two positioning holes 68 and the two positioning protrusions 53, so that the heat dissipation fin portion 42 is embedded in the fin groove 66. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 does not undergo inlay molding, thus preventing the formation of a through hole in the socket 23, and allowing the fin groove 66 to engage with the heat dissipation fin portion 42 to assemble the heat dissipation component 22 and the socket 23. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can prevent moisture from entering the periphery of the light source 21 and the circuit board 47, and can efficiently release the heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22.

[0055] Furthermore, in the light source unit 20 of the vehicle lamp 10, a plurality of parallel fins 51 and a plurality of connecting fins 52 are provided in the heat dissipation fin section 42. Therefore, in the heat dissipation component 22 of the vehicle lamp 10, when the circuit board 47 is fixed to the concave portion 43b by riveting the front ends of the two riveting protrusions 45, deformation of the heat dissipation fin section 42 can be suppressed. This situation will be explained below. In the heat dissipation component 22, when the front ends of the riveting protrusions 45 are riveted, since pressure is applied between the heat dissipation fin sections 42 on the opposite side of their front ends, there is a concern that each parallel fin 51 may deform by tilting or bending when the heat dissipation fin section 42 only has a plurality of parallel fins 51. In response to this, in the vehicle lamp 10 (light source unit 20), in the heat dissipation fin section 42, since multiple connecting fins 52 are provided in a manner that they are mounted on each parallel fin 51 in the parallel direction of each parallel fin 51, each connecting fin 52 prevents changes in the spacing of each parallel fin 51. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, even if the front ends of the two riveting protrusions 45 are riveted, deformation of the heat dissipation fin section 42 can be suppressed.

[0056] In particular, in the vehicle lamp 10, the two connecting fins 52 are aligned with the riveting protrusions 45 along the optical axis. Since the two riveting protrusions 45 protrude along the optical axis, the pressure applied between them and the heat dissipation fin portion 42 during riveting is also along the optical axis. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the pressure applied during riveting of the front ends of each riveting protrusion 45 can be absorbed by the connecting fins 52 aligned with each riveting protrusion 45, effectively suppressing deformation of the heat dissipation fin portion 42, including the connecting fins 52. Furthermore, since the intersections of the two riveting protrusions 45 and the parallel fins 51 with the connecting fins 52 in Embodiment 1 are aligned along the optical axis, deformation of the heat dissipation fin portion 42 due to the pressure applied during riveting of the front ends of each riveting protrusion 45 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 securely fixes the circuit board 47 to the recessed portion 43b by riveting two riveting protrusions 45. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can electrically connect the two ends of a pair of connecting leads 49 to the connection terminals 31b of the light source 21 and the connection terminals 47c of the circuit board 47 using ultrasonic wire bonding. If the circuit board 47 is only mounted to the recessed portion 43b using adhesive tabs 48, there is a concern that it may detach from the recessed portion 43b or become misaligned during ultrasonic wire bonding. This also has the same effect on the impact (ultrasonic vibration, etc.) during the installation of the heat sink 22 and the socket 23, and the vibration when the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted on a vehicle. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 can electrically connect the light source 21 and the circuit board 47 in the appropriate position, thereby illuminating the desired light.

[0058] In addition, each of the parallel fins 51 of the vehicle lamp 10 is in the form of a thick plate. Therefore, compared with the case where the parallel fins 51 are thin plates (in Embodiment 2), the strength of the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the vehicle lamp 10 can be increased, and the heat capacity can be ensured. Moreover, in the vehicle lamp 10, each connecting fin 52 is provided in such a way as to be mounted on each of the parallel fins 51 in the form of a thick plate. Therefore, compared with the case where only each of the parallel fins 51 is provided, the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the vehicle lamp 10 can be increased, thereby enabling more efficient release of the heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22.

[0059] The vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0060] In the vehicle lamp 10, the heat dissipation component 22 has a heat dissipation fin portion 42 and a heat dissipation side positioning portion (positioning protrusion 53), and the socket 23 has a fin groove portion 66 and a socket side positioning portion (positioning hole 68). Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted by positioning the heat dissipation component 22 and the socket 23 by the heat dissipation side positioning portion and the socket side positioning portion, so that the heat dissipation fin portion 42 is embedded in the fin groove portion 66. As a result, since the vehicle lamp 10 is not inlaid, it is possible to prevent the formation of a through hole in the socket 23, prevent moisture from entering the periphery of the light source 21 and the circuit board 47, and efficiently release the heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22.

[0061] The vehicle lamp 10 has a heat conductor 71 between the heat dissipation fin portion 42 and the fin groove portion 66. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can suppress the formation of gaps between the embedded fin groove portion 66 and the heat dissipation fin portion 42, thereby enabling more efficient release of the heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22.

[0062] In the vehicle lamp 10, the heat dissipation fin portion 42 has a plurality of parallel fins 51 that are flat and arranged side by side with their flat outer surfaces facing each other. Therefore, the heat dissipation fin portion 42 of the vehicle lamp 10 can be designed with a simple shape and ensure surface area, making it easy to insert into the fin groove portion 66, and enabling more efficient release of heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22.

[0063] In the vehicle lamp 10, the heat dissipation fin portion 42 has connecting fins 52 that are mounted in the parallel direction of a plurality of parallel fins 51 and protrude from the heat dissipation surface 44. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 ensures the strength of the heat dissipation fin portion 42 and can increase the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation fin portion 42 compared to the case where only the parallel fins 51 are provided.

[0064] The vehicle lamp 10 has a riveting hole 47a on the substrate (circuit board 47) and a riveting protrusion 45 protruding from the mounting surface 43 on the heat dissipation component 22. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, when the riveting protrusion 45 passes through the riveting hole 47a, the substrate can be firmly fixed to the mounting surface 43 of the heat dissipation component 22 by riveting the front end of the riveting protrusion 45.

[0065] In the vehicle lamp 10, the riveting protrusion 45 is aligned with the connecting fin 52 in a direction orthogonal to the substrate (circuit board 47). Therefore, when the front end of the riveting protrusion 45 is riveted, deformation of the heat dissipation fin portion 42 can be suppressed in the vehicle lamp 10.

[0066] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10, as an embodiment 1 of the vehicle lamp of this disclosure, can suppress moisture from entering the light source 21 side and can efficiently release heat from the light source 21.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] Next, use Figures 7 to 10 The following describes a vehicle lamp 10A according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The vehicle lamp 10A is a vehicle lamp with a modified structure of the light source unit 20 in the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1. Since the basic concept and structure of the vehicle lamp 10A are the same as those of the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, the same symbols are used to mark parts with the same structure, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0069] The vehicle lamp 10A of Example 2 has Figure 7 , Figure 8 The light source unit 20A is shown. The structures of the heat dissipation component 22A and the socket 23A of the light source unit 20A are different from those of the light source unit 20.

[0070] In this heat dissipation component 22A, on the mounting surface 43A of the base portion 41A, the convex portion 43aA is designed such that its area, when viewed from the front side in the optical axis direction, is approximately equal to the area of ​​the light source 21. That is, the convex portion 43aA differs from the convex portion 43a of Embodiment 1 in that it does not extend to the upper side of the portion where the light source 21 is mounted. Therefore, the concave portion 43bA is shaped to surround the convex portion 43aA. Apart from this, the structure of the mounting surface 43A of the heat dissipation component 22A is the same as the structure of the mounting surface 43 of the heat dissipation component 22 of Embodiment 1, and the light source 21, circuit board 47, and two bonding leads 49 are mounted in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the heat dissipation component 22A, the structure of the heat dissipation fin portion 42A in the heat dissipation surface 44A differs from the structure of the heat dissipation fin portion 42 in Embodiment 1. This heat dissipation fin portion 42A has multiple parallel fins 51A protruding from the heat dissipation surface 44A toward the rear side in the optical axis direction, but it does not have a component equivalent to the connecting fin 52 in Embodiment 1. These parallel fins 51A are flat plates orthogonal to the vertical direction in the heat dissipation surface 44A, and are arranged (parallel) with predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. That is, each parallel fin 51A is flat, having flat outer surfaces on both the top and bottom, and is arranged side-by-side with their outer surfaces facing each other. In Embodiment 2, the number of parallel fins 51A is set to six, and they are thinner (thin plate-shaped) than the connecting fin 52 in Embodiment 1.

[0072] In the socket 23A, the fin groove 66A in the mounting surface 63A of the socket body 61A is shaped such that the heat dissipation fin 42A is reversed. That is, in the fin groove 66A, the parallel grooves 66aA suitable for six parallel fins 51 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fin groove 66A can receive the heat dissipation fin 42A in a manner that allows the heat dissipation fin 42A to properly engage.

[0073] Next, the assembly and function of the vehicle lamp 10A will be explained. The vehicle lamp 10A can be assembled in the same way as the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1. Similar to the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, the heat dissipation fin portion 42A of the heat dissipation component 22A is embedded into the fin groove portion 66A of the socket 23A without inlay molding. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10A can prevent moisture from entering the vicinity of the light source 21 and the circuit board 47, and can efficiently release the heat generated by the light source 21 from the heat dissipation component 22A to the external socket 23A.

[0074] The vehicle lamp 10A of Embodiment 2 can achieve the following effects. The structure of the vehicle lamp 10A is basically the same as that of the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, and therefore it achieves the same effects as Embodiment 1.

[0075] In addition, in the light source unit 20A of the vehicle lamp 10A, the heat dissipation fin portion 42A has a plurality of parallel fins 51A protruding from the heat dissipation surface 44A toward the rear side in the direction of the optical axis. Therefore, compared with the vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, the vehicle lamp 10A can simplify the shape of the heat dissipation fin portion 42A and the fin groove portion 66A, suppress manufacturing costs, and can more reliably embed the heat dissipation fin portion 42A into the fin groove portion 66A. Furthermore, in the light source unit 20A of the vehicle lamp 10A, since each parallel fin 51A is thin, the surface area can be increased compared with each thick plate-shaped parallel fin 51, as described in Embodiment 1.

[0076] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10A, as embodiment 2 of the vehicle lamp of this disclosure, can suppress moisture from entering the light source 21 side and can efficiently release heat from the light source 21.

[0077] The vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure have been described above based on various embodiments, but the specific structure is not limited to each embodiment. Changes and additions to the design are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in the claims.

[0078] Furthermore, in each embodiment, a heat conductor 71 is provided between the heat dissipation fin portions 42, 42A and the fin groove portions 66, 66A. However, it is sufficient to embed the heat dissipation fin portions 42, 42A into the fin groove portions 66, 66A, or the heat conductor 71 may not be provided, and the structure is not limited to each embodiment.

[0079] In addition, in various embodiments, a sub-base type light source 21 is used, which is electrically connected to the circuit board 47 by a pair of bonding leads 49 provided by lead bonding. However, the light source is mounted on heat dissipation components 22, 22A, and can be appropriately lit and extinguished by supplying power from the connector 16 mounted on the power supply side of sockets 23, 23A, and is not limited to the structure of each embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the heat dissipation fin portions 42 and 42A are configured as described above. However, the heat dissipation fin portions can have a so-called fin shape that increases the surface area to improve the heat dissipation performance of the heat dissipation components 22 and 22A, and are not limited to the structure of each embodiment. Moreover, in each embodiment, the fin groove portions 66 and 66A are configured as described above. However, the fin groove portions can have a shape that allows the heat dissipation fin portions to be inserted, i.e., a shape that reverses the heat dissipation fin portions, and are not limited to the structure of each embodiment.

[0081] Explanation of symbols

[0082] 10, 10A—Vehicle lamps; 21—Light source; 22, 22A—Heat dissipation components; 23, 23A—Sockets; 42, 42A—Heat dissipation fins; 43, 43A—Setting surfaces; 44, 44A—Heat dissipation surfaces; 45—Riveting protrusions; 47—(As an example of a substrate) Circuit board; 47a—Riveting holes; 51, 51A—Parallel fins; 52—Connecting fins; 53—(As an example of a heat dissipation side positioning part) Positioning protrusions; 63, 63A—Mounting surfaces; 66, 66A—Fin grooves; 68—(As an example of a socket side positioning part) Positioning holes; 71—Heat conductors.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, have: light source; A heat dissipation component that brings the light source close to the mounting surface to release heat from the light source; and The socket is where the aforementioned heat dissipation components are installed. The aforementioned heat dissipation component has a heat dissipation fin portion protruding from a heat dissipation surface on the side opposite to the aforementioned mounting surface, and a heat dissipation side positioning portion provided on the aforementioned heat dissipation surface. The aforementioned socket has a fin groove into which the aforementioned heat dissipation fins are embedded in the mounting surface facing the aforementioned heat dissipation surface, and a socket-side positioning part that cooperates with the aforementioned heat dissipation-side positioning part to determine the positional relationship between the aforementioned heat dissipation component and the aforementioned socket. The aforementioned heat dissipation fin portion has a plurality of parallel fins that are flat and face each other with their flat outer surfaces facing each other, and a connecting fin that is mounted in the parallel direction of the plurality of parallel fins and protrudes from the aforementioned heat dissipation surface. A substrate electrically connected to the light source is provided on the aforementioned surface at a position different from that of the aforementioned light source. The aforementioned substrate has through-holes for riveting. The aforementioned heat dissipation component is provided with a riveting protrusion that protrudes from the aforementioned mounting surface and can pass through the aforementioned riveting hole. The aforementioned riveting protrusions are located on the same straight line in the direction orthogonal to the aforementioned substrate and at the position where the aforementioned parallel fins intersect with the aforementioned connecting fins.

2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heat conductor is provided between the aforementioned heat dissipation fin portion and the aforementioned fin groove portion.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned light source is a sub-base type light-emitting element.

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