Vehicular lighting device and vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting device which can suppress deviation of a position of the vehicular lighting device even in the case where the vehicular lighting device including a light emitting element is mounted on a terminal where the vehicular lighting device including a filament is mounted, and to provide a vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting device includes: a substrate; a light emitting element provided at the substrate; a first protrusion part provided at a first end part of the substrate, and capable of being inserted in a first hole provided at a first terminal of a vehicular lighting fixture; a second protrusion part provided at a second end part opposing to the first end part of the substrate, and capable of being inserted in a second hole provided at a second terminal of the vehicular lighting fixture; and a positioning part provided at the substrate, and capable of regulating a position around a central line of the vehicular lighting device by coming into contact with at least any one of the first terminal and the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a vehicle lighting device that includes a pair of bases and an airtight container that is provided between the bases and that has a filament sealed in. In recent years, from the viewpoints of energy saving and longer life, vehicle lighting devices that include filaments have been replaced with vehicle lighting devices that include light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes.

[0003] In this case, it may be necessary to provide a vehicle lighting device with a light-emitting element that can be attached to a terminal to which a vehicle lighting device with a filament was previously attached. For this reason, a vehicle lighting device has been proposed that includes a light-emitting element and a base that has the same shape as the base provided on the vehicle lighting device with a filament.

[0004] A vehicle lighting device with a filament emits light in almost all directions. In contrast, a vehicle lighting device with a light-emitting element emits light mainly toward the front of the light-emitting element. Therefore, if a vehicle lighting device with a light-emitting element is simply attached to a terminal that previously had a vehicle lighting device with a filament attached, the position of the vehicle lighting device with a light-emitting element may shift due to vibrations caused by driving, and light may not be emitted in the intended location.

[0005] Therefore, there was a need to develop technology that could prevent the position of a vehicle lighting device from shifting even when a vehicle lighting device with a light-emitting element is attached to a terminal to which a vehicle lighting device with a filament was previously attached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-241191 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can prevent the position of a vehicle lighting device from shifting even when a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element is attached to a terminal to which a vehicle lighting device equipped with a filament was previously attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment comprises: a substrate; a light-emitting element provided on the substrate; a first protrusion provided on a first end of the substrate and insertable into a first hole provided in a first terminal of a vehicle lamp; a second protrusion provided on a second end of the substrate opposite the first end and insertable into a second hole provided in a second terminal of the vehicle lamp; and a positioning portion provided on the substrate and capable of determining the position of the vehicle lighting device around a center line by contacting at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can prevent the position of a vehicle lighting device from shifting even when a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element is attached to a terminal to which a vehicle lighting device equipped with a filament was previously attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle lighting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle lighting device. [Figure 4] 5(a) to 5(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the shapes of holes provided in terminals of vehicle lamps. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a positioning portion. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a notch is provided on a side surface of a terminal of a vehicle lamp. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a hole is provided in a terminal of a vehicle lamp. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle lighting device. [Figure 10] 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic views illustrating the formation of a positioning portion. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. In addition, arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction is a direction (thickness direction) perpendicular to the surface 10a of the substrate 10 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The X direction is a direction (length direction) in which the terminal 101a (corresponding to an example of a first terminal) and the terminal 101b (corresponding to an example of a second terminal) of the substrate 10 face each other. The Y direction is a direction (width direction) in which the terminal 101a and the terminal 101b of the vehicle lighting device 100 face each other.

[0012] (Vehicle lighting device) Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment include those used as room lamps, meter lamps, map lamps, trunk lamps, etc., which are provided in automobiles, railroad cars, etc. However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting device 1 as viewed from the Z direction. 2 and 3 are schematic side views of the vehicle lighting device 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting device 1 as viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting device 1 as viewed from the X direction.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes, for example, a substrate 10, a light emitting element 20, a circuit component 30, a connecting portion 40, and a positioning portion 50.

[0015] The substrate 10 is, for example, plate-shaped and has a surface 10a and a surface 10b opposite to the surface 10a. The substrate 10 extends between the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. A center line 10c of the substrate 10 may be the center line 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 10a of the substrate 10 (Z direction), the shape of the substrate 10 may be, for example, a rectangle.

[0016] A protrusion 10d (an example of a first protrusion) is provided at one end (an example of a first end) of the substrate 10 in the X direction. A protrusion 10e (an example of a second protrusion) is provided at the other end (an example of a second end) of the substrate 10. The protrusions 10d and 10e can be provided integrally with the substrate 10 or can be bonded to the substrate 10. For example, the protrusions 10d and 10e can be adhered to or press-fitted into the substrate 10. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, forming the protrusions 10d and 10e integrally with the substrate 10 can reduce manufacturing costs and shorten manufacturing time.

[0017] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface 10a of the substrate 10 (Z direction), the center line of the protrusion 10d and the center line of the protrusion 10e are, for example, on extensions of the center line 10c of the substrate 10. The dimensions of the protrusions 10d and 10e in the Z direction may be the same as or different from the dimensions of the substrate 10. The dimensions of the protrusions 10d and 10e in the Y direction may be smaller than the dimensions of the substrate 10, for example. The dimensions and shapes of the protrusions 10d and 10e may be the same as or different from each other.

[0018] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, the protrusion 10d is inserted into the hole 101a1 (corresponding to an example of a first hole) of the terminal 101a. The protrusion 10e is inserted into the hole 101b1 (corresponding to an example of a second hole) of the terminal 101b. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 is held in the vehicle lamp 100 by the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0019] Furthermore, at least one of the side surfaces of the protrusion 10d and the protrusion 10e can be inclined in the Y direction. For example, the dimension of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e) in the Y direction can be gradually reduced toward the tip of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e). If the side surface of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e) is inclined, the side surface of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e) can be more reliably brought into contact with the inner wall of the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). Therefore, displacement of the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 due to vibrations caused by driving can be more effectively prevented.

[0020] The dimension of the substrate 10 in the Y direction is preferably 20 mm or less, for example, about 6.4 mm. This makes it easy to replace a vehicle lighting device equipped with a filament with the vehicle lighting device 1. The dimension of the substrate 10 in the Z direction can be set to 0.8 mm or more and 2.2 mm or less, for example, about 1.6 mm.

[0021] However, the planar shape and dimensions of the substrate 10 are not limited to those exemplified. For example, the dimension of the portion of the substrate 10 where the light-emitting elements 20 are provided in the Y direction can be made larger than the dimensions of both ends of the substrate 10. Increasing the dimension of the portion of the substrate 10 where the light-emitting elements 20 are provided makes it easier to change the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 20. Furthermore, increasing the dimension of the portion of the substrate 10 where the light-emitting elements 20 are provided makes it easier to hook a finger on the larger dimension portion when attaching or detaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to or from the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. This makes it easier to attach or detach the vehicle lighting device 1 to or from the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0022] The substrate 10 is made of an insulating material. The substrate 10 can be made of an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 10 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material.

[0023] When the light emitting element 20 generates a large amount of heat, it is preferable to use a material with high thermal conductivity to form the substrate 10 from the viewpoint of heat dissipation. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, and metal core substrates. Furthermore, the substrate 10 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0024] A wiring pattern 11 can be provided on the surface 10a of the substrate 10. The wiring pattern 11 is made of a low-resistance metal such as silver, copper, or aluminum.

[0025] The wiring pattern 11 is provided with, for example, a mounting pad 11a and a pair of connection pads 11b. The mounting pads 11a are electrically connected to the circuit components 30. Therefore, the number, shape, and arrangement of the mounting pads 11a can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and arrangement of the circuit components 30.

[0026] One connection pad 11b can be provided near one end of the substrate 10 in the X direction. The other connection pad 11b can be provided near the other end of the substrate 10 in the X direction. The pair of connection pads 11b can be provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical to each other, for example, with the center 10f of the substrate 10 as the center.

[0027] The wiring pattern 11 can also be provided on the surface 10b of the substrate 10. The wiring pattern 11 provided on the surface 10a of the substrate 10 and the wiring pattern 11 provided on the surface 10b of the substrate 10 can be electrically connected by a conductive via that penetrates the thickness direction of the substrate 10. If the wiring pattern 11 is also provided on the surface 10b of the substrate 10, at least one of the light-emitting elements 20 and the circuit components 30 can be provided on the surface 10b of the substrate 10. This allows for a greater number and variety of circuit components 30, making it easier to protect the vehicle lighting device 1 and to increase its functionality.

[0028] The light emitting element 20 can be provided on at least one of the surface 10a and the surface 10b of the substrate 10. In the case of the vehicle lighting device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the light emitting element 20 is provided on the surface 10a of the substrate 10.

[0029] At least one light-emitting element 20 can be provided. In the case of the vehicle lighting device 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, two light-emitting elements 20 are provided. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 can be connected in series. The light-emitting element 20 is electrically connected to the mounting pad 11a of the wiring pattern 11. For example, the light-emitting element 20 can be soldered to the mounting pad 11a.

[0030] The light emitting element 20 may be, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0031] There is no particular limitation on the type of the light-emitting element 20. The light-emitting element 20 may be, for example, a surface-mounted light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or may be a light-emitting element having leads such as a bullet type. The light-emitting element 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a surface-mounted light-emitting element.

[0032] The light emitting element 20 may also be a chip-shaped light emitting element. The chip-shaped light emitting element may be electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11 by, for example, COB (Chip On Board). For example, the chip-shaped light emitting element may be electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11 by using silver paste or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, in the case of a chip-shaped light-emitting element, a frame-shaped member that surrounds the chip-shaped light-emitting element and a sealing portion that is provided inside the frame-shaped member and covers the chip-shaped light-emitting element can be provided on the substrate 10. Furthermore, the sealing portion can also contain a phosphor.

[0034] The light emission surface of the light-emitting element 20 can be approximately parallel to the surface 10a (surface 10b) of the substrate 10. The light-emitting element 20 mainly emits light in a direction perpendicular to the surface 10a (surface 10b) of the substrate 10 (toward the front side of the light-emitting element 20). If the light-emitting element 20 is provided on one surface 10a (surface 10b) of the substrate 10, a biased light distribution characteristic is likely to result. However, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is used as an interior light (e.g., a room lamp, a meter lamp, a map lamp, a trunk lamp, etc.), it is sufficient to irradiate light to one side of the vehicle lighting device 1. Therefore, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is used as an interior light, etc., it is preferable to have such a light distribution characteristic.

[0035] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the light emitting elements 20 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the size, use, etc. of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0036] The circuit component 30 can be a passive element or an active element used to configure a light emitting circuit with the light emitting element 20 . The circuit component 30 may be, for example, a diode 31, a resistor 32, or the like.

[0037] However, the types of circuit components 30 are not limited to those exemplified above, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 20. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the circuit components 30 may also be capacitors, positive temperature coefficient thermistors, negative temperature coefficient thermistors, Zener diodes, inductors, surge absorbers, varistors, transistors such as FETs and bipolar transistors, integrated circuits, and arithmetic elements. The integrated circuit may include, for example, a constant current circuit or a temperature derating circuit.

[0038] Here, the light emitting element 20, such as a light emitting diode, has polarity. Therefore, a diode 31 is provided to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light emitting element 20. The diode 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0039] In this case, a non-polar circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, if a diode bridge is formed using four diodes 31, a non-polar circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. Also, a mark indicating polarity can be provided near the end of the substrate 10 in the X direction.

[0040] The resistor 32 may be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a resistor with leads (metal oxide film resistor), or a film resistor formed by screen printing, etc. The resistor 32 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mount resistor.

[0041] The resistor 32 is provided to keep the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 20 within a predetermined range, and thereby keep the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 within a predetermined range. For example, the resistor 32 having an appropriate resistance value is selected or the resistance value of the resistor 32 is adjusted according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 20, so that the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 20 falls within the predetermined range. The resistor 32 can also have the function of preventing excessive current from flowing through the light-emitting element 20.

[0042] Alternatively, a cover may be provided to cover the portion of the substrate 10 on which the light-emitting elements 20 and the circuit components 30 are provided. The cover may be made of a light-transmitting material. The cover may be made of, for example, glass or a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate. In this case, the cover may be colored as long as it is light-transmitting. Furthermore, the cover may be provided with a lens or the like to function as an optical element, a reflective film or the like to function as a reflector, or a surface irregularity or the like to provide the cover with a glare suppressing function. The cover may be adhered to the substrate 10, or may be detachably attached to the substrate 10.

[0043] 1 to 3, at least one pair of connection portions 40 may be provided. The connection portions 40 are electrically connected to the connection pads 11b of the wiring pattern 11. For example, the connection portions 40 may be joined to the connection pads 11b using solder, a conductive adhesive, or the like. In this case, one connection portion 40 is provided near one end of the substrate 10 and is electrically connected to an electrode of one polarity of the light-emitting element 20. The other connection portion 40 is provided near the other end of the substrate 10 and is electrically connected to an electrode of the other polarity of the light-emitting element 20.

[0044] 1, the other connecting portion 40 can be provided on the opposite side of the center line 10c of the substrate 10 from the side on which the one connecting portion 40 is provided.

[0045] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, one connecting portion 40 comes into contact with the terminal 101a and the other connecting portion 40 comes into contact with the terminal 101b due to the elastic force of the terminals 101a and 101b. Therefore, the light-emitting element 20 can be electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like electrically connected to the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the connection portion 40 has a plate shape. The connection portion 40 is conductive. The connection portion 40 can be formed, for example, by bending a plate-shaped conductive member. In this case, the plate-shaped conductive member can be bent after being joined to the connection pad 11b, or the plate-shaped conductive member can be bent and then joined to the connection pad 11b. The plate-shaped conductive member is, for example, a copper plate or copper alloy plate with a thickness of about 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0047] 2, the end of the connecting portion 40 opposite to the end electrically connected to the light-emitting element 20 is bent with respect to the surface 10a of the substrate 10. This improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101a. It also improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101b.

[0048] 2, the end opposite to the end electrically connected to the light emitting element 20 can be further bent toward the surface 10b of the substrate 10. In this way, the rigidity of the connecting portion 40 can be increased, and the bonding strength between the connecting portion 40 and the substrate 10 can be increased.

[0049] 1, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, the protrusion 10d is inserted into the hole 101a1 of the terminal 101a. The protrusion 10e is inserted into the hole 101b1 of the terminal 101b. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 is held in the vehicle lamp 100 by the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0050] In this case, due to the elastic force of terminal 101a and terminal 101b, one connection portion 40 comes into contact with terminal 101a, and the other connection portion 40 comes into contact with terminal 101b. Therefore, the position of vehicle lighting device 1 around center line 1a is maintained by the frictional force between connection portion 40 and terminal 101a and the frictional force between connection portion 40 and terminal 101b.

[0051] However, vibrations and the like are applied to the vehicle lighting device 1 while the vehicle is traveling. As a result, the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a may not be maintained solely by the frictional force between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101a and the frictional force between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101b.

[0052] A vehicle lighting device with a filament emits light in almost all directions, so even if the position of the vehicle lighting device around the center line is shifted, the light can be emitted to the intended location.

[0053] However, the light-emitting element 20 mainly emits light toward the front side, so if the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a shifts due to vibrations caused by driving, there is a risk that the light will not be emitted to the intended location.

[0054] Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a positioning portion 50. The positioning portion 50 determines the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a by contacting at least one of the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the positioning portion 50 can be made to be able to contact at least one of the side portions of the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0055] The positioning portion 50 can be provided, for example, on the substrate 10. The positioning portion 50 can be provided on at least one side of the substrate 10 in the X direction and the Y direction. For example, if the shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from the Z direction is rectangular, the positioning portion 50 can be provided near at least one of the four corners of the substrate 10, as shown in FIG.

[0056] In the X direction, the end 50a of the positioning portion 50 is located outward from the end of the substrate 10. In this case, in the X direction, the end 50a of the positioning portion 50 is located outward from the terminal 101a (terminal 101b) of the vehicle lamp 100. In the X direction, the position of the end 50a of the positioning portion 50 may be the same as or different from the position of the end of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e).

[0057] In the Y direction, the end 50b of the positioning portion 50 on the center line 1a side is located outward from the terminal 101a (terminal 101b) of the vehicle lamp 100. The end 50b of the positioning portion 50 may be in contact with the terminal 101a (terminal 101b), or a gap may be provided therebetween.

[0058] The dimensions of the positioning portion 50 in the Z direction may be the same as or different from the dimensions of the substrate 10. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the positioning portion 50 when viewed from the Z direction. The shape of the positioning portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 is rectangular.

[0059] The positioning portion 50 can be formed integrally with the substrate 10, or can be bonded to the substrate 10. For example, the positioning portion 50 can be adhered to or press-fitted into the substrate 10. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, if the positioning portion 50 is formed integrally with the substrate 10, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and shorten manufacturing time.

[0060] Next, the function and effect of the positioning portion 50 will be described. As described above, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a is maintained by the frictional force between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101a and the frictional force between the connecting portion 40 and the terminal 101b.

[0061] However, when vibrations or the like caused by driving are applied to the vehicle lighting device 1, the vehicle lighting device 1 may move around the center line 1a against the frictional force described above. In this case, if the positioning portion 50 is provided, the end portion 50b of the positioning portion 50 on the center line 1a side can be brought into contact with the terminal 101a (terminal 101b). This makes it possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from moving around the center line 1a. In other words, it is possible to prevent the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 from shifting around the center line 1a. If it is possible to prevent the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 from shifting around the center line 1a, it is possible to prevent light from being emitted to the intended location.

[0062] The terminal 101a (terminal 101b) of the vehicle lamp 100 may have a hole of several different shapes. 4(a) to 4(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the shapes of holes provided in the terminals of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 4(a) shows the case of the above-mentioned hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). FIG. 4(b) shows a case where a hole 101c1 extending in the Z direction is further connected to the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). FIG. 4(c) shows a case where a hole 101c2 extending in the Z direction is further connected to the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). FIG. 4(d) shows a case where a hole 101c3 extending in the Z direction is further connected to the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). Hole 101a1 (hole 101b1) is provided to hold a base of a vehicle lighting device equipped with a filament. Holes 101c1 to 101c3 are provided to insert the conical tip of the base and guide the base into hole 101a1 (hole 101b1).

[0063] When a hole extending in a predetermined direction (for example, the Z direction) is connected to the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1), a positioning portion 51 that is inserted into the hole can also be provided.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positioning portion 51. As shown in FIG. 5 shows an example in which hole 101c1 is provided, the same applies to cases in which holes connected to hole 101a1 (hole 101b1) and extending in a predetermined direction are provided. The same applies to, for example, holes 101c2 and 101c3.

[0065] 5, when the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, the positioning portion 51 is inserted into the hole 101c1. The positioning portion 51 can be provided, for example, on the surface of the protrusion 10e (protrusion 10d) in the Z direction. The positioning portion 51 can be formed integrally with the protrusion 10e (protrusion 10d), or can be joined to the protrusion 10e (protrusion 10d). The positioning portion 51 may be in contact with the inner wall of the hole 101c1, or a gap may be provided therebetween.

[0066] If the positioning portion 51 is provided, the side portion of the positioning portion 51 can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the hole 101c1 when the vehicle lighting device 1 moves around the center line 1a. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from moving around the center line 1a. In other words, the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a can be prevented from shifting.

[0067] Furthermore, the terminal 101b (terminal 101a) of the vehicle lamp 100 may be provided with a notch 101d. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a notch 101d is provided on the side surface of the terminal 101b (terminal 101a) of the vehicle lamp 100. In FIG.

[0068] 6, when a notch 101d is provided on the side surface of the terminal 101b (terminal 101a), the end 50b of the positioning portion 50 on the center line 1a side can be provided inside the notch 101d. In this case, the end 50b of the positioning portion 50 may be in contact with the inner wall of the notch 101d, or a gap may be provided therebetween.

[0069] If the positioning portion 50 is provided, the side portion of the positioning portion 50 can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the cutout 101d when the vehicle lighting device 1 moves around the center line 1a. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from moving around the center line 1a. In other words, the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a can be prevented from shifting.

[0070] Furthermore, the terminal 101b (terminal 101a) of the vehicle lamp 100 may be provided with a hole 101e in addition to the hole 101a1 (hole 101b1). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a hole 101e is provided in the terminal 101b (terminal 101a) of the vehicle lamp 100. In FIG.

[0071] 7, when a hole 101e is provided in the terminal 101b (terminal 101a), a positioning portion 52 to be inserted into the hole 101e can be provided. In this case, the positioning portion 52 may be in contact with the inner wall of the hole 101e, or a gap may be provided.

[0072] If the positioning portion 52 is provided, the positioning portion 52 can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the hole 101e when the vehicle lighting device 1 moves around the center line 1a. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from moving around the center line 1a. In other words, the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 around the center line 1a can be prevented from shifting. The above-described positioning units 50, 51, and 52 can also be used in combination.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1b according to another embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the vehicle lighting device 1b. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting device 1b as viewed from the Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the vehicle lighting device 1b includes, for example, a substrate 10, a light emitting element 20, a circuit component 30, a positioning portion 60, and a direction determining portion .

[0074] The vehicle lighting device 1b can be configured such that the connecting portion 40 and the positioning portion 50 of the vehicle lighting device 1 described above are replaced with a positioning portion 60, and further includes a direction determining portion . The positioning portion 60 has the functions of the above-mentioned connecting portion 40 and positioning portion 50. For example, at least one pair of positioning portions 60 can be provided.

[0075] The positioning portions 60, which have the function of the connecting portions 40 described above, are conductive and are provided on the connection pads 11b of the wiring pattern 11. For example, the positioning portions 60 can be joined to the connection pads 11b using solder, a conductive adhesive, or the like. In this case, one positioning portion 60 is provided near one end of the substrate 10 and is electrically connected to an electrode of one polarity of the light-emitting element 20. The other positioning portion 60 is provided near the other end of the substrate 10 and is electrically connected to an electrode of the other polarity of the light-emitting element 20.

[0076] 8, the other positioning portion 60 can be provided on the opposite side of the center line 10c of the substrate 10 from the side on which the one positioning portion 60 is provided.

[0077] When the vehicle lighting device 1b is attached to the terminals 101a and 101b of the vehicle lamp 100, one positioning portion 60 contacts the terminal 101a and the other positioning portion 60 contacts the terminal 101b due to the elastic force of the terminals 101a and 101b. Therefore, the light-emitting element 20 can be electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like electrically connected to the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0078] The positioning portion 60 can be formed using, for example, a plate-shaped conductive member. The plate-shaped conductive member is, for example, a copper plate or copper alloy plate with a thickness of about 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0079] 9, one end of the positioning portion 60 in the X direction is bent with respect to the surface 10a of the substrate 10. This improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the positioning portion 60 and the terminal 101a. It also improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the positioning portion 60 and the terminal 101b. The portion of the positioning portion 60 that is electrically connected to the connection pad 11b and the portion that is bent relative to the surface 10a of the substrate 10 function as the connection portion 40 described above.

[0080] Furthermore, one end of the positioning portion 60 can be further bent toward the surface 10b of the substrate, thereby increasing the rigidity of the positioning portion 60 and the bonding strength between the positioning portion 60 and the substrate 10.

[0081] 9, the positioning portion 60 has a protrusion 60a. The protrusion 60a has the function of the positioning portion 50 described above. For example, the protrusion 60a contacts the terminal 101a or the terminal 101b of the vehicle lamp 100 to determine the position of the vehicle lighting device 1b around the center line 1c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 60a can be made to be able to contact the side of the terminal 101a or the side of the terminal 101b.

[0082] In the X direction, the end 60a1 of the protrusion 60a is located outward from the end of the substrate 10. In this case, in the X direction, the end 60a1 of the protrusion 60a is located outward from the terminal 101a (terminal 101b) of the vehicle lamp 100. In the X direction, the position of the end 60a1 of the protrusion 60a may be the same as or different from the position of the end of the protrusion 10d (protrusion 10e).

[0083] In the Y direction, an end 60a2 of the protrusion 60a on the center line 1c side is located outward from the terminal 101a (terminal 101b) of the vehicle lamp 100. The end 60a2 of the positioning portion 50 may be in contact with the terminal 101a (terminal 101b), or a gap may be provided therebetween.

[0084] There are no particular limitations on the shape of the protrusion 60a when viewed from the Z direction. The shape of the protrusion 60a illustrated in Fig. 8 is quadrangular.

[0085] The positioning portion 60 can be formed, for example, by bending a plate-shaped conductive member. 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic views illustrating the formation of the positioning portion 60. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 10(a), a notch 61a extending in the X direction is provided on one end side of a plate-shaped conductive member 61. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(b), one side of the conductive member 61 where the cut 61a is provided is bent in the Z direction. The other side of the conductive member 61 where the cutout 61a is provided becomes a protrusion 60a having an end 60a1 and an end 60a2. In this manner, the positioning portion 60 can be formed. The conductive member 61 may be bent after being bonded to the connection pad 11b, or may be bent before being bonded to the connection pad 11b.

[0086] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the direction determining portion 70 can be provided, for example, at one end (corresponding to an example of a third end) of the substrate 10 in the Y direction. The direction determining portion 70 functions as an indicator that displays the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b. The direction determining portion 70 can be formed, for example, integrally with the substrate 10. In the Y direction, the direction determining portion 70 protrudes from the end of the substrate 10. The dimension L (protruding dimension) of the direction determining portion 70 in the Y direction can be, for example, about 1.5 mm. The dimension W (width dimension) of the direction determining portion 70 in the X direction can be, for example, about 2.6 mm.

[0087] If the direction determining unit 70 is provided, a worker or the like can know whether the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b is correct when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1b to the vehicle lamp 100. In other words, the direction determining unit 70 has the function of an indicator that displays the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1b. The direction determining unit 70 can also be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1 described above.

[0088] (vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above-described description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the vehicle lighting device 1b, the positioning units 50, 51, 52, and any modifications of the vehicle lighting device 1 that are made by a person skilled in the art by adding, deleting, or modifying the design of components as appropriate, but that still have the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0089] Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp 100 according to this embodiment. In the following, as an example, a case where one vehicle lighting device 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 is provided will be described. However, it is sufficient that at least one of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the vehicle lighting device 1b is provided. Furthermore, although a case where a positioning portion 50 is provided will be illustrated, the same can be applied to a case where positioning portions 51 and 52 are provided.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle lamp 100 may include a vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a terminal 101a, a terminal 101b, and a cover .

[0091] The housing 101 is, for example, in the shape of a box with one end open, and is made of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. Terminals 101a and 101b are provided inside housing 101. Terminals 101a and 101b face each other.

[0092] The cover 102 is provided, for example, to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is formed, for example, from a light-transmitting resin. The cover 102 may have a function such as a lens, or may suppress glare. The cover 102 may be provided on the housing 101 so as to be openable and closable, or so as to be detachable.

[0093] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the terminals 101a and 101b, at least one of the terminals 101a and 101b is elastically deformed in a direction that increases the distance between the terminals 101a and 101b. Next, the protrusion 10d is inserted into the hole 101a1 of the terminal 101a, and the protrusion 10e is inserted into the hole 101b1 of the terminal 101b. Next, the elastically deformed terminals 101a and 101b are returned to their original shapes, and the connection portion 40 is electrically connected to the terminals 101a and 101b, respectively. In this manner, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be attached to the terminals 101a and 101b.

[0094] By attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the terminals 101a and 101b, it is possible to electrically connect the vehicle lighting device 1 to a lighting circuit or the like electrically connected to the terminals 101a and 101b. The lighting circuit or the like can be provided, for example, on an inner wall surface or an outer wall surface of the housing 101, or can be provided at a position separated from the housing 101.

[0095] As described above, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with the positioning unit 50. Therefore, even if vibrations caused by driving are applied to the vehicle lighting device 1, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from moving around the center line 1a. In other words, it is possible to prevent the position of the vehicle lighting device 1 from shifting around the center line 1a, and therefore it is possible to prevent light from not being emitted to the intended location.

[0096] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0097] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0098] (Appendix 1) substrate and; a light-emitting element provided on the substrate; a first protrusion provided on a first end of the substrate and insertable into a first hole provided in a first terminal of the vehicle lamp; a second protrusion provided on a second end portion of the substrate opposite to the first end portion, the second protrusion being insertable into a second hole provided in a second terminal of the vehicle lamp; a positioning portion provided on the substrate, the positioning portion being capable of determining a position of the vehicle lighting device around a center line by contacting at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal; A vehicle lighting device equipped with:

[0099] (Appendix 2) 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion is capable of contacting at least one of a side portion of the first terminal and a side portion of the second terminal.

[0100] (Appendix 3) 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion is integrally formed with the substrate.

[0101] (Appendix 4) 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion is provided on a connection pad that is conductive and electrically connected to the light-emitting element.

[0102] (Appendix 5) 5. The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a direction determining portion protruding from a third end portion of the substrate that intersects with the first end portion.

[0103] (Appendix 6) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5; a first terminal having a first hole into which a first protrusion provided on the vehicle lighting device is inserted; a second terminal having a second hole into which a second protrusion provided on the vehicle lighting device is inserted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a center line, 1b vehicle lighting device, 1c center line, 10 substrate, 10d convex portion, 10e convex portion, 11b connection pad, 20 light emitting element, 40 connection portion, 50 positioning portion, 51 positioning portion, 52 positioning portion, 60 positioning portion, 70 direction determining portion, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing, 101a terminal, 101a1 hole, 101b terminal, 101b1 hole

Claims

1. a substrate; a light-emitting element provided on the substrate; a first protrusion provided on a first end of the substrate and insertable into a first hole provided in a first terminal of a vehicle lamp; a second protrusion provided on a second end portion of the substrate opposite to the first end portion, the second protrusion being insertable into a second hole provided in a second terminal of the vehicle lamp; a positioning portion provided on the substrate, the positioning portion being capable of determining a position of the vehicle lighting device around a center line by contacting at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal; A vehicle lighting device equipped with:

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the positioning portion is capable of contacting at least one of a side portion of the first terminal and a side portion of the second terminal.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning portion is formed integrally with the substrate.

4. 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion is provided on a connection pad that is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the light emitting element.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a direction determining portion protruding from a third end portion of the substrate that intersects with the first end portion.

6. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; a first terminal having a first hole into which a first protrusion provided on the vehicle lighting device is inserted; a second terminal having a second hole into which a second protrusion provided on the vehicle lighting device is inserted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with:

Images