Vehicular illuminating device and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular illuminating device that can restrain deformation of a terminal caused by springback, and a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular illuminating device according to an embodiment comprises: a housing presenting a plate shape on the side of a first end part; a light emitting element provided on the side of a second end part opposite to the first end part of the housing; a board having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light emitting element, and provided inside the housing; a terminal presenting the plate shape, and in which one end part side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, and the other end part side is opposed to the one end part side, on the outside of a portion of the housing presenting the plate shape; and a convex part provided on the portion of the housing presenting the plate shape, and comprising a flange part in contact with a surface of the terminal on the side opposite to the side of the portion of the housing presenting the plate shape.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 provided with 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 side 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, the 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 provided on the side of 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, and the other end side of which faces the one end side outside the plate-like portion of the housing; and a convex portion provided on the plate-like portion of the housing and having a flange portion that contacts the surface of the terminal on the side opposite to the side of the plate-like portion of the housing.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can 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

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. In addition, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction is the direction in which the vehicle lighting device 1 is pulled out from the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the socket 101 provided in the vehicle lamp 100. The X direction is the width direction of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. The Y direction is the thickness direction of the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40.

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

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying 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 state before the terminal 50 is bent is depicted. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying the light-emitting portion 10 and the connecting portion 20. Note that Fig. 3 shows the light emitting part 10 and the connection part 20 in Fig. 2 as seen 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 part 10, a connection part 20, an optical element 30, a housing 40, and a terminal 50.

[0014] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the light emitting part 10 has, for example, a substrate 11 and a light emitting element 12. The substrate 11, for example, has a plate shape and has a surface 11a and a surface 11b facing the surface 11a. The substrate 11 is formed from, for example, an insulating material. The substrate 11 is formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, 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 from, for example, a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0016] The light emitting element 12 is provided on the side of the end 41a (corresponding to an example of a second end) of the housing 40, which is opposite to the end 42d (corresponding to an example of a first end) of the insertion part 42. The light emitting element 12 can be exposed from the end 41a of the housing 40. At least one light emitting element 12 can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. The light emitting element 12 is, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0017] The light-emitting element 12 can be a surface-mount type light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, for example. Also, the light-emitting element 12 can be a light-emitting element having lead wires such as a bullet type, for example. Note that the light-emitting element 12 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element.

[0018] Also, the light-emitting element 12 can be a chip-shaped light-emitting element. The chip-shaped light-emitting element can be mounted on the wiring pattern 11c by, for example, COB (Chip On Board). In this case, a frame-shaped member surrounding the chip-shaped light-emitting element, a sealing portion provided inside the frame-shaped member and covering the chip-shaped light-emitting element, etc. can be provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. Also, a phosphor can be included in the sealing portion.

[0019] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting elements 12 are not necessarily limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed according to the size and use of the vehicle lighting device 1, etc. Note that 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 portion 21b can be, for example, a quadrilateral. One end of the mounting portion 21b is provided at the end of the mounting portion 21a on the side opposite to the substrate 11 side. The mounting portion 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 portion 21b is smaller than the width dimension of the mounting portion 21a. The thickness of the mounting portion 21b can be the same as the thickness of the mounting portion 21a. The mounting portion 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 (mounting portion 21a, 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 (mounting portion 21a, mounting portion 21b) and on the surface 21d facing the surface 21c. The wiring pattern 21e is formed, for example, from a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

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

[0026] On the wiring pattern 21e provided in the mounting portion 21a, circuit components 22 are mounted. The connection pads 21e1 of the wiring pattern 21e are provided in the mounting portion 21b. The connection pads 21e1 are provided on the surfaces 21c and 21d of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b). Each of the pair of connection pads 21e1 is electrically connected to socket terminals 101a and 101b provided in the socket 101 via terminals 50. By electrically connecting the socket terminal 101a provided in 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 components 22 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a is illustrated, but the circuit components 22 may be provided on one side of the mounting portion 21a. However, if the circuit components 22 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion 21a, miniaturization of the mounting portion 21a, and thus miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be achieved. Also, for example, at least a part of the circuit components 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 ones described above, 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 provided with, for example, a constant current circuit, a temperature delaying circuit, etc.

[0030] Here, a light-emitting element 12 such as a light-emitting diode has a polarity. Therefore, the diode 22a is provided to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 12. In this case, if the directivity is eliminated when the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, the mounting operation of the vehicle lighting device 1 becomes easy. For example, if a bridge circuit (bridge diode) is configured using four diodes, a non-polar circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The diode 22a exemplified in FIG. 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 type resistor, a resistor having lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), a film-like resistor formed using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 22b exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a surface mount type resistor. If it is a surface mount type 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 type capacitor. If the capacitor 22c is a surface-mount type, 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 so that the light distribution characteristics and the light-emitting region of the vehicle lighting device 1 are 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 (for example, aluminum, etc.) can be provided on the inner wall or outer wall of the optical element 30 to give the optical element 30 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, multi-functionality of the vehicle lighting device 1 and 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 prevent dust or the like from entering the inside of the storage portion 41. In addition, the posture and position of the substrate 21 can be stabilized. Therefore, the reliability regarding the electrical connection between the connection pad 21e1 and the terminal 50 can be improved.

[0040] The insertion portion 42 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the storage portion 41 on the side opposite to the end 41a side. The insertion portion 42 is attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. Inside the insertion portion 42, a space for inserting the mounting portion 21b of the substrate 21 is provided. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the insertion portion 42 can be, for example, a quadrangle.

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

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal 50 has a plate shape and can be provided in a pair facing each other. The pair of terminals 50 are opposed to each other across the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the insertion portion 42 at the center in the width direction (X direction) of the insertion portion 42. One end side of the terminal 50 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21b) 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 exposed from the end portion 42d of the housing 40. The other end side of the terminal 50 extends along the surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion portion 42 on the outside of the plate-shaped insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. The other end side of the terminal 50 can be provided inside the groove 42c. The other end side of the terminal 50 is opposed to one end side of the terminal 50 provided inside the housing 40 on the outside of the plate-shaped insertion portion 42 of the housing 40.

[0044] The width dimension W of the terminal 50 is, for example, about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Note that the width dimension W of the terminal 50 is the dimension of the terminal 50 in the X direction. The thickness of the plate-shaped portion of the terminal 50 (the thickness of the plate-shaped blank material) is about 0.3 mm. The material of the terminal 50 can be, for example, a metal with high electrical conductivity such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0045] As described above, one end side of the terminal 50 extends inside the housing 40. The other end side of the terminal 50 extends outside the plate-shaped insertion portion 42 of the housing 40. One end side of the terminal 50 and the other end side of the terminal 50 are integrally formed via a bent portion located near the hole 40b provided in the housing 40. Such a terminal 50 can be formed by bending a plate-shaped blank material as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0046] Figs. 4(a) to 4(d) are schematic process diagrams for exemplifying the bending process of the pair of terminals 50. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the housing 40 in FIG. 2 as 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 outside the housing 40 through the hole 40b shown in FIG. 5.

[0047] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), 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(c), the blank material of the terminal 50 is further bent following the end of the bottom surface of the groove 42c.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(d), 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, it is easy to provide the pair of terminals 50 at a predetermined position of the insertion portion 42.

[0049] 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. When the amount of deformation of the terminal 50 due to springback increases, it may be difficult to mount the vehicle lighting device 1 on the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100.

[0050] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40 is provided with a convex portion 40c. The convex portion 40c can be formed integrally with the housing 40, for example. At least one convex portion 40c can be provided for one terminal 50. In the case of the housing 40 illustrated in FIG. 5, one convex portion 40c is provided for one terminal 50. The convex portion 40c provided for one terminal 50 faces the convex portion 40c provided for the other terminal 50 across the central axis 40a of the housing 40, for example.

[0051] The convex portion 40c is provided inside a hole 50a that penetrates the plate-like portion of the terminal 50 in the thickness direction. The hole 50a is provided on the end side of the terminal 50 opposite to the end connected to the connection pad 21e1. A flange portion 40c1 is provided at the end of the convex portion 40c on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side. The flange portion 40c1 is exposed from the terminal 50. The outer dimensions of the flange portion 40c1 are larger than the opening dimensions of the hole 50a. The flange portion 40c1 is in contact with the surface of the terminal 50 on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side. If the convex portion 40c having the flange portion 40c1 is provided, even if springback occurs in the terminal 50, it is possible to suppress the terminal 50 from deforming in the direction away from the insertion portion 42.

[0052] The holding of the terminal 50 by the convex portion 40c having the flange portion 40c1 can be performed, for example, as follows. As shown in FIG. 2, the blank material of the terminal 50 is provided with the hole 50a. Further, the insertion portion 42 of the housing 40 is provided with the convex portion 40c.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the blank material of the terminal 50 is bent toward the insertion portion 42 outside the insertion portion 42. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the convex portion 40c is inserted into the hole 50a provided in the blank material of the terminal 50. The end of the convex portion 40c is exposed from the surface of the blank material of the terminal 50 on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side.

[0054] Note that the dimension of the convex portion 40c in the X direction can be the same as or slightly smaller than the dimension of the hole 50a in the X direction. Also, the dimension of the hole 50a in the Z direction can be made larger than the dimension of the hole 50a in the X direction. By doing so, it becomes easy to bend the blank material of the terminal 50 and insert the convex portion 40c inside the hole 50a.

[0055] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are schematic process diagrams for exemplifying the formation of the flange portion 40c1. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the end of the convex portion 40c is exposed from the surface of the terminal 50 on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side. Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), by crushing the end of the convex portion 40c, the flange portion 40c1 is formed.

[0056] For example, by heating the end of the convex portion 40c to soften it, the softened end of the convex portion 40c can be pressed and crushed. By crushing the softened end of the convex portion 40c, the flange portion 40c1 can be formed.

[0057] Also, for example, ultrasonic waves can be applied to the end of the convex portion 40c to soften the end of the convex portion 40c, and the softened end of the convex portion 40c can be pressed and crushed. Even in this way, the flange portion 40c1 can be formed.

[0058] In this case, if the flange portion 40c1 is formed by pressing the softened end of the convex portion 40c, the flange portion 40c1, the terminal 50, and the insertion portion 42 can be brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, deformation of the terminal 50 due to springback can be effectively suppressed.

[0059] The above is the case where the convex portion 40c is provided inside the hole 50a, but the convex portion 40c can also be provided outside the terminal 50 in the X direction. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams for exemplifying the case where the convex portion 40c is provided outside the terminal 50.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the convex portion 40c can be provided on one side of the terminal 50 in the X direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the convex portion 40c can be provided on both sides of the terminal 50 in the X direction. Even in such a case, by crushing the end of the convex portion 40c, the flange portion 40c1 can be formed.

[0061] In addition, although the case where the flange portion 40c1 is formed by crushing the end portion of the convex portion 40c has been exemplified, the flange portion 40c1 can also be formed by crushing a part of the side wall of the groove 42c in which the terminal 50 is provided. That is, the shape of the convex portion 40c is not necessarily limited to a columnar shape, and for example, it may be plate-shaped like the side wall of the groove 42c.

[0062] If the convex portion 40c is provided outside the terminal 50, it is not necessary to provide the hole 50a in the terminal 50, so the manufacturing cost of the terminal 50 can be reduced. On the other hand, if the convex portion 40c is provided in the hole 50a of the terminal 50, the positioning of the terminal 50 can be performed. In this case, the groove 42c provided in the insertion portion 42 may be omitted.

[0063] FIG. 8 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. 8, the light emitting element 12 mainly irradiates light in a direction parallel to the surface 11a of the substrate 11 (for example, the Y direction). The light emitting element 12 can be exposed from the end portion 41a of the storage portion 41.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the 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.

[0065] In addition, the substrate 12a and the substrate 21 can be integrated. For example, the end of the mounting portion 21a on the side opposite to the mounting portion 21b side can be made to protrude from the surface 11a of the substrate 11 to form the substrate 12a. In this way, since the light-emitting element 12 and the circuit components 22 can be provided on the substrate 21, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and thus the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When integrating the substrate 12a and the substrate 21, it is not necessary to provide the wiring pattern 11c on the substrate 11. Also, the substrate 11 can be omitted. However, if the substrate 11 is provided, the posture of the substrate 12a integrated with the substrate 21 can be stabilized. Also, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust or the like into the housing 40.

[0066] (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 description regarding 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.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying the vehicle lamp 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, as an example, the case where one of the above-described vehicle lighting devices 1 is provided will be exemplified, but at least one vehicle lighting device 1 may be provided.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a socket 101, a housing 102, and a cover 103 can be provided in the vehicle lamp 100.

[0069] The socket 101 can be provided in the housing 102. The insertion portion 42 side 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. 9, the case where the socket 101 and the housing 102 are provided separately is exemplified, but the socket 101 and the housing 102 may be integrally formed.

[0070] The socket 101 can be provided with a recess that opens at one end. Inside the recess, the insertion portion 42 of the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted. Also, inside the recess, a socket terminal 101a corresponding to one voltage polarity (for example, positive) and a socket terminal 101b corresponding to the other voltage polarity (for example, negative) can be provided. 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.

[0071] The socket terminals 101a and 101b are elastically deformable. When the insertion portion 42 is inserted into the recess, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are each electrically connected to the terminal 50.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The shape of the housing 102 can be, for example, a box shape with one end side open. The housing 102 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. The cover 103 can be provided so as to close the opening of the housing 102. The cover 103 can be formed of a resin having 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.

[0074] In addition, optical elements such as a reflector and a lens can be provided inside the housing 102.

[0075] Here, as described above, the flange portion 40c1 of the convex portion 40c is exposed from the surface of the terminal 50 on the side opposite to the insertion portion 42 side. Therefore, when the insertion portion 42 of the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b, there is a possibility that the flange portion 40c1 of the convex portion 40c may interfere with the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0076] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, it is preferable that the flange portion 40c1 of the convex portion 40c is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the top of the convex portion 42d1 provided at the end portion 42d of the insertion portion 42. According to the findings obtained by the inventors, the distance L between the end portion of the flange portion 40c1 on the end portion 42d side and the top of the convex portion 42d1 is preferably 6.1 mm or more. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the interference between the flange portion 40c1 of the convex portion 40c and the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Hereinafter, an appendix regarding the above-described embodiment is shown.

[0079] (Appendix 1) A housing having a plate-like shape on the side of the first end; A light-emitting element provided on the side of the second end of the housing, which is opposite to the first end; A substrate provided inside the housing, having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element; It has a plate shape, one end side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, and the other end side is outside the plate-shaped portion of the housing and faces a terminal opposite to the one end side; A convex portion provided on the plate-shaped portion of the housing and having a flange portion that contacts a surface of the terminal opposite to the side of the plate-shaped portion of the housing; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

[0080] (Appendix 2) A hole is provided in the other end side of the terminal, The convex portion is provided inside the hole, The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, wherein an outer dimension of the flange portion is larger than an opening dimension of the hole.

[0081] (Appendix 3) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the convex portion is provided outside the terminal.

[0082] (Appendix 4) The one end side of the terminal extends inside the housing, The other end side of the terminal extends outside the plate-shaped portion of the housing, The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the one end side of the terminal and the other end side of the terminal are integrally formed via a bent portion located near a hole provided in the housing.

[0083] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4; A socket terminal into which a side of a first end of a 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:

Explanation of Signs

[0084] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a Central axis, 10 Light-emitting part, 12 Light-emitting element, 20 Connection part, 21 Substrate, 21e Wiring pattern, 40 Housing, 40c Protrusion, 40c1 Flange part, 41 Storage part, 41a End part, 42 Insertion part, 42d End part, 50 Terminal, 50a Hole, 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 provided on the side of the second end of the housing, which is opposite to the first end; A substrate having a wiring pattern electrically connected to the light-emitting element and provided inside the housing; A plate-like shape, one end side is electrically connected to the wiring pattern inside the housing, and the other end side is a terminal facing the one end side outside the plate-like portion of the housing; A convex portion provided on the plate-like portion of the housing, having a flange portion that contacts the surface of the terminal opposite to the side of the plate-like portion of the housing; A vehicle lighting device comprising the above.

2. A hole is provided on the other end side of the terminal. The convex portion is provided inside the hole. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein the outer dimension of the flange portion is larger than the opening dimension of the hole.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein the convex portion is provided outside the terminal.

4. One end side of the terminal extends inside the housing. The other end side of the terminal extends outside the plate-like portion of the housing. The vehicle lighting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein one end side of the terminal and the other end side of the terminal are integrally formed via a bent portion located near a hole provided in the housing.

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 is electrically connected to the terminal provided in the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lamp comprising the above.

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