Lamp unit

Abstract

To provide a lamp unit which prevents rattling of light emitting elements.SOLUTION: A lamp unit 4 has: a holder member 9 which is configured to be attached to an attachment object 3; a substrate 6 in which light emitting elements 5 are coupled onto its principal surface; a holding member 8 which engages with the holder member so as to hold the substrate at a predetermined position on the holder member and is used to hold the substrate with the holder member; and a cover member 9 which is at least partially translucent, cooperates with the holder member, and is attached to the holder member so as to define a housing chamber 90 for housing the substrate and the holding member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamp unit equipped with a light-emitting element. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a lamp unit that emits light to illuminate the feet of a passenger when a vehicle door is opened (for example, Patent Document 1). The lamp unit of Patent Document 1 has a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is coupled to a bus bar, which is a metal plate provided in a functional part. The functional part is fitted into a design part attached to a part to which the vehicle door is to be assembled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-166635 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since the light emitting element is connected to the bus bar, there is a problem in that the light emitting element rattles relative to the holder member.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unit in which rattling of a light-emitting element is prevented. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a lamp unit (4) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a holder member (9) configured to be attached to an attachment object (3), a substrate (6) having a light-emitting element (5) bonded to its main surface, a holding member (8) for engaging with the holder member and clamping the substrate against the holder member so as to hold the substrate at a predetermined position on the holder member, and a cover member (9) that is at least partially translucent and is attached to the holder member so as to cooperate with the holder member to define a storage chamber (90) for accommodating the substrate and the holding member.

[0007] According to this aspect, since the light emitting element is bonded to the main surface of the substrate and the substrate is sandwiched between the holder member and the holding member, rattling of the light emitting element relative to the holder member is prevented.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holder member has a recess for accommodating the substrate and the holding member, and an engagement portion (37) for engaging the holding member is provided on an inner surface of the holder member.

[0009] According to this aspect, since the holding member and the substrate are accommodated in the accommodation recess, damage to the holding member and the substrate can be prevented.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the holding member may be in the form of a plate, and may include a light-passing hole (39) penetrating the holding member at a position corresponding to the light-emitting element.

[0011] According to this aspect, the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the accommodation recess is not obstructed. Furthermore, by forming the light through hole, the holding member can be made lightweight.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member has an outer frame (35) formed along the edge of the substrate and a plurality of beams (36, 38) provided between the outer frame, the outer frame and the beams define the light-passing hole, and the engaging portion engages with the outer frame.

[0013] According to this aspect, the substrate can be fixed to the holder member without obstructing the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the accommodating recess.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member may have first protrusions (101) protruding from at least two mutually opposing portions of the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame and abutting wall surfaces (111) that define the accommodating recesses.

[0015] According to this aspect, rattling of the holding member relative to the holder member can be prevented.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member may have a pair of second protrusions (102) that protrude from the outer frame toward the substrate and abut against an end face of the substrate to clamp the substrate.

[0017] According to this aspect, the substrate is coupled to the holding member, and rattling of the substrate relative to the holder member can be prevented.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a locking recess (23) may be provided in the bottom wall of the accommodating recess, and a locking protrusion (40) that protrudes into the locking recess may be provided in the corresponding portion of the holding member.

[0019] According to this aspect, when the retaining member moves along the bottom wall of the holder member, the locking protrusion abuts against the wall defining the locking recess, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member along the bottom wall of the holder member.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a through hole (11) is formed in the substrate at a position opposite the locking recess, and the locking protrusion passes through the through hole and fits into the locking recess.

[0021] According to this aspect, since the locking protrusion is inserted into the through hole provided in the substrate, it is possible to restrict movement of the substrate relative to the holding member in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the locking protrusion, and therefore, since the holder member is coupled to the holding member, it is possible to restrict movement of the substrate relative to the holder member in a direction along the bottom wall of the holder member.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holder member may have a connector insertion recess (22) that passes from its outer surface between the bottom wall of the locking recess and the outer surface of the holder member to reach the locking recess, and a connection terminal (47) that passes from the board between the locking protrusion and the locking recess to reach the connector insertion recess.

[0023] According to this aspect, the board and the connector can be connected by inserting the connector into the connector insertion recess and connecting it to the connection terminal.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the locking recess extends along a predetermined axis and reaches approximately the center of the connector insertion recess, the connector insertion recess extends approximately perpendicular to the axis and reaches approximately the center of the locking recess, the locking recess and the connector insertion recess are connected to each other, the locking protrusion has a first end surface (43) and a second end surface (44), the first end surface abuts against a bottom wall of the locking recess or the connection terminal, the second end surface cooperates with a wall surface of the connector insertion recess to define a connector insertion hole (80) into which a connector (60) is inserted, and the connection terminal passes between the first end surface and the bottom wall of the locking recess to reach the connector insertion hole.

[0025] According to this aspect, the connection terminal is sandwiched between the first end face and the bottom wall of the locking recess, so that the movement of the connection terminal is prevented.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a groove (48) for receiving the connection terminal may be formed in a bottom wall of the locking recess, and the first end face and the bottom wall of the locking recess may be in contact with each other.

[0027] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from moving in a direction along the bottom wall of the locking recess.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second end surface may be located closer to the base end of the locking protrusion than the first end surface, and a gap may be formed between the second end surface and the connection terminal.

[0029] According to this aspect, the connection terminal and the connector can be connected by inserting the connection terminal into the hole provided in the connector.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second end surface may be inclined toward the base end toward an opening of the connector insertion recess.

[0031] According to this embodiment, when the connector is inserted, the connector is guided to a proper position by the second end surface, making it easy to attach the connector.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the holder member may have an outer surface formed with an inclined surface (55) that is continuous with an opening of the connector insertion recess.

[0033] According to this aspect, when the connector is inserted, the connector is guided into the connector insertion hole, which makes it easy to attach the connector.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the lamp unit may be a courtesy lamp provided in a vehicle door.

[0035] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a courtesy lamp in which rattling of the light emitting element is prevented.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the holder member may be integrally formed with a door trim of a vehicle door.

[0037] According to this aspect, the configuration is simplified, and the substrate is less likely to fall off the door trim. Effect of the Invention

[0038] According to the above aspect, since the light-emitting element is bonded to the main surface of the substrate and the substrate is clamped between the holder member and the holding member, it is possible to provide a lamp unit in which the light-emitting element is prevented from rattling.

[0039] In addition, in an embodiment in which the holder member has an accommodating recess for accommodating the substrate and the holding member, and an engagement portion for engaging the holding member is provided on the inner surface of the holder member, damage to the holding member and the substrate can be prevented.

[0040] According to an embodiment in which the holding member is plate-shaped and has a light-passing hole penetrating at a position corresponding to the light-emitting element, the light path from the light-emitting element toward the opening of the accommodation recess is not obstructed. Furthermore, by forming the light-passing hole, the holding member can be made lightweight.

[0041] Furthermore, according to an aspect in which the holding member includes an outer frame and a beam, the substrate can be fixed to the holder member without obstructing the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the accommodating recess.

[0042] In addition, in an embodiment in which the retaining member has first convex portions protruding from each of at least two mutually opposing portions of the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame and abutting against the wall surfaces defining the accommodating recess, rattling of the retaining member relative to the holder member can be prevented.

[0043] In addition, in an embodiment in which the holding member has a pair of second convex portions that protrude from the outer frame toward the substrate and abut against the end faces of the substrate to clamp the substrate, the substrate is coupled to the holding member, thereby preventing the substrate from rattling relative to the holder member.

[0044] Furthermore, according to an aspect in which the locking protrusion is fitted into the locking recess, it is possible to restrict movement of the holding member along the bottom wall of the holder member.

[0045] Furthermore, according to an aspect in which the locking protrusion passes through the through hole and fits into the locking recess, movement of the holding member and the substrate along the bottom wall of the holder member can be restricted.

[0046] Furthermore, according to an embodiment in which a connector insertion recess is provided, the connector and the board can be connected to each other via the connection terminal by inserting the connector into the connector insertion recess.

[0047] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a groove for receiving the connection terminal is formed in the bottom wall of the locking recess, the first end face abuts against the bottom wall of the locking recess, and the second end face and the connector insertion recess define a connector insertion hole, by clamping the connection terminal between the first end face and the bottom wall of the locking recess, movement of the connection terminal is prevented and the connector insertion hole can be formed more easily.

[0048] In addition, a groove for receiving the connection terminal is formed in the bottom wall of the locking recess, and according to an embodiment in which the first end face and the bottom wall of the locking recess abut, movement of the connection terminal in a direction along the bottom wall of the locking recess can be prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, according to an embodiment in which the second end surface is located closer to the base end of the locking protrusion than the first end surface and a gap is formed between the second end surface and the connection terminal, the connection terminal and the connector can be connected by inserting the connection terminal into a hole provided in the connector.

[0050] Furthermore, according to an embodiment in which the second protruding end surface is inclined, the connector is guided to an appropriate position by the second protruding end surface when the connector is inserted, making it easier to attach the connector.

[0051] In addition, in an embodiment in which an inclined surface that continues into the opening of the connector insertion recess is formed on the outer surface of the holder member, the connector is guided into the connector insertion hole when the connector is inserted, making it easier to attach the connector.

[0052] Furthermore, according to an embodiment in which the lamp unit is a courtesy lamp provided in a vehicle door, it is possible to provide a courtesy lamp in which rattling of the light-emitting element is prevented.

[0053] Furthermore, according to an embodiment in which the holder member is integrally formed with the door trim of the vehicle door, the configuration is simplified and the board is more unlikely to fall off the door trim. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle door to which the lamp unit according to the embodiment is attached; [Diagram 2] A perspective view of the lamp unit from the right rear [Diagram 3] A perspective view of the lamp unit from the upper left [Figure 4] A perspective view of a connector connected to a lamp unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] Side view of the lamp unit with the cover removed [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view of the lamp unit when the cover member and the holding member are removed. [Figure 8] Side view of the holder member [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of Figure 6 [Figure 11] XI-XI cross section of Figure 6 [Figure 12] 13 is a side view of a lamp unit when a cover member according to another embodiment is removed; FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view of a lamp unit according to another embodiment when a cover member and a holding member are removed; FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a holding member according to another embodiment, as viewed from the front side; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a holding member according to another embodiment, as viewed from the back side; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lamp unit according to another embodiment; [Figure 17] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a lamp unit according to another embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a door trim according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a door trim when a lamp unit according to another embodiment is attached; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Hereinafter, an example in which a lamp unit according to the present invention is applied to a courtesy lamp provided in a vehicle door for a driver's seat will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0056] <<First embodiment>> 1, a vehicle door 1 for a driver's seat has a door panel 2 which serves as a framework, and a door trim 3 which is attached as an interior member to the inside of the door panel 2. A courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the lower end of the door trim 3.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, the courtesy lamp 4 comprises a substrate 6 on which a light-emitting element 5 is provided, a holder member 7 that supports the substrate 6, a holding member 8 that fixes the substrate 6 to the holder member 7, and a cover member 9 that covers the substrate 6 and the holding member 8.

[0058] The substrate 6 is a printed circuit board on which the light-emitting elements 5 are provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the substrate 6 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The light-emitting elements 5 are soldered to the surface of the substrate 6. The light-emitting elements 5 may be, for example, surface-mounted LED elements, organic EL elements, light bulbs, etc., and may emit white light. The substrate 6 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 5. The light-emitting elements 5 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the substrate 6. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 5 are arranged in a lattice pattern with two rows in the short direction and four columns in the long direction. In addition to the light-emitting elements 5, the substrate 6 is provided with resistors, diodes, etc. (not shown) required for controlling the power supply to the light-emitting elements 5.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 11 is formed in the substrate 6 at approximately the center thereof, penetrating from the front surface to the back surface. The through hole 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 6. The substrate 6 is formed with four connection holes 12 penetrating from the front surface to the back surface. On the front surface of the substrate 6, a land 13 for soldering is provided on each of the opening peripheries of the connection holes 12. The connection holes 12 are formed on the longitudinal side of the substrate 6 with respect to the through hole 11. In this embodiment, the connection holes 12 open in a circular shape on the front and back surfaces of the substrate 6.

[0060] The holder member 7 is a member made of resin. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 11, the holder member 7 has an accommodation portion 15 and a connector portion 16 protruding from the accommodation portion 15 in a predetermined direction, that is, the X direction. The accommodation portion 15 has an accommodation recess 17 recessed in the X direction on the side opposite to the surface to which the connector portion 16 is joined. The accommodation recess 17 is defined by an accommodation recess bottom wall 18 perpendicular to the X direction and an accommodation recess side wall 19 provided around the accommodation recess bottom wall 18.

[0061] 8, the accommodating recess bottom wall 18 has a substantially rectangular shape. Hereinafter, the direction along the long side of the accommodating recess bottom wall 18 will be referred to as the Y direction, and the direction along the short side will be referred to as the Z direction. The accommodating recess side wall 19 is connected to the short side of the accommodating recess bottom wall 18 and includes a pair of accommodating recess lateral walls 20 facing each other.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, the connector portion 16 is formed with an insertion recess 22 recessed in the Y direction. The accommodation recess bottom wall 18 is formed with an engagement recess 23 recessed in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the engagement recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 overlap partially in the X direction and the Y direction. An opening 24 is formed in the portion where the engagement recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 overlap. The engagement recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 are connected to each other via the opening 24. The engagement recess bottom wall 25, which is the bottom wall of the engagement recess 23, is located approximately in the center of the insertion recess 22 in the X direction. The insertion recess bottom wall 26, which is the bottom wall of the insertion recess 22, is located approximately in the center of the engagement recess 23 in the Y direction. The engagement recess bottom wall 25 and the insertion recess bottom wall 26 are connected to each other.

[0063] The side walls that define the insertion recess 22 include a first insertion recess lateral wall 27 and a second insertion recess lateral wall 28 that face each other, and a pair of opposing insertion recess vertical walls 29. The first insertion recess lateral wall 27 and the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 face in the X direction. The first insertion recess lateral wall 27 is located closer to the locking recess 23 than the second insertion recess lateral wall 28. As shown in FIG. 10, the insertion recess vertical walls 29 each face in the Z direction.

[0064] The side walls defining the locking recess 23 include a locking recess vertical wall 30 that is perpendicular to the Y direction and faces the opening side of the insertion recess 22, as shown in FIG.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the substrate 6 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 17 so that the main surface faces the X direction. The back surface of the substrate 6 abuts against a bottom wall 18 of the accommodation recess. As shown in FIG. 6, a holding member 8 is disposed on the front side of the substrate 6. The holding member 8 is a flexible resin member. As shown in FIG. 9, the holding member 8 has a substantially rectangular outer frame 35 and a plurality of vertical beams 36 provided between the outer frame 35. The outer frame 35 is formed in substantially the same shape as the edge of the substrate 6.

[0066] The holding member 8 is arranged such that a portion (long side) extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35 is aligned with a long side of the substrate 6, and a portion (short side) extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35 is aligned with a short side of the substrate 6. The vertical beams 36 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35. Each of the vertical beams 36 connects the portions of the outer frame 35 extending in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the holding member 8 is provided with three vertical beams 36. The holding member 8 abuts against the substrate 6 at the surfaces (rear surfaces) of the outer frame 35 and the vertical beams 36 facing the substrate 6.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the accommodating recess side walls 20 are each provided with a locking protrusion 37 that protrudes toward the inside of the accommodating recess 17. Two locking protrusions 37 are provided in pairs on each accommodating recess side wall 20. The pair of locking protrusions 37 is formed on each accommodating recess side wall 20 in a row substantially parallel to the accommodating recess bottom wall 18. The locking protrusions 37 abut against the surface of the short side of the outer frame 35 and restrict the movement of the holding member 8 toward the opening of the accommodating recess 17. As a result, the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the accommodating recess bottom wall 18 and the holding member 8. The distance between the opposing locking protrusions 37 in the Y direction is shorter than the long side of the outer frame 35 and longer than the long side of the substrate 6.

[0068] The holding member 8 includes a horizontal beam 38 that connects approximately the centers of the multiple vertical beams 36. In this embodiment, the horizontal beam 38 connects all three vertical beams 36. The vertical beams 36 and the horizontal beams 38 pass between the light-emitting elements 5 arranged in a lattice pattern. In the holding member 8, a light-passing hole 39 that penetrates in the X direction is formed by the outer frame 35, the vertical beams 36, and the horizontal beams 38 at a position corresponding to the light-emitting elements 5. As shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal beam 38 is provided with a locking protrusion 40 that protrudes in the X direction from the rear surface.

[0069] The locking protrusion 40 passes through the through hole 11 and projects into and fits into the locking recess 23. Because the locking protrusion 40 passes through the through hole 11, movement of the substrate 6 in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the locking protrusion 40 relative to the holding member 8 is restricted. Because the locking protrusion 40 fits into the locking recess 23, movement of the holding member relative to the holder member 7 in directions along the accommodating recess bottom wall 18 (X direction and Y direction) is restricted.

[0070] The locking protrusion 40 is defined by a locking protrusion end wall 41 facing the X direction and a locking protrusion side wall 42 connected to the periphery of the locking protrusion end wall 41. The locking protrusion end wall 41 is provided with a first protrusion end surface 43 and a second protrusion end surface 44 formed in a stepped manner and facing approximately in the X direction, and a connection surface 45 connecting the first protrusion end surface 43 and the second protrusion end surface 44. The first protrusion end surface 43 is located closer to the base end side of the locking protrusion 40 than the second protrusion end surface 44. The first protrusion end surface 43 forms a surface facing the locking recess bottom wall 25, and the second protrusion end surface 44 is provided at a position facing the second insertion recess side wall 28 across the opening 24. The connection surface 45 faces the opening side of the insertion recess 22 in the Y direction and is continuous with the wall surface of the insertion recess bottom wall 26. The locking protrusion 40 abuts against the locking recess bottom wall 25 at the first protruding end surface 43. The locking protrusion side wall 42 includes a locking protrusion vertical wall 46 that faces the locking recess vertical wall 30.

[0071] A plurality of metal connection terminals 47 formed in a leaf spring shape are coupled to the substrate 6. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, in this embodiment, two connection terminals 47 are coupled to the substrate 6. The connection terminals 47 are coupled to the substrate 6 at their base ends.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 11, the connection terminal 47 includes, in order from the base end side, a base end portion 47A, an intermediate portion 47B, and a tip end portion 47C. The base end portion 47A is branched into two at its base end side, and each is inserted into the connection hole 12 and soldered to the land 13. The base end portion 47A extends from the connection hole 12 toward the through hole 11. The base end portion 47A is bent in the X direction at the tip end side, extends into the through hole 11, and connects to the intermediate portion 47B. The intermediate portion 47B reaches the back side of the board 6 along the through hole 11, passes between the locking protrusion vertical wall 46 and the locking recess vertical wall 30, and reaches the locking recess bottom wall 25. The intermediate portion 47B is bent at the locking recess bottom wall 25 and connects to the tip end portion 47C. The tip end portion 47C extends in the Y direction along the locking recess bottom wall 25 (see FIG. 10). A plurality of grooves 48 extending in a direction (Y direction) from the locking recess vertical wall 30 toward the opening of the insertion recess 22 are formed in the locking recess bottom wall 25. In this embodiment, two grooves 48 are formed in the locking recess bottom wall 25. The protruding end 47C is received in each of the grooves 48 on the intermediate portion 47B side, and as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the protruding end 47C is sandwiched between the locking recess bottom wall 25 and the first protruding end surface 43 on the intermediate portion 47B side.

[0073] 8, a narrowed portion 49 whose width is narrowed in the Z direction is formed at approximately the middle of groove 48 in the Y direction. The width of tip end 47C in the Z direction is narrowed at a position corresponding to narrowed portion 49. When connection terminal 47 moves along the Y direction, tip end 47C abuts against a wall surface that defines narrowed portion 49. The movement of connection terminal 47 in the Y direction is restricted by narrowed portion 49.

[0074] The protruding end 47C extends in the Y direction through the groove 48 and protrudes toward the opening of the insertion recess 22. The protruding end 47C protrudes approximately perpendicular to the insertion recess bottom wall 26 and reaches between the second protruding end surface 44 and the second insertion recess side wall 28. Since the second protruding end surface 44 is located closer to the base end than the first protruding end surface 43, the second protruding end surface 44 is separated from the locking recess bottom wall 25 in the X direction. Therefore, a gap is formed between the second protruding end surface 44 and the connection terminal 47, and the protruding end of the protruding end 47C protrudes from between the continuous connection surface 45 and the wall surface of the insertion recess bottom wall 26. The second protruding end surface 44 is inclined toward the opening of the insertion recess 22 and away from the second insertion recess side wall 28.

[0075] The second insertion recess side wall 28 is formed with a protrusion 51 extending in the Y direction and a locking hole 53 penetrating in the X direction.

[0076] An inclined surface 55 that connects to the opening is formed on the outer surface of the accommodating section 15 at a portion that continues to the opening of the connector insertion recess 22. The inclined surface 55 is inclined in a direction approaching the axis of the connector insertion recess 22 as it approaches from the connector insertion recess 22 in the Y direction.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 4, a terminal receiving hole 61 into which a connection terminal 47 is inserted is formed at the insertion end of the connector 60, and a cable 62 extends outward from the rear surface of the connector 60 in the insertion direction. The cable 62 extends to the vehicle body along the door panel 2 and is connected to a control unit (not shown) provided on the vehicle body. A guide groove 63 extending along the extension direction is formed on each side surface of the connector 60. The connector 60 is provided with a locking wall 65 protruding from the side surface. The locking wall 65 is provided with a locking claw 67 that engages with the locking hole 53.

[0078] The connector insertion hole 80 is defined by the second protruding end surface 44, the connection surface 45, and the insertion recess 22. When the connector 60 is inserted into the connector insertion hole 80, the front end of the connector 60 abuts against the inclined surface 55 and moves along the inclined surface 55 to be guided into the insertion recess 22. When the connector 60 is further inserted, the front end of the connector 60 abuts against the second protruding end surface 44 and moves along the second protruding end surface 44. This guides the connector 60 to the proper position in the terminal receiving hole 61 where the connection terminal 47 is inserted. The protruding strip 51 engages with the guide groove 63, and the connector 60 is guided to the proper position. The connector 60 is coupled to the courtesy lamp 4 by engaging the locking claw 67 with the locking hole 53. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the connector 60 is sandwiched between the second protruding end surface 44 and the second insertion recess side wall 28. The connector 60 is also connected to the board 6 via the connection terminal 47.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a plurality of locking claws 70 are provided on the outer surface of the storage section 15 along the edge of the opening of the storage recess 17. As shown in Fig. 4, the cover member 9 is in the form of a plate made of a translucent resin. Engagement holes 71 are formed on the edge of the cover member 9. The locking claws 70 engage with the engagement holes 71, so that the cover member 9 is coupled to the opening of the storage recess 17. As shown in Fig. 2, the opening of the storage recess 17 is closed by the cover member 9. The storage recess 17 and the cover member 9 define a storage chamber 90 that accommodates the substrate 6 and the holding member 8.

[0080] 6, 7, and 8, a plurality of protrusions 73 protruding in the opening direction are provided on the opening edge of the accommodating recess 17. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover member 9 abuts against the protrusions 73, and a gap is formed between the cover member 9 and the opening edge of the accommodating recess 17. Heat generated from the light-emitting element 5 can be released to the outside of the accommodating recess 17 through the gap.

[0081] The cover member 9 is formed of a transparent resin, and as shown in Figures 2 and 5, has a cover side wall 74 and a cover lower wall 75 that is joined to the cover side wall 74 approximately perpendicularly. The cover side wall 74 is approximately rectangular. The cover lower wall 75 is approximately rectangular. As shown in Figure 1, when the courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the door trim 3, the cover side wall 74 is disposed so as to be continuous with the side surface of the door trim 3. The cover lower wall 75 is disposed so as to be continuous with the lower surface of the door trim 3. A red transparent colored portion 76 is joined to the cover side wall 74.

[0082] The courtesy lamp 4 is fixed to the door trim 3 to which it is to be attached using a predetermined member such as a screw. A connector 60 is connected to the courtesy lamp 4. The door trim 3 is fixed to the door panel 2 using a predetermined bolt. When the vehicle door 1 is closed, the X direction is a direction facing diagonally upward toward the outside of the vehicle, and the Y direction is a front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body.

[0083] When the vehicle door 1 is opened, the light-emitting element 5 emits light. When the light-emitting element 5 emits light, the courtesy lamp 4 lights up in red on the cover side wall 74, informing following vehicles that the vehicle door 1 is open. When the light-emitting element 5 emits light, the courtesy lamp 4 lights up in white on the cover lower wall 75, illuminating the feet of passengers getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0084] Next, the effect of the thus configured courtesy lamp 4 will be described. The light emitting element 5 is bonded to the substrate 6, and the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the holding member 8 and the bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess. Therefore, the light emitting element 5 is prevented from rattling.

[0085] The holding member 8 and the substrate 6 are covered by a cover member 9. The holding member 8 and the substrate 6 are housed in a storage recess 17. The opening of the storage recess 17 is closed by the cover member 9. As a result, even if a load is applied to the courtesy lamp 4, the load is not directly applied to the holding member 8 and the substrate 6, and damage to the holding member 8 and the substrate 6 can be prevented.

[0086] Since the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the retaining member 8 and the holder member 7, no screws or the like are required for attachment, making attachment easy. In addition, since the substrate 6 is arranged along the bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess, a load that would break the substrate 6 is unlikely to be applied, and damage or movement of the substrate 6 can be prevented.

[0087] The light through holes 39 allow light from the light-emitting element 5 to reach the opening of the accommodation recess 17 without being blocked by the holding member 8. In addition, since the light through holes 39 are formed in the holding member 8, the holding member 8 is lighter than if it were formed in a plate shape. In addition, since the horizontal beams 38 connect the vertical beams 36 and are not joined to the outer frame 35, the outer frame 35 is easily bent in the Y direction, and the assembly of the holding member 8 is easy. Since the long side of the substrate 6 is shorter than the distance between the locking protrusions 37 facing each other in the Y direction, the substrate 6 can easily pass between the locking protrusions 37 facing each other in the Y direction, and the assembly of the substrate 6 is easy.

[0088] Since the connection terminal 47 is sandwiched between the locking recess bottom wall 25 and the first end surface 43, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal 47 from moving relative to the holder member 7. There is no need to fix the connection terminal 47 to the holder member 7 by adhesive or the like, and assembly is easy.

[0089] The protruding end 47C protrudes from the connection surface 45 and the bottom wall 26 of the insertion recess. Thus, the connection terminal 47 protrudes from approximately the center of the bottom wall of the connector insertion hole 80. Therefore, the connection terminal 47 can be fitted into the terminal receiving hole 61 of the connector 60.

[0090] <<Second embodiment>> The courtesy lamp 4 according to the second embodiment has a different shape of the holding member 8 and the holder member 7. As shown in Figs. 12, 14 and 15, the outer frame 35 of the holding member 8 has a protruding portion 100 protruding outward on each of the outer surfaces in the longitudinal direction. The protruding portions 100 have substantially rectangular faces facing outward and separated from each other at their tips. A plurality of first protruding portions 101 protruding outward are formed on each of the tip surfaces of the protruding portions 100. The first protruding portions 101 formed on one protruding portion 100 are each provided at a position aligned with the first protruding portion 101 formed on the other protruding portion 100 in the short side direction (Y direction) to form a pair. In this embodiment, the holding member 8 has two pairs of first protruding portions 101.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 15, each of the protrusions 100 extends to the rear side and forms a surface facing inward. A rib-shaped second protrusion 102 is formed on each of the surfaces, protruding inward and extending toward the rear side, i.e., toward the substrate 6 side. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the second protrusions 102 formed on one of the protrusions 100 is provided at a position aligned with the second protrusion 102 formed on the other protrusion 100 in the short side direction (Y direction), forming a pair. In this embodiment, the holding member 8 has three pairs of second protrusions 102. As shown in FIG. 15, the rear surface of the holding member 8 is recessed in a substantially semicircular shape around each of the second protrusions 102.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 12, the inner surfaces of the two side walls (hereinafter referred to as accommodating recess vertical walls 107) facing the Z direction that are accommodating recess side walls 19 of the holder member 7 are each provided with an outwardly recessed receiving recess 110. As shown in Fig. 13, the receiving recesses 110 each face inward of the accommodating recess 17 and are defined by opposing pressed surfaces 111, left and right side surfaces 112 facing the Y direction, and a locking surface 113 (Fig. 13) facing the X direction (the opening direction of the accommodating recess 17).

[0093] 16, the distance between the two pressed surfaces 111 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the tips of the paired first protrusions 101. The first protrusions 101 are received in the receiving recesses 110, and elastically deform to press the pressed surfaces 111. Therefore, rattling of the holding member 8 with respect to the holder member 7 is prevented.

[0094] In addition, the first convex portion 101 may not be provided, and an elastic material (rubber), nonwoven fabric, etc. may be sandwiched between the outer surface of the protruding portion 100 and the pressed surface 111 to prevent the retaining member 8 from rattling relative to the holder member 7.

[0095] The locking surface 113 is formed at a level with respect to the bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess in the X direction, and is located closer to the opening side of the accommodating recess 17 (upper side in the drawing) than the bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess. The protruding portion 100 abuts against the locking surface 113 at an end face on the back side (lower side in the drawing).

[0096] As shown in Fig. 13, a plurality of ribs 115 protruding toward the opening side are formed on bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess. Ribs 115 include horizontal ribs (two in this embodiment) extending in the Y direction and vertical ribs (three in this embodiment) extending in the Z direction, and are formed so that the tip faces of all ribs 115 are aligned in the X direction. As shown in Fig. 16, the tip faces of ribs 115 are located closer to bottom wall 18 of the accommodating recess in the X direction (lower on the page) than locking surface 113.

[0097] The back surface of the substrate 6 abuts against the tip of the rib 115, and the front surface is located closer to the opening side of the accommodation recess 17 than the locking surface 113. The second protrusions 102 abut against the end surfaces of the substrate 6 in the Z direction. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of second protrusions 102 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the substrate 6 in the Z direction. As a result, the second protrusions 102 are elastically deformed to press the end surfaces of the substrate 6, and the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the pair of second protrusions 102. Therefore, the substrate 6 is bonded to the holding member 8, and the substrate 6 is prevented from rattling against the holder member 7. As shown in FIG. 12, in order to prevent the load applied from the second protrusions 102 from being applied to the LED elements, resistors, etc. mounted on the substrate 6, it is preferable that the LED elements, resistors, etc. are arranged to avoid being between the opposing second protrusions 102.

[0098] 12, each of the accommodating recess side walls 20 is provided with a locking projection 37. Each of the locking projections 37 has a pair of claw shapes, protrudes inward of the accommodating recess 17, i.e., in the Y direction (the direction in which the connector 60 is inserted), and abuts against the surface of the holding member 8. This restricts the movement of the board 6 and the holding member 8 toward the opening direction of the accommodating recess 17. Furthermore, the locking projection 37 is located approximately in the center of the two accommodating recess vertical walls 107 in the Z direction. Therefore, the outer frame 35 is easily bent at the positions corresponding to the locking projections 37, making it easy to assemble the holding member 8.

[0099] As in the first embodiment, the cover member 9 is joined to the holder member 7. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the cover side wall 74 abuts against the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17. This prevents light from leaking between the cover side wall 74 and the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17 is provided with a protrusion 73 similar to that in the first embodiment at a position corresponding to the cover lower wall 75. The cover lower wall 75 abuts against the protrusion 73, and a gap 116 is formed between the cover lower wall 75 and the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17. The gap 116 can absorb distortion of the holder member 7 and the cover member 9, making it easier for the holder member 7 and the cover member 9 to be joined. The resin constituting the cover member 9 preferably contains a diffusing material that scatters light.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 12, two extensions 120 are provided side by side on the opening side edge of the vertical wall (upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 12) of the storage recess vertical wall 107 that is connected to the cover side wall 74. Each of the extensions 120 protrudes outward from the edge toward the opening of the storage recess 17. A flange 121 is provided on the opening side edge of the vertical wall of the storage recess vertical wall 107 that is connected to the cover lower wall 75. The flange 121 is plate-shaped and extends outward toward the opening of the storage recess 17. The flange 121 has a main surface facing the opening direction of the storage recess 17, and a plurality of flange recesses 123 (two in this embodiment) recessed toward the bottom direction of the storage recess 17 are formed on the main surface. The outer surface of the storage recess lateral wall 20 is provided with tongue pieces 124 that protrude outward.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower edge of the door trim 3 is bent toward the vehicle exterior. As shown in FIG. 18, the bent portion is formed with a door trim opening 130 that penetrates in a shape corresponding to the cover member 9. The door trim opening 130 is composed of an upper half 130U provided on a wall surface of the door trim 3 facing the vehicle width direction, and a lower half 130D provided on a wall surface extending toward the vehicle exterior. An upper edge wall 131 extending to the rear side is provided on the edge portion defining the upper half 130U. Two upper edge wall recesses 132 recessed toward the front side are formed on the upper edge wall 131. Furthermore, a pair of hook plates 133 extending in a plate shape on the rear side are provided on the front and rear sides of the upper edge wall 131. A claw portion 134 protruding toward the inside of the door trim opening 130 is provided on the extending end of the hook plate 133. A lower edge wall 135 extending upward is provided on the edge portion defining the lower half 130D. The lower edge wall 135 is provided with a plurality of edge wall projections 136 (two in this embodiment) that project upward.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 19, the courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the door trim 3. When attaching the courtesy lamp 4, the extension portion 120 is inserted into the door trim opening 130 from the front side, and the extension portion 120 is hooked into the upper edge wall recess 132. After that, the courtesy lamp 4 is rotated around the extension portion 120 as an axis, and the flange portion 121 is pushed to the back side. When the flange portion 121 is pushed in, the edge wall protrusions 136 are elastically deformed and pass through the wall that defines the flange recess 123, and are fitted into the flange recess 123. In this way, the courtesy lamp 4 is assembled to the door trim 3. By rotating the courtesy lamp 4 around the extension portion 120 as an axis, the courtesy lamp 4 can be easily arranged in a proper position and assembled to the door trim 3.

[0103] When the courtesy lamp 4 is assembled to the door trim 3, the latch plates 133 abut against the side surfaces of the courtesy lamp 4, and the claw portions 134 abut against the tongue portions 124 from the back side. This restricts the movement of the courtesy lamp 4 in the direction along the door trim 3 and toward the back side of the door trim 3. In addition, since the edge wall protrusion 136 is fitted into the flange recess 123, the movement of the lower portion of the courtesy lamp 4 toward the front side, back side, and direction along the door trim 3 is restricted. In addition, since the extension portion 120 abuts against the back side of the door trim 3, the movement of the upper portion of the courtesy lamp 4 toward the front side of the door trim 3 is restricted. In this way, the courtesy lamp 4 is fixed to the door trim 3.

[0104] Although the description of the specific embodiment is finished above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified. In this embodiment, the opening of the storage recess 17 is closed by the cover member 9, and the holding member 8 and the substrate 6 are entirely covered, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, at least a part of the holding member 8 and at least a part of the substrate 6 may be covered by the cover member 9. Even in this case, the holding member 8 is partially covered by the cover member 9, and the holding member 8 can be protected from an external load, so that the holding member 8 can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, the substrate 6 is partially covered by the cover member 9, and the substrate 6 can be protected from an external load, so that the substrate 6 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0105] In this embodiment, the lamp unit is applied to the courtesy lamp 4, but is not limited thereto. For example, the lamp unit may be applied to various lights for a vehicle, such as a headlight, a turn signal, a fog light, a tail light, a brake light, a back light, a license plate light, a room lamp, etc. The lamp unit may also be applied to a bicycle light, a flashlight, etc.

[0106] The locking projection 37 may be formed at a position aligned in the Z direction with the second protrusion 102. With this configuration, the locking projection 37 abuts against an end of the outer frame 35 that is less likely to deform, making it more difficult for the substrate 6 and the holding member 8 to fall out of the accommodating recess 17.

[0107] Also, when the flange portion 121 is pushed into the rear side of the door trim 3, the hook plate 133 may be bent outward from the door trim opening 130, and after coupling, the hook plate 133 may be pressed against the tongue portion 124. The courtesy lamp 4 may be coupled to the door trim 3 by the claw portion 134 being hooked onto the edge of the cover member 9.

[0108] Also, the holder member 7 may be formed integrally with the door trim 3 , and the cover member 9 may be configured to be detachable from the door trim 3 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 3: Door trim (installation target) 4: Courtesy lamp (lamp unit) 5: Light emitting element 6: Substrate 7: Holder parts 8: Holding member 9: Cover material 11: Through hole 17: Storage recess 18: Bottom wall of the storage recess (bottom wall of the recess) 19: Recessed storage side wall (recessed storage side wall) 22: Insertion recess (connector insertion recess) 23: Locking recess 35: Outer frame 36: Longitudinal beam 37: Locking protrusion (engaging part) 38: Cross beam 39: Light hole 40: Locking protrusion 43: First tip surface 44: Second tip surface 47: Connection terminal 48: Groove 55: Inclined surface 60: Connector 80: Connector insertion hole 90: Containment Room 101: First protrusion 102: Second protrusion

Claims

1. A holder member configured to be attached to an attachment target; A substrate having a light emitting element on a major surface thereof; a holding member for engaging with the holder member and clamping the substrate against the holder member so as to hold the substrate at a predetermined position on the holder member; a cover member attached to the holder member, the cover member being at least partially optically transmissive and cooperating with the holder member to define a chamber for receiving the substrate and the holding member; the holder member includes an accommodating recess for accommodating the substrate and the holding member, the holder member is provided with a connector insertion hole into which a connector electrically connected to the board is to be inserted; the connector insertion hole is opened in an outer surface of the holder member in a direction parallel to a main surface of the board, The substrate has a rectangular plate shape, the holding member has a rectangular outer frame that fits along an outer edge of the substrate, the substrate is sandwiched between the outer frame of the holding member and a bottom wall of the accommodating recess, A protrusion is provided on an opening edge of the accommodating recess of the holder member, the cover member is attached to the holder member so as to close an opening of the accommodating recess of the holder member, The cover member abuts against the protrusion, and a gap is formed between the cover member and an opening edge of the accommodating recess, A gap is provided between the holding member and the cover member of the lamp unit.

2. A plurality of locking claws are provided on an outer surface of the holder member along an opening edge of the accommodating recess, An engagement hole is formed in an edge of the cover member, 2. The lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is coupled to the cover member by the engagement of the locking claw with the engagement hole.

3. the holder member includes a housing portion having the housing recess and a connector portion protruding from an outer surface of the housing portion, 2. The lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the connector insertion hole is open in the connector portion.

4. The lamp unit according to claim 3 , wherein the connector insertion hole opens in the connector portion and extends in a direction parallel to the main surface of the substrate.

5. A locking portion is provided on a side surface of the connector, 5. The lamp unit according to claim 3, wherein the connector portion has a locking hole formed in the vicinity of an opening of the connector insertion hole, the locking hole being engaged with the locking portion.

6. A lamp unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inclined surface is provided on the outer surface of the holder member near the opening edge of the connector insertion hole, the inclined surface inclining toward the opening edge of the connector insertion hole in the insertion direction of the connector.

7. The lamp unit according to claim 6 , wherein the inclined surface is provided on the bottom wall.

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