Vehicular illuminating device and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular illuminating device that can be restrained from being fitted into a socket in an opposite direction, and a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular illuminating device according to an embodiment comprises: a base part; a light emitting element provided on the side of a first end part of the base part in a first direction; a terminal provided near a second end part opposed to the first end part of the base part in the first direction, and electrically connected to the light emitting element; and a direction determination part provided in the base part, and having at least one of an indicator function of displaying a fitting direction of the vehicular illuminating device, and a function of physically determining the fitting direction of the vehicular illuminating device in cooperation with a socket into which the base part is inserted.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.

[0003] Generally, the wedge base bulb is mounted by being pushed into a socket provided in a vehicle lamp. If a vehicle lighting device including a light emitting element can be mounted on the socket where the wedge base bulb was mounted, it becomes easy to replace the wedge base bulb with a vehicle lighting device including a light emitting element.

[0004] However, since the wedge base bulb is an incandescent bulb, it can be mounted regardless of the polarity of the socket terminals provided in the socket. On the other hand, since the light emitting element has a polarity, directionality occurs when mounting a vehicle lighting device including the light emitting element on the socket. Therefore, when an operator or the like mounts a vehicle lighting device including a light emitting element on the socket, the vehicle lighting device may be mounted in the reverse direction. When the vehicle lighting device including the light emitting element is mounted in the reverse direction on the socket, the light emitting element may not light up or the light emitting element may malfunction.

[0005] In this case, if a non-polarity circuit such as a diode bridge is provided in the vehicle lighting device including the light emitting element, the directionality when mounting the vehicle lighting device on the socket can be eliminated. However, if a non-polarity circuit is provided in the vehicle lighting device including the light emitting element, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device increases. Therefore, development of a technology that can suppress the reverse mounting of the vehicle lighting device on the socket has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can prevent the vehicle lighting device from being mounted in the reverse direction on a socket.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment includes a base; a light-emitting element provided on the first end side of the base in the first direction; a terminal provided near the second end of the base facing the first end in the first direction and electrically connected to the light-emitting element; and an orientation determining portion provided on the base and having at least one of the function of indicating the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device and the function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device in cooperation with a socket into which the base is inserted.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can prevent the vehicle lighting device from being mounted in the reverse direction on a socket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 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. As the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, those used for a dome lamp, a meter lamp, a reading lamp, a brake lamp, a direction indicator lamp, a tail lamp, etc. provided in an automobile, a railway vehicle, etc. can be exemplified. However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to these.

[0012] In addition, the arrow X, the arrow Y, and the arrow Z in each drawing represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the X direction (corresponding to an example of the first direction) can be the direction in which the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to and detached from the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100 (the insertion or extraction direction). The Y direction (corresponding to an example of the second direction) can be the width direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 (base portion 10). The Z direction can be the thickness direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 (base portion 10).

[0013] (Vehicle Lighting Device) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view when the vehicle lighting device 1 in FIG. 1 is viewed from the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a base 10, a light emitting circuit 20, and an orientation portion 30.

[0014] The base 10 is, for example, a plate-like body. The shape of the base 10 when viewed from the Z direction is, for example, rectangular. In order to facilitate replacement with a conventional wedge base bulb, the dimension W (width dimension) of the base 10 in the Y direction can be set to 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm, for example, about 9.2 mm. The dimension T (thickness dimension) of the base 10 in the Z direction can be set to 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, for example, about 1.9 mm. However, the dimensions W and T of the base 10 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the dimensions of the recess of the socket 101 into which the base 10 is inserted.

[0015] The base 10 is formed of an insulating material. The base 10 is formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride) or an organic material (for example, paper phenol, glass epoxy, resin, etc.). Further, the base 10 may be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material.

[0016] The heat generated in the light emitting element 21 is transmitted to the base 10 and released from the base 10 to the socket 101 or the like. Therefore, considering suppression of temperature rise of the light emitting element 21, it is preferable to form the base 10 using a material having high thermal conductivity. Materials having high thermal conductivity are, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, high thermal conductivity resins, metal core substrates, etc. The high thermal conductivity resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler using aluminum oxide or carbon.

[0017] On one surface 10a of the base 10, a wiring pattern 10a1 can be provided. The wiring pattern 10a1 is formed of a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver. The wiring pattern 10a1 has, for example, a pad 10a1a and a terminal 10a1b.

[0018] To the pad 10a1a, a light-emitting element 21 and a circuit element 22 that constitute the light-emitting circuit 20 are electrically connected. A pair of terminals 10a1b can be provided. In the X direction, the pair of terminals 10a1b are provided near one end of the base 10 (corresponding to an example of the second end). The pair of terminals 10a1b are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 21. When the base 10 is attached to the socket 101, each of the pair of terminals 10a1b contacts socket terminals 101a, 101b provided on the socket 101 (see FIG. 8). For example, by bringing one socket terminal 101a provided on the socket 101 into contact with one terminal 10a1b, the one socket terminal 101a is electrically connected to an electrode of one polarity of the light-emitting element 21. For example, by bringing the other socket terminal 101b into contact with the other terminal 10a1b, the other socket terminal 101b is electrically connected to an electrode of the other polarity of the light-emitting element 21.

[0019] Also, the terminal 10a1b can be provided on the other surface 10b of the base 10. The terminal 10a1b provided on the surface 10b can be provided at a position facing the terminal 10a1b provided on the surface 10a. The terminal 10a1b provided on the surface 10b is electrically connected to the terminal 10a1b provided on the surface 10a via, for example, a conductive via. If the terminal 10a1b is also provided on the surface 10b, the reliability regarding the electrical connection between the socket terminals 101a, 101b provided on the socket 101 and the wiring pattern 10a1 can be improved.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a convex portion 10c can be provided on at least one of the surfaces 10a and 10b. In the X direction, the convex portion 10c can be provided between the terminal 10a1b and the end portion of the base 10. For example, one convex portion 10c can be provided for one terminal 10a1b. In this case, the convex portion 10c may be connected to the opposing terminal 10a1b or may be separated from the opposing terminal 10a1b. The dimension (thickness) of the convex portion 10c in the Z direction can be made larger than the dimension (thickness) of the terminal 10a1b. If the convex portion 10c is provided, it is possible to suppress the vehicle lighting device 1 from falling off the socket 101 due to vibrations during running or the like (see FIG. 8).

[0021] The light emitting circuit 20 has, for example, a light emitting element 21 and a circuit element 22. At least one light emitting element 21 can be provided. In the X direction, the light emitting element 21 is provided on the side of the base 10 that faces the end portion (corresponding to an example of the first end portion) where the pair of terminals 10a1b are provided. Considering replacement with a wedge base bulb, it is preferable that the distance between the center of the light emitting element 21 and the center of the terminal 10a1b in the X direction is approximately the same as the distance between the center of the filament of the wedge base bulb and the center of the terminal.

[0022] The light emitting element 21 is, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like. The form of the light emitting element 21 is not particularly limited. The light emitting element 21 can be, for example, a surface mount type light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, a light emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type, or a chip-shaped light emitting element. In this case, considering miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1, the light emitting element 21 is preferably a surface mount type light emitting element or a chip-shaped light emitting element. Note that the light emitting element 21 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a surface mount type light emitting element.

[0023] When the light-emitting element 21 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element, the terminals of the light-emitting element 21 are electrically connected to the pads 10a1a of the wiring pattern 10a1. When the light-emitting element 21 is a light-emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type, the lead wires of the light-emitting element 21 are electrically connected to the wiring pattern 10a1.

[0024] When the light-emitting element 21 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element, the light-emitting element 21 is electrically connected to the pads 10a1a of the wiring pattern 10a1 by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element may be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, an upper and lower electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip chip type light-emitting element. Further, when the light-emitting element 21 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element, a frame-shaped member surrounding the light-emitting element 21 and a sealing portion provided inside the frame-shaped member and covering the light-emitting element 21 can be provided on the surface 10a of the base 10. Further, a phosphor can be included in the sealing portion. The type of the phosphor can be appropriately changed so that a desired emission color can be obtained according to the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 or the like.

[0025] The light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 21 can be substantially parallel to the surface 10a of the base 10. For example, the light-emitting element 21 mainly irradiates light in a direction perpendicular to the surface 10a of the base 10. The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 21 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the size and use of the vehicle lighting device 1 or the like. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 21 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 can be connected in series.

[0026] The circuit element 22 can be a passive element or an active element used to constitute the light-emitting circuit 20 having the light-emitting element 21. The terminals of the circuit element 22 are electrically connected to the pads 10a1a of the wiring pattern 10a1. Therefore, the circuit element 22 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 21 via the wiring pattern 10a1.

[0027] Here, after the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, a cover 103 may be placed over the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 that is exposed from the socket 101 (see FIG. 8).

[0028] Also, the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 that is exposed from the socket 101 may be inserted inside the housing 104 of the vehicle lamp 100 (see FIG. 9).

[0029] In this case, when the circuit element 22 is provided in the region between the end portion of the base 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side and the end portion of the light emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side, when the cover 103 is placed over the vehicle lighting device 1, the cover 103 and the circuit element 22 are likely to interfere with each other. Also, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted inside the housing 104, the housing 104 and the circuit element 22 are likely to interfere with each other. If the cover 103 and the circuit element 22 interfere with each other, or if the housing 104 and the circuit element 22 interfere with each other, the circuit element 22 may fall off, or the electrical connection between the circuit element 22 and the pad 10a1a may become impossible.

[0030] Therefore, it is preferable that the circuit element 22 is not provided in the region between the end portion of the base 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side and the end portion of the light emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side.

[0031] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the circuit element 22 can be provided in the region between the end portion of the light emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side and the end portion of the terminal 10a1b on the light emitting element 21 side. By doing so, since the light emitting element 21 with high bonding strength serves as a guard, it is possible to suppress the cover 103 and the housing 104 from interfering with the circuit element 22.

[0032] In addition, the region between the end of the base 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side and the end of the light-emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side can also be a region that an operator grips when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 on the socket 101. Also, this region can be a region that releases heat from the light-emitting element 21. Therefore, it is preferable that this region be large. However, if this region is made too large, there is a possibility that the cover 103 will be difficult to attach or the cover 103 will become larger. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the distance L between the end of the light-emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side and the end of the base 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side in the X direction is preferably larger than the outer dimension L1 of the light-emitting element 21 and smaller than twice the outer dimension L1 of the light-emitting element 21, for example.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit element 22 can be, for example, a capacitor 22a, a resistor 22b, and a diode 22c. However, the type of the circuit element 22 is not limited to the exemplified ones and can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the light-emitting circuit 20. For example, in addition to the above-described ones, the circuit element 22 may be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor, an integrated circuit, an arithmetic element, or the like. The integrated circuit can be, for example, one having at least any one of a blinking circuit, a constant current circuit, and a lighting circuit (driving circuit).

[0034] The capacitor 22a is provided, for example, for noise countermeasures and electrostatic breakdown countermeasures for the light-emitting element 21. Therefore, the capacitor 22a is preferably provided in the vicinity of the light-emitting element 21. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capacitor 22a can be provided in a region in the X direction between the end of the surface 10a of the base 10 on the terminal 10a1b side of the light-emitting element 21 and the end of the light-emitting element 21 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side. By providing the capacitor 22a in such a region, the distance between the capacitor 22a and the light-emitting element 21 can be reduced, making it easier to protect the light-emitting element 21. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the height of the capacitor 22a is lower than the height of the light-emitting element 21. Therefore, by providing the capacitor 22a in such a region, the light-emitting element 21 with a large bonding strength serves as a guard, so that interference between the cover 103 and the housing 104 and the capacitor 22a can be suppressed.

[0035] The capacitor 22a can be, for example, a chip-shaped capacitor or a surface-mount capacitor. In this case, if the chip-shaped capacitor 22a is used, the mounting area can be reduced, making it easier to match the dimension W of the base 10 to the width dimension of the portion where the lead of the wedge-based bulb is provided.

[0036] The resistor 22b can be provided, for example, on the base 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side of the diode 22c. For example, in the X direction, the resistor 22b can be provided in a region between the diode 22c and the light-emitting element 21 on the surface 10a of the base 10.

[0037] The resistor 22b can be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a chip-shaped resistor, a resistor with lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 22b illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a surface-mount resistor.

[0038] The dimension of the resistor 22b in the X direction can be made shorter than the dimension in the Y direction. In this case, terminals can be provided at each of the ends of the resistor 22b in the X direction. One terminal is electrically connected to the terminal of the diode 22c. The other terminal is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 21.

[0039] For example, the resistor 22b can be a resistor having long-side electrodes. A resistor having long-side electrodes has higher heat dissipation than a rectangular resistor. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size compared to a rectangular resistor having the same rated power. As a result, if the resistor 22b is a resistor having long-side electrodes, the mounting area can be reduced, so it becomes easy to match the dimension W of the base 10 to the width dimension of the portion where the leads of the wedge base bulb are provided.

[0040] Here, since there are variations in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 21, if the applied voltage between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is made constant, there will be variations in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 21. Therefore, it is possible to make the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 21 fall within a predetermined range by the resistor 22b so that the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 21 falls within a predetermined range. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor 22b connected in series with the light-emitting element 21, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 21 can be made to fall within a predetermined range.

[0041] For example, when the resistor 22b is a surface-mount resistor, a chip-shaped resistor, a resistor having lead wires, etc., a resistor 22b having an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 21. Also, for example, when the resistor 22b is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the resistor 22b.

[0042] Also, the resistor 22b can further have the role of preventing an excessive current from flowing through the light-emitting element 21. The number, size, etc. of the resistors 22b are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light-emitting elements 21, etc.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diode 22c is provided in the vicinity of the terminals 10a1b and on the side opposite to the end side of the base 10 with respect to the terminals 10a1b. For example, in the X direction, the terminals 10a1b, the diode 22c, and the resistor 22b can be arranged side by side.

[0044] The diode 22c has a terminal electrically connected to the light-emitting element 21 and a terminal electrically connected to the terminals 10a1b. These terminals are provided at the ends of the diode 22c in a direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0045] The direction intersecting the X direction can be, for example, the direction perpendicular to the X direction (Y direction), or a direction shifted from the Y direction to the X direction (e.g., within 30°).

[0046] The diode 22c can be, for example, a surface-mount type diode.

[0047] In the above, the case where the circuit element 22 is provided on the surface 10a of the base 10 has been exemplified, but at least a part of the circuit element 22 can also be provided on the surface 10b of the base 10. In this case, a wiring pattern can be provided on the surface 10b of the base 10, and at least a part of the circuit element 22 can be electrically connected to the wiring pattern provided on the surface 10b of the base 10. Also, a conduction via penetrating the base 10 in the thickness direction can be provided, and the wiring pattern 10a1 provided on the surface 10a and the wiring pattern provided on the surface 10b can be electrically connected by the conduction via.

[0048] In addition, in the above description, the case where the light-emitting element 21 is provided on the surface 10a of the base 10 has been exemplified. However, the light-emitting element 21 can also be provided on the surfaces 10a and 10b of the base 10. In this case, the light-emitting element 21 provided on the surface 10b of the base 10 can be different from the light-emitting element 21 provided on the surface 10a of the base 10 in at least one of the light distribution angle, color, and luminous flux.

[0049] Here, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101, the socket terminals 101a and 101b provided on the socket 101 come into contact with the terminals 10a1b provided on the base 10 (see FIG. 8). As described above, since the circuit element 22 is provided near the terminals 10a1b, when the socket terminals 101a and 101b come into contact with the terminals 10a1b, the socket terminals 101a and 101b may also come into contact with the terminals of the circuit element 22. When such a short circuit occurs, there is a risk that the circuit element 22 may malfunction or the circuit element 22 may fail.

[0050] Therefore, in the X direction, the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b is preferably located between the terminals 10a1b in the Y direction. Further, in the X direction, the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b are preferably provided at the ends of the circuit element 22 in a direction (for example, the Y direction) intersecting the X direction. In the case of the vehicle lighting device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the X direction, the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b is the diode 22c.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, if the diode 22c is located between the terminals 10a1b in the Y direction, even if the diode 22c is provided near the terminals 10a1b, it is possible to suppress the terminals 22c1 of the diode 22c from coming into contact with the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the Z direction, the terminal 22c1 of the diode 22c is provided near the end of the diode 22c on the base 10 side. Therefore, even if the diode 22c is provided near the terminal 10a1b, it is possible to prevent the terminal 22c1 of the diode 22c from contacting the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0053] If it is possible to prevent the terminal 22c1 of the diode 22c from contacting the socket terminals 101a and 101b, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 mounted on the socket 101 from malfunctioning or failing.

[0054] Note that although the case where the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminal 10a1b in the X direction is the diode 22c has been described, the same applies when the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminal 10a1b is a resistor 22b or other circuit element 22. Also, although the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided on the surface 10a of the base 10 have been described, the same applies to the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided on the surface 10b of the base 10.

[0055] Also, in the X direction, there is no particular limitation on the position of the terminal of another circuit element 22 provided in the region between the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminal 10a1b and the light emitting element 21. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a diode 22c is provided between the resistor 22b and the terminal 10a1b. Therefore, since the diode 22c serves as a guard, it is possible to prevent the socket terminals 101a and 101b from contacting the terminal 22b1 of the resistor 22b. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal 22b1 of the resistor 22b may be provided at the end of the resistor 22b in the X direction.

[0056] Here, since the wedge base bulb is an incandescent bulb, either one of the pair of leads may be electrically connected to the positive side of the power supply and the other lead may be electrically connected to the negative side of the power supply. That is, the wedge base bulb is non-polar. On the other hand, a light emitting element 21 such as a light emitting diode has a polarity.

[0057] As described above, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a diode 22c. Therefore, even if the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101 in the reverse direction, a reverse voltage is not applied to the light emitting element 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the light emitting element 21 from failing.

[0058] In this case, since the light emitting element 21 does not light up, it can be seen that the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101 in the reverse direction. However, when an operator or the like mounts the vehicle lighting device 1 on the socket 101, no voltage is applied to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the socket 101. Therefore, there will be a time delay until it can be seen that the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101 in the reverse direction.

[0059] In this case, if a non-polar circuit such as a diode bridge is provided in the light emitting circuit 20, there will be no directionality in mounting on the socket 101, similar to a wedge base bulb. However, if a non-polar circuit is provided in the light emitting circuit 20, a new problem will occur that the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device will increase.

[0060] Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an orientation determining portion 30. The orientation determining portion 30 can have a function of an indicator that indicates the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1, or can have a function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 in cooperation with the socket 101, or can have both the function of the indicator and the function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 in cooperation with the socket 101.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the orientation determining portion 30 can be provided at the end portion of the base portion 10 on the side of the terminals 10a1b. The orientation determining portion 30 can be formed integrally with the base portion 10, for example. In the X direction, the orientation determining portion 30 protrudes from the end portion of the base portion 10 on the side of the terminals 10a1b. The dimension L2 (protrusion dimension) of the orientation determining portion 30 in the X direction can be, for example, about 2 mm.

[0062] Further, chamfering such as C chamfering or R chamfering can be applied to the corner of the tip of the direction determining portion 30 in the X direction. By doing so, it becomes easy to insert the direction determining portion 30 into the recess provided in the socket 101.

[0063] Also, the side surface of the direction determining portion 30 can be an inclined surface in at least one of the Y direction and the Z direction. In this case, in at least one of the Y direction and the Z direction, the dimension of the direction determining portion 30 can be made to gradually decrease toward the tip side. By doing so, it becomes easy to insert the direction determining portion 30 into the recess provided in the socket 101.

[0064] In the Y direction, the dimension W1 (width dimension) of the direction determining portion 30 is smaller than the dimension W (width dimension) of the base portion 10. The dimension W1 can be, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm. In the Y direction, the center line of the direction determining portion 30 is located between the center line of the base portion 10 and one side surface of the base portion 10. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one side surface of the direction determining portion 30 can be flush with one side surface of the base portion 10.

[0065] If the direction determining portion 30 is provided, when an operator or the like attaches the vehicle lighting device 1 to the socket 101, it is possible to know whether the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 is correct. That is, the direction determining portion 30 has a function of an indicator that indicates the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0066] Also, if a recess into which the direction determining portion 30 is inserted is provided in the socket 101, the direction determining portion 30 and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0067] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic plan views for exemplifying the direction determining portions 30a to 30c according to other embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the orientation portions 30a and 30b can be recesses that open to one side surface of the base portion 10 in the Y direction and an end portion of the base portion 10 on the terminal 10a1b side. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the orientation portion 30c can be a recess that opens to an end portion of the base portion 10 on the terminal 10a1b side. In this case, the orientation portion 30c is located between the center line of the base portion 10 in the Y direction and one side surface of the base portion 10. Even in these ways, the orientation portions 30a to 30c can be provided with the function of an indicator that indicates the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1. Further, if convex portions that abut or are inserted into the orientation portions 30a to 30c are provided on the socket 101, the orientation portions 30a to 30c and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0068] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic side views for exemplifying orientation portions 30d to 30f according to other embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the orientation portions 30d and 30e can be recesses that open to the surface 10a of the base portion 10 and an end portion of the base portion 10 on the terminal 10a1b side. Note that the orientation portions 30d and 30e can also be recesses that open to the surface 10b of the base portion 10 and an end portion of the base portion 10 on the terminal 10a1b side. In this case, the orientation portions 30d and 30e are located between the center line of the base portion 10 in the Y direction and one side surface of the base portion 10.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the orientation portion 30f can be a convex portion provided on the surface 10a or the surface 10b of the base portion 10. In this case, the orientation portion 30f is located between the center line of the base portion 10 in the Y direction and one side surface of the base portion 10.

[0070] Even in this way, the direction determining portions 30d to 30f can be provided with the function of an indicator for indicating the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1. Further, if convex portions or concave portions that are abutted or inserted into the direction determining portions 30d to 30f are provided on the socket 101, the direction determining portions 30d to 30f and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for exemplifying a direction determining portion 30g according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the direction determining portion 30g can be a hole that penetrates the base portion 10 in the thickness direction. Further, the direction determining portion 30g can also be a concave portion that opens to the surface 10a of the base portion 10 or the surface 10b of the base portion 10. In this case, the direction determining portion 30g is located between the center line of the base portion 10 in the Y direction and one side surface of the base portion 10.

[0072] Even in this way, the direction determining portion 30g can be provided with the function of an indicator for indicating the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1. Further, if a protrusion that is abutted or inserted into the direction determining portion 30g is provided on the socket 101, the direction determining portion 30g and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0073] In addition, in the above, the case where the direction determining portion is provided at the end portion of the base portion 10 on the terminal 10a1b side has been exemplified, but the direction determining portion can also be provided at the end portion of the base portion 10 on the side opposite to the terminal 10a1b side or on one side surface of the base portion 10 in the Y direction. If the direction determining portion is provided at these positions, at least the function of an indicator can be provided to the direction determining portion.

[0074] Further, the direction determining portion having the function of an indicator can be, for example, characters, symbols, etc. provided on the surface 10a or the surface 10b of the base portion 10. Characters, symbols, etc. can be printed or engraved on the surface 10a or the surface 10b of the base portion 10, for example.

[0075] Further, the direction determining portion having the function of the indicator can be, for example, the color of the surface 10a of the base portion 10 or the color of the surface 10b of the base portion 10. For example, paint such as red can be applied to the surface 10a or the surface 10b of the base portion 10.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lighting device 1a is provided with, for example, a base portion 11, a light emitting circuit 20, and a direction determining portion 30.

[0077] The base portion 11 has, for example, a portion 11a and a portion 11b. The portion 11a has a plate shape and has the same configuration as the base portion 10 described above. However, the light emitting element 21 and the capacitor 22a are not provided in the portion 11a. The light emitting element 21 and the capacitor 22a are provided on one end side of the base portion 11. For example, the light emitting element 21 and the capacitor 22a are provided on the surface of the portion 11b opposite to the portion 11a side.

[0078] The portion 11b has a plate shape and is provided at the end of the portion 11a opposite to the side where the terminals 10a1b are provided. That is, although the base portion 10 described above is a plate-like body, the base portion 11 has a three-dimensional structure such as a T shape. The material of the portion 11a and the material of the portion 11b can be the same as the material of the base portion 10 described above.

[0079] Similar to the above-described vehicle lighting device 1, in the X direction, the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b can be provided at the ends of the circuit element 22 in a direction intersecting the X direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b in the X direction is the diode 22c, the terminal 22c1 can be provided at the end of the diode 22c in the Y direction. In this way, similar to the above-described vehicle lighting device 1, it is possible to suppress the contact of the terminal 22c1 with the socket terminals 101a and 101b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the malfunction or failure of the vehicle lighting device 1a mounted on the socket 101.

[0080] Although the case where the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b in the X direction is the diode 22c has been described, the same applies to the case where the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b is the resistor 22b or other circuit elements 22. Also, although the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided on one surface 11a1 of the portion 11a have been described, the same applies to the terminals of the circuit element 22 provided on the surface 11a2 facing the surface 11a1.

[0081] Also, in the X direction, there is no particular limitation on the position of the terminals of the other circuit elements 22 provided in the region between the circuit element 22 provided closest to the terminals 10a1b and the light-emitting element 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a diode 22c is provided between the resistor 22b and the terminals 10a1b. Therefore, since the diode 22c serves as a guard, it is possible to suppress the contact of the socket terminals 101a and 101b with the terminal 22b1 of the resistor 22b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal 22b1 of the resistor 22b may be provided at the end of the resistor 22b in the X direction.

[0082] The direction-determining portion 30 can be provided at the end of the base portion 11 (portion 11a) on the side of the terminals 10a1b. The direction-determining portion 30 can be formed integrally with the portion 11a, for example. The shape, dimensions, arrangement, etc. of the direction-determining portion 30 can be the same as those of the direction-determining portion 30 provided on the base portion 10 described above.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1b according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle lighting device 1b is provided with, for example, a base 10, a light-emitting circuit 20, and an orientation determining portion 30h. The orientation determining portion 30h can have a function of an indicator for indicating the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b, can have a function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b in cooperation with the socket 101, or can have both the function of the indicator and the function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b in cooperation with the socket 101.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, the orientation determining portion 30h can be provided on one side surface of the base 10 in the Y direction. The orientation determining portion 30h can be formed integrally with the base 10, for example. In the Y direction, the orientation determining portion 30h protrudes from one side surface of the base 10. The dimension L3 (protrusion dimension) of the orientation determining portion 30h in the Y direction can be, for example, about 1.5 mm.

[0085] Also, chamfering or rounding can be performed on the corner portion on the terminal 10a1b side at the tip of the orientation determining portion 30h. In this way, it becomes easy to insert the orientation determining portion 30h into a slit or the like provided in the socket 101.

[0086] Also, the vicinity of the end portion on the terminal 10a1b side of the orientation determining portion 30h can be inclined. In this case, the dimension of the orientation determining portion 30h in the Z direction can be made to gradually decrease toward the tip side. In this way, it becomes easy to insert the orientation determining portion 30h into a slit or the like provided in the socket 101.

[0087] The dimension W2 (width dimension) of the orientation determining portion 30h in the X direction can be, for example, about 2.6 mm. In the X direction, the orientation determining portion 30h is located between the light-emitting element 21 and the terminal 10a1b.

[0088] If the direction determining portion 30h is provided, when an operator or the like attaches the vehicle lighting device 1b to the socket 101, it is possible to know whether the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b is correct. That is, the direction determining portion 30h has the function of an indicator that displays the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b.

[0089] Also, if a slit or the like into which the direction determining portion 30h is inserted is provided in the socket 101, the direction determining portion 30h and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b.

[0090] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the convex portion 10c can be provided for each pair of terminals 10a1b. In this way, the dimension of the terminal 10a1b on the side where the convex portion 10c is not provided in the X direction can be increased. Therefore, the contact between the terminal 10a1b and the socket terminal becomes more reliable.

[0091] (Vehicle lighting fixture 100) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying the vehicle lighting fixture 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 will be exemplified. However, at least one vehicle lighting device 1 may be provided. Further, at least one of the vehicle lighting devices 1a and 1b may be provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 can be provided with the vehicle lighting device 1, the socket 101, the wiring 102, and the cover 103.

[0092] The socket 101 has a space inside into which the base portion 10 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted. The socket 101 can be, for example, a cylindrical body having one end opened. However, the shape and size of the socket 101 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the use and size of the vehicle lighting fixture 100. The socket 101 can be formed of, for example, an insulating material. The socket 101 can be formed of, for example, urea resin.

[0093] In the space of the socket 101 into which the base 10 is inserted, a pair of socket terminals 101a and 101b are provided. The pair of socket terminals 101a and 101b are arranged side by side in the Y direction, for example. For example, a positive voltage is applied to the socket terminal 101a via the wiring 102. For example, a negative voltage is applied to the socket terminal 101b via the wiring 102. The socket terminals 101a and 101b are formed of a material having conductivity and elasticity. The socket terminals 101a and 101b can be formed of a copper alloy such as beryllium copper, for example.

[0094] One end of the wiring 102 is electrically connected to the socket terminals 101a and 101b. The other end of the wiring 102 is electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like provided outside the vehicle lamp 100. Note that the wiring 102 is not necessarily required. For example, the socket terminals 101a and 101b may be exposed on the end face or outer surface of the socket 101, and may be electrically connected to connection terminals provided on the vehicle.

[0095] When the base 10 is inserted into the socket 101, the base 10 is sandwiched between the socket terminals 101a and 101b. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 is held by the socket 101. Further, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are electrically connected to the terminals 10a1b of the base 10. Therefore, a lighting circuit or the like provided outside the vehicle lamp 100 and the light emitting circuit 20 of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be electrically connected.

[0096] Also, when the base 10 is inserted into the socket 101, the orientation determining portion 30 is inserted into the recess 101c provided in the socket 101. The same applies to the orientation determining portion 30f, where the orientation determining portion 30f is inserted into the recess provided in the socket 101. In the case of the orientation determining portions 30a - 30e, the protrusions provided on the socket 101 are inserted into or abutted against the orientation determining portions 30a - 30e. Therefore, the orientation determining portions 30, 30a - 30g and the socket 101 can cooperate to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1. That is, the socket 101 can be provided with a recess or a protrusion that cooperates with the orientation determining portions 30, 30a - 30g provided on the vehicle lighting device 1 to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0097] The cover 103 covers the portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 that is exposed from the socket 101. The cover 103 can have functions such as a lens or can suppress glare. Also, the cover 103 can be detachably provided on the socket 101. Further, optical elements such as a reflector can be provided on the cover 103.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying a vehicle lamp 100a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle lamp 100a can be provided with a vehicle lighting device 1, a socket 101, a wiring 102, a housing 104, and an optical element 105.

[0099] The housing 104 has a space 104a inside. At one end of the housing 104, a hole 104b leading to the space 104a is provided. The portion of the vehicle lighting device 1 that is exposed from the socket 101 is inserted into the inside of the space 104a through the hole 104b. In this case, the socket 101 to which the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached can be detachably attached to the housing 104. For example, the claw 104c provided on the housing 104 can be hooked on a protrusion or the like provided on the socket 101. The housing 104 can be formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light.

[0100] The optical element 105 can be provided, for example, on a surface of the housing 104 that intersects an end portion where the hole 104b is provided. The optical element 105 can, for example, have a plate shape and can be adhered to the housing 104, attached to the housing 104 using screws or the like, provided integrally with the housing 104, or detachably attached to the housing 104. The optical element 105 faces the light-emitting element 21 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 21 is irradiated outside the vehicle lamp 100a through the optical element 105. The optical element 105 can, for example, have functions such as a lens or suppress glare. Further, the optical element 105 may be transparent or colored. The optical element 105 can be formed from, for example, a resin or glass that transmits light. When the optical element 105 is formed from a resin, for example, the optical element 105 can be integrally formed with the housing 104 using a two-color molding method or the like. When the optical element 105 is formed from glass, for example, the optical element 105 can be integrally formed with the housing 104 using an insert molding method or the like.

[0101] As mentioned above, several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated, but 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 its equivalent scope. Also, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0102] Hereinafter, an appendix regarding the above-described embodiments is shown.

[0103] (Appendix 1) a base; a light-emitting element provided on a first end side of the base in a first direction; In the first direction, a terminal provided in the vicinity of the second end of the base facing the first end and electrically connected to the light-emitting element; A direction-determining portion provided on the base and having at least one of the functions of an indicator for indicating the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device and a function of physically determining the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device in cooperation with a socket into which the base is inserted; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

[0104] (Appendix 2) In the first direction, the direction-determining portion protrudes from the second end of the base, In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the dimension of the direction-determining portion is smaller than the dimension of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1.

[0105] (Appendix 3) In the second direction, the center line of the direction-determining portion is located between the center line of the base and one side surface of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 2.

[0106] (Appendix 4) In the second direction, the direction-determining portion protrudes from one side surface of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1.

[0107] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4; A socket into which the base provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted; A socket terminal provided on the socket and electrically connected to the terminal provided on the base; A vehicle lighting fixture comprising the above.

[0108] (Appendix 6) The socket has at least one of a recess, a protrusion, and a slit that cooperate with the direction-determining portion provided on the vehicle lighting device to physically determine the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device. The vehicle lighting fixture according to Appendix 4. Description of Reference Signs

[0109] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a Vehicle lighting device, 1b Vehicle lighting device, 10 Base, 10a Surface, 10a1b Terminal, 10b Surface, 11 Base, 11a Portion, 11b Portion, 20 Light-emitting circuit, 21 Light-emitting element, 22 Circuit element, 30 Direction-determining portion, 30a to 30h Direction-determining portion, 100 Vehicle lamp, 101 Socket, 101a Socket terminal, 101b Socket terminal, 101c Recess

Claims

1. a base; a light-emitting element provided on a first end side of the base in a first direction; a terminal provided near a second end of the base facing the first end in the first direction and electrically connected to the light-emitting element; an orientation determining portion provided on the base and having at least one of a function of an indicator for indicating an attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device and a function of physically determining the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device in cooperation with a socket into which the base is inserted; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

2. In the first direction, the orientation determining portion protrudes from the second end of the base, In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the dimension of the orientation determining portion is smaller than the dimension of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1.

3. In the second direction, the center line of the orientation determining portion is located between the center line of the base and one side surface of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 2.

4. In the second direction, the orientation determining portion protrudes from one side surface of the base. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1; a socket into which the base provided in the vehicle lighting device is inserted; a socket terminal provided in the socket and electrically connected to the terminal provided in the base; A vehicle lamp comprising the above.

6. The socket has at least one of a recess, a protrusion, and a slit that cooperate with the orientation determining portion provided in the vehicle lighting device to physically determine the attachment direction of the vehicle lighting device. The vehicle lamp according to Claim 4.

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