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 a vehicle lamp including the light source unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a light source unit for vehicle lamps and the like, a unit including a light emitting element and a power supply attachment for supplying power to the light emitting element is known.

[0003] Generally, as described in, for example, "Patent Document 1", the power supply attachment has a configuration including a power supply portion that contacts the light emitting element to supply power, a connector portion that is electrically connected to an external power supply, and an intermediate portion located between them.

[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 by a metal plate. The power supply attachment described in this "Patent Document 2" is supported on the lower surface of the metal plate together with the light emitting element, and its 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

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0008] However, in the light source unit described in the above "Patent Document 2", since the connector portion of the power supply attachment is formed to open in the space on the lower surface side of the metal plate (that is, the same side as the light emitting element), there are the following problems.

[0009] That is, in the vehicle lamp described in the above "Patent Document 2", the emitted light from the light emitting element of the light source unit is reflected forward of the lamp by a reflector disposed below the light source unit. At this time, it is necessary to consider 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 the light control member such as a reflector for controlling 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 view of such circumstances, and 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 provide a light source unit capable of increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion, and a vehicle lamp including the above light source unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The present invention aims to achieve the above object by devising the configuration of the power supply attachment.

[0013] That is, the light source unit according to the first invention of the present application is In 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 that supports 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 located between the power supply portion and the connector portion, the power supply portion is supported on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the connector portion is formed so as to open in a space on a second plate surface side of the metal plate, the light emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the metal plate via a heat transfer grease, protrusions for positioning the light emitting element are respectively formed at a plurality of locations surrounding a placement region for placing the light emitting element on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the light emitting element is positioned in the placement region by the plurality of protrusions and is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment, On the second plate surface of the metal plate 、with respect to the direction orthogonal to the plane constituting the placement area recesses are respectively formed at portions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions, which is characterized in that.

[0014] Further, the light source unit according to the second invention of the present application is In 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 that supports 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 located between the power supply portion and the connector portion, the power supply portion is supported on the first plate surface of the metal plate, The above connector part is formed so as to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the above metal plate. The above light-emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the above metal plate via heat-conducting grease. Protrusions for positioning the above light-emitting element in a required direction are respectively formed at two locations surrounding the placement area for placing the above light-emitting element on the first plate surface of the above metal plate. The above light-emitting element is pressed against the above metal plate by the above power supply attachment. The above power supply attachment is formed with biasing pieces that bias the above light-emitting element in the above required direction by coming into contact with the above light-emitting element. On the second plate surface of the above metal plate 、with respect to the direction orthogonal to the plane constituting the placement area Recesses are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the above two protrusions, which is characterized in that.

[0015] The specific shape of the above "metal plate" is not particularly limited. For example, it may be simply formed in a flat plate shape, or may be formed with bending processing, embossing processing, etc. in areas other than the areas where the light-emitting element and the power supply attachment are supported.

[0016] The material of the above "metal plate" is not particularly limited. For example, an aluminum plate, a copper plate, etc. can be adopted.

[0017] The orientation in which the above "metal plate" is arranged is not particularly limited.

[0018] As long as the above "connector part" is formed so as to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate, the specific configuration such as its specific shape and the orientation of the opening is not particularly limited.

[0019] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is a vehicle lamp provided with such a light source unit, It is provided with a reflector that reflects the emitted light from the light-emitting element of the above light source unit forward of the lamp. The above reflector is arranged below the above light source unit. The above-described light source unit is characterized in that it is supported by the reflector on the metal plate with the first plate surface of the metal plate facing downward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] The light source unit according to the present invention has a configuration including a power supply unit that contacts and supplies power to a light emitting element, a connector unit that is electrically connected to an external power supply, and an intermediate unit located between them, as a power supply attachment for supplying power to the light emitting element. However, the power supply unit 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 unit of the power supply attachment is formed to open in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate. Therefore, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0021] That is, it becomes possible to easily arrange a 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 becomes possible to easily arrange the connector unit of the power supply attachment in a state where it opens in a free direction in the space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the shape of the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector unit can be increased.

[0022] As described above, 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, the degree of freedom in the shape of the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector unit can be increased.

[0023] In the above configuration, further, with a configuration in which an opening is formed in the metal plate, and with a configuration in which the intermediate portion of the power supply attachment is formed to extend through the opening as the power supply attachment, the power supply attachment can be made into a compact configuration. Also, by adopting such a configuration, the metal plate will be arranged over a relatively wide range around the light emitting element, so the heat dissipation function of the light source unit can be enhanced.

[0024] In the above-described configuration, further, the light-emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the metal plate via heat-conductive grease, and a plurality of protrusions for positioning the light-emitting element are respectively formed at a plurality of locations surrounding the placement region for placing the light-emitting element on the first plate surface of the metal plate. With such a configuration that the light-emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by a power supply attachment in a state where the light-emitting element is positioned in the placement region by the plurality of protrusions, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0025] That is, the support of the light-emitting element on the metal plate can be performed without using an adhesive. Therefore, the step of applying the adhesive becomes unnecessary, and the step of curing the adhesive while maintaining the positioned state of the light-emitting element also becomes unnecessary, so the working process can be simplified.

[0026] When such a configuration is adopted, if the tip portion of each protrusion on the side of the placement region is chamfered, the operation of placing the light-emitting element in the placement region can be smoothly performed.

[0027] Also, when such a configuration is adopted, if a recessed portion is formed in a portion adjacent to each protrusion in the placement region, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0028] That is, a corner R is inevitably formed at the connection portion between each protrusion and the first plate surface of the metal plate. Therefore, if the recessed portion is not formed, the light-emitting element may come into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate, and the light-emitting element may not be accurately placed in the placement region.

[0029] On the other hand, by adopting a configuration in which a recessed portion is formed in a portion adjacent to each protrusion in the placement region, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting element from coming into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate, and thereby the light-emitting element can be accurately placed in the placement region.

[0030] In the above configuration, further, the light-emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the metal plate via heat-conducting grease, and projections for positioning the light-emitting element in the required direction are respectively formed at two locations surrounding the placement area for placing the light-emitting element on the first plate surface of the metal plate. Then, with the configuration in which the light-emitting element is pressed against the metal plate by the power supply attachment, and with the power supply attachment having a biasing piece formed thereon that biases the light-emitting element in the required direction by coming into contact with the light-emitting element, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0031] That is, the support of the light-emitting element on the metal plate can be achieved without using an adhesive. Therefore, the step of applying the adhesive becomes unnecessary, and also the step of curing the adhesive while maintaining the positioned state of the light-emitting element becomes unnecessary, so that the working process can be simplified. Furthermore, it becomes possible to easily position the light-emitting element in the placement area.

[0032] In the above configuration, further, if the support of the power supply attachment on the metal plate is achieved by engaging the power supply attachment with the metal plate, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0033] That is, fixing by screwing becomes unnecessary, so that the number of components can be reduced and the working process can be simplified. Also, it is possible to prevent the emitted light from the light-emitting element from being blocked by the screw heads protruding from the power supply attachment.

[0034] When such a configuration is adopted, with the configuration in which 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 with each engaging piece configured such that its tip engages with the metal plate in a state of being inserted into each engaging hole, the engagement between the power supply attachment and the metal plate can be achieved with a simple configuration, and also it becomes possible to easily position the power supply attachment in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the metal plate.

[0035] At that time, if at least some of the plurality of engaging pieces are configured such that a contact portion that contacts the inner wall surface of the engaging hole in a state of being inserted into the engaging hole is formed, it becomes possible to easily position the power supply attachment also in the direction along the surface of the metal plate in a state where the power supply attachment and the metal plate are engaged with each other.

[0036] Further, if the engagement between the power supply attachment and the metal plate is configured to be performed by caulking and fixing the metal plate to the power supply attachment, it becomes possible to easily position the power supply attachment in the direction perpendicular to the surface and the direction along the surface of the metal plate.

[0037] In the above configuration, further, if a pedestal portion is formed on the first plate surface of the metal plate and a mounting region for mounting the light emitting element is located on the pedestal portion on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0038] That is, even if the thickness of the power supply attachment is increased by the height of the pedestal portion, it is possible to prevent the emitted light from the light emitting element from being blocked by the power supply attachment, and thereby the manufacture of the power supply attachment can be easily performed. Further, even when the power supply attachment is supported on the metal plate by screwing, it is possible to make it difficult for the emitted light from the light emitting element to be blocked by the screw head protruding from the power supply attachment.

[0039] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is a vehicle lamp including such a light source unit, and is configured to include a reflector that reflects the emitted light from the light emitting element of the light source unit forward of the lamp. At that time, the reflector is disposed 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. Therefore, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0040] That is, since the light source unit is arranged with the second plate surface of the metal plate facing upward, the work of connecting the connector on the external power supply side to the connector part of the power supply attachment can be easily performed.

[0041] In the above configuration, further, if a configuration is adopted in which a plurality of sets of light source units and reflectors are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, even if the light emission output of each set of light source units is reduced, the brightness required as the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp can be easily ensured. Therefore, the necessary heat dissipation function can be easily ensured.

[0042] In the above configuration, further, as the configuration of the light source unit, if the opening formed in the metal plate is located on the rear side of the lamp of the light emitting element and the connector part opens toward the rear of the lamp, the work of connecting the connector on the external power supply side to the connector part can be performed more easily.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a plan 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 sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1.

[0046] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction indicated by X is "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is "left direction" (right direction when viewed from the front of the lamp) orthogonal to "front of the lamp", and the direction indicated by Z is "upward direction". The same applies to the figures other than FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is a headlamp provided at the right front end of the vehicle, and is formed in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent cover 14 having a through-hole shape attached to the front end opening of the lamp body 12. Three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C are incorporated side by side in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] Each of the lamp units 20A to 20C includes a light source unit 30 having a light emitting element 40 as a light source, and a reflector 70 disposed below the light source unit 30.

[0049] The light source unit 30 is disposed with the light emitting surface 40a of the light emitting element 40 facing downward.

[0050] The reflector 70 includes a reflecting surface 70a formed with a plurality of reflecting elements 70s, and each reflecting element 70s reflects the light emitted from the light emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp.

[0051] At the upper end of the reflector 70, a light source support portion 72 for supporting the light source unit 30 is formed. Then, a connector 80 on the external power supply side is connected to the light source unit 30 supported by the light source support portion 72 from the rear side of the lamp, so that power is supplied to the light source unit 30.

[0052] The three lamp units 20A to 20C have different surface shapes of the respective reflecting elements 70s that constitute the reflecting surface 70a of the reflector 70, but are otherwise the same in configuration. The reflectors 70 of the three lamp units 20A to 20C are made of resin members and are integrally formed with each other.

[0053] And the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to form a required light distribution pattern (for example, a light distribution pattern for low beam) by the irradiation light from the three lamp units 20A to 20C.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the main part of FIG. 2. Further, FIG. 4 is a view of the light source unit 30 alone, as seen in the direction of the arrow IV in FIG. 3.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light source unit 30 is configured such that 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.

[0056] The metal plate 60 is an aluminum plate with a constant plate thickness and is arranged to extend along a horizontal plane. This metal plate 60 has a rectangular outer shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the lamp in plan view.

[0057] The light emitting element 40 is a white light emitting diode, and its light emitting surface 40a is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape. This light emitting element 40 has a configuration in which an element body 40A having a light emitting surface 40a is supported by a body support portion 40B, and is supported by a first plate surface 60a which is the lower surface of the metal plate 60 at the body support portion 40B. This support is performed, for example, by fixing the body support portion 40B to the first plate surface 60a using an adhesive or the like.

[0058] The body support portion 40B has a horizontally long rectangular outer shape in plan view, and a pair of left and right terminal portions 40b that are electrically connected to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the element body 40A, respectively, are arranged at positions on both the left and right sides of the light emitting element 40 on the lower surface thereof.

[0059] An opening 60c is formed in the metal plate 60 at a position adjacent to the rear side of the lamp at the position where the light emitting element 40 is supported. This opening 60c has a rectangular inner peripheral surface shape.

[0060] The power supply attachment 50 includes a power supply portion 50A that comes into contact with the light emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector portion 50B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion 50C that is located between the power supply portion 50A and the connector portion 50B.

[0061] At this time, the power supply unit 50A is supported by the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60. Further, the intermediate portion 50C is formed so as to extend through the opening 60c of the metal plate 60. Furthermore, the connector portion 50B is formed so as to open in the space S2 on the side of the second plate surface 60b which is the upper surface of the metal plate 60.

[0062] Next, the specific configuration of the power supply attachment 50 will be described.

[0063] 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 achieving electrical conduction with the light emitting element 40 are embedded in an insulating member 52 formed so as to surround the light emitting element 40 with a part of each being exposed.

[0064] The insulating member 52 is formed so as to extend in a flat plate shape along a horizontal plane in the power supply unit configuration region 52A located in the power supply unit 50A, and has a horizontally long rectangular outer shape in plan view. In this power supply unit configuration region 52A, a horizontally long rectangular opening 52a is formed at the center position in the left - right direction, and a pair of left and right flange portions 52b protruding in the horizontal direction are formed on both left and right side surfaces thereof.

[0065] A pair of left and right screw insertion holes 52f are formed in the pair of left and right flange portions 52b. On the other hand, 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 unit configuration region 52A of the insulating member 52 pressed against the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 from below, the power supply attachment 50 is fixed to the metal plate 60 by tightening screws 56 through the respective screw insertion holes 52f into the respective screw holes 60f.

[0066] On the upper surfaces of a pair of left and right flange portions 52b, a pair of left and right positioning pins 52c are formed. On the other hand, on the metal plate 60, a pair of left and right engaging holes 60e are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right positioning pins 52c. At this time, one of the pair of left and right engaging holes 60e is formed in a circular shape, and the other is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape. When pressing the power supply portion configuration region 52A of the insulating member 52 against the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60, by inserting each positioning pin 52c into each engaging hole 60e, the power supply attachment 50 is positioned with respect to the metal plate 60 in the horizontal direction.

[0067] A pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 are provided with a pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a protruding into the opening 52a, and these are electrically connected to the light emitting element 40 by contacting a pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light emitting element 40.

[0068] In addition, a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 are provided with a pair of front and rear pressing pieces 54b protruding into the opening 52a, and these are used to position the light emitting element 40 by contacting the lower surface of the main body support portion 40B.

[0069] At this time, each terminal piece 54a and each pressing piece 54b are configured as elastic pieces that elastically press the main body support portion 40B from the lower side.

[0070] The insulating member 52 is formed such that an intermediate portion configuration region 52C located in the intermediate portion 50C extends in a prismatic shape vertically upward from the rear end portion of the power supply portion configuration region 52A. This intermediate portion configuration region 52C is formed with a left and right width narrower than that of the power supply portion configuration region 52A so as to be located at the center in the left and right direction of the power supply portion configuration region 52A. And this intermediate portion configuration region 52C is formed to penetrate the opening 60c of the metal plate 60 in the vertical direction at a position near its front end surface.

[0071] The insulating member 52 is formed such that the connector portion constituent region 52B located in the connector portion 50B extends horizontally from the upper end portion of the intermediate portion constituent region 52C toward the rear of the lamp. This connector portion constituent region 52B extends in a rectangular tube shape with the same left - right width as the intermediate portion constituent region 52C and is formed to open toward the rear of the lamp.

[0072] A rectangular hole 52d extending in the front - rear direction of the lamp is formed in the upper wall portion of the connector portion constituent region 52B, and rectangular recesses 52e are formed in both the left and right side wall portions of this connector portion constituent region 52B.

[0073] In the internal space of the connector portion constituent region 52B, the terminal pins 54c of the pair of left - right bus bar electrodes 54 are arranged in a state of protruding toward the rear of the lamp. The pair of left - right terminal pins 54c are each formed to extend in a plate shape along a vertical plane. Then, the external power supply - side connector 80 is inserted into the internal space of the connector portion constituent region 52B, and by fitting with the rectangular hole 52d and the pair of left - right recesses 52e, the power - supply attachment 50 is electrically connected to the external power supply.

[0074] When attaching the power - supply attachment 50 to the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60, the opening 60c of the metal plate 60 is formed such that the position of its rear - end edge is located on the rear - side of the lamp with respect to the rear end surface of the connector portion 50B so that the intermediate portion 50C and the connector portion 50B of the power - supply attachment 50 do not interfere with the metal plate 60.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support of the light - source unit 30 by the reflector 70 is performed by caulking and fixing at three locations of its light - source support portion 72.

[0076] To achieve this, as shown by the dashed two-dot line in FIG. 3, caulking pins 72a extending upward are formed at three locations on the light source support portion 72 of the reflector 70, and insertion holes 60d for inserting the caulking pins 72a are formed at 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, with each caulking pin 72a inserted into each insertion hole 60d, heat caulking is applied to the tip of each caulking pin 72a, thereby fixing the light source unit 30 to the reflector 70.

[0077] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment includes three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C. The light source unit 30 of each lamp unit 20A to 20C includes a power supply portion 50A that contacts and supplies power to the light emitting element 40 as a power supply attachment 50 for supplying power to the light emitting element 40, a connector portion 50B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion 50C located between them. 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. Therefore, the following operation and effects can be obtained.

[0079] That is, in this embodiment, it becomes easy to arrange the reflector 70 in a free layout in the space S1 on the first plate surface 60a side of the metal plate 60. Also, it becomes easy to arrange the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 in a state of opening in a free direction in the space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the shape of the reflector 70 and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion 50B can be increased.

[0080] This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0081] FIG. 5(a) is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the light source unit 30 according to the present embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 5(b) is a view similar to FIG. 5(a) showing the light source unit 530 as a comparative example of the present embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5(b), also in the light source unit 530 according to the comparative example, the power supply unit 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 connector portion 550B of the power supply attachment 550 is formed to open in the space S1 on the first plate surface 560a side, rather than in the space S2 on the second plate surface 560b side of the metal plate 560 as in the present embodiment, resulting in a configuration different from that of the present embodiment.

[0083] And in this light source unit 530, the connector portion 550B of the power supply attachment 550 is formed to protrude below the lower surface of the power supply unit 550A in the space S1 on the first plate surface 560a side. Accordingly, the reflector 570 has a configuration in which the upper region of the reflecting surface 570a is missing in order not to interfere with the connector portion 550B of the power supply attachment 550. Therefore, the emitted light from the light emitting element 40 cannot be maximally and effectively utilized as the reflected light by the reflector 570.

[0084] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(a), in the light source unit 30 according to the present embodiment, since 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, there is no portion protruding below the lower surface of the power supply unit 50A in the space S1 on the first plate surface 60a side, and the reflecting surface 70a of the reflector 70 does not have a missing upper region. Therefore, the emitted light from the light emitting element 40 can be maximally and effectively utilized as the reflected light by the reflector 70.

[0085] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 including the light source unit 30 in which the light emitting element 40 and the power supply attachment 50 are supported by the metal plate 60, the degree of freedom in the shape of the reflector 70 as the light control member and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the connector portion 50B can be increased.

[0086] Moreover, in the light source unit 30 according to the present embodiment, since the intermediate portion 50C of the power supply attachment 50 is formed so as to extend through the opening 60c formed in the metal plate 60, the power supply attachment 50 can be made into a compact configuration. Further, by adopting the configuration in which the opening 60 is formed in the metal plate 60 in this way, compared with the case where, for example, a concave portion is formed on the rear end surface of the metal plate 60, the metal plate 60 is arranged over a wider range around the light emitting element 40, so that the heat dissipation function of the light source unit 30 can be enhanced.

[0087] Further, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, since the three lamp units 20A to 20C are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, even if the light emission output of the light source units 30 of the respective lamp units 20A to 20C is reduced, it is possible to easily ensure the brightness required as the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 10. Therefore, the heat dissipation function required for each of the lamp units 20A to 20C can be easily ensured by the metal plate 60.

[0088] Moreover, each of the lamp units 20A to 20C has a configuration in which the reflector 70 is arranged 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 operational effects can be obtained.

[0089] That is, since the light source unit 30 is arranged with the second plate surface 60b of the metal plate 60 facing upward, the work of connecting the connector 80 on the external power supply side to the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 can be easily performed.

[0090] In addition, in the light source unit 30, the opening 60c formed in the metal plate 60 is located on the rear side of the light fixture of the light emitting element 40, and the connector portion 50B opens toward the rear of the light fixture. Therefore, the operation of connecting the connector 80 on the external power supply side to the connector portion 50B can be performed more easily by sliding the connector 80 along the second plate surface 60b of the metal plate 60.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the middle portion 50C of the power supply attachment 50 has been described as being located in the opening 60c of the metal plate 60. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is located in a recess formed in the rear end surface of the metal plate 60 or a configuration in which it is located in the vicinity of the rear end surface or side end surface of the metal plate 60.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the power supply attachment 50 has been 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. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is fixed by means of a clip or the like.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the power supply attachment 50 and the light emitting element 40 are electrically connected by the pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a in the pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54 coming into contact with the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light emitting element 40. However, the present invention is not limited to the arrangement of the above embodiment. When the pattern shape of the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b is different from the pattern shape of the above embodiment, the arrangement of the pair of left and right terminal pieces 54 can be made different from that of the above embodiment accordingly.

[0094] For example, when a pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40 are formed so as to extend from both the left and right sides of the main body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp, as the pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54, a configuration can be adopted in which a pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a are in contact with the pair of left and right terminal portions 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the front side of the lamp with respect to the main body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40. Further, when the light-emitting element 40 is formed such that one terminal portion 40b extends from both the left and right sides of the main body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp and the other terminal portion 40b extends toward the rear of the lamp, as the pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 54, a configuration can be adopted in which one terminal piece 54a is in contact with the terminal portion 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the front side of the lamp with respect to the main body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40 and the other terminal piece 54a is in contact with the terminal portion 40b of the light-emitting element 40 on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the main body support portion 40B of the light-emitting element 40.

[0095] Further, instead of the pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a, a configuration including a pair of left and right terminal pieces 54a or three or more pairs of left and right terminal pieces 54a can also be adopted.

[0096] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the support of the light source unit 30 by the reflector 70 is performed by caulking, but a configuration performed by screwing or the like is also possible.

[0097] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the vehicle lamp 10 includes three lamp units 20A to 20C, but a configuration including two or less or four or more lamp units is also possible.

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

[0099] First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a light source unit 130 according to this modification.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 6, the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but the configuration of the metal plate 160 is partially different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0102] That is, also in the light source unit 130 according to this modified example, the power supply unit 50A of the power supply attachment 50 is supported on the first plate surface 160a which is the lower surface of the metal plate 160 together with the light emitting element 40, and the connector portion 50B of the power supply attachment 50 is formed so as 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 case of the above-described embodiment in that a downward extension portion 160e extending vertically downward from the rear end portion 160d is formed.

[0103] The downward extension portion 160e is formed by bending the metal plate 160, whereby the rear end portion 160d of the metal plate 160 is configured as a cylindrical convex curved surface whose surface on the second plate surface 160b side extends in the left-right direction.

[0104] Note that also in the light source unit 130 according to this modified example, an opening 160c similar to that in the case of the above-described embodiment is formed in the metal plate 160. And the power supply attachment 50 is formed such that its intermediate portion 50C extends through the opening 160c.

[0105] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same operational effects as those in the case of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0106] Moreover, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the heat capacity of the metal plate 160 can be increased, and thereby the heat dissipation function of the light source unit 30 can be further enhanced.

[0107] Moreover, in this modified example, since the surface on the second plate surface 160b side at the rear end portion 160d of the metal plate 160 is configured as a cylindrical convex curved surface extending in the left - right direction, when connecting the connector 80 on the external power supply 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.

[0108] Next, a second modified example of the above - described embodiment will be explained.

[0109] FIG. 7(a) is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the light - source unit 230 according to this modified example.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above - described embodiment, but the configuration of the power - supply attachment 250 is partially different from that of the above - described embodiment.

[0111] That is, the power - supply attachment 250 of this modified example also includes a power - supply portion 250A that abuts against the light - emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector portion 250B that is electrically connected to an external power supply, and an intermediate portion 250C located between them. The power - supply portion 250A of the power - supply attachment 250 is supported on the first plate surface 60a of the metal plate 60 together with the light - emitting element 40. Also, the connector portion 250B of the power - supply attachment 250 is formed to open in the space S2 on the second plate surface 60b side of the metal plate 60. However, it is different from the case of the above - described embodiment in that the connector portion 250B opens obliquely upward rather than horizontally toward the rear of the lamp.

[0112] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the above - described embodiment can be obtained.

[0113] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the operation of connecting the connector 80 on the external power supply side to the connector portion 250B of the power - supply attachment 250 can be easily performed from an obliquely upward direction behind the lamp.

[0114] Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0115] FIG. 7(b) is a view substantially the same as FIG. 3, showing the light source unit 330 according to this modification.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the power supply attachment 350 is partially different from that of the above embodiment, and accordingly, the configuration of the metal plate 360 is also partially different from that of the above embodiment.

[0117] That is, the power supply attachment 350 of this modification also includes a power supply portion 350A that abuts against the light emitting element 40 to supply power, a connector portion 350B that is electrically connected to an external power source, and an intermediate portion 350C located between them. The power supply portion 350A of the power supply attachment 350 is supported on the first plate surface 360a of the metal plate 360 together with the light emitting element 40, and the connector portion 350B of the power supply attachment 350 is formed to open in the space S2 on the second plate surface 360b side of the metal plate 360. However, it is different from the case of the above embodiment in that the connector portion 350B opens vertically upward.

[0118] Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0119] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modification, the operation of connecting the connector 80 on the external power source side to the connector portion 350B of the power supply attachment 350 can be performed from directly above. Therefore, the workability can be improved depending on the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0120] Also, in the light source unit 330 according to this modification example, although the middle portion 350C of the power supply attachment 350 is formed to extend through the opening 360c of the metal plate 360, since the connector portion 350B and the middle portion 350C of the power supply attachment 350 are formed with the same front - rear width, the power supply attachment 350 can be made into a more compact configuration than in the case of the above - described embodiment. Also, thereby, the front - rear width of the opening 360c can be made narrower than in the case of the above - described embodiment, so that the heat capacity of the metal plate 360 can be increased accordingly, and thereby the heat - dissipation function of the light source unit 330 can be further enhanced.

[0121] Next, a fourth modification example of the above - described embodiment will be described.

[0122] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the luminaire unit 620A according to this modification example. Also, FIG. 9 is a view seen in the direction of arrow IX in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross - sectional view taken along the line X - X in FIG. 8. Further, FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the main part in FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the main part in FIG. 9.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the basic configuration of this modification example is the same as that of the above - described embodiment, but the configuration of the light source unit 630 is partially different from that of the above - described embodiment, and accordingly, the configuration of the reflector 670 is also partially different from that of the above - described embodiment.

[0124] The light source unit 630 has a configuration in which the light - emitting element 640 and the power supply attachment 650 are supported by the metal plate 660, similar to the case of the above - described embodiment. And the light source unit 630 is supported by the reflector 670 on the metal plate 660 with the light - emitting surface 640a of the light - emitting element 640 facing downward.

[0125] The reflector 670 has a reflecting surface 670a similar to that in the above embodiment, and a light source support portion 672 is formed at its upper end. The reflector 670 is caulked and fixed to the metal plate 660 with caulking pins 672a formed at three positions of the light source support portion 672 inserted into insertion holes 660j formed in the metal plate 660.

[0126] Similar to the above embodiment, the power supply attachment 650 of the power supply unit 630 supports the light emitting element 640 together with the power supply portion 650A on the 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 to open in the space S2 on the second plate surface 660b side which is the upper surface of the metal plate 660.

[0127] Also in this modification, an opening 660c is formed in the metal plate 660 on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the light emitting element 640, and the intermediate portion 650C of the power supply attachment 650 is formed to extend through the opening 660c. The metal plate 660 is formed with a downward extension portion 660e extending vertically downward from its rear end portion 660d, similar to the case of the first modification.

[0128] The light emitting element 640 has a configuration in which an element body 640A having a light emitting surface 640a formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape is supported by a main body support portion 640B, and is supported by the metal plate 660 at the main body support portion 640B.

[0129] Specifically, the light emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 via heat 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.

[0130] The main body support portion 640B has an outer shape in a horizontally long rectangular shape in plan view, and a pair of left and right terminal portions 640b electrically connected to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the element body 640A are arranged at positions on the left and right sides of the light emitting element 640 on the lower surface thereof.

[0131] The power supply attachment 650 is configured as an insert molded product in which a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 654 for achieving electrical conduction with the light emitting element 640 are embedded in an insulating member 652 formed so as to surround the light emitting element 640 with a part of each being exposed.

[0132] The insulating member 652 is formed so as to extend in a flat plate shape along a horizontal plane in a power supply unit configuration region 652A located in the power supply unit 650A, and has an outer shape that is horizontally long and rectangular in plan view. In this power supply unit configuration region 652A, a horizontally long rectangular opening 652a is formed at the center position in the left - right direction.

[0133] The pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 654 are provided with a pair of left and right terminal pieces 654a that project from the inner peripheral surface of the rear part of the power supply unit configuration region 652A toward the opening 652a, and are electrically connected to the light emitting element 640 by coming into contact with 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, and thereby supports the light emitting element 640.

[0134] On both left and right side surfaces of the power supply unit configuration region 652A of the insulating member 652, a pair of left and right flange portions 652b that project in the horizontal direction are formed.

[0135] The pair of left and right flange portions 652b are formed in a state of being offset upward with respect to the power supply unit configuration region 652A. And, a pair of left and right screw insertion holes 652f are formed in the pair of left and right flange portions 652b.

[0136] On one hand, in the region of the pair of left and right flange portions 652b of the metal plate 660, the region is offset upward, and thereby, a pair of left and right substantially rectangular recesses 660m are formed in the first plate surface 660a. The depth of each recess 660m is set to be approximately the same value as the thickness of the flange portion 652b. And, in the metal plate 660, a pair of left and right screw holes 660f are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right screw insertion holes 652f.

[0137] Also, at positions on both the left and right sides of the opening 652a in the power supply portion configuration region 652A, a pair of left and right positioning pins 652c protruding upward are formed. Each positioning pin 652c has a columnar base end portion and a conical tip portion.

[0138] On one hand, in the metal plate 660, a pair of left and right engagement holes 660k are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right positioning pins 652c. At this time, one of the pair of left and right engagement holes 660k is formed in a circular shape, and the other is formed in an oval shape that is long in the left - right direction.

[0139] Then, with the pair of left and right flange portions 652b of the insulating member 652 pressed against the pair of left and right recesses 660m in the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 from the lower side, by tightening the screws 656 into the respective screw holes 660f through the respective screw insertion holes 652f, the power supply attachment 650 is fixed to the metal plate 660. At this time, by inserting each positioning pin 652c into each engagement hole 660k, the power supply attachment 650 is positioned with respect to the metal plate 660 in the horizontal direction.

[0140] The insulating member 652 is formed such that the intermediate portion constituting region 652C located in the intermediate portion 650C extends upward vertically in a prismatic shape from the rear end portion of the power supply portion constituting region 652A. This intermediate portion constituting region 652C is formed with a left - right width narrower than that of the power supply portion constituting region 652A so as to be located at the center in the left - right direction of the power supply portion constituting region 652A. And this intermediate portion constituting region 652C is formed so as to penetrate the opening 660c of the metal plate 660 vertically at a position near its front end surface.

[0141] The insulating member 652 is formed such that the connector portion constituting region 652B located in the connector portion 650B extends horizontally rearward of the lamp from the upper end portion of the intermediate portion constituting region 652C. This connector portion constituting region 652B extends in a square tube shape with the same left - right width as the intermediate portion constituting region 652C and is formed to open rearward of the lamp.

[0142] A rectangular hole 652d extending in the front - rear direction of the lamp is formed in the upper wall portion of the connector portion constituting region 652B, and rectangular recesses 652e are formed in both the left and right side wall portions of this connector portion constituting region 652B.

[0143] In the internal space of the connector portion constituting region 652B, the terminal pins 654c of the pair of left - right busbar electrodes 654 are arranged in a state of protruding rearward of the lamp. The pair of left - right terminal pins 654c are each formed to extend in a plate shape along a vertical plane. And the connector 80 on the external power supply side is inserted into the internal space of the connector portion constituting region 652B, and by fitting with the rectangular hole 652d and the pair of left - right recesses 652e, the power supply attachment 650 is electrically connected to the external power supply.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state when the light - emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, as viewed obliquely from below. That is, in FIG. 13, the metal plate 660 is shown in a state of being vertically inverted from the state shown in FIG. 8.

[0145] As also shown in FIG. 13, on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, projection portions 660g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 are respectively formed at four locations surrounding the placement region A for placing the light-emitting element 640. And the light-emitting element 640 is pressed against the metal plate 660 by the power supply attachment 650 in a state of being positioned in the placement region A by the four projection portions 660g.

[0146] Each projection portion 660g is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and chamfers 660g1 are provided on the portions on the placement region A side at the tip ends thereof. Each projection portion 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.

[0147] On the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, recessed portions 660i are formed in portions adjacent to the respective projection portions 660g in the placement region A. Each recessed portion 660i has an elongated rectangular shape surrounding the inner surface (that is, the surface on the placement region A side) of each projection portion 660g. And each projection portion 660g is formed such that its inner surface extends to the bottom surface of each recessed portion 660i. The depth of each recessed portion 660i is set to the same value as or slightly larger than the size of the corner R formed at the base end position of the inner surface of each projection portion 660g.

[0148] Then, after the metal plate 660 is arranged with its first plate surface 660a facing upward, with heat-conducting grease 642 applied to the bottom surface of the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640 (or with heat-conducting grease 642 applied to the placement region A of the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660), the light-emitting element 640 is inserted between the four projection portions 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 in a state of being positioned in the placement region A.

[0149] At this time, since chamfers 660g1 are provided on the respective projection portions 660g, the light-emitting element 640 is smoothly guided to the placement region A while being guided by the four projection portions 660g.

[0150] Further, since the recessed portions 660i are formed in the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 at portions adjacent to the respective protrusions 660g in the placement region A, even if a slight corner R is formed at the base end position of the inner surface of each protrusion 660g, the light emitting element 640 can be accurately placed in the placement region A.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, on the second plate surface 660b of the metal plate 660, substantially rectangular parallelepiped recesses 660h are formed at positions substantially directly above the respective protrusions 660g, thereby enhancing the shape accuracy of the respective protrusions 660g formed by the plastic deformation of the metal plate 660.

[0152] Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0153] Also, in the light source unit 630 according to this modification, 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 on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660, protrusions 660g for positioning the light emitting element 640 are respectively formed at four locations surrounding the placement region A for placing the light emitting element 640. Then, since the light emitting element 640 is pressed against the metal plate 660 by the power supply attachment 650 in a state where it is positioned in the placement region A by the four protrusions 660g, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0154] That is, the support of the light emitting element 640 on the metal plate 660 can be performed without using an adhesive. Therefore, the step of applying the adhesive becomes unnecessary, and the step of curing the adhesive while maintaining the positioned state of the light emitting element 640 also becomes unnecessary, so the working process can be simplified.

[0155] Moreover, in this modification, chamfers 660g1 are provided at portions on the placement region A side at the tip ends of the respective protrusions 660g, so that the operation of placing the light emitting element 640 in the placement region A can be performed smoothly.

[0156] Also, in this modified example, since the recessed portions 660i are formed in the portions adjacent to the respective protrusions 660g in the placement region A, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0157] That is, since the 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 is not formed, the light-emitting element 640 may come into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate 660, and there is a possibility that the light-emitting element 640 may not be accurately placed in the placement region A.

[0158] On the other hand, in this modified example, since the recessed portions 660i are formed in the portions adjacent to the respective protrusions 660g in the placement region A, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting element 640 from coming into contact with the connection portion of the metal plate 660, and thereby it is possible to accurately place the light-emitting element 640 in the placement region A.

[0159] Next, a fifth modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0160] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modified example.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 14, the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the fourth modified example, but the configurations of the metal plate 760 and the power supply attachment 750 are partially different from those of the fourth modified example.

[0162] That is, in the metal plate 760, among the four locations surrounding the placement region for placing the light-emitting element 640 on the first plate surface 760a, the protrusions 760g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 are formed at two locations on the front side and the left side of the lamp, but the protrusions 760g are not formed at the two locations on the rear side and the right side of the lamp.

[0163] Note that, also in this modified example, a recessed portion 760i is formed in a portion adjacent to each protrusion 760g in the placement region of the first plate surface 760a. On the other hand, chamfering is not performed on the portion on the placement region side at the tip of each protrusion 760g.

[0164] The power supply attachment 750 includes an insulating member 752 formed so as to surround the light emitting element 640, and a pair of left and right bus bar electrodes 754 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rear portion of the power supply portion configuration region 752A toward the opening 752a. However, the configuration of the power supply portion configuration region 752A is partially different from that in the case of the fourth modified example.

[0165] That is, in the power supply portion configuration region 752A, a rectangular biasing piece 752g protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rear portion thereof toward the opening 752a and a rectangular biasing piece 752h protruding from the inner peripheral surface on the right side thereof toward the opening 752a are formed.

[0166] The biasing piece 752g is formed wider than the protrusion 760g at a position facing the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp, and its front end surface is formed in a front-rear symmetric positional relationship with the front end surface of the protrusion 760g on the front side of the lamp with respect to the placement region. Chamfering is performed on the corner portion on the first plate surface 760a side of the metal plate 760 at the tip of the biasing piece 752g, thereby forming an inclined surface 752g1.

[0167] Also, the biasing piece 752h is formed wider than the protrusion 760g at a position facing the protrusion 760g on the left side, and its front end surface is formed in a left-right symmetric positional relationship with the front end surface of the protrusion 760g on the left side with respect to the placement region. Chamfering is performed on the corner portion on the first plate surface 760a side of the metal plate 760 at the tip of the biasing piece 752h, thereby forming an inclined surface 752h1.

[0168] In this modified example, the light-emitting element 640 is positioned in its placement region by the protruding portions 660g formed at two locations on the first plate surface 660a of the metal plate 660 and the biasing pieces 752g and 752h formed at two locations on the insulating member 752 of the power supply attachment 750.

[0169] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state when the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760. (a) is a diagram similar to FIG. 14, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b of (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line c-c of (a).

[0170] As shown in FIG. 15(a), after the metal plate 760 is arranged such that its first plate surface 760a faces upward, 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 and away from the two protruding portions 760g.

[0171] 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 the upper side (see arrow D), the inclined surface 752g1 of the biasing piece 752g abuts against the rear end corner portion of the element main body 640A of the light-emitting element 640. As a result, the light-emitting element 640 is pressed forward (see arrow F). Since the light-emitting element 640 is placed on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760 via the heat transfer grease 642, it slides forward and abuts against the protruding portion 760g on the front side of the lamp unit. Then, the rear end corner portion of the element main body 640A disengages from the inclined surface 752g1 of the biasing piece 752g, and the front end surface of the biasing piece 752g descends along the rear end surface of the element main body 640A, so that the light-emitting element 640 is clamped from both the front and rear sides by the protruding portion 760g on the front side of the lamp unit and the biasing piece 752g.

[0172] Further, as shown in Fig. 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 abuts against the right end corner (left end corner in Fig. 15(c)) of the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640. As a result, the light-emitting element 640 is pressed leftward (see arrow L), slides leftward, and abuts against the left protrusion 760g. Then, the right end corner of the main body support portion 640B disengages from the inclined surface 752h1 of the biasing piece 752h, and the front end 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 clamped from both left and right sides by the left protrusion 760g and the biasing piece 752h.

[0173] In this way, when the power supply attachment 750 is mounted, the light-emitting element 640 slides obliquely forward to the left as indicated by arrow FL in Fig. 15(a) on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760, and then abuts against the two protrusions 760g and is positioned in the mounting area.

[0174] Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, the light-emitting element 640 can be supported on the metal plate 760 without using an adhesive. Therefore, the process of applying the adhesive is unnecessary, and the process of curing the adhesive while maintaining the positioned state of the light-emitting element 640 is also unnecessary, so the working process can be simplified. Furthermore, it becomes possible to easily position the light-emitting element 640 in the mounting area.

[0175] Moreover, in this modification, protrusions 760g for positioning the light-emitting element 640 with respect to the front and left directions of the lamp are formed at two locations surrounding the mounting area for mounting the light-emitting element 640 on the first plate surface 760a of the metal plate 760, and biasing pieces 752g for biasing the light-emitting element 640 forward of the lamp and biasing piece 752h for biasing it leftward are formed on the power supply attachment 750 by abutting against the light-emitting element 640. Therefore, by pressing the light-emitting element 640 against the metal plate 760 by the power supply attachment 750, the light-emitting element 640 can be easily positioned in the mounting area.

[0176] In this modified example, it is preferable to set the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces 752g1 and 752h1 formed on each biasing piece 752g and 752h to values of about 15 to 60°.

[0177] In this modified example, although each inclined surface 752g1 and 752h1 is formed to extend in a planar shape, it is also possible to form them so as to extend in a convex curved surface shape or a concave curved surface shape.

[0178] Next, a sixth modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0179] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modified example. However, in FIG. 16, the main part of the light source unit is shown in a state where it is vertically inverted from the state shown in FIG. 10.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 16, the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above fourth modified example, but it is different from the case of the above fourth modified example in that the support of the power supply attachment 850 to the metal plate 860 is performed by engaging the power supply attachment 850 with the metal plate 860.

[0181] That is, in this modified example, a pair of left and right engaging pieces 852j are formed on the insulating member 852 of the power supply attachment 850, and a pair of left and right engaging holes 860n are formed on the metal plate 860 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right engaging pieces 852j. And each engaging piece 852j is engaged with the metal plate 860 in a state of being inserted into each engaging hole 860n.

[0182] Each engaging piece 852j is composed of a shaft portion 852j1 extending in the vertical direction at a plurality of locations (for example, three locations) in the circumferential direction around a through hole 852i formed in the insulating member 852, and a folding-back portion 852j2 that is folded back at an acute angle from the tip position of this shaft portion 852j1 toward the outer peripheral side in the radial direction and toward the base end side.

[0183] When each engaging piece 852j is inserted into each engaging hole 860n from the side of the first plate surface 860a of the metal plate 860, its folded-back portion 852j2 abuts against the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of each engaging hole 860n, elastically deforms inward in the circumferential direction from the state shown in Fig. 16(a), passes through each engaging hole 860n in the shape shown in Fig. 16(b), and when its folded-back portion 852j2 exits to the opposite side of each engaging hole 860n, it is locked to the metal plate 860 in a state of expanding outward along the second plate surface 860b as shown in Fig. 16(c).

[0184] When the power supply attachment 850 is supported by the metal plate 860, the vertical positioning is achieved by the engagement of a pair of left and right engaging pieces 852j with a pair of left and right engaging holes 860n, and the horizontal positioning is achieved by the engagement of a pair of left and right positioning pins 852c with a pair of left and right engaging holes 860k.

[0185] Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the fourth modification can be obtained.

[0186] Moreover, as in this modification, if the support of the power supply attachment 850 to the metal plate 860 is achieved by engaging the power supply attachment 850 with the metal plate 860, fixing by screwing is not required, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the working process can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the emitted light from the light-emitting element 640 is blocked by the protruding screw heads from the power supply attachment 850.

[0187] Moreover, in this modification, a pair of left and right engaging pieces 852j are formed on the power supply attachment 850 and a pair of left and right engaging holes 860n are formed in the metal plate 860, and the tip portions 852j of the engaging pieces 852j are engaged with the metal plate 860 in a state where the engaging pieces 852j are inserted into the engaging holes 860n. Therefore, the engagement between the power supply attachment 850 and the metal plate 860 can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0188] Next, a seventh modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0189] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modification.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 17, also in this modification, the support of the power supply attachment 950 to the metal plate 960 is performed by engaging the power supply attachment 950 with the metal plate 960, but the detailed structure is different from that in the sixth modification.

[0191] That is, also in this modification, a pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j are formed on the insulating member 952 of the power supply attachment 950, and a pair of left and right engaging holes 960n are formed in the metal plate 960. And each engaging piece 952j is engaged with the metal plate 960 in a state of being inserted into each engaging hole 960n.

[0192] In this modification, each engaging piece 952j is composed of a single shaft portion 952j1 extending in the vertical direction and a pair of folded-back portions 952j2 that are folded back at an acute angle from the tip position of this shaft portion 952j1 toward both left and right sides toward the base end side.

[0193] Also in this modification, a contact portion 952j3 that projects toward the other engaging piece 952j is formed at the base end of the shaft portion 952j1 of one of the pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j.

[0194] Furthermore, in this modification, the distance between the pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j is set to a value slightly smaller than the distance between the pair of left and right engaging holes 960n.

[0195] When each engaging piece 952j is inserted into each engaging hole 960n from the side of the first plate surface 960a of the metal plate 960, its folded-back portion 952j2 abuts against the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of each engaging hole 960n, elastically deforms toward the shaft portion 952j1 side from the state shown in Fig. 17(a), passes through each engaging hole 960n in the shape shown in Fig. 17(b), and when its folded-back portion 952j2 exits to the opposite side of each engaging hole 960n, it is locked to the metal plate 960 in a state of expanding outward along the second plate surface 960b as shown in Fig. 17(c).

[0196] In this modified example, immediately before the folded-back portion 952j2 of one engaging piece 952j exits to the opposite side of the engaging hole 960n, the abutting portion 952j3 formed at the base end portion of its shaft portion 952j1 abuts against the entrance portion of the inner wall surface of the engaging hole 960n, and when its folded-back portion 952j2 exits to the opposite side of the engaging hole 960n, the abutting portion 952j3 comes to abut against the inner wall surface of the engaging hole 960n. At this time, the shaft portion 952j1 of the other engaging piece 952j also comes to abut against the inner wall surface of the engaging hole 960n.

[0197] When the power supply attachment 950 is supported by the metal plate 960, the pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j engage with the pair of left and right engaging holes 960n to position the power supply attachment 950 in the vertical direction, and the pair of left and right positioning pins 952c engage with the pair of left and right engaging holes 960k to position the power supply attachment 950 in the horizontal direction. At this time, the pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j abut against the inner wall surfaces of the pair of left and right engaging holes 960n, thereby enhancing the positioning accuracy in the left and right directions.

[0198] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the sixth modified example can be obtained.

[0199] Furthermore, in this modified example, the contact portion 952j3 formed at the base end portion of the shaft portion 952j1 of one of the pair of left and right engaging pieces 952j abuts against the inner wall surface of one of the engaging holes 960n, and the shaft portion 952j1 of the other engaging piece 952j abuts against the inner wall surface of the other engaging hole 960n. Therefore, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy in the left-right direction in a state where the power supply attachment 950 and the metal plate 960 are engaged with each other.

[0200] Next, an eighth modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0201] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modified example.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 18, also in this modified example, the support of the power supply attachment 1050 to the metal plate 1060 is performed by engaging the power supply attachment 1050 with the metal plate 1060, but it is different from the case of the sixth modified example in that the engagement is performed by caulking.

[0203] That is, in this modified example, burring is performed at two locations on the metal plate 1060, and thereby, a pair of left and right cylindrical burring portions 1060p protruding toward the first plate surface 1060a side are formed on the metal plate 1060.

[0204] Also, in this modified example, a pair of left and right engaging 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 engaging hole 1052k is formed with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of each burring portion 1060p, and chamfering 1052k1 is provided at the end portion on the second plate surface 1060b side of the metal plate 1060.

[0205] Each burring portion 1060p is formed to be slightly longer than the length of each engaging hole 1052k.

[0206] Then, as shown in Fig. 18(a), the power supply attachment 1050 is placed on the first plate surface 1060a of the metal plate 1060 by inserting a pair of left and right burring portions 1060p on the left and right through a pair of left and right engaging holes 1052k from the side of the first plate surface 1060a of the metal plate 1060. At this time, the pair of left and right burring portions 1060p are in a state where their tip portions 1060p1 protrude from the pair of left and right engaging holes 1052k. Then, as shown in Fig. 18(c), by bringing the tip portions of the pair of left and right caulking jigs 1000 formed in a frustum shape into contact with the tip portions 1060p1 of the pair of left and right burring portions 1060p, the tip portions 1060p1 of each burring portion 1060p are locked to the insulating member 1052 in a plastically deformed state so as to expand outward along the surface of the insulating member 1052.

[0207] Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the sixth modification can be obtained.

[0208] Moreover, in this modification, since the engagement between the power supply attachment 1050 and the metal plate 1060 is performed by caulking and fixing the metal plate 1060 to the power supply attachment 1050, it becomes possible to easily position the power supply attachment 1050 in the direction perpendicular to the surface and along the surface of the metal plate 1060.

[0209] Therefore, in this modification, the pair of left and right engaging holes 760k formed in the power supply attachment 750 of the fifth modification and the pair of left and right positioning pins 752c formed in the metal plate 760 become unnecessary.

[0210] Next, a ninth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0211] Fig. 19(a) is a view similar to Fig. 10, showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modification.

[0212] As shown in Fig. 19(a), the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the fourth modified example, but the configuration of the metal plate 1160 is partially different from that of the fourth modified example.

[0213] That is, also in this modified example, the light-emitting element 640 and the power supply attachment 650 are supported by the metal plate 1160. However, a pedestal portion 1160q is formed on the first plate surface 1160a of the metal plate 1160. And the placement area for placing the light-emitting element 40 on the first plate surface 1160a of the metal plate 1160 is located in the pedestal portion 1160q.

[0214] The pedestal portion 1160q is formed with substantially the same wall thickness as its peripheral region by plastically deforming the metal plate 1160, and a concave portion 1160r is formed on the back side thereof (i.e., the second plate surface 1160b side).

[0215] Note that the support of the light-emitting element 640 to the metal plate 1160 is performed, for example, by fixing the main body support portion 640B of the light-emitting element 640 to the pedestal portion 1160q using an adhesive or the like.

[0216] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, it becomes possible to prevent the emitted light from the light-emitting element 640 from being blocked by the power supply attachment 650. Therefore, a margin can be provided in the wall thickness of the insulating member 652 of the power supply attachment 650 by the height of the pedestal portion 1160q, and thus the manufacture of the power supply attachment 650 can be easily performed.

[0217] Also, as in this modified example, even though the support of the power supply attachment 650 to the metal plate 1160 is performed by screwing, it is possible to make it difficult for the emitted light from the light-emitting element 640 to be blocked by the screw head protruding from the power supply attachment 650.

[0218] Next, a tenth modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0219] FIG. 19(b) is a view similar to FIG. 19(a), showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modified example.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the ninth modified example described above, but it is different from the ninth modified example in that a plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262 are additionally arranged on the second plate surface 1260b of the metal plate 1260.

[0221] The plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262 are fixed to a plurality of locations in the concave portion 1260r on the back side of the pedestal portion 1260q and its peripheral region by adhesion, welding, or the like.

[0222] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the heat generated by the light emitting element 640 can be efficiently dissipated by the plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262. And thereby, even though the concave portion 1260r is formed on the back side thereof with the pedestal portion 1260q being formed on the first plate surface 1260a of the metal plate 1260, the heat dissipation function of the metal plate 1260 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0223] In this modified example, although the plurality of heat dissipation fins 1262 have been described as being configured as separate members from the metal plate 1260, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which these are integrally formed with the metal plate 1260.

[0224] Next, an eleventh modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0225] FIG. 19(c) is a view similar to FIG. 19(a), showing a main part of the light source unit according to this modified example.

[0226] As shown in FIG. 19(c), the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the ninth modified example described above, but the configuration of the metal plate 1360 is partially different from that of the ninth modified example.

[0227] That is, in this modified example, a pedestal portion 1360q similar to that in the ninth modified example is formed on the first plate surface 1360a of the metal plate 1360. However, on the back side thereof (i.e., the second plate surface 1360b side), a concave portion 1160r like that in the ninth modified example is not formed, and a flat portion 1360s flush with the peripheral region is formed.

[0228] Note that the flat portion 1360s is formed by further plastically deforming a part of the metal plate 1360 after forming the pedestal portion 1360q by press forming.

[0229] By adopting 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, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation function of the metal plate 1360.

[0230] Note that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above embodiments and their modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values as appropriate.

[0231] Further, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their modified examples, and configurations with various other modifications can be adopted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0232] 10 Vehicle lamp 12 Lamp body 14 Translucent cover 20A, 20B, 20C Lamp unit 30, 130, 230, 330 Light source unit 40 Light emitting element 40A Element body 40B Body support portion 40a Light emitting surface 40b Terminal portion 50, 250, 350 Power supply attachment 50A, 250A, 350A Power supply portion 50B, 250B, 350B Connector portion Middle part of 50°C, 250°C, 350°C Insulating member 52 Power supply part constituting area 52A Connector part constituting area 52B Middle part constituting area 52C Opening 52a Flange part 52b Positioning pin 52c Rectangular hole 52d Recessed part 52e Screw insertion hole 52f Bus bar electrode 54 Terminal piece 54a Pressing piece 54b Terminal pin 54c Screw 56 Metal plates 60, 160, 360 First plate surface 60a, 160a, 360a Second plate surface 60b, 160b, 360b Openings 60c, 360c Insertion hole 60d Engagement hole 60e Screw hole 60f Reflector 70 Reflecting surface 70a Reflection element 70s Light source support part 72 Caulking pin 72a Connector on the external power supply side 80 Rear end part 160d Lower extension part 160e Space on the first plate surface side S1 Space on the second plate surface side S2 Luminaire unit 620A Light source unit 630 Light emitting element 640 Element body 640A Body support part 640B Light emitting surface 640a Terminal part 640b Thermal grease 642 Power supply attachment 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050 Power supply part 650A Connector part 650B 650C Middle Part Insulating Members 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052 Power Supply Section Configuration Area 652A, 752A Connector Section Configuration Area 652B Middle Part Configuration Area 652C Openings 652a, 752a Flange Section 652b Positioning Pins 652c, 852c, 952c Rectangular Hole 652d Recess 652e Screw Insertion Hole 652f Busbar Electrode 654 Terminal Piece 654a Terminal Pin 654c Screw 656 Metal Plates 660, 760, 860, 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360 First Plate Surface 660a, 760a, 860a, 960a, 1060a, 1160a, 1260a, 1360a Second Plate Surface 660b, 860b, 960b, 1060b, 1160b, 1260b, 1360b Opening 660c Rear End Portion 660d Lower Extension Portion 660e Screw Hole 660f Protrusions 660g, 760g Chamfer 660g1 Recess 660h Depressions 660i, 760i Insertion Hole 660j Engagement Holes 660k, 860k, 960k, 1052k Recess 660m Reflector 670 Reflection Surface 670a Light Source Support Section 672 Caulking Pin 672a Biasing Pieces 752g, 752h Inclined Surfaces 752g1, 752h1 Busbar Electrode 754 Through Hole 852i 852j and 952j are engaging pieces 852j1 and 952j1 are shaft parts 852j2 and 952j2 are bent parts 860n and 960n are engaging holes 952j3 is a contact part 1000 is a caulking jig 1052k1 is a chamfer 1060p is a burring part 1060p1 is a tip part 1160q and 1360q are pedestal parts 1160r is a concave part 1262 is a heat dissipation fin 1360s is a flat part Area A for placement

Claims

1. In 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 for 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 supply, and an intermediate portion located between the power supply portion and the connector portion, the power supply portion is supported on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the connector portion is formed so as to open in a space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate, the light emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the metal plate via heat transfer grease, protrusions for positioning the light emitting element are respectively formed at a plurality of locations surrounding a placement area for placing 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 in a state of being positioned in the placement area by the plurality of protrusions, a light source unit, wherein recesses are respectively formed at portions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions in a direction orthogonal to a plane constituting the placement area on a second plate surface of the metal plate.

2. In 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 for 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 supply, and an intermediate portion located between the power supply portion and the connector portion, the power supply portion is supported on the first plate surface of the metal plate, the connector portion is formed so as to open in a space on the second plate surface side of the metal plate, the light emitting element is placed on the first plate surface of the metal plate via heat transfer grease, protrusions for positioning the light emitting element in a required direction are respectively formed at two locations surrounding a placement area for placing 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, The power supply attachment is formed with a biasing piece that biases the light-emitting element in the required direction by coming into contact with the light-emitting element. A light source unit, characterized in that recesses are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the two protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the plane constituting the placement region on the second plate surface of the metal plate. **Claim 3** An opening is formed in the metal plate. The power supply attachment is formed such that the intermediate portion extends through the opening. The light source unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this. **Claim 4** The light source unit according to claim 1, characterized in that chamfers are provided on portions on the placement region side at the tip ends of the respective protrusions. **Claim 5** The light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that depressions are formed in portions adjacent to the respective protrusions in the placement region. **Claim 6** The light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support of the power supply attachment on the metal plate is performed by engaging the power supply attachment with the metal plate. **Claim 7** A plurality of engaging pieces are formed on the power supply attachment. A plurality of engaging holes are formed in the metal plate. The light source unit according to claim 6, characterized in that each engaging piece is configured such that the tip end engages with the metal plate in a state of being inserted into each engaging hole. **Claim 8** The light source unit according to claim 7, characterized in that contact portions that contact the inner wall surface of the engaging hole in a state of being inserted into the engaging hole are formed on at least some of the plurality of engaging pieces. **Claim 9** The light source unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the engagement between the power supply attachment and the metal plate is performed by caulking and fixing the metal plate to the power supply attachment. **Claim 10** A pedestal portion is formed on the first plate surface of the metal plate. The light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a placement region for placing the light-emitting element is located on the pedestal portion on the first plate surface of the metal plate. **Claim 11** A vehicle lamp including the light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element of the light source unit forward of the lamp, wherein the reflector is disposed below the light source unit. The vehicle lamp is characterized in that the light source unit is supported by the reflector on the metal plate with the first plate surface of the metal plate facing downward.

12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11, characterized in that a plurality of sets of the light source units and the reflectors are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction.

13. An opening is formed in the metal plate. The power supply attachment is formed such that the intermediate portion extends through the opening. The opening is located on the rear side of the lamp of the light emitting element. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the connector portion opens toward the rear of the lamp.

Images