Vehicle lights

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle lighting fixture, specifically a technology that suppresses the influence on the light source caused by the heating of a resistor connected to the light source. The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a light source connected to a power source; a mounting portion on which the light source is mounted; a resistor configured to be supplied with power from the power source when power is supplied to the light source; and a support portion connected to the mounting portion and supporting the resistor, the resistor being disposed in a space on the side of the mounting portion opposite to the side on which the light source is mounted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle lighting fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend of replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for vehicle turn signals. LEDs typically consume less power than incandescent bulbs, thus reducing power consumption. However, this reduced power consumption can lead to misdetection of a broken light source by the control unit that manages its illumination.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a method for using LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs in turn indicators. A shunt resistor is connected in parallel to the turn indicator, allowing current to flow into the shunt resistor. This increases the current flowing into the control unit and suppresses the detection of erroneous open circuit conditions.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] [Patent Documents]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-141340 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the inventors of this invention recognized a problem with shunt resistors, namely, that heat is generated in the shunt resistor when current flows into it. In this case, for example, when a shunt resistor is arranged in a space housing an LED, the LED may be affected by the heat generated by the shunt resistor.

[0009] The present invention was made under these circumstances, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the effects on the light source caused by the heating of a resistor connected to the light source.

[0010] means for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, a vehicle lamp according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises: a light source connected to a power source; a mounting portion on which the light source is mounted; a resistor configured to be supplied with power from the power source when power is supplied to the light source; and a support portion connected to the mounting portion and supporting the resistor, the resistor being disposed in a space on the side of the mounting portion opposite to the side on which the light source is mounted. According to this method, a distance is maintained between the resistor and the light source, thereby suppressing the influence on the light source caused by the heating of the resistor.

[0012] The support portion may include: a connecting portion connected to a surface opposite to the mounting portion; a protrusion joined to the connecting portion and extending in a direction away from the mounting portion; and a supporting surface joined to the protrusion and supporting the resistor. This increases the distance between the resistor and the component housing the light source, thus more reliably suppressing the influence on the light source caused by the resistor's heating.

[0013] The support portion may have: a first connecting portion connected to a surface opposite to the mounting portion; a second connecting portion connected to a surface opposite to the mounting portion; and a recessed portion that engages with the first and second connecting portions and is recessed in a direction away from the mounting portion, with the resistor supported in the inner side of the recessed portion. This suppresses the influence of resistor heating on the light source while also preventing the resistor from contacting components other than those used in vehicle lighting.

[0014] The recess may have: a support surface, which is a rectangular support surface that supports the resistor in the center; a first protrusion that engages with one side of the support surface and a first connecting portion; and a second protrusion that engages with one side opposite to one side of the support surface and a second connecting portion. This allows for a larger distance between the resistor and the two support portions, thus more reliably suppressing the influence on the light source caused by the resistor's heating.

[0015] Alternatively, the recess may also have a plate portion that engages with one side of an unattached first or second protrusion on the support surface and extends in the direction from the support surface toward the mounting portion. The end of the plate portion has a cutout. Thus, through the cutout, for example, a cable for supplying power to a resistor or light source can be inserted into the inside of the support portion.

[0016] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements or the description of the present invention can be changed among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., and can also be used as a mode of the present invention.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, the effect on the light source caused by the heating of the resistor connected to the light source can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the vehicle lighting fixture involved in this embodiment from the rear side.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the support portion involved in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lighting fixture involved in this embodiment.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1: Vehicle lighting fixture; 10: Mounting part; 12: LED; 20: Support part; 21: Recess; 30: Resistor; 40: Cable; 41: Battery; 150: Mounting component; 210: Support surface; 220: First connecting part; 230: Second connecting part; 240: First plate part; 250: Second plate part; 260: First protrusion; 270: Second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a frontal angle. The vehicle lamp 1 can be various lamps mounted on a vehicle, such as a turn indicator mounted on the side of a truck.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment includes: a mounting part 10 (lamp body), an LED 12 (light source) mounted on the mounting part 10, and a lamp cover 15. The mounting part 10 can be made of various resins. In this embodiment, the lamp cover 15 is provided on the mounting part 10, and a lamp chamber is formed between the mounting part 10 and the lamp cover 15. The LED 12 is disposed in the lamp chamber. The LED 12 is connected to the battery (power source) of the vehicle body and emits light by supplying power from the battery. The light emitted by the LED 12 shines outward through the transparent lamp cover 15.

[0027] In this embodiment, the example of changing the light fixture installed on the vehicle body is used. The light source of the original light fixture is assumed to be an incandescent lamp, and the light source of the vehicle light fixture 1 in this embodiment is an LED 12. Furthermore, this embodiment describes an example where the light source is an LED 12, but the light source can be any device capable of emitting light. By changing the light source to an LED, the lifespan and reliability of the light source can be improved compared to using an incandescent lamp.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a view of the vehicle lamp 1 (the side of the mounting part 10 opposite to the side where the LED 12 is mounted) according to this embodiment, viewed from the rear side. Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment has a support portion 20 connected to the back side of the mounting portion 10, and a cable 40 for supplying power to the LED 12 is inserted into the support portion 20.

[0029] The support part 20 supports the resistor on the inner side. Figure 2(Not shown in the figure). For the structure of the inner side of the support portion 20, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 This will be described later. When LED12 emits light, the resistor supported by the support portion 20 is powered and heats up. This compensates for the reduction in power consumption caused by the change in the light source.

[0030] The support portion 20 can be made of various metals. By making the support portion 20 of metal, the support portion 20 can quickly dissipate the heat generated by the resistor. As a result, the influence of the heating of the resistor on the mounting portion 10 or the light source mounted on the mounting portion 10 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0031] The support portion 20 in this embodiment includes: a first connecting portion 220 connected to the mounting portion 10, a second connecting portion 230 connected to the mounting portion 10, and a recess 21 that is combined with the first connecting portion 220 and the second connecting portion and is recessed in a direction away from the mounting portion 10.

[0032] The recess 21 in this embodiment supports the resistor and has two holes 212 and 214. The resistor is fixed to the two holes 212 and 214 by rivets. The first connecting portion 220 and the second connecting portion 230 each have a laterally extending shape and holes formed at their left and right ends. In this embodiment, screws are passed through these holes and connected to the mounting portion 10, thereby connecting the first connecting portion 220 and the second connecting portion 230 to the mounting portion 10.

[0033] Specifically, screws 500 and 502 pass through the left and right ends of the first connecting portion 220, respectively, connecting the first connecting portion 220 to the back surface of the mounting portion 10. Similarly, screws 504 and 506 pass through the left and right ends of the second connecting portion 230, respectively, connecting the second connecting portion 230 to the back surface of the mounting portion 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of connecting the support portion 20 to the mounting portion 10 through four points using screws 500, 502, 504, and 506 has been described; however, this is not a limitation, and the support portion 20 may be connected to the mounting portion 10 through one to three points, or even through five or more points.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support portion 20 is connected to the vehicle body. Specifically, screws passing through holes formed in the support portion 20 are connected to the vehicle body, thereby fixing the support portion 20 to the vehicle body. More specifically, screws 510 and 512 passing through two holes provided in the first connecting portion 220 are connected to the vehicle body, thereby connecting the first connecting portion 220 to the vehicle body. Additionally, screw 514 passing through a hole provided in the second connecting portion 230 is connected to the vehicle body, thereby connecting the second connecting portion 230 to the vehicle body. Furthermore, this embodiment describes an example of connecting the support portion 20 to the vehicle body through three points via screws 510, 512, and 514, but it is not limited to this; the support portion 20 can be connected to the vehicle body through one or two points, or even through four or more points.

[0035] The cable 40 involved in this embodiment supplies power from the battery 41 (power source) mounted on the vehicle body to the light source. In this embodiment, the cable 40 is inserted into the inner side of the recess 21 through the cut-out at the lower right of the recess 21, and protrudes to the outer side through the cut-out at the lower left of the recess 21. Furthermore, the cable 40 is fixed to the first connecting part 220 by a fixing member 432 (clip), and fixed to the mounting part 10 by a fixing member 44 (clip). Further, the cable 40 is inserted again into the inner side of the recess 21 through the cut-out at the upper right of the recess 21.

[0036] See Figure 3 The structure of the support portion 20 will be described in more detail. Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the internal structure of the support portion 20. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the support portion 20 has a recess 21, a first connecting portion 220 that engages with the recess 21, a second connecting portion 230, a first plate portion 240, and a second plate portion 250. The support portion 20 supports the resistor 30 and inserts a cable 40.

[0037] The resistor 30 may include a heating wire and a housing. The resistor 30 is disposed in the space opposite to the side of the mounting portion 10 where the LED 12 is mounted. Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the resistor 30 may be disposed in the outer space of the lamp fixture space formed between the mounting portion 10 and the lamp cover 15. Furthermore, the resistor 30 is preferably disposed so as not to contact the mounting portion 10. This more reliably suppresses the impact on the LED 12 or the mounting portion 10 caused by the heat generated by the resistor 30. Additionally, the resistor 30 is configured to supply power from the battery when power is supplied to the LED 12 from the battery. More specifically, the resistor 30 is configured to be connected in parallel with the LED 12 mounted on the mounting portion 10 using a cable 40.

[0038] The resistor 30 involved in this embodiment is used to compensate for the reduction in power consumption that occurs when the light source of a vehicle lamp is changed from an incandescent bulb or the like to an LED 12. When the light source is changed from an incandescent bulb to an LED, which consumes less power than an incandescent bulb, the disconnection state of the light source is incorrectly detected, or the light source flickers faster than usual ("high flicker," or simply "high flicker"). Therefore, when the light source is changed to one that consumes less power, it is necessary to compensate for the reduced power consumption so that the total power consumption is the same as before the light source change.

[0039] For example, the original light source was set to an incandescent bulb consuming 21W (24V). The new light source is set to four LEDs consuming a total of 7.5W. In this case, a resistor that absorbs the 13.5W difference between the power consumption of the incandescent bulb and the LEDs is connected to the light source. Thus, when power is supplied to the LEDs from the vehicle's battery 41 via cable 40, power is also supplied to the resistor from the same battery 41, and this power is equal to the power consumption of the incandescent bulb. As a result, the change in power consumption before and after the light source change is reduced, and false disconnection detection and high-flickering are suppressed.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the recess 21 in this embodiment has a generally rectangular support surface 210 for supporting the resistor 30, a first protrusion 260, and a second protrusion 270. The first protrusion 260 is a member that is coupled to one side of the support surface 210 and the first connecting portion 220 and extends in a direction away from the mounting portion 10. The second protrusion 270 is a member that is coupled to one side of the support surface 210 opposite to the side coupled to the first protrusion 260 and the second connecting portion 230 and extends in a direction away from the mounting portion 10.

[0041] The first connecting portion 220 has a shape extending to the left and right, and has two holes 222 and 224 at its left and right ends. In this embodiment, these holes 222 and 224 are used for screws that connect the first connecting portion 220 to the mounting portion 10 to pass through. Additionally, the first connecting portion 220 has two holes 226 and 228 on the side closer to the center than the holes 222 and 224. In this embodiment, these holes 226 and 228 are used for screws that connect the first connecting portion 220 to the vehicle body to pass through. Further, the first connecting portion 220 has a hole 229 between the holes 224 and 228. In this embodiment, this hole 229 is used to secure the cable 40 to the first connecting portion 220.

[0042] The second connecting portion 230 has a shape that extends to the left and right, and has two holes 232 and 234 at its two ends (end 231 and end 233). In this embodiment, these holes 232 and 234 are used for screws that connect the second connecting portion 230 to the mounting portion 10 to pass through. In addition, the second connecting portion 230 has a hole 236 on the side closer to the center than the holes 232 and 234. In this embodiment, this hole 236 is used for screws that connect the second connecting portion 230 to the vehicle body to pass through.

[0043] In this embodiment, the resistor 30 is supported by a support surface 210, which engages with a first protrusion 260 (or a second protrusion 270) projecting backward from the first connecting portion 220 (or the second connecting portion 230). Therefore, a distance is maintained between the portion of the first connecting portion 220 connected to the mounting portion 10 (specifically, near holes 222, 224) and the resistor 30. Alternatively, a distance is maintained between the portion of the second connecting portion 230 connected to the mounting portion 10 (specifically, near holes 232, 234) and the resistor 30. As a result, the effects of heat emitted by the resistor 30 on the mounting portion 10 or the LED 12 are more reliably suppressed.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resistor 30 is disposed at the center of the support surface 210. Further, in the first connecting portion 220 and the second connecting portion 230, the portion connecting to the mounting portion 10 is formed at the end of these support portions. Therefore, the resistor 30 can be moved away from the portion of the first connecting portion 220 and the second connecting portion 230 that contacts the mounting portion 10. This more reliably suppresses the impact on the mounting portion 10 and the LED 12 caused by the heat generated by the resistor 30.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resistor 30 is supported inside the recess 21. Therefore, contact between the resistor 30 and components disposed on the outside of the recess 21 is prevented.

[0046] Furthermore, the position of the resistor 30 and the shape of the support 20 can be appropriately designed to meet various conditions. For example, when the resistor 30 heats up, the shape of the support 20 and the position of the resistor 30 can be designed so that the temperature of the part of the support 20 connected to the mounting part 10 (specifically, near the holes 222, 224, 232, 234) is below 100°C (the heat resistance temperature of the resin).

[0047] In this embodiment, the support surface 210 has a plate-shaped first plate portion 240 and a second plate portion 250 formed facing the mounting portion 10 on the side that is not connected to either the first connecting portion 220 or the second connecting portion 230. Specifically, the first plate portion 240 is a plate-shaped member that is connected to the left side of the support surface 210 and extends from the support surface 210 toward the mounting portion 10. Similarly, the second plate portion 250 is a plate-shaped member that is connected to the right side of the support surface 210 and extends from the support surface 210 toward the mounting portion 10.

[0048] The first plate portion 240 in this embodiment has cutouts 242 and 244 at its end, which are sized to allow insertion of a cable 40. Similarly, the second plate portion 250 has a cutout 252 at its end, which is also sized to allow insertion of a cable 40. In this embodiment, by passing the cable 40 through the cutouts of the first plate portion 240 and the second plate portion 250, the cable 40 can be either retracted into the interior or extended to the outside.

[0049] Cable 40 includes wiring for supplying power from the vehicle's battery, a component covering the wiring, and a connector 450. The component covering the wiring includes a protective tube 410 on the battery side of the vehicle and reinforcing components 420, 430, and 440.

[0050] The protective conduit 410 is a conduit for protecting internal wiring, such as a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) conduit.

[0051] The reinforcing member 420 is a member inserted into the recess 21 through a cutout 244 in the first plate portion 240. The reinforcing member 420 abuts against the surface of the cutout 244, the second protrusion 270, and the end 231 of the second connecting portion 230, and is fixed to the support portion 20. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 430 is a member extended from the interior of the recess 21 to the outside through a cutout 252 in the second plate portion 250. The reinforcing member 430 abuts against the surface of the cutout 252, the second protrusion 270, and the end 233 of the second connecting portion 230, and is fixed to the support portion 20. These reinforcing members 420 and 430 can be made of resin, for example, a corrugated pipe made of polypropylene. This increases the strength of the cable 40 passing through the cutout, thus suppressing wear of the cable 40 caused by contact with the cutout.

[0052] The reinforcing member 430 is secured to the first connecting portion 220 using a fastener. More specifically, a screw is passed through the hole 229 in the first connecting portion 220 and connected to the fastener mounted on the reinforcing member 430, thereby securing the reinforcing member 430 to the first connecting portion 220.

[0053] The reinforcing member 440 has a smaller outer diameter than the reinforcing member 430 and extends from the inside of the front end of the reinforcing member 430, and is inserted into the interior of the recess 21 through the cutout 242 of the first plate portion 240. The reinforcing member 440 may be made of resin, for example, it may be a corrugated pipe.

[0054] The fastener 44 secures the reinforcing member 440 to the mounting portion 10. The fastener 44 according to this embodiment includes a mounting portion 442 mounted on the reinforcing member 440 and a fixing portion 444 coupled to the mounting portion 442. The mounting portion 442 has a hole through which the reinforcing member 440 passes, thereby mounting the mounting portion 442 to the reinforcing member 440. Furthermore, the fixing portion 444 is configured to be coupled to the mounting portion 10.

[0055] The above describes the components for the wiring of the covering cable 40. Next, the wiring of the cable 40 will be described.

[0056] The wiring 402 extending from the reinforcing member 420 branches in two directions at the branch point 404. One wiring 408 connects to one end of the resistor 30, and the other wiring 405 inserts into the reinforcing member 430. Additionally, the wiring 406 connected to the other end of the resistor 30 returns to the branch point 404 and inserts into the reinforcing member 430.

[0057] The wiring of the reinforcing member 430 is led out from the reinforcing member 440 through the cutout 242 of the first plate portion 240. The led-out wiring 446 is inserted into the circular connecting member 520 connected to the mounting portion 10. Furthermore, a connector 450 for connecting to the LED 12 is connected to the front end of the wiring 446.

[0058] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 The main components shown are a lampshade 15, a mounting portion 10 housing the LED 12, various components disposed on the surface of the mounting portion 10, a support portion 20, a resistor 30, and a cable 40. Additionally, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 , 3 The description of the support 20, resistor 30, and cable 40 is consistent with... Figure 2 , 3 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, and descriptions are omitted here. Figure 3 The circular connecting member 520 shown is connected to the mounting part 10 by being inserted into a circular hole 120 provided in the mounting part 10.

[0059] In the vehicle lighting fixture according to this embodiment, as a component disposed on the surface of the mounting part 10, it mainly includes an LED cable 130, a mounting member 150, an LED substrate 180, an LED 12, and a lamp cover 15.

[0060] LED cable 130 is a cable that supplies power to LED substrate 180 on which LED 12 is formed. LED cable 130 includes LED connector 132 and terminals 134, 136, and 138 electrically connected to LED connector 132. LED connector 132 is connected to connector 450 provided with cable 40. Thus, in this embodiment, LED 12 is connected to cable 40 via LED connector 132.

[0061] The mounting member 150 is a component disposed on the surface of the mounting portion 10 and on which the LED substrate 180 is disposed. The mounting member 150 may be made of a metal such as aluminum, thereby allowing the LED 12 to rapidly dissipate the heat it generates. The mounting members 150 in this embodiment intersect each other and have four sides on which the LED substrate 180 is disposed. Insulating sheets 170, 172, 174, and 176 for insulating the mounting members 150 and the LED substrate 180 are disposed on these four sides.

[0062] The mounting member 150 is provided with three holes 152 and 155 for fixing to the mounting part 10 (the remaining hole is omitted from the illustration). Screws 162, 164 and 166 are passed through these holes and fastened to holes 122, 124 and 126 provided in the mounting part 10, thereby fixing the mounting member 150 to the mounting part 10.

[0063] The LED substrate 180 is a substrate on which four LEDs 12a, 12b, and 12c (the fourth LED is not shown) are formed. It is disposed on the surface of a mounting member 150 on which insulating sheets 170, 172, 174, and 176 are disposed. In addition, the LED substrate 180 is fixed to the mounting member 150 using eight screws 191 to 198.

[0064] The above describes the structure of the vehicle lamps according to this embodiment.

[0065] In vehicle lighting fixtures such as RCLs (Rear Combination Lights) for trucks, the internal space for housing LEDs and other light sources is relatively large, allowing for the placement of resistors within this space. However, in vehicle lighting fixtures with limited internal space, placing resistors within this space can lead to a situation where the resistor generates heat, causing the internal temperature to rise and placing a heavy load on the LEDs. Furthermore, when the resistor is placed directly within the resin component housing the LEDs, the resin may be damaged due to the heat generated by the resistor.

[0066] According to the vehicle lighting fixture of this embodiment, a resistor 30 is supported on the back side of the mounting portion 10, which is connected to the mounting portion 10 on which the LED is mounted. Therefore, the heat generated by the resistor 30 is suppressed from affecting the LED 12 and the resin mounting portion 10.

[0067] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can exist in the combination of these constituent elements and processing flows. Furthermore, such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example of a generally rectangular shape for the support surface 210 of the support resistor 30 has been described. However, it is not limited to this; the shape of the support surface may be, for example, triangular or n-angled (n is an integer of five or more). Even in this case, a protrusion protruding toward the mounting portion 10 may be attached to one side of the support surface, and this protrusion may be attached to a connecting portion connected to the mounting portion 10.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixtures include: The light source is connected to the power supply; The mounting part, which is equipped with the light source; A resistor configured to be supplied with power from the power source when power is supplied from the power source to the light source; and A metal support portion, connected to the mounting portion, supports the resistor. The resistor is disposed in the space on the side of the mounting portion opposite to the side on which the light source is mounted. The support portion has a support surface that supports the resistor; A plate portion, which connects to the end of the supporting surface and extends from the end toward the mounting portion. The plate has a cutout for a cable to pass through for supplying power to the light source.

2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion also has: A connecting portion, which is connected to the surface on the opposite side of the mounting portion; and A protrusion that engages with the connecting portion and extends in a direction away from the mounting portion. The support surface is engaged with the protrusion.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support portion has: A first connecting portion is connected to the surface of the mounting portion on the opposite side; The second connecting portion is connected to the surface on the opposite side of the mounting portion; A first protrusion, which engages with one side of the support surface and the first connecting portion; and The second protrusion engages with one side of the support surface opposite to the first side and the second connecting portion. The resistor is supported inside a recess formed by the support surface, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion.

4. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support surface is rectangular, and the resistor is supported at its center.

5. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate portion engages with one side of the unengaged first or second protrusion on the support surface.

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