Vehicle-mounted heat dissipation mechanism

Abstract

This vehicle-mounted heat dissipation mechanism (100) for a heat generation part which generates heat during operation comprises: a heat dissipation member (23) which has a part with recesses and protrusions (24) for dissipating heat conducted from the heat generation part; a non-contact heat transfer member (30) which has a corresponding part with recesses and protrusions (32) provided so as to correspond to the part with recesses and protrusions (24) in a non-contact manner, and to which heat is transferred from the heat dissipation member (23); and a heat absorption part (10) which is disposed apart from the heat generation part and absorbs heat from the heat generation part via the non-contact heat transfer member (30).

Description

In-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Camera devices having an image sensor, which are mounted on vehicles and capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle, have become widespread.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rearview viewing device in which a camera that is attached to a wing body provided on the side of a vehicle and takes pictures of the outside of the vehicle is in close contact with a wing cover having a plated portion on its surface via a heat transfer means, thereby enabling heat from the camera to be actively dissipated from the wing cover.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-096881

[0005] In the rearview vision device of Patent Document 1 mentioned above, in order to dissipate heat from the camera, the fins on the wing cover that houses the camera are configured to closely mesh with grooves formed in the camera body, thereby conducting the heat from the camera to the wing cover.

[0006] However, in the case of the rearview vision device of Patent Document 1, as described above, the fins of the wing cover come into contact with and engage with the grooves of the camera body, so the camera is constrained by the wing cover, which reduces the degree of freedom in camera placement and may make it difficult to accurately position the camera.

[0007] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism that can improve the heat dissipation properties of heat-generating parts that generate heat when an electronic device is in operation, without compromising the freedom of arrangement of the electronic device.

[0008] The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism of the present invention is an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism for a heat-generating part that generates heat when in operation, and comprises a heat dissipation member having an uneven portion for dissipating heat conducted from the heat-generating part, a non-contact heat transfer member having a corresponding uneven portion that is provided in non-contact correspondence with the uneven portion and through which heat is transferred from the heat dissipation member, and a heat absorption part that is positioned away from the heat-generating part and absorbs heat from the heat-generating part via the non-contact heat transfer member.

[0009] In the present invention, the uneven portion of the heat dissipation member is provided in a non-contact correspondence with the corresponding uneven portion of the non-contact heat transfer member, and heat from the heat generating portion is transferred from the heat dissipation member to the non-contact heat transfer member by radiation. Therefore, the heat dissipation member is not restricted by the non-contact heat transfer member, and the degree of freedom in arrangement can be increased.

[0010] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention, the concave-convex portion is formed by a plurality of first fins, and the corresponding concave-convex portion is formed by a plurality of second fins.

[0011] In the present invention, since the second fins are disposed between the first fins and face each other, radiation between the heat dissipating member and the non-contact heat transfer member is carried out effectively.

[0012] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism of the present invention, the multiple first fins and the multiple second fins have the same thickness direction and are arranged side by side in the thickness direction, and the multiple first fins and the multiple second fins are arranged in mesh with each other so that each first fin and each second fin faces each other.

[0013] In the present invention, the plurality of first fins and the plurality of second fins are arranged in an interlocking manner so that each first fin and each second fin faces each other, thereby ensuring a sufficient opposing area between the first fins and the second fins, and radiation between the heat dissipation member and the non-contact heat transfer member is more effective.

[0014] The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention includes a heat transfer sheet attached to the heat absorption portion and having a higher thermal conductivity than the heat absorption portion.

[0015] In the present invention, since the heat transfer sheet having high thermal conductivity is attached to the heat absorbing portion, heat conduction in the heat absorbing portion is rapid, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the heat generating portion.

[0016] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention, the heat absorbing part has an engaging part that engages with the non-contact heat transfer member, and the heat transfer sheet is interposed between the non-contact heat transfer member and the engaging part.

[0017] In the present invention, the heat transfer sheet is interposed between the non-contact heat transfer member and the engaging portion. That is, the non-contact heat transfer member is in contact with the heat absorbing portion via the heat transfer sheet. Therefore, heat from the non-contact heat transfer member is transferred to the heat absorbing portion and the heat transfer sheet simultaneously, and heat absorption in the heat absorbing portion is performed quickly.

[0018] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism of the present invention, the heat absorption part is fixed to a fixed part from one side, the heat transfer sheet is attached to the opposite side opposite the one side, and has a slit connecting the one side and the opposite side, and a part of the heat transfer sheet passes through the slit and is interposed between the fixed part and the one side.

[0019] In the present invention, a portion of the heat transfer sheet passes through the slit and is interposed between the fixed portion and the one surface, so that the heat from the non-contact heat transfer member transferred to the heat transfer sheet is absorbed not only by the heat absorbing portion but also by the fixed portion, thereby dissipating the heat generated in the heat generating portion more quickly and effectively.

[0020] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism of the present invention, the non-contact heat transfer member is provided on the opposite side of the heat dissipation member from the heat generating portion, and the engaging portion has a guide portion that guides the movement of the non-contact heat transfer member toward and away from the heat dissipation member, and a stopper that is provided on the guide portion and prevents collision between the non-contact heat transfer member and the heat dissipation member.

[0021] In the present invention, the stopper is provided on the guide portion of the engagement portion that guides the movement of the non-contact heat transfer member toward and away from the heat dissipation member, thereby preventing collision between the non-contact heat transfer member and the heat dissipation member during the assembly operation of engaging the non-contact heat transfer member with the engagement portion using the guide portion.

[0022] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention, both main surfaces of all the first fins face the main surfaces of the two adjacent second fins, respectively.

[0023] In the present invention, both main surfaces of each first fin face the main surfaces of two adjacent second fins, so that each first fin faces two second fins, thereby more effectively radiating heat between the heat dissipation member and the non-contact heat transfer member.

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation of a heat generating portion that generates heat during operation without impairing the degree of freedom in arrangement.

[0025] 11 is a perspective view illustrating a camera device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the case is removed from the camera device according to the first embodiment to expose the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a camera unit of the camera device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a heat transfer member of the camera device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a heat transfer member of the camera device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a state in which the camera unit and the heat transfer member are removed from the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a state in which the heat dissipation fins of the corresponding concave-convex portion and the heat dissipation fins of the concave-convex portion are engaged with each other. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism illustrating a heat transfer path in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a table illustrating the effect of heat dissipation in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state in which the camera unit and the heat transfer member are removed from the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main configuration of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main configuration of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to a fifth embodiment.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a camera device 1 according to an embodiment 1. For convenience, Fig. 1 illustrates the camera device 1 attached to the inside of a windshield S (fixed portion) of a vehicle. The camera device 1 according to the embodiment 1 captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle and includes an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 in a case C.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the case C is removed from the camera device 1 according to the first embodiment to expose the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment. For convenience, Fig. 3 omits the illustration of the windshield S and shows only a part of the bracket 10.

[0029] The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 includes a camera unit 20 that captures images of the area in front of the vehicle, a bracket 10 (heat absorption portion) that holds the camera unit 20, and a heat transfer member 30 (non-contact heat transfer member) that transfers heat from the camera unit 20 to the bracket 10.

[0030] 4 is a perspective view showing the camera unit 20 of the camera device 1 according to embodiment 1. The camera unit 20 has, in order from the front, a lens holder 21, a lens mount 22, and a cover 23 (heat dissipation member).

[0031] The lens holder 21 has a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and holds an optical lens (not shown) inside. The lens holder 21 holds the periphery of the lens so that the axis of the lens is aligned with the axis of the lens holder 21. That is, the lens is fitted inside the lens holder 21, and the lens holder 21 protects the lens from external dust and water droplets. A male thread is formed on the outer periphery of the rear end of the lens holder 21 to threadably engage with the lens mount 22.

[0032] The lens mount 22 is disposed rearward of the lens holder 21. The lens mount 22 has a base portion 222 in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate and a mount portion 223 provided in the center of the base portion 222. The mount portion 223 is provided in front of the base portion 222 and has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lens holder 21. A through-hole having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the mount portion 223 is formed in the center of the base portion 222 (see FIG. 9 ), and the mount portion 223 and the base portion 222 are positioned on the same axis. A female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mount portion 223, and the male thread portion of the lens holder 21 is screwed into the female thread. For example, the base portion 222 and the mount portion 223 are integrally formed.

[0033] Furthermore, a holding shaft 25 is provided at the upper end of the base portion 222, and is journaled in a journal receiving portion 13 (described later) of the bracket 10. The holding shaft 25 is round bar-shaped and extends along the upper side of the base portion 222, with both ends protruding from the base portion 222. Both ends of the holding shaft 25 are journaled in the journal receiving portion 13. Although not shown, a fin is provided at the middle portion of the holding shaft 25, protruding toward the lens holder 21, i.e., forward, and the camera unit 20 is held in the journal receiving portion 13 to prevent it from rotating. Therefore, by having the holding shaft coaxial with the lens holder 21, the mounting position of the camera unit 20 relative to the bracket 10 is determined.

[0034] Furthermore, the lens mount 22 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 221 near the holding shaft 25 for dissipating heat transferred from an image sensor 40 (a heat generating portion) described below to the lens mount 22. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 221 are arranged side by side at regular intervals along the length of the holding shaft 25, with their thickness direction coinciding with the length of the holding shaft 25. Each heat dissipation fin 221 is provided from the outer circumferential surface of the mount portion 223 to the base portion 222.

[0035] A cover 23 is attached to the base portion 222 of the lens mount 22 from the rear of the vehicle. The cover 23 is made of, for example, aluminum and has a housing shape with one side facing the lens mount 22 being open (see FIG. 9 ). A substrate 50 (described later) with an imaging element 40 mounted on its mounting surface is housed inside the cover 23. The imaging element 40 may be a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like. The substrate 50 is in contact with a flat portion protruding from the bottom of the cover 23 via, for example, a thermal interface material (TIM). The tips of each side wall of the cover 23 are in contact with the base portion 222. The TIM is, for example, a grease-like material made of a resin such as silicone to which thermally conductive particles such as metal powder have been added.

[0036] Additionally, the outer surface of the bottom of the cover 23 is provided with an uneven portion 24 having a plurality of heat dissipation fins 241 (first fins). Each heat dissipation fin 241 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the vertical direction and protrudes from the bottom of the cover 23 toward the rear of the vehicle. The vertical dimension of the heat dissipation fins 241 is approximately the same as the dimension of the cover 23. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 241 are arranged side by side at regular intervals with their thickness direction aligned with the length direction of the holding shaft 25 (the width direction of the vehicle). The uneven portion 24 (heat dissipation fins 241) air-cools the heat of the image sensor 40 that is conducted via the bottom of the cover 23.

[0037] 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the heat transfer member 30 of the camera device 1 according to embodiment 1. Figures 5 and 6 show the heat transfer member 30 as viewed from different directions. The heat transfer member 30 is made of, for example, aluminum, and has a base 31 and a corresponding concave-convex portion 32 provided on the base 31.

[0038] The base 31 has a generally hexahedral shape and has flat main surfaces on the top and bottom. The base 31 extends in the width direction of the vehicle, and the dimension of the base 31 in the width direction of the vehicle is slightly longer than the dimension of the cover 23.

[0039] Furthermore, the base 31 has protrusions 311 connected to both side surfaces in the length direction (vehicle width direction). Each protrusion 311 has a rectangular plate shape and protrudes perpendicularly from the side surface of the base 31 so that one main surface is flush with the upper surface of the base 31. Each protrusion 311 has the same dimension as the base 31 in the width direction (vehicle front-to-rear direction) that intersects the length direction of the base 31, and is provided at the upper part of the side surface. In other words, the base 31 and the protrusions 311 form an inverted convex shape when viewed in the width direction. The heat transfer member 30 is held to the bracket 10 by the protrusions 311 engaging with engaging portions 14 of the bracket 10, which will be described later.

[0040] The corresponding uneven portion 32 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 321 (second fins) and is provided to protrude from the lower surface of the base portion 31. The corresponding uneven portion 32 has a shape that corresponds to the uneven portion 24 of the camera unit 20.

[0041] Each heat transfer fin 321 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the vertical direction. That is, the heat transfer fin 321 protrudes in a direction intersecting with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the cover 23. The dimension of the heat transfer fin 321 in the vertical direction is slightly shorter than the dimension of the heat dissipation fin 241 of the cover 23, and the dimension of the heat transfer fin 321 in the front-rear direction is slightly longer than the dimension of the heat dissipation fin 241. The multiple heat transfer fins 321 are arranged side by side at regular intervals with their thickness aligned with the width direction of the vehicle. Of the multiple heat transfer fins 321, the heat transfer fins 321 at both ends in the juxtaposition direction have their outer surfaces flush with the side surfaces of the base 31. The heat transfer fins 321 are painted with black or another color. Alternatively, anodizing may be performed instead of painting.

[0042] The heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 are arranged to mesh with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 of the cover 23 without contacting each other (see FIG. 8 ), so that the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 has a shape corresponding to the concave-convex portion 24. That is, the heat dissipation fins 241 are interposed between the heat transfer fins 321, and the heat transfer fins 321 are interposed between the heat dissipation fins 241. In other words, the heat transfer fins 321 are arranged to correspond to the heat dissipation fins 241 without coming into contact with them.

[0043] More specifically, of the multiple heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32, each heat transfer fin 321 except for the heat transfer fins 321 at both ends is positioned between, without contacting, adjacent heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24. In other words, the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24 are positioned between adjacent heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32. Each heat transfer fin 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 faces each heat dissipation fin 241 of the uneven portion 24.

[0044] The corresponding uneven portion 32 (heat transfer fins 321) cools the heat of the image sensor 40 transferred through the bottom of the cover 23 and the heat dissipation fins 241, and also transfers the heat to the bracket 10. The base 31, the protruding portion 311, and the corresponding uneven portion 32 are integrally formed.

[0045] 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the camera unit 20 and the heat transfer member 30 are removed from the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment. For convenience, only a part of the bracket 10 is shown in FIG.

[0046] The bracket 10 is made of a plate-shaped resin and has a fixing plate 17 fixed to the center of the upper part of the windshield S. The fixing plate 17 has a rectangular upper part and gradually expands in width (vehicle width direction) as it approaches the bottom end, forming an inverted T-shape as a whole (see Figure 2). The fixing plate 17 is attached to the windshield S from one surface 171 facing the windshield S.

[0047] A substantially triangular recess 15 is formed on one surface 171 of the fixing plate 17, extending from the center to the lower end. The recess 15 is shaped like a substantially isosceles triangle with its base at the lower end of the fixing plate 17, and its depth gradually decreases toward the base. Restriction ribs 16 are provided at regular intervals on the inner surface of the recess 15 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 9). Each restriction rib 16 traps light incident on the recess 15 through the windshield S by multiple reflections on the opposing wall surfaces of the restriction ribs 16.

[0048] Furthermore, in the recess 15, an insertion hole 12 into which the tip of the lens holder 21 of the camera unit 20 is inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the vertex of the apex angle of the isosceles triangle. The insertion hole 12 is approximately semicircular and is drilled so as to face forward. In other words, one surface 171 (recess 15) side of the fixing plate portion 17 and an opposite surface 172 side opposite to one surface 171 are connected via the insertion hole 12.

[0049] The fixed plate portion 17 is provided with a pair of shaft receiving portions 13 for holding the camera unit 20, near the insertion hole 12 and slightly above the insertion hole 12. Each shaft receiving portion 13 has a substantially semicircular ring shape, with both ends provided on the opposite surface 172. That is, the pair of shaft receiving portions 13 protrude from the opposite surface 172 and are arranged opposite each other at a predetermined interval in the width direction. In each shaft receiving portion 13, the edge on the other shaft receiving portion 13 side at the upper end is cut out to form a notch 131, making it easier to incorporate the holding shaft 25 of the camera unit 20 into the shaft receiving portion 13. Both ends of the holding shaft 25 of the camera unit 20 are inserted into the pair of shaft receiving portions 13 through the notch 131 and are pivotally supported.

[0050] Furthermore, the fixing plate portion 17 is provided with an engaging portion 14 for holding the heat transfer member 30, slightly above the pair of shaft receiving portions 13. The engaging portion 14 includes a pair of side support portions 141 that support both sides of the heat transfer member 30, and a pressing portion 142 that presses down on the upper surface of the heat transfer member 30. The pair of side support portions 141 are provided at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the vehicle, and the pressing portion 142 is provided between the pair of side support portions 141.

[0051] The retaining portion 142 protrudes from the opposite surface 172. The retaining portion 142 extends in the width direction of the vehicle and forms a right-angled triangle in a vertical cross section (see FIG. 9 ). That is, the retaining portion 142 has a flat, rectangular horizontal surface 142a, a long side surface 142b rising from the long side of the horizontal surface 142a toward the rear of the vehicle, and two short side surfaces 142c rising from both short sides of the horizontal surface 142a. The long side surface 142b is rectangular, and the short side surface 142c is shaped like a right triangle with the horizontal surface 142a as its adjacent side and the long side surface 142b as its opposite side. The retaining portion 142 is integrally formed with the fixing plate portion 17.

[0052] Each side support portion 141 supports the protruding portion 311 of the heat transfer member 30. Each side support portion 141 has a lower support plate 141a (guide portion) that supports the protruding portion 311 of the heat transfer member 30 from below, and a holding plate 141b that holds the lower support plate 141a.

[0053] Each holding plate 141b has a right-angled trapezoidal shape, protrudes from the opposite surface 172, and is disposed opposite a short side surface 142c of the pressing portion 142. That is, the upper end of each holding plate 141b is inclined along the fixing plate portion 17, and the rear edge is longer than the front edge in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0054] Furthermore, a lower support plate 141a is connected to the lower end of each holding plate 141b. Each lower support plate 141a protrudes from the lower end of the corresponding holding plate 141b toward the pressing portion 142. Each lower support plate 141a has a rectangular shape extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and is disposed horizontally below the pressing portion 142. The length of the lower support plate 141a is equal to the length of the protruding portion 311 of the heat transfer member 30, and the width of the lower support plate 141a is slightly narrower than the width of the protruding portion 311.

[0055] That is, the lower support plate 141 a and the holding plate 141 b are L-shaped in vertical cross section. The lower support plate 141 a and the holding plate 141 b of one side support part 141 are L-shaped, and the lower support plate 141 a and the holding plate 141 b of the other side support part 141 are inverted L-shaped.

[0056] In this case, the distance between the inner surfaces of the holding plates 141b is slightly wider than the dimension L1 (see FIG. 5) from the tip of one overhanging portion 311 to the tip of the other overhanging portion 311 in the heat transfer member 30. The distance between the tips of the lower support plates 141a is narrower than the dimension L1 and slightly wider than the dimension L2 (see FIG. 5) between the side surfaces in the heat transfer member 30. Furthermore, the distance between the upper surface of the lower support plate 141a and the horizontal surface 142a of the pressing portion 142 is wider than the thickness L3 (see FIG. 5) of the overhanging portion 311.

[0057] A stopper 141c is provided adjacent to the edge of the lower support plate 141a on the front side of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the front edge) to prevent collision between the heat transfer member 30 and the cover 23 of the camera unit 20. The stopper 141c extends upward from the front edge of the lower support plate 141a to the lower part of the edge of the holding plate 141b.

[0058] When the heat transfer member 30 is installed, it is inserted into the engagement portion 14 from the rear of the vehicle. That is, the protruding portion 311 of the heat transfer member 30 is supported from below by the side support portions 141 and slides on the upper surface of the lower support plate 141a, and at this time, the upper surface of the heat transfer member 30 (base portion 31) is pressed down by the pressing portion 142. In other words, the lower support plate 141a guides the movement of the heat transfer member 30 toward and away from the cover 23 of the camera unit 20.

[0059] In this manner, the stopper 141c restricts the movement of the heat transfer member 30 beyond a predetermined position as it is guided by the lower support plate 141a and moves in a direction approaching the cover 23. For example, the stopper 141c prevents the heat transfer member 30 from moving just before it collides with the cover 23.

[0060] In this way, the heat transfer member 30 engages with the engaging portion 14 and is held to the fixing plate portion 17 via the engaging portion 14, with the protruding portion 311 supported from below by the side support portion 141 and the upper surface of the base 31 being pressed by the pressing portion 142.

[0061] When the heat transfer member 30 is assembled, it is guided by the lower support plate 141a and moves in a direction approaching the cover 23. Because the corresponding uneven portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30 has a shape that corresponds to the uneven portion 24 of the camera unit 20, the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 engage with and do not collide with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24. Furthermore, even after assembly of the heat transfer member 30 is complete, the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 do not come into contact with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the engagement state between the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 and the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24. Fig. 8 shows the heat transfer member 30 as seen from the rear of the vehicle.

[0063] 8 , when the heat transfer member 30 is fully assembled, i.e., when the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 and the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 are engaged with each other, the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 are positioned between adjacent heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32, and one heat dissipation fin 241 is disposed on both sides of the thickness direction of the heat transfer fin 321. That is, all heat dissipation fins 241 are interposed between two heat transfer fins 321, and both main surfaces of each heat dissipation fin 241 in the thickness direction face each other. Furthermore, the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 and the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 face each other, and although they are very close to each other, they do not touch, and a slight gap is maintained between them. For example, the distance between the heat dissipation fins 241 and the heat transfer fins 321 is narrower than the thickness of the heat dissipation fins 241 or the heat transfer fins 321 .

[0064] A heat transfer sheet 18 is attached to the fixing plate 17. The heat transfer sheet 18 has a higher thermal conductivity than the fixing plate 17 and is adhered to the opposite surface 172 of the fixing plate 17 in the vertical direction. The heat transfer sheet 18 may be, for example, a graphite sheet made of graphite, a so-called nanocarbon, or a graphene sheet (a multilayer graphene sheet made of planar pitch-based carbon fiber) made of graphene, also a nanocarbon. The heat transfer sheet 18 is rectangular and adhered to the center of the opposite surface 172. The heat transfer sheet 18 covers the horizontal surface 142a and long side surfaces 142b of the pressing portion 142, as well as the upper and lower portions of the pressing portion 142 on the opposite surface 172. Therefore, after the heat transfer member 30 is completely assembled, the heat transfer sheet 18 and the TIM are interposed between the heat transfer member 30 (base 31) and the engaging portion 14 (pressing portion 142).

[0065] The fixing plate portion 17 is provided with attachment portions 11 for attaching the case C at both ends in the width direction of the vehicle at the upper and lower ends.

[0066] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 of embodiment 1 having the above-described configuration, heat generated from the image sensor 40 of the camera unit 20 is transmitted to the bracket 10 via the heat transfer member 30, and is absorbed and dissipated by the bracket 10.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the on-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment, illustrating the heat transfer path in the on-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100. For convenience, Fig. 9 does not show the windshield S, and shows only a part of the bracket 10. In Fig. 9, the movement of heat emitted from the image sensor 40 is indicated by dotted arrows.

[0068] Heat generated by the imaging element 40 during operation is conducted to the substrate 50 on which the imaging element 40 is mounted, and then conducted to the bottom of the cover 23 that abuts against the substrate 50, for example, via a TIM. The heat conducted to the bottom of the cover 23 is further conducted to the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24 provided on the outside of the bottom. The heat conducted to the heat dissipation fins 241 is radiated to the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30 that faces it at a short distance. At this time, some of the heat is dissipated by air cooling from the heat dissipation fins 241 and the heat transfer fins 321.

[0069] The heat transferred to the heat transfer fins 321 is conducted to the base 31, and the heat conducted to the base 31 is conducted to the heat transfer sheet 18, for example, via the TIM, and then to the retaining portion 142 that abuts against the heat transfer sheet 18. The heat conducted to the retaining portion 142 is conducted to the entire bracket 10. At this time, part of the heat is also conducted via the heat transfer sheet 18, making the heat diffusion in the bracket 10 faster and easier. Thereafter, the heat conducted to the bracket 10 is air-cooled or conducted to the windshield S that is in contact with the bracket 10.

[0070] As a result of having the above-described configuration, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 of embodiment 1 can quickly transfer the heat generated by the image pickup element 40 during operation to the bracket 10 arranged at a distance from the image pickup element 40, thereby dissipating the heat.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the heat dissipation effect of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a bar graph showing the heat dissipation effect of the image sensor 40, the lens holder 21, and the substrate 50, with the conventional example represented by black bars and the example of embodiment 1 represented by white bars. In Fig. 10, the vertical axis represents the temperature during operation.

[0072] 10, the temperature during operation of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment is significantly lower than that of the conventional in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100. As described above, it can be confirmed that the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 exhibits a superior heat dissipation effect compared to the conventional in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100.

[0073] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to embodiment 1, as described above, the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24 of the camera unit 20 are interposed between adjacent heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30, and although each heat transfer fin 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 and each heat dissipation fin 241 of the uneven portion 24 are arranged opposite each other, they are not in contact with each other.

[0074] Therefore, heat from the camera unit 20 (image pickup element 40) can be easily transferred by radiation via the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24 to the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32, and since the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 do not come into contact with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24, the camera unit 20 is not restrained by the heat transfer member 30. In other words, since the camera unit 20 and the heat transfer member 30 exist independently, the heat transfer member 30 does not affect or interfere with the positioning of the camera unit 20. Therefore, the heat generated from the image pickup element 40 can be efficiently transferred to the bracket 10 and dissipated, while the camera unit 20 can be accurately positioned.

[0075] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment, when the heat transfer member 30 is slid to be assembled into the engagement portion 14, the movement of the heat transfer member 30 is limited by the stopper 141c, thereby preventing the heat transfer member 30 from colliding with the cover 23 of the camera unit 20. Therefore, when assembling the heat transfer member 30, the worker does not need to worry about the heat transfer member 30 colliding with the camera unit 20, improving workability.

[0076] As described above, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment, all of the heat dissipation fins 241 are interposed between two heat transfer fins 321 so as to face each other. That is, since a minimum combination unit is formed by one heat dissipation fin 241 and two heat transfer fins 321, heat (radiant heat) from the camera unit 20 (image pickup element 40) can be efficiently transferred to the heat transfer member 30.

[0077] Although the above description has been given using an example in which the bracket 10 is made of resin, the present invention is not limited to this. The bracket 10 may be made of resin with carbon nanotubes, graphene, or the like dispersed therein. In this case, the thermal conductivity of the bracket 10 is improved, and heat from the imaging element 40 is dissipated more effectively.

[0078] (Embodiment 2) Similar to Embodiment 1, the camera device 1 according to Embodiment 2 includes an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 housed in a case C. Similar to Embodiment 1, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 includes a camera unit 20, a bracket 10, and a heat transfer member 30. The camera unit 20 and the heat transfer member 30 of the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that, also in Embodiment 2, the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30 are arranged to engage with the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 of the camera unit 20 in a non-contact manner. In other words, the heat transfer fins 321 are arranged corresponding to the heat dissipation fins 241 so as not to come into contact with the heat dissipation fins 241. Hereinafter, only the bracket 10 will be described.

[0079] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the second embodiment, the bracket 10 has a fixing plate 17, a recess 15 is formed on one surface 171 of the fixing plate 17, an insertion hole 12 is formed connecting the one surface 171 with the opposite surface 172, a pair of shaft receiving portions 13 are provided for holding the camera unit 20, an engaging portion 14 is provided for holding the heat transfer member 30, and an attachment portion 11 is provided for attaching the case C. The engaging portion 14 includes a pair of side support portions 141 and a pressing portion 142.

[0080] The fixing plate portion 17, the recess 15, the insertion hole 12, the shaft receiving portion 13, the engaging portion 14, and the mounting portion 11 have already been described in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the second embodiment with the camera unit 20 and the heat transfer member 30 removed, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. For convenience, only a portion of the bracket 10 is shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0082] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the second embodiment, a slit 19 is formed near the retaining portion 142, connecting one surface 171 of the fixing plate 17 with the opposite surface 172. The slit 19 is formed near the long side surface 142b of the retaining portion 142 and near the horizontal surface 142a of the fixing plate 17. The slit 19 near the long side surface 142b (hereinafter also referred to as the upper slit 19) extends along the long side surface 142b, while the slit 19 near the horizontal surface 142a (hereinafter also referred to as the lower slit 19) extends along the horizontal surface 142a. The dimension of the slit 19 in the extension direction is slightly longer than the lengths of the horizontal surface 142a and the long side surface 142b.

[0083] A rectangular recess 173 is formed in one surface 171 of the fixing plate 17, above the recess 15. The rectangular recess 173 is formed in a range that includes a position corresponding to the pressing portion 142 on the opposite surface 172 opposite to the one surface 171. The rectangular recess 173 is formed in the center of the one surface 171, with a certain depth, in a rectangular range that extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the two slits 19 open to the bottom of the rectangular recess 173. In other words, the slit 19 connects the opposite surface 172 with the rectangular recess 173.

[0084] A heat transfer sheet 18 is attached to the fixing plate 17. The heat transfer sheet 18 has a higher thermal conductivity than the fixing plate 17 and is adhered to the center of the fixing plate 17 in the vertical direction. The heat transfer sheet 18 is rectangular and may be, for example, a graphite sheet made of graphite, a type of nanocarbon, or a graphene sheet (a multilayer graphene sheet made of planar pitch-based carbon fiber) made of graphene, another type of nanocarbon. The center of the heat transfer sheet 18 is adhered to the opposite surface 172 of the fixing plate 17, and both ends are adhered to one surface 171.

[0085] Specifically, the center of the heat transfer sheet 18 covers the horizontal surface 142a and the long side surface 142b of the holding portion 142. Therefore, when the assembly of the heat transfer member 30 is complete, the heat transfer sheet 18 is interposed between the heat transfer member 30 (base 31) and the engagement portion 14 (holding portion 142).

[0086] The upper part of the heat transfer sheet 18 passes through the upper slit 19, going from the opposite surface 172 of the fixing plate portion 17 to the one surface 171 side, and is housed in the rectangular recess 173. For example, a TIM may be applied between the upper part of the heat transfer sheet 18 and the bottom of the rectangular recess 173. That is, the upper part of the heat transfer sheet 18 is interposed between the windshield S and the one surface 171, and is in contact with the windshield S. An elastic plate member (not shown), for example, is placed on the bottom of the rectangular recess 173, and the upper part of the heat transfer sheet 18 is pressed firmly against the windshield S by the elastic plate member.

[0087] Furthermore, the lower part of the heat transfer sheet 18 passes through the lower slit 19, wraps around from the opposite surface 172 of the fixing plate portion 17 to the one surface 171 side, and is housed in the rectangular recess 173. For example, TIM may be applied between the lower part of the heat transfer sheet 18 and the bottom of the rectangular recess 173. In other words, the lower part of the heat transfer sheet 18 is interposed between the windshield S and the one surface 171, and is in contact with the windshield S. The lower part of the heat transfer sheet 18 is pressed firmly against the windshield S by the elastic plate member.

[0088] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the second embodiment, the heat generated by the imaging element 40 during operation is conducted to the bottom of the cover 23 via the substrate 50, and is further conducted to the heat dissipation fins 241 of the uneven portion 24 provided on the outside of the bottom. The heat conducted to the heat dissipation fins 241 is then radiated (emitted) to the heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding uneven portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30, which faces it at a close distance (see FIG. 9 ).

[0089] The heat transferred to the heat transfer fins 321 is conducted to the heat transfer sheet 18 via the base 31 , then to the pressing portion 142 that is in contact with the heat transfer sheet 18 , and then to the entire bracket 10 .

[0090] At this time, part of the heat is also conducted and dissipated via the heat transfer sheet 18. More specifically, the heat conducted to the heat transfer sheet 18 is conducted to the entire heat transfer sheet 18, but as described above, since the upper and lower parts of the heat transfer sheet 18 are interposed between the windshield S and the first surface 171, the heat conducted to the upper and lower parts of the heat transfer sheet 18 is also conducted to the windshield S and the first surface 171.

[0091] In this way, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 of embodiment 2, the heat transferred to the heat transfer sheet 18 is also conducted to the windshield S and dissipated, so that the heat generated by the image pickup element 40 during operation is dissipated even more effectively.

[0092] Also in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 100 according to the second embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 241 of the concave-convex portion 24 of the camera unit 20 are interposed between, but not in contact with, adjacent heat transfer fins 321 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 32 of the heat transfer member 30. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the heat transfer member 30 does not affect the positioning of the camera unit 20, and the camera unit 20 can be positioned with high precision, and the heat generated by the image sensor 40 can be dissipated efficiently.

[0093] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] (Embodiment 3) In the first and second embodiments, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention has been described as being applied to the camera device 1, that is, the heat-generating part that generates heat during operation is the image sensor 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to CCUs (Central Compute Units), ECUs (Electric Control Units), DCUs (Domain Control Units), and ZCUs (Zone Control Units), which are electronic computing devices for vehicles that have semiconductor elements.

[0095] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a main part of an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 400 according to embodiment 3. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 400 according to embodiment 3 includes a CCU 420, a heat sink 430 (a non-contact heat transfer member), and an interior panel 410 (a heat absorption portion).

[0096] The CCU 420 has a plurality of ICs 440 (heat generating parts) and a substrate 450 on which the ICs 440 are mounted. The ICs 440 generate heat during operation. The CCU 420 is made up of a first housing 421 (heat dissipation member) and a second housing 422.

[0097] The first housing 421 has a flat housing shape with one side open. That is, the first housing 421 has a rectangular bottom plate 421b and side walls extending from the edges of the bottom plate 421b in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 421b, with the ends of the side walls bent outward to form flanges 421a parallel to the bottom plate 421b. In addition, the first housing 421 has protrusions formed on the inner surface of the bottom plate 421b, the number of which is equal to the number of ICs 440, and the tip surface of each protrusion contacts the IC 440 via a TIM.

[0098] Furthermore, the first housing 421 has an uneven portion 424 formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 421b. The uneven portion 424 has a plurality of heat dissipation fins 425 (first fins). Each heat dissipation fin 425 has a rectangular plate shape extending perpendicular to the bottom plate 421b and protruding toward the heat sink 430 and the interior panel 410. The heat dissipation fins 425 are arranged side by side at regular intervals with their thickness directions aligned in the same direction. The uneven portion 424 (heat dissipation fins 425) air-cools the heat of the IC 440 that is conducted via the first housing 421, as described below.

[0099] The second housing 422 has a flat housing shape with one side open, similar to the first housing 421, and includes a rectangular bottom plate 422b and side walls extending from the edges of the bottom plate 422b in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 422b, with the ends of the side walls bent outward to form flanges 422a parallel to the bottom plate 422b. In addition, the second housing 422 has protrusions formed on the inner surface of the bottom plate 422b, the number of which is equal to the number of ICs 440, and the tip surface of each protrusion contacts the substrate 450 via a TIM.

[0100] The IC 440 is mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 450, and a first housing 421 is arranged on the mounting surface side of the substrate 450, and a second housing 422 is arranged on the opposite side of the substrate 450 opposite the mounting surface.

[0101] The first housing 421 and the second housing 422 are screwed to the bracket 460 using the through holes in the flanges 421 a and 422 a, with their open surfaces facing each other. At this time, as described above, the protruding portion of the first housing 421 contacts the IC 440, and the protruding portion of the second housing 422 contacts the opposite surface of the substrate 450. In other words, the IC 440 and the substrate 450 are sandwiched between the first housing 421 and the second housing 422.

[0102] An interior panel 410 is arranged at a position spaced apart from the first housing 421 so as to face the bottom plate 421b of the first housing 421, and a heat sink 430 is interposed between the first housing 421 and the interior panel 410.

[0103] The heat sink 430 is made of, for example, aluminum and has a rectangular plate-shaped mounting portion 432. One side of the mounting portion 432 faces the bottom plate 421b of the first housing 421, and the other side faces the interior panel 410. The mounting portion 432 is screwed to the resin interior panel 410. A TIM is interposed between the mounting portion 432 and the interior panel 410. A corresponding concave-convex portion 431 is provided on the surface of the mounting portion 432 that faces the bottom plate 421b of the first housing 421.

[0104] The corresponding uneven portion 431 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 433 (second fins), and each heat transfer fin 433 protrudes from the opposing surface of the mounting portion 432. The corresponding uneven portion 431 has a shape that corresponds to the uneven portion 424 of the first housing 421.

[0105] Each heat transfer fin 433 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the same direction as the heat dissipation fins 425 of the uneven portion 424. The heat transfer fins 433 are arranged side by side at regular intervals such that their thickness direction is the same as the direction in which the heat dissipation fins 425 of the uneven portion 424 are arranged side by side. The heat transfer fins 433 are painted with black or another color. Alternatively, the heat transfer fins 433 may be anodized instead of painted.

[0106] The heat transfer fins 433 of the corresponding uneven portion 431 are arranged to mesh with the heat dissipation fins 425 of the uneven portion 424 of the first housing 421 without contacting each other. That is, the heat transfer fins 433 are arranged to correspond to the heat dissipation fins 425 without contacting each other. More specifically, the multiple heat transfer fins 433 of the corresponding uneven portion 431 are positioned between adjacent heat dissipation fins 425 of the uneven portion 424 without contacting each other. In other words, the heat transfer fins 433 of the corresponding uneven portion 431 are arranged face-to-face with the heat dissipation fins 425 between adjacent heat dissipation fins 425 of the uneven portion 424.

[0107] The corresponding concave-convex portion 431 (heat transfer fins 433 ) cools the heat of the IC 440 radiated via the heat dissipation fins 425 of the concave-convex portion 424 of the first housing 421 , and also conducts the heat to the interior panel 410 .

[0108] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 400 according to the third embodiment, heat generated when the IC 440 is in operation is conducted to the heat dissipation fins 425 of the concave-convex portion 424 via the bottom plate 421b, and the heat conducted to the heat dissipation fins 425 is then radiated to the heat transfer fins 433 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 431 of the heat sink 430, which faces the IC 440 at a short distance. The heat conducted to the heat transfer fins 433 is conducted to the mounting portion 432, then conducted to the interior panel 410 via the TIM, and then conducted throughout the entire interior panel 410.

[0109] Therefore, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 400 of embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, the heat sink 430 does not affect the positioning of the CCU 420 (IC 440), so the positioning of the CCU 420 can be performed with high precision, and heat generated from the IC 440 of the CCU 420 can be efficiently dissipated.

[0110] In the first and second embodiments, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention has been described as being applied to the camera device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism can also be applied to a millimeter-wave radar having an antenna.

[0111] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 500 according to embodiment 4. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 500 according to embodiment 4 includes a radio wave generating module 550 (heat generating portion), a first heat sink 520 (heat dissipating member), a second heat sink 530 (non-contact heat transfer member), and a housing 510 (heat absorbing portion).

[0112] The housing 510 is made of metal or resin to prevent external signals such as noise from entering, and has the shape of a flat enclosure with one side open. That is, the housing 510 has a rectangular bottom plate 511, and side walls are connected to the edges of the bottom plate 511 in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 511. Furthermore, flanges 512 protrude from the outer surfaces of the two opposing side walls. Each flange 512 has a through-hole formed therein, and the housing 510 is fixed to the bracket 560 by aligning the through-hole with a through-hole formed in the bracket 560 and screwing the flange 512 to the bracket 560.

[0113] The housing 510 accommodates an electromagnetic wave generating module 550, a first heat sink 520, and a second heat sink 530. The open side of the housing 510 is covered with a plate-shaped plastic radar dome 570 that allows good passage of electromagnetic waves.

[0114] In the radio wave generating module 550, electronic components (not shown) are also mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 551 facing the radome 570. Furthermore, an antenna including a transmitting antenna section and a receiving antenna section is formed on the mounting surface of the substrate 551 by pattern printing. This antenna emits millimeter waves. The radio wave generating module 550 generates heat during operation.

[0115] The first heat sink 520 is disposed opposite to the substrate 551 of the radio wave generating module 550. The first heat sink 520 is disposed on the opposite side of the substrate 551 from the mounting surface, and a TIM is interposed between the substrate 551 and the first heat sink 520.

[0116] The first heat sink 520 has a rectangular flat plate portion 521, and a through hole is formed at an end of the flat plate portion 521. A bolt is inserted from a through hole formed at an end of the substrate 551 of the radio wave generating module 550, passes through the through hole in the flat plate portion 521, and screws into a nut hole provided in a fixing seat 513 protruding from the inner surface of the bottom plate 511 of the housing 510, thereby fastening the radio wave generating module 550 and the first heat sink 520 together.

[0117] The flat plate portion 521 of the first heat sink 520 is arranged opposite the bottom plate 511 of the housing 510, which is arranged at a distance from the first heat sink 520, and the second heat sink 530 is interposed between the flat plate portion 521 and the bottom plate 511.

[0118] A recess for accommodating a TIM is formed on the surface of the flat plate portion 521 facing the substrate 551. Furthermore, an uneven portion 524 is formed on the surface of the flat plate portion 521 opposite the facing surface. The uneven portion 524 has a plurality of heat dissipation fins 525 (first fins). Each heat dissipation fin 525 has a rectangular plate shape extending perpendicular to the flat plate portion 521 and protruding toward the second heat sink 530. The heat dissipation fins 525 are arranged side by side at regular intervals with their thickness directions aligned in the same direction. The uneven portion 524 (heat dissipation fins 525) air-cools the heat of the radio wave generating module 550 that is conducted via the flat plate portion 521.

[0119] The second heat sink 530 is made of, for example, aluminum and has a rectangular plate-shaped mounting portion 533. One surface of the mounting portion 533 faces the flat plate portion 521 of the first heat sink 520, and the other surface faces the bottom plate 511 of the housing 510. The mounting portion 533 is screwed to the housing 510 (bottom plate 511). A TIM is interposed between the mounting portion 533 and the bottom plate 511. A corresponding concave-convex portion 531 is provided on one surface of the mounting portion 533.

[0120] The corresponding uneven portion 531 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 532 (second fins), and each heat transfer fin 532 protrudes from the one surface of the mounting portion 533 toward the first heat sink 520. The corresponding uneven portion 531 has a shape that corresponds to the uneven portion 524 of the first heat sink 520.

[0121] Each heat transfer fin 532 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the extension direction of the heat dissipation fins 525 of the uneven portion 524. The multiple heat transfer fins 532 are arranged side by side at regular intervals such that the thickness direction is the same as the direction in which the multiple heat dissipation fins 525 of the uneven portion 524 are arranged side by side. The heat transfer fins 532 are painted with black or another color paint. Alternatively, the heat transfer fins 532 may be anodized instead of painted.

[0122] The heat transfer fins 532 of the corresponding uneven portion 531 are arranged to engage with the heat dissipation fins 525 of the uneven portion 524 of the first heat sink 520 without contacting each other. That is, the heat transfer fins 532 are arranged to correspond to the heat dissipation fins 525 but not to come into contact with them. The multiple heat transfer fins 532 of the corresponding uneven portion 531 are located between adjacent heat dissipation fins 525 of the uneven portion 524 without coming into contact with each other. In other words, the heat transfer fins 532 of the corresponding uneven portion 531 are arranged opposite the heat dissipation fins 525 between adjacent heat dissipation fins 525 of the uneven portion 524.

[0123] The corresponding concave-convex portion 531 (heat transfer fins 532 ) cools the heat of the radio wave generating module 550 radiated via the heat dissipation fins 525 of the concave-convex portion 524 of the first heat sink 520 , and also conducts the heat to the housing 510 .

[0124] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 500 according to the fourth embodiment, heat generated by the radio wave generating module 550 during operation is conducted to the heat dissipation fins 525 of the concave-convex portion 524 via the flat plate portion 521 of the first heat sink 520, and the heat conducted to the heat dissipation fins 525 is then radiated to the heat transfer fins 532 of the corresponding concave-convex portion 531 of the second heat sink 530, which faces the first heat sink 520 at a short distance. The heat conducted to the heat transfer fins 532 is conducted to the mounting portion 533, then conducted to the bottom plate 511 via the TIM, and then conducted to the entire housing 510.

[0125] Therefore, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 500 of embodiment 4, as in embodiment 1, the second heat sink 530 does not affect the positioning of the radio wave generating module 550, so the radio wave generating module 550 can be positioned with high precision and the heat emitted from the radio wave generating module 550 can be dissipated efficiently.

[0126] Fifth Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism according to the present invention has been described as being applied to the camera device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) camera, a night vision camera, a Lidar, etc., which have an LED, an imaging element, a laser element, a light receiving element, etc.

[0127] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of an in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 600 according to embodiment 5. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 600 according to embodiment 5 includes a camera module 65 (heat generating portion), a light 64 (heat generating portion), a base 620 (heat dissipation member), a heat sink 630 (non-contact heat transfer member), and a housing 610 (heat absorbing portion).

[0128] The housing 610 is made of, for example, metal and has the shape of a flat enclosure with one open side. That is, the housing 610 has a rectangular bottom plate 611, and side walls are connected to the edges of the bottom plate 611 in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 611. Furthermore, flanges 612 protrude from the outer surfaces of the two opposing side walls. Each flange 612 has a through-hole formed therein, and the housing 610 is fixed to the bracket 660 by aligning the through-hole with a through-hole formed in the bracket 660 and screwing the flange 612 to the bracket 660.

[0129] The housing 610 accommodates a camera module 65, a light 64, a base 620, and a heat sink 630. The open side of the housing 610 is covered with a plate-shaped IR (infrared) filter 670 made of plastic.

[0130] The camera module 65 includes an imaging element 650, a substrate 651, and a holder 652. The imaging element 650 is mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 651, and the holder 652 accommodates the imaging element 650 and the substrate 651.

[0131] The holder 652 has a cylindrical shape and is disposed so that its axis is perpendicular to the IR filter 670. One end of the holder 652 is disposed near the IR filter 670, and the other end has an expanded diameter. The image sensor 650 and the substrate 651 are housed inside the other end of the holder 652 so that the axis of the holder 652 is perpendicular to the substrate 651. A plurality of flanges with through holes are disposed outward on the edge of the other end of the holder 652. Bolts are inserted into the through holes of the flanges and screwed into nut hole seats 622 (described later) of the base 620, thereby fixing the holder 652 to the base 620. In this case, the surface of the substrate 651 opposite the mounting surface faces the base 620, and the substrate 651 contacts the base 620 via the TIM. The camera module 65 generates heat during operation.

[0132] A plurality of illuminators 64 are provided around the camera module 65. Each illuminator 64 includes an LED 640, a substrate 641, and a reflector R. The LED 640 is mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 641, and a cylindrical reflector R surrounds the LED 640. Through holes are formed in the edge of the substrate 641, and bolts are inserted into the through holes and screwed into nut hole seats 622 of the base 620, thereby fixing the substrate 641 to the base 620. In this case, the surface of the substrate 641 opposite the mounting surface faces the base 620, and the substrate 641 is in contact with the base 620 via the TIM. The illuminators 64 generate heat when in operation.

[0133] The base 620 is disposed opposite the substrate 651 of the camera module 65 and the substrate 641 of the lighting 64 , and is disposed on the opposite side of the substrate 651 from the imaging element 650 and on the opposite side of the substrate 641 from the LED 640 .

[0134] The base 620 has a rectangular flat plate portion 621, and multiple nut hole seats 622 for fixing the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 are protruded from one surface of the flat plate portion 621, and as described above, the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 are fixed to the flat plate portion 621 from the one surface side.

[0135] Mounting flanges 623 are respectively connected to two opposing ends of the flat plate portion 621. The mounting flanges 623 extend in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 621 and in a direction away from the camera module 65 and the lighting 64. The end of each mounting flange 623 is bent outward, and a through hole is formed.

[0136] The flat plate portion 621 of the base 620 is disposed opposite to a bottom plate 611 of the housing 610 that is disposed at a distance from the base 620 , and a heat sink 630 is interposed between the flat plate portion 621 and the bottom plate 611 .

[0137] Furthermore, an uneven portion 624 is formed on the opposite surface of the flat plate portion 621 from the one surface. The uneven portion 624 has a plurality of heat dissipation fins 625 (first fins). Each heat dissipation fin 625 has a rectangular plate shape extending perpendicular to the flat plate portion 621 and protruding toward the heat sink 630. The heat dissipation fins 625 are arranged side by side at regular intervals with their thickness directions aligned in the same direction. The uneven portion 624 (heat dissipation fins 625) air-cools the heat from the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 that is conducted via the flat plate portion 621.

[0138] The heat sink 630 is made of, for example, aluminum, and has a rectangular plate-shaped mounting portion 634. One surface of the mounting portion 634 faces the flat plate portion 621 of the base 620, and the other surface faces the bottom plate 611 of the housing 610. A through hole is formed in the edge of the mounting portion 634.

[0139] The base 620 and the heat sink 630 are fixed to the housing 610 (bottom plate 611) by inserting a bolt from the through hole formed in the end of the mounting flange 623 of the base 620, passing through the through hole in the mounting portion 634, and screwing it into a nut hole formed in the bottom plate 611 of the housing 610. In addition, a TIM is interposed between the mounting portion 634 and the bottom plate 611.

[0140] The one surface of the mounting portion 634 is provided with a corresponding uneven portion 631. The corresponding uneven portion 631 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 632 (second fins), and each heat transfer fin 632 protrudes from the one surface of the mounting portion 634 towards the base 620. The corresponding uneven portion 631 has a shape that corresponds to the uneven portion 624 of the base 620.

[0141] Each heat transfer fin 632 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the extension direction of the heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624. The multiple heat transfer fins 632 are arranged side by side at regular intervals such that the thickness direction is the same as the direction in which the multiple heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 are arranged side by side. The heat transfer fins 632 are painted with black or another color paint. Alternatively, the heat transfer fins 632 may be anodized instead of painted.

[0142] The heat transfer fins 632 of the corresponding uneven portion 631 are arranged to mesh with the heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 of the base 620 without contacting each other. That is, the heat transfer fins 632 are arranged to correspond to the heat dissipation fins 625 without contacting each other. The multiple heat transfer fins 632 of the corresponding uneven portion 631 are located between adjacent heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 without contacting each other. In other words, the heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 are arranged opposite the heat transfer fins 632 between adjacent heat transfer fins 632 of the corresponding uneven portion 631.

[0143] The corresponding uneven portion 631 (heat transfer fins 632 ) cools the heat of the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 radiated via the heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 of the base 620 and also transfers the heat to the housing 610 .

[0144] In the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 600 according to the fifth embodiment, heat generated when the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 are activated is conducted to the heat dissipation fins 625 of the uneven portion 624 via the flat plate portion 621 of the base 620, and the heat conducted to the heat dissipation fins 625 is then radiated to the heat transfer fins 632 of the corresponding uneven portion 631 of the heat sink 630, which faces the heat dissipation fins 625 at a short distance. The heat conducted to the heat transfer fins 632 is conducted to the mounting portion 634, then conducted to the bottom plate 611 via the TIM, and then conducted to the entire housing 610.

[0145] Therefore, in the in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 600 according to the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the heat sink 630 does not affect the positioning of the camera module 65 and the lighting 64, and the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 can be positioned with high precision, and the heat generated from the camera module 65 and the lighting 64 can be dissipated efficiently.

[0146] The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanisms according to embodiments 1 to 5 can also be applied when incorporated into other devices, such as headlights. The technical features (constituent elements) described in embodiments 1 to 5 can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0147] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0148] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Bracket (heat absorbing portion) 14 Engagement portion 18 Heat transfer sheet 19 Slit 23 Cover (heat dissipating member) 24, 424, 524, 624 Concave and convex portion 30 Heat transfer member (non-contact heat transfer member) 32, 431, 531, 631 Corresponding concave and convex portion 40 Imaging element (heat generating portion) 64 Lighting (heat generating portion) 65 Camera module (heat generating portion) 100, 400, 500, 600 In-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism 141a Lower support plate (guide portion) 141c Stopper 171 One surface 172 Opposite surface 241, 425, 525, 625 Heat dissipation fin (first fin) 321, 433, 532, 632 Heat transfer fin (second fin) 410 Interior panel (heat absorbing portion) 421 First housing (heat dissipation member) 430 Heat sink (non-contact heat transfer member) 440 IC (heat generating portion) 510, 610 Housing (heat absorbing portion) 520 First heat sink (heat dissipation member) 530 Second heat sink (non-contact heat transfer member) 550 Radio wave generating module (heat generating portion) 620 Base (heat dissipation member) 630 Heat sink (non-contact heat transfer member) S Front glass (fixed portion)

Claims

1. An in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100, 400, 500, 600) for a heat generating part (40, 64, 65, 440, 550) that generates heat during operation, comprising: a heat dissipation member (23, 421, 520, 620) having uneven parts (24, 424, 524, 624) for dissipating heat conducted from the heat generating part (40, 64, 65, 440, 550); a non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630) having corresponding uneven parts (32, 431, 531, 631) provided corresponding to being non-contact with the uneven parts (24, 424, 524, 624), and through which heat is transmitted from the heat dissipation member (23, 421, 520, 620); and a heat absorption part (10, 410, 510, 610) that is disposed at a distance from the heat generating part (40, 64, 65, 440, 550) and absorbs heat from the heat generating part (40, 64, 65, 440, 550) through the non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630).

2. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100, 400, 500, 600) according to claim 1, wherein the uneven parts (24, 424, 524, 624) are formed by a plurality of first fins (241, 425, 525, 625), and the corresponding uneven parts (32, 431, 531, 631) are formed by a plurality of second fins (321, 433, 532, 632).

3. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100, 400, 500, 600) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first fins (241, 425, 525, 625) and the plurality of second fins (321, 433, 532, 632) have the same thickness direction and are arranged side by side in the thickness direction, and the plurality of first fins (241, 425, 525, 625) and the plurality of second fins (321, 433, 532, 632) are engaged and arranged such that each first fin (241, 425, 525, 625) and each second fin (321, 433, 532, 632) face each other.

4. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a heat transfer sheet (18) attached to the heat absorption part (10, 410, 510, 610) and having a higher thermal conductivity than the heat absorption part (10, 410, 510, 610).

5. The heat absorption part (10, 410, 510, 610) has an engagement part (14) that engages with the non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630), and the heat transfer sheet (18) is interposed between the non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630) and the engagement part (14). The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100) according to claim 4.

6. The heat absorption part (10, 410, 510, 610) is fixed to the fixed part (S) from one surface (171), the heat transfer sheet (18) is attached to the opposite surface (172) on the side opposite to the one surface (171), and it has a slit (19) that communicates the one surface (171) side and the opposite surface (172) side. A part of the heat transfer sheet (18) is interposed between the fixed part (S) and the one surface (171) through the slit (19). The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100) according to claim 4.

7. The non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630) is provided on the side opposite to the heat generation part (40, 64, 65, 440, 550) with respect to the heat dissipation member (23, 421, 520, 620), and the engagement part (14) includes a guide part (141a) that guides the contact and separation movement of the non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630) to and from the heat dissipation member (23, 421, 520, 620), and a stopper (141c) that is provided on the guide part (141a) and prevents the non-contact heat transfer member (30, 430, 530, 630) from colliding with the heat dissipation member (23, 421, 520, 620). The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100) according to claim 5.

8. In all of the first fins (241, 425, 525, 625), the main surfaces of two adjacent second fins (321, 433, 532, 632) are respectively opposed to the main surfaces. The in-vehicle heat dissipation mechanism (100, 400, 500, 600) according to claim 3.

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