Vehicular illuminating device, and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular illuminating device that is fitted to a socket for a wedge base bulb, hardly fails, and can improve reliability of electric connection, and a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular illuminating device 1 can be fitted to a socket terminal provided in a vehicular lighting fixture, and comprises: a housing 40 comprising a housing part 41, and an insertion part 42 provided in one end part of the housing part 41, having a plate shape, and to be fitted to the socket terminal; a light emitting element exposed from an end part of the housing part 41 on a side opposite to the side of the insertion part; a board 21 comprising a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light emitting element, and provided inside the housing 40; and a pair of terminals 50 provided across a central axis of the vehicular illuminating device 1 in a thickness direction of the insertion part 42, and connected to the wiring pattern. The pair of terminals 50 comprises: a first contact part 51 electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the board 21, and a second contact part 52 opposed to the first contact part 51, and to be connected to the socket terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Wedge base light bulbs that do not have a base are used as vehicle lighting devices. Wedge base light bulbs are incandescent light bulbs. Therefore, from the viewpoints of power saving and life extension, wedge base light bulbs are being replaced with vehicle lighting devices equipped with light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes.

[0003] The wedge base bulb is mounted in a socket provided in a vehicle lamp by pushing it in. When a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light emitting element is used instead of the wedge base bulb, the socket in which the wedge base bulb is mounted is generally designed so that the vehicle lighting device equipped with the light emitting element can be mounted.

[0004] However, this can lead to cases where a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element is mistakenly attached to a socket to which the lighting circuit of the wedge base light bulb is electrically connected. The lighting circuit of a wedge base light bulb and the lighting circuit of a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element have different configurations. Therefore, when a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element is attached to a socket to which the lighting circuit of the wedge base light bulb is electrically connected, a current may flow from the lighting circuit of the wedge base light bulb to the light-emitting element, causing the light-emitting element to break down.

[0005] Also, a vehicle lighting device has been proposed that includes a light-emitting element and a substrate on which a wiring pattern having a pair of terminals is provided. When such a vehicle lighting device is attached to a socket, the substrate is held in the socket via the terminal of the wiring pattern by the elastic force of the socket terminal. However, since the terminal of the wiring pattern has low strength and is thin, repeated attachment and detachment of the vehicle lighting device may damage the terminal of the wiring pattern or reduce the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of technology that would be less susceptible to failure even when mounted in a socket for a wedge base lamp, and that could improve the reliability of the electrical connection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-105652 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-082551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that are less likely to break down even when installed in a socket for a wedge base bulb, and that can improve the reliability of the electrical connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment is a vehicle lighting device that can be attached to a socket terminal of a socket provided in a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lighting device includes a housing having a storage section and an insertion section that is provided at one end of the storage section, has a plate shape, and is attached to the socket terminal; a light-emitting element exposed from an end of the storage section opposite to the insertion section; a board that has a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element and is provided inside the housing; and a pair of terminals that are provided in the center of the width direction of the insertion section, in the thickness direction of the insertion section, sandwiching the central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and are electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the board. Each of the pair of terminals has a first contact portion that is provided inside the insertion section and electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the board; and a second contact portion that is provided on the outer surface of the insertion section, faces the first contact portion, and is electrically connected to the socket terminal. A central area of ​​the first contact portion protrudes toward the wiring pattern. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that are less likely to break down even when attached to a socket for a wedge base bulb, and that can improve the reliability of the electrical connection. [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] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the vehicle lighting device. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a light-emitting portion and a connection portion. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of the terminal in FIG. 4 as viewed from the Y direction. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram of the terminal in FIG. 4 as viewed from the X direction. [Figure 7]5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating the function of the terminal. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating convex portions according to other embodiments. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are schematic perspective views illustrating light-emitting sections according to other embodiments. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; 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. In addition, arrows X, Y, and Z in each drawing represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction is the direction in which the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted into the socket 101 provided in the vehicle lamp 100. The X direction is the width direction of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. The Y direction is the thickness direction of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40.

[0013] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle lighting device that can be attached to socket terminals 101a, 101b of a socket 101 provided in a vehicle lamp 100 (see, for example, FIG. 10). Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 include those used as room lamps, meter lamps, reading lights, brake lights, turn signals, tail lights, and the like provided in automobiles and railroad cars. 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 schematic exploded view of the vehicle lighting device 1. In addition, the cover 30 is omitted in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the light-emitting portion 10 and the connection portion 20. As shown in FIG. 3 shows the light emitting section 10 and the connection section 20 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the opposite side in the Y direction.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes, for example, a light-emitting portion 10, a connection portion 20, a cover 30, a housing 40, and a terminal 50.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light-emitting section 10 includes, for example, a substrate 11 and a light-emitting element 12. The substrate 11 is, for example, plate-like and has a surface 11a and a surface 11b opposite to the surface 11a. The planar shape of the substrate 11 is, for example, a part of a circle including a center point. However, the planar shape of the substrate 11 is not limited to the example shown. The planar shape of the substrate 11 may be, for example, a polygon. The planar shape of the substrate 11 can be appropriately changed depending on the number, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 12.

[0017] The substrate 11 is formed of, for example, an insulating material. The substrate 11 is formed of, 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 11 may also be, for example, a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material.

[0018] When the light emitting element 12 generates a large amount of heat, it is preferable to form the substrate 11 using a material with high thermal conductivity from the viewpoint of heat dissipation. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, highly thermally conductive resins, and metal core substrates. Highly thermally conductive resins are, for example, resins such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and nylon mixed with fillers using aluminum oxide or the like.

[0019] The thickness of the substrate 11 is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. However, the thickness of the substrate 11 is not limited to the example given, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] A wiring pattern 11c is provided on a surface 11a of the substrate 11 opposite to the connection portion 20. The wiring pattern 11c has, for example, a mounting pad. The light emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the mounting pad. The wiring pattern 11c is formed of, for example, a low resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0021] The light emitting element 12 is exposed from the end of the storage section 41 opposite to the insertion section 42. At least one light emitting element 12 can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. The light emitting element 12 is, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0022] The light emitting element 12 may be, for example, a surface mount type light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type. The light emitting element 12 may also be, for example, a bullet type light emitting element having a lead wire. The light emitting element 12 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 is a surface mount type light emitting element.

[0023] The light emitting element 12 may also be a chip-shaped light emitting element. The chip-shaped light emitting element may be mounted on the wiring pattern 11c by, for example, COB (Chip On Board). In this case, a frame-shaped member surrounding the chip-shaped light emitting element and a sealing part provided inside the frame-shaped member and covering the chip-shaped light emitting element may be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. The sealing part may contain a phosphor. The type of phosphor may be appropriately changed so as to obtain a desired emission color depending on the application of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0024] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 12 are not limited to those exemplified above, and can be appropriately changed depending on the size and use of the vehicle lighting device 1. When multiple light-emitting elements 12 are provided, the multiple light-emitting elements 12 can be connected in series.

[0025] The connection portion 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21 and a circuit component 22 . The substrate 21 has a wiring pattern 21e electrically connected to the light emitting element 12, and is provided inside the housing 40. The substrate 21 has, for example, a plate shape and extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface 11b of the substrate 11. The substrate 21 has, for example, a mounting portion 21a and an attachment portion 21b. The mounting portion 21a and the attachment portion 21b can be formed integrally.

[0026] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting portion 21a can be, for example, a rectangle. One end of the mounting portion 21a is provided on the surface 11b of the substrate 11. For example, one end of the mounting portion 21a is bonded to the surface 11b of the substrate 11. Also, a convex portion can be provided at one end of the mounting portion 21a, and a hole, a concave portion, a groove, or the like into which the convex portion of the mounting portion 21a fits can be provided on the surface 11b of the substrate 11.

[0027] The width dimension W1 of the mounting portion 21a is, for example, about 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. However, the width dimension W1 of the mounting portion 21a can be appropriately changed depending on the size of the substrate 11 and the number and size of the circuit components 22. The width dimension W1 of the mounting portion 21a is the dimension of the mounting portion 21a in the X direction. The thickness T1 of the mounting portion 21a is, for example, about 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The thickness T1 of the mounting portion 21a is the dimension of the mounting portion 21a in the Y direction.

[0028] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting portion 21b may be, for example, a rectangle. One end of the mounting portion 21b is provided at the end of the mounting portion 21a opposite the substrate 11 side. The mounting portion 21b extends from the end of the mounting portion 21a opposite the substrate 11 side in a direction away from the substrate 11. A width dimension W2 of the mounting portion 21b is smaller than a width dimension W1 of the mounting portion 21a. A thickness of the mounting portion 21b may be the same as a thickness T1 of the mounting portion 21a. The mounting portion 21b may be provided, for example, at the center of the mounting portion 21a in the X direction.

[0029] The material of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21a, attachment portion 21b) may be the same as the material of the substrate 11 described above, or may be different.

[0030] A wiring pattern 21e can be provided on the surface 21c and the surface 21d of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21a, attachment portion 21b). The wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21c and the wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21d are electrically connected, for example, via a conductive via. The wiring pattern 21e is formed of a low resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver. The wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c provided on the substrate 11 via a connection portion 21e2. The connection portion 21e2 is formed, for example, by soldering or the like.

[0031] The circuit components 22 are mounted on the wiring pattern 21e provided on the mounting portion 21a. The connection pads 21e1 of the wiring pattern 21e are provided on the mounting portion 21b. The connection pads 21e1 are provided on the surfaces 21c and 21d of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b). Each of the pair of connection pads 21e1 is electrically connected to socket terminals 101a and 101b provided on the socket 101 via the terminal 50. By electrically connecting the socket terminal 101a provided on the socket 101 to one of the connection pads 21e1 via the terminal 50, the socket terminal 101a can be electrically connected to an electrode of one polarity of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and the wiring pattern 11c. In addition, by electrically connecting the socket terminal 101b to the other connection pad 21e1 via the terminal 50, the socket terminal 101b can be electrically connected to the other polarity electrode of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and the wiring pattern 11c.

[0032] 2 and 3, the circuit components 22 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a, but the circuit components 22 may be provided on one side of the mounting portion 21a. However, if the circuit components 22 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a, the mounting portion 21a can be made smaller, and the vehicle lighting device 1 can be made smaller.

[0033] The circuit components 22 may be passive or active elements used to configure a light emitting circuit with the light emitting element 12 . The circuit components 22 may be, for example, a diode 22a, a resistor 22b, a capacitor 22c, and the like. However, the type of the circuit component 22 is not limited to the exemplified ones, and can be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 12. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned ones, the circuit component 22 may be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, a Zener diode, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor such as a FET or a bipolar transistor, an integrated circuit, a computing element, etc. The integrated circuit may include, for example, a constant current circuit, a temperature derating circuit, etc.

[0034] Here, the light emitting element 12 such as a light emitting diode has a polarity. Therefore, the diode 22a is provided to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light emitting element 12. In this case, if there is no directionality when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, the mounting work of the vehicle lighting device 1 becomes easy. For example, if a bridge circuit (bridge diodes) is configured using four diodes, a non-polar circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The diode 22a illustrated in FIG. 3 is a so-called two-element diode. If the diode 22a is a two-element diode, a bridge circuit can be configured using two diodes 22a, so that the mounting area can be reduced.

[0035] The resistor 22b may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor with leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by screen printing, etc. The resistor 22b illustrated in Fig. 2 is a surface mount resistor. If a surface mount resistor is used, the mounting area can be reduced.

[0036] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 12, when the voltage applied between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is constant, the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 12 varies. Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 12 within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 12 is controlled to be within a predetermined range by the resistor 22b connected in series to the light-emitting element 12. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor 22b, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 12 can be controlled to be within the predetermined range.

[0037] For example, when resistor 22b is a surface mount resistor or a resistor with leads, resistor 22b having an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of light emitting element 12. For example, when resistor 22b is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the film resistor.

[0038] The resistor 22b can also serve to prevent an excessive current from flowing to the light-emitting element 12. The number, size, arrangement, and the like of the resistors 22b are not limited to those exemplified, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the number and specifications of the light-emitting elements 12.

[0039] The capacitor 22c is provided, for example, to deal with noise and smooth the voltage. The capacitor 22c may be, for example, a surface-mounted capacitor. If the capacitor 22c is a surface-mounted capacitor, the mounting area can be reduced. Also, for example, at least a part of the circuit components 22 may be provided on the substrate 11 .

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 30 is provided on the light emission side of the light emitting unit 10. For example, the cover 30 can be provided so as to cover the surface 11a of the substrate 11. For example, the cover 30 can be detachably attached to the housing 40. The cover 30 can also be given the function of an optical element. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the cover 30 can be curved to give the cover 30 the function of a lens. That is, by appropriately changing the shape of the cover 30 according to the light distribution characteristics required for the vehicle lighting device 1, the cover 30 can be given the function of various optical elements.

[0041] The cover 30 may be transparent, or may be colored as long as it has translucency. The light exit surface of the cover 30 may be provided with irregularities to scatter light. The cover 30 may be coated with or contain light scattering particles such as titanium oxide particles or phosphors. The cover 30 may have a reflector function by providing a film containing a material with high light reflectance (e.g., aluminum) on the inner wall or outer wall.

[0042] The cover 30 can be omitted. However, if the cover 30 is provided, it is possible to suppress the application of external force to the light emitting element 12, etc. Also, if the cover 30 is given the function of an optical element such as a lens, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the optical design of the vehicle lamp 100 side.

[0043] 1 and 2, the housing 40 has a storage section 41 and an insertion section 42. The storage section 41 and the insertion section 42 can be formed integrally. The housing 40 (storage section 41, insertion section 42) is formed from an insulating material such as resin. The housing 40 can be formed by, for example, injection molding.

[0044] The storage section 41 has a cylindrical shape. The light emitting section 10 (substrate 11) and the connection section 20 are stored inside the storage section 41. The substrate 11 is provided so as to close the opening at the end of the storage section 41 opposite to the insertion section 42 side. In this way, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the inside of the storage section 41. In addition, it is possible to stabilize the attitude and position of the substrate 21. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the connection pad 21e1 and the terminal 50. In addition, it is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the terminal 50.

[0045] The insertion portion 42 has a plate shape and is provided at the end of the storage portion 41 opposite to the side where the substrate 11 is provided. The insertion portion 42 is attached to the socket terminals 101a, 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. A space is provided inside the insertion portion 42 into which the attachment portion 21b of the substrate 21 is inserted. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the insertion portion 42 can be, for example, a rectangle. The width dimension W3 of the insertion portion 42 is, for example, about 6.0 mm to 16.0 mm. The width dimension W3 of the insertion portion 42 is the dimension of the insertion portion 42 in the X direction. The thickness T2 of the insertion portion 42 is, for example, about 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The thickness T2 of the insertion portion 42 is the dimension of the insertion portion 42 in the Y direction.

[0046] A groove 42c extending in the Z direction can be provided on the surface 42a and the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42. The end of the groove 42c opposite the storage portion 41 is open. The groove 42c provided on the surface 42a is provided in the center of the surface 42a. The groove 42c provided on the surface 42b is provided in the center of the surface 42b. A second contact portion 52 of the terminal 50 is provided in the groove 42c. If the groove 42c is provided, it is possible to prevent the position of the second contact portion 52 from shifting in the X direction.

[0047] 2, the terminals 50 can be provided as a pair facing each other. The pair of terminals 50 face each other in the center of the width direction (X direction) of the insertion portion 42 in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the insertion portion 42, sandwiching the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. The pair of terminals 50 are electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b).

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the terminal 50. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the terminal 50 in FIG. 4 as viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the terminal 50 in FIG. 4 as viewed from the X direction. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the terminal 50. As shown in FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the terminal 50 has, for example, a first contact portion 51, a second contact portion 52, and a connection portion 53. The second contact portion 52 faces the first contact portion 51. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the first contact portion 51 and the shape of the second contact portion 52 can be, for example, a rectangle. The first contact portion 51 and the second contact portion 52 extend in the Z direction. One end of the connection portion 53 is connected to the first contact portion 51, and the other end of the connection portion 53 is connected to the second contact portion 52. The connection portion 53 extends in the Y direction.

[0050] The first contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the connection portion 53 are plate-shaped and integrally formed. The terminal 50 is formed, for example, by bending a strip-shaped plate material by plastic processing. The terminal 50 is formed of a conductive material. For example, the terminal 50 is formed of a metal such as a copper alloy or stainless steel.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the first contact portion 51 is provided inside the insertion portion 42. In the Y direction, a gap is provided between the first contact portion 51 of one terminal 50 and the first contact portion 51 of the other terminal 50. The board 21 (the mounting portion 21b and the connection pad 21e1) of the connection portion 20 is inserted into the gap between the first contact portions 51. The gap between the first contact portions 51 is smaller than the total thickness of the mounting portion 21b and the connection pad 21e1. Therefore, the light emitting portion 10 and the connection portion 20 are held in the housing 40 by the elastic force of the first contact portion 51. In addition, the first contact portion 51 comes into contact with the connection pad 21e1 by the elastic force of the first contact portion 51, so that the terminal 50 (the first contact portion 51) and the wiring pattern 21e (the connection pad 21e1) are electrically connected to each other.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the central region of the first contact portion 51 in the Z direction protrudes toward the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1). For example, the central region of the first contact portion 51 is located closer to the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 than the portion of the first contact portion 51 connected to the connection portion 53. In this way, the force with which the central region of the first contact portion 51 is pressed against the connection pad 21e1 can be increased. Therefore, the joining force between the light emitting portion 10 and the connection portion 20 and the housing 40 can be increased. Also, the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 50 (first contact portion 51) and the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) can be improved.

[0053] In addition, the distance between the end (tip) of the first contact portion 51 opposite to the side connected to the connection portion 53 and the central axis 1a is greater than the distance between the central region of the first contact portion 51 and the central axis 1a. This makes it easy to insert the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b) of the connection portion 20 into the gap between the first contact portion 51 and the first contact portion 53.

[0054] The second contact portion 52 is provided on the outer surface (surface 42a) of the insertion portion 42. In this case, the second contact portion 52 can be provided in a groove 42c provided on the surface 42a of the insertion portion 42, or in a groove 42c provided on the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42. If the second contact portion 52 is provided in the groove 42c, it is possible to suppress the position of the second contact portion 52 from being displaced. As will be described later, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, the second contact portion 52 contacts the socket terminals 101a and 101b. Therefore, the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the socket 101 and the light-emitting element 12 of the vehicle lighting device 1 are electrically connected via the terminal 50, the wiring pattern 21e, and the wiring pattern 11c.

[0055] The width dimension W4 of the first contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The width dimension W4 is the dimension of the first contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 in the X direction. The thickness T3 of the first contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 is, for example, about 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm. The thickness T3 is, for example, the dimension of the second contact portion 52 in the Y direction. The length L1 of the first contact portion 51 is, for example, about 4.0 mm to 8.0 mm. The length L1 is the length of the first contact portion 51 in the Z direction. The length L2 of the second contact portion 52 is, for example, about 4.0 mm to 8.0 mm. The length L2 is the length of the second contact portion 52 in the Z direction. The length L3 of the connection portion 53 is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. Note that the length L3 is the length of the connection portion 53 in the Y direction.

[0056] Here, one end of the strip-shaped plate material is soldered to the connection pad 21e1 of the wiring pattern 21e, the other end of the strip-shaped plate material is inserted into the inside of the insertion portion 42, and the strip-shaped plate material is bent outside the insertion portion 42 to form the terminal 50. However, when doing so, the force when bending the plate material is applied to the soldered portion, which may cause the soldered portion or the connection pad 21e1 to peel off. Also, when bending the plate material, the plate material may be damaged.

[0057] Therefore, it is preferable to form the terminal 50 in advance by bending a strip-shaped plate material by, for example, plastic processing. Then, the formed terminal 50 can be press-fitted into the insertion portion 42, or the terminal 50 and the housing 40 can be integrally molded using an insert molding method. In this way, it is possible to prevent the terminal 50 and the connection pad 21e1 from being damaged or peeled off when assembling the light-emitting portion 10, the connection portion 20, the housing 40, and the terminal 50. In the vehicle lighting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 7, a pair of terminals 50 are press-fitted into the insertion portion 42.

[0058] Here, vibrations caused by running and vibrations from the engine are transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 1. When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to or detached from the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, a force is applied to the terminal 50. Therefore, it is preferable that the joining force between the terminal 50 and the housing 40 (insertion portion 42) is large. For example, as shown in Figs. 4, 6, and 7, the first contact portion 51 can have a convex portion 51a. The second contact portion 52 can have a convex portion 52a. As shown in Fig. 7, the tip of the convex portion 51a and the tip of the convex portion 52a are provided inside the hole 42d provided in the insertion portion 42. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7, the tip of the convex portion 51a and the tip of the convex portion 52a can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the hole 42d provided in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. In this manner, even if force is applied to the terminal 50 due to vibration or insertion / removal of the terminal 50 from the socket 101, the terminal 50 can be prevented from shifting position or falling off the housing 40.

[0059] At least one of the protrusions 51a and 52a may be provided. However, if the protrusions 51a and 52a are provided, the joining strength between the terminals 50 and the housing 40 can be increased compared to when the protrusions 51a or 52a are provided. In addition, in the above, an example has been given of the case where the tip of the convex portion 51a and the tip of the convex portion 52a are provided inside the hole 42d of the insertion portion 42, but the tip of the convex portion 51a and the tip of the convex portion 52a may also be provided inside a recess provided in the insertion portion 42.

[0060] 4, 6, and 7, the protrusions 51a and 52a can be formed by bending a part of a strip-shaped plate material by plastic processing, for example. However, the shape and forming method of the protrusions are not limited to those exemplified.

[0061] 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating protrusions 54a and 54b according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the convex portion 54a can be provided on at least one of the first contact portion 51 and the second contact portion 52, for example, by protruding a part of a strip-shaped plate material by press working. As shown in FIG. 8(b), for example, a convex portion 54b formed by plastic working can be welded to at least one of the first contact portion 51 and the second contact portion 52.

[0062] 7 shows an example in which the terminal 50 is press-fitted into the insertion portion 42, but the terminal 50 and the insertion portion 42 can also be integrally molded by insert molding. When the terminal 50 is press-fitted into the insertion portion 42, it is preferable that the inclination direction of the convex portion 51a and the convex portion 52a be as described above. In this way, it becomes easy to press the terminal 50 into the insertion portion 42, and the terminal 50 becomes less likely to fall off from the insertion portion 42. On the other hand, when the terminal 50 and the insertion portion 42 are integrally molded by insert molding, there is no particular limitation on the inclination direction of the convex portion 51a and the convex portion 52a.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a light-emitting unit 10a according to another embodiment. In the light-emitting section 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, the light-emitting element 12 mainly emits light in a direction perpendicular to the surface 11a of the substrate 11 (for example, the Z direction). 9, the light-emitting element 12 mainly emits light in a direction parallel to the surface 11a of the substrate 11 (for example, the Y direction). In the case of the light-emitting unit 10a, the light-emitting element 12 is exposed from the end of the storage section 41 opposite to the insertion section 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a substrate 12a can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11, and the light-emitting element 12 can be provided on the surface of the substrate 12a.

[0064] Also, the board 12a and the board 21 can be integrated. For example, the end of the mounting portion 21a on the opposite side to the attachment portion 21b side can be protruded from the surface 11a of the board 11 to form the board 12a. In this way, the light emitting element 12 and the circuit components 22 can be provided on the board 21, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When the board 12a and the board 21 are integrated, it is not necessary to provide the wiring pattern 11c on the board 11. Also, the board 11 can be omitted. However, if the board 11 is provided, the attitude of the board 12a integrated with the board 21 can be stabilized. Also, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the inside of the housing 40.

[0065] Here, in the case of a wedge base light bulb, a pair of lead wires are provided on either side of the central axis of the wedge base light bulb in the width direction of the plate-like portion of the wedge base light bulb that is inserted into the socket terminal. Therefore, a general vehicle lighting device having a light-emitting element that can be attached to a socket in which a wedge base light bulb is attached also has a pair of terminals of a wiring pattern on either side of the central axis of the vehicle lighting device in the width direction of the plate-like portion that is inserted into the socket terminal. However, if the arrangement of the lead wires of the wedge base light bulb and the arrangement of the terminals of the wiring pattern of the vehicle lighting device having a light-emitting element are the same, when a vehicle lighting device having a light-emitting element is mistakenly attached to a socket of a wedge base light bulb, a current may flow from the lighting circuit for the wedge base light bulb to the light-emitting element, causing the light-emitting element to break down.

[0066] In contrast, in the case of the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, a pair of terminals 50 are provided on either side of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 in the thickness direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction) of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. That is, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 50 is different from the arrangement of the lead wires of the wedge base bulb. Therefore, even if the vehicle lighting device 1 is mistakenly attached to the socket of the wedge base bulb, it is possible to prevent current from flowing from the lighting circuit for the wedge base bulb to the light emitting element 12.

[0067] In addition, since the surface of the second contact portion 52 facing the socket terminals 101a, 101b is flat, the contact area between the terminal 50 and the socket terminals 101a, 101b can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 50 and the socket terminals 101a, 101b.

[0068] In addition, since the second contact portion 52 is made of a plate material, it has high strength and is thick, so that even if the vehicle lighting device 1 is repeatedly attached and detached, it is possible to prevent the second contact portion 52 of the terminal 50 from being damaged or the reliability of the electrical connection from being reduced.

[0069] In other words, the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment is less likely to break down even when mounted in a socket for mounting a wedge base bulb, and the reliability of the electrical connection can be improved.

[0070] (Vehicle lighting fixture 100) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above-mentioned description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the modified examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the above-mentioned light-emitting portion 10a, the convex portions 54a, 54b, etc.) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lamp 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, as an example, a case where one vehicle lighting device 1 described above is provided will be illustrated, but it is sufficient that at least one vehicle lighting device 1 is provided.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, a vehicle lamp 100 may include, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a socket 101, a housing 102, and a cover 103.

[0073] The socket 101 can be provided in a case 102. An insertion portion 42 of a housing 40 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted into the socket 101. The socket 101 is formed from an insulating material such as resin. In addition, although FIG. 10 shows an example in which the socket 101 and the housing 102 are provided separately, the socket 101 and the housing 102 may be formed integrally.

[0074] The socket 101 may be provided with a recess that opens at one end. The vehicle lighting device 1 (insertion portion 42) is inserted into the recess. A socket terminal 101a corresponding to one voltage polarity (e.g., positive) and a socket terminal 101b corresponding to the other voltage polarity (e.g., negative) may be provided inside the recess. As described above, as long as the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a non-polarity circuit, the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 (insertion portion 42) is not limited.

[0075] The socket terminals 101a and 101b are capable of elastic deformation. When the insertion portion 42 is inserted into the inside of the recess, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are electrically connected to the terminals 50, respectively.

[0076] The socket terminals 101a, 101b can be electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like provided outside the vehicle lamp 100. The lighting circuit can also be provided at least either inside or on the outer surface of the housing 102.

[0077] The shape of the housing 102 may be, for example, a box shape with one end open. The housing 102 is made of, for example, a light-opaque resin. The cover 103 can be provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 102. The cover 103 can be formed from a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 103 can have a function such as a lens, or can suppress glare. The cover 103 can be provided on the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable, or so as to be detachable.

[0078] Additionally, optical elements such as a reflector and a lens may be provided inside the housing 102 .

[0079] 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.

[0080] Below, additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0081] (Appendix 1) A vehicle lighting device that can be attached to a socket terminal of a socket provided in a vehicle lamp, a housing having a storage section and an insertion section provided at one end of the storage section, having a plate shape, and being attached to the socket terminal; a light emitting element exposed from an end of the storage section opposite to the insertion section; a substrate having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light emitting element and disposed inside the housing; a pair of terminals provided at a widthwise center of the insertion portion, in a thickness direction of the insertion portion, across a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the board; Equipped with Each of the pair of terminals is a first contact portion provided inside the insertion portion and electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate; a second contact portion provided on an outer surface of the insertion portion, facing the first contact portion, and electrically connected to the socket terminal; having A vehicle lighting device in which a central region of the first contact portion protrudes toward the wiring pattern.

[0082] (Appendix 2) Each of the pair of terminals further includes a connection portion having one end connected to the first contact portion and the other end connected to the second contact portion; A vehicle lighting device as described in Appendix 1, wherein a distance between an end of the first contact portion opposite the side connected to the connection portion and the central axis is greater than a distance between the central region of the first contact portion and the central axis.

[0083] (Appendix 3) the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the connecting portion have a plate shape and are integrally formed; 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the first contact portion contacts the wiring pattern of the substrate by elastic force.

[0084] (Appendix 4) At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a protruding portion, 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the protrusion is provided inside a hole or a recess provided in the insertion portion.

[0085] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendix 1 to 4; a socket having a pair of socket terminals into which an insertion portion of a housing provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted and which is electrically connected to terminals provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 light emitting portion, 12 light emitting element, 20 connection portion, 21 substrate, 21e wiring pattern, 22 circuit component, 30 cover, 40 housing, 41 storage portion, 42 insertion portion, 50 terminal, 51 first contact portion, 51a convex portion, 52 second contact portion, 52a convex portion, 53 connection portion, 54a convex portion, 54b convex portion, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 socket, 101a socket terminal, 101b socket terminal

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device that can be attached to a socket terminal of a socket provided in a vehicle lamp, a housing having a storage section and an insertion section provided at one end of the storage section, having a plate shape, and being attached to the socket terminal; a light emitting element exposed from an end of the storage section opposite to the insertion section; a substrate provided inside the housing, the substrate having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light emitting element; a pair of terminals provided at a widthwise center of the insertion portion, in a thickness direction of the insertion portion, across a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the board; Equipped with Each of the pair of terminals is a first contact portion provided inside the insertion portion and electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate; a second contact portion provided on an outer surface of the insertion portion, facing the first contact portion, and electrically connected to the socket terminal; having A vehicle lighting device, wherein a central region of the first contact portion protrudes toward the wiring pattern.

2. Each of the pair of terminals further includes a connection portion having one end connected to the first contact portion and the other end connected to the second contact portion; 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a distance between an end of the first contact portion opposite to the end connected to the connection portion and the central axis is greater than a distance between the central region of the first contact portion and the central axis.

3. the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the connecting portion have a plate shape and are integrally formed; The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2 , wherein the first contact portion is brought into contact with the wiring pattern of the substrate by an elastic force.

4. At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a protruding portion, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a tip of the protrusion is provided inside a hole or a recess provided in the insertion portion.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; a socket having a pair of socket terminals into which an insertion portion of a housing provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted and which is electrically connected to terminals provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp equipped with:

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