Vehicular lighting device and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting device capable of reducing force that is applied to a junction of a terminal and a substrate, when bending processing is applied to the terminal joined to the substrate, and to provide a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting device is equipped with: a housing having a tabular shape at a first end side; a light-emitting element exposed from a second end on an opposite side of the first end, of the housing; a substrate which has a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element and is provided inside the housing; and a terminal which has a tabular shape, and whose one end side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, and whose other end side is exposed from the first end of the housing, and which extends along a surface of a portion having the tabular shape of the housing. The terminal includes a plastic deformation part which is provided at a position facing the first end. Bending rigidity of the plastic deformation part is lower than the bending rigidity of a portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation part is not provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A wedge base bulb without a base is used as a vehicle lighting device. The wedge base bulb is an incandescent bulb. Therefore, from the viewpoints of power saving and long life, the wedge base bulb has come to be replaced with a vehicle lighting device including a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode. For example, a vehicle lighting device including a substrate on which a light emitting element is mounted and a housing to which a pair of terminals are attached has been proposed.

[0003] When manufacturing such a vehicle lighting device, one end of the terminal is joined to the substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted, and after the other end side of the terminal is inserted into the housing, the other end side of the terminal is bent so as to follow the side surface of the housing. Therefore, when the terminal is bent, a force is applied to the joint portion between the terminal and the substrate, and there is a risk that the joint portion is damaged or the soldering of the joint portion comes off.

[0004] Therefore, when bending the terminal joined to the substrate, it has been desired to develop a technique capable of reducing the force applied to the joint portion between the terminal and the substrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can reduce the force applied to the joint portion between a terminal joined to a substrate during bending processing of the terminal.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment includes a housing having a plate-like shape on the side of the first end; a light-emitting element exposed from a second end of the housing opposite to the first end; a substrate provided inside the housing and having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element; a terminal having a plate-like shape, one end side of which is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, the other end side of which is exposed from the first end of the housing, and which extends along the surface of the portion of the housing having a plate-like shape. The terminal has a plastic deformation portion provided at a position facing the first end. The bending rigidity of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the bending rigidity of the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can reduce the force applied to the joint portion between a terminal joined to a substrate during bending processing of the terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction is the direction in which the vehicle lighting device 1 is pulled out from the socket terminals 101a and 101b of 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.

[0011] (Vehicle Lighting Device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is a vehicle lighting device that can be attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the socket 101 provided in the vehicle lamp 100 (see, for example, FIG. 9). Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 include those used for room lamps, meter lamps, reading lamps, brake lamps, direction indicator lamps, tail lamps, etc. provided in automobiles, railway vehicles, etc. However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to these.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the vehicle lighting device 1. Note that in FIG. 2, the cover 30 is not drawn. Also, the terminal 50 depicts the state of the blank material before the bending process described later. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying the light emitting part 10 and the connecting part 20. Note that FIG. 3 shows the light emitting part 10 and the connecting part 20 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the opposite side in the Y direction. Also, the terminal 50 depicts the state of the blank material before the bending process described later.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a light emitting part 10, a connecting part 20, a cover 30, a housing 40, and a terminal 50.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting part 10 has, for example, a substrate 11 and a light emitting element 12. The substrate 11 is, for example, plate-shaped and has a surface 11a and a surface 11b facing the surface 11a. The planar shape of the substrate 11 is, for example, a part of a circle including the center point. Note that the planar shape of the substrate 11 may be, for example, a polygon or the like. The planar shape of the substrate 11 can be appropriately changed according to the number and arrangement of the light emitting elements 12 and the like.

[0015] The substrate 11 is formed from, for example, an insulating material. The substrate 11 is formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. Also, the substrate 11 may be, for example, a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. 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 exemplified ones and can be appropriately changed.

[0016] A wiring pattern 11c is provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11 on the side opposite to the connecting part 20 side. The wiring pattern 11c has, for example, mounting pads. The light emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the mounting pads. The wiring pattern 11c is formed from, for example, a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0017] The light-emitting element 12 is exposed from an end portion (corresponding to an example of a second end portion) opposite to the end portion 42d (corresponding to an example of a first end portion) of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. 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.

[0018] The light-emitting element 12 can be a surface-mount type light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type. Further, the light-emitting element 12 can be a light-emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type. Note that the light-emitting element 12 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element.

[0019] Further, the light-emitting element 12 can be a chip-shaped light-emitting element. The chip-shaped light-emitting element can 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, a sealing portion provided inside the frame-shaped member and covering the chip-shaped light-emitting element, and the like can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. Further, a phosphor can also be included in the sealing portion.

[0020] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 12 are not necessarily limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed according to the size and use of the vehicle lighting device 1. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 can be connected in series.

[0021] The connection portion 20 has, for example, a substrate 21 and circuit components 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 substantially perpendicular to the surface 11b of the substrate 11. The substrate 21 has, for example, a mounting portion 21a and a mounting part 21b. The mounting portion 21a and the mounting part 21b can be integrally formed.

[0022] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting portion 21a can be, for example, a quadrangle. 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 adhered 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, etc. into which the convex portion of the mounting portion 21a is fitted can be provided on the surface 11b of the substrate 11.

[0023] 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 according to the size of the substrate 11, the number and size of the circuit components 22, etc. Note that 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. Note that the thickness T1 of the mounting portion 21a is the dimension of the mounting portion 21a in the Y direction.

[0024] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting part 21b can be, for example, a quadrangle. One end of the mounting part 21b is provided at the end of the mounting portion 21a on the side opposite to the substrate 11 side. The mounting part 21b extends in a direction away from the substrate 11 from the end of the mounting portion 21a on the side opposite to the substrate 11 side. The width dimension W2 of the mounting part 21b is smaller than the width dimension W1 of the mounting portion 21a. The thickness of the mounting part 21b can be the same as the thickness T1 of the mounting portion 21a. The mounting part 21b can be provided, for example, at the center of the mounting portion 21a in the X direction.

[0025] The material of the substrate 21 (the mounting portion 21a, the mounting part 21b) may be the same as or different from the material of the substrate 11 described above.

[0026] On the surface 21c of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21a, mounting portion 21b) and the surface 21d facing the surface 21c, a wiring pattern 21e can be provided. The wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21c and the wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21d are electrically connected via, for example, a conductive via. The wiring pattern 21e is formed of a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver, for example. The wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c provided on the substrate 11 via the connection portion 21e2. The connection portion 21e2 is formed by, for example, soldering or the like.

[0027] The circuit component 22 is 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 the socket terminals 101a and 101b provided on the socket 101 via the terminals 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 one polar electrode of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and the wiring pattern 11c. Also, 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 polar electrode of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and the wiring pattern 11c.

[0028] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the case where the circuit component 22 is provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a is illustrated, but the circuit component 22 may be provided on one side of the mounting portion 21a. However, if the circuit component 22 is provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a, the mounting portion 21a can be miniaturized, and thus the vehicle lighting device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0029] The circuit component 22 can be a passive element or an active element used to form a light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 12. The circuit component 22 can be, for example, a diode 22a, a resistor 22b, a capacitor 22c, etc.

[0030] However, the type of the circuit component 22 is not limited to the exemplified ones, and can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 12. For example, in addition to the ones described above, the circuit component 22 can 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 an FET or a bipolar transistor, an integrated circuit, an arithmetic element, etc. The integrated circuit can be, for example, one provided with a constant current circuit, a temperature derating circuit, etc.

[0031] 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 the directivity is eliminated when the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, the mounting operation of the vehicle lighting device 1 becomes easy. For example, if a bridge circuit (bridge diode) is configured using four diodes, a non-polar circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The diode 22a exemplified 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.

[0032] The resistor 22b can be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed using a screen printing method, etc. Note that the resistor 22b exemplified in FIG. 2 is a surface mount resistor. If it is a surface mount resistor, the mounting area can be reduced.

[0033] Resistor 22b is connected in series to the light-emitting element 12. Resistor 22b is provided to ensure that the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 12 is within a predetermined range. Also, resistor 22b can have a function of suppressing the application of an excessive voltage to the light-emitting element 12.

[0034] Capacitor 22c is provided, for example, for noise countermeasures and for smoothing the voltage. Capacitor 22c can be, for example, a surface-mount capacitor. By using a surface-mount capacitor 22c, the mounting area can be reduced. Also, for example, at least a part of the circuit components 22 can be provided on the substrate 11.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 30 is provided on the light-emitting side of the light-emitting unit 10. For example, the cover 30 can be provided to cover the surface 11a of the substrate 11. For example, the cover 30 is detachably attached to the housing 40. Also, the cover 30 can be given the function of an optical element. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, by making the tip of the cover 30 a curved surface, the cover 30 can be given 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 and the like, the cover 30 can be given the functions of various optical elements.

[0036] The cover 30 may be transparent, or may be colored as long as it has light-transmitting properties. Concavities and convexities can be provided on the light-emitting surface of the cover 30 to scatter the light. Light-scattering particles such as titanium oxide particles or phosphors can be applied to or included in the cover 30. A film containing a material with a high light reflectivity (for example, aluminum, etc.) can be provided on the inner wall or outer wall of the cover 30 to give the cover 30 the function of a reflector.

[0037] Incidentally, the cover 30 can also be omitted. However, if the cover 30 is provided, it is possible to suppress an external force from being applied to the light-emitting element 12 or the like. Further, if the cover 30 is provided with the function of an optical element such as a lens, the degree of freedom in the optical design on the vehicle lamp 100 side can be increased.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end 42d side of the housing 40 has a plate shape. The housing 40 has a storage portion 41 and an insertion portion 42. The storage portion 41 and the insertion portion 42 can be integrally formed. The housing 40 (storage portion 41, insertion portion 42) is formed of an insulating material such as resin, for example. The housing 40 can be formed by injection molding or the like, for example.

[0039] The storage portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. Inside the storage portion 41, the light-emitting portion 10 (substrate 11) and the connection portion 20 are stored. The substrate 11 is provided so as to close the opening at the end of the storage portion 41 on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side. By doing so, it is possible to suppress dust or the like from entering the inside of the storage portion 41. Further, the posture and position of the substrate 21 can be stabilized. Therefore, the reliability regarding the electrical connection between the connection pad 21e1 and the terminal 50 can be improved.

[0040] The insertion portion 42 has a plate shape and is provided at the end of the storage portion 41 on the side opposite to the side where the substrate 11 is provided. The insertion portion 42 is attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. Inside the insertion portion 42, a space for inserting the mounting portion 21b of the substrate 21 is provided. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the insertion portion 42 can be, for example, a quadrangle. The width dimension W3 of the insertion portion 42 is, for example, about 6.0 mm to 16.0 mm. Note that 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. Note that the thickness T2 of the insertion portion 42 is the dimension of the insertion portion 42 in the Y direction.

[0041] On the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion portion 42, grooves 42c extending in the Z direction can be provided. The end of the groove 42c on the side opposite to the storage portion 41 side is open. The groove 42c provided on the surface 42a is provided at the center of the surface 42a. The groove 42c provided on the surface 42b is provided at the center of the surface 42b. Terminals 50 are provided in the grooves 42c. If the groove 42c is provided, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the terminal 50 in the X direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of terminals 50 can be provided facing each other. The pair of terminals 50 face each other across the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the insertion portion 42 at the center in the width direction (X direction) of the insertion portion 42. One end side of the terminal 50 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b). For example, the terminal 50 can be soldered to the connection pad 21e1.

[0043] That is, the terminal 50 has a plate shape, and one end side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e inside the housing 40. The other end side of the terminal 50 is exposed from the end 42d of the housing 40 and extends along the surfaces 42a and 42b of the plate-shaped portion (insertion portion 42) of the housing 40.

[0044] The width dimension W4 of the terminal 50 is, for example, about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Note that the width dimension W4 of the terminal 50 is the dimension of the terminal 50 in the X direction. The thickness T3 of the terminal 50 is about 0.3 mm. Note that the thickness T3 of the terminal 50 is the dimension of the terminal 50 in the Y direction. The material of the terminal 50 can be, for example, a metal with high electrical conductivity such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0045] Next, an example of the bending process of the pair of terminals 50 will be illustrated. FIGS. 4(a) to (e) are schematic process diagrams for illustrating the bending process of the pair of terminals 50. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the blank material of the terminal 50 joined to the substrate 21 is inserted into the housing 40 together with the substrate 21. The blank material of the terminal 50 inserted into the housing 40 is exposed to the outside of the housing 40 through the hole provided at the end 42d of the insertion portion 42.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the vicinity of the end of the blank material of the terminal 50 exposed to the outside of the housing 40 is bent in a direction away from the central axis 40a of the housing 40. The bending angle can be, for example, about 30°.

[0047] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(c), in the vicinity of the end 42d of the insertion portion 42, the blank material of the terminal 50 is bent in a direction away from the central axis 40a of the housing 40. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the blank material of the terminal 50 is bent following the end 42d of the insertion portion 42. Since the vicinity of the end of the blank material is bent, it becomes easy to bring the tip of one blank material into contact with the surface 42a of the insertion portion 42. Also, it becomes easy to bring the tip of the other blank material into contact with the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(e), one blank material of the terminal 50 is pressed against the surface 42a of the insertion portion 42. The other blank material of the terminal 50 is pressed against the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42. As described above, the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion portion 42 are provided with grooves 42c extending in the Z direction. Therefore, the tip of one blank material moves along the surface 42a of the insertion portion 42 inside the groove 42c. The tip of the other blank material moves along the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42 inside the groove 42c. Therefore, it becomes easy to provide the pair of terminals 50 at a predetermined position of the insertion portion 42.

[0049] Here, when forming the terminal 50 by bending a plate-shaped blank material along the end portion 42d of the insertion portion 42, a force is applied to the joint portion between the blank material and the connection pad 21e1. If the force applied to the joint portion between the blank material and the connection pad 21e1 becomes large, there is a risk that the joint portion may be damaged or the soldering at the joint portion may come off. Also, there is a possibility that the springback when bending the blank material becomes large, resulting in a decrease in dimensional accuracy, or that the force required for the bending process becomes large, leading to a decrease in workability.

[0050] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the terminal 50 is provided with a plastic deformation portion 50a. The plastic deformation portion 50a is provided at a portion of the terminal 50 that faces the end portion 42d of the insertion portion 42 when bending a plate-shaped blank material along the end portion 42d of the insertion portion 42 to form the terminal 50.

[0051] For example, in one terminal 50, one end of the plastic deformation portion 50a is located on the surface 42a of the insertion portion 42, and the other end of the plastic deformation portion 50a is located inside the insertion portion 42. Also, for example, in the other terminal 50, one end of the plastic deformation portion 50a is located on the surface 42b of the insertion portion 42, and the other end of the plastic deformation portion 50a is located inside the insertion portion 42. That is, the plastic deformation portion 50a is provided at a position facing the end portion 42d and straddles the end portion 42d.

[0052] The bending rigidity of the plastic deformation portion 50a is smaller than the bending rigidity of the portion of the terminal 50 where the plastic deformation portion 50a is not provided.

[0053] For example, the Young's modulus of the material of the plastic deformation portion 50a can be made smaller than the Young's modulus of the material of the portion of the terminal 50 where the plastic deformation portion 50a is not provided. For example, by butt-welding plate materials with different Young's moduli, a blank material of the terminal 50 having a plastic deformation portion 50a with a small Young's modulus can be formed.

[0054] Further, the thickness of the plastic deformation portion 50a can be made thinner than the thickness of the portion of the terminal 50 where the plastic deformation portion 50a is not provided. For example, by subjecting a plate material to partial etching, a blank material of the terminal 50 having a thin plastic deformation portion 50a can be formed.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the width dimension W4a of the plastic deformation portion 50a can be made smaller than the width dimension W4 of the portion of the terminal 50 where the plastic deformation portion 50a is not provided. When a plurality of plastic deformation portions 50a are provided, the width dimension W4a can be the total dimension of the plastic deformation portions 50a in the X direction. For example, a hole penetrating in the thickness direction can be provided in the portion of the terminal 50 where the plastic deformation portion 50a is provided.

[0056] Also, at least one of the width dimension W4a of the plastic deformation portion 50a, the thickness of the plastic deformation portion 50a, and the Young's modulus of the material of the plastic deformation portion 50a can be applied.

[0057] When a hole is provided in the terminal 50, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the convex portion 42e provided in the housing 40 (insertion portion 42) can be inserted into the hole provided in the terminal 50. In this way, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the terminal 50 due to vibrations associated with running or the like. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 42e can also protrude from the terminal 50. If the convex portion 42e protrudes from the terminal 50, even if vibrations associated with running or the like are applied to the vehicle lighting device 1, it is possible to suppress the vehicle lighting device 1 from falling off the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0058] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic plan views for exemplifying a blank material of the terminal 50 having a plastic deformation portion 50a with a small width dimension W4a.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5(a), by providing a hole 51a that penetrates the plate material in the thickness direction, a blank material 51 having a plastic deformation portion 50a with a small width dimension W4a can be obtained. In Fig. 5(a), the case where a rectangular hole 51a is provided is illustrated, but the shape of the hole can be appropriately changed. For example, the shape of the hole can be a shape composed of a curve such as an ellipse, or a shape composed of a curve and a straight line.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5(b), by providing a plurality of holes 51a that penetrate the plate material in the thickness direction in the blank material 52, a plurality of plastic deformation portions 50a with a small width dimension W4a can be provided. In this case, the plurality of holes 51a can be arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the direction in which the blank material 52 extends. The number and size of the holes 51a can be appropriately changed. Also, the plurality of holes 51a can be arranged side by side in the direction in which the blank material 52 extends.

[0061] Figs. 6(a) to (c) are schematic plan views for exemplifying blank materials according to other embodiments. As shown in Fig. 6(a), by providing a hole 51b that penetrates the plate material in the thickness direction, a blank material 53 having a plastic deformation portion 50a with a small width dimension W4a can be obtained. In this case, the hole 51b can be opened at an end of the blank material 53 in the direction in which the blank material 53 extends.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6(b), by providing a hole 51c that penetrates the plate material in the thickness direction, a blank material 54 having a plastic deformation portion 50a with a small width dimension W4a can be obtained. In this case, the hole 51c can be opened at an end of the blank material 54 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the blank material 54 extends. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(c), two holes 51c can be arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the direction in which the blank material 54a extends.

[0063] As described above, if the terminal 50 has the plastic deformation part 50a, when the blank material is bent, the force applied to the joint part between the terminal 50 and the connection pad 21e1 can be reduced. Further, since the springback becomes small, the dimensional accuracy of the terminal 50 is improved, or since the force required for the bending process becomes small, the workability is improved.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying a terminal 50b according to another embodiment. The surfaces of the terminal 50 exemplified in FIG. 1 that face the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion part 42 are flat surfaces.

[0065] On the other hand, the surfaces of the terminal 50b exemplified in FIG. 7 that face the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion part 42 are surfaces that protrude in a direction away from the central axis 40a of the housing 40. In this case, the surfaces of the terminal 50b that face the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion part 42 may be bent surfaces or curved surfaces.

[0066] If the surfaces of the terminal 50b that face the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion part 42 are protruding surfaces, even if vibrations associated with running are applied, the vehicle lighting device 1 is less likely to become detached from the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying a light emitting part 10a according to another embodiment. In the light emitting part 10 exemplified in FIG. 2, the light emitting element 12 mainly irradiates light in a direction perpendicular to the surface 11a of the substrate 11 (for example, the Z direction). On the other hand, in the light emitting part 10a exemplified in FIG. 8, the light emitting element 12 mainly irradiates light in a direction parallel to the surface 11a of the substrate 11 (for example, the Y direction). Also in the case of the light emitting part 10a, the light emitting element 12 is exposed from the end of the housing part 41 on the side opposite to the insertion part 42 side. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, 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.

[0068] Further, the substrate 12a and the substrate 21 can be integrated. For example, the end of the mounting portion 21a on the side opposite to the mounting portion 21b side can be made to protrude from the surface 11a of the substrate 11 to form the substrate 12a. In this way, since the light-emitting element 12 and the circuit component 22 can be provided on the substrate 21, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and thus the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When integrating the substrate 12a and the substrate 21, it is not necessary to provide the wiring pattern 11c on the substrate 11. Also, the substrate 11 can be omitted. However, if the substrate 11 is provided, the posture of the substrate 12a integrated with the substrate 21 can be stabilized. Also, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust or the like into the housing 40.

[0069] (Vehicle lamp 100) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 including the vehicle lighting device 1 can be provided. The above-described explanations regarding the vehicle lighting device 1 and the modified examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the aforementioned terminal 50b, light-emitting portion 10a, etc.) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying the vehicle lamp 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, as an example, the case where one of the above-described vehicle lighting devices 1 is provided is exemplified, but at least one vehicle lighting device 1 may be provided.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle lamp 100 can be provided with, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a socket 101, a housing 102, and a cover 103.

[0072] The socket 101 can be provided in the housing 102. The insertion portion 42 of the housing 40 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted into the socket 101. The socket 101 is formed of, for example, an insulating material such as resin. Also, in FIG. 9, the case where the socket 101 and the housing 102 are provided separately is exemplified, but the socket 101 and the housing 102 may be integrally formed.

[0073] The socket 101 can be provided with a recess that opens at one end. Inside the recess, the insertion portion 42 of the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted. Also, inside the recess, a socket terminal 101a corresponding to one voltage polarity (for example, positive) and a socket terminal 101b corresponding to the other voltage polarity (for example, negative) can be provided. As described above, if the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a non-polar circuit, the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited.

[0074] The socket terminals 101a and 101b are elastically deformable. When the insertion portion 42 is inserted into the recess, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are each electrically connected to the terminal 50.

[0075] The socket terminals 101a and 101b can be electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like provided outside the vehicle lamp 100. Note that a lighting circuit can also be provided inside and / or on the outer surface of the housing 102.

[0076] The shape of the housing 102 can be, for example, a box shape with one end open. The housing 102 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. The cover 103 can be provided so as to close the opening of the housing 102. The cover 103 can be formed of a resin having light-transmitting properties. The cover 103 can have functions such as a lens or can suppress glare. Also, the cover 103 can be provided to be openable and closable or detachable with respect to the housing 102.

[0077] In addition, optical elements such as a reflector and a lens can be provided inside the housing 102.

[0078] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated. However, 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, replacements, changes, 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 invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. Also, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0079] Hereinafter, an appendix related to the above-described embodiment will be shown.

[0080] (Appendix 1) A housing having a plate-like shape on the side of the first end; A light-emitting element exposed from a second end of the housing opposite to the first end; A substrate provided inside the housing, having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element; A terminal having a plate-like shape, one end side of which is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, the other end side of which is exposed from the first end of the housing, and which extends along the surface of the plate-like portion of the housing; Comprising: The terminal has a plastic deformation portion provided at a position facing the first end, A vehicle lighting device in which the bending rigidity of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the bending rigidity of a portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided.

[0081] (Appendix 2) The width dimension of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the width dimension of a portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, The thickness of the plastic deformation portion is thinner than the thickness of a portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, and, The Young's modulus of the material of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the Young's modulus of the material of a portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, which is at least any one of them.

[0082] (Appendix 3) One end of the plastic deformation part is located on the surface of the part of the housing that exhibits the plate shape, and the other end of the plastic deformation part is located inside the housing. The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0083] (Appendix 4) In the part of the terminal where the plastic deformation part is provided, a hole penetrating in the thickness direction is provided. The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0084] (Appendix 5) The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4; A socket terminal into which the side of the first end of the housing provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted and which is electrically connected to the terminal provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp comprising the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0085] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a Central axis, 10 Light emitting part, 12 Light emitting element, 20 Connection part, 40 Housing, 41 Storage part, 42 Insertion part, 42d End part, 50 Terminal, 50a Plastic deformation part, 100 Vehicle lamp, 101 Socket, 101a Socket terminal, 101b Socket terminal

Claims

1. A housing having a plate-like shape on the side of the first end; A light-emitting element exposed from a second end of the housing, which is opposite to the first end; A substrate provided inside the housing and having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element; A terminal having a plate-like shape, one end side of which is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, the other end side of which is exposed from the first end of the housing, and which extends along the surface of the portion of the housing having a plate-like shape; Comprising: The terminal has a plastic deformation portion provided at a position facing the first end, A vehicle lighting device in which the bending rigidity of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the bending rigidity of the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided.

2. The width dimension of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the width dimension of the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, The thickness of the plastic deformation portion is thinner than the thickness of the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, and The Young's modulus of the material of the plastic deformation portion is smaller than the Young's modulus of the material of the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is not provided, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, which is at least any one of the above.

3. One end of the plastic deformation portion is located on the surface of the portion of the housing having a plate-like shape, and the other end of the plastic deformation portion is located inside the housing. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A hole penetrating in the thickness direction is provided in the portion of the terminal where the plastic deformation portion is provided. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; A socket terminal into which the side of the first end of the housing provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted and which is electrically connected to the terminal provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp comprising:

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