Vehicle lighting device and vehicle lamp

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp which can increase the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle lighting device and can obtain a desired brightness distribution. A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes: a socket; the five light-emitting elements are arranged on one end part side of the lamp holder; and a brightness control unit which is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, and which has a plurality of light-shielding units and light-transmitting units. One of the light-emitting elements is provided at a position of a central axis of the vehicle lighting device. And the four light-emitting elements are respectively arranged at positions which are rotationally symmetrical on the circumference taking the central shaft as the center. The brightness control unit faces the one light-emitting element provided at the position of the central axis. The brightness control unit does not face the four light-emitting elements provided at positions on the circumference. The plurality of light shielding parts arranged in the brightness control part are not arranged at the position of the central axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] In view of energy saving and long life, vehicle lighting devices including light-emitting diodes and other light-emitting elements are becoming popular instead of vehicle lighting devices including lamps with filaments. The vehicle lighting device including the light-emitting element includes: a lamp holder; and a light-emitting module provided on one end side of the lamp holder and including a plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0003] Here, the brightness distribution of the light emitting portion of the vehicle lighting device has a great influence on the optical design of the optical components provided in the vehicle lamp. Therefore, a technology has been proposed to provide four light emitting elements at rotationally symmetrical positions on a circle centered on the central axis of the vehicle lighting device.

[0004] However, if the number of light emitting elements is set to four, the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle lighting device may be insufficient. Therefore, a technique has been proposed to further provide a light emitting element at the position of the central axis of the vehicle lighting device to increase the number of light emitting elements to five.

[0005] Furthermore, if a light emitting element is further provided at the position of the central axis of the vehicle lighting device, a new problem arises in that a desired brightness distribution cannot be obtained.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology that can increase the amount of light irradiated from a vehicle lighting device and obtain a desired brightness distribution.

[0007] [Prior art literature]

[0008] [Patent Document]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-195099 Summary of the invention

[0010] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can increase the amount of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device and obtain a desired brightness distribution.

[0012] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0013] The vehicle lighting device of the embodiment includes: a lamp holder; five light-emitting elements, which are arranged on one end side of the lamp holder; and a brightness control unit, which is arranged on the light emitting side of the light-emitting element and has a plurality of shading parts and a light-transmitting part. One of the light-emitting elements is arranged at the position of the central axis of the vehicle lighting device. The four light-emitting elements are respectively arranged at positions that are rotationally symmetrical on a circle centered on the central axis. The brightness control unit faces the one light-emitting element arranged at the position of the central axis. The brightness control unit does not face the four light-emitting elements arranged at the positions on the circumference. The plurality of shading parts provided in the brightness control unit are not arranged at the position of the central axis.

[0014] [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can increase the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle lighting device and obtain a desired brightness distribution can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the vehicle lighting device according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic plan view for illustrating the arrangement of a light emitting element and a brightness control unit.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram for illustrating evaluation of brightness distribution of a portion where light is emitted from a vehicle lighting device.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view for illustrating the evaluation region and the arrangement of the light emitting elements.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic plan view of a brightness control unit for illustrating another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the brightness control unit in the DD line direction or the EE line direction.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view for illustrating a brightness control unit provided in a surface-mounted light-emitting element.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a schematic partial cross-sectional view for illustrating a vehicle lamp.

[0024] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0025] 1: Vehicle lighting devices

[0026] 1a: Central axis

[0027] 10: Lamp holder

[0028] 11: Installation Department

[0029] 20: Light emitting module

[0030] 22: Light-emitting components

[0031] 22a: Light-emitting element

[0032] 23: Frame

[0033] 24: Sealing part

[0034] 26: Brightness control unit

[0035] 26a: Light shielding part

[0036] 26b: light-transmitting part

[0037] 27: Evaluation area

[0038] 28: Brightness control unit

[0039] 28a: Light shielding part

[0040] 28b: light-transmitting part

[0041] 29: Brightness control unit

[0042] 29a: Light shielding part

[0043] 29b: light-transmitting part

[0044] 100: Vehicle lighting

[0045] 101: Frame DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted.

[0047] (Vehicle lighting device)

[0048] The vehicle lighting device 1 of the present embodiment can be provided in, for example, a car or a train. As the vehicle lighting device 1 provided in the car, for example, it can be used in a front combination light (for example, a combination of a daytime running lamp (DRL), a position lamp, a turn signal lamp, etc.) or a rear combination light (for example, a combination of a stop lamp, a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, a back lamp, a fog lamp, etc.). However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to these.

[0049] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in the vehicle lighting device 1 , for example, a lamp holder 10 , a light emitting module 20 , a power supply unit 30 , and a heat transfer unit 40 are provided.

[0051] The lamp holder 10 includes, for example, a mounting portion 11 , a bayonet 12 , a flange 13 , heat dissipation fins 14 , and a connector holder 15 .

[0052] The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 on the side opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 can be set to a columnar shape. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, a cylindrical shape. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recessed portion 11a opened at the end on the side opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0053] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the mounting portion 11. The bayonet 12 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device 1. The bayonet 12 faces the flange 13. A plurality of bayonet 12 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used, for example, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on a frame 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described later. The bayonet 12 can be used for a twist lock.

[0054] The flange 13 is plate-shaped. For example, the flange 13 is substantially disk-shaped. The side surface of the flange 13 is located outside the vehicle lighting device 1 compared to the side surface of the bayonet 12 .

[0055] The heat dissipation fin 14 is disposed on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11. At least one heat dissipation fin 14 may be provided. Figure 1As shown, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 may be provided on the lamp holder 10. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 may be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipation fins 14 may be, for example, plate-shaped or cylindrical.

[0056] The connector bracket 15 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11. The connector bracket 15 can be provided in parallel with the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector bracket 15 is cylindrical, and a connector 105 having a sealing member 105a is inserted inside.

[0057] The lamp holder 10 has the function of holding the light emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30 and the function of transferring the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the outside. Therefore, the lamp holder 10 is preferably formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the lamp holder 10 can be formed of a metal such as aluminum alloy.

[0058] In recent years, it is expected that the lamp holder 10 can efficiently dissipate the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 and be lightweight. Therefore, the lamp holder 10 may be formed of a high thermal conductivity resin, for example. A high thermal conductivity resin is a resin obtained by mixing a filler such as carbon or alumina into a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon.

[0059] If the lamp holder 10 is made of a highly thermally conductive resin and integrally molded with the mounting portion 11, the bayonet 12, the flange 13, the heat dissipation fins 14, and the connector bracket 15, the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. In addition, the weight of the lamp holder 10 can be reduced.

[0060] The power supply portion 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding portion 32 .

[0061] The multiple power supply terminals 31 can be set as rod-shaped bodies. The multiple power supply terminals 31 are arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction, for example. One end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 is welded to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of the multiple power supply terminals 31 is exposed to the inside of the hole of the connector bracket 15. The connector 105 is engaged with the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed to the inside of the hole of the connector bracket 15. The multiple power supply terminals 31 are formed of metal such as copper alloy, for example. In addition, the shape, configuration, material, etc. of the multiple power supply terminals 31 are not limited to the examples and can be appropriately changed.

[0062] As described above, the lamp holder 10 is preferably formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. However, a material with high thermal conductivity sometimes has electrical conductivity. For example, metals such as aluminum alloys, or high thermal conductivity resins containing fillers using carbon, etc. have electrical conductivity. Therefore, the retaining portion 32 is provided to insulate the plurality of power supply terminals 31 from the lamp holder 10 having electrical conductivity. In addition, the retaining portion 32 also has a function of retaining the plurality of power supply terminals 31. In addition, in the case where the lamp holder 10 is formed of a high thermal conductivity resin having insulation properties (for example, a high thermal conductivity resin containing fillers using alumina, etc.), the retaining portion 32 may be omitted. The retaining portion 32 is formed, for example, of an insulating resin. The retaining portion 32 may be, for example, pressed into a hole provided in the lamp holder 10, or bonded to the inner wall of the hole.

[0063] The heat transfer portion 40 is plate-shaped and is disposed between the lamp holder 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). Figure 1 As shown, the heat transfer part 40 may be bonded to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. Alternatively, the heat transfer part 40 may be bonded inside the recess provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, or the heat transfer part 40 may be assembled inside the recess via heat conduction grease, or the heat transfer part 40 may be embedded inside the recess using an insert molding method.

[0064] The heat transfer part 40 is provided to facilitate the transfer of heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the lamp holder 10. Therefore, the heat transfer part 40 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, the heat transfer part 40 is formed of a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy.

[0065] In addition, for example, when the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 is relatively small or the lamp holder 10 is formed of metal, the heat transfer portion 40 may be omitted. When the heat transfer portion 40 is omitted, the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is bonded to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a.

[0066] The light emitting module 20 (substrate 21 ) is provided on one end side of the lamp holder 10 . For example, the light emitting module 20 is bonded to the heat transfer portion 40 .

[0067] The light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21 , a light emitting element 22 , a frame portion 23 , a sealing portion 24 , a circuit element 25 , and a brightness control portion 26 .

[0068] The substrate 21 is plate-shaped. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, a substantially quadrilateral. The substrate 21 is formed of, for example, inorganic materials such as ceramics (such as alumina or aluminum nitride), organic materials such as phenolic paper or epoxy glass, etc. In addition, the substrate 21 may be a metal core substrate formed by coating the surface of a metal plate with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0069] In addition, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed of, for example, a material containing silver as a main component or a material containing copper as a main component. In addition, a covering portion that covers the wiring pattern 21a or a film-shaped resistor described later may also be provided. The covering portion may contain, for example, a glass material.

[0070] The light emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21 (the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the lamp holder 10 side). The light emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. Five light emitting elements 22 may be provided. Five light emitting elements 22 may be connected in series.

[0071] Figure 2 It is a schematic plan view for illustrating the arrangement of the light emitting element 22 and the brightness control unit 26 .

[0072] Figure 2 This is a state where the five light emitting elements 22 and the brightness control unit 26 are viewed from a direction along the central axis 1 a of the vehicle lighting device 1 .

[0073] In the following drawings, arrows X and Y indicate two directions perpendicular to each other. In the above case, the X direction and the Y direction are directions perpendicular to the central axis 1 a of the vehicle lighting device 1 .

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the center of one light emitting element 22 can be set at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. The centers of the four light emitting elements 22 can be set at rotationally symmetrical positions on the circumference of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In this case, the radius R of the circumference can be set to about 1 mm, for example. In addition, the center of the light emitting element 22 can also deviate from the above position by the degree of manufacturing error.

[0075] The light emitting element 22 may be, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0076] The light emitting element 22 may be a chip-shaped light emitting element or a surface-mounted light emitting element such as a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC) type light emitting element with leads. Figure 1 The light emitting element 22 illustrated in the example is a chip-shaped light emitting element. In this case, a chip-shaped light emitting element is preferred in consideration of miniaturization of the light emitting module 20 and, in turn, miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1. The following describes, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element.

[0077] The chip-shaped light emitting element 22 can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a by chip on board (COB). The chip-shaped light emitting element 22 can be any of an upper electrode type light emitting element, a top and bottom electrode type light emitting element, and a flip chip type light emitting element.

[0078] The frame 23 is provided on the substrate 21. The frame 23 is bonded to the substrate 21. The frame 23 is frame-shaped and surrounds the light emitting element 22. The frame 23 is formed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The frame 23 may have a function of defining a formation range of the sealing portion 24 and a function of a reflector. The outline of the planar shape of the frame 23 may be, for example, a quadrilateral or a circle. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 illustrated in FIG. 2 is, for example, a square.

[0079] The sealing part 24 is provided inside the frame part 23. The sealing part 24 is provided so as to cover the region surrounded by the frame part 23. The sealing part 24 is provided so as to cover the light emitting element 22. The sealing part 24 includes a resin having light transmissivity. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. In addition, the sealing part 24 may also include a fluorescent substance.

[0080] In addition, when the light emitting element 22 is a surface-mounted light emitting element, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 may be omitted.

[0081] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element for constituting a light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, around the frame 23 and electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The circuit element 25 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22 via the wiring pattern 21a.

[0082] Figure 1 The circuit elements 25 illustrated in FIG. 2 are a protection element 25 a , a resistor 25 b , and a control element 25 c .

[0083] The type of the circuit element 25 is not limited to the examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the structure of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned elements, the circuit element 25 can also be a capacitor, a positive characteristic thermistor, a negative characteristic thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor, an integrated circuit, an operation element, etc.

[0084] The protection element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light emitting element 22 and to prevent a pulse noise from being applied from the reverse direction to the light emitting element 22. The protection element 25a can be, for example, a diode. Figure 1 The protection element 25a illustrated in FIG. 2 is a surface-mount diode.

[0085] The resistor 25b may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by screen printing or the like. Figure 1 The resistor 25 b shown as an example is a surface mount resistor.

[0086] Here, the forward voltage characteristic of the light emitting element 22 has a deviation, so if the applied voltage between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is set to be fixed, the brightness (luminous flux, brightness, luminosity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from the light emitting element 22 will have a deviation. Therefore, the value of the current flowing in the light emitting element 22 is made within a prescribed range by the resistor 25b connected in series with the light emitting element 22, so that the brightness of the light irradiated from the light emitting element 22 converges within a prescribed range. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor 25b, the value of the current flowing in the light emitting element 22 is made within a prescribed range.

[0087] In the case where the resistor 25b is a surface mounted resistor or a resistor with leads, etc., the resistor 25b having an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting element 22. In the case where the resistor 25b is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of the resistor 25b. For example, a portion of the film resistor can be easily removed by irradiating the film resistor with laser light. In addition, the number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistor 25b are not limited to the examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the number, specifications, etc. of the light emitting element 22.

[0088] The control element 25c is provided, for example, to switch the voltage applied to the light emitting element 22 or to perform temperature derating. The function and use of the control element 25c are not limited to the examples. The control element 25c can be provided, for example, as a transistor or an integrated circuit. In addition, Figure 1 The control element 25c illustrated in FIG. 2 is a surface mount integrated circuit.

[0089] Here, as described later, the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on a frame 101 provided in the vehicle lamp 100. In addition, light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on an optical component 103 provided in the vehicle lamp 100. Therefore, the brightness distribution of the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted has a great influence on the optical design of the optical component 103 provided in the vehicle lamp 100. In the above case, the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted can be a region on the inner side of the frame portion 23 (the end surface of the sealing portion 24 on the opposite side to the substrate 21 side).

[0090] Furthermore, in recent years, it has become desirable to increase the amount of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 .

[0091] In the case described, Figure 2 As described in , if the center of one light emitting element 22 is set at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, and the centers of the four light emitting elements 22 are set at rotationally symmetrical positions on the circumference of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, it is easy to obtain a symmetric brightness distribution with respect to the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In addition, if five light emitting elements 22 are provided, the light amount of light irradiated from the vehicle lighting device 1 can be increased compared with the case where four light emitting elements 22 are provided.

[0092] This creates a new problem that the brightness is too high in the central portion of the light emitting portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 (the portion including the central axis 1 a of the end surface of the sealing portion 24 opposite to the substrate 21 ).

[0093] Therefore, a brightness control unit 26 is provided in the light emitting module 20. The brightness control unit 26 may be provided in the sealing unit 24. In the above case, Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the brightness control section 26 may be provided on the end surface of the sealing section 24 on the opposite side to the substrate 21 side. Alternatively, the brightness control section 26 may be embedded in the sealing section 24.

[0094] When the brightness control part 26 is set on the end surface of the sealing part 24, the brightness control part 26 can be attached to the end surface of the sealing part 24, or the light-shielding part 26a of the brightness control part 26 described later can be printed on the end surface of the sealing part 24, or a resin that is difficult to transmit light (for example, a white resin) can be supplied to the end surface of the sealing part 24 to form the light-shielding part 26a.

[0095] When burying the brightness control section 26 inside the sealing section 24 , as described above, the brightness control section 26 may be provided on the sealing section 24 , and resin may be further supplied on the brightness control section 26 to complete the sealing section 24 .

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the brightness control unit 26 is provided on the light emitting side of the light emitting element 22 and has a plurality of light shielding units 26a and a light transmitting unit 26b. For example, the plurality of light shielding units 26a and the light transmitting unit 26b may be formed integrally.

[0097] In addition, when the plurality of light shielding portions 26a are directly provided on the sealing portion 24, the sealing portion 24 exposed inside the brightness control portion 26 becomes the light-transmitting portion 26b. If the plurality of light shielding portions 26a and the light-transmitting portion 26b are integrally formed, the brightness control portion 26 can be manufactured in advance. Therefore, the productivity of the light emitting module 20 can be improved, and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be reduced.

[0098] The plurality of light shielding portions 26a are in a film shape and are made of a material that is less likely to transmit light than the sealing portion 24. The light shielding portion 26a is made of, for example, metal or a resin that is less likely to transmit light (for example, white resin).

[0099] The light-transmitting portion 26b is in a film or plate shape and is made of a material that easily transmits light. The light-transmitting portion 26b is made of, for example, a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate resin or silicone resin, or glass.

[0100] Figure 3 This is a diagram for illustrating evaluation of brightness distribution of a portion from which light is emitted of the vehicle lighting device 1 .

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown, the brightness distribution can be evaluated in the evaluation area 27 of a square with a side of 3 mm and centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In addition, the evaluation area 27 is divided into 9 equal parts, and the luminous intensity of each of the 9 equally divided areas (square areas with a side of 1 mm) is calculated, thereby evaluating the brightness distribution in the evaluation area 27 and the brightness distribution of the light emitting portion of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0102] In the above case, it is preferable that the light emission intensity in each region is within the following range.

[0103] Luminous intensity of area A ≤ 10%

[0104] Luminous intensity of each area B ≧ 20%

[0105] Luminous intensity of each area C ≤ 10%

[0106] The luminous intensity of area A + the luminous intensity of all areas B + the luminous intensity of all areas C ≧ 90%

[0107] In addition, the light emission intensity in a region having a diameter of 18.5 mm centered on the central axis 1 a of the vehicle lighting device 1 is assumed to be 100%.

[0108] For example, the luminous intensity of region A is “(luminous intensity of region A / luminous intensity in region with a diameter of 18.5 mm)×100(%)”. The luminous intensity of region A evaluates the brightness near the central axis 1 a of the vehicle lighting device 1 .

[0109] For example, the luminous intensity of each region B is "(luminous intensity in each region B / luminous intensity in a region with a diameter of 18.5 mm)×100(%)". The luminous intensity of each region B evaluates the brightness of each region adjacent to region A in the X direction or the Y direction.

[0110] For example, the luminous intensity of each region C is “(luminous intensity in each region C / luminous intensity in a region having a diameter of 18.5 mm)×100(%)”. The luminous intensity of each region C evaluates the brightness of each region adjacent to the region A in the diagonal direction.

[0111] That is, the luminous intensity of each region B and the luminous intensity of each region C are used to evaluate the brightness of the periphery of region A.

[0112] In addition, in order to perform evaluation using such evaluation area 27, the size of the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 may be larger than the size of the evaluation area 27. For example, the size of one side of the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 may be set to be greater than 3 mm and less than 6 mm. In the above case, the area of ​​the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted is 9 mm. 2 Above and 36mm 2 For example, the outline of the frame portion 23 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1 a of the vehicle lighting device 1 may be a square, and the size of one side of the inner wall of the frame portion 23 may be set to 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

[0113] In addition, although the case where the outline of the frame 23 is a square is illustrated, the same may be true for a case where the outline of the frame 23 is a rectangle or a circle. That is, when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, the evaluation area 27 may be set inside the frame 23.

[0114] If the frame 23 has a square outline, it is easy to perform evaluation using the evaluation area 27. Therefore, it is more preferable to set the frame 23 to a square outline when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 and set the size of one side of the inner wall of the frame 23 to about 3 mm.

[0115] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view for illustrating the arrangement of the evaluation region 27 and the light emitting element 22 .

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, the center of the evaluation area 27 can be set at a position overlapping with the central axis 1a. In addition, the center of one light emitting element 22 can be set at a position overlapping with the center of the area A. The center of each of the four light emitting elements 22 can be set at a position overlapping with the center of the area B.

[0117] In addition, the center of the brightness control unit 26 may be provided at a position overlapping with the center of the region A. For example, the brightness control unit 26 faces one light emitting element 22 provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In such a case, the center of the one light emitting element 22 and the center of the brightness control unit 26 may overlap with the center of the region A. In addition, the brightness control unit 26 does not face four light emitting elements 22 provided at positions on the circumference centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0118] The shape and size of the brightness control unit 26 can be set to be the same as the shape and size of the area A. Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the shape of the brightness control unit 26 can be set to a square. In addition, each of the plurality of light shielding portions 26a can be provided, for example, in a diagonal region of the brightness control unit 26. For example, one light shielding portion 26a can be provided at each of the four corners of the square brightness control unit 26. In addition, the plurality of light shielding portions 26a are not provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0119] The shape of the light shielding portion 26a when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the light shielding portion 26a may be a quadrilateral such as a square or a rectangle, or may be a part of a circle.

[0120] In addition, when observing from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, the shading portion 26a may not be provided in the central area of ​​the brightness control portion 26 (the area including the central axis 1a) and the area adjacent to the central area sandwiched in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0121] If the brightness control unit 26 having the light shielding unit 26 a is provided, it is possible to control the brightness distribution of the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted.

[0122] In this case, according to the findings obtained by the present inventors, if the total area of ​​the plurality of light shielding portions 26 a is 55.5% to 65.0% of the area of ​​the brightness control portion 26 , the condition of the light emission intensity in the evaluation region 27 is satisfied.

[0123] Figure 5 It is a schematic plan view of the brightness control section 28 for illustrating another embodiment.

[0124] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of the brightness control unit 28 in the DD line direction or the EE line direction.

[0125] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the brightness control unit 28 includes, for example, a plurality of light shielding portions 28a and a light transmitting portion 28b. The shape and size of the brightness control unit 28 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 may be the same as those of the brightness control unit 26.

[0126] Similar to the case of the brightness control portion 26 , the plurality of light shielding portions 28 a and the light transmitting portion 28 b may be formed integrally, or the plurality of light shielding portions 28 a may be directly provided on the sealing portion 24 .

[0127] The light-transmitting portion 28b is in a film or plate shape and can be made of the same material as the light-transmitting portion 26b.

[0128] The plurality of light shielding portions 28a are linear. The plurality of light shielding portions 28a may be arranged in a lattice shape, for example. For example, one light shielding portion 28a extends in the X direction. For example, another light shielding portion 28a extends in the Y direction.

[0129] Even if such a brightness control unit 28 is provided, the brightness distribution of the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 from which light is emitted can be controlled.

[0130] In this case, if the total area of ​​the plurality of light shielding portions 28 a is equal to or greater than 55.5% and equal to or less than 65.0% of the area of ​​the brightness control portion 28 , the condition of the light emission intensity in the evaluation region 27 is satisfied.

[0131] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the light shielding portion 28a may not be provided in the direction of the angle that is an integral multiple of 0° and 15° from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 22 provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, the light shielding portion 28a may not be provided in such a direction by appropriately setting the position, number, thickness, or distance L between the brightness control portion 28 and the light emitting element 22.

[0132] The above example shows a case where the light emitting element is a chip-shaped light emitting element 22. As described above, the light emitting element may be a surface-mounted light emitting element 22a.

[0133] Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the brightness control unit 29 provided in the surface-mounted light-emitting element 22a.

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown, similar to the case of the chip-shaped light-emitting element 22, the center of one light-emitting element 22a can be set at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, and the centers of each of the four light-emitting elements 22a can be set at rotationally symmetrical positions on a circle centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0135] Furthermore, a brightness control unit 29 may be provided on the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 22a provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. The brightness control unit 29 includes, for example, a plurality of light shielding units 29a and a light transmitting unit 29b. In the case described above, the arrangement, number, material, etc. of the plurality of light shielding units 29a may be the same as the arrangement, number, material, etc. of the plurality of light shielding units 26a. The arrangement, material, etc. of the light transmitting unit 29b may be the same as the arrangement, material, etc. of the light transmitting unit 26b. The plurality of light shielding units 29a may be formed, for example, by supplying a resin (for example, a white resin) that is difficult to transmit light to the light emitting surface using a dispenser or the like.

[0136] Even if the brightness control unit 29 is provided, the same operational effects as those of the brightness control unit 26 can be obtained.

[0137] Alternatively, the light emitting surface of the surface-mounted light emitting element 22a may be provided at Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The linear shading portion is illustrated in FIG.

[0138] If so, the same effect as that of the brightness control unit 28 can be achieved.

[0139] (Vehicle Lighting)

[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 including the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided. The description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the modified examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the brightness control unit 28, the brightness control unit 29, and examples having the features of the present invention by adding, deleting or changing the design of components appropriately by a person skilled in the art) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0141] In addition, the following description takes the case where the vehicle lamp 100 is a front combination lamp provided in a car as an example. However, the vehicle lamp 100 is not limited to a front combination lamp provided in a car. The vehicle lamp 100 may be any vehicle lamp provided in a car, a train, or the like.

[0142] Figure 8 It is a schematic partial cross-sectional view for illustrating the vehicle lamp 100 .

[0143] like Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1 , a housing 101 , a cover 102 , an optical component 103 , a sealing member 104 , and a connector 105 .

[0144] The vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the frame 101. The frame 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The frame 101 is in the shape of a box with one end side opened. The frame 101 is formed of, for example, a light-proof resin or the like. An assembly hole 101a is provided on the bottom surface of the frame 101, and the assembly hole 101a is inserted into the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12. A recess is provided around the periphery of the assembly hole 101a, into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. In addition, although the case where the assembly hole 101a is directly provided on the frame 101 is illustrated, an assembly component having the assembly hole 101a may also be provided on the frame 101.

[0145] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held by the fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This mounting method is called twist lock.

[0146] The cover 102 is provided to close the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is formed of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function of a lens or the like.

[0147] The light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 enters the optical component 103. The optical component 103 performs reflection, diffusion, light guiding, light focusing, formation of a predetermined light distribution pattern, etc. of the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, Figure 8 The optical member 103 shown as an example is a reflector. In this case, the optical member 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0148] The sealing member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the frame 101. The sealing member 104 is annular and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0149] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the vehicle lamp 100, the sealing member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the frame 101. Therefore, the internal space of the frame 101 can be sealed by the sealing member 104. In addition, the bayonet 12 is pressed to the frame 101 by the elastic force of the sealing member 104. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from being separated from the frame 101.

[0150] The connector 105 is fitted with the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. The lighting circuit is electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the like can be electrically connected to the light emitting element 22.

[0151] In addition, a sealing member 105a is provided in the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the sealing member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed watertightly.

[0152] Several embodiments of the present invention are illustrated above, but these embodiments are only provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments or their modifications are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. In addition, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0153] The following are additional notes related to the above-described embodiment.

[0154] (Note 1)

[0155] A vehicle lighting device, comprising:

[0156] Lamp holder;

[0157] five light-emitting elements, disposed on one end side of the lamp holder; and

[0158] The brightness control unit is arranged on the light emitting side of the light emitting element and has a plurality of light shielding units and light transmitting units.

[0159] One of the light emitting elements is disposed at a position of a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and four of the light emitting elements are disposed at positions that are rotationally symmetrical on a circle centered on the central axis.

[0160] The brightness control unit faces the one light emitting element disposed at the position of the central axis, but does not face the four light emitting elements disposed at the positions on the circumference.

[0161] The plurality of light shielding portions provided in the brightness control portion are not provided at positions of the central axis.

[0162] (Note 2)

[0163] The vehicle lighting device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein a total area of ​​the plurality of light shielding portions is not less than 55.5% and not more than 65.0% of an area of ​​the brightness control portion.

[0164] (Note 3)

[0165] The vehicle lighting device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the brightness control portion when viewed from a direction along the central axis is a square,

[0166] One of the light shielding portions having a film shape is provided at each of the four corners of the brightness control portion.

[0167] (Note 4)

[0168] The vehicle lighting device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the brightness control portion when viewed from a direction along the central axis is a square,

[0169] The plurality of linear light shielding portions are arranged in a lattice shape.

[0170] (Note 5)

[0171] A vehicle lamp, comprising:

[0172] The vehicle lighting device according to Supplementary Notes 1 to 4; and

[0173] The frame is used to assemble the vehicle lighting device.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device, comprising: Lamp holder; Five light-emitting elements are arranged on one end side of the lamp holder; as well as The brightness control unit is arranged on the light emitting side of the light emitting element and has a plurality of light shielding units and light transmitting units. One of the light emitting elements is disposed at a position of a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and four of the light emitting elements are disposed at positions that are rotationally symmetrical on a circle centered on the central axis. The brightness control unit faces the one light emitting element disposed at the position of the central axis, but does not face the four light emitting elements disposed at the positions on the circumference. The plurality of light shielding portions provided in the brightness control portion are not provided at positions of the central axis.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: A total area of ​​the plurality of light shielding portions is greater than or equal to 55.5% and less than or equal to 65.0% of an area of ​​the brightness control portion.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shape of the brightness control section when viewed from the direction along the central axis is a square, One of the light shielding portions having a film shape is provided at each of the four corners of the brightness control portion.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shape of the brightness control section when viewed from the direction along the central axis is a square, The plurality of linear light shielding portions are arranged in a lattice shape.

5. A vehicle lamp, comprising: The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; as well as The frame is used to assemble the vehicle lighting device.

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