JP2001266613A - Lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting device reducing a heat stress on a starting voltage generation circuit from radiation heat of a discharge bulb and making aiming adjustment easy. SOLUTION: This lighting system comprises a lamp 1 consting of a housing body 5, a reflector 6 provided in the housing body 5, a bulb socket 8 mounting a discharge bulb 7 inserted in the reflector 6 from a rear part opening of the reflector 6 and arranged in rear side of the reflector 6, a cap 4 mounted on an open window 3 opening at a rear part of the housing body 5 for bulb removal, a lens 2 arranged in front of the reflector 6 and irradiating light of the discharge bulb 7 to the outside, and a lighting device staring and lighting the discharge bulb 7. The lighting device has a starting voltage generation circuit 22 generating a high voltage for a start as a component, and at least a part of components of the lighting device excluding the staring voltage generation circuit 22 is arranged on the bulb socket 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a lighting device such as a vehicle headlight using a discharge bulb, there is a lighting device having a structure as shown in FIG.

In this lighting device, a lens body 2 is attached to a front opening, an opening window 3 for attaching and detaching a bulb socket is opened at a rear bottom portion, and a cap 4 is attached to the opening window 3. A reflector 6 disposed in the housing body 5, and a reflector 6 disposed behind the reflector 6 so as to face an opening at a central rear portion of the reflector 6.
A lamp 1 composed of a bulb socket 8 for inserting a discharge bulb 7 mounted on the front part into a reflector 6 and a start-up / lighting by giving a lighting power and a starting voltage to the discharge bulb 7 mounted on the bulb socket 8 And a lighting device 20 for lighting.

The lighting device 20 is composed of a lighting circuit section 21 for applying lighting power to the discharge bulb 7 for lighting, and a starting voltage generating circuit 22 for generating a high voltage for starting the discharge bulb 7. The lighting circuit unit 21 includes a DC power supply unit including a capacitor or the like that receives a DC voltage supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery via the connector 14 and the power supply line 12 and smoothes a fluctuating voltage, and a DC power supply output from the DC power supply unit. A DC-DC converter that steps down or boosts a voltage to a predetermined DC voltage, and an inverter circuit that alternates a DC voltage output from the DC-DC converter into a rectangular wave voltage are used as components, and all of these components are used as a case. 26a. Also, the starting voltage generating circuit 2
2 is stored in the case 26b.

[0005] A case 26b containing the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is mounted on the rear surface of the valve socket 8. In addition, the case 26a housing the lighting circuit unit 21 is
The output-side electric wire 11 is fixed to the outer lower surface of the housing body 5 with screws 10 and is introduced into the housing body 5 through an opening 9 opened in the outer lower surface of the housing body 5 to supply electric power to the starting voltage generating circuit 22. A connector 13 provided at one end of a power supply line 12 introduced into the housing body 5 through the opening 9 is connected to a connector 14 penetrating through the cap 4. Then, the lighting circuit unit 2 fixed to the outer lower surface of the housing body 5
1 is covered with a cover 16 fixed to the outer lower surface of the housing body 5 using screws 15.

[0006]

In the lighting device having the above-described structure, the starting voltage generating circuit 22 which is relatively heavy in comparison with the other components of the lighting device 20 is attached to the bulb socket 8, so that the bulb socket is used. As a result, the weight of the entire bulb 8 increases, and a large force is required to drive the bulb socket 8 when performing the aiming adjustment (optical axis adjustment) of the discharge bulb 7. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the size and weight of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 so that the valve socket 8 can be easily driven when performing the aiming adjustment.

Further, since the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is mounted on the bulb socket 8 and has a short distance from the discharge bulb 7, it is easily affected by radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb 7 is turned on. It was necessary to thermally protect the electronic components constituting the starting voltage generation circuit 22.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the thermal stress on a starting voltage generating circuit due to the radiant heat of a discharge bulb, and to facilitate lighting adjustment. It is to provide a device.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a housing body, a reflector disposed in the housing body, and a rear opening of the reflector in the reflector are provided. A lamp socket equipped with a discharge bulb to be inserted and disposed behind the reflector, a lamp disposed in front of the reflector and a lens for irradiating light of the discharge bulb to the outside, and the discharge bulb. In a lighting device comprising a lighting device for starting and lighting, the lighting device has a starting voltage generating circuit for generating a starting high voltage as a component, and among the components of the lighting device, other than the starting voltage generating circuit. Characterized in that at least a part of the components of the lighting device is disposed in the bulb socket. Since at least a part of the components other than the road is provided, the weight of the valve socket is reduced as compared with the case where the starting voltage generating circuit which is relatively heavy compared to the other components is attached to the valve socket. When the aiming adjustment of the discharge bulb is performed, the bulb socket can be easily moved, and the starting voltage generation circuit can be arranged at a distance from the discharge bulb, so that radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb is turned on can be used. In addition, it is possible to reduce the thermal stress applied to the electronic components constituting the starting voltage generating circuit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lighting device further includes a power supply unit for receiving a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and the power supply unit is disposed in the valve socket. In the case where a safety mechanism for shutting off the output of the power supply unit according to the presence or absence of the discharge bulb is provided, if the power supply unit is disposed in a part other than the bulb socket, a means for detecting the presence or absence of the discharge bulb is provided. Although it is necessary to output the detection signal to the outside of the valve socket, by arranging the power supply unit in the valve socket, it is possible to easily realize a safety mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of the valve and shutting off the output of the power supply unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a component that generates heat among the components of the lighting device is disposed on the lens, and the lens is exposed to the outside. By arranging components that generate heat at a relatively low temperature compared to other parts of the lamp in a lens having a relatively low temperature, it is possible to reduce thermal stress applied to electronic components of the component that generates heat and generate heat. Thermal stress applied to other components due to heat generation of the components can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the heat-generating components of the lighting device are arranged in the housing body, and only the heat-generating components are arranged in the housing body. Because of the arrangement, the thermal stress applied to other components due to the heat generated by the component that generates heat can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the heat generating component of the lighting device is disposed outside the lamp, and the heat generating component is disposed outside the lamp. Because it is located in the area, it is possible to cool components that generate heat due to external air, and to replace components from outside the lamp at the time of changing electrical specifications or maintenance. And maintenance work can be easily performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the heat-generating component is:
It includes at least a DC-DC converter for converting a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and has the same effect as any of the third to fifth aspects.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lighting device includes a DC-DC converter for converting a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and an arrangement of a discharge bulb in the reflector. A DC-DC converter is placed on the side opposite to the
It is characterized in that the periphery of the C converter is covered with a cover formed of a conductive material, and the cover formed of a conductive material covers the periphery of the DC-DC converter which is a source of switching noise. -The switching noise generated by the DC converter can be shielded by the covering part to reduce radiation noise.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lamp comprises a vehicle headlamp. Thus, a vehicle headlamp having the same function as that described above can be realized.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the above-described conventional lighting device, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a discharge bulb 7 which is an HID lamp is arranged inside a lamp 1 having a reflector 6,
Further, the lighting device 20 is housed in the interior space of the lamp 1.

The lamp 1 has a lens 2 attached to a front opening thereof, and a synthetic resin molded product or a metal housing body having an opening window 3 for opening and removing a bulb socket (opening for attaching and detaching a bulb) at a rear bottom. 5, a synthetic resin molded or metal cap 4 attached to the opening window 3 of the housing body 5, a reflector 6 composed of a concave mirror disposed inside the housing body 5, and an opening at the center rear of the reflector 6 And a bulb socket 8 for disposing the discharge bulb 7 mounted on the front surface part in the reflector 6 so as to face the reflector 6. The reflector 6 is made of a synthetic resin or a metal whose surface is covered with a thin metal film, and is fixed to the housing body 5 with an appropriate configuration. Further, a discharge bulb 7 is inserted inside the concave surface through an opening (not shown) formed near the center of the concave surface of the reflector 6, and a rear end of the discharge bulb 7 is connected to a bulb socket 8 arranged behind the reflector 6. Will be retained. The replacement of the discharge bulb 7 is carried out by removing the cap 4 and taking out the entire bulb socket 8 from the housing body 5 through the open window 3 opened.

On the other hand, the lighting device 20 includes a DC power supply (power supply) 23 including a capacitor or the like that receives a DC voltage supplied from a vehicle-mounted battery (not shown) via the power supply line 12 and smoothes the fluctuating voltage. And this DC power supply unit 2
A DC-DC converter 24 for stepping down or boosting the DC voltage output from the DC-DC converter 3 to a predetermined DC voltage;
An inverter circuit 25 that alternates the DC voltage output from the C converter 24 into a rectangular wave voltage and a starting voltage generating circuit 22 that generates a high voltage for starting the discharge valve 7 are constituent elements, and among these constituent elements, The DC-DC converter 24 and the inverter circuit 25 are housed in the same case 27. The starting voltage generation circuit 22 and the DC power supply unit 23 are housed in separate cases 28 and 29, respectively.

Here, a case 29 accommodating the DC power supply unit 23 is attached to the rear surface of the valve socket 8.
Ribs 5a and 5b are provided on the inner bottom of the housing body 5 so as to abut against the side surfaces of the case 28 accommodating the starting voltage generating circuit 22, and the tip of one rib 5a faces the other rib 5b. A locking claw 5c that protrudes is provided. Thus, the case 2 is located between the ribs 5a and 5b.
8, the ribs 5 a and 5 b abut against the side surface of the case 28, and the locking claws 5 c provided on the rib 5 a lock with the upper surface of the case 28, and the case 28 is fixed to the inner bottom of the housing body 5. Is done.

On the other hand, the lens 2 has a shape in which a peripheral wall 2b extends rearward from a peripheral edge of a front plate 2a serving as a light transmitting portion, and a lower part of the lens 2 is divided into a housing body 5 and the lens 2. The distance from the surface to front plate 2a is relatively large as compared to the upper part. The storage recess 2d formed between the peripheral wall 2b and the partition plate 2c, which is provided below the lens 2 and protrudes from the front plate 2a to the rear side, has a DC-
A case 27 containing a DC converter 24 and an inverter circuit 25 is mounted. A locking claw 2e projecting downward is protrudingly provided at the end of the partition plate 2c. When the case 27 is inserted into the storage recess 2d, the locking claw 2e is locked with the edge of the case 27. The case 27 is fixed in the storage recess 2d. Further, since the case 27 is disposed below the reflector 6, the case 27 can be less affected by the radiant heat generated by the discharge bulb 7.

An electric wire insertion hole (not shown) is opened substantially at the center of the rear end face of the cap 4, and a grommet made of, for example, synthetic rubber for protecting the power supply line 12 is provided in the electric wire insertion hole. The power line 12 is connected to the housing body 5 through the grommet 17.
Drawn inside. The connector 12 a provided at the end of the power supply line 12 is connected to the connector 23 of the DC power supply 23.
a, and a DC voltage is supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery to the DC power supply unit 23.

The connector 31a provided at the output end of the DC power supply unit 23 has a connector 3 provided at one end of the electric wire 30.
1b is connected, and the other end of the electric wire 30 is connected to the input end of the DC-DC converter 24 via the connector 32. Further, one end of an electric wire 33 is connected to an output end of the inverter circuit 25 via a connector 32, and the other end of the electric wire 33 is connected to an input end of the starting voltage generation circuit 22. One end of an electric wire 35 is connected to an output end of the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 34, and a connector 36 b provided on the other end of the electric wire 35 is connected to a connector 3 provided on the valve socket 8.
6a, and the output terminal of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 is connected to the discharge bulb 7 via the electric wire 35 and the bulb socket 8.
Is electrically connected to

The discharge bulb 7 has a substantially cylindrical lamp body 7b for holding the bulb 7a. One end of the lamp body 7b has a cylindrical fitting fitted to a fitting portion of the bulb socket 8. An electrode 37 provided on the bulb socket 8 is provided on the peripheral surface and the distal end surface of the fitting portion 7c.
Electrodes 7d and 7e electrically connected to a and 37b are provided, respectively. Here, inside the bulb socket 8, a contact portion 39 that comes into contact with the distal end face of the fitting portion 7 c of the discharge bulb 7 is disposed so as to be movable back and forth in the insertion direction of the discharge bulb 7. An electrode 37b is provided on a surface of the contact portion 39 facing the distal end surface. Note that, inside the valve socket 8, the terminals of the connector 36a and the electrodes 37a, 37b are electrically connected via the internal wires 38, 38.

The valve socket 8 and the DC power supply 2
3, one input terminal of the DC power supply unit 23 and one terminal of the connector 23a are electrically connected via an electric wire 40a. DC power supply 2
3 is electrically connected to the contact t1 via the electric wire 40b, and the other terminal of the connector 23a is connected to the electric wire 40b.
The contact point t2 is electrically connected to the contact point t2, and the contact points t1 and t2 are electrically connected to each other through an electric path 41 provided on the back surface of the contact portion 39. Here, the contact portion 39 is urged toward the discharge bulb 7 by urging means (not shown). When the discharge bulb 7 is not mounted, the contact portion 39 moves to a position shown by a solid line in FIG. Since the space is open, power supply to the DC power supply unit 23 is cut off. On the other hand, when the discharge bulb 7 is mounted, the contact portion 39 moves to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 2 against the urging force of the urging means,
The two contacts t1 and t2 are short-circuited via the electric path 41 of the contact portion 39, and the other terminal of the connector 23a and the DC power supply 23
Is electrically connected to the other input terminal of the
Power is supplied to the DC power supply unit 23 via 3a. At this time, the electrodes 7d and 7e of the discharge bulb 7 are electrically connected to the electrodes 37a and 37b of the bulb socket 8, respectively, and the lighting power and the starting voltage are supplied to the discharge bulb 7 through the bulb socket 8.

As described above, since the power supply to the DC power supply unit 23 is shut off when the discharge bulb 7 is not mounted, no high voltage is generated in the bulb socket 8, and an electric shock or the like occurs when the discharge bulb 7 is attached or detached. Accident can be prevented. Here, a safety mechanism that shuts off power supply to the DC power supply unit 23 when the discharge bulb 7 is not mounted from the contact part 39 or the like is configured. In the case where such a safety mechanism is provided, if the DC power supply unit 23 is disposed in a portion other than the bulb socket 8, a detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of the discharge bulb and a DC power supply unit in accordance with a detection signal of the detection unit are provided. It is necessary to provide a means for shutting off the power supply of the lighting device, which complicates the configuration of the lighting device. However, in this embodiment, since the case 29 accommodating the DC power supply unit 23 is disposed in the bulb socket 8, the safety is improved. The mechanism can be easily realized.

As described above, of the components of the lighting device 20, the case 28 accommodating the starting voltage generating circuit 22, which is relatively heavy compared to the other components, is provided at a portion other than the bulb socket 8 (the main body). In the embodiment, the housing body 5)
, The weight of the bulb socket 8 can be reduced as compared with the case where the starting voltage generation circuit 22 is arranged in the bulb socket 8, and when performing the aiming adjustment (optical axis adjustment) of the discharge bulb 7 Since the bulb socket 8 can be easily moved and the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged at a distance from the discharge bulb 7, the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is constituted by radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb 7 is turned on. Thermal stress applied to the electronic component can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the starting voltage generating circuit 22
Is housed inside the case 28, and the DC-DC converter 24 and the inverter circuit 25 are housed inside the case 27. As shown in FIG. 3, circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 are mounted. The circuit board 42 is attached to the housing body 5 and the DC-DC converter 2
The circuit board 43 on which the circuit components 4 and the inverter circuit 25 are mounted may be attached to the lens 2.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the basic configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the lighting device of Embodiment 1 described above, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.

In the lighting device of the first embodiment, the case 28 containing the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged in the housing body 5 and the case 29 containing the DC power supply 23 is arranged in the bulb socket 8. In the embodiment,
A case 28 containing a starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged on the side of the reflector 6 opposite to the side on which the discharge bulb 7 is arranged, and a DC power supply unit 23, which is a component of the lighting device 20 that generates heat, is connected to a DC power supply unit 23. -DC converter 2
4 is placed on the lens 2 and the case 45 containing the inverter circuit 25 is connected to the valve socket 8.
It is located on the rear side of the camera. In addition, locking claw pieces 6a and 6b for locking with a case 28 accommodating the starting voltage generating circuit 22 are provided on the outer surface of the reflector 6 so as to protrude therefrom.
The case 28 is fixed to the reflector 6 by locking the locking claw pieces 6a and 6b. The case 44 containing the DC power supply unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 24 is disposed in the storage recess 2d.

Here, the power supply line 12 from the vehicle-mounted battery
Is drawn into the housing body 5 through the grommet 17, and is electrically connected to the DC power supply unit 23 through the connector 46. The output terminal of the DC power supply unit 23 is connected to the DC-DC converter 24 inside the case 44, and the output terminal of the DC-DC converter 24 is connected to the connector 4.
6, an electric wire 47 is electrically connected to the electric wire 47.
Is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 25 via the connector 48. An electric wire 50 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the inverter circuit 25 via a connector 49, and the electric wire 50 is electrically connected to the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 51. Further, an electric wire 53 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 52, and the electric wire 53 is connected to the valve socket 8 via a connector 36b. Lighting power and starting voltage are supplied to the bulb 7.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged on the reflector 6 and is arranged away from the discharge bulb 7 and is arranged on the opposite side of the reflector 6 with respect to the discharge bulb 7. This makes it less likely to be affected by radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb 7 is turned on, so that thermal stress applied to circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 can be reduced. Further, of the components of the lighting device 20, a DC power supply unit 23 which is a component that generates heat is used.
A case 44 accommodating the DC-DC converter 24 and the DC-DC converter 24 is disposed on the lens 2. When the lens 44 is used for a headlight of an automobile, the lens 2 is air-cooled. The case 44 is easily dissipated by the heat from the base 24 and the case 44 is disposed below the reflector 6, so that the case 44 can be hardly affected by the radiant heat of the discharge bulb 7.

In this embodiment, the starting voltage generating circuit 22
In the case 28, and the DC power supply
The C-DC converter 24 and the C-DC converter 24 are housed in a case 44. As shown in FIG. 5, a circuit board 42 on which the circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 are mounted is mounted on the outer surface of the reflector 6, and The circuit board 55 on which the circuit components of the unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 24 are mounted may be attached to the lens 2.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 6 shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the basic configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the lighting device of Embodiment 2 described above, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.

In the lighting device of the second embodiment, the DC power supply 2
3 housing DC power supply 3 and DC-DC converter 24
Is disposed on the lens 2, but in the present embodiment, the case 44 a containing the DC power supply 23 is connected to the housing body 5.
And a case 44b housing the DC-DC converter 24 is arranged in the housing body 5.

That is, the vehicle body 8 to which the lamp 1 is attached
The case 44 a that houses the DC power supply unit 23 is placed in the recess 81 provided in the “0”, and the case 81 is fixed in the recess 81 by covering the recess 81 with the lid 82. Also,
Ribs 5a and 5b are respectively provided on the inner bottom of the housing body 5 to abut against the side surface of the case 44b that houses the DC-DC converter 24. Locking claws 5c and 5d projecting toward the projection are provided. Thus, the ribs 5a, 5
When the case 44b is inserted between the housings 5b, the locking claws 5c and 5d provided on the ribs 5a and 5b are locked with the upper surface of the case 44b, and the case 44b is fixed to the inner bottom of the housing body 5. Further, the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is provided in the second embodiment.
Is attached to the outer surface of the reflector 6 in the same manner as
It is electrically connected to the valve socket 8 via 3 and is arranged at a sufficient distance from the valve socket 8.

Here, the power supply line 12 from the vehicle-mounted battery
Is connected to the DC power supply unit 23 through the connector 56, and the output end of the DC power supply unit 23 is connected to the electric wire 5 through the connector 57.
8 is connected, the electric wire 58 is drawn into the housing body 5 through the grommet 17 and the connector 5
9 is connected to the DC-DC converter 24. D
An electric wire 61 is electrically connected to an output end of the C-DC converter 24 via a connector 60, and the electric wire 61 is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 25 via a connector 48. Further, an electric wire 50 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the inverter circuit 25 via a connector 49.
0 is electrically connected to the starting voltage generation circuit 22 via the connector 51. Further, an electric wire 53 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 52, and the electric wire 53 is connected to the valve socket 8 via a connector 36b. Lighting power and starting voltage are supplied to the bulb 7.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged on the reflector 6 and is arranged away from the discharge bulb 7 and is arranged on the opposite side of the reflector 6 with respect to the discharge bulb 7. This makes it less susceptible to radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb 7 is turned on, and reduces thermal stress applied to circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22.

A case 44b containing a DC-DC converter 24, which is a component that generates heat, of the components of the lighting device is disposed in the housing body 5, and the housing body 5 houses the DC-DC converter 24. DC-D
Thermal stress applied to other components of the lighting device 20 due to heat generated by the C converter 24 can be reduced. In addition, since the case 44a housing the DC power supply unit 23, which is another heating element, is arranged outside the lamp 1, thermal stress applied to other components due to heat generated by the DC power supply unit 23 can be reduced. .

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 7 shows Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the basic configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the lighting device of Embodiment 1 described above, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.

In the lighting device of the first embodiment, the case 28 containing the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged in the housing body 5 and the case 27 containing the DC-DC converter 24 and the inverter circuit 25 is arranged in the lens 2. However, in the present embodiment, the DC-DC converter 24 is housed in a case 62 formed of a conductive material,
The inverter circuit 25 and the starting voltage generation circuit 22 are housed in the same case 63, and the DC-DC converter 24
The case 63 that houses the inverter circuit 25 and the starting voltage generation circuit 22 is disposed on the reflector 6 by engaging the engaging claw pieces 6 a and 6 b protruding from the outer surface of the reflector 6. Is disposed in the storage recess 2 d of the lens 2. Since the case 63 is disposed below the reflector 6, the case 63 can be less affected by the radiant heat generated by the discharge bulb 7.

The reflector 6 is made of a synthetic resin molded product whose surface is covered with a metal thin film or made of metal.
Since the case 62 accommodating the C converter 24 is formed of a conductive material, the reflector 6 and the case 62 are electrically connected.

Here, the power supply line 12 from the vehicle-mounted battery
Is drawn into the housing body 5 through the grommet 17 and is connected to the DC power supply unit 23 through the connector 12a.
Is electrically connected to An electric wire 64 is connected to an output end of the DC power supply unit 23 via a connector 31b.
4 is connected to the DC-DC converter 24 via the connector 65. An electric wire 67 is connected to the output end of the DC-DC converter 24 via a connector 66.
7 is connected to the inverter circuit 25 via the connector 68. An electric wire 69 is connected to the output end of the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 68, and the electric wire 69 is connected to the bulb socket 8 via the connector 36b, and is connected to the discharge bulb 7 via the bulb socket 8. Lighting power and starting voltage are supplied.

As described above, in this embodiment, the DC-DC
The converter 24 is disposed on the reflector 6, and the case (cover) 62 made of a conductive material and electrically connected to the reflector 6 covers the periphery of the DC-DC converter 24. The generated switching noise can be shielded by the case 62 to reduce radiation noise.

The case 63 containing the starting voltage generating circuit 22 and the inverter circuit 25 is disposed on the lens 2 and is spaced apart from the discharge bulb 7, and is disposed below the reflector 6, so that the discharge is performed. It can be hardly affected by radiant heat generated when the bulb 7 is turned on,
Thermal stress applied to the components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 and the inverter circuit 25 due to radiant heat can be reduced. When this lighting device is used for a headlight of an automobile, the lens 2 is air-cooled.
2 and the heat from the inverter circuit 25 can be easily radiated.

In this embodiment, the DC-DC converter 24 is housed in the case 62, and the starting voltage generating circuit 22 and the inverter circuit 25 are housed in the case 63. As shown in FIG. -A circuit board 70 on which circuit components of the DC converter 24 are mounted may be attached to the outer surface of the reflector 6, and a circuit board 71 on which circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22 and the inverter circuit 25 are mounted may be attached to the lens 2. In this case, a storage section 72 having an opening 73 on one side of the outer surface of the reflector 6 and an opening / closing door 74 for opening and closing the opening 73 is provided.
Is provided on the reflector 6, and the circuit board 70
Is arranged, and by closing the opening 73 with the opening / closing door 74,
The periphery of the DC-DC converter 24 is covered with a storage unit 72,
Radiation noise radiated from the DC-DC converter 24 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 5) Embodiment 5 of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the lighting device according to the third embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In the lighting device of the third embodiment, the case 28 containing the starting voltage generating circuit 22 is arranged on the reflector 6, the case 44a containing the DC power supply unit 23 is arranged outside the lamp 1, and the DC-DC Although the case 44b housing the converter 24 is arranged in the housing body 5, in the present embodiment, the case 28 housing the starting voltage generation circuit 22 is arranged in the housing body 5, and the DC power supply unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 24 is the same case 4
4 and the case 44 is arranged outside the lamp 1.

That is, the vehicle body 8 to which the lamp 1 is attached
0, a DC power supply unit 23 and a DC-D
By disposing the case 44 accommodating the C converter 24 and covering the recess 81 with the lid 82, the case 44 is
It is fixed in 1. Ribs 5a and 5b are provided on the inner bottom of the housing body 5 to abut against the side surfaces of the case 28 accommodating the starting voltage generating circuit 22, and opposing ribs 5b and 5b are provided at the tips of the ribs 5a and 5b. Locking claws 5c and 5d protruding toward 5a are provided. When the case 28 is inserted between the ribs 5a and 5b,
The locking claws 5c, 5d provided on the ribs 5a, 5b
And the case 28 is fixed to the inner bottom of the housing body 5.

Here, the power supply line 12 from the vehicle-mounted battery
Is connected to the DC power supply unit 23 via the connector 56, and the output terminal of the DC power supply unit 23 is connected to the DC-DC
It is electrically connected to converter 24. An electric wire 58 is connected to an output end of the DC-DC converter 24 via a connector 57.
The electric wire 58 is drawn into the housing body 5 through the grommet 17 and is connected to the connector 48.
Is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 25 via the. An electric wire 50 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the inverter circuit 25 via a connector 49, and the electric wire 50 is electrically connected to the starting voltage generation circuit 22 via a connector 51. Further, an electric wire 53 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the starting voltage generating circuit 22 via a connector 52, and the electric wire 53 is connected to the valve socket 8 via a connector 36b. Lighting power and starting voltage are supplied to the bulb 7.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the case 28 housing the starting voltage generation circuit 22 is
And is arranged away from the discharge bulb 7, so that it is hardly affected by radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb 7 is turned on, and it is possible to reduce thermal stress applied to circuit components of the starting voltage generation circuit 22. it can.

Among the components of the lighting device, the DC power supply unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 2
4 is disposed on the vehicle body 80 outside the housing body 5, so that the case 44 is not affected by the radiant heat generated by the discharge bulb 7, and the case 44 is air-cooled when the vehicle is running. The thermal stress applied to the components of the DC power supply unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 24 housed in the case 44 can be reduced. Further, since the case 44 housing the DC power supply unit 23 and the DC-DC converter 24 is disposed outside the lamp 1, the DC power supply unit 2 is used when electric specifications (for example, power supply voltage or the like) are changed.
3 and the DC-DC converter 24 can be easily replaced, and maintenance work can be easily performed.

[0055]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a housing body, a reflector disposed in the housing body, and a discharge bulb inserted into the reflector from a rear opening of the reflector are mounted. A lamp socket having a bulb socket disposed behind the reflector, a lens disposed in front of the reflector and irradiating the light of the discharge bulb to the outside, and a lighting device for starting and lighting the discharge bulb. Wherein the lighting device has a starting voltage generating circuit for generating a high starting voltage as a component, and among the components of the lighting device, at least a part of components other than the starting voltage generating circuit. Is disposed in the bulb socket, the bulb socket has at least a component other than the starting voltage generation circuit among the components of the lighting device. Partly provided, the weight of the bulb socket can be reduced as compared with the case where a starting voltage generating circuit, which is relatively heavy compared to other components, is attached to the bulb socket, and the discharge bulb can be reduced. When the aiming adjustment is performed, the valve socket can be easily moved, and the starting voltage generating circuit can be arranged away from the discharge bulb. Therefore, the starting voltage generating circuit is configured by radiant heat generated when the discharge bulb is turned on. This has the effect of reducing the thermal stress applied to the electronic component.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lighting device includes a power supply unit for receiving a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and the power supply unit is disposed in the valve socket. In the case where a safety mechanism for shutting off the output of the power supply unit according to the presence or absence of the discharge bulb is provided, if the power supply unit is disposed in a part other than the bulb socket, a means for detecting the presence or absence of the discharge bulb is provided. Although it is necessary to output a detection signal to the outside of the valve socket, by arranging the power supply in the valve socket, it is possible to easily realize a safety mechanism that detects the presence or absence of a valve and shuts off the output of the power supply. There is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a component that generates heat among the components of the lighting device is disposed on the lens, and the lens is exposed to the outside. By arranging components that generate heat at a relatively low temperature compared to other parts of the lamp in a lens having a relatively low temperature, it is possible to reduce thermal stress applied to electronic components of the component that generates heat and generate heat. There is an effect that thermal stress applied to other components due to heat generation of the components can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, among the components of the lighting device, components that generate heat are arranged in the housing body, and only components that generate heat are disposed in the housing body. The arrangement has the effect of reducing the thermal stress applied to other components due to the heat generated by the components that generate heat.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the heat-generating component of the lighting device is disposed outside the lamp, and the heat-generating component is disposed outside the lamp. Because it is located in the area, it is possible to cool components that generate heat due to external air, and to replace components from outside the lamp at the time of changing electrical specifications or maintenance. There is an effect that correspondence and maintenance work can be easily performed.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the DC-DC converter according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the heat-generating component converts the DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply. And at least the same effects as in the invention of any one of claims 3 to 5 can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the lighting device includes a DC-DC converter for converting a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and the arrangement of the discharge bulb in the reflector. A DC-DC converter is placed on the side opposite to the
It is characterized in that the periphery of the C converter is covered with a cover formed of a conductive material, and the cover formed of a conductive material covers the periphery of the DC-DC converter which is a source of switching noise. -There is an effect that the switching noise generated by the DC converter is shielded by the covering portion, so that the radiation noise can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the lamp constitutes a vehicle headlamp, and the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided. Thus, a vehicle headlamp having the same effect as that described above can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the above.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another lighting device of the above.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another lighting device of the above.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another lighting device of the above.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a lighting device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional lighting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lamp 2 Lens 3 Opening window 4 Cap 5 Housing body 6 Reflector 7 Discharge bulb 8 Bulb socket 22 Starting voltage generating circuit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masatoshi Ueno 1048 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Pref.Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. 3K042 AA08 BA08 BB01 BC01 CC05 CC06 CC07 CC08 CC10

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A bulb socket mounted on a housing body, a reflector disposed in the housing body, and a discharge bulb inserted into the reflector from a rear opening of the reflector and arranged behind the reflector. When,
In a lighting device comprising a lamp disposed in front of the reflector and having a lens for irradiating light of a discharge bulb outward, and a lighting device for starting and lighting the discharge bulb, the lighting device is a constituent element. As a starting voltage generating circuit for generating a starting high voltage, among the components of the lighting device,
A lighting device, wherein at least a part of components other than a starting voltage generating circuit is disposed in the bulb socket. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes a power supply unit for receiving a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and the power supply unit is disposed in the bulb socket. apparatus. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein components that generate heat among the components of the lighting device are arranged on the lens.
The lighting device according to the above. 4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein components that generate heat among the components of the lighting device are arranged in the housing body. 5. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein components that generate heat among the components of the lighting device are arranged outside the lamp. 6. A DC-DC converter according to claim 1, wherein said heat-generating component converts a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply.
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising at least a converter.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The lighting device includes a DC-DC converter for converting a DC voltage supplied from a separately provided DC power supply, and a DC-DC converter is provided at a portion of the reflector opposite to a side where the discharge bulb is arranged. Place the converter, D
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the C-DC converter is covered with a cover formed of a conductive material. 8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said lamp comprises a vehicle headlamp.