Vehicular illuminating device, and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular illuminating device that can efficiently transfer heat generated in a light emitting module, to a socket, and a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular illuminating device according to an embodiment comprises: a socket comprising a heat dissipation fin; a light emitting module provided on the side of an end part of the socket opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fin is provided, and comprising a light emitting element; a heat transfer part provided between the light emitting module and the socket, and comprising a seat part to which the light emitting module is bonded, and a heat conduction part extending inside a hole provided in the socket; and a heat conduction layer provided between the heat conduction part and an inner wall of the hole of the socket, and including heat conduction grease.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp.

Background Art

[0002] From the viewpoints of energy saving and long life, instead of a vehicle lighting device including a lamp having a filament, a vehicle lighting device including a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode has been increasingly popularized. Such a vehicle lighting device includes a socket and a light emitting module provided on one end side of the socket. The light emitting module includes, for example, a substrate and a light emitting element provided on the substrate.

[0003] Here, when the vehicle lighting device is lit and current flows through the light emitting element, light is irradiated from the light emitting element and heat is generated in the light emitting element. In addition, in the case of a vehicle lighting device, the temperature of the atmosphere where the vehicle lighting device is provided may reach about 85°C. Therefore, when the vehicle lighting device is lit, the temperature of the light emitting element may become too high and there is a risk that the temperature of the light emitting element exceeds the maximum junction temperature. When the temperature of the light emitting element exceeds the maximum junction temperature, the light emitting element may fail or the luminous flux of the light irradiated from the light emitting element may decrease.

[0004] Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which a heat transfer portion formed of metal is provided between the light emitting module (substrate) and the socket. In this case, a technique has been proposed in which the portion of the heat transfer portion provided inside the socket is lengthened to transfer the heat generated in the light emitting module to a wide range of the socket.

[0005] However, in recent years, higher luminous flux of vehicle lighting devices has been demanded, and the current flowing through the light emitting element tends to increase. When the current flowing through the light emitting element increases, the heat generated in the light emitting module increases. Therefore, development of a technique capable of efficiently transferring the heat generated in the light emitting module to the socket has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can efficiently transfer heat generated in a light emitting module to a socket.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment includes: a socket having heat dissipation fins; a light emitting module provided on an end side of the socket opposite to the side where the heat dissipation fins are provided and having a light emitting element; a heat transfer part provided between the light emitting module and the socket and having a seat part to which the light emitting module is adhered and a heat conducting part extending inside a hole provided in the socket; and a heat conducting layer provided between the heat conducting part and an inner wall of the hole of the socket and containing heat conducting grease.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can efficiently transfer heat generated in a light emitting module to a socket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (Vehicle Lighting Device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment can be provided, for example, in an automobile or a railway vehicle. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 provided in an automobile include, for example, a front combination lamp (for example, a combination of a daytime running lamp (DRL), a position lamp, a turn signal lamp, etc. as appropriate), and a rear combination lamp (for example, a combination of a stop lamp, a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, a back lamp, a fog lamp, etc. as appropriate). However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to these.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the vehicle lighting device 1 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a socket 10, a light emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40.

[0014] The socket 10 has, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15. The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side where the heat radiation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recess 11a that opens at the end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0015] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the mounting portion 11. The bayonet 12 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device 1. The bayonet 12 faces the flange 13. A plurality of bayonets 12 can be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to the housing 101 of the vehicle lamp 100 described later, for example. The bayonet 12 can be used for a twist lock.

[0016] The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially disc shape. The side surface of the flange 13 is located outside the vehicle lighting device 1 more than the side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0017] The heat radiation fins 14 are provided on the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. At least one heat radiation fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of heat radiation fins 14 can be provided on the socket 10. The plurality of heat radiation fins 14 can be arranged in a predetermined direction. The heat radiation fins 14 have, for example, a plate shape or a cylindrical shape.

[0018] The connector holder 15 is provided on the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. The connector holder 15 can be provided side by side with the heat radiation fins 14. The connector holder 15 has a cylindrical shape, and a connector 105 having a seal member 105a inside is inserted therein.

[0019] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and a function of transferring the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the outside. In recent years, weight reduction of the vehicle lighting device 1, and thus weight reduction of the socket 10, has been desired.

[0020] Therefore, the socket 10 can be formed of, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or Nylon, with fillers such as carbon or aluminum oxide mixed therein. If the socket 10 includes the highly thermally conductive resin, heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. Also, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced. The socket 10 including the highly thermally conductive resin can be formed, for example, using an injection molding method.

[0021] The light-emitting module 20 is provided on the end side of the socket 10 opposite to the side where the heat-radiating fins 14 are provided. The light-emitting module 20 has, for example, a substrate 21, a light-emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, and a circuit element 25.

[0022] The substrate 21 has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, substantially square. The substrate 21 can be formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy, or the like. Also, the substrate 21 may be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. Also, the substrate 21 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure.

[0023] Also, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed of, for example, a material mainly composed of silver or a material mainly composed of copper. Also, a covering portion for covering the wiring pattern 21a and a film-like resistor described later can be provided. The covering portion can include, for example, a glass material.

[0024] The light-emitting element 22 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 21 (the surface opposite to the heat transfer portion 40 side of the substrate 21). The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. At least one light-emitting element 22 can be provided. In the vehicle lighting device 1 (light-emitting module 20) illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 can be connected in series.

[0025] The light-emitting element 22 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode, an organic light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like. The light-emitting element 22 can be any of a chip-shaped light-emitting element, a surface-mount type light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, and a light-emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type. However, if the light-emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element, miniaturization of the light-emitting module 20, and thus miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be achieved.

[0026] Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the light-emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element will be described. The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, an upper and lower electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip chip type light-emitting element.

[0027] The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light-emitting element 22. The frame portion 23 can be adhered onto the substrate 21 using an adhesive. The contour (planar shape contour) of the frame portion 23 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be appropriately changed according to required light distribution characteristics, luminance distribution, and the like. For example, the planar shape contour of the frame portion 23 can be a circle, a quadrangle, an ellipse, or the like. Note that the planar shape contour of the frame portion 23 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a quadrangle.

[0028] The frame portion 23 has the function of a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 and the function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24. Therefore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, the extraction efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 can be improved. Also, if the frame portion 23 is provided, the formation range of the sealing portion 24 can be reduced, so that the light-emitting module 20 can be miniaturized, and thus the vehicle lighting device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0029] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the region surrounded by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting element 22. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having translucency. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin or the like. Also, a phosphor can be included in the sealing portion 24. In the case where the light-emitting element 22 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element or a light-emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0030] In addition, optical elements or the like can be provided as necessary. The optical elements are, for example, a convex lens, a concave lens, a light guide, or the like. The optical elements can be provided, for example, on the sealing portion 24.

[0031] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element used to constitute a light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, around the frame portion 23 and is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0032] The circuit element 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, a protection element 25a, a control element 25b, and a resistor 25c. However, the circuit element 25 provided in the light-emitting circuit is not limited to the illustrated ones. For example, in addition to the above-described ones, the circuit element 25 may be a capacitor, a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor, an integrated circuit, an arithmetic element, or the like.

[0033] The protection element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from the reverse direction from being applied to the light-emitting element 22. The protection element 25a is, for example, a diode. The protection element 25a illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mount type diode.

[0034] The control element 25b is provided, for example, to switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 22, to perform temperature derating, or to control the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22. However, the functions and applications of the control element 25b are not limited to those illustrated. The control element 25b can be, for example, a transistor or an integrated circuit. Note that the control element 25b illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mount type integrated circuit.

[0035] The resistor 25c can be, for example, a surface-mount type resistor, a resistor having lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), a film-like resistor formed using a screen printing method, or the like. Note that the resistor 25c illustrated in FIG. 1 is a film-like resistor.

[0036] Here, since there are variations in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, if the applied voltage between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is made constant, there will be variations in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. Therefore, in order for the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 to fall within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is made to be within a predetermined range by the resistor 25c connected in series with the light-emitting element 22. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor 25c, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is made to be within a predetermined range.

[0037] When the resistor 25c is a surface-mounted resistor or a resistor having lead wires, a resistor 25c with an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22. When the resistor 25c is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the resistor 25c. For example, when the film resistor is irradiated with laser light, a part of the film resistor can be easily removed. Note that the number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistor 25c are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light-emitting element 22, etc.

[0038] The power supply unit 30 has, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32. The plurality of power supply terminals 31 can be rod-shaped bodies. One end of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the concave portion 11a. One end of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is soldered to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. A connector 105 is fitted to the plurality of power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The plurality of power supply terminals 31 are formed of a metal such as a copper alloy, for example. Note that the shape, arrangement, material, etc. of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 are not limited to those exemplified and can be appropriately changed.

[0039] When the socket 10 is formed using a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using carbon, for example, the socket 10 has conductivity. Therefore, the holding unit 32 is provided to insulate between the plurality of power supply terminals 31 and the conductive socket 10. Note that when the socket 10 is formed using an insulating highly thermally conductive resin (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), the holding unit 32 can be omitted. The holding unit 32 can be press-fitted into a hole provided in the socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole, for example.

[0040] The heat transfer part 40 is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). As shown in FIG. 2, the heat transfer part 40 has, for example, a seat part 40a to which the light emitting module 20 is adhered, and a heat conductive part 40b extending inside a hole 10a provided in the socket 10. The seat part 40a and the heat conductive part 40b are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity. The seat part 40a and the heat conductive part 40b are formed of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy, for example.

[0041] The thermal conductivity of the metal is higher than that of the high thermal conductivity resin. Therefore, if the heat transfer part 40 containing the metal is provided, it becomes easy to transfer the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the inside of the socket 10.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat part 40a has a plate shape and is provided, for example, inside a recess 11b that opens to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. Note that the seat part 40a can also be provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a or on a convex part provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a.

[0043] The planar shape of the seat part 40a can be, for example, substantially square. The end face 40a1 of the seat part 40a (the face exposed from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a) is substantially orthogonal to the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. The light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is adhered to the end face 40a1 of the seat part 40a. The adhesive for adhering the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is preferably an adhesive having a high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive having a high thermal conductivity can be an adhesive mixed with a filler using a conductive material or an inorganic material. By curing the adhesive having a high thermal conductivity, an adhesive layer 40a2 is provided between the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) and the seat part 40a.

[0044] The heat conducting part 40b can be provided near one of the peripheries of the seat part 40a. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat conducting part 40b can be provided near the periphery of the seat part 40a on the side facing the power supply part 30. One end of the heat conducting part 40b is provided on the seat part 40a. The other end of the heat conducting part 40b is provided inside the hole 10a of the socket 10.

[0045] The heat conducting part 40b extends, for example, inside the hole 10a provided in the heat radiating fin 14. The end of the heat conducting part 40b can be provided, for example, near the tip of the heat radiating fin 14. If the heat conducting part 40b extends inside the heat radiating fin 14, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be efficiently transmitted to the heat radiating fin 14. Therefore, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be efficiently released to the outside.

[0046] The seat part 40a and the heat conducting part 40b can be integrally formed. For example, the seat part 40a and the heat conducting part 40b can be integrally formed by using a plastic processing method, a die casting method, or the like.

[0047] Here, the heat transfer part 40 can be integrally formed with the socket 10 by using an insert molding method or the like. However, when the heat transfer part 40 and the socket 10 are integrally formed, a gap may occur in a part of the region between the socket 10 and the heat transfer part 40. In the part where the gap occurs, it becomes difficult for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer part 40 to the socket 10. Therefore, there is a possibility that the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 may decrease.

[0048] Also, the heat transfer part 40 can be adhered to the inner wall of the hole 10a of the socket 10 by using an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. However, when the heat conducting part 40b is inserted into the hole 10a supplied with the adhesive, a part (space) without the adhesive may occur between the heat conducting part 40b and the inner wall of the hole 10a. In the part without the adhesive, it becomes difficult for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer part 40 to the socket 10. Therefore, there is a possibility that the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 may decrease.

[0049] Therefore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment, a heat conduction layer 40b1 containing heat conduction grease (heat dissipation grease) is provided between the heat conduction part 40b and the inner wall of the hole 10a of the socket 10. The heat conduction grease can be, for example, a modified silicone mixed with a filler using a material with high thermal conductivity (such as carbon, ceramics, metal, etc.).

[0050] Further, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment, the seat part 40a is adhered to the socket 10. The adhesive for adhering the seat part 40a is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive with high thermal conductivity can be the same as the adhesive for adhering the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) and the seat part 40a described above. When the adhesive with high thermal conductivity cures, an adhesive layer 40a3 is provided between the seat part 40a and the socket 10. If the seat part 40a and the socket 10 are adhered, the heat transfer part 40 can be fixed to the socket 10.

[0051] Here, the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction grease is higher than that of the adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction grease is about 3 W / (m·k). For example, the thermal conductivity of the adhesive with high thermal conductivity is about 0.92 W / (m·k). Moreover, since the heat conduction grease has a certain degree of fluidity, it is difficult for a portion (space) without heat conduction grease to occur between the heat conduction part 40b and the inner wall of the hole 10a of the socket 10.

[0052] Also, the heat transmitted from the heat transfer part 40 to the socket 10 is mainly released to the outside from the heat dissipation fins 14. In this case, since the heat conduction part 40b extends inside the socket 10, the heat transmitted from the heat conduction part 40b to the heat dissipation fins 14 is more than the heat transmitted from the seat part 40a to the heat dissipation fins 14.

[0053] Therefore, if a heat conductive layer 40b1 is provided which has a higher thermal conductivity than the adhesive and is less likely to create a space between the inner wall of the hole 10a of the socket 10, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be efficiently transferred to the heat radiating fins 14. As a result, the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be improved.

[0054] Also, for example, even if the current flowing through the light emitting module 20 is increased in order to increase the luminous flux, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the light emitting element 22 from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1b according to another embodiment. Note that FIG. 3 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2 described above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the vehicle lighting device 1b in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle lighting device 1b is provided with, for example, a socket 10, a light emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 41.

[0056] The heat transfer unit 41 is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). The heat transfer unit 41 has a seating portion 40a and a heat conducting portion 41a. The heat conducting portion 41a has a plate shape and extends inside the hole 10a of the socket 10. The heat conducting portion 41a extends, for example, inside the heat radiating fins 14 in the direction in which the heat radiating fins 14 extend. The end of the heat conducting portion 41a can be provided, for example, near the tip of the heat radiating fins 14.

[0057] The material of the heat conducting portion 41a can be, for example, the same as the material of the heat conducting portion 40b described above. The seating portion 40a and the heat conducting portion 41a can be integrally formed. For example, the seating portion 40a and the heat conducting portion 41a can be integrally formed using a plastic working method, a die casting method, or the like.

[0058] At least one convex portion 41a1 can be provided on the side surface 41aa of the heat conducting portion 41a. In the heat conducting portion 41a illustrated in FIG. 4, one heat conducting portion 41a is provided on each of the two side surfaces 41aa facing each other. In FIG. 4, the case where the convex portion 41a1 is provided on the side surface 41aa in the direction intersecting the thickness direction of the heat conducting portion 41a is illustrated, but the convex portion 41a1 can also be provided on the side surface in the thickness direction of the heat conducting portion 41a.

[0059] The surface 41a1a of the convex portion 41a1 on the side opposite to the side of the side surface 41aa intersects the side surface 41aa. In this case, the end portion of the surface 41a1a on the side opposite to the seat portion 40a side is connected to the side surface 41aa. The angle between the side surface 41aa and the surface 41a1a can be an obtuse angle. For example, the angle between the side surface 41aa and the surface 41a1a can be about 175°. That is, the surface 41a1a is easily accessible to the hole 10a of the socket 10. Therefore, it is easy to insert the heat conducting portion 41a into the hole 10a.

[0060] Also, the corner portion of the end portion of the heat conducting portion 41a on the side opposite to the seat portion 40a side is a curved surface. Note that the corner portion of the end portion of the heat conducting portion 41a may be an inclined surface. If the corner portion of the end portion of the heat conducting portion 41a is a curved surface or an inclined surface, it is easy to insert the heat conducting portion 41a into the hole 10a.

[0061] Also, the corner portion 41a1b of the convex portion 41a1 on the seat portion 40a side has a raised edge. Therefore, when the heat transfer portion 41 (heat conducting portion 41a) is inserted into the hole 10a of the socket 10, the corner portion 41a1b of the convex portion 41a1 can be made to bite into the inner wall of the hole 10a. If the corner portion 41a1b of the convex portion 41a1 bites into the inner wall of the hole 10a, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer portion 41 from detaching from the socket 10.

[0062] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a heat conduction layer 40b1 containing heat conduction grease can also be provided between the seat portion 40a and the socket 10. As described above, the heat conduction layer 40b1 containing heat conduction grease has a higher heat conductivity than the adhesive layer 40a3 and is less likely to form a space between it and the socket 10. Therefore, if the heat conduction layer 40b1 is provided between the seat portion 40a and the socket 10, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be more efficiently transmitted to the socket 10. That is, the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be further improved.

[0063] In this case, if an adhesive layer 40a3 is provided between the seat portion 40a and the socket 10, the heat transfer portion 41 can be prevented from detaching from the socket 10 by the adhesive layer 40a3 and the convex portion 41a1. Since vibrations associated with driving and the like are applied to the vehicle lighting device 1b, if the adhesive layer 40a3 and the convex portion 41a1 are provided, the reliability of the vehicle lighting device 1b against vibrations can be improved.

[0064] Therefore, whether to provide the heat conduction layer 40b1 or the adhesive layer 40a3 between the seat portion 40a and the socket 10 can be appropriately selected according to the amount of heat generated in the light emitting module 20 and the vibrations applied to the vehicle lighting device 1b.

[0065] (Vehicle lighting fixture) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting fixture 100 including the vehicle lighting device 1 can be provided. The above description regarding the vehicle lighting device 1 and the modified examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the vehicle lighting device 1b and those in which those skilled in the art have appropriately added, deleted, or changed the design of the components and which have the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0066] In the following, as an example, a case where the vehicle lamp 100 is a front combination lamp provided on an automobile will be described. However, the vehicle lamp 100 is not necessarily limited to a front combination lamp provided on an automobile. The vehicle lamp 100 may be any vehicle lamp provided on an automobile, a railway vehicle, or the like.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view for illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0068] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 has a box shape with one end open. The housing 101 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. On the bottom surface of the housing 101, a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted is provided. A recess into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted is provided at the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. Although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 is illustrated, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may be provided in the housing 101.

[0069] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held by a fitting portion provided at the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. Such an attachment method is called a twist lock.

[0070] The cover 102 is provided so as to close the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is formed of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 can also have functions such as a lens.

[0071] Light enters the optical element 103 from the vehicle lighting device 1. The optical element 103 performs functions such as reflecting, diffusing, guiding, condensing the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1, and forming a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0072] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0073] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the seal member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the internal space of the housing 101 can be sealed by the seal member 104. Further, due to the elastic force of the seal member 104, the bayonet 12 is pressed against the housing 101. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from detaching from the housing 101.

[0074] The connector 105 is fitted to the ends of a plurality of power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit or the like is electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit or the like and the light emitting element 22 can be electrically connected.

[0075] Further, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed to be watertight.

[0076] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0077] Hereinafter, appendices related to the above-described embodiments are shown.

[0078] (Appendix 1) A socket having heat dissipation fins; A light emitting module having a light emitting element provided on an end side of the socket opposite to the side where the heat dissipation fins are provided; A heat transfer part provided between the light emitting module and the socket, having a seat part to which the light emitting module is adhered and a heat conducting part extending inside a hole provided in the socket; A heat conducting layer containing heat conducting grease provided between the heat conducting part and the inner wall of the hole of the socket; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

[0079] (Appendix 2) The heat conducting part has a convex part provided on a side surface, The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, wherein a corner part of the convex part bites into the inner wall of the hole of the socket.

[0080] (Appendix 3) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising the heat conducting layer or an adhesive layer provided between the light emitting module and the seat part.

[0081] (Appendix 4) The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the heat conducting part extends inside the hole provided in the heat dissipation fins.

[0082] (Appendix 5) a vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4; a housing to which the vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lamp comprising the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a Central axis, 1b Vehicle lighting device, 10 Socket, 10a Hole, 11 Mounting part, 14 Heat dissipation fin, 20 Light emitting module, 21 Substrate, 22 Light emitting element, 40 Heat transfer part, 40a Seat part, 40a3 Adhesive layer, 40b Heat conducting part, 40b1 Heat conduction layer, 41 Heat transfer part, 41a Heat conducting part, 41aa Side surface, 41a1 Protrusion, 41a1b Corner part, 100 Vehicle lamp, 101 Housing

Claims

1. A socket having heat-radiating fins; A light-emitting module provided on an end side of the socket opposite to the side where the heat-radiating fins are provided, the light-emitting module having a light-emitting element; A heat transfer part provided between the light-emitting module and the socket, the heat transfer part having a seat part to which the light-emitting module is adhered and a heat-conducting part extending inside a hole provided in the socket; A heat-conducting layer containing heat-conducting grease, provided between the heat-conducting part and an inner wall of the hole of the socket; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

2. The heat-conducting part has a convex part provided on a side surface, The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein a corner part of the convex part bites into the inner wall of the hole of the socket.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1 or 2, further comprising the heat-conducting layer or an adhesive layer provided between the light-emitting module and the seat part.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conducting part extends inside the hole provided in the heat-radiating fins.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1; A housing to which the vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lamp comprising the above.

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