Headlight

Abstract

Provided is a headlight that excels in protection with respect to the heat of a light emitting element. A headlight (10A) comprises: a light-emitting element (3); a control board (5); a light-emitting element accommodation space (S1) that accommodates the light-emitting element (3); and a control board accommodation space (S2) that accommodates the control board (5). The light-emitting element accommodation space (S1) and the control board accommodation space (S2) are separate spaces.

Description

headlights

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-131602, filed on August 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Headlights are used, for example, for night work, underground construction sites, etc. For this reason, headlights are required to be used at a constant high output for a long period of time.

[0003] However, when high-power light is irradiated for a long period of time, the amount of heat generated by the light-emitting element is large, and the heat generation time also becomes long.

[0004] Therefore, in conventional headlights, in order to protect the control board including the substrate and chip, a heat dissipation column is provided in a housing section for housing an LED holding section in which an LED package including an LED (light emitting diode) element is mounted, or a fan device is provided in addition to the heat dissipation column (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Another known conventional headlight has an LED light source soldered to a convex portion of a heat conduction plate that extends through an opening in a PCB (printed circuit board), and the LED light source is cooled by a heat sink that is laminated on the heat conduction plate (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] Patent No. 6460469 Patent No. 5627795

[0007] However, in all of the above conventional headlights, the light emitting diodes (LEDs) are included in a control board, so there is room for improvement in terms of thermal protection of the control board.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a headlight that has excellent performance for protecting a light emitting element from heat.

[0009] (1) The headlight of the present invention comprises a light-emitting element, a control board, a light-emitting element accommodating space for accommodating the light-emitting element, and a control board accommodating space for accommodating the control board, and the light-emitting element accommodating space and the control board accommodating space are different spaces.

[0010] (2) The headlight of (1) above may comprise a head body and a head frame, the light-emitting element accommodating space being formed in the head body, and the control board accommodating space being formed in the head frame.

[0011] (3) In the headlight of (2) above, the head frame may include a base frame and two side frames, and the control board accommodating space may be formed in either one of the two side frames.

[0012] (4) In the headlight of (3) above, a switch may be arranged on one of the two side frames, and the control board accommodation space may be formed in that side frame.

[0013] (5) In the headlight of (3) or (4) above, a power cable connected to a power box is arranged on one of the two side frames, and the control board storage space can be formed in the side frame or the power box.

[0014] (6) In the headlight according to any one of (2) to (5) above, the head body may be rotatably supported by the head frame.

[0015] (7) Any one of the headlights (1) to (6) above may further include a heat dissipation means, and the heat dissipation means may be accommodated in the light-emitting element accommodation space and positioned adjacent to the light-emitting element.

[0016] (8) In the headlight of (7) above, the heat dissipation means may be a heat sink.

[0017] (9) In the headlight of (7) or (8) above, the heat dissipation means may include a front tube portion that houses the light-emitting element, and a recess may be formed on the inside of the front tube portion.

[0018] According to the present invention, a headlight that has excellent performance for protecting a light-emitting element from heat can be provided.

[0019] 1 is a front view of a headlight according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a plan view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a rear view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a left side view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a right side view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the headlight of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a switch, a switch knob, and a side cover have been removed from the headlight; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of the head body has been removed from the headlight of FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of the head body has been further removed from the headlight of FIG. 11; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first heat dissipation means and the second heat dissipation means shown in FIG. 11 are combined; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a heat sink packing has been attached to a through hole formed in the first heat dissipation means shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the headlight of FIG. 3 in a cross section including the rotation axis of the headlight; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a head body and a part of the head frame have been removed from the headlight of FIG. 1; 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the heat sink has been removed together with a portion of the head body and head frame from the headlight of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is analysis data showing the brightness of light emitted from the headlight of FIG. 1 over time when the headlight is continuously used with the output of the headlight set to 100%. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a headlight according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a headlight according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a power supply box for a headlight according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing a headlight according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a bullet-type LED element, which is a light-emitting element for a headlight. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a chip-on-board LED element that can be used as a light-emitting element for a headlight.

[0020] Hereinafter, a headlight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, front, rear, left, and right are based on the user wearing the headlight.

[0021] 1 shows a headlight 10A according to a first embodiment of the present invention from the front. The headlight 10A has a light source such as a light-emitting element and can be attached to a helmet (not shown) worn by a user via, for example, a belt (strap). The headlight 10A is used, for example, for night work, underground construction sites, and the like.

[0022] The headlight 10A according to this embodiment includes a head body 1A having a lens 2 and a light-emitting element 3, and a head frame 1B attached to the head body 1A. The headlight 10A can be attached to a helmet via a belt (not shown) that passes through the head frame 1B.

[0023] In this embodiment, a light-emitting element accommodating space S1 that accommodates a light-emitting element 3 is formed inside the head body 1A, as will be described later with reference to Fig. 14. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 accommodates a lens 2, a light-emitting element 3, and a heat dissipation means 23. The lens 2 adjusts the focus of light emitted from the light-emitting element 3 through the lens 2. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is a bullet-shaped LED element.

[0024] According to the headlight 10A of this embodiment, if the focal point of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 3 through the lens 2 is positioned close to the headlight 1, it is possible to provide focused spot illumination of a nearby target position. Also, according to the headlight 10A of this embodiment, if the focal point of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 3 through the lens 2 is positioned farther from the headlight 10A, it is possible to provide focused long-distance illumination of a wider range of a farther away target position.

[0025] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is disposed at a position rearward of the lens 2. In this embodiment, the lens 2 includes a lens body 2a that determines the focus of light and a cylindrical portion 2b (see FIG. 13 ) that extends in the front-rear direction from the outer edge of the lens body 2a. In this embodiment, the lens 2 is closed by a front ring 13. In this embodiment, the front ring 13 is an annular member. In this embodiment, the front ring 13 is screwed onto the inside of a front body 11, which will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a front ring cover 14 is screwed onto the outside of the front ring 13. In addition, in this embodiment, a cylindrical collar C is interposed between the front ring cover 14 and the front body 11.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows the headlight 10A in plan view from above, and Fig. 3 shows the headlight 10A in plan view from below.

[0027] In this embodiment, the head body 1A includes a front body 11 and a rear body 12. In this embodiment, the front end of the rear body 12 is attached to the rear end of the front body 11. In this embodiment, a front ring cover 14 and a collar C are attached to the front body 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of air vents h1 are formed in the rear body 12. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, an inclined surface 12f is formed on the top surface of the rear body 12.

[0028] On the other hand, the head frame 1B includes a base frame 15 and two side frames 16. In this embodiment, the base frame 15 extends in the left-right direction (width direction). In this embodiment, the two side frames 16 each extend from an end of the base frame 15 in the width direction toward the front. In this embodiment, the head body 1A is disposed between the two side frames 16.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows the headlight 10A from the rear.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, cushion members 19 are disposed on the back surface of the base frame 15. The cushion members 19 are shock-absorbing members interposed between the base frame 15 and the helmet. In this embodiment, the base frame 15 includes four cushion members 19. In this embodiment, the four cushion members 19 are disposed at the four corners (top, bottom, left, and right) of the base frame 15, as shown in FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the cushion members 19 are formed from urethane foam resin. However, the material of the cushion members 19 is not limited to urethane foam resin. In addition, a slit opening 15s is formed in the upper part of the base frame 15 to allow a second belt (not shown) to pass through.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a left side view of the headlight 10A of Fig. 1. In the following description, however, "right" refers to the user wearing the headlight 10A.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, one of the two side frames 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the “right side frame 16R”) is provided with a switch 17 that can turn on / off a circuit element (5a1) included in the control board 5. In this embodiment, the switch 17 is a selector switch for adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the headlight 10A through the lens 2. In this embodiment, the switch 17 is attached to a switch knob 18 attached to the right side frame 16R. The right side frame 16R also has a slit opening 16s through which a first belt (not shown) can be passed. In this embodiment, the first belt is fastened to the headlight 10A through the slit opening 16s and thereby attached around the head. One end of the second belt is attached to the first belt, and the other end of the second belt is attached to the headlight 10A through the slit opening 15s in the base frame 15.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a right side view of the headlight 10A of Fig. 1. In the following description, however, "left" refers to the user wearing the headlight 10A.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the other of the two side frames 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the "left side frame 16L") is provided with a power cable 20 connected to a power supply box 40 (see Fig. 18, for example). Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the left side frame 16L is also formed with a slit opening 16s for passing the first belt therethrough.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the headlight 10A from the upper right side. As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, the side frame 16 includes a side base 21 connected to the base frame 15 and a side cover 22 attached to the side base 21. In this embodiment, an internal space enclosed by the side base 21 and the side cover 22 is formed between the side base 21 and the side cover 22.

[0036] In this embodiment, reference numeral 16R denotes a right side frame disposed on the right side. The right side frame 16R is composed of a right side base 21R and a right side cover 22R. In this embodiment, reference numeral 16L denotes a left side frame disposed on the left side. In this embodiment, the left side frame 16L is composed of a left side base 21L and a left side cover 22L.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the headlight 10A of FIG. 7 with the switch 17, the switch knob 18, and the right side cover 22R removed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control board 5 is a control circuit board on which a plurality of circuit elements (chips) 5a for controlling the light-emitting elements 3 are mounted on a board 5b. Reference numeral 5a1 denotes a power switch element, which is one of the plurality of circuit elements 5a.

[0039] The control board accommodating space S2 in which the control board 5 is accommodated can be formed in either one of the two side frames 16.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control board accommodating space S2 is formed in the right side frame 16R. The control board accommodating space S2 is an internal space formed between the right side base 21R and the right side cover 22R.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the head body 1A has been further removed from the headlight 10A of Fig. 8. In Fig. 9, the front body 11, the lens 2, the front ring 13, the front ring cover 14, and the collar C of the head body 1A have been removed.

[0042] In this embodiment, a lens spacer 26 is disposed between the light-emitting element 3 and the lens 2. The lens spacer 26 is a cone-shaped member that has an opening A26 through which the light-emitting element 3 passes and that widens in diameter toward the front. The lens spacer 26 adjusts the distance between the lens 2 (lens body 2a) and the light-emitting element 3. In this embodiment, the lens spacer 26 is attached to the mounting base 24. In this embodiment, the lens spacer 26 holds the lens 2 from the rear side.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the head body 1A has been further removed from the headlight 10A of Fig. 9. In Fig. 10, the lens spacer 26 has also been removed. As shown in Fig. 10, in this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is attached to a mounting base 24.

[0044] In this embodiment, the mounting base 24 is disposed between the light-emitting element 3 and the heat dissipation means 23. In this embodiment, the mounting base 24 is a base for mounting the light-emitting element 3 to the heat dissipation means 23. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is mounted on the mounting base 24. The mounting base 24 is attached to the heat dissipation means 23.

[0045] The heat dissipation means 23 is a means for dissipating heat generated from the light-emitting element 3. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation means 23 is accommodated in a light-emitting element accommodating space S1 formed inside the head body 1A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation means 23 is disposed in a position adjacent to the light-emitting element 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation means 23 is a heat sink. The heat sink includes a plurality of heat dissipation plates and is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0047] The headlight 10A according to this embodiment includes two heat dissipation means 23: a first heat dissipation means 23A and a second heat dissipation means 23B. As shown in FIG. 10 , the two heat dissipation means 23, the first heat dissipation means 23A and the second heat dissipation means 23B, are arranged in series along the optical axis O11 of the headlight 10A (lens body 2a) together with the light-emitting element 3. In this embodiment, the first heat dissipation means 23A includes a main body 231 having a plurality of heat dissipation plates and a front tube portion 232 protruding forward from the main body 231. In this embodiment, a heat sink packing (sealing member for the heat dissipation means) 29 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front tube portion 232. The heat sink packing (sealing plug) 29 is an annular sealing member. As shown in FIG. 10 , in this embodiment, the mounting base 24 is arranged inside the front tube portion 232 of the first heat dissipation means 23A.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the headlight 10A of Fig. 10 with a portion of the head body 1A further removed. In Fig. 11, the mounting base 24 has also been removed. As shown in Fig. 11, the first heat dissipation means 23A has a recess 23n formed on the inside of the front tubular portion 232. In this embodiment, the recess 23n is formed by recessing a portion of the front end 231e of the main body 231, inside the front tubular portion 232, rearward.

[0049] FIG. 12 shows the first heat dissipation unit 23A and the second heat dissipation unit 23B combined together. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a through hole A1 that opens into the recess 23n is formed in the main body 231 of the first heat dissipation unit 23A. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a cable packing 51 is attached to the main body 231 of the first heat dissipation unit 23A. The cable packing 51 is press-fitted into the through hole A1 formed in the main body 231 to seal the through hole A1. The cable packing 51 also has a wiring hole 51a through which the wiring 27 (see FIG. 16) connecting the light-emitting element 3 and the circuit element 5a passes in a sealed state. The cable packing 51 is made of an elastic material such as silicone.

[0050] For example, referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment, a head body 1A is rotatably supported by a head frame 1B.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a cross section including the rotation axis O1 of the headlight 10A.

[0052] 14 , in this embodiment, a rotation shaft 25 that is rotatably supported by the head body 1A is formed on each of the two side frames 16 of the head frame 1B. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 25 that protrudes inward is formed on the side base 21 of the side frame 16. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 25 is rotatably supported by a through hole 1h formed by the front body 11 and the rear body 12. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 25 and the through hole 1h are arranged on the same rotation axis O1. This allows the head body 1A and the head frame 1B to rotate in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis O1.

[0053] 14, in this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is attached to the first heat dissipation means 23A at a position inside the front cylinder portion 232 of the first heat dissipation means 23A via the mounting base 24. In this embodiment, the tip of the light-emitting element 3 is exposed through an opening A26 (see FIG. 9) formed in the lens spacer 26.

[0054] 14 , in this embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is disposed in a sealed space S1s within the light-emitting element accommodating space S1, which is defined by the lens 2, the front ring 13, and the first heat dissipation means 23A. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 is formed inside the front body 11 and the rear body 12. In this embodiment, the front end of the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 is sealed by the lens 2. In this embodiment, the lens 2 is attached to the first heat dissipation means 23A, and the gap between the lens 2 and the first heat dissipation means 23A is sealed by a heat sink packing 29 interposed between the front cylinder portion 232 of the first heat dissipation means 23A and the front ring 13. In this embodiment, the rear end of the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 is sealed by the rear body 12.

[0055] In this embodiment, a heat sink packing 29 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front tube portion 232 of the first heat dissipation means 23A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the space within the light-emitting element accommodating space S1, which is partitioned by the lens 2, the front ring 13, and the first heat dissipation means 23A, forms an enclosed space S1s. This ensures waterproofing of the space in which the light-emitting element 3 is disposed.

[0056] Additionally, in this embodiment, the first heat dissipation means 23A of the heat dissipation means 23 includes a front tube portion 232 that houses the light emitting element 3, and a recess 23n is formed inside the front tube portion 232. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , in this embodiment, a recess 23n is formed inside the front tube portion 232 of the first heat dissipation means 23A by recessing a portion of the front end 231e of the main body 231 toward the rear. Air can be stored in this recess 23n. The air stored in the recess 23n can function as insulating air.

[0057] 14 , in this embodiment, the switch knob 18 can be rotated circumferentially around the axis O2 to gradually change the intensity (amount of light) of light emitted from the light-emitting element 3. In this embodiment, the switch knob 18 is biased outward against the side cover 22 by an elastic member 18b, such as a spring. In this embodiment, the switch 17 is also made of an elastic member. The switch 17 is provided with a pressing piece 17a. The switch element 5a1 on the base 5b is turned on or off by pressing the pressing piece 17a of the switch 17 in synchronization with pressing the switch 17. In this embodiment, the switch element 5a1 is turned on by pressing the pressing piece 17a of the switch 17. In this embodiment, when the switch element 5a1 is turned on, the intensity (amount of light) of light emitted from the light-emitting element 3 can be maximized for a predetermined period of time.

[0058] 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the head body 1A and the head frame 1B are partially removed from the headlight 10A. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the first heat dissipation means 23A and the second heat dissipation means 23B are integrally connected using screws 28.

[0059] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of the heat dissipation means 23 (second heat dissipation means 23B) has been removed from the headlight 10A, along with a part of the head body 1A and the head frame 1B.

[0060] As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, a through hole A1 is formed in the first heat dissipation means 23A. Wiring 27 connecting the light-emitting element 3 and the circuit element 5a of the control board 5 is routed through the through hole A1. In this embodiment, a cable packing 51 is press-fitted into the through hole A1. The cable packing 51 seals the sealed space S1s, in which the light-emitting element 3 is disposed, within the light-emitting element accommodating space S1. The cable packing 51 is made of an elastic material such as silicone. In this embodiment, the wiring 27 passes through a wiring hole 51a formed in the cable packing 51 while maintaining the sealing properties of the cable packing 51.

[0061] 16, in this embodiment, a through hole A2 is formed on the inside of the rotating shaft 25. Wiring 27 connecting the light-emitting element 3 and the circuit element 5a of the control board 5 is routed through the through hole A2. In this embodiment, a plug (sealing member for the control board) 52 is press-fitted into the through hole A2. The plug (sealing plug) 52 seals the control board housing space S2. The plug 52 is made of an elastic material such as silicone. In this embodiment, the wiring 27 passes through the plug 52, which maintains its airtightness.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 16, the wiring 27 between the light emitting element 3 and the control board 5 is covered with a silicone tube to ensure waterproof performance.

[0063] As shown in Figure 14, the headlight 10A includes a light-emitting element 3, a control board 5, a light-emitting element accommodating space S1 that accommodates the light-emitting element 3, and a control board accommodating space S2 that accommodates the control board 5, and the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 and the control board accommodating space S2 are different spaces.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control board accommodating space S2 is formed inside the head frame 1B. In contrast, in this embodiment, the light emitting element accommodating space S1 that accommodates the light emitting element 3 is formed inside the head body 1A.

[0065] In the headlight 10A, the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 and the control board accommodating space S2 are separate rooms, which makes it difficult for heat generated from the light-emitting elements 3 to be transmitted to the control board 5. As a specific example, deterioration or failure of the control board 5 that may occur due to heat generated from the light-emitting elements 3 can be minimized.

[0066] On the other hand, for example, in conventional headlights described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a light-emitting element, a control board, and a heat dissipation means such as a heat sink are arranged in series, and heat is dissipated around the control board.

[0067] However, even in conventional headlights equipped with such heat dissipation means, when used at a constant high output for a long period of time, it is unavoidable that the control board is affected, so the output (light intensity) of the light-emitting element is controlled to gradually decrease.

[0068] However, with this measure, the light intensity of the headlight decreases over time, causing discomfort to the user, and so there is room for improvement.

[0069] Therefore, measures were considered to limit the output of the light-emitting element to a certain percentage of the maximum light intensity of the light-emitting element, but it was difficult to continuously irradiate at high output, let alone gradually reduce it.

[0070] In contrast, in the headlight 10A, the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 and the control board accommodating space S2 are separate rooms, making the control board 5 less susceptible to the effects of heat emitted from the light-emitting elements 3. Therefore, in the headlight 10A, the output of the light-emitting elements 3 is not reduced and the output of the light-emitting elements 3 can be kept at maximum and used for a long period of time.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the headlight 10A, by separating the control board 5 from the light-emitting element 3, the heat dissipation means 23 can be positioned adjacent to the light-emitting element 3, and the heat emitted from the light-emitting element 3 can be directly dissipated, for example, through the heat dissipation means 23.

[0072] Therefore, the headlight 10A can provide a headlight that has excellent performance for protecting the light-emitting element 3 from heat.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, with the headlight 10A, the control board 5 is separated from the light-emitting elements 3, which allows the heat emitted from the light-emitting elements 3 to be efficiently dissipated. This allows the headlight 10A to be attached to headgear other than a helmet, such as a hat. The headlight 10A can also be attached directly to the user's head.

[0074] Furthermore, with the headlight 10A, as a result of separating the control board 5 from the light-emitting element 3, the light-emitting element housing space S1 and the control board housing space S2 can be sealed using sealing members such as the heat sink packing 29, the cable packing 51, and the plug 52, as in this embodiment. This provides the headlight 10A with a waterproof function. As a result, work can be carried out without interruption, for example, even in rainy weather.

[0075] Furthermore, with the headlight 10A, the output of the headlight 10A is maintained constant without any reduction, so a reduction in the output of the headlight 10A directly leads to power consumption. Therefore, with the headlight 10A, it is possible to clearly grasp the time of power consumption (usage time).

[0076] FIG. 17 shows analytical data showing the brightness of the light emitted from the headlight 10A over time when the headlight 10A is continuously used with its output maintained at 100%. In the analytical data of FIG. 17, the vertical axis represents lumens (lm) and the horizontal axis represents the lighting time (h). As shown in FIG. 16, the headlight 10A maintains a constant output without decreasing. Therefore, the headlight 10A makes it possible to clearly grasp the time the power is consumed (the time the headlight can be lit).

[0077] 14, for example, a headlight 10A includes a head body 1A and a head frame 1B, with the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 formed in the head body 1A and the control board accommodating space S2 formed in the head frame 1B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the headlight 10A can be used for a long period of time with the output of the light-emitting element 3 at maximum while maintaining the size of the headlight 10A at the conventional size or while reducing the size of the headlight 10A from the conventional size.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the size of the headlight 10A can be maintained at the conventional size. With the headlight 10A, the control board 5 is disposed in a separate location, different from the head body 1A. Therefore, if the size of the headlight 10A is maintained at the conventional size, the heat dissipation means 23 can be enlarged by the amount of free space created by disposing the control board 5 in a separate location. In this case, the light output of the headlight 10A can be increased by the amount of the improved heat dissipation efficiency.

[0079] Alternatively, with the headlight 10A, by arranging the control board 5 in a separate position from the head body 1A, it is possible to reduce the size of the head body 1A by the amount of the empty space for the control board 5. Furthermore, as will be described later, if the control board 5 is arranged in a separate position from the head body 1A and the head frame 1B, it is possible to reduce the size of at least one of the head body 1A and the head frame 1B by the amount of the empty space for the control board 5.

[0080] In the headlight 10A, the head frame 1B includes a base frame 15 and two side frames 16, and the control board accommodating space S2 can be formed in either one of the two side frames 16. In this case, the control board 5 can be easily separated from the light-emitting element 3.

[0081] In the headlight 10A, a switch 17 is disposed on one of the two side frames 16 (the right side frame 16R), and a control board housing space S2 is formed in the right side frame 16R. In this case, the control board 5 can be operated with a simple configuration. In this embodiment, the switch 17 and the control board housing space S2 are disposed on the right side frame 16R, but they can also be disposed on the left side frame 16L.

[0082] In the headlight 10A, the power cable 20 connected to the power supply box 40 is disposed on one of the two side frames 16 (the left side frame 16L), and the control board housing space S2 can be formed in the left side frame 16L or the power supply box. In this case, too, the control board 5 can be switched on and off with a simple configuration.

[0083] Fig. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a headlight 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 18, in this embodiment, the control board 5 is separated from the head frame 1B as a separate control unit 50. In this embodiment, the power cable 20 is connected to the power supply box 40. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 (control board 5) is interposed between the power cables 20. In this way, the control board 5 can be a separate unit separated from the head body 1A and the head frame 1B.

[0084] Fig. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a headlight 10C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 19, in this embodiment, the control board 5 is also separated from the head frame 1B as a separate control unit 50. In this embodiment, wiring 27 is extended from the left side frame 16L, and the control unit 50 is connected to this wiring 27. In this case, the control board 5 housed in the control unit 50 may be, for example, only a power supply board (power unit) that controls the current supplied from the power supply box 40 to the light-emitting elements 3.

[0085] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a power supply box 40 for a headlight 10D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the control board 5 is disposed in the power supply box 40. In this embodiment, the case of the power supply box 40 is enlarged, and the control board 5 is accommodated in the resulting space. As shown in FIG. 20 , in this embodiment, the power supply box 40 includes a power supply case 41 and a detachable cover 42 for the power supply case 41. In this embodiment, the power cable 20 is connected to the cover 42. In this embodiment, the power supply case 41 is enlarged, and a case 43 for accommodating the control board 5 is provided in the power supply case 41. As a result, in this embodiment, the power supply box 40 can accommodate the control board 5 in the resulting space created by the enlargement of the power supply case 41.

[0086] FIG. 21 is a front view schematically illustrating a headlight 10E according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the control board 5 is disposed in the head body 1A. In this embodiment, the control board 5 is accommodated in the space created by enlarging at least one of the front body 11 and the rear body 12 of the head body 1A. As shown in FIG. 21 , in this embodiment, the control board 5 is accommodated in the internal space formed by the enlarged portion 11a of the front body 11 and the enlarged portion 12a of the rear body 12 by enlarging the front body 11 and the rear body 12. As a result, in this embodiment, the control board 5 can be accommodated in the space created by the enlargement of the head body 1A.

[0087] In this embodiment, the power cable 20 and the power box 40 are disposed on the left side frame 16L, but they may also be disposed on the right side frame 16R.

[0088] In addition, in the headlight 10A, the head body 1A is rotatably supported by the head frame 1B. In this case, the light irradiation direction can be adjusted up and down, making the headlight easy to use.

[0089] The headlight 10A further includes a heat dissipation means 23, which is accommodated in the light-emitting element accommodating space S1 and disposed adjacent to the light-emitting element 3. In this case, the heat protection performance of the light-emitting element 3 is improved. In particular, according to the headlight 10A, the control board 5, which was previously disposed adjacent to the light-emitting element 3, is separated from the light-emitting element 3, so that more heat dissipation means 23 can be disposed in the space occupied by the control board 5. In this embodiment, two heat dissipation means 23 are used, but three or more heat dissipation means 23 may be disposed.

[0090] In the headlight 10A, the heat dissipation means 23 is a heat sink. In this case, the heat generated by the light-emitting element 3 can be efficiently dissipated with a simple configuration such as increasing the number of heat sinks. The heat sink can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as silver or copper. However, if an aluminum alloy is used for the heat sink, it is possible to reduce the weight and manufacturing costs.

[0091] As described above, the headlights 10A to 10E according to this embodiment can provide headlights that have excellent performance for protecting the light-emitting elements from heat.

[0092] Fig. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a bullet-shaped LED element, which is the light-emitting element 3 of the headlights 10A to 10E. As shown in Fig. 22, the bullet-shaped LED element has an LED chip 30 arranged on a lead frame 31, covered with an encapsulating resin (phosphor) 32, and further covered with a lens 33 made of, for example, epoxy resin.

[0093] Fig. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a chip-on-board LED element that can be used as the light-emitting element 3 of the headlights 10A to 10E. As shown in Fig. 23, the chip-on-board LED element has an LED chip 30 and metal wires (wiring) 34 arranged on a substrate 35, which is then covered with an encapsulating resin (phosphor) 32. Reference numeral 36 denotes a bank formed on the substrate 35.

[0094] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the light-emitting element 3 may be a light bulb other than an LED (e.g., a filament light bulb). Furthermore, with the headlights 10A to 10E, the heat dissipation means 23 can be omitted by keeping the output (light intensity) of the light-emitting element 3 low.

[0095] 10A: Headlight (first embodiment), 10B: Headlight (second embodiment), 10C: Headlight (third embodiment), 10D: Headlight (fourth embodiment), 10E: Headlight (fifth embodiment), 1A: Head body, 1B: Head frame, 1h: Through hole, 2: Lens, 3: Light-emitting element, 5: Control board, 5a: Circuit element, 5a1: Switch element, 5b: Board, 11: Front body, 11a: Enlarged portion of front body, 12: Rear body, 12a: Enlarged portion of rear body, 12f: Inclined surface formed on rear body, 13: Front ring, 14: Front ring cover, 15: Base frame, 15s: Slit opening, 16: Side frame, 16R: Right side frame, 16L: Left side frame, 17: Switch, 18: Switch knob, 19: Cushion member 20: Power cable, 21: Side base of side frame, 22: Side cover of side frame, 21R: Right side base of right side frame, 22R: Right side cover of right side frame, 21L: Left side base of left side frame, 22L: Left side cover of left side frame, 23: Heat dissipation means, 23A: First heat dissipation means, 231: Main body of first heat dissipation means, 232: Front cylinder portion of first heat dissipation means, 23B: Second heat dissipation means, 23n: Recess, 24: Mounting base, 25: Rotating shaft, 26: Lens spacer, 27: Wiring, 28: Screw, 29: Heat sink packing (sealing member for heat dissipation means: sealing plug), 40: Power supply box, 41: Power supply case, 42: Lid, 50: Control unit, 51: Cable packing (sealing plug), 52: Plug C: collar, h1: ventilation hole formed in the rear body, O1: rotation axis

Claims

1. A headlight comprising: a light-emitting element; a control board; a light-emitting element accommodating space that accommodates the light-emitting element; and a control board accommodating space that accommodates the control board, wherein the light-emitting element accommodating space and the control board accommodating space are different spaces.

2. A headlight as claimed in claim 1, comprising a head body and a head frame, the light emitting element accommodating space being formed in the head body, and the control board accommodating space being formed in the head frame.

3. A headlight as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heat dissipation means, said heat dissipation means being accommodated in said light emitting element accommodating space and being disposed at a position adjacent to said light emitting element.

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