Optical elements, vehicle lighting devices, and vehicle lamps

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical element, a vehicle lighting device, and a vehicle lamp that can obtain desired optical characteristics even when the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is shifted from a predetermined position. [Solution] The optical element 30 according to the embodiment is provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element 12. The surface roughness of the first region 30b1e on the inner wall of the first recess 30b1, sandwiching the third recess 30b4 near the opening of the first recess 30b1, is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region 30b1f adjacent to the first region 30b1e near the opening of the first recess 30b1. The surface roughness of the region on the light-emitting element 12 side of the inner wall of the second recess 30c1 is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion 30c of the optical element 30.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A wedge-based bulb without a base is used as a vehicle lighting device. The wedge-based bulb is an incandescent bulb. Therefore, from the viewpoints of power saving and long life, the wedge-based bulb has come to be replaced with a vehicle lighting device provided with a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode. [[ID=?]] [[ID=?]]

[0003] [[ID=?]] However, the optical characteristics (for example, light emission characteristics and light distribution characteristics) of a vehicle lighting device provided with a light-emitting element are different from those of a wedge-based bulb. In this case, if the optical characteristics of the vehicle lighting device provided with a light-emitting element can be approximated to the optical characteristics of the wedge-based bulb, it becomes easy to replace the wedge-based bulb with the vehicle lighting device provided with a light-emitting element. Therefore, an optical element for approximating the optical characteristics of a vehicle lighting device provided with a light-emitting element to the optical characteristics of a wedge-based bulb has been proposed.

[0004] [[ID=?]] Here, a vehicle lighting device is provided with a substrate on which a light-emitting element is mounted and an optical element. In this case, when mounting the light-emitting element on the substrate, the center position of the light-emitting surface (light-emitting surface) of the light-emitting element may deviate from the position of the central axis of the optical element. If the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element deviates from the position of the central axis of the optical element, predetermined optical characteristics may not be obtained.

[0005] Therefore, it has been desired to develop a technique capable of obtaining desired optical characteristics even when the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element deviates from a predetermined position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-181065 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an optical element, a vehicle lighting device, and a vehicle lamp that can obtain desired optical characteristics even when the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is shifted from a predetermined position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The optical element according to the embodiment is provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element. The optical element is provided on the light-emitting side of the light-emitting element. The optical element has: a first recess opening at the end opposite to the light-emitting element side, the dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis of the optical element gradually decreases towards the light-emitting element side; a pair of second recesses provided on the side of the optical element at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; and a pair of third recesses opening in the inner wall of the first recess and provided at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the optical element, the direction in which the pair of second recesses are aligned intersects with the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned. The surface roughness of the first region on the inner wall of the first recess, sandwiching the third recess near the opening of the first recess, is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region adjacent to the first region near the opening of the first recess. The surface roughness of the region of the inner wall of the second recess that is on the light-emitting side is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion of the optical element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical element, a vehicle lighting device, and a vehicle lamp that can obtain desired optical characteristics even when the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is shifted from a predetermined position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the light-emitting section and the connection section. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the optical element as viewed from the Z direction. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the optical element viewed from the Y direction. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element along line AA. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element along line BB. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element along the CC line. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle lighting device, seen from the opposite side in the Y direction. [Figure 10] (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of optical elements. [Figure 11] This graph illustrates the light distribution characteristics when no areas with rough surface roughness are included. [Figure 12] This graph illustrates the light distribution characteristics when a region with a rough surface texture is included. [Figure 13] This graph illustrates the luminescence characteristics when no recess is provided. [Figure 14] This graph illustrates the luminescence characteristics when a recess is provided. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified while referring to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In addition, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three mutually intersecting directions. For example, the Z direction is along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device. For example, the X direction is the width direction of the portion of the vehicle lighting device where it is attached to the socket terminal. For example, the Y direction is the thickness direction of the portion of the vehicle lighting device where it is attached to the socket terminal.

[0013] (Optical element, and vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is a vehicle lighting device that can be attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of a socket 101 provided in a vehicle lamp 100 described later. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 include those used for a dome lamp, a meter lamp, a reading lamp, a brake lamp, a direction indicator lamp, a tail lamp, etc. provided in an automobile, a railway vehicle, etc. However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to these.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view for exemplifying the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying the light emitting part 10 and the connecting part 20. Note that FIG. 2 shows the light emitting part 10 and the connecting part in FIG. 1 as viewed from the opposite side in the Y direction.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, a light emitting part 10, a connecting part 20, an optical element 30, a housing 40, and terminals 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitting part 10 has, for example, a substrate 11 (corresponding to an example of the first substrate) and a light emitting element 12. [[ID=​The substrate 11 is provided, for example, at the end of the housing portion 41 of the housing 40 that is opposite to the insertion portion 42. The substrate 11 is, for example, plate-shaped and has a surface 11a (corresponding to an example of a first surface) and a surface 11b (corresponding to an example of a second surface) opposite to surface 11a. The planar shape of the substrate 11 is, for example, a part of a circle containing the center point. However, the planar shape of the substrate 11 is not limited to the example given. The planar shape of the substrate 11 may be, for example, a polygon.

[0017] The substrate 11 can be formed from an insulating material. For example, the substrate 11 can be formed from an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. Alternatively, the substrate 11 may be a metal core substrate, for example, in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material.

[0018] If the light-emitting element 12 generates a large amount of heat, it is preferable to form the substrate 11 using a material with high thermal conductivity from the viewpoint of heat dissipation. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, high thermal conductivity resins, and metal core substrates. High thermal conductivity resins are, for example, resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and nylon mixed with fillers such as aluminum oxide.

[0019] The thickness of the substrate 11 is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. However, the thickness of the substrate 11 is not limited to the example given and can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] A wiring pattern 11c is provided on surface 11a of the substrate 11. The wiring pattern 11c has, for example, mounting pads. The light-emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the mounting pads. The wiring pattern 11c is formed from a low-resistance metal such as copper, aluminum, or silver.

[0021] The light-emitting element 12 is provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. At least one light-emitting element 12 can be provided. The light-emitting element 12 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or an organic light-emitting diode.

[0022] The light-emitting element 12 may be any of the following: a surface-mount type light-emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, a light-emitting element with lead wires such as a bullet-shaped type, or a chip-shaped light-emitting element mounted by COB (Chip On Board).

[0023] The light-emitting section 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is provided with one surface-mount type light-emitting element 12. When the light-emitting element 12 is a surface-mount type, the light-emitting surface (light-emitting surface) of the light-emitting element 12 can be approximately parallel to the surface 11a of the substrate 11.

[0024] As will be described later, it is preferable that the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 coincides with the central axis 30a of the optical element 30. In this case, if the light-emitting element 12 is a surface-mount type light-emitting element, it becomes easy to position the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 at a predetermined position, and thus coincide with the central axis 30a of the optical element 30.

[0025] The connection section 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21 (corresponding to an example of a second substrate) and circuit components 22. The substrate 21 has a wiring pattern 21e that is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 12 and is provided inside the housing 40.

[0026] The substrate 21, for example, is plate-shaped and intersects the surface 11b of the substrate 11. The substrate 21 extends in the Z direction. The substrate 21 has, for example, a mounting portion 21a and a mounting portion 21b. The mounting portion 21a and the mounting portion 21b can be formed integrally.

[0027] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting portion 21a can be, for example, approximately rectangular. One end of the mounting portion 21a is provided on the surface 11b of the substrate 11. For example, one end of the mounting portion 21a can be bonded to the surface 11b of the substrate 11. Alternatively, a protrusion can be provided on one end of the mounting portion 21a, and a hole, recess, groove, etc., can be provided in the surface 11b of the substrate 11 into which the protrusion of the mounting portion 21a fits.

[0028] The width dimension of the mounting section 21a can be, for example, approximately 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. However, the width dimension of the mounting section 21a can be appropriately changed depending on the size of the substrate 11, the number and size of the circuit components 22, etc. Note that the width dimension of the mounting section 21a is the dimension of the mounting section 21a in the X direction.

[0029] The thickness of the mounting portion 21a can be, for example, approximately 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. Note that the thickness of the mounting portion 21a is the dimension of the mounting portion 21a in the Y direction.

[0030] When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the mounting portion 21b can be, for example, approximately rectangular. One end of the mounting portion 21b is provided at the end of the mounting portion 21a opposite to the substrate 11 side. The mounting portion 21b extends in the Z direction from the end of the mounting portion 21a opposite to the substrate 11 side.

[0031] The width dimension of the mounting portion 21b is smaller than the width dimension of the mounting portion 21a. The thickness of the mounting portion 21b can be the same as the thickness of the mounting portion 21a. The mounting portion 21b can be provided, for example, in the center of the mounting portion 21a in the X direction.

[0032] The material of the substrate 21 (mounting portion 21a, mounting portion 21b) can be, for example, the same as the material of the substrate 11 described above. Heat generated in the light-emitting element 12 is transferred to the substrate 21 via the substrate 11, for example, and then released to the outside from the substrate 21 via terminals 50, etc. Therefore, considering the suppression of temperature rise in the light-emitting element 12, it is preferable to form the substrate 21 using a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, high thermal conductivity resins, and metal core substrates. In this case, the material of the substrate 21 may be the same as the material of the substrate 11, or it may be different.

[0033] Wiring patterns 21e can be provided on surfaces 21c and 21d of the substrate 21 (mounting section 21a, mounting section 21b). The wiring patterns 21e provided on surface 21c and the wiring patterns 21e provided on surface 21d can be electrically connected, for example, via conductive vias. The wiring patterns 21e are formed from low-resistance metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver. The wiring patterns 21e are electrically connected to the wiring patterns 11c provided on the substrate 11 via connection parts 21e2. The connection parts 21e2 can be formed, for example, by soldering.

[0034] Circuit components 22 are mounted on the wiring pattern 21e provided on the mounting section 21a. The wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to a pair of connection pads 21e1 provided on the mounting section 21b. That is, the pair of connection pads 21e1 are provided on the substrate 21 (mounting section 21b) and are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 12. The connection pads 21e1 can be formed integrally with the wiring pattern 21e, for example. The connection pads 21e1 are provided on surfaces 21c and 21d of the substrate 21 (mounting section 21b). Each of the pair of connection pads 21e1 is electrically connected to socket terminals 101a and 101b provided on the socket 101 via terminal 50. By electrically connecting the socket terminal 101a provided on the socket 101 to one of the connection pads 21e1 via terminal 50, the socket terminal 101a can be electrically connected to one polarity electrode of the light-emitting element 12 via the wiring pattern 21e and wiring pattern 11c. Furthermore, by electrically connecting the socket terminal 101b to the other connection pad 21e1 via terminal 50, the socket terminal 101b can be electrically connected to the electrode of the other polarity of the light-emitting element 12 via wiring patterns 21e and 11c.

[0035] In Figures 1 and 2, the circuit components 22 are shown as an example where they are provided on both sides of the mounting section 21a, but the circuit components 22 may be provided on only one side of the mounting section 21a. However, if the circuit components 22 are provided on both sides of the mounting section 21a, the mounting section 21a can be miniaturized, and consequently, the vehicle lighting device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0036] The circuit component 22 can be a passive or active element used to constitute a light-emitting circuit having a light-emitting element 12. The circuit component 22 can be, for example, a diode 22a, a resistor 22b, a capacitor 22c, and so on.

[0037] However, the types of circuit components 22 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 12. For example, in addition to those mentioned above, the circuit components 22 may also be positive characteristic thermistors, negative characteristic thermistors, Zener diodes, inductors, surge absorbers, varistors, transistors such as FETs and bipolar transistors, integrated circuits, computing elements, etc. The integrated circuit may include, for example, at least one of a blinking circuit, a constant current circuit, or a lighting circuit (drive circuit).

[0038] Here, the light-emitting element 12, such as a light-emitting diode, has polarity. Therefore, a diode can be provided to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 12. In this case, if there is no directionality when attaching the vehicle lighting device 1 to the socket 101 of the vehicle lamp 100, the installation work of the vehicle lighting device 1 becomes easier.

[0039] For example, by using four diodes to form a bridge circuit (bridge diode), a non-polarized circuit can be provided in the vehicle lighting device 1. The diode 22a shown in Figure 2 is a so-called two-element diode. If the diode 22a is a two-element diode, a bridge circuit can be formed using two diodes 22a, thus reducing the mounting area.

[0040] Resistor 22b 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. Note that the resistor 22b shown in Figure 1 is a surface-mount resistor. Using a surface-mount resistor allows for a smaller mounting area.

[0041] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 12, if the applied voltage between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is kept constant, variations will occur in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 12. Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 12 within a predetermined range, a resistor 22b connected in series with the light-emitting element 12 is used to ensure that the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 12 is within a predetermined range. In this case, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 12 is adjusted to fall within a predetermined range by changing the resistance value of the resistor 22b.

[0042] For example, if resistor 22b is a surface-mount resistor or a resistor with leads, a resistor 22b with an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 12. For example, if resistor 22b is a film-type resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a portion of the film-type resistor. Furthermore, resistor 22b can also serve to prevent excessive current from flowing through the light-emitting element 12.

[0043] The number, size, and arrangement of resistors 22b are not limited to those shown as examples, and can be appropriately changed depending on the number and specifications of the light-emitting elements 12.

[0044] Capacitor 22c is provided, for example, for noise suppression or voltage smoothing. Capacitor 22c can be, for example, a surface-mount type capacitor 22c. Using a surface-mount type capacitor 22c allows for a reduction in mounting area.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, at least a portion of the circuit components 22 can be provided on the substrate 11. Furthermore, for example, at least a portion of the circuit components 22 can be provided on the housing 102 of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 to which the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted. In this way, the configuration of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be simplified, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle lighting device 1. However, if the circuit components 22 are provided on the vehicle lighting device 1, it becomes easier to protect the vehicle lighting device 1 and to make it multifunctional.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the optical element 30 is provided on the light-emitting side of the light-emitting unit 10 (light-emitting element 12). For example, the optical element 30 can be provided so as to cover the surface 11a of the substrate 11. For example, a pair of mounting parts 31 can be provided at the end of the optical element 30 on the light-emitting unit 10 side. The optical element 30 is detachably attached to the housing 40 using the pair of mounting parts 31. The optical element 30 is formed from a translucent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic.

[0047] The optical element 30 protects the light-emitting unit 10 (light-emitting element 12) and approximates the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 12 to those of a wedge-base light bulb. Further details regarding the optical element 30 will be described later.

[0048] The housing 40 has a storage section 41 and an insertion section 42. The storage section 41 and the insertion section 42 can be formed integrally. The housing 40 (storage section 41, insertion section 42) is formed from an insulating material such as resin. The housing 40 can be formed by injection molding, for example.

[0049] The storage section 41 is cylindrical in shape, with one end open. The light-emitting section 10 (substrate 11) and the connecting section 20 (substrate 21) are housed inside the storage section 41. The substrate 11 can be positioned to close the opening of the storage section 41. This prevents dust and other debris from entering the storage section 41. It also stabilizes the orientation and position of the substrate 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive force from acting on the terminal 50. Furthermore, it becomes easier to align the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 with the position of the central axis 30a of the optical element 30.

[0050] The insertion portion 42 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the storage portion 41 opposite to the opening side. The insertion portion 42 is attached to the socket terminals 101a and 101b of the socket 101 provided on the vehicle light fixture 100. Inside the insertion portion 42 there is a space into which the mounting portion 21b of the substrate 21 is inserted. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the insertion portion 42 can be, for example, approximately rectangular.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of terminals 50 can be provided. The pair of terminals 50 are provided in the center of the insertion portion 42 in the X direction (width direction), with the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 in the thickness direction of the insertion portion 42. The pair of terminals 50 are electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21e (connection pad 21e1) of the substrate 21.

[0052] For example, one end of the pair of terminals 50 is electrically connected to the connection pad 21e1 inside the housing 40. For example, the other end of the pair of terminals 50 is provided outside the housing 40 on the thickness-direction surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion portion 42.

[0053] The terminal 50 has, for example, a first contact portion 51, a second contact portion 52, and a connecting portion 53. The second contact portion 52 faces the first contact portion 51. The first contact portion 51 and the second contact portion 52 extend in the Z direction. One end of the connecting portion 53 is connected to the first contact portion 51, and the other end of the connecting portion 53 is connected to the second contact portion 52.

[0054] The first contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 are plate-shaped and integrally formed. The terminal 50 is made of a conductive material. The terminal 50 is made of a metal such as a copper alloy or stainless steel.

[0055] The first contact portion 51 is provided inside the insertion portion 42. The first contact portion 51 is electrically connected to the connection pad 21e1 provided on the mounting portion 21b. For example, the first contact portion 51 can be joined to the connection pad 21e1 using solder, conductive adhesive, or the like.

[0056] The second contact portion 52 is provided on surfaces 42a and 42b of the insertion portion 42. The second contact portion 52 can be made to contact the socket terminals 101a and 101b.

[0057] The terminal 50 can be formed, for example, as follows: First, a strip-shaped conductive member is joined to the connection pad 21e1 using solder or conductive adhesive. Next, the connection portion 20 with the joined strip-shaped conductive member is installed inside the housing 40 (insertion portion 42). Subsequently, the strip-shaped conductive member is bent to form a terminal 50 having a first contact portion 51, a second contact portion 52, and a connection portion 53. Note that the terminal 50 shown in Figure 1 represents the terminal 50 after the bending process.

[0058] Next, we will explain the optical element 30 further. Since a wedge-base bulb is an incandescent bulb, it emits light in almost all directions. In contrast, the light-emitting element 12 mainly emits light in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface (for example, the Z direction). Therefore, the optical characteristics of the light-emitting unit 10 equipped with the light-emitting element 12 will differ from those of a wedge-base bulb. For example, in the case of the light-emitting unit 10 equipped with the light-emitting element 12, the luminous intensity is high in front (extreme angle 0° to 50°) and significantly low in the rear (extreme angle 90° to 100°).

[0059] Therefore, when considering replacing a wedge-base bulb with a vehicle lighting device 1 equipped with a light-emitting element 12, it is preferable to approximate the optical characteristics of the vehicle lighting device 1 equipped with the light-emitting element 12 to those of the wedge-base bulb. For this reason, as shown in Figure 1, an optical element 30 is provided on the light-emitting side of the light-emitting element 12.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the appearance of the optical element 30 can be, for example, approximately cylindrical. For example, the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 can be made to substantially coincide with the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the optical element 30 as viewed from the Z direction. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical element 30 as viewed from the Y direction. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 30 along line AA in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 30 in Figure 5, along line BB. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 30 in Figure 4 along the CC line.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, a recess 30b1 (corresponding to an example of a first recess) is provided at the end 30b of the optical element 30 opposite to the light-emitting element 12. The recess 30b1 opens at the end 30b of the optical element 30 opposite to the light-emitting element 12. The central axis of the recess 30b1 coincides with the central axis 30a of the optical element 30. The dimensions of the recess 30b1 in the direction intersecting the central axis 30a gradually decrease as it approaches the light-emitting element 12.

[0063] Furthermore, the inner wall of the recess 30b1 has, for example, regions 30b1a, 30b1b, 30b1c, and 30b1d aligned in the Z direction.

[0064] Region 30b1a is located on the side of the light-emitting element 12 (the bottom side of the recess 30b1). The end of region 30b1a on the side of the light-emitting element 12 can be a flat surface intersecting the central axis 30a. The side surface of region 30b1a is, for example, a curved surface (e.g., part of a sphere) that protrudes inward toward the optical element 30.

[0065] Region 30b1b is located between the opening of recess 30b1 and region 30b1a (on the opening side of region 30b1a). Region 30b1b is, for example, a curved surface that protrudes outward from the optical element 30.

[0066] Region 30b1c is located between the opening of recess 30b1 and region 30b1b (on the opening side of region 30b1b). Region 30b1c is, for example, a curved surface that protrudes outward from the optical element 30.

[0067] Region 30b1d is located between the opening of recess 30b1 and region 30b1c (on the opening side of region 30b1c). Region 30b1d is, for example, a curved surface that protrudes outward from the optical element 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the surface in region 30b1d is greater than the radius of curvature of the surface in region 30b1c. The radius of curvature of the surface in region 30b1c is greater than the radius of curvature of the surface in region 30b1b.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, a pair of recesses 30b4 (corresponding to an example of a third recess) are provided on the inner wall of the recess 30b1. The pair of recesses 30b4 open into the inner wall of the recess 30b1 and are positioned to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis 30a of the optical element 30. When viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the pair of recesses 30b4 can be approximately rectangular.

[0070] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of regions 30b3, each containing multiple recesses 30b2, are provided on the periphery of the end portion 30b. The pair of regions 30b3 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis 30a.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, a recess 30c1 (corresponding to an example of a second recess) is opened in the side portion 30c of the optical element 30. A pair of recesses 30c1 are provided. The pair of recesses 30c1 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis 30a.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the rotational position of the region 30b3, which has multiple recesses 30b2, centered on the central axis 30a of the optical element 30, can be the same as the rotational position of the recess 30c1. That is, in the Z direction, the region 30b3 (multiple recesses 30b2) can be provided above the recess 30c1 (on the opening side of the recess 30b1).

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the end portion 30c1a of the recess 30c1 on the side of the central axis 30a can be a curved surface that protrudes outward. The end portion 30c1a can be, for example, part of the side of a cylinder. The center of the radius of curvature of the curved end portion 30c1a is located at a position that does not coincide with the central axis 30a. For example, the center of the radius of curvature of the end portion 30c1a is located at a position away from the central axis 30a.

[0074] Furthermore, the surface of the end portion 30c1a can be provided with irregularities that diffuse light. These irregularities can be formed, for example, by knurling.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, at least one protrusion 30c1b can be provided inside the recess 30c1, below the end portion 30c1a (on the opposite side from the opening of the recess 30b1). The optical element 30 illustrated in Figure 5 is provided with one protrusion 30c1b.

[0076] In Figure 5, an example is shown where the tip of the protrusion 30c1b is located inside the recess 30c1. However, the tip of the protrusion 30c1b may be located outside the recess 30c1, or the tip of the protrusion 30c1b may be at the same position as the opening of the recess 30c1.

[0077] When multiple protrusions 30c1b are provided, the multiple protrusions 30c1b can be arranged in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the tips of the multiple protrusions 30c1b may or may not overlap.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the contour of the tip of the protrusion 30c1b, when viewed from the Z direction, can be a part of a circle centered on the central axis 30a of the optical element 30.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, the dimensions of the protrusion 30c1b in the Z direction gradually increase from the tip side toward the central axis 30a side of the optical element 30. Furthermore, at least one of the two surfaces of the protrusion 30c1b in the Z direction can be an inclined surface, which may be a flat surface, a convex curved surface, or a concave curved surface. In addition, when multiple protrusions 30c1b are provided, the lowest protrusion 30c1b (on the opposite side from the opening side of the recess 30b1) can be provided on the inner wall of the recess 30c1 in the Z direction.

[0080] The number, dimensions, shape, and tip positions of the protrusions 30c1b can be appropriately changed according to the light emission characteristics and light distribution characteristics required for the vehicle lighting device 1. The number, dimensions, shape, and tip positions of the protrusions 30c1b can be appropriately determined, for example, by conducting experiments or simulations.

[0081] In the above, an example was given in which the optical element 30 is provided in a vehicle lighting device 1 that includes a light-emitting unit 10, a connecting unit 20, a housing 40, and a terminal 50. However, the optical element 30 can also be provided in a vehicle lighting device that does not include a housing 40 and a terminal 50.

[0082] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 61 according to another embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle lighting device 61 in Figure 8, viewed from the opposite side in the Y direction. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the vehicle lighting device 61 is provided with, for example, a light-emitting unit 10, a connection unit 62, and an optical element 30.

[0083] The vehicle lighting device 61 does not have a housing 40. Therefore, for example, a pair of protrusions can be further provided on the substrate 11, and a pair of mounting parts 31 of the optical element 30 can be detachably attached to the pair of protrusions.

[0084] The connection section 62 includes, for example, a circuit board 63 and a circuit component 22. The substrate 63 is, for example, plate-shaped and intersects the surface 11b of the substrate 11. When viewed from the Y direction, the shape of the substrate 63 can be, for example, approximately rectangular. One end of the substrate 63 is provided on the surface 11b of the substrate 11. For example, one end of the substrate 63 can be bonded to the surface 11b of the substrate 11. Alternatively, a protrusion can be provided on one end of the substrate 63, and a hole, recess, groove, etc., can be provided in the surface 11b of the substrate 11 into which the protrusion of the substrate 63 fits. The dimensions and material of the substrate 63 can be, for example, the same as those of the substrate 21 described above.

[0085] Similar to the substrate 21 described above, wiring patterns 21e can be provided on surfaces 63a and 63b of the substrate 63. The wiring pattern 21e provided on surface 63ac and the wiring pattern 21e provided on surface 63b can be electrically connected, for example, via conductive vias. The wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c provided on the substrate 11 via a connection portion 21e2. The connection portion 21e2 can be formed, for example, by soldering.

[0086] Similar to the circuit board 21 described above, circuit components 22 are mounted on the wiring pattern 21e. Also, similar to the circuit board 21 described above, the wiring pattern 21e is electrically connected to a pair of connection pads 21e1 provided on the circuit board 63. The pair of connection pads 21e1 can, for example, be formed integrally with the wiring pattern 21e. The connection pads 21e1 are provided on surfaces 63a and 63b of the circuit board 63. Each of the pair of connection pads 21e1 is electrically directly connected to socket terminals 101a and 101b provided on the socket 101.

[0087] The arrangement of the connection pads 21e1 can be the same as the arrangement of the connection pads 21e1 on the substrate 21 described above. For example, in the width direction (X direction) of the substrate 63, the connection pads 21e1 provided on surface 63a are located in the center of surface 63a. In the width direction of the substrate 63, the connection pads 21e1 provided on surface 63b are located in the center of surface 63b.

[0088] Furthermore, a pair of connection pads 21e1 can be provided side by side on the surface 63a of the substrate 63 in the width direction (X direction). In this case, the pair of connection pads 21e1 can be provided at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center line in the width direction (X direction) of the substrate 63. Although the case where the pair of connection pads 21e1 are provided on the surface 63a of the substrate 63 has been described, the pair of connection pads 21e1 can also be provided on the surface 63b of the substrate 63, or on both surfaces 63a and 63b of the substrate 63.

[0089] In this case, if the pair of connecting pads 21e1 are located in the same position as the pair of lead wires provided on the wedge-base bulb, the vehicle lighting device 61 can be mounted in the socket where the wedge-base bulb is installed. In other words, the socket can be used for both purposes.

[0090] On the other hand, the lighting circuit of the wedge-base bulb and the lighting circuit of the vehicle lighting device 61 equipped with the light-emitting element 12 have different configurations. Therefore, if the vehicle lighting device 61 equipped with the light-emitting element 12 is mistakenly installed in the socket of the wedge-base bulb, current may flow from the lighting circuit of the wedge-base bulb to the light-emitting element 12, causing the light-emitting element 12 to malfunction.

[0091] In this case, in the aforementioned vehicle lighting device 1, a pair of terminals 50 are provided in the center of the insertion portion 42 in the width direction, with the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 in the thickness direction of the insertion portion 42. That is, the pair of terminals 50 are provided in a different position from the pair of lead wires provided on the wedge base bulb.

[0092] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 61, if the pair of connecting pads 21e1 are provided in the center of the width direction of the substrate 63, in the thickness direction of the substrate 63, with the central axis 61a of the vehicle lighting device 61 in between, the pair of connecting pads 21e1 are provided in a different position from the pair of lead wires provided on the wedge base bulb.

[0093] If the pair of terminals 50 and the pair of connection pads 21e1 are located in positions different from the pair of lead wires provided on the wedge base bulb, even if a vehicle lighting device 1 or 61 equipped with a light-emitting element 12 is mistakenly installed in the socket of the wedge base bulb, it is possible to suppress the flow of current from the lighting circuit of the wedge base bulb to the light-emitting element 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the failure of the light-emitting element 12.

[0094] Figures 10(a) to 10(c) illustrate the operation of the optical element 30. As shown in Figure 10(a), light irradiated from the light-emitting element 12 toward the edge of region 30b1a of the recess 30b1 passes through the edge of region 30b1a and is emitted near a pole angle of 0°. Since the edge of region 30b1a is a flat surface, the incident light can be transmitted efficiently. In addition, since the area of ​​the edge of region 30b1a is small, it is possible to suppress the luminous intensity of the light emitted near a pole angle of 0° from becoming too high.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10(b), light emitted from the light-emitting element 12 toward the region of the inner wall of the recess 30b1 opposite to the light-emitting element 12 (regions 30b1b, 30b1c, and 30b1d) is reflected by the inner wall of the recess 30b1 and emitted near a polar angle of 45°. As mentioned above, the radius of curvature of the curved surface of region 30b1d is larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surface of region 30b1c. The radius of curvature of the curved surface of region 30b1c is larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surface of region 30b1b. Therefore, the reflection direction of the light incident on each of regions 30b1b, 30b1c, and 30b1d can be aligned to some extent. As a result, the luminous intensity of the light emitted near a polar angle of 45° can be increased.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10(c), light emitted from the light-emitting element 12 toward the region of the inner wall of the recess 30b1 on the light-emitting element 12 side (the side of region 30b1a) is reflected by the side of region 30b1a and incident on the end 30c1a of the recess 30c1. The light incident on the end 30c1a of the recess 30c1 is emitted at a pole angle near 100°. At this time, the light is focused by the end 30c1a. Therefore, the luminous intensity of the light emitted at a pole angle near 100° can be increased.

[0097] If the optical element 30 is provided, the luminous intensity of the light emitted near a polar angle of 0°, near a polar angle of 45°, and near a polar angle of 100° can be increased. In other words, since light can be efficiently irradiated in the range of polar angles from -100° to 100°, the light distribution characteristics and light emission characteristics of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be made to approximate those of a wedge-base bulb.

[0098] As mentioned above, the light-emitting element 12 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern 11c provided on the surface 11a of the substrate 11. When the light-emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 11c, the center position of the light-emitting surface (light-emitting surface) of the light-emitting element 12 may be misaligned from the position of the central axis 30a of the optical element 30. Also, as mentioned above, the optical element 30 is detachably attached to a housing 40 or the like using a pair of mounting parts 31. In this case, the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 may be misaligned from the position of the central axis 30a of the optical element 30. If the amount of misalignment between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 becomes large, it may become impossible to obtain the desired light distribution characteristics or the desired light emission characteristics.

[0099] In this case, by improving the mounting accuracy of the light-emitting element 12, or by improving the mounting accuracy between the mounting portion 31 of the optical element 30 and the housing 40, the amount of misalignment between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 can be reduced. However, doing so would significantly reduce productivity.

[0100] Therefore, a region 30b1e (corresponding to an example of the first region) with a rough surface roughness is provided on the inner wall of the recess 30b1. Region 30b1e is provided in pairs on the inner wall of the recess 30b1, near the opening of the recess 30b1 (for example, region 30b1d), in the portion that straddles the recess 30b4. The pair of regions 30b1e are provided in positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis 30a. The surface roughness of the pair of regions 30b1e is rougher than the surface roughness of region 30b1f (corresponding to an example of the second region) adjacent to region 30b1e, near the opening of the recess 30b1.

[0101] In this way, as shown in Figure 10(b), light irradiated from the light-emitting element 12 toward region 30b1d can be incident onto region 30b1e. Because the surface roughness of region 30b1e is rough, the incident light can be diffused.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the surface roughness of the region 30c1c on the bottom side (light-emitting element 12 side) of the inner wall of the recess 30c1 is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion 30c of the optical element 30. Region 30c1c can be, for example, a region where a protrusion 30c1b is provided.

[0103] In this way, as shown in Figure 10(c), light irradiated from the light-emitting element 12 toward region 30b1a can be incident on region 30c1c. Because the surface roughness of region 30c1c is rough, the incident light can be diffused.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of regions 30b1e are provided in the X direction at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis 30a. A pair of regions 30c1c are provided in the Y direction at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis 30a. Also, when viewed from the direction along the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 (Z direction), the direction in which the pair of recesses 30c1 (region 30c1c) are aligned intersects with the direction in which the pair of recesses 30b4 (region 30b1e) are aligned. Therefore, if regions 30b1e and 30c1c are provided, light emitted in the vicinity of a polar angle of 45° to 100° can be diffused.

[0105] If regions 30b1e and 30c1c with rough surface roughness are provided, even if the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 is shifted from the position of the central axis 30a of the optical element 30, the variation in light distribution characteristics can be kept within an acceptable range.

[0106] According to the findings of the present inventors, as shown in Figure 3, the central angle θ of region 30b1e, when viewed from the Z direction, is preferably, for example, 80° or more and 100° or less. In this case, the central angle of region 30c1c can be, for example, "180°-θ". In this way, it becomes even easier to keep fluctuations in the light distribution characteristics within an acceptable range.

[0107] The areas 30b1e and 30c1c with rough surface roughness can be formed, for example, by molding the optical element 30 using a mold that has been textured, or by blasting the molded optical element 30.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the side portion 30b4a of the recess 30b4 in the X direction can be tilted away from the central axis 30a as it approaches the opening side of the recess 30b4. In this way, the illuminance of light emitted from the optical element 30 in the Z direction can be reduced, and the illuminance of light emitted to the side from the optical element 30 can be increased.

[0109] Furthermore, in the Z direction, a recess 30b4b (corresponding to an example of a fourth recess) is provided at the bottom 30b4c of the recess 30b4. In the Z direction, the recess 30b4b can be provided at the location of region 30b1a. In the direction in which the pair of third recesses 30b4 are aligned, the side of the recess 30b4b is connected to the side 30b4a of the third recess 30b4. In this way, the illuminance of the light irradiated to the side of the optical element 30 can be increased.

[0110] If the recess 30b4 is provided, even if the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 is shifted from the position of the central axis 30a of the optical element 30, the variation in light emission characteristics can be kept within an acceptable range.

[0111] According to the findings of the present inventors, as shown in Figure 6, the angle α between the side portion 30b4a of the recess 30b4 and the central axis 30a is preferably, for example, 3° or more and 20° or less. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the dimension W of the recess 30b4 in the Y direction is preferably, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. This approach makes it even easier to keep variations in luminescence characteristics within an acceptable range.

[0112] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating the light distribution characteristics when the rough surface areas 30b1e and 30c1c are not provided. Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the light distribution characteristics when areas 30b1e and 30c1c with rough surface roughness are provided. Figures 11 and 12 show the case where the positional misalignment between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 is 0.2 mm.

[0113] As can be seen from Figure 11, if the rough surface areas 30b1e and 30c1c are not provided, the variation in light distribution characteristics will be outside the acceptable range when the positional misalignment between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 becomes 0.2 mm.

[0114] In contrast, as can be seen from Figure 12, if regions 30b1e and 30c1c with rougher surface roughness are provided, even if the positional misalignment between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30 is 0.2 mm, the variation in light distribution characteristics will remain within an acceptable range.

[0115] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating the light emission characteristics when the recess 30b4 is not provided. Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the light emission characteristics when the recess 30b4 is provided. In Figures 13 and 14, the horizontal axis represents the amount of positional displacement between the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 and the central axis 30a of the optical element 30.

[0116] As can be seen from Figure 13, if the recess 30b4 is not provided, the relative luminance value will be outside the acceptable range if the positional displacement is 0.2 mm or more. In other words, the luminescence characteristics will be outside the acceptable range.

[0117] In contrast, as can be seen from Figure 14, if the recess 30b4 is provided, the relative luminance value will remain within the acceptable range even if the positional displacement is 0.2 mm. In other words, the luminescence characteristics will remain within the acceptable range.

[0118] As described above, with the optical element 30 according to this embodiment, even if the center position of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 12 is shifted from a predetermined position, the desired optical characteristics (light distribution characteristics, light emission characteristics) can be obtained.

[0119] (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 form (for example, vehicle lighting device 61) can all be applied to the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0120] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment. In the following example, we will illustrate the case where one of the aforementioned vehicle lighting devices 1 is provided, but it is sufficient to provide at least one vehicle lighting device 1. Furthermore, at least one vehicle lighting device 61 may be provided, or both vehicle lighting devices 1 and 61 may be provided.

[0121] As shown in Figure 15, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 can be provided with, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a socket 101, a housing 102, and a cover 103.

[0122] The socket 101 can be provided on the housing 102. The insertion portion 42 of the housing 40 provided on the vehicle lighting device 1 is inserted into the socket 101. The socket 101 is formed from an insulating material such as resin. Furthermore, although Figure 15 illustrates a case where the socket 101 and the housing 102 are provided separately, the socket 101 and the housing 102 may also be formed as a single unit.

[0123] The socket 101 may have a recess opening at one end. The vehicle lighting device 1 (insertion part 42) is inserted into the recess. The recess may also have a socket terminal 101a corresponding to one voltage polarity (e.g., positive) and a socket terminal 101b corresponding to the other voltage polarity (e.g., negative). As mentioned above, if the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with a non-polarized circuit, the mounting direction of the vehicle lighting device 1 (insertion part 42) is not limited.

[0124] The socket terminals 101a and 101b are elastically deformable. When the insertion portion 42 is inserted into the recess, the socket terminals 101a and 101b are electrically connected to terminal 50, respectively.

[0125] The socket terminals 101a and 101b can be electrically connected to a lighting circuit or the like, which is located outside the vehicle lighting fixture 100. Alternatively, the lighting circuit can be provided inside or outside the housing 102.

[0126] The shape of the housing 102 can be, for example, a box shape with one end open. The housing 102 is formed from, for example, a resin that does not transmit light.

[0127] The cover 103 can be provided to close the opening of the housing 102. The cover 103 can be made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 103 can have functions such as a lens or to suppress glare. The cover 103 can also be provided on the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable, or so as to be detachable. In addition, optical elements such as reflectors and lenses can be provided inside the housing 102.

[0128] If a vehicle lighting device 61 is provided, the circuit board 63 provided on the vehicle lighting device 61 is inserted into the socket 101. The socket terminals 101a and 101b are electrically connected to the connection pad 21e1, respectively.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0131] (Note 1) An optical element provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, A first recess is provided, which opens at the end opposite to the light-emitting element side, and whose dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis of the optical element gradually decreases as it approaches the light-emitting element side; A pair of second recesses are provided on the side of the optical element at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; A pair of third recesses are provided, opening into the inner wall of the first recess and positioned to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; It has, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the optical element, the direction in which the pair of second recesses are aligned and the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned intersect. The inner wall of the first recess, wherein the surface roughness of the first region sandwiching the third recess near the opening of the first recess is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region adjacent to the first region near the opening of the first recess. An optical element in which the surface roughness of the region of the inner wall of the second recess on the light-emitting side is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion of the optical element.

[0132] (Note 2) An optical element provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, A first recess is provided, which opens at the end opposite to the light-emitting element side, and whose dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis of the optical element gradually decreases as it approaches the light-emitting element side; A pair of second recesses are provided on the side of the optical element at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; A pair of third recesses are provided, opening into the inner wall of the first recess and positioned to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; It has, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the optical element, the direction in which the pair of second recesses are aligned and the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned intersect. A fourth recess is provided at the bottom of the third recess. In the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned, the side of the fourth recess is an optical element connected to the side of the third recess.

[0133] (Note 3) The inner wall of the first recess, wherein the surface roughness of the first region sandwiching the third recess near the opening of the first recess is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region adjacent to the first region near the opening of the first recess. The optical element according to Appendix 2, wherein the surface roughness of the region of the inner wall of the second recess on the light-emitting side is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion of the optical element.

[0134] (Note 4) The optical element according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein, in the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned, the sides of the third recesses are inclined in a direction away from the central axis of the optical element as they become the opening side of the third recess.

[0135] (Note 5) Light-emitting element and; A first substrate having a first surface on which the light-emitting element is provided, and a second surface facing the first surface; A second substrate intersecting the second surface of the first substrate; The optical element described in any one of appendices 1 to 4 is provided on the first surface side of the first substrate; A pair of connection pads provided on the second substrate and electrically connected to the light-emitting element; A vehicle lighting device equipped with the following features.

[0136] (Note 6) A housing having a storage section and an insertion section provided at one end of the storage section, having a plate-like shape, and being attached to the socket terminal of a socket provided on a vehicle light fixture; At the center of the insertion portion in the width direction, a pair of terminals are provided in the thickness direction of the insertion portion, sandwiching the central axis of the vehicle lighting device; Furthermore, it is equipped with, The second substrate is provided inside the housing, One end of the pair of terminals is electrically connected to the connecting pad inside the housing. The other end of the pair of terminals is provided on the surface in the thickness direction of the insertion portion outside the housing, as described in Appendix 5 of the vehicle lighting device.

[0137] (Note 7) Vehicle lighting devices as described in Appendix 5 or 6; A socket having a pair of socket terminals electrically connected to a pair of connection pads provided on the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 light-emitting part, 12 light-emitting element, 30 optical element, 30a central axis, 30b1 recess, 30b1e area, 30b1f area, 30b4 recess, 30b4a side, 30b4c bottom, 30c1 recess, 30c1c area, 61 Vehicle lighting device, 61a central axis, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 socket, 101a socket terminal, 101b socket terminal

Claims

1. An optical element provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, A first recess opening at the end opposite to the light-emitting side, the dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis of the optical element gradually decreases as it approaches the light-emitting side; A pair of second recesses are provided on the side of the optical element at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; A pair of third recesses are provided, opening into the inner wall of the first recess and positioned to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; It has, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the optical element, the direction in which the pair of second recesses are aligned and the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned intersect. The inner wall of the first recess, wherein the surface roughness of the first region sandwiching the third recess near the opening of the first recess is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region adjacent to the first region near the opening of the first recess. An optical element in which the surface roughness of the region of the inner wall of the second recess on the light-emitting side is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion of the optical element.

2. An optical element provided in a vehicle lighting device equipped with a light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, The optical element is provided on the light emission side of the light-emitting element, A first recess opening at the end opposite to the light-emitting side, the dimension in the direction intersecting the central axis of the optical element gradually decreases as it approaches the light-emitting side; A pair of second recesses are provided on the side of the optical element at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; A pair of third recesses are provided, opening into the inner wall of the first recess and positioned to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the optical element; It has, When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the optical element, the direction in which the pair of second recesses are aligned and the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned intersect. A fourth recess is provided at the bottom of the third recess. In the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned, the side of the fourth recess is connected to the side of the third recess, forming an optical element.

3. The inner wall of the first recess, wherein the surface roughness of the first region sandwiching the third recess near the opening of the first recess is rougher than the surface roughness of the second region adjacent to the first region near the opening of the first recess. The optical element according to claim 2, wherein the surface roughness of the region of the inner wall of the second recess that is on the light-emitting side is rougher than the surface roughness of the side portion of the optical element.

4. The optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the direction in which the pair of third recesses are aligned, the side portions of the third recesses are inclined in a direction away from the central axis of the optical element as they approach the opening side of the third recess.

5. Light-emitting element and; A first substrate having a first surface on which the light-emitting element is provided, and a second surface facing the first surface; The first substrate and the second substrate intersecting the second surface; An optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 3 provided on the first surface side of the first substrate; A pair of connection pads provided on the second substrate and electrically connected to the light-emitting element; A vehicle lighting device equipped with the following features.

6. A housing having a storage section and an insertion section provided at one end of the storage section, having a plate-like shape, and being attached to the socket terminal of a socket provided on a vehicle light fixture; At the center of the insertion portion in the width direction, a pair of terminals are provided in the thickness direction of the insertion portion, sandwiching the central axis of the vehicle lighting device; Furthermore, it is equipped with, The second substrate is provided inside the housing, One end of the pair of terminals is electrically connected to the connecting pad inside the housing. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 5, wherein the other end of the pair of terminals is provided on the surface in the thickness direction of the insertion portion, outside the housing.

7. A vehicle lighting device according to claim 5; A socket having a pair of socket terminals electrically connected to a pair of connection pads provided on the vehicle lighting device; A vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the following features.

Images