Lighting device for vehicle and lamp for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle which can suppress an unintended variation of an output current of a control element, and a lamp for the vehicle.SOLUTION: A lighting device for a vehicle comprises: a socket; a baseboard provided at one end part side of the socket; a light emitting element provided on the baseboard; a control element provided on the baseboard, and having a current driver electrically connected to the light emitting element at an output side, and a current setting circuit electrically connected to the current driver at an output side; and a protection part for covering a conductive portion which is exposed to an atmosphere in which the baseboard is provided in a wiring system between an input-side terminal of the current setting circuit and a ground terminal of the baseboard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art From the standpoint of energy saving and long life, vehicle lighting devices equipped with light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes are becoming more and more popular, replacing vehicle lighting devices equipped with lamps having filaments.

[0003] When a current flows through the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element emits light and generates heat. In the case of a vehicle lighting device, the temperature of the atmosphere in which the vehicle lighting device is installed may be about 85°C. This may cause the temperature of the light-emitting element to become too high and exceed the maximum junction temperature. If the temperature of the light-emitting element exceeds the maximum junction temperature, the light-emitting element may break down or its function may deteriorate.

[0004] For this reason, a vehicle lighting device has been proposed that includes a control element that controls the current flowing through the light-emitting element depending on the ambient temperature of the light-emitting element, i.e., a vehicle lighting device that includes a control element that performs temperature derating.

[0005] In this case, a thermistor is electrically connected to the input side of the control element, and a light-emitting element is electrically connected to the output side of the control element. The resistance value of the thermistor changes depending on the ambient temperature of the light-emitting element. Therefore, the control element can control (temperature derate) the current (output current) flowing through the light-emitting element based on the resistance value of the thermistor.

[0006] However, it has been found that the output current of the control element may vary unintentionally depending on the atmosphere in which the vehicle lighting device is installed. When the output current of the control element varies unintentionally, the total luminous flux of the light emitted from the light-emitting element may not be the intended value. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a technique capable of suppressing unintended fluctuations in the output current of a control element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7018124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp capable of suppressing unintended fluctuations in the output current of a control element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket; a substrate provided on one end of the socket; a light-emitting element provided on the substrate; a control element provided on the substrate, the control element having a current driver having an output side electrically connected to the light-emitting element and a current setting circuit having an output side electrically connected to the current driver; and a protective portion that covers a conductive portion of a wiring system between an input terminal of the current setting circuit and a ground terminal of the substrate, the conductive portion being exposed to the atmosphere in which the substrate is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that are capable of suppressing unintended fluctuations in the output current of a control element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a light emission circuit. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a protective portion provided for a surface-mounted circuit element. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a laser-trimmed film resistor and a protective portion; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment can be installed in, for example, an automobile or a railcar. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 installed in an automobile include a front combination light (for example, a combination of a daytime running lamp (DRL), a position lamp, a turn signal lamp, etc.) and 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 uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes a socket 10, a light emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40, for example.

[0015] The socket 10 has, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15. The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 may be columnar. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recess 11a that opens at the end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0016] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on a 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 bayonets 12 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1, for example, to a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described later. The bayonet 12 may be used for a twist lock.

[0017] The flange 13 has a plate shape. The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially circular plate shape. A side surface of the flange 13 is located outward of the vehicle lighting device 1 from a side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0018] The heat dissipating fin 14 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11. At least one heat dissipating fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the socket 10 can be provided with a plurality of heat dissipating fins 14. The plurality of heat dissipating fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipating fin 14 has, for example, a plate or cylinder shape.

[0019] The connector holder 15 is provided on the opposite side of the flange 13 to the mounting portion 11. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 has a cylindrical shape, and a connector 105 having a seal member 105a therein is inserted into the connector holder 15.

[0020] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light-emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and a function of transferring heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the outside. Therefore, the socket 10 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The socket 10 can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, for example.

[0021] The socket 10 can also be made of, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or Nylon mixed with a filler using carbon or aluminum oxide. If the socket 10 contains a highly thermally conductive resin, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. Also, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced.

[0022] The power supply unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32 . The power supply terminals 31 may be rod-shaped. One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is soldered to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted to the power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The power supply terminals 31 are formed of a metal such as a copper alloy. The shape, arrangement, material, and the like of the power supply terminals 31 are not limited to those exemplified, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0023] When the socket 10 is formed using, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using carbon, or a metal, the socket 10 becomes conductive. Therefore, the holding portion 32 is provided to insulate the multiple power supply terminals 31 from the conductive socket 10. Note that when the socket 10 is formed using an insulating highly thermally conductive resin (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), the holding portion 32 can be omitted. For example, the holding portion 32 can be pressed into a hole provided in the socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole.

[0024] The heat transfer unit 40 is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the heat transfer unit 40 is provided, for example, inside the recess 11b that opens to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. For example, the heat transfer unit 40 can be adhered to the inner wall of the recess 11b, attached inside the recess 11b via heat conductive grease (heat dissipation grease), or embedded inside the recess 11b by insert molding. The heat transfer unit 40 is formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer unit 40 can be formed from a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. Note that when the socket 10 is formed from a metal or when the heat generated in the light emitting module 20 is small, the heat transfer unit 40 can be omitted.

[0025] 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 protective portion 26.

[0026] The substrate 21 is provided on one end side of the socket 10. The substrate 21 can be adhered, for example, onto the heat transfer section 40. In this case, the adhesive is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be an adhesive mixed with a filler using a conductive material or an inorganic material.

[0027] The substrate 21 has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 21 can be formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 21 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may also have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0028] Moreover, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed from, for example, a material containing silver as a main component or a material containing copper as a main component. In addition, a covering portion 21a1 may be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a. The covering portion 21a1 may include, for example, a glass material.

[0029] The light-emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21 (the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side). The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. At least one light-emitting element 22 can be provided. The vehicle lighting device 1 (light-emitting module 20) illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 can be connected in series.

[0030] The light emitting elements 22 may be, for example, light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, laser diodes, or the like. The light emitting element 22 may be a chip-shaped light emitting element, a surface mount type light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or a light emitting element having a lead wire such as a bullet type. The light emitting element 22 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a chip-shaped light emitting element. In this case, in consideration of miniaturization of the light emitting module 20 and thus miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1, it is preferable to use a chip-shaped light emitting element. In the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element will be described.

[0031] The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 may 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.

[0032] The frame portion 23 is provided on the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 is bonded to the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light emitting element 22. The frame portion 23 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin. The frame portion 23 can have a function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24 and a function of a reflector. The frame portion 23 can be omitted. In the case where the frame portion 23 is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion 24 is provided on the substrate 21.

[0033] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area surrounded by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting element 22. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. For example, the sealing portion 24 can be formed by supplying the resin softened with a solvent or the like to the inside of the frame portion 23 using a dispenser or the like. The sealing portion 24 can also contain a phosphor.

[0034] In addition, optical elements and the like can be provided as necessary. Examples of the optical elements include a convex lens, a concave lens, a light guide, etc. The optical elements can be provided on the sealing portion 24, for example.

[0035] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element used to configure the light-emitting circuit 20a having the light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, on the periphery of the frame portion 23 and is 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.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the light emission circuit 20a. As shown in Fig. 3, the light-emitting circuit 20a has, for example, a light-emitting element 22 and a circuit element 25. The circuit element 25 can be, for example, a resistor 25a, a protective element 25b, a control element 25c, a resistor 25d, and a negative characteristic thermistor 25e. However, the circuit elements 25 provided in the light-emitting circuit 20a are not limited to those exemplified. For example, the light-emitting circuit 20a can further have a capacitor, a positive characteristic thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, an integrated circuit, a computing element, and the like, in addition to those described above.

[0037] The resistor 25a may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 25a illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface mount resistor.

[0038] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, if the voltage applied between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is constant, variation occurs in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 22. Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 22 within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is controlled to be within a predetermined range by the resistor 25a connected in series to the light-emitting element 22. In this case, the resistance value of the resistor 25a is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 within the predetermined range.

[0039] When the resistor 25a is a surface mount resistor or a resistor with leads, the resistor 25a is selected to have an appropriate resistance value according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting element 22. When the resistor 25a is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the resistor 25a. For example, a part of the film resistor can be easily removed by irradiating the film resistor with laser light. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistors 25a are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light emitting elements 22.

[0040] The protective element 25b is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from the reverse direction from being applied to the light-emitting element 22. The protective element 25b is, for example, a diode. The protective element 25b illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0041] The control element 25c controls the current (output current Ia) flowing through the light-emitting element 22 in accordance with the ambient temperature of the light-emitting element 22. For example, the control element 25c can be an integrated circuit capable of performing temperature derating.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the control element 25c has a VIN terminal, an OUT terminal, an RTH terminal (corresponding to an example of a first terminal), an ISET terminal (corresponding to an example of a second terminal), and a GND terminal. The VIN terminal is electrically connected to a battery mounted on the vehicle, for example, via a protection element 25b. The OUT terminal is electrically connected to the light emitting element 22, for example, via a resistor 25a. In this case, the anode of the light emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the OUT terminal. The cathode of the light emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle, such as the chassis of the vehicle body. The RTH terminal is electrically connected to, for example, a negative characteristic thermistor 25e. The ISET terminal is electrically connected to, for example, a resistor 25d. The GND terminal is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the vehicle.

[0043] Furthermore, the control element 25c includes, for example, a current driver 25c1, a current setting circuit 25c2, and a constant current circuit 25c3. The input side of the current driver 25c1 is electrically connected to the VIN terminal. The output side of the current driver 25c1 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22 via the OUT terminal. The current driver 25c1 generates a current (output current Ia) to be passed through the light-emitting element 22. The current driver 25c1 performs constant current control on the output current Ia so that the output current Ia becomes a predetermined value. The current driver 25c1 has a constant current circuit including, for example, an output transistor, a sense resistor, and an error amplifier. The target value of the output current Ia is set based on the set current Ib from the current setting circuit 25c2.

[0044] One input side of the current setting circuit 25c2 is electrically connected to the resistor 25d via the ISET terminal. The other input side of the current setting circuit 25c2 is electrically connected to the negative characteristic thermistor 25e via the RTH terminal. The output side of the current setting circuit 25c2 is electrically connected to the current driver 25c1. The current setting circuit 25c2 generates a set current Ib for setting a target value of the output current Ia. The set current Ib is generated based on a change in the resistance value of the resistor 25d electrically connected to the ISET terminal. In addition, the current setting circuit 25c2 adjusts the set current Ib based on the terminal voltage generated at the RTH terminal.

[0045] The constant current circuit 25c3 is electrically connected between the input side of the current setting circuit 25c2 and the RTH terminal. The constant current circuit 25c3 passes a predetermined current through the negative characteristic thermistor 25e via the RTH terminal. Therefore, a terminal voltage based on the resistance value of the negative characteristic thermistor 25e is generated in the RTH terminal. In other words, the current setting circuit 25c2 adjusts the set current Ib based on the resistance value of the negative characteristic thermistor 25e electrically connected to the RTH terminal.

[0046] The resistor 25d may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having leads, or a film resistor formed by using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 25d illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface mount resistor. The negative characteristic thermistor 25e may be, for example, either a surface-mount type negative characteristic thermistor or a negative characteristic thermistor having leads. The negative characteristic thermistor 25e illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mount type negative characteristic thermistor. A resistor may be further electrically connected to the negative characteristic thermistor 25e. The resistor may be any of a surface-mount type resistor, a resistor having leads, and a film resistor.

[0047] In the above, the resistor 25d is electrically connected to the ISET terminal, but a positive characteristic thermistor, negative characteristic thermistor, etc. may also be electrically connected to the ISET terminal. Since the resistance value of a negative characteristic thermistor decreases as the temperature rises, the control element 25c can perform temperature derating control even if a negative characteristic thermistor is electrically connected to the ISET terminal.

[0048] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a resistor is electrically connected to the ISET terminal. For example, the resistor 25d and a negative characteristic thermistor may be electrically connected to the ISET terminal, or at least one of the resistor 25d and the negative characteristic thermistor may be electrically connected to a resistor or the like.

[0049] In this case, the current setting circuit 25c2 generates a set current Ib based on the resistance value of the resistor 25d electrically connected to the ISET terminal. The set current Ib is input to the current driver 25c1, which uses the set current Ib to set a target value of the output current Ia.

[0050] Depending on the atmosphere in which the vehicle lighting device 1 is installed, water vapor contained in the atmosphere may condense or foreign matter such as salt contained in seawater may precipitate on the substrate 21. If water vapor condenses or foreign matter precipitates, a short circuit may occur in the wiring pattern 21a.

[0051] Therefore, as described above, the covering portion 21a1 is provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a. If the covering portion 21a1 is provided, it is possible to prevent moisture and foreign matter from adhering to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0052] Here, the covering portion 21a1 is formed on the wiring pattern 21a after the wiring pattern 21a is formed on the substrate 21. Furthermore, the circuit element 25 is mounted on the wiring pattern 21a on which the covering portion 21a1 is formed. Therefore, the covering portion 21a1 cannot be provided on the pad of the wiring pattern 21a on which the circuit element 25 is mounted. Furthermore, the connection terminal of the circuit element 25 is exposed from a package formed of resin or the like.

[0053] Therefore, the mounting pads of the wiring pattern 21a and the connection terminals of the circuit element 25 electrically connected to the mounting pads are exposed from the covering portion 21a1. There is a risk that moisture or foreign matter will adhere to the mounting pads and the connection terminals of the circuit element 25 exposed from the covering portion 21a1.

[0054] According to the findings of the present inventor, it has been found that in the wiring system between the input terminals (RTH terminal and ISET terminal) of the current setting circuit 25c2 and the ground terminal 21a2 of the substrate 21, if moisture or foreign matter adheres to the conductive part exposed to the atmosphere in which the substrate 21 is provided, the output current Ia fluctuates. For example, if moisture or foreign matter with an electrical conductivity of 5 mS / m or more and 10 mS / m or less adheres to the connection terminals of the circuit element 25, the output current Ia may decrease by about 50%. If the output current Ia fluctuates, there is a risk that the intended total luminous flux may not be obtained when temperature derating is performed.

[0055] Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 (light-emitting module 20) according to the present embodiment is provided with a protective section . The protection section 26 covers a conductive portion of the wiring system between the input terminals (RTH terminal and ISET terminal) of the current setting circuit 25c2 and the ground terminal 21a2 of the substrate 21, the conductive portion being exposed to the atmosphere in which the substrate 21 is provided.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a protective portion 26 provided for a surface-mount type circuit element 25. As shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where the circuit element 25 is a surface-mount resistor 25d. The circuit element 25 on which the protection unit 26 is provided is not limited to the resistor 25d, but may be any circuit element 25 electrically connected to the input side of the current setting circuit 25c2.

[0057] 4, protective portion 26 covers connection terminal 25d1 of resistor 25d. In this case, connection terminal 25d1 is mounted on mounting pad 21aa of wiring pattern 21a. Therefore, when connection terminal 25d1 is covered by protective portion 26, mounting pad 21aa is also covered by protective portion 26.

[0058] The protective portion 26 can be formed, for example, by supplying an insulating material to the vicinity of the connection terminal 25d1. For example, resin softened with a solvent or the like can be supplied to the vicinity of the connection terminal 25d1 using a dispenser or the like. Also, resin softened by heating can be supplied to the vicinity of the connection terminal 25d1 using a hot melt device or the like.

[0059] In this case, if the protective portion 26 is formed using the same resin as that used to form the sealing portion 24, the sealing portion 24 and the protective portion 26 can be formed in the same process. For example, a resin (e.g., silicone resin) softened with a solvent or the like can be sequentially supplied to the inside of the frame portion 23 and the vicinity of the connection terminal 25d1 using a dispenser or the like. In this way, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the manufacturing time can be shortened, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. That is, it is preferable that the protective portion 26 contains the same resin as the sealing portion 24 .

[0060] Although the above describes the case of a surface mount type circuit element 25, the same applies to the case of a circuit element 25 having lead wires. For example, the lead wires and mounting pads 21aa may be covered with protective portion 26. In addition, in the case of a chip-shaped circuit element 25, the chip-shaped circuit element 25 may be covered with protective portion 26. In the above, the circuit element 25 is a resistor, but the same applies when the circuit element 25 is a positive characteristic thermistor or a negative characteristic thermistor. For example, the connection terminals and lead wires of the positive characteristic thermistor or the negative characteristic thermistor may be covered with the protective portion 26.

[0061] In addition, the resistor connected in series to the negative characteristic thermistor 25e electrically connected to the input side (RTH terminal) of the current setting circuit 25c2 may be a film resistor. As described above, the film resistor is formed using a screen printing method or the like. In this case, the wiring pattern 21a is formed on the substrate 21, the film resistor is formed on the mounting pad 21aa of the wiring pattern 21a, and the covering portion 21a1 is formed on the wiring pattern 21a and the film resistor. Therefore, in the case of a film resistor, the mounting pad 21aa and the film resistor are covered by the covering portion 21a1, so that the protective portion 26 can be omitted.

[0062] However, as described above, when adjusting the resistance value of the film resistor, the film resistor covered by the covering portion 21a1 may be irradiated with laser light (laser trimming). When the laser light is irradiated, the film resistor and covering portion 21a1 in the area irradiated with the laser light are removed. Therefore, the side surface of the film resistor is exposed on the cross section of the portion where the film resistor and covering portion 21a1 have been removed.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the laser-trimmed film resistor 25e1 and the protective portion . 5, a side surface 25e1a of the film resistor 25e1 is exposed in the laser trimmed portion. In this case, if moisture or foreign matter adheres to the side surface 25e1a, the output current Ia may fluctuate. Therefore, when the film resistor 25e1 is laser trimmed, a protective portion 26 can be provided on the laser trimmed portion as shown in Fig. 5. In this manner, the side surface 25e1a of the film resistor 25e1 can be covered by the protective portion 26. Therefore, fluctuations in the output current Ia can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, the input side terminals (RTH terminal and ISET terminal) of the current setting circuit 25c2 provided in the control element 25c are exposed from a package formed of resin or the like. Therefore, similarly to the above-mentioned case of the resistor 25d, the RTH terminal and ISET terminal of the control element 25c can be covered by the protective part 26. In this way, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output current Ia.

[0065] In the above, the case where the covering portion 21a1 is formed on the wiring pattern 21a has been exemplified, but there are also cases where the covering portion 21a1 is not formed. In such a case, the exposed portion of the wiring pattern 21a can be covered by the protective portion 26. In this way, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output current Ia.

[0066] As described above, in the wiring system between the input terminals (RTH terminal and ISET terminal) of the current setting circuit 25c2 and the ground terminal 21a2 of the substrate 21, if the conductive part exposed to the atmosphere in which the substrate 21 is provided is covered with the protective part 26, it is possible to suppress the potential fluctuation caused by the adhesion of moisture or foreign matter to the conductive part. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unintended fluctuation of the output current Ia. As a result, it is possible to obtain the intended total luminous flux when temperature derating is performed.

[0067] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes a vehicle lighting device 1. The above-mentioned description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, a device in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components and has the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0068] In the following, as an example, a case where the vehicular lamp 100 is a front combination light installed in an automobile will be described. However, the vehicular lamp 100 is not limited to a front combination light installed in an automobile. The vehicular lamp 100 may be any vehicular lamp that is installed in an automobile, a railroad car, or the like.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0070] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 is box-shaped with one end side open. The housing 101 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. The bottom surface of the housing 101 is provided with a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted. A recess is provided around the mounting hole 101a into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. Note that, although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 has been exemplified, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may be provided on the housing 101.

[0071] When mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 on which the bayonet 12 is provided is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of mounting method is called a twist lock.

[0072] The cover 102 is provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function such as a lens.

[0073] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in Fig. 6 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0074] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0075] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the seal member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the seal member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. In addition, the bayonet 12 is pressed against the housing 101 by the elastic force of the seal member 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from coming off the housing 101.

[0076] The connector 105 is fitted to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit and the like are electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the like can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22.

[0077] Furthermore, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed so as to be watertight.

[0078] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0079] Below, additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0080] (Appendix 1) Socket and; A substrate provided on one end side of the socket; A light emitting element provided on the substrate; a control element provided on the substrate, the control element having a current driver having an output side electrically connected to the light emitting element, and a current setting circuit having an output side electrically connected to the current driver; a protective portion for covering a conductive portion of a wiring system between an input terminal of the current setting circuit and a ground terminal of the substrate, the conductive portion being exposed to an atmosphere in which the substrate is provided; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

[0081] (Appendix 2) The current setting circuit further includes a thermistor electrically connected to a first terminal on the input side of the current setting circuit. 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the protective portion covers the first terminal and a connection terminal of the thermistor that is exposed to the atmosphere.

[0082] (Appendix 3) Further comprising a resistor electrically connected to a second terminal on the input side of the current setting circuit, The protective part is the second terminal and a connection terminal of the resistor exposed to the atmosphere; or 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first insulating layer that covers the second terminal and a laser trimmed portion of the resistor.

[0083] (Appendix 4) Further comprising a sealing portion including a resin and covering the light emitting element; 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the protection portion contains the same resin as the sealing portion.

[0084] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendix 1 to 4; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle lighting device, 10 socket, 11 mounting portion, 20 light emitting module, 21 board, 20a light emitting circuit, 22 light emitting element, 25 circuit element, 25a resistor, 25b protection element, 25c control element, 25c1 current driver, 25c2 current setting circuit, 25d resistor, 25e negative characteristic thermistor, 26 protection portion, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing, Ia output current

Claims

1. A socket; A substrate provided on one end side of the socket; A light emitting element provided on the substrate; a control element provided on the substrate, the control element having a current driver having an output side electrically connected to the light emitting element, and a current setting circuit having an output side electrically connected to the current driver; a protective portion that covers a conductive portion of a wiring system between an input terminal of the current setting circuit and a ground terminal of the substrate, the conductive portion being exposed to an atmosphere in which the substrate is provided; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

2. The current setting circuit further includes a thermistor electrically connected to a first terminal on the input side of the current setting circuit. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the protective portion covers the first terminal and a connection terminal of the thermistor that is exposed to the atmosphere.

3. a resistor electrically connected to a second terminal on the input side of the current setting circuit; The protective part is the second terminal and a connection terminal of the resistor exposed to the atmosphere; or 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for covering the second terminal and a laser trimmed portion of the resistor.

4. Further comprising a sealing portion including a resin and covering the light emitting element; The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the protection portion contains the same resin as the sealing portion.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with:

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