Vehicular lighting device and vehicular lighting tool

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting device which can suppress the deformation of a terminal due to spring back, and a vehicular lighting tool.SOLUTION: The vehicular lighting device includes: a housing showing a plate shape at its first end side; a light-emitting device exposed from the housing at its second end opposite to the first end; a base plate having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting device and provided inside the housing; and a terminal showing a plate shape, and opposed to one end side at the outside of an area where the one end side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing and the other end side shows the plate shape of the housing, the vicinity of the other end being provided inside a first hole provided in the housing.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, the other end side of the terminal is inserted into the housing, and the other end side of the terminal exposed outside the housing is bent so as to follow the side surface of the housing. However, springback occurs when the terminal is bent. If the deformation of the terminal due to springback becomes large, it may be difficult to mount the vehicle lighting device on the socket of the vehicle lamp.

[0004] Therefore, development of a technology capable of suppressing the deformation of the terminal due to springback has been desired.

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 suppress deformation of a terminal due to springback.

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 wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element and provided inside the housing; a substrate provided inside the housing; 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 faces the one end side outside a portion of the housing having the plate-like shape, and the vicinity of the other end of which is provided inside a first hole provided in the housing.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can suppress deformation of a terminal due to springback.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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 assigned 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. 8). 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 schematic view of the vehicle lighting device 1. In addition, in FIG. 2, the terminal 50 depicts the state before being bent. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the light emitting part 10 and the connection part 20. In addition, FIG. 3 shows the light emitting part 10 and the connection part 20 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the opposite side in the Y direction.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a light emitting unit 10, a connection unit 20, an optical element 30, a housing 40, and a terminal 50.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting unit 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 substrate 11 is formed of, for example, an insulating material. The substrate 11 is formed of, 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. Further, 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.

[0015] A wiring pattern 11c is provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. The light emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c. The wiring pattern 11c is formed of, for example, a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0016] The light emitting element 12 is exposed from an end 41a (corresponding to an example of a second end) of the housing 40, which is opposite to an end 42d (corresponding to an example of a first end) of the insertion portion 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.

[0017] The light emitting element 12 can be, for example, a surface mount type light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type. Further, the light emitting element 12 can be, for example, 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.

[0018] Further, the light-emitting element 12 can also 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, etc. can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. Further, a phosphor can also be included in the sealing portion.

[0019] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 12 are not necessarily limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the size and use of the vehicle lighting device 1, etc. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 can be connected in series.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 of the mounting part 21b is smaller than the width dimension of the mounting portion 21a. The thickness of the mounting part 21b can be the same as the thickness 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.

[0023] The material of the substrate 21 (the mounting part 21a and the mounting portion 21b) may be the same as or different from the material of the substrate 11 described above.

[0024] A wiring pattern 21e can be provided on the surface 21c of the substrate 21 (the mounting part 21a and the mounting portion 21b) and on the surface 21d facing the surface 21c. The wiring pattern 21e is formed of a low-resistance metal such as, for example, copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0025] The wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21c is electrically connected to a connection part 21e2 provided on the surface 21d, for example, via a conductive via. The wiring pattern 21e provided on the surface 21d is electrically connected to the connection part 21e2. The wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c provided on the substrate 11 via the connection part 21e2. The connection part 21e2 is formed, for example, by soldering or the like.

[0026] Circuit components 22 are mounted on the wiring pattern 21e provided on the mounting part 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 (the 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 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 an electrode of one polarity 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 an electrode of the other polarity of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and the wiring pattern 11c.

[0027] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the case where the circuit component 22 is provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a is illustrated. However, the circuit component 22 may be provided on only one side of the mounting portion 21a. However, if the circuit component 22 is provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a, the size of the mounting portion 21a can be reduced, and thus the size of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be reduced. Further, for example, at least a part of the circuit component 22 can be provided on the substrate 11.

[0028] The circuit component 22 can be a passive element or an active element used to constitute 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.

[0029] 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 above-described 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, an arithmetic element, etc. The integrated circuit can be, for example, one provided with a constant current circuit, a temperature derating circuit, etc.

[0030] Here, a light-emitting element 12 such as a light-emitting diode has a polarity. Therefore, the diode 22a is provided so that a reverse voltage is not applied to the light-emitting element 12. In this case, if the directionality disappears 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 illustrated in FIG. 2 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.

[0031] The resistor 22b can be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor with lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed using a screen printing method, etc. Note that the resistor 22b illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a surface mount resistor. By using a surface mount resistor, the mounting area can be reduced.

[0032] The resistor 22b is connected in series with the light emitting element 12. The resistor 22b is provided to make the value of the current flowing through the light emitting element 12 fall within a predetermined range. Also, the resistor 22b can have a function of suppressing an excessive voltage from being applied to the light emitting element 12.

[0033] The capacitor 22c is provided, for example, for noise countermeasures and for smoothing the voltage. The capacitor 22c can be, for example, a surface mount capacitor. By using a surface mount capacitor 22c, the mounting area can be reduced.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical element 30 is provided on the light emitting side of the light emitting unit 10. For example, the optical element 30 can be provided so as to cover the surface 11a of the substrate 11. For example, the optical element 30 is detachably attached to the housing 40. The optical element 30 can be formed from a light-transmissive resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic. The optical element 30 may be transparent or may be colored as long as it has light transmissivity.

[0035] The optical element 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided to make the light distribution characteristics and the light emitting region of the vehicle lighting device 1 equivalent to those of a wedge base bulb.

[0036] The configuration of the optical element 30 can be appropriately changed according to the purpose. For example, the optical element 30 may simply have the function of a lens. Concavities and convexities can be provided on the light-emitting surface of the optical element 30 to scatter light. Light-scattering particles such as titanium oxide particles or phosphors can also be applied to or included in the optical element 30. A film containing a material with a high light reflectivity (e.g., aluminum, etc.) can be provided on the inner wall or outer wall of the optical element 30 to endow the optical element 30 with the function of a reflector. Further, the optical element 30 may be simply a cover that covers the light-emitting element 12.

[0037] Note that the optical element 30 can also be omitted. However, if the optical element 30 is provided, the multifunctionalization of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the protection of the light-emitting element 12 can be achieved.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end 42d side of the housing 40 is plate-shaped. 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 (the storage portion 41, the 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 is cylindrical. Inside the storage portion 41, the light-emitting portion 10 and the connection portion 20 are stored. The substrate 11 of the light-emitting portion 10 is provided so as to close the opening of the end 41a of the storage portion 41. In this way, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust or the like into the inside of the storage portion 41. Also, 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 part 42 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the storage part 41 on the side opposite to the end 41a side. The insertion part 42 is attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. Inside the insertion part 42, a space is provided into which the mounting part 21b of the substrate 21 is inserted. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the insertion part 42 can be, for example, a quadrilateral.

[0041] On the surface 42a and the surface 42b of the insertion part 42, grooves 42c extending in the Z direction can be provided. The end of the groove 42c on the side opposite to the storage part 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 grooves 42c are provided, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the terminals 50 in the X direction.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminals 50 are plate-shaped and a pair of them 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 part 42 at the center in the width direction (X direction) of the insertion part 42. One end side of the terminal 50 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) of the substrate 21 (mounting part 21b) inside the housing 40. For example, the terminal 50 can be soldered to the connection pad 21e1.

[0043] The other end side of the terminal 50 is outside the plate-shaped insertion part 42 of the housing 40 and faces one end side of the terminal 50 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 insertion part 42 of the housing 40.

[0044] The width dimension W1 of the terminal 50 is, for example, about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Note that the width dimension W1 of the terminal 50 is the dimension of the terminal 50 in the X direction. The thickness of the terminal 50 is about 0.3 mm. Note that the thickness 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 formation of a pair of terminals 50 will be given. A pair of terminals 50 is formed by bending a plate-like blank material as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0046] FIGS. 4(a) to (e) are schematic process diagrams for exemplifying the bending process of a pair of terminals 50. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram when the housing 40 in FIG. 2 is viewed from the Z direction. 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 a hole 40b (corresponding to an example of the second hole) shown in FIG. 5.

[0047] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the tip side 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°.

[0048] 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 further bent following the end of the bottom surface of the groove 42c. Since the tip side of the blank material is bent, it becomes easy to bring the tip of one blank material into contact with the bottom surface of the groove 42c. Also, it becomes easy to bring the tip of the other blank material into contact with the bottom surface of the groove 42c.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(e), the blank material of one terminal 50 is pressed against the bottom surface of the groove 42c. The blank material of the other terminal 50 is pressed against the bottom surface of the groove 42c. As described above, since the groove 42c extends in the Z direction, the tip of one blank material moves in the Z direction inside the groove 42c. The tip of the other blank material moves in the Z direction inside the groove 42c. Therefore, it becomes easy to provide the pair of terminals 50 at a predetermined position of the insertion portion 42.

[0050] Here, when the blank material formed of metal is bent to form the terminal 50, the shape of the terminal 50 may vary due to springback. If the amount of deformation of the terminal 50 due to springback increases, it may become difficult to mount the vehicle lighting device 1 on the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100.

[0051] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing 40 is provided with a hole 40c (corresponding to an example of the first hole). In the Y direction, the hole 40c can be provided side by side with the hole 40b across the bottom surface of the groove 42c. The dimension of the hole 40c in the X direction may be the same as or different from the dimension of the hole 40b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the dimension of the hole 40c in the X direction is smaller than the dimension of the hole 40b.

[0052] The blank material is exposed to the outside of the housing 40 from the hole 40b. The blank material exposed from the hole 40b is bent so as to be folded back at the position of the end of the bottom surface of the groove 42c. The bent blank material is housed inside the groove 42c. The vicinity of the tip of the blank material housed inside the groove 42c is inserted inside the hole 40c as shown in FIG. 1. The insertion amount of the tip of the blank material can be, for example, 0.3 mm or more.

[0053] That is, one end side of the terminal 50 extends inside the housing 40. The other end side of the terminal 50 is provided outside the plate-shaped insertion portion 42 of the housing 40 through a hole 40b provided in the housing 40. The terminal 50 is bent in the vicinity of the hole 40b. The vicinity of the other end of the terminal 50 is provided inside a hole 40c provided in the housing 40.

[0054] In this case, as shown in FIG. 4(d), if the tip side of the blank material is bent toward the bottom surface side of the groove 42c, by pushing the bent portion of the blank material against the bottom surface side of the groove 42c, the tip of the blank material can be easily inserted into the hole 40c.

[0055] If the tip of the blank material is inserted into the hole 40c, even if springback occurs, deformation of the terminal 50 can be suppressed.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the width dimension W2 of the vicinity of the tip of the blank material (the vicinity of the end of the terminal 50 on the side opposite to the substrate 21 side) can be made smaller than the width dimension W1 of the blank material. For example, the width dimension W2 is about 1 mm to 2 mm. Note that the width dimension W2 is the dimension of the vicinity of the tip of the blank material in the X direction. If the width dimension of the vicinity of the tip of the blank material is small, it becomes easy to insert the tip of the blank material into the hole 40c. That is, the width dimension W2 of the vicinity of the end of the terminal 50 can be made smaller than the width dimension W1 of the portion of the terminal 50 that faces the portion inside the housing 40.

[0057] FIGS. 6(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams for exemplifying the vicinity of the tip of the blank material. As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and (b), in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the blank materials 51 and 52 extend, the dimensions of the vicinity of the tips of the blank materials 51 and 52 can be gradually reduced as they approach the tip sides of the blank materials 51 and 52. In this way, it becomes easy to insert the tips of the blank materials 51 and 52 into the hole 40c.

[0058] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the vicinity of the tip of the blank material 51 can be formed into a shape composed of straight lines. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the vicinity of the tip of the blank material 52 can be formed into a shape composed of curves. Note that the vicinity of the tip of the blank material can also be formed into a shape composed of straight lines and curves.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6(c), a protrusion 53a protruding from the side surface of the blank material 53 can be provided in the vicinity of the tip of the blank material 53. The protrusion 53a can be provided on the side surfaces on both sides of the blank material 53, or can be provided on the side surface on one side of the blank material 53. When the tip of the blank material 53 is inserted into the inside of the hole 40c, the tip of the protrusion 53a can be made to bite into the inner wall of the hole 40c. If the tip of the protrusion 53a bites into the inner wall of the hole 40c, it is possible to suppress the tip of the terminal 50 from coming off the housing 40 due to vibrations or the like during running. In this case, it is preferable to sharpen the tip of the protrusion 53a. If the tip of the protrusion 53a is sharp, it becomes easier to make the tip of the protrusion 53a bite into the inner wall of the hole 40c.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying a light emitting portion 10a according to another embodiment. In the light emitting portion 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 portion 10a exemplified in FIG. 7, 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 portion 10a, the light emitting element 12 is exposed from the end portion 41a of the storage portion 41.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, 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.

[0062] 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, the light-emitting element 12 and the circuit components 22 can be provided on the substrate 21, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly. When the substrate 12a and the substrate 21 are integrated, 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.

[0063] (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 description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the modified examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the light-emitting portion 10a described above) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0064] FIG. 8 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.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle lamp 100 can be provided with, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, the socket 101, the housing 102, and the cover 103.

[0066] 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 an insulating material such as resin, for example. Also, in FIG. 8, 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.

[0067] The socket 101 can be provided with a recess that opens at one end. Inside the recess, the insertion part 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. Note that, as described above, if the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a non-polarity circuit, the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited.

[0068] The socket terminals 101a and 101b can be elastically deformed. When the insertion part 42 is inserted inside the recess, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are each electrically connected to the terminal 50.

[0069] 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 at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the housing 102.

[0070] The shape of the housing 102 can be, for example, a box shape with one end side open. The housing 102 is formed from, 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 from a resin having translucency. 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.

[0071] In addition, optical elements such as a reflector and a lens can be provided inside the housing 102.

[0072] As described above, several 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. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0073] Hereinafter, appendices related to the above-described embodiments are shown.

[0074] (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 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 faces the one end side outside the plate-like portion of the housing, and the vicinity of the other end is provided inside a first hole provided in the housing; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

[0075] (Appendix 2) One end side of the terminal extends inside the housing, The other end side of the terminal is provided outside the plate-like portion of the housing through a second hole provided in the housing. The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1.

[0076] (Appendix 3) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 2, wherein the terminal is bent in the vicinity of the second hole.

[0077] (Appendix 4) The width dimension of the vicinity of the other end of the terminal is smaller than the width dimension of the portion of the terminal facing the one end side. The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 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 a terminal provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp comprising the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a Central axis, 10 Light emitting part, 12 Light emitting element, 20 Connection part, 21e Wiring pattern, 40 Housing, 40b Hole, 40c Hole, 41 Storage part, 41a End part, 42 Insertion part, 42c Groove, 42d End part, 50 Terminal, 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 the 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 that has 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 faces the one end side outside the plate-like portion of the housing, and the vicinity of the other end is provided inside a first hole provided in the housing; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

2. One end side of the terminal extends inside the housing, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the other end side of the terminal is provided outside the plate-like portion of the housing through a second hole provided in the housing.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the terminal is bent in the vicinity of the second hole.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width dimension of the vicinity of the other end of the terminal is smaller than the width dimension of the portion of the terminal facing the one end side.

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 the above.

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