Vehicle lighting devices and vehicle lamps

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can obtain a predetermined light emission distribution without changing at least one of the arrangement and number of chip-shaped light-emitting elements or the optical properties of the lens. [Solution] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment comprises: a socket; a substrate provided on one end side of the socket; a chip-shaped light-emitting element provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to the socket side; a frame portion provided on the surface of the substrate, having a frame shape, surrounding the light-emitting element, and having an inclined portion or recess at the end opposite to the substrate side; and a lens provided on the side of the frame portion opposite to the substrate side, having an optical portion that protrudes toward the substrate side from the inside of the frame portion. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the frame portion, the inner wall of the frame portion and the inclined portion or recess overlap with the optical portion. A gap is provided between the inclined portion or recess and the optical portion in the direction along the central axis of the frame portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp.

Background Art

[0002] From the viewpoints of energy saving and extended lifespan, instead of a vehicle lighting device including a lamp having a filament, the spread of vehicle lighting devices including a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode has been progressing. Such a vehicle lighting device is provided with a light-emitting module having a light-emitting element.

[0003] Here, in recent years, miniaturization and high luminous flux of vehicle lighting devices, and thus miniaturization and high luminous flux of light-emitting modules, have been desired. Therefore, a vehicle lighting device has been proposed that includes a plurality of chip-shaped light-emitting elements provided on a substrate, a frame-shaped frame portion surrounding the plurality of chip-shaped light-emitting elements, a sealing portion provided inside the frame portion to cover the plurality of chip-shaped light-emitting elements, and a lens provided on the sealing portion.

[0004] By providing chip-shaped light-emitting elements, for example, miniaturization of the light-emitting module can be achieved compared to the case of providing a surface-mounted light-emitting element. Further, the frame portion also has the function of a reflector. Therefore, if the frame portion and the lens are provided, high luminous flux of the vehicle lighting device can be achieved.

[0005] However, a vehicle lighting device is required to have a predetermined light emission distribution according to its use. Therefore, in the case of a light-emitting module including a plurality of chip-shaped light-emitting elements and a lens, it is necessary to change the arrangement and number of the chip-shaped light-emitting elements and the optical characteristics (for example, the shape of the lens, etc.) of the lens each time according to the required light emission distribution.

[0006] Therefore, the development of a technology capable of obtaining a predetermined light emission distribution without changing at least any one of the arrangement and number of the chip-shaped light-emitting elements and the optical characteristics of the lens has been desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-195099 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can obtain a predetermined light emission distribution without changing at least one of the arrangement and number of chip-shaped light-emitting elements and the optical properties of the lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment comprises: a socket; a substrate provided on one end side of the socket; a chip-shaped light-emitting element provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to the socket side; a frame-shaped frame provided on the surface of the substrate, surrounding the light-emitting element, and having an inclined portion or recess at the end opposite to the substrate side; and a lens provided on the side of the frame opposite to the substrate side, having an optical portion that protrudes toward the substrate side from the inside of the frame. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the frame, the inner wall of the frame and the inclined portion or recess overlap with the optical portion. A gap is provided between the inclined portion or recess and the optical portion in the direction along the central axis of the frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can obtain a predetermined light emission distribution without changing at least one of the arrangement and number of chip-shaped light-emitting elements and the optical characteristics of the lens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting device shown in Figure 1, along line AA. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view illustrating a lens. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the positional relationship between the frame and the lens. [Figure 5] This is a schematic enlarged view of section B in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the frame. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a frame portion according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting fixture. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] (Vehicle lighting equipment) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in, for example, automobiles or railway vehicles. Examples of vehicle lighting devices 1 installed in automobiles include those used in front combination lights (for example, a combination of daytime running lamps (DRL), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.) or rear combination lights (for example, a combination of stop lamps, taillights, turn signal lamps, backup lamps, fog lamps, etc.). However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the vehicle lighting device 1 in Figure 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a socket 10, a light-emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40. 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.

[0015] The mounting portion 11 is provided on a surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side where 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 an end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0016] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on the side surface 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 can be provided. The bayonet 12 is used, for example, when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described later. The bayonet 12 can be used for a twist lock.

[0017] The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially disc shape. The side surface of the flange 13 is located outside the vehicle lighting device 1 compared to the side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0018] The heat dissipation fins 14 are provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. 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. The heat dissipation fins 14 have, for example, a plate shape or a cylindrical shape.

[0019] The connector holder 15 is provided on the flange 13 on the side opposite to the mounting portion 11. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 is cylindrical, and a connector 105 having a sealing member 105a is inserted into it.

[0020] The socket 10 has the function of holding the light-emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and the function of transferring heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the outside. For this reason, it is preferable to form the socket 10 from a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the socket 10 can be formed from a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0021] Furthermore, the socket 10 can also 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 is made of a highly thermally conductive resin and the mounting part 11, bayonet 12, flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and connector holder 15 are integrally molded, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. In addition, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced.

[0022] The power supply unit 30 has, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32. The multiple power supply terminals 31 can be rod-shaped. One end of each power supply terminal 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of each power supply terminal 31 is soldered to a wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of each power supply terminal 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted onto the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The multiple power supply terminals 31 are formed from a metal such as a copper alloy.

[0023] As mentioned above, the socket 10 is formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. In this case, metals such as aluminum alloys and highly thermally conductive resins containing carbon fillers are conductive. Therefore, the retaining portion 32 is provided to insulate the multiple power supply terminals 31 from the conductive socket 10. The retaining portion 32 also has the function of holding the multiple power supply terminals 31. Note that if the socket 10 is formed from a highly thermally conductive resin with insulating properties (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing aluminum oxide fillers), the retaining portion 32 can be omitted. In this case, the socket 10 holds the multiple power supply terminals 31. The retaining portion 32 is formed from, for example, a resin with insulating properties. The retaining portion 32 can be, for example, press-fitted into a hole provided in the socket 10 or joined to the inner wall of the hole using an adhesive.

[0024] The heat transfer section 40 is plate-shaped and is provided between the socket 10 and the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat transfer section 40 can be joined to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a using an adhesive, for example. Alternatively, the heat transfer section 40 can be joined to the inside of the recess provided on the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a using an adhesive, or the heat transfer section 40 can be attached to the inside of the recess via thermal conductive grease (heat dissipation grease), or the heat transfer section 40 can be embedded inside the recess by an insert molding method.

[0025] The heat transfer element 40 is formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer element 40 can be formed from a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy. Furthermore, if, for example, the socket 10 is made of metal, or if the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 is small, the heat transfer section 40 can be omitted.

[0026] The light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is provided on one end of the socket 10. For example, the light-emitting module 20 can be bonded to the heat transfer section 40 using adhesive. If the heat transfer section 40 is omitted, for example, the light-emitting module 20 can be bonded to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a using adhesive. The light-emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light-emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, a circuit element 25, and a lens 26.

[0027] The substrate 21 is plate-shaped. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, approximately rectangular. The substrate 21 can be formed from inorganic materials such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or organic materials 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 coated with an insulating material. Furthermore, the substrate 21 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0028] Furthermore, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the side 21b of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side. The wiring pattern 21a is formed from, for example, a material mainly composed of silver or a material mainly composed of copper.

[0029] Furthermore, a covering portion can be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a and the film-shaped resistor described later. The covering portion may include, for example, a glass material.

[0030] The light-emitting element 22 is provided on the surface 21b of the substrate 21. The light-emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. Multiple light-emitting elements 22 can be provided. Multiple light-emitting elements 22 can be connected in series.

[0031] The light-emitting element 22 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode, an organic light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

[0032] The light-emitting element 22 can be a chip-shaped light-emitting element. If the light-emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light-emitting element, the light-emitting module 20 can be made smaller, and consequently the vehicle lighting device 1 can be made smaller, compared to cases where the light-emitting element 22 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or a light-emitting element with lead wires such as a bullet-shaped element.

[0033] The light-emitting element 22 can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a using COB (Chip On Board). The light-emitting element 22 may be an upper electrode type light-emitting element, an upper and lower electrode type light-emitting element, or a flip-chip type light-emitting element.

[0034] The frame portion 23 is provided on the surface 21b of the substrate 21. For example, the frame portion 23 can be bonded to the surface 21b of the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. The frame portion 23 has, for example, the function of reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting elements 22 and the function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24. Therefore, if the frame portion 23 is provided, the light-emitting module 20 can be made more luminous and smaller.

[0035] The outline of the frame portion 23, when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, can be appropriately changed depending on the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 22. For example, the outline of the frame portion 23 may be a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, etc. Note that the outline of the frame portion 23 exemplified in Figures 1 and 2 is a circle.

[0036] The material of the frame portion 23 can be, for example, a resin. The resin can be a thermoplastic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PET, nylon, PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PS (polystyrene). In this case, if at least one of a white resin and a resin containing light-scattering particles (for example, titanium dioxide particles) is used, the reflectance to light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 can be improved.

[0037] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area enclosed by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 covers a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. The sealing portion 24 contains a light-transmitting resin. The sealing portion 24 is formed, for example, by filling the inside of the frame portion 23 with resin. The resin used for filling is, for example, silicone resin. Furthermore, the sealing portion 24 may also include a phosphor. The type of phosphor can be appropriately changed to obtain a predetermined emission color depending on the application of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0038] The circuit element 25 can be a passive or active element used to constitute a light-emitting circuit having a light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, around the frame portion 23 and electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The circuit element 25 may also be provided, for example, in a lighting circuit provided outside the vehicle lighting device 1. This simplifies the configuration of the light-emitting module 20, thereby enabling miniaturization and cost reduction of the vehicle lighting device 1. However, if the circuit element 25 is provided on the light-emitting module 20, it becomes easier to protect the light-emitting module 20 and to make the light-emitting module 20 multifunctional.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the circuit element 25 can be, for example, a resistor 25a, a protection element 25b, and a control element 25c. However, the type of circuit element 25 is not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. For example, in addition to those mentioned above, the circuit element 25 may also be a capacitor, a positive characteristic thermistor, a negative characteristic thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, an integrated circuit, a computing element, etc.

[0040] The resistor 25a is provided on surface 21b of the substrate 21. The resistor 25a is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The resistor 25a can be, for example, a surface-mount resistor, a resistor with leads (metal oxide film resistor), or a film-type resistor formed using a screen printing method. The resistor 25a shown as an example in Figure 1 is a film-type resistor.

[0041] The forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22 vary. Therefore, the resistance value of the resistor 25a connected in series with the light-emitting element 22 is adjusted so that the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 falls within a predetermined range. If the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 falls within a predetermined range, it is possible to suppress variations in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22.

[0042] If resistor 25a is a film-type resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of resistor 25a. For example, a portion of the film-type resistor can be easily removed by irradiating it with laser light. If resistor 25a is a surface-mount type resistor or a resistor with leads, select a resistor 25a with an appropriate resistance value according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22.

[0043] The protection element 25b is provided on surface 21b of the substrate 21. The protection element 25b is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The protection element 25b is provided, for example, to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 from the reverse direction. The protection element 25b is, for example, a diode or a field-effect transistor. The protection element 25b illustrated in Figure 1 is a surface-mount type diode.

[0044] The control element 25c is provided on the surface 21b of the substrate 21. The control element 25c is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The control element 25c changes the number of light-emitting elements 22 to be lit according to the voltage (input voltage) applied to the vehicle lighting device 1. The control element 25c may also, for example, switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting elements 22 or perform temperature derating.

[0045] The lens 26 is provided on the frame portion 23 on the side opposite to the substrate 21. The lens 26 is provided on the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24. The lens 26 is, for example, a convex lens. The lens 26 focuses the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 to obtain predetermined light emission characteristics.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic side view illustrating lens 26. As shown in Figure 3, the lens 26 has, for example, an optical section 26a, an optical section 26b, and a flange 26c. For example, the optical section 26a, the optical section 26b, and the flange 26c are formed integrally.

[0047] The optical section 26a protrudes from the flange 26c on the side opposite to the sealing section 24. The optical section 26a has a shape that protrudes in a direction along the central axis 26d of the lens 26. The outer surface 26a1 of the optical section 26a is, for example, a convex curved surface.

[0048] The optical section 26b protrudes towards the substrate 21 on the inside of the frame section 23. The optical section 26b protrudes on the opposite side from the optical section 26a in the direction along the central axis 26d of the lens 26. The outer surface 26b1 of the optical section 26b is, for example, a convex curved surface. The central axes of the optical section 26a and the optical section 26b coincide with, for example, the central axis 26d of the lens 26. The optical sections 26a and 26b function as, for example, convex lenses.

[0049] Furthermore, if an optical portion 26b protruding from the substrate 21 is provided, it becomes easier to push the material of the sealing portion 24 to the outside of the frame portion 23 when the lens 26 is pressed against the material of the sealing portion 24 before curing. This makes it easier to expel air trapped between the lens 26 and the material of the sealing portion 24. In addition, it is possible to suppress excessive pressure from acting on the light-emitting element 22 and the wire wiring that electrically connects the electrodes of the light-emitting element 22 to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0050] The flange 26c is plate-shaped. In the direction along the central axis 26d of the lens 26, the flange 26c is located between the optical section 26a and the optical section 26b. In the direction intersecting the central axis 26d of the lens 26, the peripheral end of the flange 26c is provided outside the optical section 26a and the optical section 26b.

[0051] When the material of the sealing portion 24 hardens, the sealing portion 24 is formed, and the lens 26 is joined to the substrate 21 and the frame portion 23 via the sealing portion 24.

[0052] When joining the frame portion 23 to the substrate 21, and when joining the lens 26 to the frame portion 23, the central axis 23a of the frame portion 23 and the central axis 26d of the lens 26 are aligned with the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0053] The lens 26 is formed from a light-transmitting material. Examples of light-transmitting materials include glass and light-transmitting resins. In this case, using a light-transmitting material to form the lens 26 can reduce manufacturing costs. The lens 26, including the light-transmitting resin, is formed, for example, by injection molding or mold molding.

[0054] Here, the vehicle lighting device 1 is required to have a predetermined light emission distribution depending on the application. Generally, this is achieved by changing the arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements 22, and the optical characteristics of the lens 26 (for example, the shape and dimensions of the optical parts 26a and 26b).

[0055] However, this approach requires changing the arrangement and number of the multiple light-emitting elements 22, as well as the optical characteristics of the lens 26, depending on the application of the vehicle lighting device 1. This necessitates preparing multiple types of substrates 21 with different arrangements and numbers of mounted light-emitting elements 22, and multiple types of lenses 26 with different shapes and dimensions. Consequently, manufacturing costs increase, manufacturing time lengthens, and inventory management becomes complicated.

[0056] Therefore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, a predetermined light emission distribution is obtained by changing the distance between the inner wall 23b of the frame portion 23 and the central axis 23a of the frame portion 23 in a direction intersecting the central axis 23a of the frame portion 23.

[0057] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the positional relationship between the frame 23 and the lens 26. Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged view of section B in Figure 4. Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, a bonding layer is provided between the frame portion 23 and the substrate 21. The bonding layer may be formed, for example, by the hardening of the material of the sealing portion 24. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the frame portion 23.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, by changing the distance L between the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 and the central axis 23a of the frame 23 in a direction intersecting the central axis 23a of the frame 23, the positional relationship between the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 and the light-emitting element 22 changes. Since the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 becomes the reflective surface of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22, a change in the positional relationship between the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 and the light-emitting element 22 changes the angle of incidence of the light incident on the inner wall 23b of the frame 23, and consequently, the angle of reflection of the light reflected by the inner wall 23b of the frame 23. Therefore, the angle of incidence of the light incident on the optical section 26b of the lens 26 can be changed. If the angle of incidence of the light incident on the optical section 26b of the lens 26 changes, the direction of the light emitted from the optical section 26a of the lens 26, and consequently the emission distribution, can be changed.

[0059] In this case, it is necessary to change the distance L between the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 and the central axis 23a of the frame 23 according to the desired light emission distribution. However, changing the position of the inner wall 23b of the frame 23, which has a simple structure, is easier than changing the arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements 22 or the optical characteristics of the lens 26.

[0060] For example, even if the arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements 22 are kept constant, or the shape of the lens 26 is kept constant, a predetermined light emission distribution can be obtained by using a frame 23 in which the distance L between the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 and the central axis 23a of the frame 23 in a direction intersecting the central axis 23a of the frame 23 is appropriate. In other words, multiple types of frame 23 with different distances L can be prepared, or a frame 23 with an appropriate distance L can be created each time.

[0061] In this case, multiple types of frame sections 23 with different distances L are required, but since the frame section 23 has a simple structure, it is easy to manufacture and the manufacturing cost is low. Therefore, compared to preparing multiple types of substrates 21 with different arrangements and numbers of mounted light-emitting elements 22, or multiple types of lenses 26 with different shapes and dimensions, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs, shorten manufacturing time, and simplify inventory management.

[0062] Furthermore, even if the arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements 22 cannot be kept constant, the number of types of substrates 21 with different arrangements and numbers of mounted light-emitting elements 22 can be reduced. Similarly, even if the shape of the lens 26 cannot be kept constant, the number of types of lenses 26 with different shapes and dimensions can be reduced. Therefore, even in such cases, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs, shorten manufacturing time, and simplify inventory management.

[0063] The distance L can be appropriately determined by conducting experiments or simulations depending on the arrangement and number of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 and the optical characteristics of the lens 26.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when viewed from a direction along the central axis 23a of the frame 23, the inner wall 23b of the frame 23 can be positioned to overlap with the optical portion 26b of the lens 26. This makes it easier to obtain a predetermined emission distribution. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, one end 23c3 of the frame portion 23 can be provided with an inclined portion 23c1 or a recess 23c2. One end of the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2) is provided on the inner wall 23b of the frame portion 23. The other end of the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2) is provided on the end 23c3 of the frame portion 23.

[0065] The inclined portion 23c1 is inclined in a direction that approaches the substrate 21 as it moves toward the inner wall 23b side of the frame portion 23. The inclination angle between the inclined portion 23c1 and the substrate 21 can be, for example, 20° or more and 30° or less. Alternatively, the inclined portion 23c1 may be approximately parallel to the tangent line passing through the intersection point of the extension of the inner wall 23b of the frame portion 23 and the outer surface 26b1 of the optical portion 26b.

[0066] The recess 23c2 opens into the inner wall 23b of the frame portion 23 and the end portion 23c3 of the frame portion 23. When viewed from a direction along the central axis 23a of the frame portion 23, the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2) overlaps with the optical portion 26b of the lens 26.

[0067] A gap is provided between the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2) and the optical portion 23b of the lens 26 in the direction along the central axis 23a of the frame portion 23. This prevents interference between the frame portion 23 and the optical portion 26b of the lens 26, thereby expanding the range in which the distance L can be set. It also prevents the lens 26 from tilting and losing its predetermined light emission distribution. Furthermore, since the flange 26c of the lens 26 and one end 23c3 of the frame portion 23 can be brought into contact, the bonding strength of the lens 26 can be improved and the orientation of the lens 26 can be stabilized.

[0068] Furthermore, if a gap is provided between the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2) and the optical portion 26b of the lens 26, the material of the sealing portion 24 before hardening can be filled into the gap. In other words, the sealing portion 24 can also be provided in the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2). If the sealing portion 24 is provided in the inclined portion 23c1 (recess 23c2), the bonding strength between the frame portion 23 and the lens 26 can be increased.

[0069] Furthermore, since the inclined portion 23c1 is inclined toward the substrate 21 as it approaches the inner wall 23b of the frame portion 23, the light incident on the inclined portion 23c1 can be reflected toward the central axis 26d of the lens 26. As a result, the luminous flux of light irradiated near the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be increased, thereby achieving a higher luminous flux.

[0070] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a frame portion 123 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, one end 23c3 and the other end 23c4 of the frame portion 123 can be provided with an inclined portion 23c1 or a recess 23c2. In other words, the frame portion 123 can be provided with an inclined portion 23c1 or a recess 23c2 at the other end 23c4 of the aforementioned frame portion 23.

[0071] If the frame portion 123 is provided with inclined portions 23c1 or recesses 23c2 at its ends 23c3 and 23c4, interference between the frame portion 123 and the optical portion 26b of the lens 26 can be suppressed regardless of which end 23c3 or 23c4 is joined to the substrate 21. In other words, the orientation of the frame portion 123 can be eliminated when joining it to the substrate 21. Therefore, the workability when joining the frame portion 123 to the substrate 21 can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a reflective film 27 can also be provided on the surface 21b of the substrate 21 located inside the frame portion 123. The reflectivity of the reflective film 27 for light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 22 is higher than the reflectivity of the surface 21b of the substrate 21. For example, the reflective film 27 can be formed by softening a highly reflective material such as a white resin or a resin containing light-scattering particles, and applying the softened material to the surface 21b of the substrate 21 that is exposed inside the frame portion 123. If the reflective film 27 is formed, the light directed toward the substrate 21 can be reflected by the reflective film 27, thereby increasing the luminous flux.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, if an inclined portion 23c1 or recess 23c2 is also provided at the end portion 23c4 of the frame portion 123 on the substrate 21 side, the softened material can be allowed to flow into the inclined portion 23c1 or recess 23c2. Therefore, the vicinity of the periphery of the reflective film 27 can be placed inside the inclined portion 23c1 or recess 23c2. Since the periphery of the reflective film 27 is prone to peeling, if the vicinity of the periphery of the reflective film 27 is placed inside the inclined portion 23c1 or recess 23c2, peeling of the reflective film 27 can be suppressed.

[0074] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting fixture 100 equipped with a vehicle lighting device 1 can be provided. The above-described vehicle lighting device 1 and its modified forms (for example, the frame portion 123, or additions, deletions, or design changes of components as appropriate by those skilled in the art, which possess the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0075] In the following explanation, we will use the example that the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is a rear combination light installed on an automobile. However, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is not limited to a rear combination light installed on an automobile. The vehicle lighting fixture 100 can be any vehicle lighting fixture installed on an automobile, railway vehicle, etc.

[0076] Figure 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting fixture 100. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 includes, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a sealing member 104, and a connector 105.

[0077] The vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 has a box shape with one end open. The housing 101 is made of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. A mounting hole 101a is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 101 into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 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. Although the example shows the mounting hole 101a being directly provided on the housing 101, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may also be provided on the housing 101.

[0078] When attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting part 11 with the bayonet 12 is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in place by a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of mounting method is called a twist lock.

[0079] The cover 102 is provided to close 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 functions such as a lens.

[0080] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 performs functions such as reflection, diffusion, guidance, focusing, and formation of a predetermined light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in Figure 8 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0081] The sealing member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The sealing member 104 is annular in shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0082] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the sealing member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the sealing member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. In addition, the elastic force of the sealing member 104 presses the bayonet 12 against the housing 101. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from detaching from the housing 101.

[0083] The connector 105 is fitted onto the ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 that are exposed inside the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is electrically connected to a lighting circuit and the like, which are located outside the vehicle lighting fixture 100. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 onto the ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the light-emitting element 22 can be electrically connected.

[0084] Furthermore, the connector 105 is provided with a sealing member 105a. When the connector 105 having the sealing member 105a is inserted into the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed to be watertight.

[0085] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0086] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0087] (Note 1) Socket and; A substrate provided on one end side of the aforementioned socket; A chip-shaped light-emitting element is provided on the side of the substrate opposite to the socket side; A frame portion provided on the surface of the substrate, having a frame shape, surrounding the light-emitting element, and having an inclined portion or recess at the end opposite to the substrate side; A lens having an optical portion provided on the side of the frame opposite to the substrate side, and which protrudes toward the substrate side from the inside of the frame; It is equipped with, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the frame, the inner wall of the frame and the inclined portion or the recess overlap with the optical portion. A vehicle lighting device in which a gap is provided between the inclined portion or the recess and the optical portion in a direction along the central axis of the frame portion.

[0088] (Note 2) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1, wherein one end of the inclined portion is provided on the inner wall of the frame portion, and the inclined portion is inclined in a direction that approaches the substrate as it moves toward the inner wall side of the frame portion.

[0089] (Note 3) The vehicle lighting device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the inclined portion or the recess is further provided at the end of the frame portion on the substrate side.

[0090] (Note 4) The frame portion is provided inside the frame portion and further comprises a sealing portion that covers the light-emitting element, The sealing portion is also provided in the inclined portion or the recess, A vehicle lighting device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the lens is joined to the substrate and the frame via the sealing portion.

[0091] (Note 5) A vehicle lighting device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4; The housing on which the aforementioned vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 socket, 20 light-emitting module, 21 substrate, 21b surface, 22 light-emitting element, 23 frame, 23a central axis, 23b inner wall, 23c1 inclined section, 23c2 recess, 23c3 end, 23c4 end, 26 lens, 26a optical section, 26b optical section, 26c flange, 26d central axis, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing, 123 frame

Claims

1. Socket and; A substrate provided on one end side of the aforementioned socket; A chip-shaped light-emitting element provided on the substrate on the side opposite to the socket side; A frame portion provided on the surface of the substrate, having a frame shape, surrounding the light-emitting element, and having an inclined portion or recess at the end opposite to the substrate side; A lens having an optical portion provided on the side of the frame opposite to the substrate side, and which protrudes toward the substrate side from the inside of the frame; It is equipped with, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the frame, the inner wall of the frame and the inclined portion or the recess overlap with the optical portion. A vehicle lighting device in which a gap is provided between the inclined portion or the recess and the optical portion in a direction along the central axis of the frame portion.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the inclined portion is provided on the inner wall of the frame portion, and the inclined portion is inclined in a direction that approaches the substrate as it moves toward the inner wall side of the frame portion.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclined portion or the recess is further provided at the end of the frame portion on the substrate side.

4. The frame portion is provided inside the frame portion and further comprises a sealing portion that covers the light-emitting element, The sealing portion is also provided in the inclined portion or the recess, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens is joined to the substrate and the frame via the sealing portion.

5. A vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; A housing on which the aforementioned vehicle lighting device is attached; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features.

Images