Vehicle lighting device and vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle in which a socket is formed by a resin molding method.SOLUTION: The vehicle lighting device includes a socket, and a light emitting module which is provided on one end portion side of the socket and includes a light emitting element. The socket has a flange 13, a heat radiation fin 14, and a connector holder 15 having a first part extending in a direction along a center shaft of the vehicular lighting system and a second partial side 15b2 provided with a projecting claw side 15b on a side part. When the angle between the side 15b of the second partial 15b1 and the side 15b2 of the claw 15b2a is θ 1, and the angle between the partial 14a of the inner wall of the first recess 15b2 on the side facing the side 15b2a of the claw 14a1 and the extension line of the bottom 14a of the first recess is θ 2, the following formula is satisfied. 14a2. Θ 2 ≤ θ 1 SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art From the viewpoints of energy saving and long life, vehicle lighting devices equipped with light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes are becoming increasingly popular instead of vehicle lighting devices equipped with lamps having filaments. Such a vehicle lighting device includes a socket, a light-emitting module provided at one end of the socket and having a light-emitting element, and the socket is provided with a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the light-emitting element, a cylindrical connector holder having the plurality of terminals exposed therein, and a heat dissipation fin provided alongside the connector holder and extending in a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device.

[0003] When electrically connecting such a vehicle lighting device to a lighting circuit installed in a vehicle, a connector electrically connected to the lighting circuit is fitted into a plurality of terminals exposed inside the connector holder. In addition, convex claws are provided on the sides of the connector holder, and recesses or holes are provided in the connector to fit into the convex claws.

[0004] Generally, the connector holder extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the vehicle lighting device. However, depending on the installation space of the vehicle lighting device, it may be preferable for the connector holder to extend in a direction intersecting the central axis of the vehicle lighting device.

[0005] Here, when the socket is provided with a connector holder that extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has convex claws on the sides, and a heat dissipation fin that extends in a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has a recess that opens at the end, it may be difficult to form the socket using a resin molding method such as injection molding or insert molding.

[0006] Therefore, there was a need to develop a technology that could easily form, using a resin molding method, a socket that includes a connector holder that extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has convex claws on the sides, and a heat dissipation fin that extends in a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has a recess that opens at the end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-195099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can easily form, using a resin molding method, a socket that includes a connector holder that extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has convex claws on the sides, and a heat dissipation fin that extends in a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has a recess that opens at the end. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket and a light-emitting module provided at one end of the socket and having a light-emitting element. The socket includes a flange, a heat dissipation fin provided on the flange opposite the side where the light-emitting module is provided and having a first recess that opens at the end opposite the flange, and a connector holder provided on the flange opposite the side where the light-emitting module is provided and having a first portion extending along a central axis of the vehicle lighting device and a second portion having one end provided on the first portion, extending in a direction intersecting the central axis, and having a convex claw on a side thereof. When the angle between the side of the second portion and the side of the claw is θ1 and the angle between the portion of the inner wall of the first recess facing the side of the claw and an extension of the bottom surface of the first recess is θ2, the following equation is satisfied: θ2≦θ1 [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp can be provided that can easily form, using a resin molding method, a socket that includes a connector holder that extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has convex claws on the sides, and a heat dissipation fin that extends in a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device and has a recess that opens at the end. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle lighting device in FIG. 1 as viewed from a direction B. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the socket in FIG. 3 taken along line CC. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the socket in FIG. 3 taken along line CD. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in, for example, an automobile, a railway vehicle, etc. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 installed in an automobile include those used as front combination lights (for example, an appropriate combination of daytime running lamps (DRLs), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.) and rear combination lights (for example, an appropriate combination of stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, backup lamps, fog lamps, etc.). However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle lighting device 1 in FIG. 1 as viewed from the B direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes a socket 10, a light-emitting module 20, and a power supply unit 30, for example.

[0015] The socket 10 has, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15. The mounting portion 11, the bayonet 12, the flange 13, the heat dissipation fins 14, and the connector holder 15 can be integrally formed using, for example, a resin molding method such as injection molding.

[0016] The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recess 11a that opens at the end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0017] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on the side of the mounting portion 11. The bayonet 12 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device 1. The bayonet 12 faces the flange 13. A plurality of bayonets 12 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to, for example, a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described below. The bayonet 12 can be used for a twist lock.

[0018] The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially circular plate shape. The side of the flange 13 is located further outward from the vehicle lighting device 1 than the side of the bayonet 12.

[0019] The heat dissipation fin 14 is provided on the flange 13 on the side opposite to the side on which the light emitting module 20 is provided. At least one heat dissipation fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 can be provided on the socket 10. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat dissipation fin 14 has, for example, at least one recess 14a (corresponding to an example of a first recess) that opens at the end (tip) on the side opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0020] The connector holder 15 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module 20 is provided. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 has a first portion 15a extending in a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, and a second portion 15b having one end provided on the first portion 15a and extending in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. One end of the first portion 15a is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. The second portion 15b has, for example, a cylindrical shape and is provided near the end of the first portion 15a opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0021] 2 and 3, a convex claw 15b2 is provided on a side 15b1 of the second portion 15b opposite the flange 13 side. As will be described later, a connector 105 having a seal member 105a is inserted into the second portion 15b. When the connector 105 is inserted into the second portion 15b, the claw 15b2 provided on the second portion 15b fits into a recess or hole provided in the connector 105. For example, the claw 15b2 can be used to prevent the connector 105 from coming off.

[0022] 2, side 15b2a of claw 15b2 on the first portion 15a side is inclined toward first portion 15a as it approaches the tip of claw 15b2. For example, angle θ1 between side 15b1 of second portion 15b and side 15b2a of claw 15b2 can be approximately 85°. If side 15b2a of claw 15b2 is inclined, it is possible to prevent connector 105 from falling off connector holder 15 even if vibrations caused by driving are applied to vehicle lighting device 1.

[0023] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and a function of transferring heat generated in the light emitting module 20 to the outside. In recent years, there has been a demand for a lighter vehicle lighting device 1, and therefore a lighter socket 10.

[0024] Therefore, the socket 10 can be formed from, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin. A highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler such as carbon or aluminum oxide. If the socket 10 includes a highly thermally conductive resin, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. Furthermore, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced. A socket 10 including a highly thermally conductive resin can be formed using, for example, a resin molding method such as injection molding.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light-emitting module 20 can be provided on one end of the socket 10. For example, the light-emitting module 20 can be attached to a protrusion 11a2 provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a of the mounting section 11. The adhesive used to attach the light-emitting module 20 is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be an adhesive mixed with a filler made of a conductive material or an inorganic material.

[0026] The light-emitting module 20 can be adhered to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, or to a recess provided in the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. A heat transfer part made of metal can also be adhered between the light-emitting module 20 and the socket 10.

[0027] The light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a frame 23, a sealing portion 24, a circuit element 25, and an optical element 26.

[0028] The substrate 21 has a plate-like shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 21 can be formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 21 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may also have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0029] Furthermore, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is made of, for example, a material containing silver as a main component or a material containing copper as a main component.

[0030] Furthermore, a covering portion can be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a, a film-like resistor (to be described later), etc. The covering portion can include, for example, a glass material.

[0031] The light-emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21 (on the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side). The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. At least one light-emitting element 22 can be provided. The light-emitting module 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. When a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 can be connected in series.

[0032] The light emitting element 22 may be, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0033] The light emitting element 22 may be any of a chip-type light emitting element, a surface-mounted light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, and a light emitting element having leads such as a bullet type.

[0034] However, if the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element, the light emitting module 20 can be made smaller, and therefore the vehicle lighting device 1 can be made smaller. Therefore, in the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element will be described.

[0035] The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 may be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, a top and bottom electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip-chip type light-emitting element.

[0036] The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light-emitting element 22. The frame portion 23 can be adhered onto the substrate 21 using an adhesive. The outline of the frame portion 23 (outline of the planar shape) when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the required light distribution characteristics, luminance distribution, etc. For example, the outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 can be a circle, a rectangle, an ellipse, etc. The outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a circle.

[0037] The frame portion 23 functions as a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 and defines the area in which the sealing portion 24 is formed. Therefore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, it is possible to improve the extraction efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. Furthermore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, it is possible to reduce the area in which the sealing portion 24 is formed, thereby enabling the light-emitting module 20 to be made smaller, and therefore the vehicle lighting device 1 to be made smaller.

[0038] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area surrounded by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting element 22. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. The sealing portion 24 may also contain a phosphor.

[0039] If the light emitting element 22 is a surface-mounted light emitting element or a bullet-type light emitting element having lead wires, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0040] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element used to configure a light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, around the periphery of the frame portion 23 and is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0041] 1 are a protection element 25a, a control element 25b, and a resistor 25c. However, the circuit elements 25 provided in the light-emitting circuit are not limited to those illustrated. For example, in addition to those described above, the circuit elements 25 may also be a capacitor, 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.

[0042] The protective element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from being applied from the reverse direction to the light-emitting element 22. The protective element 25a is, for example, a diode. The protective element 25a illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0043] The control element 25b is provided, for example, to switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 22, to perform temperature derating, and to control the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22. However, the functions and uses of the control element 25b are not limited to those exemplified. The control element 25b can be, for example, a transistor or an integrated circuit. The control element 25b exemplified in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted integrated circuit.

[0044] The resistor 25c may be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a resistor with leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by screen printing, etc. The resistor 25c illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mount resistor.

[0045] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, if the voltage applied between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is constant, variation occurs in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22. Therefore, to keep the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is controlled to be within a predetermined range by using the resistor 25c connected in series to the light-emitting element 22. In this case, the resistance value of the resistor 25c is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 within the predetermined range.

[0046] If the resistor 25c is a surface-mount resistor or a resistor with leads, the resistor 25c should have an appropriate resistance value depending on the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22. If the resistor 25c is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of the resistor 25c. For example, a portion of the film resistor can be easily removed by irradiating the film resistor with laser light. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistors 25c are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the number and specifications of the light-emitting elements 22.

[0047] The optical element 26 can be provided, for example, on the sealing portion 24. The optical element 26 can be, for example, a convex lens, a concave lens, a light guide, etc. The optical element 26 illustrated in Fig. 2 is a convex lens.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32.

[0049] The plurality of power supply terminals 31 are L-shaped and provided inside the socket 10. One end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 protrudes, for example, from a protrusion 11a2 provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a of the mounting portion 11. One end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is soldered to a wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. That is, one end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 is electrically connected to the light-emitting module 20. The other end of each of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 protrudes from a side portion of the first portion 15a of the connector holder 15 and is exposed inside the cylindrical second portion 15b. The plurality of power supply terminals 31 are formed of a metal such as a copper alloy.

[0050] For example, when socket 10 is formed using a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using carbon, socket 10 becomes conductive. Therefore, holding portion 32 is provided to insulate multiple power supply terminals 31 from conductive socket 10. Note that when socket 10 is formed using an insulating highly thermally conductive resin (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), holding portion 32 can be omitted.

[0051] For example, power supply unit 30 having a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and holding portion 32 can be provided inside socket 10 by filling a mold holding power supply unit 30 with molten highly thermally conductive resin. In other words, power supply unit 30 can be provided inside socket 10 using insert molding.

[0052] As described above, the socket 10 is formed using a resin molding method such as injection molding or insert molding. In the resin molding method, a fixed mold attached to the injection unit of the molding machine and a movable mold attached to the clamping unit and reciprocating in a predetermined direction are used.

[0053] In this case, as described above, the convex claws 15b2 are provided on the side portions 15b1 of the second portion 15b extending in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, the heat dissipation fins 14 having the recesses 14a are provided side by side with the claws 15b2. In this case, the protruding direction of the claws 15b2 and the extending direction of the inner wall of the recesses 14a are substantially along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0054] As described above, the inclined side 15b2a of the claw 15b2 is effective in preventing the connector 105 from coming loose. Therefore, it is preferable to move the movable mold in the inclined direction of the side 15b2a of the claw 15b2. In this way, it becomes easy to separate the movable mold from the claw 15b2 whose side 15b2a is inclined.

[0055] However, if the inner wall of the recess 14a provided in the heat dissipation fin 14 extends in a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, the movable mold, which moves in the inclined direction of the side portion 15b2a of the claw 15b2, will have difficulty separating from the inner wall of the recess 14a when separating from the claw 15b2. Therefore, in socket 10 according to the present embodiment, when the movable mold is separated from claw 15b2, the movable mold is also easily separated from the inner wall of recess 14a.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the socket 10 in FIG. 3 taken along line CC. 4, the angle θ2 between the portion 14a1 of the inner wall of the recess 14a facing the side portion 15b2a of the claw 15b2 and the extension of the bottom surface 14a2 of the recess 14a is preferably set to satisfy "θ2≦θ1." In this way, the movable mold can be easily separated from the claw 15b2 and the inner wall of the recess 14a provided in the heat dissipation fin 14.

[0057] That is, with the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily form, using a resin molding method, a socket 10 having a connector holder 15 that extends in a direction intersecting the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 and has convex claws 15b2, and heat dissipation fins 14 that extend in a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0058] Note that a portion 14a3 of the inner wall of the recess 14a, which faces the portion 14a1, may be substantially perpendicular to an extension of the bottom surface 14a2 of the recess 14a, or may be inclined at an angle θ2.

[0059] Furthermore, a recess may be further provided on the side of socket 10 where connector holder 15 is provided. For example, when forming socket 10 using a resin molding method, if there are any parts where the wall thickness is too thick, "sink marks" are likely to occur in those parts. Therefore, by providing a recess in the part where the wall thickness is too thick and adjusting the wall thickness, "sink marks" may be less likely to occur.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first part 15a of the connector holder 15 may have a recess 15a2 (which corresponds to an example of a second recess) that opens to the end 15a1 opposite the flange 13 side.

[0061] In such a case, it is preferable that the movable mold be easily separated from the inner wall of the recess 15a2 when it separates from the claw 15b2.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the socket 10 in FIG. 3 taken along line CD. As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the angle θ3 between the portion 15a2a of the inner wall of the recess 15a2 facing the side portion 15b2a of the claw 15b2 and the extension line of the bottom surface 15a2b of the recess 15a2 satisfies "θ3≦θ1". In this way, the movable mold can be easily separated from the claws 15b2 and the inner wall of the recess 15a2 provided in the first portion 15a of the connector holder 15. In this case, the angle θ3 may be the same as or different from the angle θ2 described above.

[0063] A portion 15a2c of the inner wall of the recess 15a2 facing the portion 15a2a may be substantially perpendicular to an extension of the bottom surface 15a2b of the recess 15a2, or may be inclined at an angle θ3.

[0064] Furthermore, the outer wall 15a3 of the first portion 15a, which faces the side portion 15b2a of the claw 15b2, can be inclined in the same direction as the side portion 15b2a of the claw 15b2. In this case, it is preferable that the angle θ4 between the outer wall 15a3 of the first portion 15a and an extension line of the side portion 15b1 of the second portion 15b satisfies "θ4≦θ1." In this way, the movable mold can be easily separated from between the claw 15b2 and the first portion 15a.

[0065] (vehicle lighting fixtures)

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above-mentioned description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, versions in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components, and which still have the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0067] In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the vehicular lamp 100 is a front combination light installed in an automobile. However, the vehicular lamp 100 is not limited to a front combination light installed in an automobile. The vehicular lamp 100 may be any vehicular lamp that is installed in an automobile, a railroad car, or the like.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0069] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 is box-shaped with one end open. The housing 101 is formed, for example, from a light-opaque resin. The bottom of the housing 101 is provided with a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted. A recess is provided around the periphery of the mounting hole 101a into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. Note that although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 has been exemplified, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may also be provided on the housing 101.

[0070] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 where the bayonet 12 is provided is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of attachment method is called a twist lock.

[0071] The cover 102 is provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function such as a lens.

[0072] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0073] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0074] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the seal member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the seal member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. Furthermore, the elastic force of the seal member 104 presses the bayonet 12 against the housing 101. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be prevented from detaching from the housing 101.

[0075] The connector 105 is fitted to the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit and the like are electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to the ends of the plurality of power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the like can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22.

[0076] Furthermore, when connector 105 is inserted into connector holder 15, claws 15b2 provided on connector holder 15 fit into recesses or holes provided in connector 105. Since side portions 15b2a of claws 15b2 are inclined, connector 105 can be prevented from falling off connector holder 15 even if vibrations caused by driving are applied to vehicle lighting device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed so as to be watertight.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0080] (Appendix 1) Socket and; a light-emitting module provided at one end of the socket and having a light-emitting element; Equipped with The socket is flange and; a heat dissipation fin provided on the flange on the side opposite to the side on which the light emitting module is provided, the heat dissipation fin having a first recess that opens to an end portion on the side opposite to the flange; a connector holder having a first portion provided on the flange opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided and extending in a direction along a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and a second portion having one end provided on the first portion, extending in a direction intersecting the central axis, and having a convex claw provided on a side thereof; and the angle between the side of the second portion and the side of the claw is θ1; A vehicle lighting device that satisfies the following formula when the angle between the portion of the inner wall of the first recess that faces the side of the claw and an extension line of the bottom surface of the first recess is θ2. θ2≦θ1

[0081] (Appendix 2) the first portion further has a second recess that opens to an end opposite to the flange side, A vehicle lighting device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the following formula is satisfied when the angle between the portion of the inner wall of the second recess facing the side portion of the claw and an extension line of the bottom surface of the second recess is θ3. θ3≦θ1

[0082] (Appendix 3) The socket further includes an L-shaped power supply terminal provided inside the socket, one end of the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the light-emitting module; 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the power supply terminal is exposed inside the second portion having a cylindrical shape.

[0083] (Appendix 4) the socket includes a highly thermally conductive resin; The vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the connector holder having the first portion and the second portion on which the convex claw is provided, the flange, and the heat dissipation fin are integrally formed.

[0084] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4; a housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 socket, 11 mounting portion, 13 flange, 14 heat dissipation fin, 14a recess, 14a1 portion, 15 connector holder, 15a first portion, 15a1 end portion, 15a2 recess, 15a2a portion, 15a2b bottom surface, 15b second portion, 15b2 claw, 20 light emitting module, 22 light emitting element, 31 power supply terminal, 100 vehicle lighting fixture, 101 housing

Claims

1. Socket and; a light-emitting module provided at one end of the socket and having a light-emitting element; Equipped with The socket is a flange; a heat dissipation fin provided on the flange on the side opposite to the side on which the light emitting module is provided, the heat dissipation fin having a first recess that opens to an end portion on the side opposite to the flange side; a connector holder having a first portion provided on the flange opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module is provided and extending in a direction along a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, and a second portion having one end provided on the first portion, extending in a direction intersecting the central axis, and having a convex claw provided on a side thereof; and The angle between the side of the second portion and the side of the claw is θ1; A vehicle lighting device that satisfies the following formula when the angle between the portion of the inner wall of the first recess that faces the side portion of the claw and an extension line of the bottom surface of the first recess is θ2. θ2≦θ1

2. the first portion further has a second recess that opens to an end opposite to the flange side, 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the following formula is satisfied when the angle between the portion of the inner wall of the second recess facing the side portion of the claw and an extension line of the bottom surface of the second recess is θ3. θ3≦θ1

3. a power supply terminal having an L-shape and provided inside the socket; one end of the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the light-emitting module; 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the power supply terminal is exposed inside the second portion having a cylindrical shape.

4. the socket includes a highly thermally conductive resin; 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the connector holder, the flange, and the heat dissipation fins are integrally formed, the connector holder having the first portion and the second portion on which the convex claws are provided.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; a housing to which the vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with:

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