Vehicle lamp

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp using a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED as a light source.

Conventionally, vehicle lamps using a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source are known. When a semiconductor light emitting element is used as a light source of a vehicle lighting device, it is necessary to satisfy the light intensity level required for the vehicle lighting device by making maximum use of the light emission of the semiconductor light emitting element.

In general, a semiconductor light emitting device generates heat when a large current is supplied in order to obtain a high output, but the light emitting efficiency decreases when the element becomes hot due to heat generation. Therefore, a heat sink is used to efficiently dissipate heat from the semiconductor light emitting element (see, for example, Patent Document 1).<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-311224</text></patcit>

<p> By the way, a heat sink in a conventional vehicle lamp is usually formed by a method such as die casting or extrusion molding using a metal such as aluminum as a material. Although such a heat sink can be expected to have a high heat dissipation effect, it is heavy and expensive, so that it is difficult to reduce the weight and cost of vehicle lamps.</p><p> The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that can be reduced in weight and cost.</p>

<p> In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention has a semiconductor light emitting element in a lamp chamber formed of a lamp body having an opening at the front and a transparent front cover attached to the front opening. A vehicle lamp equipped with a heat sink that dissipates heat generated from a semiconductor light emitting element. The heat sink is formed by bending a metal flat plate, and has a support portion that supports the semiconductor light emitting element, a bent portion formed behind the support portion, and a heat radiating portion that dissipates heat from the semiconductor light emitting element. Be prepared.</p><p> According to this aspect, by forming the heat sink by bending the metal flat plate, the heat sink can be made lighter and cheaper than the one formed by conventional die casting or the like, and as a result, the vehicle. It is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the lighting equipment. Further, although the heat sink according to this embodiment uses a metal flat plate, it has a bent portion behind the support portion that supports the semiconductor light emitting element, and therefore has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate.</p><p> The heat radiating portion may have an opening through which the air convection in the lamp chamber can pass through. In this case, the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.</p><p> The opening may be formed by providing a notch in a part of the metal flat plate and bending the portion provided with the notch. In this case, the surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to provide an opening, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.</p><p> A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a row on the support portion, and the bent portion may be formed so that the bending line is parallel to the row of the semiconductor light emitting elements. In this case, a line-shaped light source can be configured while maintaining the mechanical strength of the heat sink.</p><p> An optical member may be provided on the support portion to emit the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element to the front of the lamp. In this case, a vehicle lamp having good light distribution performance can be configured.</p>

<p> According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can be reduced in weight and cost.</p>

Hereinafter, the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a resin lamp body 11 having an open front surface and a front cover 12 formed of a translucent material and airtightly covering the front surface of the lamp body 11. The lamp unit 19 is housed in the configured lamp chamber 13.

The lamp unit 19 is a so-called projector-type lamp unit, and uses an LED as a light source. Each lamp unit 19 includes an LED 17, a substrate 18, a reflector 15, a heat sink 14, and a projection lens 16. The LED 17 is a white LED having an LED chip (not shown) and a substantially hemispherical cap covering the LED chip. The LED 17 is arranged on a substrate 18 made of ceramic or the like. The LED 17 is provided so as to be located on the optical axis Ax with the light emitting direction directed in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 19. The LED 17 is supplied with power via a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 18. The substrate 18 is provided on the support portion 14a of the heat sink 14 that dissipates heat generated from the LED 17. The structure of the heat sink 14 will be described later.

The reflector 15 is formed in a semi-dome shape using, for example, polycarbonate, and is arranged above the LED 17. The reflector 15 has a reflecting surface on its inner surface that collects and reflects the light from the LED 17 forward toward the optical axis Ax. The reflector 15 is provided on the support portion 14a of the heat sink 14.

The projection lens 16 is a plano-convex aspherical lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is attached to the front of the LED 17 by a fixing member (not shown). The projection lens 16 irradiates the light source image formed on the rear focal plane forward as an inverted image.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the heat sink 14. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the heat sink 14 is viewed from the rear side.

The heat sink 14 according to the present embodiment is formed by bending a metal flat plate. As the metal flat plate, a metal flat plate having a high thermal conductivity such as aluminum can be used. The thickness of the metal flat plate is selected in consideration of the mechanical strength and workability of the heat sink 14. For example, a metal flat plate having a thickness of about 1 mm to 3 mm can be used.

The heat sink 14 includes a support portion 14a that supports the substrate 18 on which the LED 17 is mounted, and a heat radiating portion 14f that dissipates heat from the LED 17. The support portion 14a is formed in a planar shape to support the substrate 18. A plurality of LED 17s are arranged in a row in the left-right direction of the lamp on the support portion 14a (only one LED 17 is shown in FIG. 2).

The heat radiating portion 14f is located behind the support portion 14a. The heat radiating portion 14f is U-shaped in side view by bending the portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 14a at three locations: the first bent portion 14b, the second bent portion 14c, and the third bent portion 14d. Is formed in. The first bent portion 14b, the second bent portion 14c, and the third bent portion 14d are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 14f has a first surface 14h connected to the support portion 14a via the first bent portion 14b, a second surface 14i connected to the first surface 14h via the second bent portion 14c, and a third bent portion. It has a third surface 14j that is connected to the second surface 14i via 14d. The heat sink 14 is formed so that the support portion 14a and the second surface 14i are parallel to each other, and the first surface 14h and the third surface 14j are perpendicular to the support portion 14a and the second surface 14i.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of slit-shaped openings 14e are provided on the first to third surfaces 14h to 14j of the heat radiating portion 14f from the vicinity of the first bent portion 14b to the end of the third surface 14j. Has been done.

The heat dissipation effect of the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above will be described. In Figure 1, the white arrows represent the flow of air. When the LED 17 emits light in the vehicle lamp 10, the heat generated by the light emission is transferred to the support portion 14a of the heat sink 14 via the substrate 18 with which the LED 17 contacts. The heat transferred to the support portion 14a is transferred to the heat dissipation portion 14f behind the support portion 14a. The heat transferred to the heat radiating unit 14f is radiated to the surrounding air.

Here, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, since the opening 14e is provided in the heat radiating portion 14f, the air convected in the lighting chamber 13 enters the U-shaped radiating portion 14f from below. An air flow is generated in which the air flows in and passes through the opening 14e on the upper surface of the heat radiating unit 14f. Due to this air flow, the air warmed by the heat from the heat radiating unit 14f convects in the lamp chamber 13. The air convected in the light chamber 13 is cooled by, for example, the front cover 12, and then flows into the heat radiating portion 14f again. By providing the opening 14e in the heat radiating portion 14f in this way, cold air flows in the heat radiating portion 14f one after another, so that the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

In the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, the heat sink 14 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the heat sink 14 is lighter than the one formed by conventional die casting or the like. It can be cheap. As a result, the weight and cost of the vehicle lamp 10 can be reduced. Although the heat sink 14 uses a metal flat plate, it is provided with three bent portions, a first bent portion 14b, a second bent portion 14c, and a third bent portion 14d, behind the support portion 14a that supports the LED 17. It has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate.

(Second embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heat sink 34 used in the vehicle lamp 30 according to the second embodiment. The same or corresponding components as the vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 4, the substrate 18, the reflector 15, and the like are not shown.

In the vehicle lamp 30 according to the present embodiment, the shape of the heat sink 34 is different from that of the heat sink 14 shown in FIG. Also in the vehicle lamp 30, a heat radiating portion 34f is formed behind the support portion 34a that supports the LED 17. Here, in the heat sink 14 shown in FIG. 2, the opening 14e is formed by forming a rectangular elongated hole in the first to third surfaces 14h to 14j of the heat sink 14, but in the heat sink 34 according to the present embodiment, the opening 14e is formed. , A plurality of notches are provided from the end opposite to the support portion 34a side of the metal flat plate to the vicinity of the first bent portion 34b, and the plurality of rectangular portions 34 g formed between the notches are bent forward of the lamp, thereby radiating the heat radiating portion 34f. A plurality of openings 34e are formed in the space. Since the reflector 15 exists in front of the heat radiating portion 34f, the rectangular portion 34g is bent along the outer surface of the reflector 15 as shown in FIG.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 34g formed between the cuts is bent to form the opening 34e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to open the opening. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the heat sink is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 30 can be made lightweight and inexpensive by forming the heat sink 34 by bending one metal flat plate. Further, the heat sink 34 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing three bent portions, a first bent portion 34b, a second bent portion 34c, and a third bent portion 34d, behind the support portion 34a. .. Further, since the air convection is promoted by providing the opening 34e in the heat radiating portion 34f, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(Third embodiment) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heat sink 54 used in a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 54 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 54 includes a flat support portion 54a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 54f that is located behind the support portion 54a and dissipates heat from the support portion 54a. The heat radiating portion 54f of the heat sink 54 is formed in an L shape in a side view by bending a portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 54a at two locations, a first bent portion 54b and a second bent portion 54c. There is. The first bent portion 54b and the second bent portion 54c are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 54f has a first surface 54h connected to the support portion 54a via the first bent portion 54b and a second surface 54i connected to the first surface 54h via the second bent portion 54c. The heat sink 54 is formed so that the support portion 54a and the second surface 54i are parallel to each other and the first surface 54h is perpendicular to the support portion 54a and the second surface 54i.

In the heat sink 54 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of cuts are provided from the end opposite to the support portion 54a side of the metal flat plate to the vicinity of the second bent portion 54c, and the plurality of rectangular portions 54g formed by the cuts are lowered. It is bent to. The bending line of the rectangular portion 54g is parallel to the front-back direction of the lamp. As a result, a plurality of openings 54e are formed in the heat radiating portion 54f.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 54g formed by the notch is bent to form the opening 54e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to open the opening. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the heat sink is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 54 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 54 has two bent portions, a first bent portion 54b and a second bent portion 54c, behind the support portion 54a, so that the heat sink 54 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate. Further, since the convection of air is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 54f with a plurality of openings 54e, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat sink 64 used in a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 64 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 64 includes a flat support portion 64a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 64f that is located behind the support portion 64a and dissipates heat from the support portion 64a. The heat radiating portion 64f of the heat sink 64 bends the portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 64a at three locations, the first bent portion 64b, the second bent portion 64c, and the third bent portion 64d. It is formed in the shape of. The first bent portion 64b, the second bent portion 64c, and the third bent portion 64d are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 64f has a first surface 64h connected to the support portion 64a via the first bent portion 64b, a second surface 64i connected to the first surface 64h via the second bent portion 64c, and a third bent portion. It has a third surface 64j that is connected to the second surface 64i via 64d. The heat sink 64 is formed so that the support portion 64a and the second surface 64i are parallel to each other, and the first surface 64h and the third surface 64j are perpendicular to the support portion 64a and the second surface 64i.

In the heat sink 64 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of cuts are provided in the second surface 64i, and the plurality of rectangular portions 64 g formed by the cuts are bent upward. The bending line of the rectangular portion 64g is parallel to the front-back direction of the lamp. As a result, a plurality of openings 64e are formed on the second surface 64i, which is the upper surface of the heat radiating portion 64f.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 64 g formed by the notch is bent to form the opening 64e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to open the opening. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the heat sink is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 64 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 64 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing three bent portions, a first bent portion 64b, a second bent portion 64c, and a third bent portion 64d, behind the support portion 64a. .. Further, since the convection of air is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 64f with a plurality of openings 64e, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the heat sink 74 used in the vehicle lamp according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 74 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 74 includes a flat support portion 74a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 74f that is located behind the support portion 74a and dissipates heat from the support portion 74a. The heat radiating portion 74f of the heat sink 74 is formed by bending a portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 74a at two locations, a first bent portion 74b and a second bent portion 74c. The first bent portion 74b and the second bent portion 74c are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 74f has a first surface 74h connected to the support portion 74a via the first bent portion 74b, and a second surface 74i connected to the first surface 74h via the second bent portion 74c. The heat sink 74 is formed so that the support portion 74a and the second surface 74i are parallel to each other, and the first surface 74h is perpendicular to the support portion 74a and the second surface 74i.

In the heat sink 74 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of notches are provided in the first surface 74h and the second surface 74i, and the plurality of rectangular portions 74g formed by the notches are bent so as to form a valley fold. The bending line of the rectangular portion 74g is parallel to the first bending line 74b and the second bending line 74c. As a result, a plurality of openings 74e are formed in the heat radiating portion 74f.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 74 g formed by the notch is bent into a valley fold to form the opening 74e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the opening is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 74 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 74 has two bent portions, a first bent portion 74b and a second bent portion 74c, behind the support portion 74a, so that the heat sink 74 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate. Further, since the convection of air is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 74f with a plurality of openings 74e, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the heat sink 84 used in the vehicle lamp according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 84 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 84 includes a flat support portion 84a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 84f that is located behind the support portion 84a and dissipates heat from the support portion 84a. The heat radiating portion 84f of the heat sink 84 bends the portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 84a at three locations, the first bent portion 84b, the second bent portion 84c, and the third bent portion 84d, so that the heat sink 84 can be viewed from the side. It is formed in the shape of. The first bent portion 84b, the second bent portion 84c, and the third bent portion 84d are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 84f has a first surface 84h connected to the support portion 84a via the first bent portion 84b, a second surface 84i connected to the first surface 84h via the second bent portion 84c, and a third bent portion. It has a third surface 84j that is connected to the second surface 84i via 84d. The heat sink 84 is formed so that the support portion 84a and the second surface 84i are parallel to each other, and the first surface 84h and the third surface 84j are perpendicular to the support portion 84a and the second surface 84i.

In the heat sink 84 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of cuts are provided in the second surface 84i, and the plurality of rectangular portions 84 g formed by the cuts are crushed downward and bent. As a result, a plurality of openings 84e are formed on the second surface 84i, which is the upper surface of the heat radiating portion 84f.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 84 g formed by the notch is crushed downward and bent to form the opening 84e as in the present embodiment, only a part of the metal flat plate is formed. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the opening is provided by cutting. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 84 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 84 has three bent portions, a first bent portion 84b, a second bent portion 84c, and a third bent portion 84d, behind the support portion 84a, so that the heat sink 84 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate. .. Further, since the convection of air is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 84f with a plurality of openings 84e, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(7th embodiment) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat sink 94 used in the vehicle lamp according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 94 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 94 includes a flat support portion 94a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 94f that is located behind the support portion 94a and dissipates heat from the support portion 94a. The heat radiating portion 94f of the heat sink 94 is formed in an L shape in a side view by bending a portion of the metal flat plate behind the support portion 94a at two locations, a first bent portion 94b and a second bent portion 94c. There is. The first bent portion 94b and the second bent portion 94c are formed so that each bending line is parallel to the row of LEDs 17.

The heat radiating portion 94f has a first surface 94h connected to the support portion 94a via the first bent portion 94b, and a second surface 94i connected to the first surface 94h via the second bent portion 94c. The heat sink 94 is formed so that the support portion 94a and the second surface 94i are parallel to each other and the first surface 94h is perpendicular to the support portion 94a and the second surface 94i.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are views for explaining a method of forming the heat sink 94 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) show a method of forming the opening 94e in the heat radiating portion 94f of the heat sink 94. First, a metal flat plate formed to a predetermined size is bent at a first bent portion 94b and a second bent portion 94c to form a support portion 94a, a first surface 94h, and a second surface 94i. After that, as shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of notches 94k are provided on the second surface 94i from the end portion to the vicinity of the second bent portion 94c, and then a plurality of rectangular portions 94g formed by the notches 94k are shown in FIG. As shown in 10 (b), rotate the lamp in the front-back direction and bend it. As a result, a plurality of openings 94e are formed in the heat radiating portion 94f.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 94 g formed by the notch is bent to form the opening 94e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to open the opening. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the heat sink is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 94 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 94 has two bent portions, a first bent portion 94b and a second bent portion 94c, behind the support portion 94a, so that the heat sink 94 has higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate. By providing the heat radiating portion 94f with a plurality of openings 94e, air convection is promoted, so that the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(8th embodiment) 11 (a) and 11 (b) are views for explaining the heat sink 114 used in the vehicle lamp according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 114 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 114 includes a flat support portion 114a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 114f that is located behind the support portion 114a and dissipates heat from the support portion 114a. The heat radiating portion 114f of the heat sink 114 is provided at a portion rearward of the support portion 114a on the metal flat plate, and is a flat first surface 114h connected to the support portion 114a. Behind the heat radiating portion 114f, a metal flat plate is bent at the bent portion 114b to form a flat second surface 114i.

In the heat sink 114 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of U-shaped notches 114k are arranged side by side along the left and right directions of the lamp on the first surface 114h. Then, by bending the plurality of rectangular portions 114g formed by the notch 114k upward as shown in FIG. 11B, a plurality of openings 114e are formed on the first surface 114h. The bending line of the rectangular portion 114g is parallel to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

When a notch is provided in a part of the metal flat plate and the rectangular portion 114g formed by the notch is bent to form the opening 114e as in the present embodiment, a part of the metal flat plate is simply cut out to open the opening. The surface area of the heat sink can be increased as compared with the case where the heat sink is provided. When the surface area of the heat sink is increased, more heat can be dissipated to the surrounding air, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 114 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 114 has a higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing the bent portion 114b behind the support portion 114a. Further, since the convection of air is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 114f with a plurality of openings 114e, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(9th embodiment) FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 120 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The same or corresponding components as the vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.

In the vehicle lamp 120 according to the present embodiment, the shape of the heat sink 124 is different from that of the heat sink 14 according to the first embodiment. Also in the vehicle lamp 120, a heat radiating portion 124f is formed behind the support portion 124a that supports the LED 17. Here, in the heat sink 124 according to the present embodiment, the first surface 124h, which is connected to the support portion 124a via the first bending portion 124b, is in front of the lamp so as to be along the outer surface of the reflector 15 as shown in FIG. It is folded into. Since the first surface 124h is formed by bending the lamp forward, the dimension of the heat sink 124 in the front-rear direction of the lamp becomes small, and as a result, the dimension of the vehicle lamp 120 in the front-rear direction of the lamp can be reduced. it can. Also in this embodiment, a plurality of openings (not shown) are provided on the second surface 124i of the heat sink 124.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 124 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp 120 can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 124 has a higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing three bent portions such as the first bent portion 124b behind the support portion 124a. Further, since the air convection is promoted by providing the heat radiating portion 124f with an opening, the heat radiating efficiency can be improved.

(10th embodiment) FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 139 used in the vehicle lamp according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The lamp unit 139 is housed in a lamp chamber composed of a front cover and a lamp body as shown in FIG.

The lamp unit 139 according to the present embodiment includes an LED 17, a heat sink 134, and a Fresnel lens 136. The lamp unit 139 is a direct-illumination type lamp unit that emits the light emitted from the LED 17 directly in front of the lamp via the Fresnel lens 136. It differs from the above-described embodiment.

The heat sink 134 is formed in an L shape in a side view by bending one metal flat plate once at the bent portion 134b. One surface of the heat sink 134 is a support portion 134a, and the other surface is a heat dissipation portion 134f.

The LED 17 is mounted on the support portion 134a via the substrate 18. The LED 17 is provided so as to be located on the optical axis Ax with the light emitting direction directed to the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 19.

A Fresnel lens 136 is provided in front of the LED 17. The Fresnel lens 136 is supported on the support portion 134a by the lens support portion 136b provided around the lens portion 136a. The Fresnel lens 136 emits the light emitted from the LED 17 as parallel light in front of the lamp.

The heat radiating portion 134f of the heat sink 134 is provided with a plurality of openings (not shown). Since this opening promotes convection of air in the lamp chamber, heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 134 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 134 has a higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing the bent portion 134b behind the support portion 134a.

(11th embodiment) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the heat sink 144 used in the vehicle lamp according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 144 is also used in projector-type vehicle lamps as shown in FIG.

The heat sink 144 includes a flat support portion 144a that supports the LED 17, and a heat radiating portion 144f that is located behind the support portion 144a and dissipates heat from the support portion 144a.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of forming the heat sink 144 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. When forming the heat sink 144, first, the cross-shaped plate 150 as shown in FIG. 15 is punched out from the metal flat plate. The cross-shaped plate 150 includes a central portion 150a and first to fourth projecting portions 150b to 150e projecting from the peripheral portion of the central portion 150a in all directions.

Then, the cross-shaped plate 150 is bent at the boundary between the central portion 150a and the first protruding portion 150b to form the support portion 144a. Further, by bending the cross-shaped plate 150 at the boundary between the central portion 150a and the second protruding portion 150c, the boundary between the central portion 150a and the third protruding portion 150d, and the boundary between the central portion 150a and the fourth protruding portion 150e, respectively. , The heat radiating portion 144f as shown in FIG. 14 is formed. Although not shown in FIG. 14, an opening may be provided in the third protrusion 150d in order to promote the retention of air in the lamp chamber.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 144 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 144 has a higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing a bent portion behind the support portion 144a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heat sink 144 is formed from the cross-shaped plate 150 obtained by punching out a metal flat plate. By forming the plates into a cross shape in this way, as shown in FIG. 15, the cross-shaped plates 150 can be punched out from the metal flat plate in a state of being close to each other, so that the yield can be improved.

(12th embodiment) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a heat sink 164 used in a vehicle lamp according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 164 is a heat sink 144 in which a plurality of heat sinks 144 described in the eleventh embodiment are connected via a connecting portion 166. One LED 17 is supported on the support 144a of each heat sink 144. A reflector (not shown) is also provided on each support portion 144a, and together with a projection lens (not shown), constitutes a projector-type optical system. By connecting the plurality of heat sinks 144 in succession in this way, it is possible to configure a vehicle lamp having a large number of light sources.

(13th embodiment) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a heat sink 174 used in a vehicle lamp according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 174 is formed by bending one long and thin rectangular metal flat plate in a zigzag manner so that the convex portions 176 and the concave portions 178 are alternately repeated. The convex portion 176 is a support portion that supports the LED 17, and the concave portion 178 is a connection portion that connects each support portion. This recess 178 is located behind the support portion and also functions as a heat radiating portion that dissipates heat generated from the LED 17.

In the present embodiment, the LED 17 is provided so as to be located on the optical axis Ax in a state where the light emitting direction is directed to the optical axis direction of the lamp unit. The LED17, together with a Fresnel lens (not shown) provided in the front, constitutes a direct-illumination type optical system as shown in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the heat sink 174 is formed by bending one metal flat plate, so that the vehicle lamp can be made lightweight and inexpensive. Further, the heat sink 174 has a higher mechanical strength than a simple metal flat plate by providing a bent portion behind the support portion.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component and combination of each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, the number of LEDs as a light source can be set to an arbitrary number of one or a plurality of LEDs.

<figref num="1">It is schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure for demonstrating the heat sink used for the vehicle lighting equipment which concerns on 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="3">It is schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 4th Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 5th Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 6th Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="9">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the 7th Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="10">10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams for explaining the method of forming the heat sink according to the seventh embodiment.</figref><figref num="11">11 (a) and 11 (b) are diagrams for explaining a heat sink used for a vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="12">It is the schematic sectional drawing of the vehicle lamp which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is the schematic sectional drawing of the lamp unit used for the vehicle lamp according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the eleventh embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="15">It is a figure for demonstrating the method of forming the heat sink which concerns on 11th Embodiment.</figref><figref num="16">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the twelfth embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="17">It is a perspective view of the heat sink used for the vehicle lamp according to the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.</figref>

Code description

10, 30, 120 Vehicle lighting, 11 lamp body, 12 front cover, 13 light room, 14, 34, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 114, 124, 134, 144, 164, 174 heat sink.