Vehicle lighting device and vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle in which an adhesive or a heat conductive grease can be provided in just proportion between a recess provided in a socket and a heat transfer part, and to provide a lighting fixture for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle lighting device includes a socket, a heat transfer part provided at one end of the socket via an adhesive or a heat transfer grease, and a light-emitting module provided at the heat transfer part and having a light-emitting element. The heat transfer portion includes a seat portion having a first surface on which the light-emitting module is provided, a second surface facing the first surface, and a supply portion opened to the first surface and the second surface, and a heat conduction portion having one end portion provided on the seat portion and extending inside the socket.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] From the viewpoints of energy saving and long life, vehicle lighting devices equipped with light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes are becoming increasingly popular, replacing vehicle lighting devices equipped with filament lamps. Such vehicle lighting devices include a socket and a light-emitting module provided on one end of the socket. The light-emitting module includes, for example, a substrate and a light-emitting element provided on the substrate.

[0003] When a current flows through the light-emitting element when the vehicle lighting device is turned on, the light-emitting element emits light and generates heat. In addition, in the case of a vehicle lighting device, the temperature of the atmosphere in which the vehicle lighting device is installed may reach approximately 85°C.

[0004] Therefore, when the vehicle lighting device is turned on, the temperature of the light-emitting element may become too high and exceed the maximum junction temperature, which may cause the light-emitting element to malfunction or reduce the luminous flux of the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0005] Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which a heat transfer part made of metal is provided between the light emitting module (substrate) and the socket. The heat transfer part is attached to the socket via adhesive or thermally conductive grease. If a heat transfer part is provided, the heat generated in the light emitting element can be efficiently transferred to the socket.

[0006] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for higher luminous flux in vehicle lighting devices, which has led to a tendency for the amount of heat generated by light-emitting elements to increase. To address this, a technology has been proposed in which the portion of the heat transfer part located inside the socket is lengthened to increase the amount of heat transferred from the heat transfer part to the socket.

[0007] However, if the portion of the heat transfer part located inside the socket is made longer, the amount of adhesive or thermally conductive grease provided between the deep recess in the socket and the heat transfer part is likely to be excessive or insufficient. In this case, if the amount of adhesive or thermally conductive grease is insufficient, heat may not be transferred easily from the heat transfer part to the socket, or the bonding strength of the heat transfer part may be insufficient, causing the light emitting module to become misaligned. On the other hand, if the amount of adhesive or thermally conductive grease is too much, the adhesive or thermally conductive grease may overflow, reducing the commercial value of the vehicle lighting device.

[0008] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a technology that allows the adhesive or thermally conductive grease to be applied in just the right amount between the recessed portion of the socket and the heat transfer portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-195099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can provide an appropriate amount of adhesive or thermally conductive grease between a recess provided in a socket and a heat transfer part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket, a heat transfer part provided on one end of the socket via adhesive or thermally conductive grease, and a light emitting module provided on the heat transfer part and having a light emitting element. The heat transfer part includes a seat having a first surface on which the light emitting module is provided, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a supply part opening to the first surface and the second surface; and a heat conducting part having one end provided on the seat and extending inside the socket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp can be provided in which an adequate amount of adhesive or thermally conductive grease can be provided between a recess provided in a socket and a heat transfer portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat transfer portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat transfer portion according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0015] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in, for example, an automobile, a railway vehicle, etc. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 installed in an automobile include those used as front combination lights (for example, an appropriate combination of daytime running lamps (DRLs), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.) and rear combination lights (for example, an appropriate combination of stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, backup lamps, fog lamps, etc.). However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes, for example, a socket 10, a light-emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40.

[0017] The socket 10 includes, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15.

[0018] The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation 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.

[0019] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on the side 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 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to, for example, a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described below. The bayonet 12 can be used for a twist lock.

[0020] The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially circular plate shape. The side of the flange 13 is located further outward from the vehicle lighting device 1 than the side of the bayonet 12.

[0021] The heat dissipation fin 14 is provided on the opposite side of the flange 13 from the mounting portion 11 side. At least one heat dissipation fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the socket 10 can be provided with multiple heat dissipation fins 14. The multiple heat dissipation fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipation fin 14 has, for example, a plate or a cylindrical shape.

[0022] The connector holder 15 is provided on the opposite side of the flange 13 from the mounting portion 11. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 is cylindrical, and a connector 105 having a seal member 105a therein is inserted into the connector holder 15.

[0023] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and a function of transferring heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the outside. In recent years, there has been a demand for a lighter vehicle lighting device 1, and therefore a lighter socket 10.

[0024] Therefore, the socket 10 can be formed from, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler such as carbon or aluminum oxide. If the socket 10 includes a highly thermally conductive resin, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. Furthermore, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced. The socket 10 including a highly thermally conductive resin can be formed using, for example, an injection molding method.

[0025] The light-emitting module 20 is provided on the seat portion 40 a of the heat transfer portion 40 . The light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, and a circuit element 25.

[0026] The substrate 21 has a plate-like shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 21 can be formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 21 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may also have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0027] Furthermore, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is made of, for example, a material containing silver as a main component or a material containing copper as a main component. Furthermore, a covering portion can be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a, a film-like resistor (to be described later), etc. The covering portion can include, for example, a glass material.

[0028] The light-emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21 (on the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side). The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. At least one light-emitting element 22 can be provided. The vehicle lighting device 1 (light-emitting module 20) illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 can be connected in series.

[0029] The light emitting element 22 may be, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0030] The light emitting element 22 may be any of a chip-type light emitting element, a surface-mounted light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, and a light emitting element having leads such as a bullet type. However, if the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element, the light emitting module 20 can be made smaller, and therefore the vehicle lighting device 1 can be made smaller. Therefore, in the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element will be described.

[0031] 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 may be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, a top and bottom electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip-chip type light-emitting element.

[0032] 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 outline of the frame portion 23 (outline of the planar shape) when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the required light distribution characteristics, luminance distribution, etc. For example, the outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 can be a circle, a rectangle, an ellipse, etc. The outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a rectangle.

[0033] The frame portion 23 functions as a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 and defines the area in which the sealing portion 24 is formed. Therefore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, it is possible to improve the extraction efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. Furthermore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, it is possible to reduce the area in which the sealing portion 24 is formed, thereby enabling the light-emitting module 20 to be made smaller, and therefore the vehicle lighting device 1 to be made smaller.

[0034] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area 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 light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. The sealing portion 24 may also contain a phosphor.

[0035] If the light emitting element 22 is a surface-mounted light emitting element or a bullet-type light emitting element having lead wires, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0036] In addition, optical elements and the like can be provided as necessary. Examples of optical elements include convex lenses, concave lenses, and light guides. The optical elements can be provided on the sealing portion 24, for example.

[0037] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element used to configure 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 periphery of the frame portion 23 and is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0038] 1 are a protection element 25a, a control element 25b, and a resistor 25c. However, the circuit elements 25 provided in the light-emitting circuit are not limited to those illustrated. For example, in addition to those described above, the circuit elements 25 may also 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.

[0039] The protective 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 being applied from the reverse direction to the light-emitting element 22. The protective element 25a is, for example, a diode. The protective element 25a illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0040] The control element 25b is provided, for example, to switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 22, to perform temperature derating, and to control the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22. However, the functions and uses of the control element 25b are not limited to those exemplified. The control element 25b can be, for example, a transistor or an integrated circuit. The control element 25b exemplified in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted integrated circuit.

[0041] The resistor 25c may be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a resistor with leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by screen printing, etc. The resistor 25c illustrated in FIG. 1 is a film resistor.

[0042] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, if the voltage applied between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is constant, variation occurs in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. Therefore, to keep the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is controlled to be within a predetermined range by using the resistor 25c connected in series to the light-emitting element 22. In this case, the resistance value of the resistor 25c is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 within the predetermined range.

[0043] If the resistor 25c is a surface-mount resistor or a resistor with leads, the resistor 25c should have an appropriate resistance value depending on the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22. If the resistor 25c is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of the resistor 25c. For example, a portion of the film resistor can be easily removed by irradiating the film resistor with laser light. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistors 25c are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the number and specifications of the light-emitting elements 22.

[0044] The power supply unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32 . The plurality of power supply terminals 31 may be rod-shaped. One end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is soldered to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted into 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 from a metal such as a copper alloy. Note that the shape, arrangement, material, etc. of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate.

[0045] For example, when socket 10 is formed using a highly thermally conductive resin containing a carbon-based filler, socket 10 becomes conductive. Therefore, holding portion 32 is provided to insulate multiple power supply terminals 31 from conductive socket 10. Note that when socket 10 is formed using an insulating highly thermally conductive resin (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing an aluminum oxide-based filler), holding portion 32 can be omitted. For example, holding portion 32 can be press-fitted into a hole provided in socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat transfer part 40 is provided at one end of the socket 10 by adhesive or via heat conductive grease (heat dissipation grease). FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the heat transfer section 40. As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the heat transfer part 40 has, for example, a seat part 40a on which the light-emitting module 20 is mounted, and a heat conduction part 40b having one end mounted on the seat part 40a and extending inside the socket 10. The seat part 40a and the heat conduction part 40b have a plate-like shape and can be integrally formed. For example, the seat part 40a and the heat conduction part 40b can be integrally formed using a plastic processing method, a die casting method, or the like.

[0047] The heat transfer portion 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 40a is provided, for example, inside a recess 11b that opens to the bottom 11a1 of the recess 11a. The seat 40a may also be provided on the bottom 11a1 of the recess 11a. The planar shape of the seat 40a may be, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. The seat 40a has a surface 40a1 (corresponding to an example of a first surface) on which the light-emitting module 20 is provided and a surface 40a2 (corresponding to an example of a second surface) opposite the surface 40a1. For example, the surface 40a1 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. The light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is bonded to the surface 40a1. The adhesive for bonding the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive may be an adhesive mixed with a filler made of a conductive material or an inorganic material.

[0049] The heat conduction part 40b may be provided near one periphery of the seat part 40a. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the heat conduction part 40b may be provided near the periphery of the seat part 40a on the side facing the power supply part 30. The heat conduction part 40b extends in the same direction as the heat dissipation fins 14. For example, the other end of the heat conduction part 40b is provided inside the heat dissipation fin 14.

[0050] The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer section 40 containing metal is higher than the thermal conductivity of the socket 10 containing a highly thermally conductive resin. Therefore, if the heat transfer section 40 is provided, it becomes easier to transfer the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the socket 10.

[0051] Furthermore, if the end of the heat conducting portion 40b is provided inside the heat dissipation fin 14 (if the heat conducting portion 40b extends inside the heat dissipation fin 14), the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be efficiently conducted to the heat dissipation fin 14. Therefore, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be easily dissipated to the outside via the heat dissipation fin 14, and the temperature of the light emitting element 22 can be prevented from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

[0052] For example, the heat transfer part 40 is adhered to the socket 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat part 40a is adhered, for example, to the inside of a recess 11b that opens to the bottom part 11a1 of the recess 11a. The heat conduction part 40b is adhered, for example, to the inside of a recess 11c (corresponding to an example of a first recess) that opens to the bottom part of the recess 11b. Note that if the recess 11b is not provided, the seat part 40a is adhered, for example, to the bottom part 11a1 of the recess 11a. In this case, the heat conduction part 40b is adhered, for example, to the inside of the recess 11c that opens to the bottom part 11a1 of the recess 11a. The adhesive for bonding the heat transfer portion 40 can be, for example, the same as the adhesive for bonding the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) and the surface 40a1 of the seat portion 40a, as described above.

[0053] Alternatively, instead of adhesive, thermally conductive grease may be used, such as modified silicone mixed with inorganic filler. In the following, an example in which an adhesive is used will be described, but the same can be said for a case in which thermally conductive grease is used. For example, the adhesive in the following description can be appropriately read as thermally conductive grease.

[0054] Here, if the length of the heat conducting portion 40b in the direction in which the heat dissipation fins 14 extend is increased, heat can be conducted to a wider area of ​​the heat dissipation fins 14, thereby improving heat dissipation. However, as shown in Fig. 2, if the length of the heat conducting portion 40b is increased, the depth of the recess 11c also increases. If the depth of the recess 11c increases, the amount of adhesive provided between the recess 11c and the heat conducting portion increases, which makes it easier for the amount of adhesive to be excessive or insufficient.

[0055] For example, if the amount of adhesive is insufficient, gaps or voids may occur, making it difficult for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer section 40 to the socket 10, or the adhesive strength of the heat transfer section 40 may be insufficient, resulting in misalignment of the light emitting module 20. On the other hand, if the amount of adhesive is too much, the adhesive may overflow from the recess 11b and adhere to the side of the light emitting module 20 on which the light emitting element 22 is provided. If the adhesive adheres to the side of the light emitting module 20 on which the light emitting element 22 is provided, the commercial value of the vehicle lighting device 1 may be reduced.

[0056] 2 and 3, the heat transfer unit 40 is provided with a supply unit 40c. The supply unit 40c can be, for example, a recess provided in a side portion of the seat portion 40a or a hole provided near the side portion of the seat portion 40a. In this case, if the supply unit 40c is a recess, it is possible to prevent the dimension of the heat transfer unit 40 (seat portion 40a) from increasing in the direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. Therefore, the following will describe, as an example, a case where the supply unit 40c is a recess.

[0057] 2 and 3, the supply portion 40c opens to the surfaces 40a1 and 40a2 of the seat portion 40a. That is, the supply portion 40c penetrates between the surfaces 40a1 and 40a2. The supply portion 40c also opens to the side of the seat portion 40a.

[0058] At least one supply unit 40c can be provided. The heat transfer unit 40 illustrated in Fig. 3 is provided with two supply units 40c. The number and arrangement of the supply units 40c can be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the planar dimensions of the seat unit 40a.

[0059] Next, the function and effect of the supply section 40c will be described. When adhering heat transfer member 40 to socket 10, first, adhesive is supplied into recesses 11b and 11c provided in socket 10. At this time, the amount of adhesive supplied can be set to an amount that does not overflow from recess 11b when heat transfer member 40 is inserted into recesses 11b and 11c into which adhesive has been supplied.

[0060] Next, the heat transfer part 40 is inserted into the recesses 11b and 11c to which the adhesive has been applied. At this time, as shown in Fig. 2, the end of the heat transfer part 40b on the seat part 40a side comes into contact with the bottom of the recess 11c, and a gap can be generated between the surface 40a2 of the seat part 40a and the bottom of the recess 11b.

[0061] Next, adhesive is supplied into the interior of recess 11b via supply unit 40c. At this time, if there is a gap between surface 40a2 of seat portion 40a and the bottom of recess 11b, the adhesive supplied into recess 11b can be supplied into recess 11c through the gap.

[0062] When adhesive is supplied via supply unit 40c, the state of adhesive filling can be easily confirmed visually, which makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of excess or deficiency of adhesive described above. That is, with the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide just the right amount of adhesive between the recesses 11b, 11c provided in the socket 10 and the heat transfer portion 40.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat transfer section 41 according to another embodiment. 4 is obtained by replacing the supply unit 40c in the heat transfer unit 40 with a supply unit 40c1. Note that both the supply unit 40c and the supply unit 40c1 may be provided.

[0064] 4, the supply unit 40c1 may be provided across the seat 40a and the connection between the seat 40a and the heat conduction unit 40b. For example, when viewed from the direction from the surface 40a1 toward the surface 40a2 of the seat 40a, a portion of the supply unit 40c1 may be provided at a position overlapping the heat conduction unit 40b. When viewed from the direction from the surface 40a1 toward the surface 40a2 of the seat 40a, one end of the supply unit 40c1 may open to the surface 40a1 of the seat 40a, and the other end of the supply unit 40c1 may be provided inside the heat conduction unit 40b, between the surface 40a2 of the seat 40a and the end of the heat conduction unit 40b opposite the seat 40a.

[0065] With this type of supply unit 40c1, adhesive can be supplied between the surface 40a2 of the seat 40a and the bottom of the recess 11b, and between the heat conduction unit 40b and the side of the recess 11c. Because the recess 11c is deep, the amount of adhesive can easily become insufficient, resulting in gaps and voids. With the supply unit 40c1, adhesive can be supplied directly between the heat conduction unit 40b and the side of the recess 11c, preventing gaps and voids from forming between the heat conduction unit 40b and the side of the recess 11c.

[0066] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1b according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle lighting device 1b includes, for example, a socket 10a, a light-emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40. The socket 10a may be configured by further providing a recess 11d (corresponding to an example of a second recess) in the above-described socket 10. That is, one end of the socket 10a is provided with a recess 11c in which the heat-conducting part 40b is provided, and a recess 11d connected to the recess 11c.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, recess 11d is open to the bottom of recess 11b and to the side of recess 11c. When viewed from the direction from surface 40a1 toward surface 40a2 of seat 40a, recess 11d can be positioned so as to overlap supply portion 40c. Providing such recess 11d makes it easier to supply adhesive supplied through supply portion 40c into recess 11c. This makes it possible to prevent gaps or voids from forming between heat-conducting portion 40b and the side of recess 11c.

[0068] (vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above-described description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the vehicle lighting device 1b, the heat transfer section 41, the socket 10a, and any modifications of the vehicle lighting device 1 that are made by a person skilled in the art by adding, deleting, or modifying the design of components as appropriate, but that still have the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0069] In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the vehicular lamp 100 is a front combination light installed in an automobile. However, the vehicular lamp 100 is not limited to a front combination light installed in an automobile. The vehicular lamp 100 may be any vehicular lamp that is installed in an automobile, a railroad car, or the like.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0071] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 is box-shaped with one end open. The housing 101 is formed, for example, from a light-opaque resin. The bottom of the housing 101 is provided with a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted. A recess is provided around the periphery of the mounting hole 101a into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. Note that although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 has been exemplified, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may also be provided on the housing 101.

[0072] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 where the bayonet 12 is provided is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of attachment method is called a twist lock.

[0073] The cover 102 is provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function such as a lens.

[0074] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0075] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0076] 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 seal member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. Furthermore, the elastic force of the seal member 104 presses the bayonet 12 against the housing 101. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from detaching from the housing 101.

[0077] The connector 105 is fitted to the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit and the like are 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 and the like can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22.

[0078] Furthermore, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed so as to be watertight.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0080] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0081] (Appendix 1) Socket and; a heat transfer part provided on one end of the socket via adhesive or thermal conductive grease; a light-emitting module provided on the heat transfer section and having a light-emitting element; Equipped with The heat transfer portion is a seat having a first surface on which the light emitting module is provided, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a supply portion opening to the first surface and the second surface; a heat-conducting portion having one end provided on the seat and extending through the interior of the socket; A vehicle lighting device having the following.

[0082] (Appendix 2) 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the supply portion further opens to a side portion of the seat portion.

[0083] (Appendix 3) 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the supply portion is provided at a position overlapping with the heat conduction portion when viewed from the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0084] (Appendix 4) One end of the socket is provided with a first recess in which the heat conducting part is provided, and a second recess connected to the first recess; A vehicle lighting device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the supply portion is arranged in a position overlapping with the second recess when viewed from the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0085] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4; a housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 socket, 11 mounting portion, 11a recess, 11b recess, 11c recess, 11d recess, 13 flange, 14 heat dissipation fin, 20 light emitting module, 21 substrate, 22 light emitting element, 40 heat transfer portion, 40a seat portion, 40a1 surface, 40a2 surface, 40b heat conduction portion, 40c supply portion, 40c1 supply portion, 100 vehicle lighting fixture, 101 housing

Claims

1. Socket and; a heat transfer part provided on one end of the socket via adhesive or thermal conductive grease; a light-emitting module provided on the heat transfer section and having a light-emitting element; Equipped with The heat transfer portion is a seat having a first surface on which the light emitting module is provided, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a supply portion opening to the first surface and the second surface; a heat-conducting portion having one end provided on the seat and extending through the interior of the socket; A vehicle lighting device having the following.

2. 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the supply portion further opens to a side portion of the seat portion.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein a part of the supply portion is provided at a position overlapping with the heat conducting portion when viewed from the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.

4. One end of the socket is provided with a first recess in which the heat conducting portion is provided, and a second recess connected to the first recess; The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the supply portion is provided at a position overlapping with the second recess when viewed from the first surface toward the second surface.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; a housing to which the vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with:

Images