Vehicle lighting devices and vehicle lamps

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can more efficiently transfer the heat generated in the light-emitting module to the socket. [Solution] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment comprises: a socket containing a highly thermally conductive resin; a light-emitting module having a light-emitting element provided on one end side of the socket; and a heat-transfer section containing metal provided between the light-emitting module and the socket. The heat-transfer section has a plate shape and includes a base portion on which the light-emitting module is provided; a pair of first fins provided on the side of the base opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided and extending inside the socket; and at least one second fin provided on the side of the base opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, extending inside the socket and located between the pair of first fins. In the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first fins is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second fins.

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 provided with a lamp having a filament, a vehicle lighting device provided with a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode has been spreading. Such a vehicle lighting device includes a socket and a light emitting module provided on one end side of the socket and having a light emitting element.

[0003] Here, when an electric current flows through the light emitting element, light is irradiated from the light emitting element and heat is generated. Due to the generated heat, for example, if the temperature of the light emitting element exceeds the maximum junction temperature, the life of the light emitting element may be shortened, the light emitting element may malfunction, or the luminous flux irradiated from the light emitting element may decrease.

[0004] Therefore, a technique of providing a heat transfer part containing a metal between the light emitting module and the socket has been proposed. If the heat transfer part is provided, the heat generated in the light emitting module can be efficiently transmitted to the socket, so that, for example, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the light emitting element from exceeding the maximum junction temperature. However, in recent years, an increase in luminous flux has been desired. Therefore, the current flowing through the light emitting element increases, and the generated heat tends to increase.

[0005] Therefore, development of a technique capable of more efficiently transmitting 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

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can more efficiently transfer the heat generated in the light-emitting module to the socket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment comprises: a socket containing a highly thermally conductive resin; a light-emitting module having a light-emitting element provided on one end of the socket; and a heat-transfer section containing metal, provided between the light-emitting module and the socket. The heat-transfer section has a plate shape and includes a base on which the light-emitting module is provided; a pair of first fins provided on the side of the base opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided and extending into the interior of the socket; and at least one second fin provided on the side of the base opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, extending into the interior of the socket and located between the pair of first fins. In the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first fins is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second fins. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device shown in Figure 1, along line AA. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the heat transfer section. [Figure 4]This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting fixture. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0012] (Vehicle lighting equipment) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in, for example, automobiles or railway vehicles. Examples of vehicle lighting devices 1 installed in automobiles include those used in front combination lights (for example, a combination of daytime running lamps (DRL), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.) or rear combination lights (for example, a combination of stop lamps, taillights, turn signal lamps, backup lamps, fog lamps, etc.). However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device 1 in Figure 1, along line AA. As shown in Figures 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. The socket 10 includes, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, a heat dissipation fin 14, and a connector holder 15.

[0014] The mounting portion 11 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The external 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 outward from 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, for example, to the housing 101 of the vehicle lamp 100 described later. 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 with respect to the side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0017] The heat dissipation fins 14 are provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. At least one heat dissipation fin 14 can be provided. For example, when a plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 are provided, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipation fins 14 have, for example, a plate shape or a cylindrical shape.

[0018] The connector holder 15 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. The connector holder 15 can be provided side by side with the heat dissipation 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. Therefore, the socket 10 is formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity. In recent years, weight reduction of the vehicle lighting device 1, and thus weight reduction of the socket 10, has been desired. Therefore, the socket 10 is preferably formed, for example, from a high thermal conductivity resin. The high thermal conductivity resin includes, for example, a resin and a filler using an inorganic material. The high thermal conductivity resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or Nylon mixed with a filler using carbon or aluminum oxide.

[0020] The socket 10 containing the high thermal conductivity resin can be integrally formed by using, for example, an injection molding method or the like. Also, the socket 10, the power supply unit 30, and the heat transfer unit 40 can be integrally formed by using an insert molding method.

[0021] The light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is provided on one end side of the socket 10. For example, the light emitting module 20 is provided on the heat transfer unit 40. 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 is adhered to, for example, the base portion 40a of the heat transfer unit 40. In this case, it is preferable that the adhesive be an adhesive having a high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be an adhesive in which a filler using an inorganic material is mixed.

[0023] 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 from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, 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. When the heat generation amount of the light emitting element 22 is large, it is preferable to form the substrate 21 using a material having a high thermal conductivity from the viewpoint of heat dissipation. Examples of the material having a high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, a high thermal conductivity resin, a metal core substrate, and the like. Also, the substrate 21 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure.

[0024] Furthermore, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed from, for example, a material mainly composed of silver or a material mainly composed of copper. A covering portion can also be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a and film-like resistors, which will be described later. The covering portion may include, for example, a glass material.

[0025] The light-emitting element 22 is located on the substrate 21 (on the side of the substrate 21 opposite to the heat transfer section 40). The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. At least one light-emitting element 22 can be provided. If multiple light-emitting elements 22 are provided, they can be connected in series.

[0026] The light-emitting element 22 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode, an organic light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0027] The light-emitting element 22 can be a chip-shaped light-emitting element, a surface-mount type such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier), or a leaded light-emitting element such as a bullet-shaped element. The light-emitting element 22 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element. In this case, considering the miniaturization of the light-emitting module 20 and, consequently, the vehicle lighting device 1, it is preferable to use a chip-shaped light-emitting element. In the following, as an example, the case in which the light-emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element will be described.

[0028] The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a using COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 may be an upper electrode type light-emitting element, an upper and lower electrode type light-emitting element, or a flip-chip type light-emitting element.

[0029] The frame portion 23 is provided on the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 is bonded to the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light-emitting element 22. The frame portion 23 can be formed from, for example, a thermoplastic resin.

[0030] The frame portion 23 can have the function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24 and the function of a reflector. Therefore, the frame portion 23 may contain titanium dioxide particles or a white resin in order to improve reflectivity.

[0031] Furthermore, the frame portion 23 can be omitted. However, if the frame portion 23 is provided, the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 can be improved. In addition, since the area in which the sealing portion 24 is formed can be reduced, the light-emitting module 20 can be miniaturized, and consequently the vehicle lighting device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0032] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area enclosed 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 light-transmitting resin. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. The sealing portion 24 may also contain a phosphor.

[0033] If the frame portion 23 is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion 24 is formed on the substrate 21. Furthermore, if the light-emitting element 22 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element, or if the light-emitting element 22 is a bullet-shaped or other type of light-emitting element with lead wires, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0034] The circuit element 25 can be a passive or active element used to constitute a light-emitting circuit having a light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, around the frame portion 23 and electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0035] The circuit element 25 can be, for example, a resistor 25a, a protection element 25b, and a control element 25c.

[0036] However, the types of circuit elements 25 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. For example, in addition to those mentioned above, the circuit elements 25 may also be capacitors, positive characteristic thermistors, negative characteristic thermistors, inductors, surge absorbers, varistors, transistors, integrated circuits, computing elements, etc.

[0037] The resistor 25a is mounted on the substrate 21. The resistor 25a is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The resistor 25a can be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a resistor with lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), or a film-type resistor formed using a screen printing method. The resistor 25a shown in Figure 1 is a film-type resistor. The material of the film-type resistor is, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO2). Film-type resistors are formed, for example, using a screen printing method and a firing method.

[0038] The resistor 25a is provided to reduce variations in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, and consequently, variations in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor 25a connected in series with the light-emitting element 22, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is made to fall within a predetermined range.

[0039] If resistor 25a is a surface-mount type resistor or a resistor with leads, select a resistor 25a with an appropriate resistance value according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22. If resistor 25a is a film-type resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of resistor 25a. For example, a portion of the film-type resistor can be easily removed by irradiating it with laser light. Furthermore, the resistor 25a can also have the function of preventing excessive current from flowing through the light-emitting element 22.

[0040] The protection element 25b is provided on the substrate 21. The protection element 25b is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The protection element 25b is provided, for example, to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 from the reverse direction. The protection element 25b can be, for example, a diode or a field-effect transistor. The protection element 25b illustrated in Figure 1 is a surface-mount type diode.

[0041] The control element 25c is provided on the substrate 21. The control element 25c is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The control element 25c changes the number of light-emitting elements 22 to be lit according to the voltage (input voltage) applied to the vehicle lighting device 1. The control element 25c may also, for example, switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting elements 22 or perform temperature derating.

[0042] In addition, optical elements may be provided as needed. These optical elements can be provided, for example, on the sealing portion 24. Examples of optical elements include convex lenses, concave lenses, and light guides.

[0043] The power supply unit 30 has, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32. The multiple power supply terminals 31 can be rod-shaped. The multiple power supply terminals 31 can be arranged in a line in one direction, for example. One end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 is soldered to a wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The multiple power supply terminals 31 are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22 and the circuit element 25 via the wiring pattern 21a. The other end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted to the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The multiple power supply terminals 31 can be formed from a metal such as a copper alloy, for example.

[0044] As mentioned above, it is preferable that the socket 10 be made from a material with high thermal conductivity. However, materials with high thermal conductivity may also be electrically conductive. For example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a carbon filler is electrically conductive. Therefore, the retaining portion 32 is provided to insulate the multiple power supply terminals 31 from the conductive socket 10. The retaining portion 32 also has the function of holding the multiple power supply terminals 31. Note that if the socket 10 is made from a highly thermally conductive resin with insulating properties (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing an aluminum oxide filler), the retaining portion 32 can be omitted. In this case, the socket 10 holds the multiple power supply terminals 31. The retaining portion 32 is made from, for example, a resin with insulating properties. The retaining portion 32 can be, for example, press-fitted into a hole provided in the socket 10 or bonded to the inner wall of the hole.

[0045] The heat transfer section 40 is provided between the light-emitting module 20 and the socket 10. The heat transfer section 40 can be bonded to one end of the socket 10, for example. The adhesive used to bond the heat transfer section 40 to the socket 10 is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be the same as the adhesive used to bond the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) and the heat transfer section 40, as described above.

[0046] Furthermore, the heat transfer unit 40 and the socket 10 can be integrally molded by insert molding. Alternatively, the heat transfer unit 40 may be attached to the socket 10 via a layer containing thermal conductive grease (heat dissipation grease). The thermal conductive grease is, for example, a mixture of modified silicone and an inorganic material filler. The thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive grease is, for example, 1 W / (m·K) or more and 5 W / (m·K) or less.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the heat transfer section 40. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heat transfer section 40 has a base 40a and fins 40b. The base 40a and fins 40b can be formed integrally. The heat transfer section 40 is formed from a material with a higher thermal conductivity than a high thermal conductivity resin. The heat transfer section 40 can be formed from a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy.

[0048] The shape of the base 40a can be, for example, plate-shaped. The thickness of the base 40a (dimension in the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) can be, for example, 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The planar dimensions of the base 40a (dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) may be the same as or different from the planar dimensions of the substrate 21. The planar shape of the base 40a can be, for example, roughly rectangular. In this case, the base 40a may be provided with notches to avoid short circuits with the multiple power supply terminals 31.

[0049] The base portion 40a is provided on one end side of the socket 10. The base portion 40a can be embedded in the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, for example, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the base portion 40a can be provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, or on the top surface of a protrusion provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a.

[0050] For example, the base portion 40a is provided on one end side of the socket 10, and one end face 40a1 is exposed from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. In this case, the end face 40a1 of the base portion 40a is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0051] As mentioned above, the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is bonded to the end face 40a1 of the base portion 40a. Therefore, it is preferable that the end face 40a1 of the base portion 40a is positioned to protrude from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. If the end face 40a1 of the base portion 40a protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, it is possible to suppress the adhesive from spreading up onto the surface of the substrate 21 on which the light-emitting element 22 is provided.

[0052] One end of the fin 40b is provided on the side of the base 40a opposite to the side where the light-emitting module 20 is provided. The other end of the fin 40b is provided inside the socket 10. The fin 40b extends inside the socket 10. The fin 40b extends, for example, along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In this case, if the distance between the other end of the fin 40b and the heat dissipation fin 14 is shortened, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation fin 14 via the heat transfer section 40. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the light-emitting module 20 can be improved. For example, it is preferable that the other end of the fin 40b be provided inside the flange 13, and more preferably inside the heat dissipation fin 14.

[0053] The shape of the fin 40b can be, for example, plate-shaped or columnar. In this case, the shape of the fin 40b may be flat, or it may be a curved shape that follows the side surface of the mounting portion 11 (for example, part of a cylinder). The shape of the fin 40b illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is flat.

[0054] Multiple fins 40b can be provided. Multiple fins 40b can be arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, at least one fin 40b2 (corresponding to an example of a second fin) can be provided between a pair of fins 40b1 (corresponding to an example of a first fin). Multiple fins 40b2 are provided in the heat transfer section 40 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0055] In other words, the pair of fins 40b1 are located on the side of the base 40a opposite to the side where the light-emitting module 20 is provided, and extend inside the socket 10. At least one fin 40b2 is located on the base 40a, on the side opposite to the side where the light-emitting module 20 is provided, and extends inside the socket 10. At least one fin 40b2 is located between a pair of fins 40b1.

[0056] Here, in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, the fin 40b2 is provided between fins 40b1 and fin 40b1. Therefore, heat emitted from one fin 40b1 and heat emitted from the other fin 40b1 are incident on fin 40b2. When multiple fins 40b2 are provided, heat emitted from adjacent fins 40b2 and heat emitted from adjacent fins 40b1 are incident on fin 40b2. As a result, thermal interference between fins 40b1 and fin 40b2 increases, which may suppress heat dissipation from fin 40b2.

[0057] In contrast, in the case of fin 40b1, only the heat emitted from the adjacent fin 40b2 is incident. Therefore, thermal interference between fin 40b1 and fin 40b2 is reduced. Also, the heat emitted from the other side of fin 40b1 propagates through the inside of the socket 10 and is released to the outside from the mounting portion 11, flange 13, and heat dissipation fin 14. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of fin 40b1 is higher than that of fin 40b2.

[0058] In this case, if the cross-sectional area of ​​fin 40b1 in the direction in which the pair of fins 40b1 and fin 40b2 are aligned is made larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​fin 40b2, the surface area of ​​fin 40b1 can be made larger than the surface area of ​​fin 40b2, or the thermal resistance of fin 40b1 can be made smaller than the thermal resistance of fin 40b2. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of fin 40b1 can be further improved.

[0059] Improving the heat dissipation of the fins 40b1 allows the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to be transferred to the socket 10 more efficiently. This effectively prevents the temperature of the light-emitting element 22 and the circuit elements 25 from becoming too high.

[0060] According to the findings of the inventor, "the cross-sectional area of ​​fin 40b1 (mm²) 2 ) / Cross-sectional area of ​​fin 40b2 (mm 2By setting the value of ) to 1.5 or higher, the temperature rise of the light-emitting element 22 and the circuit element 25 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dimension T1 (mm) of fin 40b1 in the direction in which a pair of fins 40b1 and fin 40b2 are aligned can be made larger than the dimension T2 (mm) of fin 40b2.

[0062] Furthermore, when multiple fins 40b2 are provided, it is preferable that the distance between fin 40b1 and fin 40b2 be greater than the distance between fins 40b2 themselves. This makes it easier to suppress thermal interference between fin 40b1 and fin 40b2, thereby making it easier to improve the heat dissipation performance of fin 40b1.

[0063] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting fixture 100 equipped with a vehicle lighting device 1 can be provided. The above-described vehicle lighting device 1 and its variations (for example, those in which a person skilled in the art has appropriately added, deleted, or modified components, and which possess the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0064] In the following explanation, we will use the example that the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is a front combination light installed on an automobile. However, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is not limited to a front combination light installed on an automobile. The vehicle lighting fixture 100 can be any vehicle lighting fixture installed on an automobile, railway vehicle, etc.

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting fixture 100. As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 includes, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a sealing member 104, and a connector 105.

[0066] The vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on 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 made of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. A mounting hole 101a is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 101 into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 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. Although the example shows the mounting hole 101a being directly provided on the housing 101, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may also be provided on the housing 101.

[0067] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting part 11 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 in place by a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of mounting method is called a twist lock.

[0068] The cover 102 is provided to close 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 functions such as a lens.

[0069] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 performs functions such as reflection, diffusion, guidance, focusing, and formation of a predetermined light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in Figure 4 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.

[0070] The sealing member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The sealing member 104 is annular in shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0071] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the sealing member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the sealing member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. In addition, the elastic force of the sealing member 104 presses the bayonet 12 against the housing 101. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from detaching from the housing 101.

[0072] The connector 105 is fitted onto the ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 that are exposed inside the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is electrically connected to a lighting circuit and the like, which are located outside the vehicle lighting fixture 100. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 onto the ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the light-emitting element 22 can be electrically connected.

[0073] Furthermore, the connector 105 is provided with a sealing member 105a. When the connector 105 having the sealing member 105a is inserted into the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed to be watertight.

[0074] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0075] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0076] (Note 1) Socket containing a highly thermally conductive resin; A light-emitting module having a light-emitting element is provided on one end side of the socket; A heat transfer element, including metal, is provided between the light-emitting module and the socket; It is equipped with, The heat transfer section is It has a plate-like shape and a base on which the light-emitting module is provided; The base is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, and comprises a pair of first fins extending into the interior of the socket; The base is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, extends into the interior of the socket, and has at least one second fin located between the pair of first fins; It has, A vehicle lighting device in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the first fins in the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second fins.

[0077] (Note 2) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the dimensions of the first fins in the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned are greater than the dimensions of the second fins.

[0078] (Note 3) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the second fin is provided in multiple locations.

[0079] (Note 4) The vehicle lighting device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the base, the first fin, and the second fin are integrally formed.

[0080] (Note 5) A vehicle lighting device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4; The housing on which the aforementioned vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 socket, 11 mounting part, 20 light-emitting module, 21 substrate, 22 light-emitting element, 40 heat transfer part, 40a base, 40b fin, 40b1 fin, 40b2 fin, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing

Claims

1. A socket containing a highly thermally conductive resin; A light-emitting module having a light-emitting element is provided on one end side of the socket; A heat transfer element, including metal, is provided between the light-emitting module and the socket; It is equipped with, The heat transfer section is A plate-shaped base on which the light-emitting module is provided; The base is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, and comprises a pair of first fins extending inside the socket; The base is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided, extends inside the socket, and has at least one second fin located between the pair of first fins; It has, A vehicle lighting device wherein, in the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first fins is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second fins.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the first fins in the direction in which the pair of first fins and the second fins are aligned are greater than the dimensions of the second fins.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the second fins are provided.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base, the first fin, and the second fin are integrally formed.

5. A vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; A housing on which the aforementioned vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features.

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