Discharge lamp including heat releasing device and lamp device

A lamp device comprising:

• a discharge lamp comprising an arc tube, the arc tube enclosing luminescent materials and having located therein a pair of opposing electrodes, and first and second sealed portions extending from the arc tube;
• a reflector that reflects light radiated by the discharge lamp;
• a transparent member covering an open end of the reflector and accommodating the discharge lamp in a space between the transparent member and the reflector;
• and
• a heat releasing device for preventing an excessive temperature rise of welded parts of wiring members electrically connected to the electrodes, said heat releasing device comprising:
• a heat absorbing part wrapped around substantially the entire length of the first sealed portion;
• and
• a plate-like heat channeling part for channeling heat from the heat absorbing part to a location external to the reflector, the heat channeling part passing through the reflector and communicating with an area outside the reflector, wherein a surface of the channeling part is perpendicular to the transparent member.