Light source unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a light source unit having a light-emitting element and a power supply attachment supported on a metal plate wherein a degree of freedom in the shape of a light control member and a degree of freedom in the arrangement of a connector part are improved.SOLUTION: A light source unit 30 is provided with, a power supply attachment 50, a power supply part 50A that contacts a light-emitting element 40 and supplies power, a connector 50B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate part 50C that is located between the power supply part 50A and the connector 50B. The power supply part 50A is supported on a first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 together with the light-emitting element 40. The connector 50B is formed to open in a space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60. Thus, it is easy to allow the reflector 70 to be disposed in a free layout in the space S1 of the first plate surface 60a side of metal plate 60 and allow the connector part 50B of the power supply attachment 50 to be disposed in a state of opening in a free orientation in a space S2 of the second plate surface 60a side of the metal plate 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit in which a light emitting element and a power supply attachment are supported by a metal plate, and to a vehicle lamp including the light source unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a light source unit for a vehicle lamp or the like is known that includes a light emitting element and a power supply attachment for supplying power to the light emitting element.

[0003] Generally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a power supply attachment is configured to include a power supply section that contacts the light-emitting element to supply power, a connector section that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate section located between the two.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration of a light source unit in which a light emitting element and a power supply attachment are supported by a die-cast heat sink.

[0005] On the other hand, "Patent Document 2" describes a configuration of a light source unit in which a light emitting element and a power supply attachment are supported on a metal plate. The power supply attachment described in "Patent Document 2" is supported on the lower surface of the metal plate together with the light emitting element, and the connector portion is formed to open in the space on the lower surface side of the metal plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-197550 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-92847 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When the light emission output of the light source unit is relatively small, the heat dissipation function of the light source unit can be ensured even if a metal plate is used instead of a die-cast heat sink, as described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 2."

[0008] However, in the light source unit described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 2," the connector portion of the power supply attachment is formed so as to open in the space on the underside of the metal plate (i.e., the same side as the light-emitting element), which results in the following problems.

[0009] That is, in the vehicle lamp described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 2," the light emitted from the light-emitting element of the light source unit is reflected toward the front of the lamp by a reflector arranged below the light source unit, but care must be taken to ensure that the reflector does not interfere with the connector portion of the power supply attachment.

[0010] Therefore, in such a vehicle lamp, the degree of freedom in the shape of a light control member such as a reflector that controls the light from the light emitting element and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion are reduced.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a light source unit in which a light-emitting element and a power supply attachment are supported on a metal plate, which can increase the freedom of shape of the light control member and the freedom of arrangement of the connector portion, and to provide a vehicle lamp equipped with the above-mentioned light source unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by improving the configuration of the power supply attachment.

[0013] That is, the light source unit according to the present invention is A light source unit including a light emitting element, a power supply attachment for supplying power to the light emitting element, and a metal plate supporting the light emitting element and the power supply attachment, the light emitting element is supported on a first plate surface of the metal plate, the power supply attachment includes a power supply portion that contacts the light emitting element to supply power, a connector portion that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion that is located between the power supply portion and the connector portion; the power supply portion is supported on a first plate surface of the metal plate, The connector portion is characterized in that it is formed so as to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate.

[0014] The specific shape of the above-mentioned "metal plate" is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, simply formed into a flat plate, or may be subjected to bending or cutting processing, etc. in areas other than the area where the light-emitting element and the power supply attachment are supported.

[0015] The material of the "metal plate" is not particularly limited, and for example, an aluminum plate, a copper plate, etc. can be used.

[0016] The orientation of the metal plate is not particularly limited.

[0017] As long as the "connector portion" is formed so as to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate, the specific configuration such as the specific shape and the direction of the opening is not particularly limited.

[0018] On the other hand, a vehicle lamp according to the present invention is a vehicle lamp equipped with such a light source unit, The light source unit includes a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp. the reflector is disposed below the light source unit, The light source unit is characterized in that the light source unit is supported by the reflector at the metal plate with the first plate surface of the metal plate facing downward. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The light source unit of the present invention is a power supply attachment for supplying power to a light-emitting element, and is configured to include a power supply section that abuts against the light-emitting element to supply power, a connector section that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate section located between the two.The power supply section of the power supply attachment is supported on the first plate surface of the metal plate together with the light-emitting element, and the connector section of the power supply attachment is formed so as to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0020] That is, it is easily possible to arrange the light control member such as a reflector in a free layout in the space on the first plate surface side of the metal plate. Also, it is easily possible to arrange the connector part of the power supply attachment in a state in which it opens in a free direction in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector part.

[0021] Thus, according to the present invention, in a light source unit in which a light emitting element and a power supply attachment are supported by a metal plate, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion.

[0022] In the above configuration, if an opening is formed in the metal plate and the power supply attachment is formed so that its middle portion extends through the opening, the power supply attachment can be made compact. Also, by adopting such a configuration, the metal plate is disposed over a relatively wide area around the light emitting element, thereby improving the heat dissipation function of the light source unit.

[0023] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting element is placed on the first surface of the metal plate via thermally conductive grease, and protrusions for positioning the light-emitting element are formed at multiple locations on the first surface of the metal plate surrounding the mounting area for mounting the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment while positioned in the mounting area by the multiple protrusions, the following effects can be obtained.

[0024] That is, the light emitting element can be supported on the metal plate without using adhesive, which eliminates the need for a process of applying adhesive and a process of hardening the adhesive while maintaining the light emitting element in a positioned state, thereby simplifying the work process.

[0025] When such a configuration is adopted, if the tip of each protrusion is chamfered on the side of the mounting region, the light-emitting element can be smoothly placed in the mounting region.

[0026] Furthermore, in the case where such a configuration is adopted, if recesses are formed in the portions of the mounting area adjacent to the respective protrusions, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0027] In other words, corner R is inevitably formed at the connection portion between each protrusion and the first surface of the metal plate, so if the recess portion were not formed, the light-emitting element would abut against the connection portion of the metal plate, and the light-emitting element would not be placed accurately in the mounting area.

[0028] In response to this, by forming a recess in the portion adjacent to each protrusion in the mounting area, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting element from abutting the connection portion of the metal plate, thereby enabling the light-emitting element to be accurately placed in the mounting area.

[0029] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting element is placed on the first surface of the metal plate via thermally conductive grease, and protrusions for positioning the light-emitting element in a required direction are formed in two locations on the first surface of the metal plate surrounding the mounting area for mounting the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment, and the power supply attachment is formed with a biasing piece that biases the light-emitting element in the required direction by abutting against the light-emitting element, the following effects can be obtained.

[0030] That is, the light emitting element can be supported on the metal plate without using adhesive. Therefore, the process of applying adhesive is not required, and the process of hardening the adhesive while maintaining the light emitting element in its positioned state is also not required, so the work process can be simplified. Furthermore, the light emitting element can be easily positioned in the mounting area.

[0031] In the above-mentioned configuration, if the power supply attachment is supported on the metal plate by engaging the power supply attachment with the metal plate, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0032] In other words, since there is no need to fasten the power supply attachment with screws, the number of parts can be reduced and the work process can be simplified. Also, the light emitted from the light-emitting element can be prevented from being blocked by the head of the screw protruding from the power supply attachment.

[0033] When such a configuration is adopted, a plurality of engaging pieces are formed on the power supply attachment and a plurality of engaging holes are formed in the metal plate, and each engaging piece is configured so that its tip engages with the metal plate when inserted into each engaging hole. This makes it possible to engage the power supply attachment with the metal plate with a simple configuration, and also makes it easy to position the power supply attachment in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the metal plate.

[0034] In this case, if at least some of the multiple engaging pieces are configured to have an abutment portion that abuts against the inner wall surface of the engaging hole when inserted into the engaging hole, it becomes easy to position the power supply attachment in the direction along the surface of the metal plate when the power supply attachment is engaged with the metal plate.

[0035] Furthermore, if the engagement between the power supply attachment and the metal plate is achieved by crimping the metal plate to the power supply attachment, it becomes easy to position the power supply attachment in the direction perpendicular to and along the surface of the metal plate.

[0036] In the above configuration, if a base portion is further formed on the first plate surface of the metal plate, and a mounting area for mounting a light-emitting element on the first plate surface of the metal plate is positioned on the base portion, the following functional effects can be obtained.

[0037] In other words, even if the thickness of the power supply attachment is increased by the height of the base, the light emitted from the light-emitting element is not blocked by the power supply attachment, which makes it easy to manufacture the power supply attachment. Also, even if the power supply attachment is supported on the metal plate by fastening with screws, the light emitted from the light-emitting element is less likely to be blocked by the head of the screw protruding from the power supply attachment.

[0038] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp of the present invention is a vehicle lamp equipped with such a light source unit, and is configured with a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element of the light source unit toward the front of the lamp.In this case, the reflector is arranged below the light source unit, and the light source unit is supported by the reflector on the metal plate with the first plate surface of the metal plate facing downward, so that the following functional effects can be obtained.

[0039] In other words, since the light source unit is positioned with the second surface of the metal plate facing upward, the connector on the external power source side can be easily connected to the connector portion of the power supply attachment.

[0040] In the above configuration, if multiple sets of light source units and reflectors are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, even if the light output of each set of light source units is reduced, the required brightness for the light emitted from the vehicle lamp can be easily ensured, and the required heat dissipation function can be easily ensured.

[0041] In the above configuration, if the light source unit is further configured so that the opening formed in the metal plate is located on the rear side of the light-emitting element and the connector portion opens toward the rear of the lamp, the task of connecting the connector on the external power source side to the connector portion can be made even easier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a vehicle lamp including a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] Cross-sectional view of line II-II in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Detailed view of the main part of Figure 2 [Figure 4] IV arrow view of FIG. 3 showing the above light source unit alone [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the operation of the embodiment in comparison with a comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a first modified example of the embodiment; [Figure 7] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing second and third modified examples of the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] IX direction view of FIG. 8 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of line XX in Figure 8 [Figure 11] Detailed view of the main part of Figure 8 [Figure 12] Detailed view of the main part of Figure 9 [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state of assembly of the light source unit in the fourth modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing a fifth modification of the embodiment; [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the fifth modified example, in which (a) is a diagram similar to FIG. 14, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in (a). [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sixth modified example of the embodiment, which is turned upside down from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing a seventh modification of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing an eighth modification of the embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C, which show ninth to eleventh modified examples of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 10 including a light source unit 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

[0045] 1 and 2, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp," the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" perpendicular to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when viewed from the front of the lamp), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction." This is the same in other figures besides Figs. 1 and 2.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is a headlamp provided at the right front end of the vehicle, and is configured such that three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C are incorporated into a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a plain, translucent cover 14 attached to the front end opening of the lamp body 12, and are lined up in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Each of the lamp units 20A to 20C includes a light source unit 30 that uses a light emitting element 40 as a light source, and a reflector 70 disposed below the light source unit 30.

[0048] The light source unit 30 is disposed with the light emitting surface 40a of the light emitting element 40 facing downward.

[0049] The reflector 70 has a reflecting surface 70a on which a plurality of reflecting elements 70s are formed, and each of the reflecting elements 70s reflects the light emitted from the light emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp.

[0050] A light source support section 72 that supports the light source unit 30 is formed at the upper end of the reflector 70. A connector 80 on the external power source side is connected to the light source unit 30 supported by the light source support section 72 from the rear side of the lamp, so that power is supplied to the light source unit 30.

[0051] The three lamp units 20A to 20C are similar in other configurations except for the surface shapes of the reflective elements 70s that form the reflective surface 70a of the reflector 70. The reflectors 70 of the three lamp units 20A to 20C are made of resin members and are integrally formed with one another.

[0052] The vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form a required light distribution pattern (for example, a low beam light distribution pattern) by the light emitted from the three lamp units 20A to 20C.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the main part of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view taken in the direction of an arrow IV in Fig. 3, showing the light source unit 30 alone.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light source unit 30 has a configuration in which a light emitting element 40 and a power supply attachment 50 for supplying power to the light emitting element 40 are supported by a metal plate 60.

[0055] The metal plate 60 is an aluminum plate of a uniform thickness, and is disposed so as to extend along a horizontal plane. The metal plate 60 has a rectangular outer shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a plan view.

[0056] The light emitting element 40 is a white light emitting diode, and its light emitting surface 40a is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape. The light emitting element 40 has an element body 40A having the light emitting surface 40a supported by a body support 40B, which supports the element body 40A on a first plate surface 60a, which is the lower surface of a metal plate 60. This support is achieved by fixing the body support 40B to the first plate surface 60a using, for example, an adhesive or the like.

[0057] The main body support portion 40B has an outer shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed in a plane, and a pair of terminal portions 40b are arranged on the underside on both the left and right sides of the light-emitting element 40, the terminal portions being electrically connected to the cathode electrode and anode electrode of the element main body 40A, respectively.

[0058] An opening 60c is formed in the metal plate 60 at a position adjacent to the rear side of the lamp at which the light emitting element 40 is supported. The opening 60c has a rectangular inner peripheral surface shape.

[0059] The power supply attachment 50 includes a power supply section 50A that contacts the light-emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector section 50B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate section 50C that is located between the power supply section 50A and the connector section 50B.

[0060] At this time, the power supply unit 50A is supported by a first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60. The middle portion 50C is formed to extend through an opening 60c of the metal plate 60. Furthermore, the connector portion 50B is formed to open in a space S2 on the side of a second plate surface 60b, which is the upper surface of the metal plate 60.

[0061] Next, a specific configuration of the power supply attachment 50 will be described.

[0062] The power supply attachment 50 is configured as an insert-molded product in which a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 for establishing electrical conductivity with the light-emitting element 40 are embedded in an insulating member 52 formed to surround the light-emitting element 40, with each electrode partially exposed.

[0063] Insulating member 52 is formed in power supply portion forming region 52A located in power supply portion 50A so as to extend like a flat plate along a horizontal plane, and has a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape in plan view. Power supply portion forming region 52A has horizontally elongated rectangular opening 52a formed in its left-right center, and a pair of left and right flanges 52b protruding horizontally are formed on both left and right side portions.

[0064] A pair of left and right screw insertion holes 52f are formed in the pair of left and right flange portions 52b. Meanwhile, a pair of left and right screw holes 60f are formed in the metal plate 60 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right screw insertion holes 52f. Then, with the power supply portion configuration area 52A of the insulating member 52 pressed against the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 from below, the screws 56 are fastened into the screw holes 60f via the screw insertion holes 52f, whereby the power supply attachment 50 is fixed to the metal plate 60.

[0065] A pair of left and right positioning pins 52c are formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of left and right flange portions 52b. Meanwhile, a pair of left and right engagement holes 60e are formed in the metal plate 60 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right positioning pins 52c. At this time, one of the pair of left and right engagement holes 60e is formed in a circular shape, and the other is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape. Then, when the power supply part forming area 52A of the insulating member 52 is pressed against the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60, the positioning pins 52c are inserted into the engagement holes 60e, so that the power supply attachment 50 is positioned with respect to the metal plate 60 in the horizontal direction.

[0066] The pair of left and right busbar electrodes 54 have two pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a that protrude into the opening 52a, and are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 40 by abutting against a pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40.

[0067] In addition, the pair of left and right busbar electrodes 54 are provided with two pairs of front and rear pressing pieces 54b that protrude into the opening 52a, and these abut against the lower surface of the main body support portion 40B to position the light-emitting element 40.

[0068] At this time, each terminal piece 54a and each pressing piece 54b is configured as an elastic piece that elastically presses the main body support portion 40B from below.

[0069] The insulating member 52 is formed such that an intermediate portion forming region 52C located in the intermediate portion 50C extends vertically upward from the rear end of the power supply portion forming region 52A in a rectangular column shape. The intermediate portion forming region 52C is formed to be located at the center of the power supply portion forming region 52A in the left-right direction and has a width narrower than that of the power supply portion forming region 52A. The intermediate portion forming region 52C is formed to vertically penetrate the opening 60c of the metal plate 60 at a position close to the front end face thereof.

[0070] The insulating member 52 is formed such that the connector portion forming region 52B located in the connector portion 50B extends horizontally from the upper end of the intermediate portion forming region 52C toward the rear of the lamp. The connector portion forming region 52B extends in a rectangular cylindrical shape with the same left-right width as the intermediate portion forming region 52C, and is formed so as to open toward the rear of the lamp.

[0071] A rectangular hole 52d extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is formed in the upper wall of the connector portion forming region 52B, and rectangular recesses 52e are formed in both left and right side walls of the connector portion forming region 52B.

[0072] In the internal space of the connector portion forming region 52B, terminal pins 54c of a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 are arranged in a state of protruding toward the rear of the lamp. Each of the pair of left and right terminal pins 54c is formed to extend in a plate shape along a vertical plane. Then, the connector 80 on the external power source side is inserted into the internal space of the connector portion forming region 52B and engaged with the rectangular hole 52d and the pair of left and right recesses 52e, so that the power supply attachment 50 is electrically connected to the external power source.

[0073] The opening 60c of the metal plate 60 is formed so that its rear edge is positioned rearward of the lamp relative to the rear end face of the connector portion 50B so that the middle portion 50C and the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 do not interfere with the metal plate 60 when the power supply attachment 50 is attached to the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source unit 30 is supported by the reflector 70 by crimping at three points of the light source support portion 72.

[0075] 3, crimping pins 72a extending upward are formed in three locations on the light source support portion 72 of the reflector 70, and insertion holes 60d for inserting the crimping pins 72a are formed in three locations on the metal plate 60 of the light source unit 30. When the metal plate 60 of the light source unit 30 is placed on the upper surface of the light source support portion 72 of the reflector 70, the crimping pins 72a are inserted into the insertion holes 60d, and the light source unit 30 is fixed to the reflector 70 by applying heat crimping to the tip portions of the crimping pins 72a.

[0076] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0077] The vehicle lamp 10 in this embodiment has three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C. The light source unit 30 of each of the lamp units 20A to 20C has a power supply attachment 50 for supplying power to the light-emitting element 40, the power supply portion 50A contacting the light-emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector portion 50B electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion 50C located therebetween. The power supply portion 50A of the power supply attachment 50 is supported on the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 together with the light-emitting element 40, and the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 is formed to open in the space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0078] That is, in this embodiment, the reflector 70 can be easily arranged in a free layout in the space S1 on the first plate surface 60a side of the metal plate 60. Also, the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 can be easily arranged in a state in which it opens in a free direction in the space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the reflector 70 and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion 50B.

[0079] This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0080] Fig. 5(a) is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the light source unit 30 according to this embodiment, while Fig. 5(b) is a view similar to Fig. 5(a), showing a light source unit 530 as a comparative example of this embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the light source unit 530 of the comparative example, the power supply portion 550A of the power supply attachment 550 is supported on the first plate surface 560a of the metal plate 560 together with the light emitting element 40. However, the configuration differs from that of the present embodiment in that the connector portion 550B of the power supply attachment 550 is formed so as to open in the space S1 on the first plate surface 560a side of the metal plate 560, rather than in the space S2 on the second plate surface 560b side of the metal plate 560 as in the present embodiment.

[0082] In this light source unit 530, the connector part 550B of the power supply attachment 550 is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the power supply part 550A in the space S1 on the first plate surface 560a side. Accordingly, the reflector 570 is configured to have an upper region of the reflection surface 570a missing in order to prevent interference with the connector part 550B of the power supply attachment 550. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 40 cannot be utilized as reflected light by the reflector 570 to the maximum extent.

[0083] 5(a), in the light source unit 30 according to this embodiment, the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 is formed to open in the space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60, so that in the space S1 on the first plate surface 60a side, there is no portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the power supply portion 50A, and the upper region of the reflecting surface 70a of the reflector 70 is not missing. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 40 can be utilized as reflected light by the reflector 70 to the maximum extent.

[0084] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a vehicle lamp 10 having a light source unit 30 in which a light-emitting element 40 and a power supply attachment 50 are supported by a metal plate 60, the degree of freedom in the shape of the reflector 70 as a light control member and the degree of freedom in the positioning of the connector portion 50B can be increased.

[0085] Moreover, in the light source unit 30 according to this embodiment, the middle portion 50C of the power supply attachment 50 is formed so as to extend through the opening 60c formed in the metal plate 60, so that the power supply attachment 50 can be configured compactly. Also, by adopting such a configuration in which the opening 60 is formed in the metal plate 60, the metal plate 60 is disposed over a wider area around the light emitting element 40 compared to, for example, a configuration in which a recess is formed in the rear end surface of the metal plate 60, so that the heat dissipation function of the light source unit 30 can be improved.

[0086] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment, the three lamp units 20A-20C are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, so even if the light output of the light source unit 30 of each of the lamp units 20A-20C is reduced, the brightness required for the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 can be easily ensured. Therefore, the heat dissipation function required for each of the lamp units 20A-20C can be easily ensured by the metal plate 60.

[0087] Moreover, each of the lighting units 20A to 20C is configured such that the reflector 70 is disposed below the light source unit 30, and the light source unit 30 is supported by the reflector 70 on the metal plate 60 with the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 facing downward, so that the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0088] In other words, the light source unit 30 is positioned with the second plate surface 60b of the metal plate 60 facing upward, making it easy to connect the connector 80 on the external power source side to the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50.

[0089] Furthermore, since the opening 60c formed in the metal plate 60 of the light source unit 30 is positioned on the rear side of the light-emitting element 40 and the connector portion 50B opens toward the rear of the lamp, the task of connecting the connector 80 on the external power source side to the connector portion 50B can be performed even more easily by sliding the connector 80 along the second plate surface 60b of the metal plate 60.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the intermediate portion 50C of the power supply attachment 50 is described as being located in the opening 60c of the metal plate 60, but it is also possible to configure it to be located in a recess formed in the rear end face of the metal plate 60, or to be located near the rear end face or side end face of the metal plate 60.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the power supply attachment 50 is described as being fixed to the metal plate 60 by screwing at the pair of left and right flange portions 52b of the insulating member 52, but it is also possible to configure it to be fixed by clips or the like.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the power supply attachment 50 and the light-emitting element 40 are electrically connected by the two pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a of the pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 abutting against the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40, but this is not limited to the arrangement in the above embodiment, and if the pattern shape of the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b is different from the pattern shape in the above embodiment, the arrangement of the two pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54 can also be different from that in the above embodiment accordingly.

[0093] For example, in the case where the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40 are formed so as to extend toward the front of the lamp from both the left and right sides of the body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40, it is possible to configure the pair of left and right busbar electrodes 54 so that two pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a abut the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the front side of the lamp relative to the body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40. Also, in the case where one terminal portion 40b is formed so as to extend toward the front of the lamp from both the left and right sides of the body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40 and the other terminal portion 40b extends toward the rear of the lamp, it is possible to configure the pair of left and right busbar electrodes 54 so that one terminal piece 54a abuts the terminal portion 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the front side of the lamp relative to the body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40 and the other terminal piece 54a abuts the terminal portion 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the rear side of the lamp relative to the body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40.

[0094] Further, instead of the two pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a, it is also possible to provide a configuration having one pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a or three or more pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the light source unit 30 is supported by the reflector 70 by caulking, but it may be supported by screws or the like.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 has been described as having three lamp units 20A to 20C, but it is also possible to configure the vehicle lamp 10 to have two or less lamp units or four or more lamp units.

[0097] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0098] First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a diagram similar to FIG. 3, showing a light source unit 130 according to this modified example.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, the basic configuration of this modified example is similar to that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the metal plate 160 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

[0101] That is, in the light source unit 130 of this modified example, the power supply section 50A of the power supply attachment 50 is supported together with the light-emitting element 40 on the first plate surface 160a, which is the underside of the metal plate 160, and the connector section 50B of the power supply attachment 50 is formed to open in the space S2 on the side of the second plate surface 160b, which is the upper surface of the metal plate 160; however, the metal plate 160 of this modified example is different from the above embodiment in that a downward extension section 160e is formed extending vertically downward from the rear end section 160d.

[0102] The downward extension 160e is formed by bending the metal plate 160, so that the rear end 160d of the metal plate 160 on the second plate surface 160b side is configured as a cylindrical convex curved surface extending in the left-right direction.

[0103] In the light source unit 130 according to this modification, an opening 160c similar to that in the above embodiment is formed in the metal plate 160. The power supply attachment 50 is formed such that its middle portion 50C extends through the opening 160c.

[0104] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0105] Moreover, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the heat capacity of the metal plate 160 can be increased, and this can further improve the heat dissipation function of the light source unit 30.

[0106] Furthermore, in this modified example, the surface on the second plate surface 160b side at the rear end 160d of the metal plate 160 is configured as a cylindrical convex curved surface extending in the left-right direction, so that when connecting the connector 80 on the external power source side to the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50, the connector 80 can be smoothly slid along the second plate surface 160b of the metal plate 160.

[0107] Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0108] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram substantially similar to FIG. 3, showing a light source unit 230 according to this modified example.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the basic configuration of this modification is similar to that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the power supply attachment 250 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

[0110] That is, power supply attachment 250 of this modified example also includes a power supply section 250A that abuts against light-emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector section 250B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate section 250C located therebetween. Power supply section 250A of power supply attachment 250 is supported on first plate surface 60a of metal plate 60 together with light-emitting element 40, and connector section 250B of power supply attachment 250 is formed to open in space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of metal plate 60. However, this differs from the above embodiment in that connector section 250B opens diagonally upwards rather than horizontally toward the rear of the lamp.

[0111] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0112] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the task of connecting the connector 80 on the external power source side to the connector portion 250B of the power supply attachment 250 can be easily performed from diagonally above and behind the lamp.

[0113] Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0114] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram generally similar to FIG. 3, showing a light source unit 330 according to this modified example.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the basic configuration of this modified example is similar to that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the power supply attachment 350 is partially different from that of the above embodiment, and therefore the configuration of the metal plate 360 ​​is also partially different from that of the above embodiment.

[0116] That is, power supply attachment 350 of this modified example also includes power supply section 350A that contacts light-emitting element 40 to supply power, connector section 350B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and intermediate section 350C located therebetween, and power supply section 350A of power supply attachment 350 is supported on first plate surface 360a of metal plate 360 ​​together with light-emitting element 40, and connector section 350B of power supply attachment 350 is formed so as to open in space S2 on the second plate surface 360b side of metal plate 360, but differs from the above embodiment in that connector section 350B opens vertically upward.

[0117] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0118] In addition, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the connector 80 on the external power source side can be connected to the connector portion 350B of the power feeding attachment 350 from directly above. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10, the workability can be improved.

[0119] Also, in light source unit 330 according to this modification, intermediate portion 350C of power supply attachment 350 is formed to extend through opening 360c of metal plate 360, but since connector portion 350B and intermediate portion 350C of power supply attachment 350 are formed with the same front-to-rear width, power supply attachment 350 can be configured more compactly than in the above embodiment. This also allows the front-to-rear width of opening 360c to be narrower than in the above embodiment, so that the heat capacity of metal plate 360 ​​can be increased accordingly, thereby further improving the heat dissipation function of light source unit 330.

[0120] Next, a fourth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a lamp unit 620A according to this modified example. Fig. 9 is a view taken along the arrow IX in Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a detailed view of the main parts of Fig. 8, and Fig. 12 is a detailed view of the main parts of Fig. 9.

[0122] As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the basic configuration of this modified example is similar to that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light source unit 630 is partially different from that of the above embodiment, and therefore the configuration of the reflector 670 is also partially different from that of the above embodiment.

[0123] As in the above embodiment, the light source unit 630 has a configuration in which the light emitting element 640 and the power supply attachment 650 are supported by a metal plate 660. The light source unit 630 is supported by a reflector 670 at the metal plate 660 with the light emitting surface 640a of the light emitting element 640 facing downward.

[0124] The reflector 670 has a reflecting surface 670a similar to that of the above embodiment, and a light source support portion 672 is formed on the upper end portion thereof. The reflector 670 is fixed to the metal plate 660 by crimping with crimp pins 672a formed at three positions on the light source support portion 672 inserted into insertion holes 660j formed in the metal plate 660.

[0125] As in the above embodiment, in the light source unit 630, the power supply portion 650A of the power supply attachment 650 is supported together with the light emitting element 640 on a first plate surface 660a, which is the lower surface of the metal plate 660, and the connector portion 650B of the power supply attachment 650 is formed so as to open in the space S2 on the side of the second plate surface 660b, which is the upper surface of the metal plate 660.

[0126] In this modification, an opening 660c is formed in the metal plate 660 on the rear side of the light emitting element 640, and the power supply attachment 650 is formed so that its middle part 650C extends through the opening 660c. Then, in the same manner as in the first modification, the metal plate 660 is formed with a downward extension part 660e extending vertically downward from the rear end part 660d.

[0127] The light emitting element 640 has an element body 640A having a light emitting surface 640a formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, supported by a body support portion 640B, and is supported by a metal plate 660 at the body support portion 640B.

[0128] Specifically, the light-emitting element 640 is placed on a first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 via the thermal transfer grease 642, and is supported by the metal plate 660 by being pressed against the metal plate 660 by the power supply attachment 650.

[0129] The main body support portion 640B has an outer shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed in a plane, and a pair of terminal portions 640b are arranged on the underside on both the left and right sides of the light-emitting element 640, and are electrically connected to the cathode electrode and anode electrode of the element main body 640A, respectively.

[0130] The power supply attachment 650 is configured as an insert molded product in which a pair of bus bar electrodes 654 on the left and right sides for establishing electrical conductivity with the light-emitting element 640 are embedded in an insulating member 652 formed to surround the light-emitting element 640, with each electrode partially exposed.

[0131] Insulating member 652 is formed in power supply portion forming region 652A located in power supply portion 650A so as to extend like a flat plate along a horizontal plane, and has a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape in plan view. Power supply portion forming region 652A has horizontally elongated rectangular opening 652a formed in its left-right center.

[0132] The pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 654 include a pair of left and right terminal pieces 654a protruding from the rear inner circumferential surface of the power supply portion forming region 652A toward the opening 652a, and are electrically connected to the light emitting element 640 by abutting against a pair of left and right terminal portions 640b of the light emitting element 640. Each terminal piece 654a is configured as an elastic piece that elastically presses the main body support portion 640B from below in the opening 652a, thereby supporting the light emitting element 640.

[0133] A pair of left and right flanges 652b protruding horizontally are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the power supply portion forming region 652A of the insulating member 652.

[0134] The pair of left and right flange portions 652b are formed in a state of being offset upward with respect to power supply portion forming region 652A. A pair of left and right screw insertion holes 652f are formed in the pair of left and right flange portions 652b.

[0135] On the other hand, the metal plate 660 has an area located at the pair of left and right flange portions 652b offset upward, so that a pair of left and right substantially rectangular recesses 660m are formed on the first plate surface 660a. The depth of each recess 660m is set to be substantially the same value as the thickness of the flange portion 652b. The metal plate 660 has a pair of left and right screw holes 660f formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right screw insertion holes 652f.

[0136] Furthermore, a pair of left and right positioning pins 652c protruding upward are formed on the left and right sides of opening 652a in power supply portion configuration area 652A. Each positioning pin 652c has a cylindrical base end and a conical tip end.

[0137] Meanwhile, a pair of left and right engagement holes 660k are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right positioning pins 652c in the metal plate 660. In this regard, one of the pair of left and right engagement holes 660k is formed in a circular shape, and the other is formed in an elliptical shape that is long in the left-right direction.

[0138] Then, with the pair of left and right flange portions 652b of the insulating member 652 pressed from below against the pair of left and right recesses 660m of the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, the screws 656 are fastened into the screw holes 660f through the screw insertion holes 652f, whereby the power supply attachment 650 is fixed to the metal plate 660. At this time, the positioning pins 652c are inserted into the engagement holes 660k, so that the power supply attachment 650 is positioned relative to the metal plate 660 in the horizontal direction.

[0139] Insulating member 652 is formed such that intermediate portion forming region 652C located in intermediate portion 650C extends vertically upward from the rear end of power supply portion forming region 652A in a prismatic shape. This intermediate portion forming region 652C is formed to be located at the center of power supply portion forming region 652A in the left-right direction and to have a left-right width narrower than that of power supply portion forming region 652A. This intermediate portion forming region 652C is formed to vertically penetrate opening 660c of metal plate 660 at a position close to the front end face thereof.

[0140] The insulating member 652 is formed such that a connector portion forming region 652B located in the connector portion 650B extends horizontally from the upper end of the intermediate portion forming region 652C toward the rear of the lamp. The connector portion forming region 652B extends in a rectangular cylindrical shape with the same left-right width as the intermediate portion forming region 652C, and is formed so as to open toward the rear of the lamp.

[0141] A rectangular hole 652d extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is formed in the upper wall of the connector portion forming region 652B, and rectangular recesses 652e are formed in both left and right side walls of the connector portion forming region 652B.

[0142] In the internal space of the connector portion forming region 652B, terminal pins 654c of a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 654 are arranged in a state of protruding toward the rear of the lamp. Each of the pair of left and right terminal pins 654c is formed to extend in a plate shape along a vertical plane. Then, the connector 80 on the external power source side is inserted into the internal space of the connector portion forming region 652B and engaged with the rectangular hole 652d and the pair of left and right recesses 652e, so that the power supply attachment 650 is electrically connected to the external power source.

[0143] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which light emitting element 640 is placed on first plate surface 660a of metal plate 660, as viewed obliquely from below. That is, Fig. 13 shows metal plate 660 in a state in which it is turned upside down from the state shown in Fig. 8.

[0144] 13, protrusions 660g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 are formed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 at four locations surrounding the mounting area A for mounting the light-emitting element 640. The light-emitting element 640 is pressed against the metal plate 660 by the power supply attachment 650 in a state in which it is positioned in the mounting area A by the four protrusions 660g.

[0145] Each protrusion 660g is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a chamfer 660g1 is applied to the tip of the protrusion 660g on the side of the mounting area A. Each protrusion 660g is formed by plastically deforming a part of the metal plate 660 when the metal plate 660 is press-formed into an L shape.

[0146] A recess 660i is formed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 in a portion adjacent to each protrusion 660g in the mounting area A. Each recess 660i has a long and narrow rectangular shape surrounding the inner surface of each protrusion 660g (i.e., the surface on the mounting area A side). Each protrusion 660g is formed so that its inner surface extends to the bottom surface of each recess 660i. The depth of each recess 660i is set to a value equal to or slightly larger than the size of the corner R formed at the base end position of the inner surface of each protrusion 660g.

[0147] Then, after the metal plate 660 is positioned with its first plate surface 660a facing upward, heat transfer grease 642 is applied to the bottom surface of the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640 (or heat transfer grease 642 is applied to the mounting area A of the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660), the light-emitting element 640 is inserted between the four protrusions 660g and pressed against the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, so that the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 while being positioned in the mounting area A.

[0148] At this time, since each of the protrusions 660g has a chamfer 660g1, the light emitting element 640 is smoothly guided to the mounting area A while being guided by the four protrusions 660g.

[0149] In addition, since a recess 660i is formed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 in a portion adjacent to each protrusion 660g in the mounting area A, the light-emitting element 640 can be accurately placed in the mounting area A even if a slight corner R is formed at the base end position of the inner surface of each protrusion 660g.

[0150] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped recess 660h is formed on the second plate surface 660b of the metal plate 660 at a position substantially directly above each protrusion 660g, thereby improving the shape accuracy of each protrusion 660g formed by plastic deformation of the metal plate 660.

[0151] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0152] Furthermore, in the light source unit 630 of this modified example, the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 via the heat transfer grease 642, and protrusions 660g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 are formed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 at four locations surrounding a mounting area A for mounting the light-emitting element 640. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 640 is pressed against the metal plate 660 by the power supply attachment 650 in a state in which it is positioned in the mounting area A by the four protrusions 660g, and therefore the following effects can be obtained.

[0153] That is, the light emitting element 640 can be supported on the metal plate 660 without using an adhesive. Therefore, the step of applying an adhesive is not required, and the step of hardening the adhesive while maintaining the positioning of the light emitting element 640 is also not required, so that the work process can be simplified.

[0154] Moreover, in this modification, the tip of each protrusion 660g is chamfered 660g1 on the mounting area A side, so that the light emitting element 640 can be mounted on the mounting area A smoothly.

[0155] In this modification, the recesses 660i are formed in the portions of the mounting area A adjacent to the protrusions 660g, so that the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0156] In other words, a corner R is inevitably formed at the connection portion between each protrusion 660g and the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660. If the recessed portion 660i were not formed, the light-emitting element 640 would come into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate 660, and the light-emitting element 640 would not be accurately placed in the mounting area A.

[0157] In contrast, in this modified example, recesses 660i are formed in the portions adjacent to each protrusion 660g in the mounting area A, so that the light-emitting element 640 does not come into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate 660, thereby enabling the light-emitting element 640 to be accurately mounted in the mounting area A.

[0158] Next, a fifth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0159] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 14, the basic configuration of this modification is similar to that of the above-described fourth modification, but the configurations of metal plate 760 and power supply attachment 750 are partially different from those of the above-described fourth modification.

[0161] That is, of the four locations on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760 that surround the mounting area for mounting the light-emitting element 640, protrusions 760g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 are formed at two locations, on the front side of the lamp and the left side, but protrusions 760g are not formed at two locations, on the rear side of the lamp and the right side.

[0162] In this modification, recesses 760i are formed in the portions of the first plate surface 760a adjacent to the protrusions 760g in the mounting area, while the portions of the tips of the protrusions 760g facing the mounting area are not chamfered.

[0163] Power supply attachment 750 includes an insulating member 752 formed to surround light-emitting element 640, and a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 754 protruding from the rear inner circumferential surface of power supply portion forming area 752A toward opening 752a, but the configuration of power supply portion forming area 752A is partially different from that of the above-described fourth modified example.

[0164] That is, the power supply portion forming area 752A is formed with a rectangular biasing piece 752g protruding from its rear inner circumferential surface toward the opening 752a, and a rectangular biasing piece 752h protruding from its right inner circumferential surface toward the opening 752a.

[0165] The biasing piece 752g is formed to be wider than the protrusion 760g at a position facing the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp, and its tip surface is formed in a positional relationship symmetrical in the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting area with respect to the tip surface of the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp. A corner portion on the first plate surface 760a side of the metal plate 760 at the tip of this biasing piece 752g is chamfered, thereby forming an inclined surface 752g1.

[0166] The biasing piece 752h is formed to be wider than the protrusion 760g at a position facing the left protrusion 760g, and its tip surface is formed in a symmetrical positional relationship with the tip surface of the left protrusion 760g with respect to the placement area. A corner portion on the first plate surface 760a side of the metal plate 760 at the tip of the biasing piece 752h is chamfered, thereby forming an inclined surface 752h1.

[0167] In this modified example, the light-emitting element 640 is positioned in its mounting area by protrusions 660g formed at two locations on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 and biasing pieces 752g, 752h formed at two locations on the insulating member 752 of the power supply attachment 750.

[0168] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the state when the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760, where (a) is a diagram similar to Figure 14, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in (a).

[0169] As shown in FIG. 15(a), the metal plate 760 is arranged with its first plate surface 760a facing upward, and then, with heat transfer grease 642 applied to the bottom surface of the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640, the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 760a at a position diagonally rearward away from the two protrusion portions 760g.

[0170] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the insulating member 752 of the power supply attachment 750 is brought close to the metal plate 760 from above (see arrow D), the inclined surface 752g1 of the biasing piece 752g comes into contact with the rear end corner of the element body 640A of the light emitting element 640. This causes the light emitting element 640 to be pressed toward the front of the lamp (see arrow F). Since the light emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760 via the thermal transfer grease 642, it slides toward the front of the lamp and comes into contact with the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp. Then, the rear end corner of the element body 640A comes off the inclined surface 752g1 of the biasing piece 752g, and the tip surface of the biasing piece 752g descends along the rear end surface of the element body 640A, so that the light emitting element 640 is sandwiched from both the front and rear sides by the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp and the biasing piece 752g.

[0171] 15(c), when the insulating member 752 of the power supply attachment 750 is brought close to the metal plate 760 from above, the inclined surface 752h1 of the biasing piece 752h comes into contact with the right corner (the left corner in FIG. 15(c)) of the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640. This causes the light-emitting element 640 to be pressed leftward (see arrow L) and slide leftward to come into contact with the left-side protrusion 760g. Then, the right corner of the main body support portion 640B comes off the inclined surface 752h1 of the biasing piece 752h, and the tip surface of the biasing piece 752h descends along the right end surface of the main body support portion 640B, so that the light-emitting element 640 is sandwiched from both the left and right sides by the left-side protrusion 760g and the biasing piece 752h.

[0172] In this way, when the power supply attachment 750 is attached, the light-emitting element 640 slides diagonally forward and left on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760 as shown by the arrow FL in Figure 15(a), and then abuts against the two protrusions 760g to be positioned in the mounting area.

[0173] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the light emitting element 640 can be supported on the metal plate 760 without using an adhesive. Therefore, the process of applying an adhesive is not required, and the process of hardening the adhesive while maintaining the light emitting element 640 in a positioned state is also not required, so that the work process can be simplified. Furthermore, it becomes easy to position the light emitting element 640 in the mounting area.

[0174] Furthermore, in this modified example, protrusions 760g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 in front and to the left of the lamp are formed at two locations on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760 surrounding the mounting area for placing the light-emitting element 640, and a biasing piece 752g that biases the light-emitting element 640 toward the front of the lamp by abutting against the light-emitting element 640 and a biasing piece 752h that biases the light-emitting element 640 to the left are formed on the power supply attachment 750.Therefore, by pressing the light-emitting element 640 against the metal plate 760 with the power supply attachment 750, the light-emitting element 640 can be easily positioned in the mounting area.

[0175] In this modified example, it is preferable that the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces 752g1, 752h1 formed on the biasing pieces 752g, 752h are set to a value of about 15 to 60°.

[0176] In this modified example, the inclined surfaces 752g1, 752h1 are formed so as to extend in a flat plane, but they may also be formed so as to extend in a convex or concave curved shape.

[0177] Next, a sixth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0178] Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 10, showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example, except that in Fig. 16, the main part of the light source unit is shown in a state in which it is turned upside down from the state shown in Fig. 10.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 16, the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above-described fourth modified example, but it differs from the above-described fourth modified example in that power supply attachment 850 is supported on metal plate 860 by engaging power supply attachment 850 with metal plate 860.

[0180] That is, in this modification, a pair of left and right engagement pieces 852j are formed on an insulating member 852 of a power feeding attachment 850, and a pair of left and right engagement holes 860n are formed in a metal plate 860 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right engagement pieces 852j. Each engagement piece 852j is adapted to engage with the metal plate 860 when inserted into each engagement hole 860n.

[0181] Each engaging piece 852j is composed of a shaft portion 852j1 extending in the vertical direction at multiple locations (e.g., three locations) in the circumferential direction around a through hole 852i formed in the insulating member 852, and a folded-back portion 852j2 that folds back at an acute angle from the tip position of the shaft portion 852j1 toward the base end portion toward the radially outer periphery.

[0182] When each engagement piece 852j is inserted into each engagement hole 860n from the first plate surface 860a side of the metal plate 860, its folded portion 852j2 abuts against the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of each engagement hole 860n, elastically deforms from the state shown in Figure 16(a) toward the inner circumference, and passes through each engagement hole 860n in a shape as shown in Figure 16(b).When the folded portion 852j2 exits on the opposite side of each engagement hole 860n, it is engaged with the metal plate 860 in a state in which it spreads out toward the outer periphery along the second plate surface 860b as shown in Figure 16(c).

[0183] When the power supply attachment 850 is supported by the metal plate 860, the power supply attachment 850 is positioned in the vertical direction by a pair of left and right engagement pieces 852j engaging with a pair of left and right engagement holes 860n, and the power supply attachment 850 is positioned in the horizontal direction by a pair of left and right positioning pins 852c engaging with a pair of left and right engagement holes 860k.

[0184] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the fourth modified example can be obtained.

[0185] In addition, as in this modified example, by configuring power supply attachment 850 to be supported on metal plate 860 by engaging power supply attachment 850 with metal plate 860, fixing by screw tightening is not required, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the work process can be simplified. Also, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of a situation occurring in which light emitted from light emitting element 640 is blocked by the head of a screw protruding from power supply attachment 850.

[0186] Moreover, in this modified example, a pair of left and right engagement pieces 852j are formed on power supply attachment 850, and a pair of left and right engagement holes 860n are formed in metal plate 860, and when each engagement piece 852j is inserted into each engagement hole 860n, its tip end 852j engages with metal plate 860. Therefore, engagement between power supply attachment 850 and metal plate 860 can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0187] Next, a seventh modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0188] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 17, in this modified example, power supply attachment 950 is supported on metal plate 960 by engaging power supply attachment 950 with metal plate 960, but the detailed structure is different from that of the sixth modified example.

[0190] That is, also in this modification, a pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j are formed on the insulating member 952 of the power feeding attachment 950, and a pair of left and right engagement holes 960n are formed on the metal plate 960. Each engagement piece 952j is adapted to engage with the metal plate 960 when inserted into each engagement hole 960n.

[0191] In this modified example, each engagement piece 952j is composed of a single shaft portion 952j1 extending in the vertical direction, and a pair of foldback portions 952j2 that fold back at an acute angle toward the base end portion from the tip position of this shaft portion 952j1 on both the left and right sides.

[0192] In this modified example, an abutment portion 952j3 that protrudes toward the other engagement piece 952j is formed at a base end portion of the shaft portion 952j1 of one of the pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j.

[0193] Furthermore, in this modified example, the distance between the pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j is set to a value slightly smaller than the distance between the pair of left and right engagement holes 960n.

[0194] When each engagement piece 952j is inserted into each engagement hole 960n from the first plate surface 960a side of the metal plate 960, its folded portion 952j2 abuts at the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of each engagement hole 960n, and passes through each engagement hole 960n in a state in which it elastically deforms from the state shown in Figure 17(a) toward the shaft portion 952j1 and assumes the shape shown in Figure 17(b).When the folded portion 952j2 exits to the opposite side of each engagement hole 960n, it is engaged with the metal plate 960 in a state in which it spreads outward along the second plate surface 960b as shown in Figure 17(c).

[0195] In this modification, just before the folded portion 952j2 of one engagement piece 952j comes out to the opposite side of the engagement hole 960n, an abutment portion 952j3 formed on the base end of the shaft portion 952j1 comes into contact with the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of the engagement hole 960n, and when the folded portion 952j2 comes out to the opposite side of the engagement hole 960n, the abutment portion 952j3 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the engagement hole 960n. At this time, the shaft portion 952j1 of the other engagement piece 952j also comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the engagement hole 960n.

[0196] When the power supply attachment 950 is supported by the metal plate 960, the pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j engage with the pair of left and right engagement holes 960n to determine its position in the vertical direction, and the pair of left and right positioning pins 952c engage with the pair of left and right engagement holes 960k to determine its position in the horizontal direction. At this time, the pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j abut against the inner wall surfaces of the pair of left and right engagement holes 960n, thereby improving the positioning accuracy in the horizontal direction.

[0197] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the sixth modified example can be obtained.

[0198] Furthermore, in this modified example, the abutment portion 952j3 formed at the base end of the shaft portion 952j1 of one of the pair of left and right engagement pieces 952j abuts against the inner wall surface of one of the engagement holes 960n, and the shaft portion 952j1 of the other engagement piece 952j abuts against the inner wall surface of the other engagement hole 960n, thereby improving the left-right positioning accuracy when the power supply attachment 950 and the metal plate 960 are engaged with each other.

[0199] Next, an eighth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0200] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 18, in this modified example, power supply attachment 1050 is supported on metal plate 1060 by engaging power supply attachment 1050 with metal plate 1060, but this differs from the sixth modified example in that the engagement is performed by crimping.

[0202] That is, in this modification, burring is applied to two places on metal plate 1060, so that metal plate 1060 is formed with a pair of left and right cylindrical burring portions 1060p protruding toward first plate surface 1060a.

[0203] In this modification, a pair of left and right engagement holes 1052k are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right burring portions 1060p in the insulating member 1052 of the power supply attachment 1050. Each engagement hole 1052k is formed with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of each burring portion 1060p, and a chamfer 1052k1 is provided on the end of the metal plate 1060 on the second plate surface 1060b side.

[0204] Each burring portion 1060p is formed to be slightly longer than the length of each engagement hole 1052k.

[0205] Then, the power supply attachment 1050 is placed on the first plate surface 1060a of the metal plate 1060 as shown in FIG. 18(b) by inserting the pair of left and right burring parts 1060p into the pair of left and right engagement holes 1052k from the first plate surface 1060a side of the metal plate 1060 as shown in FIG. 18(a). At this time, the pair of left and right burring parts 1060p are in a state in which their tip parts 1060p1 protrude from the pair of left and right engagement holes 1052k. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the tip parts of the pair of left and right crimping jigs 1000 formed in a truncated cone shape are brought into contact with the tip parts 1060p1 of the pair of left and right burring parts 1060p, so that the tip parts 1060p1 of the respective burring parts 1060p are plastically deformed so as to expand to the outer periphery side along the surface of the insulating member 1052 and are engaged with the insulating member 1052.

[0206] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the sixth modified example can be obtained.

[0207] Furthermore, in this modified example, the engagement between the power supply attachment 1050 and the metal plate 1060 is achieved by crimping the metal plate 1060 to the power supply attachment 1050, which makes it easy to position the power supply attachment 1050 in the direction perpendicular to and along the surface of the metal plate 1060.

[0208] Therefore, in this modified example, the pair of left and right engagement holes 760k formed in the power feeding attachment 750 of the fifth modified example and the pair of left and right positioning pins 752c formed in the metal plate 760 are unnecessary.

[0209] Next, a ninth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0210] FIG. 19(a) is a view similar to FIG. 10, showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 19(a), the basic configuration of this modification is similar to that of the above-mentioned fourth modification, but the configuration of the metal plate 1160 is partially different from that of the above-mentioned fourth modification.

[0212] That is, in this modification as well, the light-emitting element 640 and the power supply attachment 650 are supported by the metal plate 1160, but a base portion 1160q is formed on a first plate surface 1160a of the metal plate 1160. A mounting area on the first plate surface 1160a of the metal plate 1160 for mounting the light-emitting element 40 is located on the base portion 1160q.

[0213] The base portion 1160q is formed by plastically deforming the metal plate 1160 so as to have substantially the same thickness as its surrounding area, and a recess 1160r is formed on the rear side thereof (ie, the second plate surface 1160b side).

[0214] The light emitting element 640 is supported on the metal plate 1160 by fixing the main body support portion 640B of the light emitting element 640 to the base portion 1160q using, for example, an adhesive.

[0215] By employing the configuration of this modified example, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from light-emitting element 640 from being blocked by power supply attachment 650. Therefore, a margin can be provided in the thickness of insulating member 652 of power supply attachment 650 by the height of pedestal portion 1160q, which makes it easy to manufacture power supply attachment 650.

[0216] Furthermore, even though in this modified example the power supply attachment 650 is supported on the metal plate 1160 by screwing, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 640 is less likely to be blocked by the head of the screw protruding from the power supply attachment 650.

[0217] Next, a tenth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0218] FIG. 19(b) is a view similar to FIG. 19(a), showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0219] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above-described ninth modified example, but differs from the above-described ninth modified example in that multiple heat dissipation fins 1262 are additionally arranged on the second plate surface 1260b of the metal plate 1260.

[0220] The plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262 are fixed by adhesion, welding, or the like to a recess 1260r on the rear side of the base portion 1260q and a plurality of locations in the surrounding area thereof.

[0221] By employing the configuration of this modification, the heat generated by the light emitting element 640 can be efficiently dissipated by the plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262. As a result, even though the base portion 1260q is formed on the first plate surface 1260a of the metal plate 1260 and the recess portion 1260r is formed on the rear side thereof, the heat dissipation function of the metal plate 1260 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0222] In this modified example, the multiple heat dissipation fins 1262 are described as being separate members from the metal plate 1260, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are formed integrally with the metal plate 1260.

[0223] Next, an eleventh modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0224] FIG. 19(c) is a view similar to FIG. 19(a), showing a main part of a light source unit according to this modified example.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 19(c), the basic configuration of this modification is similar to that of the above-mentioned ninth modification, but the configuration of the metal plate 1360 is partially different from that of the above-mentioned ninth modification.

[0226] That is, in this modified example, a base portion 1360q similar to that in the above-mentioned ninth modified example is formed on the first plate surface 1360a of the metal plate 1360, but the back side (i.e., the second plate surface 1360b side) does not have a recess 1160r like that in the above-mentioned ninth modified example, and is formed as a flat portion 1360s flush with the surrounding area.

[0227] The flat portion 1360s is formed by further plastically deforming a part of the metal plate 1360 after the base portion 1360q is formed by press molding.

[0228] By employing the configuration of this modified example, the thickness of the portion of the metal plate 1360 where the pedestal portion 1360q is located can be increased, and this can improve the heat dissipation function of the metal plate 1360.

[0229] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​given as the specifications in the above embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0230] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 10 Vehicle lighting fixtures 12 Lamp body 14 Translucent cover 20A, 20B, 20C Lighting Unit 30, 130, 230, 330 Light source unit 40 Light emitting element 40A element body 40B Main body support part 40a Light emitting surface 40b Terminal section 50, 250, 350 Power Supply Attachment 50A, 250A, 350A power supply 50B, 250B, 350B connector part 50C, 250C, 350C intermediate section 52 Insulating materials 52A Power Supply Configuration Area 52B Connector section configuration area 52C Intermediate component area 52a opening 52b Flange part 52c Locating pin 52d rectangular hole 52e Recess 52f screw insertion hole 54 Busbar electrode 54a terminal piece 54b Presser piece 54c Terminal pin 56 Screw 60, 160, 360 metal plate 60a, 160a, 360a 1st plate surface 60b, 160b, 360b 2nd plate side 60c, 360c opening 60d Through hole 60e Engagement hole 60f screw hole 70 Reflector 70a reflective surface 70s Reflector 72 Light source support part 72a Crimp pin 80 External power supply connector 160d rear end 160e Lower Extension S1 Space on the first plate side S2 Space on the second plate side 620A Lighting unit 630 Light source unit 640 Light emitting element 640A Element body 640B Main body support part 640a Light emitting surface 640b Terminal section 642 Thermal grease 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050 Power supply attachment 650A power supply 650B Connector 650C middle section 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052 Insulating materials 652A, 752A Power Supply Configuration Area 652B Connector section configuration area 652C Intermediate component area 652a, 752a opening 652b Flange part 652c, 852c, 952c Locating Pins 652d rectangular hole 652e Recess 652f screw insertion hole 654 Busbar electrode 654a terminal piece 654c Terminal Pin 656 Screw 660, 760, 860, 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360 metal plate 660a, 760a, 860a, 960a, 1060a, 1160a, 1260a, 1360a 1st plate surface 660b, 860b, 960b, 1060b, 1160b, 1260b, 1360b 2nd plate side 660c opening 660d rear end 660e Lower Extension 660f screw hole 660g, 760g protrusion 660g1 Chamfer 660h Recess 660i, 760i recess 660j Insertion hole 660k, 860k, 960k, 1052k engagement hole 660m Concave 670 Reflector 670a reflective surface 672 Light source support part 672a Crimp pin 752g, 752h biasing piece 752g1, 752h1 sloped surface 754 Busbar electrode 852i through hole 852j, 952j engaging piece 852j1, 952j1 shaft part 852j2, 952j2 Turn-up part 860n, 960n engagement hole 952j3 Contact part 1000 Crimping jig 1052k1 Chamfer 1060p Burring section 1060p1 Tip 1160q, 1360q pedestal 1160r Recess 1262 Heat sink fin 1360s flat part A Placement area

Claims

1. A light source unit including a light emitting element, a power supply attachment for supplying power to the light emitting element, and a metal plate supporting the light emitting element and the power supply attachment, the light emitting element is supported on a first plate surface of the metal plate, the power supply attachment is configured as an insert molding in which a bus bar electrode for establishing electrical conduction with the light-emitting element is embedded in an insulating member formed to surround the light-emitting element with a part of the bus bar electrode exposed, the power supply attachment includes a power supply portion that contacts the light emitting element to supply power, a connector portion that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion that is located between the power supply portion and the connector portion; the power supply portion is supported on a first plate surface of the metal plate, the connector portion is formed to open in a space on a second plate surface side of the metal plate, An opening is formed in the metal plate, The light source unit is characterized in that the power supply attachment is formed so that the intermediate portion extends through the opening.

2. the light emitting element is mounted on the first plate surface of the metal plate via thermal conductive grease; a first plate surface of the metal plate has a plurality of projections for positioning the light emitting element at a plurality of positions surrounding a mounting region for mounting the light emitting element; 2. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment in a state where the light emitting element is positioned in the mounting area by the plurality of protrusions.

3. 3. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein a tip portion of each of said projections on the side of said mounting area is chamfered.

4. 4. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein recesses are formed in the mounting area in portions adjacent to the respective protrusions.

5. the light emitting element is mounted on the first plate surface of the metal plate via thermal conductive grease; a projection portion for positioning the light-emitting element in a required direction is formed at two positions surrounding a mounting region for mounting the light-emitting element on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the light emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment, 2. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply attachment is formed with a biasing piece for biasing the light emitting element in the required direction by contacting the light emitting element.

6. 6. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply attachment is supported on the metal plate by engaging the power supply attachment with the metal plate.

7. A plurality of engagement pieces are formed on the power supply attachment, A plurality of engagement holes are formed in the metal plate, 7. The light source unit according to claim 6, wherein each of the engagement pieces is configured so that a tip portion of each of the engagement pieces engages with the metal plate when the engagement piece is inserted into the corresponding engagement hole.

8. 8. The light source unit according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of engagement pieces are formed with abutment portions that come into contact with inner wall surfaces of the engagement holes when inserted into the engagement holes.

9. 7. The light source unit according to claim 6, wherein the power supply attachment and the metal plate are engaged with each other by caulking the metal plate to the power supply attachment.

10. A base portion is formed on a first plate surface of the metal plate, 10. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein a mounting area for mounting the light emitting element is located on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the mounting area being located on the base portion.

11. A vehicle lamp including the light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The light source unit includes a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp. the reflector is disposed below the light source unit, The light source unit is supported by the reflector via the metal plate with a first plate surface of the metal plate facing downward.

12. 12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of pairs of the light source unit and the reflector are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction.

13. The opening is located on the rear side of the light emitting element, 13. The vehicular lamp according to claim 11, wherein the connector portion opens toward the rear of the lamp.

14. A vehicle lamp as described in any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the opening is located on the front side of the lamp of the reflector.

Images