Light source module and light irradiation device

Abstract

This light-source module includes: a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements; a heat dissipating member; a cover member having a first opening; a light-transmitting member that closes the first opening; a first cable that is electrically connected to the light emitting unit; and a sealing material composed of a resin. The sealing material closes a first gap between the heat dissipating member and the cover member along the peripheral edge of the first gap. The heat dissipating member includes: a base section having a first surface and a second surface; and a plurality of protrusions each protruding from the second surface. The light-emitting unit is positioned between the first surface and the light-transmitting member. The cover member includes a third surface and a fourth surface, and has a recess on the third surface side. The first opening is open at the recess. The first cable is inserted into the second opening between the recess and the base section. The first cable penetrates the sealing material. The sealing material closes the second opening.

Description

Light source module and light irradiation device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2023-213874 (filed December 19, 2023), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a light source module and a light irradiation device.

[0003] There is a light irradiation device that includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements, a heat dissipation member thermally connected to the light source, an air blowing unit that can blow air to the heat dissipation member, a driving unit that drives the light source, and a housing that houses the light source, the heat dissipation member, the air blowing unit, and the driving unit and has a plurality of air vents (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1).

[0004] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for light source modules and light irradiation devices to reduce adhesion of foreign matter to light-emitting sections, for example.

[0005] International Publication No. 2019 / 181937

[0006] A light source module and a light illumination device are disclosed.

[0007] One aspect of the light source module includes a light-emitting unit, a heat dissipation member, a cover member, a translucent member, a first cable, and a sealing material. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements. The cover member has a first opening that allows light from the light-emitting unit to pass through and is attached to the heat dissipation member. The translucent member closes the first opening and transmits light from the light-emitting unit. The first cable is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and is a cable for supplying power to cause the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light. The sealing material closes a first gap between the heat dissipation member and the cover member along the periphery of the first gap and is made of resin. The heat dissipation member includes a plate-shaped base portion and a plurality of protrusions. The base portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is located on the cover member side of the base portion. Each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes from the second surface. The light-emitting unit is located between the first surface and the translucent member. The cover member has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and has a recess on the third surface side. The third surface is located on the heat dissipation member side of the cover member. At least a portion of the base portion is located in the internal space of the recess. The first opening opens in the recess. Between the recess and the base portion, there is a second opening that is connected to a first region that is located between the cover member and the first surface. The first cable is inserted into the second opening. The first cable passes through the sealing material. The sealing material blocks the second opening.

[0008] One aspect of a light irradiation device includes the light source module of the above aspect, a housing, and a drive unit. The housing, together with the cover member, surrounds the light-emitting unit and the heat dissipation member. The drive unit includes a drive circuit that drives the light-emitting unit. The housing has a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole that respectively connect a first space inside the housing and a second space outside the housing. The first ventilation hole is located close to the multiple second gaps between the multiple protrusions in a direction along the first surface. The second ventilation hole is located on the opposite side of the cover member with respect to the heat dissipation member. The first cable electrically connects the light-emitting unit and the drive unit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module when the light source module is viewed toward the +X direction at position IV-IV in FIGS. 2 and 3 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module when the light source module is viewed toward the +X direction at position V-V in FIGS. 2 and 3 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a cover member. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a cover member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of a first unit having a configuration in which a light-emitting unit, a first cable, and a second cable are attached to a heat dissipation member. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a first module having a configuration in which a heat dissipation member to which a light-emitting unit, a first cable, and a second cable are respectively attached is disposed on a cover member. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the appearance of an example of a first module having a configuration in which a heat dissipation member to which a light-emitting unit, a first cable, and a second cable are respectively attached is disposed on a cover member. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the first module when the first module is viewed toward the +X direction at position XV-XV in FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the first module when the first module is viewed toward the +X direction at position XVI-XVI in FIG. 14 . FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which the heat dissipation member and the cover member are fastened by a screw member in the first module of FIG. 16 . FIG. 18 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of a light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a bottom view showing the appearance of an example of a light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment.Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a printing device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module according to the second embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing typically an example of a cross section of the light source module according to the second embodiment. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing typically an example of a cross section of the light source module according to the third embodiment. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing typically an example of a cross section of the light source module according to the fourth embodiment.

[0010] There is a light irradiation device that includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements, a heat dissipation member thermally connected to the light source, an air blowing unit that can blow air to the heat dissipation member, a driving unit that drives the light source, and a housing that houses the light source, the heat dissipation member, the air blowing unit, and the driving unit and has a plurality of air vents.

[0011] This light irradiation device can be applied to, for example, a printing device that performs printing by depositing ink containing a photosensitive material onto a print medium such as paper.

[0012] Incidentally, in a printing device, for example, when droplets of ink containing a photosensitive material are ejected from a printing unit such as an inkjet head toward a print medium such as paper, a mist of ink (also referred to as ink mist) may be generated. Furthermore, in a printing device, for example, when a print medium such as paper is transported, dust such as powdery debris (also referred to as paper dust) may be stirred up on the paper surface. For this reason, in a configuration in which a light irradiation device is used in a printing device, for example, foreign matter such as ink mist, dust, and dirt may adhere to the light-emitting unit, causing electrical and optical malfunctions. Here, an example of an electrical malfunction could be a short circuit caused by foreign matter adhering to the light-emitting unit burning to the light-emitting unit due to heat generated by the light-emitting unit. An example of an optical malfunction could be a decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit due to foreign matter adhering to the light-emitting unit blocking the light emitted by the light-emitting unit.

[0013] Electrical and optical defects caused by the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting section are not limited to light irradiation devices applied to printing devices, but can occur in general light irradiation devices applied to other uses, such as drying and hardening various objects by irradiating them with light.

[0014] For this reason, there is room for improvement in a light source module having a light-emitting unit and a light irradiation device having a light source module in terms of reducing the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit while enabling electrical connection from outside the light source module to the light-emitting unit. That is, there is room for improvement in a light source module and a light irradiation device in terms of reducing the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit while enabling electrical connection from outside the light source module to the light-emitting unit.

[0015] Therefore, the inventor of the present disclosure has created a technology for a light source module and a light irradiation device that enables electrical connection from outside the light source module to the light-emitting section while reducing the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting section.

[0016] Various embodiments and examples of this technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same or similar configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following description, duplicated explanations will be omitted. The drawings are schematic.

[0017] 1 to 26 are illustrated with a right-handed XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, the direction along which the light source module 1 emits light (also referred to as the emission direction) is the -Z direction, the direction perpendicular to the -Z direction is the +X direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the -Z direction and the +X direction is the +Y direction. Note that terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" used in the description of this disclosure are used solely for the purpose of clarity of explanation and are not used to limit the configuration and operating principles of the light source module 1 and the light irradiation device 10.

[0018] <1. First embodiment> <1-1. Light source module> The light source module 1 is a module that emits light. The light source module 1 is employed, for example, as a module that emits light in an apparatus (also referred to as a light irradiation apparatus) that irradiates a target object (also referred to as an irradiated object).

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module 1 when the light source module 1 is viewed toward the +X direction at position IV-IV in FIGS. 2 and 3 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module 1 when the light source module 1 is viewed toward the +X direction at position V-V in FIGS. 2 and 3 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a cover member 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a cover member 4. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of a heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of a unit (also referred to as a first unit) 1a having a configuration in which a light-emitting unit 2, a first cable 6, and a second cable 8 are each attached to a heat dissipation member 3. This first unit 1a includes a heat dissipation member 3 and the light-emitting unit 2, the first cable 6, and the second cable 8, each attached to the heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a module (also referred to as a first module) 1b in which the heat dissipation member 3, to which the light-emitting unit 2, the first cable 6, and the second cable 8 are each attached, is disposed on a cover member 4. This first module 1b includes the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3 disposed on the cover member 4, and the light-emitting unit 2, the first cable 6, and the second cable 8, each attached to the heat dissipation member 3. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the appearance of an example of the first module 1b. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the first module 1b when the first module 1b is viewed in the +X direction at position XV-XV in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the first module 1b when the first module 1b is viewed in the +X direction at position XVI-XVI in Fig. 14.FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 are fastened together by a screw member in the first module 1b of FIG.

[0020] 1 to 5 , the light source module 1 includes a light-emitting unit 2, a heat dissipation member (also referred to as a heat sink) 3, a cover member 4, a light-transmitting member 5, a first cable 6, and a sealing material 7. In an example of the first embodiment, the light source module 1 includes a second cable 8, a sensor 8s, and a screw member 9.

[0021] <1-1-1. Heat Dissipation Member> The heat dissipation member 3 is a member that dissipates heat generated in the light-emitting unit 2 due to light emission. In other words, the heat dissipation member 3 can dissipate heat generated in the light-emitting unit 2. The heat dissipation member 3 is, for example, thermally connected to the light-emitting unit 2. Here, a state in which a first portion is thermally connected to a second portion means that heat can be transferred between the first portion and the second portion. More specifically, a state in which a first portion is thermally connected to a second portion may mean that heat can be transferred directly between the first portion and the second portion, or that heat can be transferred via one or more objects located between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the one or more objects may have excellent thermal conductivity. The heat dissipation member 3 is made of a material such as aluminum or copper, which has excellent thermal conductivity. The form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is thermally connected to the light-emitting unit 2 may include not only a form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is directly connected to the light-emitting unit 2, but also a form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is indirectly connected to the light-emitting unit 2 via one or more members having excellent thermal conductivity. In other words, the form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is thermally connected to the light-emitting unit 2 may be a form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is directly connected to the light-emitting unit 2, or a form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is in indirectly connected to the light-emitting unit 2 via one or more members having excellent thermal conductivity. In other words, the form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is thermally connected to the light-emitting unit 2 may be a form in which the heat dissipation member 3 is in contact with the light-emitting unit 2 so that heat can be transmitted between the heat dissipation member 3 and the light-emitting unit 2, or a form in which heat can be transmitted between the heat dissipation member 3 and the light-emitting unit 2 via one or more objects. Each of the one or more objects may be an object having excellent thermal conductivity.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 to 11, the heat dissipation member 3 includes a base portion 31 and a plurality of protrusions 32.

[0023] The base portion 31 has, for example, a plate-like or rectangular parallelepiped shape. The base portion 31 has a first surface 31b and a second surface 31u. The second surface 31u is the surface opposite to the first surface 31b. For example, if the base portion 31 is plate-like, the base portion 31 has an end surface connecting the first surface 31b and the second surface 31u. If the base portion 31 is plate-like, the thickness of the base portion 31 may be the length of the base portion 31 in the direction in which the light source module 1 emits light (the emission direction). The emission direction may be, for example, along the -Z direction.

[0024] The first surface 31b is located on the cover member 4 side of the base portion 31. In other words, the first surface 31b faces the cover member 4. From another perspective, the first surface 31b is located on the light-emitting unit 2 side of the base portion 31. The first surface 31b may be, for example, a substantially flat surface. More specifically, the first surface 31b may be, for example, a surface along an imaginary plane parallel to the XY plane. The first surface 31b may have irregularities or steps. The irregularities and steps may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover member 4, for example. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 , 9 , and 11 , the first surface 31b has a substantially flat reference portion (also referred to as a first reference portion) 31b1 of the first surface 31b and a step portion S2 located along the +X direction at the end in the +Y direction. This step portion S2 is located closer to the second surface 31u than the first reference portion 31b1. Here, the first surface 31b has a step formed by the first reference portion 31b1 and the step portion S1. The base portion 31 may have, for example, irregularities on the first surface 31b side for attaching each portion, such as the light-emitting unit 2 and the cover member 4, to the heat dissipation member 3. These irregularities may include screw holes or the like. The screw holes may be open in the first surface 31b. The screw holes may be cylindrical holes with female threads on their inner circumferential surfaces.

[0025] The second surface 31u may be, for example, a substantially flat surface. More specifically, the second surface 31u may be, for example, a surface along a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane. The second surface 31u is not limited to being a substantially flat surface, and may have irregularities or steps.

[0026] Each of the first surface 31b and the second surface 31u may have, for example, a rectangular outer edge when viewed in a plan view. In this case, the surface having a rectangular outer edge may have, for example, a side length of approximately 50 millimeters (mm) to 90 mm. The outer edges of each of the first surface 31b and the second surface 31u may have, for example, a pair of two sides that are positioned along the +X direction and facing each other, and another pair of two sides that are positioned along the +Y direction and facing each other. When the first surface 31b is viewed in a plan view, the first surface 31b may be viewed in a direction along the normal to the first surface 31b. The normal to the first surface 31b may be, for example, a virtual line that is positioned along the +Z direction. When the second surface 31u is viewed in a plan view, the second surface 31u may be viewed in a direction along the normal to the second surface 31u. The normal to the second surface 31u may be, for example, a virtual line along the −Z direction.

[0027] Each of the multiple protrusions 32 protrudes from the base portion 31 in a direction away from the cover member 4. From another perspective, each of the multiple protrusions 32 protrudes from the second surface 31u. The direction away from the cover member 4 may be, for example, a direction perpendicular to the second surface 31u. The direction perpendicular to the second surface 31u may be, for example, a direction along the +Z direction. A plurality of gaps (also referred to as second gaps) 32g exist between the multiple protrusions 32. Each of the multiple protrusions 32 may have, for example, a thin plate-like shape. Two adjacent protrusions 32 among the multiple protrusions 32 are positioned with the second gap 32g sandwiched between them. With the heat dissipation member 3, air flows through the multiple second gaps 32g between the multiple protrusions 32, thereby dissipating heat transferred from the light-emitting unit 2 to the heat dissipation member 3 into the air, thereby cooling the light-emitting unit 2. The plurality of protrusions 32 may be a first predetermined number of protrusions 32, which is two or more. The first predetermined number is a natural number greater than or equal to two. The plurality of protrusions 32 may be arranged at a predetermined pitch in a first direction along the second surface 31u, for example. The first direction may be a direction along the +X direction, for example. Each of the plurality of protrusions 32 may be a thin plate-like portion (also referred to as a fin) that extends along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the second surface 31u. The imaginary plane perpendicular to the second surface 31u may be a plane that extends along an imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane.

[0028] The heat dissipation member 3 can be produced, for example, by cutting a rectangular parallelepiped block made of metal such as aluminum or copper to form multiple grooves. Alternatively, the heat dissipation member 3 can be produced, for example, by attaching multiple thin plates, each made of metal such as aluminum or copper, to a flat plate made of metal such as aluminum or copper.

[0029] 4 and 5 , the light-emitting unit 2 is located between the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 and the light-transmitting member 5. From another perspective, the light-emitting unit 2 is located on the cover member 4 side of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3. More specifically, the light-emitting unit 2 is located on the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 on the side of the first opening (also referred to as an irradiation port) 4o of the cover member 4.

[0030] The light emitting section 2 includes, for example, a substrate 22 and a plurality of light emitting elements 21. In this case, the plurality of light emitting elements 21 are disposed on the substrate 22.

[0031] The substrate 22 is a substrate on which a plurality of light-emitting elements 21 are arranged (also referred to as a substrate for arranging light-emitting elements). The substrate 22 may be, for example, a ceramic plate-shaped substrate (also referred to as a ceramic wiring substrate). Wiring conductors (also referred to as wiring conductors) that electrically connect the inside and outside of the substrate 22 are present on the surface and inside the substrate 22. Conductive materials such as tungsten, molybdenum, manganese, or copper are used as the material for the wiring conductors. If the substrate 22 is a ceramic wiring substrate, the base material of the ceramic wiring substrate is an insulating ceramic. Therefore, the ceramic wiring substrate has heat resistance to the heat generated by the light-emitting unit 2 on which a plurality of light-emitting elements 21 are integrated.

[0032] The substrate 22 may be located on the irradiation port 4o side of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3. The substrate 22 has, for example, a plate-like shape that conforms to the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. The substrate 22 may be fixed to the base portion 31, for example. More specifically, the substrate 22 may be fixed on the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. Fixing the substrate 22 to the base portion 31 may be achieved, for example, by screwing. Thermal grease may be interposed between the base portion 31 and the substrate 22 to bring the base portion 31 and the substrate 22 into close contact. This may improve the thermal connection between the light-emitting unit 2 and the heat dissipation member 3. As a result, the efficiency of heat dissipation from the light-emitting unit 2 via the heat dissipation member 3 may be increased. Here, the substrate 22 may be fixed to the base portion 31 via, for example, a metal member with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0033] For example, a light emitting diode (LED) element is applied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements 21. The type of the light emitting element 21 can be appropriately selected depending on the wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting element 21. For example, a gallium nitride (GaN) based LED may be applied as an LED that emits ultraviolet light, or a gallium arsenide (GaAs) based LED may be applied as an LED that emits infrared light. For example, the plurality of light emitting elements 21 may be arranged in a single row on the substrate 22, or may be arranged in a matrix having multiple rows.

[0034] The light-emitting unit 2 may have two or more substrates 22 arranged along the first surface 31b of the base unit 31. When the light-emitting unit 2 has two or more substrates 22, two or more light-emitting elements 21 may be arranged on each substrate 22.

[0035] <1-1-3. First Cable> The first cable 6 is electrically connected to the light emitting unit 2. This first cable 6 is a cable for supplying power to make the plurality of light emitting elements 21 emit light.

[0036] The first cable 6 may be, for example, a linear body (also referred to as a first linear body) having a structure in which a plurality of electric wires (also referred to as insulated electric wires), each having a linear conductor covered with a protective insulating coating, are covered with one or more layers of insulating coating material. The first cable 6 is not limited to the first linear body. The first cable 6 may be, for example, a linear body (also referred to as a second linear body) having a linear conductor covered with one or more layers of insulating coating material. Furthermore, the first cable 6 may have a configuration in which a plurality of second linear bodies exist independently. In other words, the first cable 6 may have a configuration including a plurality of second linear bodies.

[0037] For example, the first cable 6 has a pair of first and second ends in the longitudinal direction. In other words, for example, one longitudinal end of the first cable 6 is the first end, and the end of the first cable 6 opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction is the second end. For example, a connector (also referred to as a first connector) 6t may be attached to the first end of the first cable 6. The first connector 6t may be a male connector or a female connector. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first cable 6 has a configuration in which first ends including respective ends of two linear bodies are attached to one first connector 6t. This one first connector 6t is a male connector.

[0038] The first cable 6 may be electrically connected to, for example, the substrate 22. More specifically, a second end of the first cable 6 may be electrically connected to a wiring conductor of the substrate 22. The electrical connection of the second end to the wiring conductor may be realized, for example, by connection via a member such as a crimp terminal or by connection by joining such as soldering.

[0039] The light source module 1 may include one first cable 6, or two or more first cables 6. For example, the number of first cables 6 may correspond to the number and structure of the boards 22 in the light-emitting unit 2. For example, if the light-emitting unit 2 has a second predetermined number of boards 22, the light source module 1 may include a second predetermined number of first cables 6. The second predetermined number is a natural number equal to or greater than 1. The second predetermined number may be, for example, 2 or 3. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the light source module 1 includes three first cables 6. The three first cables 6 include a first A cable 6a, a first B cable 6b, and a first C cable 6c.

[0040] <1-1-4. Cover Member> The cover member 4 is a member for covering the light-emitting unit 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 are viewed in a plan view, the outer edge of the cover member 4 may be located outside the outer edge of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3. In other words, the cover member 4 may be located in a manner that covers the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. When the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 are viewed in a plan view, for example, the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 may be viewed along a normal to the second surface 31u. The normal to the second surface 31u may be, for example, a virtual line extending along the −Z direction. The material of the cover member 4 may be, for example, a metal such as aluminum, or another material such as plastic.

[0041] 1, 3, and 4 to 7, the cover member 4 has an irradiation port 4o. This cover member 4 is attached to the heat dissipation member 3. In other words, the cover member 4 may be fixed to the heat dissipation member 3. The attachment of the cover member 4 to the heat dissipation member 3 may be achieved by, for example, a sealant 7 and screw members 9.

[0042] The cover member 4 may have, for example, a plate-like shape. The cover member 4 has a third surface 4u and a fourth surface 4b. The fourth surface 4b is the surface opposite to the third surface 4u. If the cover member 4 has a plate-like shape, for example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 can be brought closer to the object to be irradiated. When the cover member 4 is plate-like, the thickness of the cover member 4 may be the length of the cover member 4 in the direction in which the light source module 1 emits light (the emission direction).

[0043] The third surface 4u is located on the heat dissipation member 3 side of the cover member 4. In other words, the third surface 4u faces the heat dissipation member 3 side. The cover member 4 has a recess 4c1 on the third surface 4u side. In other words, the third surface 4u is a surface that has irregularities due to the presence of the recess 4c1. The recess 4c1 may be a portion of the cover member 4 that is recessed on the third surface 4u side in a direction from the heat dissipation member 3 toward the light-emitting unit 2 (also referred to as the recess direction). The recess direction may be, for example, the direction in which the light source module 1 emits light (the emission direction). The emission direction may be, for example, a direction along the -Z direction. In other words, the recess direction may be, for example, a direction along the -Z direction.

[0044] The recess 4c1 may include, for example, unevenness within the recess 4c1. For example, the recess 4c1 may have one or more step portions (which may also be referred to as stepped portions) S1 located on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1. The outer periphery of the recess 4c1 may be a portion of the recess 4c1 that follows the periphery of the recess 4c1 when the recess 4c1 is viewed from above in the recess direction. The periphery of the recess 4c1 may be, for example, the outer edge (also referred to as the outer edge) of the recess 4c1 or an edge along the outer periphery of the recess 4c1. Here, the recess depth is defined as the depth of the recess 4c1 in the recess direction, based on a portion of the third surface 4u that is not the recess 4c1 (also referred to as a second reference portion) 4u1. The second reference portion 4u1 may be, for example, a substantially flat surface. More specifically, the second reference portion 4u1 may be, for example, a surface along an imaginary plane parallel to the XY plane. The step portion S1 may be, for example, a portion of the recess 4c1 where the recess depth increases stepwise in a direction from the periphery of the recess 4c1 toward the inside of the recess 4c1, and where the recess depth is intermediate. The direction from the periphery of the recess 4c1 toward the inside of the recess 4c1 may be, for example, a direction from the periphery of the recess 4c1 toward the center of the recess 4c1 when the recess 4c1 is viewed in a planar perspective in the recess direction. The center of the recess 4c1 may be, for example, the center of gravity of the recess 4c1 when the recess 4c1 is viewed in a planar perspective in the recess direction. In other words, the step portion S1 may be, for example, a portion of the recess 4c1 where the recess depth increases stepwise from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the center of the recess 4c1 on the third surface 4u, and where the recess depth is intermediate.

[0045] In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the recess 4c1 has a portion on the third surface 4u where the recess depth increases in two stages as it moves from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the center of the recess 4c1. More specifically, the recess 4c1 has a portion at the end of the recess 4c1 in the −Y direction where the recess depth increases in two stages as it moves from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the +Y direction. This portion has a first step portion S1 (also referred to as a first step portion S11 or a first step portion) and a first bottom surface portion B11 that is deeper than the first step portion S11. The recess 4c1 has two first step portions S11. Furthermore, the recess 4c1 has a portion at the end of the recess 4c1 in the +Y direction where the recess depth increases in two stages as it moves from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the −Y direction. This portion has a second step portion S1 (also referred to as a second step portion S12 or a second step portion) and a second bottom surface portion B12 that is deeper than the second step portion S12. The recess 4c1 has one second step portion S12. Here, the recess 4c1 is not limited to having two first step portions S11. For example, the recess 4c1 may have one first step portion S11, or three or more first step portions S11. In other words, the recess 4c1 may have one or more first step portions S11, each located on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1. Furthermore, the recess 4c1 is not limited to having one second step portion S12. For example, the recess 4c1 may have two second step portions S12, or three or more second step portions S12. In other words, for example, the recess 4c1 may have one or more second step portions S12 each located on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1.

[0046] At least a portion of a region A3 (also referred to as an outer peripheral region) along the outer edge E2 of the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 may be in contact with the third surface 4u. For example, at least a portion of the outer peripheral region A3 may be in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the recess 4c1 of the third surface 4u. For example, at least a portion of the outer peripheral region A3 may be in contact with at least some of the step portions S1 of the one or more step portions S1. More specifically, at least a portion of the outer peripheral region A3 of the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 may be in contact with each of the one or more first step portions S11. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , a portion of the outer peripheral region A3 of the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 is in contact with each of the one or more first step portions S11. More specifically, a portion of the outer peripheral region A3 located at the end in the −Y direction is in contact with two first step portions S11. Furthermore, a step portion S2 located at the end of the outer peripheral region A3 in the +Y direction is in contact with the second reference portion 4u1 of the third surface 4u.

[0047] The fourth surface 4b may be, for example, a substantially flat surface. More specifically, the fourth surface 4b may be, for example, a surface along a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane. This allows the cover member 4 and the light-transmitting member 5 to be closer to the object to be illuminated. In other words, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 may be closer to the object to be illuminated. The fourth surface 4b may be, for example, a surface having a rectangular outer edge when viewed in a plan view. In this case, the surface having a rectangular outer edge may be, for example, a surface having a rectangular outer edge with a side length of approximately 60 mm to 100 mm. The rectangular outer edge of the fourth surface 4b may have, for example, a set of two sides that are located along the +X direction and opposite each other, and another set of two sides that are located along the +Y direction and opposite each other. When the fourth surface 4b is viewed in a plan view, the fourth surface 4b may be viewed along the normal to the fourth surface 4b. The normal to the fourth surface 4b may be, for example, a virtual line along the +Z direction.

[0048] The irradiation port 4o is an opening that allows light from the light-emitting unit 2 to pass through. The irradiation port 4o opens in the recess 4c1. This irradiation port 4o penetrates the cover member 4 from the third surface 4u to the fourth surface 4b. The irradiation port 4o may, for example, open in the center of the fourth surface 4b including the center point of the fourth surface 4b, or may open at a position shifted from the center of the fourth surface 4b. The shape and size of the irradiation port 4o may be appropriately set depending on the application of the light source module 1. From another perspective, the irradiation port 4o may have a shape corresponding to the positions of the multiple light-emitting elements 21 in the light-emitting unit 2. In other words, the irradiation port 4o may be located in a region of the cover member 4 that corresponds to the region in which the multiple light-emitting elements 21 are arranged in the light-emitting unit 2.

[0049] In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the irradiation opening 4o is located in one direction along the fourth surface 4b, from one end (also referred to as the first end) of the fourth surface 4b to another end (also referred to as the second end) on the opposite side from the first end. This one direction may be, for example, a direction along the +X direction as the first direction. The first end may be an end of the fourth surface 4b in the -X direction, and the second end may be an end of the fourth surface 4b in the +X direction. In other words, the fourth surface 4b has a pair of first and second ends in the direction along the +X direction as the first direction. For example, when the fourth surface 4b is viewed in a plan view, the irradiation opening 4o has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction along the +X direction as the first direction and a lateral direction along the +Y direction as the second direction.

[0050] The cover member 4 may have, for example, a holding portion F1 located along the irradiation port 4o. The holding portion F1 is a portion that holds the light-transmitting member 5. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the holding portion F1 is located in a form that sandwiches the irradiation port 4o in the short direction of the irradiation port 4o. The recess 4c1 may have, for example, a portion (also referred to as a protruding portion) that protrudes toward the heat dissipation member 3 along the irradiation port 4o due to the presence of the holding portion F1.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the recess 4c1 has a space Is1 (also referred to as an internal space) within the recess 4c1. The internal space Is1 is a space surrounded by the recess 4c1. More specifically, for example, the internal space Is1 may be a space surrounded by the recess 4c1 and a virtual plane along the second reference portion 4u1 of the third surface 4u. A portion (also referred to as an insertion portion) 31p of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 is located in the internal space Is1. The insertion portion 31p is a portion of the base portion 31 that is inserted into the internal space Is1 within the recess 4c1. The insertion portion 31p may be a portion of the base portion 31 on the first surface 31b side. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the insertion portion 31p is a portion of the base portion 31 that is along the first reference portion 31b1 on the first surface 31b. Here, for example, if a portion of the insertion portion 31p has a shape that fits into a portion of the recess 4c1, it may be easier to align the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 when manufacturing the light source module 1. In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 14 , two convex portions C1 as part of the insertion portion 31p have a shape that fits into two concave portions D1 on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4. The two convex portions C1 include one convex portion C1 that protrudes in the +X direction on the +X direction side of the base portion 31, and one convex portion C1 that protrudes in the −X direction on the −X direction side of the base portion 31. The two concave portions D1 include one concave portion D1 that is recessed in the +X direction in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 4c1 located on the +X direction side, and one concave portion D1 that is recessed in the −X direction in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 4c1 located on the −X direction side.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the internal space Is1 includes a region A1 (also referred to as a first region) located between the cover member 4 and the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. In other words, the first region A1 is a region of space located between the cover member 4 and the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. For example, the light-emitting unit 2 may be located in the first region A1. For example, the second end portion of the first cable 6 may be located in the first region A1. The light-emitting unit 2 does not need to be in contact with the cover member 4. This reduces the risk of damage to the light-emitting unit 2 due to a collision between the light-emitting unit 2 and the cover member 4 during manufacturing of the light source module 1. Furthermore, for example, the presence of the light-emitting unit 2 reduces the likelihood of impeding alignment between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4.

[0053] 13 to 17 , the base portion 31 has an outer shape that follows, for example, the periphery of the recess 4c1. A gap (also referred to as a first gap) G1 may exist between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4. More specifically, the first gap G1 may exist between the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4. For example, if the first gap G1 is of a certain size, the presence of the first gap G1 can reduce stress that occurs between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 due to the difference in thermal expansion between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 13 to 15 , an opening (also referred to as a second opening) O2 through which the first cable 6 is inserted is present between the recess 4c1 and the base portion 31. The second opening O2 is connected to the first region A1. More specifically, the first cable 6 may be located from within the first region A1 to the outside Os1 of the recess 4c1 via the second opening O2. In other words, the first cable 6 located from within the first region A1 to the outside Os1 of the recess 4c1 may be inserted into the second opening O2. The outside Os1 is a space not surrounded by the recess 4c1. In other words, the outside Os1 is a space located outside the internal space Is1. A first end portion of the first cable 6 is located in the outside Os1. The first end portion of the first cable 6 may be exposed to the outside of the light source module 1.

[0055] The second opening O2 may be formed, for example, by widening a portion of the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, for example, the recess 4c1 may have a portion 4n (also referred to as a first protruding portion) that protrudes outward from the recess 4c1 at the outer periphery of the recess 4c1, thereby forming the second opening O2 between the recess 4c1 and the base portion 31. The outward direction of the recess 4c1 may be, for example, a direction away from the center of the recess 4c1 when the recess 4c1 is viewed in plan view in the recess direction. The first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 may be regarded, for example, as a notch-shaped portion that the outer periphery of the recess 4c1 has.

[0056] The first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 may have a shape in which the recess depth increases stepwise or continuously in a direction from the periphery of the recess 4c1 toward the inside of the recess 4c1. This makes it easier, for example, to arrange the first cable 6 from the first region A1 to the outside Os1 of the recess 4c1 through the second opening O2. It also makes it easier, for example, to arrange the sealing material 7 in a manner that blocks the second opening O2. In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 , the first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 has a shape in which the recess depth increases in two steps from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the center of the recess 4c1 on the third surface 4u. More specifically, the first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 has a shape in which the recess depth increases in two steps at the end of the recess 4c1 in the −Y direction as it moves from the second reference portion 4u1 toward the +Y direction. Here, the portion of the first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 that has an intermediate recess depth may form a plane that is flush with the step portion S1 of the recess 4c1. More specifically, the portion of the first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 that has an intermediate recess depth may form a plane that is flush with the first step portion S11. This makes it possible to easily form the recess 4c1, for example.

[0057] The light source module 1 may have one second opening O2 or two or more second openings O2. For example, the number of second openings O2 may correspond to the number of first cables 6. For example, if the light source module 1 has a third predetermined number of first cables 6, the light source module 1 may have a third predetermined number of second openings O2. The third predetermined number is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. The third predetermined number may be, for example, 2 or 3. Furthermore, the recess 4c1 may have one first protruding portion 4n or two or more first protruding portions 4n. For example, the number of first protruding portions 4n may correspond to the number of second openings O2. For example, if the light source module 1 has a third predetermined number of second openings O2, the recess 4c1 may have a third predetermined number of first protruding portions 4n.

[0058] In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 13, and 14, the light source module 1 includes three first cables 6 and three second openings O2 through which one first cable 6 is inserted. The three second openings O2 include a second-A opening O2a, a second-B opening O2b, and a second-C opening O2c. The first-A cable 6a is inserted through the second-A opening O2a. The first-B cable 6b is inserted through the second-B opening O2b. The first-C cable 6c is inserted through the second-C opening O2c. The recess 4c1 also has three first protruding portions 4n. The three first protruding portions 4n include a first-A protruding portion 4na, a first-B protruding portion 4nb, and a first-C protruding portion 4nc. The first-A protruding portion 4na constitutes the second-A opening O2a. The first B-side protruding portion 4nb constitutes a second B-side opening O2b, and the first C-side protruding portion 4nc constitutes a second C-side opening O2c.

[0059] The cover member 4 may have, for example, a through hole 4c2 in which the screw member 9 is located. The through hole 4c2 penetrates from the fourth surface 4b to the third surface 4u. The through hole 4c2 may have, for example, a shape in which a cylindrical portion having a first diameter (also referred to as a small diameter portion) located on the third surface 4u side is connected to a cylindrical portion having a second diameter larger than the first diameter (also referred to as a large diameter portion) located on the fourth surface 4b side. An annular surface (also referred to as a seating surface) may be located at the connecting portion between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. The shank of the screw member 9 is inserted into the small diameter portion of the through hole 4c2, and the head of the screw member 9 is accommodated in the large diameter portion of the through hole 4c2, with the head contacting the seating surface of the through hole 4c2. With this configuration, the head of the screw member 9 does not protrude from the fourth surface 4b, allowing the cover member 4 and the translucent member 5 to be closer to the object to be irradiated. In other words, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 can be brought closer to the object to be irradiated. The through-holes 4c2 may be open at the step portion S1 on the recess 4c1 side, for example. With this configuration, even if the large-diameter portion of the cover member 4 is located on the back side of the step portion S1, the increase in the thickness of the cover member 4 can be reduced.

[0060] The cover member 4 may have one through hole 4c2 or two or more through holes 4c2. For example, the number of through holes 4c2 may be the same as the number of screw members 9. In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the cover member 4 has four through holes 4c2. The four through holes 4c2 include two through holes 4c2 that open in the two first step portions S11 and two through holes 4c2 that open in the second step portion S12. One through hole 4c2 opens in each of the two first step portions S11.

[0061] For example, if the cover member 4 is made of metal, the cover member 4 can be produced by performing various processes on a rectangular parallelepiped block made of metal such as aluminum. The various processes can include, for example, cutting and punching. For example, if the cover member 4 is made of plastic, the cover member 4 can be produced by, for example, molding a resin.

[0062] <1-1-5. Light-Transmitting Member> The light-transmitting member 5 is a member that blocks the irradiation port 4o. This light-transmitting member 5 transmits light from the light-emitting unit 2. The light-transmitting member 5 is made of, for example, glass or heat-resistant plastic. The light-transmitting member 5 may be held by, for example, a holding portion F1 that is positioned along the irradiation port 4o. The holding portion F1 may have, for example, claws for holding the light-transmitting member 5. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 5 may be attached to the holding portion F1 with an adhesive or the like. In this case, the holding portion F1 holds the light-transmitting member 5 via the adhesive.

[0063] The light-transmitting member 5 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the irradiation port 4o, for example. The light-transmitting member 5 has, for example, a plate-like shape. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 , when the fourth surface 4b is viewed in plan, the irradiation port 4o has a rectangular shape, and the light-transmitting member 5 has a rectangular shape. More specifically, the light-transmitting member 5 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like shape having a surface facing the light-emitting unit 2 (also referred to as a fifth surface) and a surface facing the opposite side from the fifth surface (also referred to as a sixth surface). The shape of the light-transmitting member 5 is not limited to a plate-like shape. For example, at least one of the fifth surface and the sixth surface may be curved. This allows the spread angle of light from the light-emitting unit 2 to be adjusted.

[0064] The light-transmitting member 5 does not have to be in contact with the light-emitting unit 2. A spatial region (also referred to as a second region) A2 may exist between the light-emitting unit 2 and the light-transmitting member 5. This second region A2 may be connected to the first region A1. For example, if the light-transmitting member 5 is not in contact with the light-emitting unit 2, the occurrence of damage to the light-emitting unit 2 due to a collision between the light-emitting unit 2 and the light-transmitting member 5 during the manufacture of the light source module 1 is reduced. Furthermore, for example, a problem in which contact between the light-emitting unit 2 and the light-transmitting member 5 interferes with the alignment of the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 is reduced.

[0065] 1-1-6. Sealant> As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the sealant 7 seals the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 along a periphery E1 of the first gap G1. The periphery E1 of the first gap G1 may be, for example, the outer edge (also referred to as the outer edge) of the first gap G1 or an edge along the outer periphery of the first gap G1. The sealant 7 includes a portion P1 (also referred to as a first portion) through which the first cable 6 passes and which seals the second opening O2. In other words, the first cable 6 passes through the sealant 7, and the sealant 7 seals the second opening O2. The sealant 7 is made of resin. This allows electrical connection from outside the light source module 1 to the light-emitting unit 2 via the first cable 6. Furthermore, by closing the first gap G1 and the second opening O2 with the sealing material 7, it is possible to reduce the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside of the light source module 1 toward the light-emitting unit 2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2 while enabling electrical connection from the outside of the light source module 1 to the light-emitting unit 2.

[0066] Here, the sealing material 7 may be present in an annular shape along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1. In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the sealing material 7 is present in an angular annular shape along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1.

[0067] The sealant 7 may or may not be positioned up to the first surface 31b within the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1, excluding, for example, a portion along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1 that is along the second opening O2. In other words, for example, the first portion P1 of the sealant 7 may be positioned up to the first surface 31b within the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1. This may result in stronger sealing of the second opening O2 by the sealant 7.

[0068] The sealing material 7 may have a number of first portions P1 corresponding to the number of second openings O2. For example, if the light source module 1 has a fourth predetermined number of second openings O2, the sealing material 7 may have a fourth predetermined number of first portions P1. The fourth predetermined number is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. The fourth predetermined number may be, for example, 2 or 3.

[0069] In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light source module 1 has three second openings O2, and the sealing material 7 has three first portions P1. The three first portions P1 include a first-A portion P1a, a first-B portion P1b, and a first-C portion P1c. The first-A cable 6a passes through the first-A portion P1a and blocks the second-A opening O2a. The first-B cable 6b passes through the first-B portion P1b and blocks the second-B opening O2b. The first-C cable 6c passes through the first-C portion P1c and blocks the second-C opening O2c. In other words, the first-A cable 6a passes through the sealing material 7, and the sealing material 7 blocks the second-A opening O2a. The first-B cable 6b passes through the sealing material 7, and the sealing material 7 blocks the second-B opening O2b. The first C cable 6c passes through the sealing material 7, and the sealing material 7 closes the second C opening O2c.

[0070] In addition, in an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the second cable 8 passes through the firstB portion P1b and blocks the secondB opening O2b. In other words, the second cable 8 passes through the sealing material 7, and the sealing material 7 blocks the secondB opening O2b. From another perspective, the firstB cable 6b and the second cable 8 pass through the firstB portion P1b and block the secondB opening O2b. In other words, the firstB cable 6b and the second cable 8 pass through the sealing material 7, and the sealing material 7 blocks the secondB opening O2b. Here, the second cable 8 is located from the first region A1 to the outside Os1 of the recess 4c1 via the secondB opening O2b. In other words, the second cable 8, located from within the first region A1 to the outside Os1 of the recess 4c1, is inserted into the secondB opening O2b.

[0071] Generally, LED packages are used in which the light-emitting elements are directly covered with a protective resin to protect the light-emitting elements. In contrast, if the sealing material 7 is not present in the second region A2 between the light-emitting section 2 and the translucent member 5 and the periphery of the light-emitting elements 21 is not covered with resin, a configuration in which the light-emitting elements 21 are arranged at high density in the light-emitting section 2 can be easily achieved. Furthermore, if the protective resin is not present between the light-emitting elements 21 and the translucent member 5, attenuation of the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 21 toward the outside of the light source module 1 via the translucent member 5 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the light source module 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the occurrence of problems such as deterioration of the protective resin due to heat generated when the light-emitting elements 21 emit light and light from the light-emitting elements 21 can be reduced.

[0072] Here, for example, the resin constituting the sealing material 7 has elasticity. This elasticity may be a general property of resin. As the elastic resin, for example, an elastic adhesive such as a silicone adhesive is adopted. For example, the silicone adhesive may be disposed along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4, and the silicone adhesive may be dried to realize the resin constituting the sealing material 7 having rubber elasticity.

[0073] Here, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the elastic modulus of the resin constituting the sealing material 7 is smaller than the elastic modulus of the materials of the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3. With this configuration, when the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 undergo deformation due to expansion or contraction, for example, caused by temperature rise or fall resulting from the light emission of the light-emitting unit 2 and its termination, the sealing material 7 can elastically deform in response to this deformation. As a result, even if the thermal expansion coefficients of the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3, and the first cable 6 are different, stress caused by expansion or contraction of the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3, and the first cable 6 in response to temperature rise and fall occurring before and after the light emission of the light-emitting unit 2 can be reduced by the elastic deformation of the sealing material 7. As a result, the expansion of the first gap G1 between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 and deterioration of the first cable 6 can be reduced. Furthermore, deterioration of the second cable 8 in addition to the first cable 6 can also be reduced.

[0074] Here, the lower the elastic modulus of the resin constituting the sealing material 7, the more the stress caused by deformation due to expansion or contraction of the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3 and the first cable 6 can be reduced by the elastic deformation of the sealing material 7.

[0075] Here, for example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 may emit ultraviolet light, and the resin constituting the sealing material 7 may be a resin resistant to ultraviolet light (also referred to as UV resistance). In this case, even if the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 emit ultraviolet light, deterioration of the sealing material 7 may be reduced if the resin constituting the sealing material 7 is resistant to ultraviolet light. This reduces the increase in adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2. Here, UV resistance may be, for example, a property of being resistant to loss of elasticity when exposed to ultraviolet light. Furthermore, UV resistance may be, for example, a property of being resistant to cracking due to hardening and embrittlement when exposed to ultraviolet light. Furthermore, UV resistance may be a property of maintaining the sealing material 7's ability to seal the light-emitting unit 2 (also referred to as hermeticity) until the end of the life of the light source module 1. The life of the light source module 1 may be, for example, a predetermined time during which the amount of light emitted from the light source module 1 remains equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, based on an initial value. When the initial value is 1, the predetermined threshold value may be, for example, 0.7 or another value greater than 0.7. The predetermined time may be, for example, 15,000 hours, or may be set to another time exceeding 15,000 hours. The property of maintaining the hermetic seal may be, for example, a property of preventing particles and mist generated around the light source module 1 from penetrating into the light-emitting unit 2. As the UV-resistant resin, for example, a UV-resistant adhesive such as a silicone adhesive is used. For example, the silicone adhesive may be disposed along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4, and the UV-resistant resin constituting the sealing material 7 may be realized by drying the silicone adhesive.

[0076] The first cable 6 includes, for example, a covering material 61. The covering material 61 may be a covering material that forms the outer periphery of the first cable 6. Examples of materials that can be used for the covering material 61 include polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene. Here, for example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 may emit ultraviolet light, and the resin that forms the sealing material 7 may have better resistance to ultraviolet light than the material of the covering material 61. In this case, even if the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 emit ultraviolet light, deterioration of the sealing material 7 can be reduced as long as the resin that forms the sealing material 7 has better resistance to ultraviolet light than the material of the covering material 61 of the first cable 6. This can reduce the increase in adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2.

[0077] 3, the second cable 8 is electrically connected to, for example, a sensor 8s located in the first area A1. The second cable 8 may be a cable for transmitting electrical signals to and from the sensor 8s. The sensor 8s may be, for example, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the light-emitting unit 2. The temperature of the light-emitting unit 2 may be, for example, the temperature of the plurality of light-emitting elements 21. The temperature sensor may be, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor may be fixed to, for example, the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 that is thermally connected to the light-emitting unit 2. The temperature sensor may be fixed to the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 by fastening with a screw or the like.

[0078] The second cable 8 may be, for example, a linear body (first linear body) having a structure in which a plurality of electric wires (insulated electric wires), each having a linear conductor covered with a protective insulating coating, are covered with one or more layers of insulating coating material. The second cable 8 is not limited to the first linear body. The second cable 8 may be, for example, a linear body (second linear body) having a linear conductor covered with one or more layers of insulating coating material. Furthermore, the second cable 8 may have a configuration in which a plurality of second linear bodies exist independently. In other words, the second cable 8 may have a configuration including a plurality of second linear bodies.

[0079] For example, the second cable 8 has a pair of third and fourth ends in the longitudinal direction. In other words, for example, one longitudinal end of the second cable 8 is the third end, and the longitudinal end of the second cable 8 opposite the third end is the fourth end. The second cable 8 may have a connector (also referred to as a second connector) 8t attached to the third end of the second cable 8. The second connector 8t may be a male connector or a female connector. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the second cable 8 has a configuration in which the third end, which includes the respective ends of the two second linear bodies, is attached to one second connector 8t. This one second connector 8t is a male connector.

[0080] The fourth end of the second cable 8 may be electrically connected to the sensor 8s. The electrical connection of the fourth end to the sensor 8s may be realized, for example, by connection via a member such as a crimp terminal or by connection by joining such as soldering. The fourth end portion of the second cable 8 and the sensor 8s are located in a first area A1 of the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4. The third end portion of the second cable 8 may be located outside Os1 of the recess 4c1. The third end portion of the second cable 8 may be exposed to the outside of the light source module 1. This allows transmission and reception of electrical signals between the outside of the light source module 1 and the sensor 8s via the second cable 8.

[0081] The light source module 1 may include one second cable 8, or two or more second cables 8. For example, the number of second cables 8 may correspond to the number of sensors 8s located in the first area A1. For example, if a fifth predetermined number of sensors 8s are located in the first area A1, the light source module 1 may include a fifth predetermined number of second cables 8. The fifth predetermined number is a natural number equal to or greater than 1. The fifth predetermined number may be, for example, 1, 2, or 3. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the light source module 1 includes one second cable 8.

[0082] Here, for example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 may emit ultraviolet light, and the resin constituting the sealing material 7 may have better resistance to ultraviolet light than the material of the covering material of the second cable 8. The covering material of the second cable 8 may be the covering material constituting the outer periphery of the second cable 8. The material of the covering material of the second cable 8 may be the same as or similar to the material of the covering material 61.

[0083] <1-1-8. Screw Member> The screw member 9 fastens the cover member 4 to the heat dissipation member 3. The thermal conductivity of the material of the screw member 9 may be higher than the thermal conductivity of the resin constituting the sealing material 7. In this case, the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 are thermally connected via the screw member 9. This can increase heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 3 via the screw member 9 and the cover member 4. This can reduce the temperature rise of the multiple light-emitting elements 21. This can stabilize the amount of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 21. Here, the screw member 9 can be made of a material such as an iron-based material, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or copper.

[0084] The screw member 9 has, for example, a head and a shank protruding from the head. The head may have, for example, a disk-like shape and may have a hexagonal socket, a Phillips-head socket (also called a cross recess), or a flat-head socket on the side opposite the shank. The shank may have, for example, a cylindrical shape and may have a male thread on the outer periphery. The screw member 9 is, for example, inserted into the through hole 4c2 of the cover member 4 from the fourth surface 4b side. Here, the head of the screw member 9 is accommodated in the large-diameter portion of the through hole 4c2 and contacts the seating surface, and the shank of the screw member 9 may pass through the small-diameter portion of the through hole 4c2 and be fitted into a threaded hole opening in the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. In this case, the cover member 4 may be sandwiched between the head of the screw member 9 and the base portion 31, thereby fastening the cover member 4 to the heat dissipation member 3.

[0085] The light source module 1 may include one screw member 9, or two or more screw members 9. Here, the presence and number of screw members 9 may more stably fix the cover member 4 to the heat dissipation member 3, and may increase heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 3 via the screw members 9, etc. For example, the number of screw members 9 may be the same as the number of through holes 4c2. In one example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the light source module 1 includes four screw members 9.

[0086] <1-2. Example of Manufacturing of Light Source Module> An example of the light source module 1 according to the first embodiment described above can be manufactured as follows.

[0087] First, as shown in FIG. 12 , for example, the light-emitting unit 2 is fixed to the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3, and the first cable 6 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 2. Fixing the light-emitting unit 2 to the base portion 31 or connecting the first cable 6 to the light-emitting unit 2 may be performed first. For example, the substrate 22 of the light-emitting unit 2 may be fixed to the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 by screwing or the like. Here, for example, thermal grease may be interposed between the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 and the substrate 22. Here, for example, the sensor 8s may be fixed to the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 by screwing or the like. Furthermore, for example, the first cable 6 may be electrically connected to the wiring conductor of the substrate 22 of the light-emitting unit 2 by connection via a member such as a crimp terminal or by connection by joining such as soldering. Here, for example, the second cable 8 may be electrically connected to the sensor 8s by connection via a member such as a crimp terminal or by connection by joining such as soldering.

[0088] 13 to 16 , for example, the irradiation port 4o of the cover member 4 is closed with the light-transmitting member 5, and the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 are aligned. Either the closing of the irradiation port 4o with the light-transmitting member 5 or the alignment of the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 may be performed first. For example, the light-transmitting member 5 may be slid along the irradiation port 4o of the cover member 4 in the +X direction or the −X direction, thereby holding the light-transmitting member 5 by the holding portion F1. For example, the two convex portions C1 of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 may be inserted into the two concave portions D1 of the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4, and the heat dissipation member 3 may be placed on the cover member 4, thereby aligning the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4. In this case, a first gap G1 exists between the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4, and a second opening O2 through which the first cable 6 is inserted exists between the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4 and the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3. For example, the second cable 8 may be inserted into the second opening O2.

[0089] 17 , for example, the cover member 4 is attached to the heat dissipation member 3. In other words, for example, the cover member 4 is fixed to the heat dissipation member 3. For example, the cover member 4 may be fixed to the heat dissipation member 3 by screw members 9.

[0090] 1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 , the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 is closed with the sealing material 7 along the periphery E1 of this first gap G1, and the second opening O2 through which the first cable 6 passes is also closed with the sealing material 7. In this case, the second opening O2 through which the first cable 6 and the second cable 8 pass may be closed with the sealing material 7.

[0091] In this way, an example of the light source module 1 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured.

[0092] <1-3. Light Irradiation Device> FIG. 18 is a side view showing the appearance of an example of the light irradiation device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a bottom view showing the appearance of an example of the light irradiation device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic configuration of the light irradiation device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the light irradiation device 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 18 to 21 , the first cable 6 and the second cable 8 are schematically shown by a single thick line. Here, the "+Z direction" in FIGS. 18 to 21 is also conveniently referred to as the "upward direction." The "-Z direction" in FIGS. 18 to 21 is also conveniently referred to as the "downward direction." The "+Y direction" in FIGS. 18 to 21 is also conveniently referred to as the "rightward direction." The "-Y direction" in FIGS. 18 to 21 is also conveniently referred to as the "leftward direction." 18 to 21 is also referred to as the "depth direction" for convenience, and the "+X direction" in Fig. 18 to 21 is also referred to as the "front direction" for convenience.

[0093] The light irradiation device 10 is a device that irradiates an object with light.

[0094] 18 to 21 , the light irradiation device 10 includes a light source module 1, a housing 11, and a drive unit 12. In an example of the first embodiment, the light irradiation device 10 includes a blower 13 and a connector (also referred to as a third connector) 14.

[0095] The housing 11, together with the cover member 4, surrounds the light-emitting unit 2 and the heat-dissipating member 3. The housing 11 and the cover member 4 may, for example, form the outer shape of the light irradiation device 10. The housing 11 may, for example, be directly fixed to the cover member 4, or may be indirectly fixed to the cover member 4 by being fixed to the heat-dissipating member 3. The housing 11 has an internal space (also referred to as a first space) Sp1 surrounded by the housing 11. In other words, the first space Sp1 may be a hollow space surrounded by the housing 11 and the cover member 4. In an example of the first embodiment, the light irradiation device 10 includes the light-emitting unit 2, the heat-dissipating member 3, the first cable 6, the second cable 8, the drive unit 12, and the air blower 13 in the first space Sp1 of the housing 11. The material of the housing 11 may be, for example, a metal such as aluminum, like the material of the cover member 4, or another material such as plastic.

[0096] In one example of the first embodiment, the light irradiation device 10 formed by the housing 11 and the cover member 4 may have a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The light irradiation device 10 has, for example, a lower surface 11 a, a side surface 11 b, an inclined surface 11 c, and an upper surface 11 d.

[0097] The lower surface 11a may be a surface through which light from the light-emitting unit 2 is emitted to the outside of the light irradiation device 10 via the light-transmitting member 5 that covers the irradiation port 4o. The lower surface 11a may be configured, for example, by the fourth surface 4b of the cover member 4 and the surface of the light-transmitting member 5 on the opposite side from the light-emitting unit 2. The lower surface 11a may be positioned, for example, facing downward. Light from the light-emitting unit 2 may be emitted downward from the lower surface 11a, for example.

[0098] The side surface 11b may be, for example, a surface that surrounds the first space Sp1 in a direction along the bottom surface 11a. In other words, the side surface 11b may be, for example, a surface that surrounds the first space Sp1 from the side. More specifically, the side surface 11b may be, for example, a surface that extends in the up-down direction.

[0099] The inclined surface 11c and the upper surface 11d may be located on the opposite side of the light irradiation device 10 from the lower surface 11a. The inclined surface 11c and the upper surface 11d may be located on the opposite side of the first space Sp1 from the lower surface 11a. The inclined surface 11c and the upper surface 11d may be located, for example, at the upper part of the light irradiation device 10. In other words, the inclined surface 11c and the upper surface 11d may, for example, form the upper outer surface of the housing 11. The upper surface 11d may, for example, face in the opposite direction from the lower surface 11a. In other words, the upper surface 11d may, for example, be located facing upward. The upper surface 11d may be parallel to the lower surface 11a, slightly inclined relative to the lower surface 11a, slightly curved, or slightly uneven. The inclined surface 11c may be, for example, a surface that connects the upper surface 11d and the side surface 11b and is inclined with respect to all of the lower surface 11a, the side surface 11b, and the upper surface 11d. Here, for example, in the direction from the lower surface 11a to the upper surface 11d, the lower surface 11a, the side surface 11b, the inclined surface 11c, and the upper surface 11d may be connected in this order. The inclined surface 11c may be positioned, for example, facing diagonally upward. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, the inclined surface 11c is located on the right side (+Y direction) of the upper part of the housing 11, and the upper surface 11d is located on the left side (-Y direction) of the upper part of the housing 11.

[0100] The light irradiation device 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, for example, a height of about 150 mm in the vertical direction, a width of about 100 mm in the horizontal direction, and a depth of about 80 mm in the depth direction. The outer shape of the light irradiation device 10 formed by the housing 11 and the cover member 4 may be various shapes depending on the application of the light irradiation device 10. The outer shape of the light irradiation device 10 formed by the housing 11 and the cover member 4 may be, for example, a cube, a triangular prism, a cylinder, or a semi-cylindrical shape. The outer dimensions of the light irradiation device 10 are not limited to the height, width, and depth described above. The outer dimensions of the light irradiation device 10 may have various shapes depending on the application of the light irradiation device 10.

[0101] Here, for example, a printing device in the form of a line printer is assumed, in which the width of an inkjet (IJ) head serving as a printing unit is approximately the same as the width of a print medium such as paper. When the light irradiation device 10 is applied to this printing device, for example, multiple light irradiation devices 10 may be arranged in the +X direction, which is the width direction of the print medium, so that the width of the print medium and the total width of the multiple light irradiation devices 10 are set to be approximately the same. Alternatively, the depth of the light irradiation device 10 and the width of the print medium may be set to be approximately the same.

[0102] The housing 11 has two or more ventilation holes 11h. Each of the two or more ventilation holes 11h connects a first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 to a space (also referred to as a second space) Sp2 outside the housing 11. The two or more ventilation holes 11h include a first ventilation hole 11h1 and a second ventilation hole 11h2. The first ventilation hole 11h1 may be open on, for example, the side surface 11b. Specifically, the first ventilation hole 11h1 may be located adjacent to the second gaps 32g between the protrusions 32 in a direction along the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. More specifically, the first ventilation hole 11h1 may be located adjacent to each of the second gaps 32g in a direction along the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. The direction along the first surface 31b may be, for example, the +Y direction. The second ventilation opening 11h2 may be located, for example, on the opposite side of the cover member 4 with respect to the heat dissipation member 3. In other words, the heat dissipation member 3 may be located, for example, between the second ventilation opening 11h2 and the cover member 4. As shown in FIGS. 18 , 20 , and 21 , the second ventilation opening 11h2 may be open on the inclined surface 11c. This may increase the size (also referred to as the opening area) of the second ventilation opening 11h2 while reducing the size of the housing 11, for example. This may increase the amount of air flowing in or out through the second ventilation opening 11h2 between the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 and the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11. As a result, the light-emitting unit 2 may be cooled more efficiently via the heat dissipation member 3.

[0103] Each of the first ventilation opening 11h1 and the second ventilation opening 11h2 may be located, for example, in a region offset in a predetermined direction perpendicular to a region centered on an imaginary central axis (also referred to as a first imaginary central axis) Ax1 that passes through the center of the lower surface 11a and is perpendicular to the lower surface 11a. The first imaginary central axis Ax1 may be, for example, a virtual central axis along the up-and-down direction of the housing 11. Here, the center of the irradiation opening 4o may be offset in a predetermined direction from the center point of the lower surface 11a. The heat dissipation member 3 may be located in a region offset in a predetermined direction from the region centered on the first imaginary central axis Ax1. When this configuration is adopted, for example, the amount of air flowing between the first ventilation opening 11h1 and the second ventilation opening 11h2 in the first space Sp1 that flows through the multiple second gaps 32g of the heat dissipation member 3 may be increased. This allows the light-emitting unit 2 to be cooled efficiently, for example, depending on the arrangement of the light-emitting unit 2 and the heat dissipation member 3. The predetermined direction may be, for example, the +Y direction as the right direction.

[0104] 18 to 21 , in an example of the first embodiment, the first ventilation opening 11h1 opens in a portion of the side surface 11b that is located on the right side (+Y direction). The second ventilation opening 11h2 opens in an inclined surface 11c that is located on the right side (+Y direction) of an upper portion of the housing 11. In the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11, the light-emitting unit 2 and the heat dissipation member 3 are located in a region that is shifted to the right (+Y direction) from a region centered on the first imaginary central axis Ax1.

[0105] The driver 12 includes a circuit (also referred to as a driver circuit) that drives the light-emitting unit 2. The driver 12 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 2. The driver 12 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 2 via a first cable 6. In other words, the first cable 6 electrically connects the light-emitting unit 2 and the driver 12. The driver 12 supplies power to cause the multiple light-emitting elements 21 in the light-emitting unit 2 to emit light. This allows the light irradiation device 10 to supply power to the light-emitting unit 2 from outside the light source module 1 while reducing the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2. Here, if it is assumed that an electrical connection is made to the driver 12 from outside the light irradiation device 10, it can be said that an electrical connection to the light-emitting unit 2 from outside the light source module 1 is possible. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 10, the light-emitting unit 2 can be electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 2 from outside the light source module 1 while reducing the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2. The driver 12 may be connected to a sensor 8s via a second cable 8, for example. Although not shown in Figures 20 and 21, for example, a male first connector 6t of the first cable 6 may be connected to a female connector of the drive unit 12, or a male second connector 8t of the second cable 8 may be connected to a female connector of the drive unit 12.

[0106] The drive unit 12 may include, for example, a wiring board and a drive circuit. For example, a printed circuit board or the like is used as the wiring board. The wiring board is fixed, for example, to the inner surface of the housing 11. For example, the wiring board may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 11 by screwing or the like via a pedestal, a support, or a spacer arranged on the inner surface of the housing 11. Furthermore, for example, the wiring board may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 11 by fitting the wiring board into recesses and protrusions arranged on the inner surface of the housing 11. For example, the wiring board may be positioned along a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0107] The drive circuit includes, for example, one or more electronic components. The one or more electronic components are attached, for example, to a wiring board. The drive circuit may, for example, supply power to the light-emitting unit 2 and control the light emission of the light-emitting unit 2. The drive circuit may, for example, supply power to the air blower 13 and control the operation of the air blower 13. For example, the drive circuit may control the rotation speed of the air blower 13 depending on the heat generation state of the light-emitting unit 2. The drive circuit may, for example, recognize the heat generation state of the light-emitting unit 2 by an electrical signal from the sensor 8s via the second cable 8.

[0108] The drive unit 12, which has a drive circuit, generates heat when driving the light-emitting unit 2. If the one or more electronic components include multiple electronic components, the temperature rise in the drive circuit can be reduced if the multiple electronic components are not densely arranged. Here, for example, if the one or more electronic components include an electronic component such as a power transistor that tends to generate a large amount of heat, a heat sink may be attached to the drive unit 12 to increase the amount of heat dissipation from the electronic component. In order to effectively direct airflow to parts of the drive unit 12 that tend to become hot, one or more structures such as grooves, fins, and air guide plates may be located on the inner surface of the housing 11 around the drive unit 12.

[0109] The air blower 13 is located between the heat dissipation member 3 and the second ventilation opening 11h2. For example, the air blower 13 may blow air toward the heat dissipation member 3 as shown in FIG. 20 , or toward the second ventilation opening 11h2 as shown in FIG. 21 . In other words, the air blower 13 may blow air toward the heat dissipation member 3 or toward the second ventilation opening 11h2. This allows the air blower 13 to create an air flow that can efficiently cool the heat dissipation member 3 between the second ventilation opening 11h2 on the inclined surface 11c and the first ventilation opening 11h1 located to the side of the heat dissipation member 3. This improves the efficiency of cooling the heat dissipation member 3 by the air blown by the air blower 13. As a result, the light-emitting unit 2 can be efficiently cooled via the heat dissipation member 3.

[0110] 20, an example of the flow of air introduced from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 to the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 through the second ventilation opening 11h2 in the inclined surface 11c is schematically shown by arrows drawn with thin two-dot chain lines. An example of the flow of air from the blower 13 toward the heat dissipation member 3 is schematically shown by arrows drawn with thin two-dot chain lines. An example of the flow of air from the region along the heat dissipation member 3 toward the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 through the first ventilation opening 11h1 in the side surface 11b is schematically shown by arrows drawn with thin two-dot chain lines. An example of the flow of air from the blower 13 toward the drive unit 12 is schematically shown by arrows drawn with thin two-dot chain lines. As shown in Figure 20, for example, when the blower 13 blows air toward the heat dissipation member 3, an air flow can be set up in which air introduced from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 to the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 through the second air vent 11h2 on the inclined surface 11c passes through the area along the heat dissipation member 3 and is discharged to the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 through the first air vent 11h1 on the side surface 11b.

[0111] 21 , an example of the flow of air introduced from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 to the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 through the first ventilation opening 11h1 on the side surface 11b is schematically shown by an arrow drawn with a thin two-dot chain line. An example of the flow of air from the area along the heat dissipation member 3 toward the blower unit 13 is schematically shown by an arrow drawn with a thin two-dot chain line. An example of the flow of air from the blower unit 13 toward the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 through the second ventilation opening 11h2 on the inclined surface 11c is schematically shown by an arrow drawn with a thin two-dot chain line. An example of the flow of air from the area along the drive unit 12 toward the blower unit 13 is schematically shown by an arrow drawn with a thin two-dot chain line. As shown in Figure 21, for example, if the blower 13 blows air to the second air vent 11h2, an air flow can be set up in which air introduced from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 to the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 through the first air vent 11h1 on the side surface 11b passes through the area along the heat dissipation member 3 and is discharged to the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 through the second air vent 11h2 on the inclined surface 11c.

[0112] Here, for example, if the direction in which the air blower 13 blows air is nearly perpendicular to the second ventilation opening 11h2, the air can be efficiently blown from the air blower 13 to a portion of the heat dissipation member 3 that is far from the second ventilation opening 11h2, and pressure loss at the second ventilation opening 11h2 relative to the air flow can be reduced. The direction in which the air blower 13 blows air may or may not be perpendicular to the second ventilation opening 11h2. The air blower 13 may be separated from both the second ventilation opening 11h2 and the heat dissipation member 3, or may be close to or in contact with either the second ventilation opening 11h2 or the heat dissipation member 3.

[0113] Here, for example, if an axial flow fan is used for the blower 13, the blower 13 can generate a larger airflow despite its small size. For example, a fan of a type other than an axial flow fan may be used for the blower 13. The blower 13 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 11, for example. For example, the blower 13 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 11 by screws or the like via a base, a support, or a spacer arranged on the inner surface of the housing 11.

[0114] Here, for example, if the heat dissipation member 3 and the air blower 13 are positioned between the inclined surface 11c and the lower surface 11a, and the drive unit 12 is positioned between the upper surface 11d and the lower surface 11a, the drive unit 12 can be housed within the housing 11 while maintaining a compact size, even if the drive unit 12 is large. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , if the drive unit 12 is positioned along the sidewall of the housing 11, when the drive unit 12 generates heat, the heat can be efficiently dissipated from the drive unit 12 through the sidewall of the housing 11 to the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11. As a result, the drive unit 12 can be efficiently cooled via the housing 11. Here, for example, if the drive unit 12 is positioned closer to the second ventilation opening 11h2 than the heat dissipation member 3, the amount of air flow can be increased in the area of ​​the first space Sp1 in the housing 11 adjacent to the drive unit 12. This allows the drive unit 12 to be efficiently cooled.

[0115] Here, for example, if the first ventilation opening 11h1 is located on the side surface 11b connecting the lower surface 11a to a portion of the inclined surface 11c that is close to the lower surface 11a, the air flow can be increased on the side of the side surface 11b having the first ventilation opening 11h1 in the first space Sp1 within the housing 11. In this configuration, the side surface 11b located on the opposite side of the side surface 11b having the first ventilation opening 11h1 in the housing 11 can be larger. This can facilitate, for example, when the light irradiation device 10 is installed in various devices such as a printing device, attachment and positioning to various structures can be facilitated on the side surface 11b of the housing 11 opposite the side surface 11b having the first ventilation opening 11h1.

[0116] The third connector 14 is a portion that connects multiple wirings connected to the drive unit 12 with multiple wirings located outside the housing 11. The third connector 14 may be located, for example, along the outer surface of the housing 11 or may be located in a form that penetrates the housing 11. The light irradiation device 10 may have one third connector 14 or two or more third connectors 14. In an example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 , 20 , and 21 , the third connector 14 is located on the top surface 11d side of the housing 11. The multiple wirings may include, for example, wirings (also referred to as power lines) that supply power from the outside to the drive unit 12 and wirings (also referred to as signal lines) that receive signals from the outside to the drive unit 12 and transmit signals from the drive unit 12 to the outside. Power supply and control signal exchange from the outside of the light irradiation device 10 to the drive unit 12 can be realized via this third connector 14.

[0117] Here, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 , 20 , and 21 , the light irradiation device 10 may have a filter 15 attached to the first ventilation port 11h1 or the second ventilation port 11h2. In FIGS. 18 and 20 , the outer edge of the filter 15 attached to the second ventilation port 11h2 is depicted by a thin two-dot chain line. In FIG. 21 , the outer edge of the filter 15 attached to the first ventilation port 11h1 is depicted by a thin two-dot chain line. The light irradiation device 10 may have a filter 15 attached to each of the first ventilation port 11h1 and the second ventilation port 11h2, for example. If a sponge or nonwoven fabric is used as the filter 15, the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust and dirt from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 to the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 can be reduced. This reduces, for example, the accumulation of dust and dirt on the heat dissipation member 3 and the drive unit 12, thereby reducing the decrease in the efficiency of heat dissipation from the light-emitting unit 2 and the drive unit 12. As a result, for example, the reliability of the light irradiation device 10 can be improved. Furthermore, the presence of the filter 15 can slow the flow of air around the ventilation hole 11h to which the filter 15 is attached. Furthermore, for example, the filter 15 can absorb the operating noise of the air blower 13 housed in the housing 11, thereby reducing the noise of the air blower 13 generated by the light irradiation device 10.

[0118] 18 and 19, a circle (◯) around a plus sign (+) indicates a screw member. The number and positions of the screw members may be set appropriately depending on the design of the light source module 1 and the housing 11.

[0119] <1-4. Printing Apparatus> FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 22, the printing device 100 includes the above-described light irradiation device 10, a transport unit 120, a printing unit 130, and a control unit (also referred to as a controller) 140.

[0121] The transport unit 120 can transport the print medium 110 in a predetermined direction (also referred to as the transport direction). The print medium 110 is an object to be printed on by the printing device 100. The print medium 110 may be, for example, a sheet made of paper or resin, or a thin plate-like material made of resin, semiconductor, metal, or wood. In the example of FIG. 22 , the transport unit 120 can transport the print medium 110, which is positioned along an imaginary plane parallel to the horizontal plane, in the +Y direction, which is the transport direction. The width direction of the print medium 110 is the +X direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium 110. The thickness direction of the print medium 110 is the +Z direction. In FIG. 22 , the transport direction is indicated by a thin solid arrow.

[0122] In the example of FIG. 22, above the print medium 110 being transported by the transport unit 120, the printing unit 130 and the light irradiation device 10 are arranged in the order shown in the drawing in the +Y direction as the transport direction.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 22 , the transport unit 120 may have, for example, a pair of transport rollers (also referred to as first transport rollers) 121 located upstream of the printing device 100 and a pair of transport rollers (also referred to as second transport rollers) 122 located downstream of the printing device 100. The pair of first transport rollers 121 and the pair of second transport rollers 122 each hold the print medium 110 by sandwiching it from above and below. The print medium 110 can be transported in the transport direction by rotation of the pair of second transport rollers 122 on the downstream side and rotation of the pair of first transport rollers 121 on the upstream side. The rotation of each of the pair of first transport rollers 121 may be achieved by driving an electric motor or the like. The rotation of each of the pair of second transport rollers 122 may be achieved by driving an electric motor or the like. The transport unit 120 may have a support portion that supports the print medium 110 from below, between a pair of first transport rollers 121 on the upstream side and a pair of second transport rollers 122 on the downstream side. This support portion may be, for example, a plurality of cylindrical or columnar rollers (also referred to as support rollers). Each of the plurality of support rollers may have an axial direction perpendicular to the transport direction and may be aligned in the transport direction.

[0124] The printing unit 130 can print on the print medium 110. The printing unit 130 is located on the side opposite to the transport direction of the light irradiation device 10 (also referred to as the upstream side). In other words, the printing unit 130 is located upstream of the light irradiation device 10 with respect to the transport direction of the print medium 110. The printing unit 130 uses, for example, an inkjet (IJ) head that ejects ink 131. The IJ head may be, for example, a line-type IJ head having multiple nozzles arranged in a straight line. The direction in which the multiple nozzles are arranged may be approximately perpendicular to the transport direction. Each of the multiple nozzles has an ejection hole that ejects the ink 131. Photocurable ink (also referred to as photocurable ink) is used as the ink 131 as a photosensitive material. Photocurable ink is ink that hardens (also referred to as photocuring) in response to irradiation with light in a specific wavelength range. The photocurable ink may be, for example, ultraviolet-curable ink (also referred to as UV ink), which cures (photocures) in response to irradiation with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The printing unit 130 can deposit the ink 131 onto the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110, for example, by ejecting the ink 131 onto the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110 being transported by the transport unit 120. Here, the inkjet head serving as the printing unit 130 can deposit droplets of the ink 131 onto the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110, for example, by ejecting droplets of the ink 131 onto the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110 being transported by the transport unit 120. The printing unit 130 can deposit the ink 131 in a desired pattern on the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110, for example. The printing unit 130 may deposit the ink 131 over substantially the entire upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110, or may deposit the ink 131 only on a portion of the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110, for example.

[0125] The light irradiation device 10 can irradiate light from the irradiation port 4o onto the print medium 110 being transported in the transport direction by the transport unit 120. The light irradiation device 10 is located downstream of the printing unit 130 in the transport direction in which the print medium 110 is transported by the transport unit 120. The lower surface 11a of the light irradiation device 10 faces downward. Therefore, the light irradiation device 10 can irradiate light from the irradiation port 4o onto ink 131 attached to the upper surface of the print medium 110. In Figure 22, the outer edge of the path of light irradiated from the irradiation port 4o onto the print medium 110 is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0126] Here, if the ink 131 is photocurable ink, and the light irradiated onto the upper surface of the print medium 110 by the light irradiation device 10 is light in a specific wavelength range for curing (photocuring) the photocurable ink, the ink 131 attached to the upper surface of the print medium 110 can be cured by the light from the light irradiation device 10. For example, if the ink 131 is ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink), and the light irradiated onto the upper surface of the print medium 110 by the light irradiation device 10 is ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range, the UV ink as the ink 131 attached to the upper surface of the print medium 110 can be cured.

[0127] Here, for example, if the irradiation port 4o of the light irradiation device 10 is positioned closer to the side of the light irradiation device 10 that is farther from the printing unit 130 in the transport direction of the print medium 110, the effect of light from the irradiation port 4o of the light irradiation device 10 on the printing unit 130 can be reduced. For example, the amount of light that travels from the irradiation port 4o of the light irradiation device 10 toward the printing unit 130 can be reduced. This can reduce the occurrence of nozzle clogging in the inkjet head of the printing unit 130, for example, when UV ink is used as the ink 131.

[0128] Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the inclined surface 11c of the light irradiation device 10 may face downstream in the transport direction. From another perspective, for example, the first ventilation port 11h1 and the second ventilation port 11h2 of the light irradiation device 10 may face downstream in the transport direction. In other words, the first ventilation port 11h1 and the second ventilation port 11h2 of the light irradiation device 10 may face the opposite side from the area where the printing unit 130 is located. This configuration can reduce the impact on the printing unit 130 of turbulence in the airflow caused by intake and exhaust at the first ventilation port 11h1 and the second ventilation port 11h2 of the light irradiation device 10. More specifically, for example, this reduces the problem of the trajectory of droplets of ink 131 ejected from the printing unit 130 toward the print medium 110 being changed by turbulence in the airflow caused by intake and exhaust. As a result, the decrease in accuracy of the position where the ink 131 is deposited on the upper surface of the print medium 110 can be reduced.

[0129] Here, for example, the inclined surface 11c of the light irradiation device 10 may face upstream in the transport direction. From another perspective, for example, the first vent 11h1 and the second vent 11h2 of the light irradiation device 10 may face upstream in the transport direction. In other words, the first vent 11h1 and the second vent 11h2 of the light irradiation device 10 may face the area where the printing unit 130 is located. With this configuration, the irradiation port 4o can be brought closer to the printing unit 130 in the transport direction of the print-receiving medium 110. This can shorten the time from when the ink 131 adheres to the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110 to when light from the irradiation port 4o is irradiated onto the ink 131 adhered to the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110. Therefore, the time from when the ink 131 adheres to the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110 to when it hardens can be shortened. As a result, bleeding of the ink 131 on the upper surface of the print-receiving medium 110 can be reduced.

[0130] Here, for example, the irradiation port 4o of the light irradiation device 10 may be positioned closer to the printing unit 130 in the transport direction of the print medium 110. With this configuration, even if the distance from the printing unit 130 to the light irradiation device 10 is increased, the irradiation port 4o can be brought closer to the printing unit 130 in the transport direction of the print medium 110. This shortens the time from when the ink 131 adheres to the upper surface of the print medium 110 to when light from the irradiation port 4o is irradiated onto the ink 131 adhered to the upper surface of the print medium 110. As a result, fluctuations in the leveling state of the ink 131 on the upper surface of the print medium 110 can be reduced. Therefore, degradation of the print quality by the printing device 100 can be reduced.

[0131] Here, for example, it is assumed that the printing device 100 has the form of a line printer in which the width of the inkjet head serving as the printing unit 130 is approximately the same as the width of the print medium 110. In this case, for example, by arranging multiple light irradiation devices 10 in the +X direction, which is the width direction of the print medium 110, the width of the print medium 110 and the total width of the multiple light irradiation devices 10 may be set to be approximately the same. Also, the depth length of the light irradiation devices 10 may be set to be approximately the same as the width of the print medium 110. In this case, for example, the shape of the light irradiation devices 10 may be such that the depth direction is the longitudinal direction. Here, for example, if an axial fan is used for the air blower 13, the light irradiation device 10 may include multiple air blowers 13 located above one heat dissipation member 3 in the first space Sp1 and arranged in a row in the depth direction.

[0132] The control unit 140 can control the operation of each unit of the printing device 100. The control unit 140 has various electrical circuits, such as a processor and memory. The control unit 140 is electrically connected to each unit of the printing device 100 using a cable or the like. For example, the control unit 140 may be electrically connected to the third connector 14 of the light irradiation device 10 via a cable or the like. The control unit 140 can, for example, control the transportation of the print medium 110 by the transport unit 120. The control unit 140 can, for example, control the ejection of ink 131 by the inkjet head serving as the printing unit 130. The control unit 140 can, for example, control the light emission of the light irradiation device 10.

[0133] For example, if the ink 131 is a photocurable ink, the memory of the control unit 140 may store information indicating the characteristics of light capable of relatively effectively photocuring the ink 131 ejected from the inkjet head serving as the printing unit 130. Specific examples of this information include numerical values ​​representing the wavelength distribution characteristics and light intensity (emission intensity in each wavelength range) of light suitable for photocuring the droplets of ink 131 ejected from the inkjet head. In the printing device 100, for example, the control unit 140 may adjust the magnitude of the drive current input to the multiple light-emitting elements 21 in the light-emitting unit 2 of the light irradiation device 10 based on the information in the memory. This allows the light irradiation device 10 to emit light at an appropriate amount according to the characteristics of the ink used, and the ink 131 to be cured with light of relatively low energy.

[0134] <1-5. Summary of First Embodiment> In the light source module 1 according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting unit 2 is located between the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 and the translucent member 5, which closes the irradiation port 4o opening in the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4. An insertion portion 31p, which is a part of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3, is located in the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4. A second opening O2 is present between the recess 4c1 of the cover member 4 and the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3, and is connected to the first region A1 located between the cover member 4 and the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. A first cable 6, which is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 2, is inserted through the second opening O2. A sealing material 7 closes the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4 along a peripheral edge E1 of the first gap G1. The first cable 6 passes through the sealing material 7, which blocks the second opening O2. The sealing material 7 is made of resin. With this configuration, electrical connection from the outside of the light source module 1 to the light-emitting unit 2 is possible via the first cable 6. Furthermore, by using the sealing material 7 to block the first gap G1 along the periphery E1 and to block the second opening O2, the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside of the light source module 1 toward the light-emitting unit 2 can be reduced. Therefore, electrical connection from the outside of the light source module 1 to the light-emitting unit 2 is possible, while the adhesion of foreign matter to the light-emitting unit 2 can be reduced.

[0135] 2. Other Embodiments The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0136] <2-1. Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, for example, the screw members 9 may not be in a state in which the cover member 4 is fastened to the heat dissipation member 3. In this case, the light source module 1 does not need to include the screw members 9.

[0137] Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a light source module 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the light source module 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 24 schematically shows an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module 1 according to the second embodiment at a position corresponding to the virtual cross section in Fig. 5.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , the cover member 4 may be attached to the heat dissipation member 3 not by screw members 9 but by a sealant 7, for example. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 , the sealant 7 may be located from the first gap G1 to the second surface 31u of the heat dissipation member 3. For example, the sealant 7 may cover the portion of the heat dissipation member 3 where the base portion 31 and the protrusions 32 are connected. This configuration may improve the strength with which the cover member 4 is fixed to the heat dissipation member 3 by the sealant 7. This may reduce peeling between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4. In an example of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 , the sealant 7 covers the portions where each of the two protrusions 32 located at both ends of the plurality of protrusions 32 connects to the base portion 31. Here, for example, if the sealant 7 is not present in the plurality of second gaps 32g present between the plurality of protrusions 32, the reduction in heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 3 may be reduced.

[0139] Here, if the cover member 4 is attached to the heat dissipation member 3 by the sealing material 7 without using the screw members 9, it is possible to simplify the process of manufacturing the light source module 1. Furthermore, when the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 are deformed due to expansion or contraction caused by a rise or fall in temperature due to light emission and the end of light emission of the light-emitting unit 2, the sealing material 7 elastically deforms in response to this deformation, thereby reducing the stress generated between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4.

[0140] It is also conceivable that the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3, and the screw member 9 may expand or contract due to temperature rises or falls that occur when the light-emitting unit 2 emits light or stops emitting light. In this case, for example, if the cover member 4 is attached to the heat dissipation member 3 using the sealing material 7 without using the screw member 9, the occurrence of a problem in which the relatively weaker member among the cover member 4, the heat dissipation member 3, and the screw member 9 undergoes plastic deformation and loosens the screw member 9 can be reduced. This can reduce, for example, intermittent vibrations (also known as chatter) that occur between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3, and can improve the stability of the attachment of the cover member 4 to the heat dissipation member 3. As a result, practical strength and durability of the light source module 1 can be achieved.

[0141] In comparison with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the step portion S1 may be made smaller or a part of the step portion S1 may be deleted as shown in Fig. 24. More specifically, for example, the first step portion S11 may be made smaller or the second step portion S12 may be deleted.

[0142] 2-2. Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 , the recess 4c1 may include one or more convex portions 4p. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be spaced apart from one or more first step portions S11 and protrude toward the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be in contact with the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. If this configuration is adopted, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased, thereby improving heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 3. This can reduce the temperature rise of the multiple light-emitting elements 21. As a result, the decrease in the amount of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 21 can be reduced.

[0143] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a cross section of the light source module 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 25 schematically illustrates an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module 1 according to the third embodiment at a position corresponding to the virtual cross section in Fig. 5 .

[0144] Here, the number of the one or more convex portions 4p may be, for example, one, two, three, or any number greater than or equal to four. For convenience, two convex portions 4p are illustrated in FIG. 25 . Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be in contact with, for example, a region of the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 that is distant from the outer peripheral region A3. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be, for example, a columnar portion, such as a cylindrical or rectangular columnar portion. For example, if the portion of the first surface 31b where each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in contact is flat, and if the portion of the one or more convex portions 4p where each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in contact with the first surface 31b is flat, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased. In other words, if each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in surface contact with the first surface 31b, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased.

[0145] Here, the effects of the configuration according to the second embodiment and the effects of the configuration according to the third embodiment can be achieved at the same time.

[0146] Here, for example, the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 may have a convex portion that protrudes in a direction away from the second surface 31u and is in contact with the convex portion 4p. This convex portion may be, for example, a cylindrical or prismatic columnar portion.

[0147] 2-3. Fourth Embodiment In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 26 , the recess 4c1 may include one or more convex portions 4p. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be spaced apart from one or more first step portions S11 and protrude toward the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be in contact with the first surface 31b of the base portion 31. If this configuration is adopted, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased, thereby improving heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 3. This can reduce the temperature rise of the multiple light-emitting elements 21. As a result, the decrease in the amount of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 21 can be reduced.

[0148] Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the light source module 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 26 shows an example of a virtual cross section of the light source module 1 according to the fourth embodiment at a position corresponding to the virtual cross section in Fig. 4 .

[0149] Here, the number of the one or more convex portions 4p may be, for example, one, two, three, or any number equal to or greater than four. For convenience, FIG. 26 illustrates one convex portion 4p as an example. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be in contact with, for example, a region of the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 that is distant from the outer peripheral region A3. Each of the one or more convex portions 4p may be, for example, a columnar or rectangular columnar portion. For example, if the portion of the first surface 31b where each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in contact is flat, and if the portion of the one or more convex portions 4p where each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in contact with the first surface 31b is flat, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased. In other words, if each of the one or more convex portions 4p is in surface contact with the first surface 31b, the contact area between the cover member 4 and the heat dissipation member 3 can be increased.

[0150] Here, for example, the first surface 31b of the base portion 31 may have a convex portion that protrudes in a direction away from the second surface 31u and is in contact with the convex portion 4p. This convex portion may be, for example, a cylindrical or prismatic columnar portion.

[0151] <3. Others> In each of the above first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, each of the one or more first step portions S11 is located at the end of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1 in the -Y direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, each of the one or more first step portions S11 may be located at the end of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1 in the +Y direction, or may be located along the entire outer periphery of the recess 4c1. In other words, the recess 4c1 may have one or more first step portions S11 that are each located on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the recess 4c1.

[0152] In each of the above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, the second cable 8 and the sensor 8s may not be present.

[0153] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive may be used as the resin constituting the sealing material 7. In this case, for example, the epoxy-based adhesive may be disposed along the periphery E1 of the first gap G1 between the heat dissipation member 3 and the cover member 4, and the resin constituting the sealing material 7 may be realized by drying this epoxy-based adhesive.

[0154] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, the cover member 4 has one irradiation opening 4o, but is not limited to this. For example, the cover member 4 may have two or more irradiation openings 4o aligned in a direction along the fourth surface 4b.

[0155] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, the recess 4c1 has the first protruding portion 4n, thereby forming the second opening O2 between the recess 4c1 and the base portion 31. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the base portion 31 may have a cutout-shaped portion, thereby forming the second opening O2 between the recess 4c1 and the base portion 31, or the second opening O2 may be formed by the first protruding portion 4n of the recess 4c1 and the cutout-shaped portion of the base portion 31.

[0156] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, the entire base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 may be located in the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1. In other words, at least a portion (insertion portion) 31p of the base portion 31 of the heat dissipation member 3 may be located in the internal space Is1 of the recess 4c1.

[0157] In each of the above-mentioned first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, the shape of each of the multiple protrusions 32 in the heat dissipation member 3 is not limited to a thin plate shape, but may be other shapes such as a rod shape.

[0158] In each of the above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, another temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or another sensor such as an optical sensor may be applied to the sensor 8s.

[0159] In each of the above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, the light irradiation device 10 may not be provided with the air blowing section 13 or the filter 15.

[0160] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, a mesh member may be disposed in one or more of the two or more ventilation holes 11 h. This can reduce the intrusion of foreign matter from the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 into the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11. The foreign matter can include, for example, dust, dirt, metal parts, tools, and the like.

[0161] In each of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, the housing 11 may have a plate-shaped partition between the air blower 13 and the drive unit 12, and the multiple ventilation openings 11h may have a ventilation opening (also referred to as a third ventilation opening) opening on the top surface 11d. With this configuration, the presence of the partition allows air to flow around the outside of the partition between the second ventilation opening 11h2 and the third ventilation opening, increasing the air flow rate in a portion of the first space Sp1 in the housing 11 on the light source module 1 side, away from the first ventilation opening 11h1. Furthermore, the air flow rate may increase in a region along the drive unit 12. This allows, for example, the heat dissipation member 3 and the drive unit 12 to be efficiently cooled. As a result, the light-emitting unit 2 and the drive unit 12 can be efficiently cooled.

[0162] In each of the above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 and the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 may be filled with a gas such as an inert gas including nitrogen gas instead of air.

[0163] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, the inkjet head applied to the printing unit 130 may eject water-based or oil-based ink instead of photo-curable ink as the ink 131. In this case, for example, the light irradiated onto the upper surface of the print medium 110 by the light irradiation device 10 may be light in a specific wavelength range including infrared rays for drying and fixing the ink 131 attached to the upper surface of the print medium 110.

[0164] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, a line-type IJ head is applied to the printing unit 130, but this is not limiting. For example, a serial-type IJ head may also be applied to the printing unit 130.

[0165] In each of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the printing unit 130 is not limited to a configuration including an inkjet head, and may have a configuration different from an inkjet head. For example, an electrostatic head may be used for the printing unit 130. The electrostatic head may be a head that charges the print medium 110 and adheres the developer (toner) to the print medium 110 using electrostatic force due to the static electricity of the print medium 110. The printing unit 130 may be configured to transport the developer (toner) using a paintbrush, brush, roller, or the like. Here, the developer may be, for example, an ultraviolet-curable toner that hardens in response to ultraviolet light irradiation, or a thermosetting toner that hardens in response to infrared light irradiation.

[0166] In each of the above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments, for example, the ink 131 may be changed to a photosensitive material such as a photosensitive resist or a photocurable resin.

[0167] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the light irradiation device 10 is applied to, for example, a printing device 100 including a printing unit 130, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied to an apparatus for curing a photosensitive resin such as resist after applying a paste containing the photosensitive resin to the surface of an object such as a substrate by spin coating or screen printing. Furthermore, for example, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied as a light source for exposure in an exposure apparatus that exposes a photosensitive resin such as resist.

[0168] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, the upper outer surface of the housing 11 may have a stepped surface or another inclined surface in addition to the inclined surface 11c and the top surface 11d. The sizes of the inclined surface 11c and the top surface 11d on the upper outer surface of the housing 11 may be set appropriately depending on the specifications of the light irradiation device 10. Here, if the size of the inclined surface 11c including the second ventilation opening 11h2 is larger than the size of the top surface 11d, the housing 11 can be made smaller, and the expansion of the second ventilation opening 11h2 can efficiently cool each part in the first space Sp1 within the housing 11.

[0169] In each of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, the center of the irradiation port 4o is offset in a predetermined direction from the center point of the lower surface 11a, but this is not limited to this. For example, the center of the irradiation port 4o may coincide with the center point of the lower surface 11a or may be located near the center point of the lower surface 11a. For example, in the printing device 100, the irradiation port 4o may be located at the center of the lower surface 11a in the transport direction of the print medium 110.

[0170] In each of the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, for example, in the light irradiation device 10, the first ventilation opening 11h1 and the second ventilation opening 11h2 are located in a region offset in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the first virtual central axis Ax1 from a region centered on the first virtual central axis Ax1. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the first ventilation opening 11h1 and the second ventilation opening 11h2 may be located on opposite sides of the first virtual central axis Ax1. This may reduce the circulation of gas, which is the gas exhausted from the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11 to the second space Sp2 outside the housing 11 being introduced back into the first space Sp1 inside the housing 11, during air intake and exhaust via the first ventilation opening 11h1 and the second ventilation opening 11h2 in the light irradiation device 10. As a result, cooling of the light-emitting unit 2 via the heat dissipation member 3 may be improved.

[0171] In each of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied to a field other than the printing field, such as the printing device 100. For example, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied to the field of assembly and manufacturing, including applications such as curing adhesives or resins in the mounting of electronic components. The curing of the adhesive or resin may involve a certain degree of hardening (temporary hardening) of the adhesive or resin. Here, for example, if the adhesive is an ultraviolet-curing adhesive, the adhesive may be hardened by ultraviolet rays emitted from the light irradiation device 10. For example, if the adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive, the adhesive may be hardened by infrared rays emitted from the light irradiation device 10. For example, if the adhesive is an adhesive that hardens by drying, the adhesive may be dried and hardened by infrared rays emitted from the light irradiation device 10. For example, if the resin is an ultraviolet-curing resin that hardens in response to ultraviolet irradiation, the ultraviolet-curing resin may be hardened by ultraviolet rays emitted from the light irradiation device 10. Furthermore, for example, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied to a drying processing field, such as an application for efficiently drying an irradiated object by infrared irradiation. For example, the light irradiation device 10 may be applied to medical fields, such as for sterilization by irradiation with ultraviolet or violet light.

[0172] Although the light source module 1 and the light irradiation device 10 have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above may be combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory. Furthermore, countless examples not illustrated may be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0173] This disclosure includes the following:

[0174] In one embodiment, (1) a light source module includes: a light-emitting unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements; a heat dissipation member thermally connected to the light-emitting unit; a cover member having a first opening through which light from the light-emitting unit passes and attached to the heat dissipation member; a light-transmitting member closing the first opening and transmitting light from the light-emitting unit; a first cable electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and for supplying power to cause the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light; and a sealing material made of resin closing a first gap between the heat dissipation member and the cover member along the periphery of the first gap, the sealing material including a plate-shaped base portion and a plurality of protrusions, the base portion having a first surface located on the cover member side and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and each of the plurality of protrusions extending from the cover member. the cover member has a third surface located on the heat dissipation member side and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and a recess on the third surface side, the recess having an internal space in which at least a part of the base portion is located, the internal space including a first region located between the cover member and the first surface, the first opening opening in the recess, a second opening connected to the first region between the recess and the base portion, the first cable being inserted into the second opening from within the first region to the outside of the recess, and the sealing material including a first portion through which the first cable passes and which blocks the second opening.

[0175] (2) In the light source module of (1) above, the elastic modulus of the resin may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the material of the cover member and the material of the heat dissipation member.

[0176] (3) In the light source module of (1) or (2) above, the plurality of light emitting elements may emit ultraviolet light, and the resin may include a resin that is resistant to ultraviolet light.

[0177] (4) In the light source module of (1) or (2) above, the first cable may include a covering material, the plurality of light-emitting elements may emit ultraviolet light, and the resin may have better resistance to ultraviolet light than the material of the covering material.

[0178] (5) Any one of the light source modules (1) to (4) above may include a screw member that fastens the cover member to the heat dissipation member, and the thermal conductivity of the material of the screw member may be higher than the thermal conductivity of the resin.

[0179] (6) In any one of the light source modules (1) to (5) above, the recess may include one or more first step portions located on at least a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the recess, and one or more convex portions spaced apart from the one or more first step portions and protruding toward the first surface, each of the one or more first step portions being in contact with at least a portion of the outer circumferential region along the outer edge of the first surface, and each of the one or more convex portions being in contact with the first surface.

[0180] (7) In the light source module of any one of (1) to (6) above, the sealing material may be positioned from the first gap to above the second surface.

[0181] In one embodiment, (8) a light irradiation device includes any one of the light source modules (1) to (7) above, a housing that surrounds the light-emitting unit and the heat dissipation member together with the cover member, and a drive unit including a drive circuit that drives the light-emitting unit, wherein the housing has a first air vent and a second air vent that respectively connect between a first space inside the housing and a second space outside the housing, the first air vent is located in close proximity to multiple second gaps between the multiple protrusions in a direction along the first surface, the second air vent is located on the opposite side of the cover member with respect to the heat dissipation member, and the first cable electrically connects the light-emitting unit and the drive unit.

[0182] (9) The light irradiation device of (8) above includes an air blowing unit located between the heat dissipation member and the second air vent, and the air blowing unit may blow air toward the heat dissipation member or toward the second air vent.

[0183] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 light source module 10 light irradiation device 11 housing 11h ventilation hole 11h1 first ventilation hole 11h2 second ventilation hole 12 drive unit 13 air blower unit 2 light emitting unit 21 light emitting element 3 heat dissipation member 31 base portion 31b first surface 31p insertion portion 31u second surface 32 protrusion portion 32g second gap 4 cover member 4b fourth surface 4c1 recess 4o irradiation port 4p convex portion 4u third surface 5 light-transmitting member 6 first cable 61 covering material 7 sealing material 9 screw member A1 first region A3 outer peripheral region E1 peripheral edge E2 outer edge G1 first gap Is1 internal space O2 second opening Os1 outside P1 first portion S11 first step portion Sp1 1st space Sp2 2nd space

Claims

1. A heat dissipation device comprising a light-emitting unit, a heat dissipation member, a cover member, a light-transmitting member, a first cable, and a sealing material, wherein the light-emitting unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements, the cover member has a first opening that allows light from the light-emitting unit to pass therethrough and is attached to the heat dissipation member, the light-transmitting member covers the first opening and transmits light from the light-emitting unit, the first cable is a cable that is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and is for supplying power to cause the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light, the sealing material covers a first gap between the heat dissipation member and the cover member along the periphery of the first gap and is made of resin, the heat dissipation member includes a plate-shaped base portion and a plurality of protrusions, the base portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface is located on the cover member side of the base portion, and each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes from the second surface, the light-emitting unit is located between the first surface and the light-transmitting member, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a recess on the third surface side, the third surface being located on the heat dissipation member side of the cover member, at least a portion of the base portion being located in the internal space of the recess, the first opening opening in the recess, a second opening being present between the recess and the base portion and connected to a first region located between the cover member and the first surface, the first cable being inserted into the second opening, the first cable penetrating the sealing material, and the sealing material blocking the second opening.

2. A light source module according to claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus of the resin is smaller than the elastic modulus of each of the materials of the cover member and the heat dissipation member.

3. A light source module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements emit ultraviolet light, and the resin includes a resin that is resistant to ultraviolet light.

4. A light source module as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cable includes a covering material, the plurality of light-emitting elements emit ultraviolet light, and the resin has better resistance to ultraviolet light than the material of the covering material.

5. A light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a screw member, the screw member fasteningly fixes the cover member to the heat dissipation member, and the thermal conductivity of the material of the screw member is higher than the thermal conductivity of the resin.

6. A light source module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recess includes one or more first step portions and one or more convex portions, each of the one or more first step portions is located on at least a portion of an outer circumferential portion of the recess, each of the one or more first step portions is in contact with at least a portion of an outer circumferential region along an outer edge of the first surface, each of the one or more convex portions is spaced apart from the one or more first step portions and protrudes towards the first surface, and each of the one or more convex portions is in contact with the first surface.

7. A light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing material is positioned from the first gap to above the second surface.

8. A light irradiation device comprising: a light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a housing; and a drive unit, wherein the housing, together with the cover member, surrounds the light-emitting unit and the heat dissipation member, the housing has a first air vent and a second air vent, the first air vent connects a first space inside the housing to a second space outside the housing, the first air vent is located in close proximity to a plurality of second gaps between the plurality of protrusions in a direction along the first surface, the second air vent connects the first space to the second space, and the second air vent is located on the opposite side of the cover member with respect to the heat dissipation member, the drive unit includes a drive circuit that drives the light-emitting unit, and the first cable electrically connects the light-emitting unit and the drive unit.

9. A light irradiation device according to claim 8, further comprising: an air blowing section, the air blowing section being positioned between the heat dissipation member and the second ventilation opening, the air blowing section blowing air to the heat dissipation member or to the second ventilation opening.

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