Vehicular lamp and production method for vehicular lamp

Abstract

The present invention ensures flatness, in a direction in which a plurality of light sources are arranged, of a region of a substrate in which the plurality of light sources are arranged, the substrate being provided with the plurality of light sources arranged in one direction.　A vehicular lamp (1) is provided with: a plurality of light sources (31) arranged in one direction; an ADB substrate (3) on which the plurality of light sources (31) are provided; an ADB light guide body (5) including a plurality of light incident portions (51) disposed in correspondence with the respective light sources (31) and a pair of substrate contact portions (52) disposed so as to sandwich the plurality of light incident portions (51) in one direction and brought into contact with the ADB substrate (3), the ADB light guide body (5) guiding light emitted from the light sources (31) and incident through the light incident portions (51); a screw (S) and a fastening portion (87A) that press the ADB substrate (3) toward the ADB light guide body (5); and a receiving portion (88) that receives and positions the ADB light guide body (5) pressed by the screw (S) and the fastening portion (87A) via the ADB substrate (3).

Description

Vehicle lamp and method for manufacturing vehicle lamp

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and a method for manufacturing a vehicle lamp.

[0002] As a vehicle headlamp, there is known a structure in which a plurality of light sources are provided on a plate, a heat radiation fin is screwed to the plate, a wiring board is adhered to the plate, and the light sources are connected to the wiring board by wire bonding (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, a frame holding an inner lens and a wiring board are attached to a plate which is the same flat plate-shaped member, and the plate and the heat radiation fin are provided as separate members.

[0003] As a lighting module for vehicle lighting and the like, there is known a structure in which a plurality of light sources are provided on a substrate, an optical element having a plurality of light incident surfaces is provided such that each light incident surface faces each corresponding light source, and the substrate is fixed to a frame that supports the optical element (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the lighting module described in Patent Document 2, a plurality of pedestals provided on the optical element are in contact with the substrate, and the light incident surfaces are configured to be separated from the light sources.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-124745 Japanese Patent No. 7330266

[0005] In the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, the flatness of the plate is impaired during operations such as screwing heat radiation fins and adhering the wiring board, which may reduce the positional accuracy between the plurality of light sources and the inner lens.

[0006] In the lighting module described in Patent Document 2, while a plurality of light sources are arranged in one direction, the plurality of pedestals are arranged so as to sandwich the plurality of light sources in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the light sources are arranged. Therefore, the plurality of pedestals do not contribute to the flatness in the one direction of the region on the substrate where the plurality of light sources are arranged in the one direction.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp and a method for manufacturing a vehicle lamp, which can secure the flatness in the arrangement direction of a plurality of light sources in the region where the plurality of light sources arranged in one direction are provided on a substrate on which the plurality of light sources arranged in one direction are provided.

[0008] The vehicle lighting device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction, a substrate on which the plurality of light sources are provided, a plurality of light-receiving portions arranged corresponding to each light source, a pair of substrate contact portions arranged to sandwich the plurality of light-receiving portions in the one direction and in contact with the substrate, a light guide that guides the light emitted by the light sources and incident from the light-receiving portions, a pressing portion that presses the substrate toward the light guide, and a positioning portion that receives and positions the light guide pressed through the substrate by the pressing portion.

[0009] A method for manufacturing a vehicle lamp according to the present invention, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction, a substrate on which the plurality of light sources are provided, a plurality of light-receiving portions arranged corresponding to each light source, and a pair of substrate contact portions arranged to sandwich the plurality of light-receiving portions in the one direction and in contact with the substrate, a light guide that guides the light emitted from the light sources and incident from the light-receiving portions, a pressing portion that presses the substrate toward the light guide, and a positioning portion that receives and positions the light guide pressed through the substrate by the pressing portion, the light guide each comprises a pair of positioned portions that are positioned by contacting the positioning portion, a minute gap is formed between the positioned portions and the substrate, and the substrate is pressed against the positioned portions by the pressing force of the pressing portion.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure flatness in the direction in which the multiple light sources are arranged in a region of a substrate provided with multiple light sources arranged in one direction.

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle light fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle light fixture shown in Figure 1 from the front of the vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle light fixture shown in Figures 1 and 2 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembled LB light guide and ADB light guide shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembled LB light guide, ADB light guide, and frame shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assembled LB light guide, ADB light guide, frame, LB substrate, and ADB substrate shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assembled LB light guide, ADB light guide, frame, LB substrate, ADB substrate, LB heat sink, and ADB heat sink shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 9 shows the ADB light guide from a direction perpendicular to the surface on which multiple light-receiving parts and a pair of substrate contact parts are provided. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the ADB substrate and ADB heat sink, showing a cross-section passing through multiple light sources and multiple light-receiving parts. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the ADB substrate and ADB heat sink plates before they are fastened to the fastening parts with screws.

[0012] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, some illustrations and descriptions of certain components are omitted. For details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies can be applied as appropriate, to the extent that they do not contradict the content described below.

[0013] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle light fixture 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle light fixture 1 shown in this figure is a headlight for a vehicle, which illuminates the area in front of the vehicle with a low beam and a high beam in a set light distribution pattern. In particular, the vehicle light fixture 1 is equipped with an adaptive driving beam (ADB) function, which partially controls the light distribution of the high beam to provide optimal illumination for the surrounding road conditions while avoiding dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles.

[0014] The vehicle lighting device 1 comprises a circuit board for low beam (hereinafter referred to as LB board) 2, a circuit board for ADB (hereinafter referred to as ADB board) 3, a light guide for low beam (hereinafter referred to as LB light guide) 4, a light guide for ADB (hereinafter referred to as ADB light guide) 5, a heat sink for low beam (hereinafter referred to as LB heat sink) 6, a heat sink for ADB (hereinafter referred to as ADB heat sink) 7, a frame 8, a projection lens 9, and a retainer 10.

[0015] Multiple light sources 21 for the low beam are mounted on the LB board 2. Multiple light sources 31 for the ADB are mounted on the ADB board 3. The light sources 21 and 31 are light-emitting diodes and are arranged in the Y direction (vehicle width direction). The X direction is the vehicle's front-to-back direction, and the Z direction is the vehicle's up-and-down direction.

[0016] Here, in order to partially control the light distribution of the high beam using the ADB function, the precision of the position of the ADB light source 31 is important. Therefore, ensuring flatness in the direction in which the numerous light sources 31 are aligned in the region of the ADB substrate 3 is a challenge.

[0017] The LB substrate 2 is positioned so that the mounting surface of the light source 21 is perpendicular to the X direction (parallel to the Y and Z directions) and faces the front of the vehicle. The LB substrate 2 is positioned relative to the LB light guide 4. On the other hand, the ADB substrate 3 is positioned so that the mounting surface of the light source 31 is inclined with respect to the X and Z directions and faces diagonally upward toward the front of the vehicle. The ADB substrate 3 is positioned relative to the ADB light guide 5.

[0018] The LB light guide 4 is an optical element that guides the light emitted from the low beam light source 21 toward the front of the vehicle. The LB light guide 4 is positioned relative to the frame 8. On the other hand, the ADB light guide 5 is an optical element that guides the light emitted from the ADB light source 31 toward the front of the vehicle. The ADB light guide 5 is positioned relative to the LB light guide 4 and is fastened to the LB light guide 4.

[0019] The LB heatsink 6 comprises a plate 61 and heat dissipation fins 62. The plate 61 is fastened to the frame 8 together with the LB substrate 2, with the LB substrate 2 sandwiched between the plate 61 and the frame 8. The heat dissipation fins 62 are composed of a plurality of U-shaped bent subplates and are fixed to the back of the plate 61 by a fixing method such as crimping.

[0020] The ADB heatsink 7 comprises a plate 71 and heat dissipation fins 72. The plate 71 is fastened to the frame 8 together with the ADB substrate 3, with the ADB substrate 3 sandwiched between the plate 71 and the frame 8. The heat dissipation fins 72 are composed of a plurality of U-shaped bent subplates and are fixed to the back of the plate 71 by a fixing method such as crimping.

[0021] Frame 8 is fastened to an optical axis adjuster (not shown) provided on the vehicle. Frame 8 is positioned in front of the light sources 21 and 31 and holds the LB substrate 2, ADB substrate 3, LB light guide 4, ADB light guide 5, LB heat sink 6, ADB heat sink 7, projection lens 9, and retainer 10. An opening 81 is formed in frame 8 facing the emission surface of the LB light guide 4 and the emission surface of the ADB light guide 5.

[0022] The projection lens 9 is positioned to cover the opening 81 of the frame 8, and projects light for the low beam, guided by the LB light guide 4, toward the front of the vehicle, and light for the ADB, guided by the ADB light guide 5, toward the front of the vehicle. Flange portions 91 are formed on the left and right sides of the projection lens 9, and flange portions 92 are formed on the top and bottom of the projection lens 9. The left and right flange portions 91 are positioned relative to the frame 8.

[0023] The retainer 10 is an annular member for holding the projection lens 9 to the frame 8, and has an opening 101 facing the lens portion of the projection lens 9. Flange portions 102 are formed on the left and right sides of the retainer 10. The flange portions 102 are fastened to the frame 8 with the flange portions 91 and 92 of the projection lens 9 sandwiched between the retainer 10 and the frame 8.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle light fixture 1 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front of the vehicle. As shown in this figure, a pair of flange portions 82, which are fastened to the optical axis adjuster, are formed at the upper end of the frame 8. A pair of flange portions 83, which are fastened to the optical axis adjuster, are formed at the lower end of the frame 8. The emission surface of the projection lens 9 is positioned in the opening 101 of the retainer 10 and is curved to be convex toward the front of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle lighting fixture 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in this figure, the plate 61 of the LB heatsink 6 is fastened to the frame 8 at four points together with the LB substrate 2. On the other hand, the ADB heatsink 7 is located on the underside of the LB heatsink 6, and the plate 71 of the ADB heatsink 7 is fastened to the frame 8 at four points together with the ADB substrate 3.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view from the rear of the vehicle showing the assembled state of the LB light guide 4 and ADB light guide 5 shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the LB light guide 4 and ADB light guide 5 are positioned relative to each other and fastened together at two points on the left and right sides.

[0027] The LB light guide 4 comprises a plurality of light-receiving portions 41, a pair of positioning holes 42, a pair of positioning pins 43, and three bosses 44. The LB light guide 4 has a surface 4A facing the LB substrate 2, and the plurality of light-receiving portions 41, the pair of positioning pins 43, and the three bosses 44 are provided on the surface 4A so as to protrude toward the rear of the vehicle from the surface 4A. The pair of positioning holes 42 are provided on the upper part of the surface 4A so as to penetrate the LB light guide 4 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. One of the positioning holes 42 is a round hole, and the other positioning hole 42 is an elongated hole. The pair of positioning holes 42 are spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0028] The LB light guide 4 includes a light guide section 45. Multiple light-receiving sections 41 are arranged in the Y direction and are positioned facing the upper part of the light guide section 45. Each light-receiving section 41 is configured in a frustoconical shape and faces each light source 21 at a distance, guiding the light emitted from each light source 21 to the light guide section 45. The light guide section 45 guides the light incident from the multiple light-receiving sections 41 toward the front of the vehicle. A stepped section 45A is formed at the lower end of the light guide section 45 to form a cutoff line.

[0029] A pair of positioning pins 43 are positioned between a pair of positioning holes 42 and a plurality of light-receiving portions 41. The pair of positioning pins 43 are spaced apart in the Y direction. The pair of positioning pins 43 are formed in a conical shape.

[0030] The three bosses 44 are arranged such that their relative positions form a triangular shape. One boss 44 is positioned between a pair of positioning holes 42, and the other two bosses 44 are positioned to sandwich the multiple light-receiving sections 41 in the Y direction.

[0031] The LB light guide 4 comprises a pair of fastening parts 46 and a pair of positioning parts 47. The pair of fastening parts 46 are arranged to sandwich the light guide part 45 in the Y direction. The pair of fastening parts 46 are equipped with bosses into which screws are threaded.

[0032] The pair of positioning parts 47 are arranged to sandwich the lower end of the light guide part 45 in the Y direction. The pair of positioning parts 47 are protrusions that project downward from one end or the other end in the Y direction of the lower end of the light guide part 45.

[0033] The ADB light guide 5 has a structure in which a light-transmitting portion 5A, molded from an easily moldable material such as silicone, and a connecting portion 5B, molded from a thermoplastic resin with high mechanical strength such as polycarbonate, are integrated by insert molding. The light-transmitting portion 5A includes a plurality of light-receiving portions 51, a pair of substrate contact portions 52, a second substrate contact portion 53, and a light-guiding portion 55. The ADB light guide 5 has a surface 5C facing the ADB substrate 3 (see Figure 1), and the plurality of light-receiving portions 51, the pair of substrate contact portions 52, the second substrate contact portion 53, and the pair of positioning pins 54 are provided on the surface 5C so as to protrude from the surface 5C toward the ADB substrate 3.

[0034] Multiple light-receiving sections 51 are aligned in the Y direction at the upper end of surface 5C and are positioned facing the light guide section 55. Each light-receiving section 51 is configured in a prism shape and faces each light source 31 with a gap between them, guiding the light emitted from each light source 31 to the light guide section 55. The light guide section 55 guides the light incident from the multiple light-receiving sections 51 toward the front of the vehicle. A stepped section 55A is formed at the upper end of the light guide section 55 to form a cutoff line.

[0035] The lower end of the light guide section 45 and the upper end of the light guide section 55 are close to each other and face each other, and the stepped sections 45A and 55A are fitted together with a small gap between them in terms of shape and positional relationship. This suppresses the gap between the light distribution of the low beam and the light distribution of the high beam.

[0036] Here, the number of light-receiving units 51 and light-emitting units 31 is large, for example, 5 to 30 or 10 to 20, which increases the length in the Y direction of the region 3A (see Figure 10, etc.) on the ADB substrate 3 where multiple light-receiving units 31 are arranged. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the positional accuracy of the light-receiving units 31 and light-receiving units 51, the flatness of the region 3A in the Y direction is important. To ensure the flatness of the region 3A in the Y direction, a pair of substrate contact portions 52 are provided on the surface 5C.

[0037] The second substrate contact portion 53 is provided on surface 5C. Details of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the second substrate contact portion 53 will be described later.

[0038] The connecting portion 5B comprises a pair of positioning pins 54, a pair of flange portions 56, and a pair of positioning portions 57. The pair of positioning pins 54 are arranged to sandwich a pair of substrate contact portions 52 in the Y direction and protrude from the surface 5C toward the ADB substrate 3. The pair of flange portions 56 are arranged to sandwich the light guide portion 45 and the light-transmitting portion 5A in the Y direction. Each flange portion 56 comprises a fastening portion 56A and a positioned portion 56B. The pair of fastening portions 56A are arranged to sandwich the light guide portion 45 in the Y direction and are fastened to the fastening portion 46. The pair of positioned portions 56B are arranged to sandwich the light-transmitting portion 5A in the Y direction.

[0039] The pair of positioning parts 57 are arranged to sandwich the upper end of the light-transmitting part 5A in the Y direction. The pair of positioning parts 57 are protrusions that project upward from the vicinity of the upper end of the light-transmitting part 5A. The engagement of the pair of positioning parts 57 and the pair of positioning parts 47 enables the Y-direction positioning of the LB light guide 4 and the ADB light guide 5.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame 8 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in this figure, each flange portion 82 has a hole 82A and a positioning hole 82B formed therein. Hole 82A is a hole through which a screw that fastens the flange portion 82 to the optical axis adjuster is inserted. The pair of positioning holes 82B are arranged side by side in the Y direction. One positioning hole 82B is a round hole, and the other positioning hole 82B is an elongated hole. A pair of positioning pins (not shown) provided on the optical axis adjuster are fitted into the pair of positioning holes 82B, thereby positioning the frame 8 and the optical axis adjuster in the Y and Z directions.

[0041] Each flange portion 83 has a hole 83A formed in it. The hole 83A is through which a screw is inserted to fasten the flange portion 83 to the optical axis adjuster.

[0042] The back surface 8A of the frame 8 is provided with a pair of positioning pins 84, a boss 85, four fastening parts 86, a pair of fastening parts 87A, a pair of fastening parts 87B, and a pair of receiving parts 88. The pair of positioning pins 84 are positioned above the opening 81. The pair of positioning pins 84 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The pair of positioning pins 84 protrude from the back surface 8A toward the LB light guide 4 (see Figure 1).

[0043] The boss 85 is positioned above the opening 81 and between the pair of positioning pins 84. The boss 85 protrudes from the back surface 8A towards the LB light guide 4. The height of the boss 85 from the back surface 8A is lower than the height of the pair of positioning pins 84 from the back surface 8A.

[0044] The four fastening portions 86 are arranged outside the opening 81 such that their positional relationship forms a trapezoidal shape. The four fastening portions 86 are bosses onto which screws are screwed. The two upper fastening portions 86 are arranged above the opening 81. The two lower fastening portions 86 are arranged so as to sandwich the opening 81 in the Y direction.

[0045] The four fastening portions 87A and 87B are arranged outside the opening 81 such that their positional relationship forms a trapezoidal shape. The four fastening portions 87A and 87B are bosses onto which screws are screwed. The pair of lower fastening portions 87B are arranged below the opening 81. The pair of upper fastening portions 87A are arranged so as to sandwich the opening 81 in the Y direction.

[0046] The pair of receiving portions 88 are arranged outside the opening 81 so as to sandwich the opening 81 in the Y direction. Each receiving portion 88 is arranged between the opening 81 and the fastening portion 87A. Each receiving portion 88 is a trapezoidal convex portion, and protrudes toward the ADB light guide 5 from the left side or the right side of the opening 81.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state after the LB light guide 4, the ADB light guide 5, and the frame 8 shown in FIG. 1 are assembled, viewed from the vehicle rear side. As shown in this figure, the LB light guide 4 and the frame 8 are assembled in a mutually positioned state. The ADB light guide 5 is positioned relative to the frame 8 via the LB light guide 4.

[0048] The pair of positioning pins 84 on the frame 8 side are fitted with the pair of positioning holes 42 on the LB light guide 4 side, thereby positioning the LB light guide 4 and the frame 8 in the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0049] The boss 85 (see FIG. 5) abuts against the LB light guide 4, and the pair of receiving portions 88 (see FIG. 5) abut against the pair of positioned portions 56B of the ADB light guide 5, thereby positioning the LB light guide 4, the ADB light guide 5, and the frame 8 in the X direction.

[0050] Figure 7 is a perspective view from the rear of the vehicle showing the assembled state of the LB light guide 4, ADB light guide 5, frame 8, LB substrate 2, and ADB substrate 3 shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the LB substrate 2 has a pair of positioning holes 22 and four holes 23 through which screws are inserted.

[0051] The pair of positioning holes 22 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. One of the positioning holes 22 is round, and the other is elongated. The pair of positioning holes 22 and the pair of positioning pins 43 on the LB light guide 4 side engage to position the LB substrate 2 and the LB light guide 4 in the Y and Z directions.

[0052] The four holes 23 are arranged such that their relative positions form a trapezoidal shape. Each hole 23 is positioned corresponding to a fastening portion 86 on the frame 8 side (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0053] The ADB substrate 3 has a pair of positioning holes 32 and four holes 33 through which screws are inserted. The pair of positioning holes 32 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. One of the positioning holes 32 is round, and the other positioning hole 32 is elongated. The pair of positioning holes 32 and the pair of positioning pins 54 on the ADB light guide 5 side are fitted together to position the ADB substrate 3 and the ADB light guide 5 in the Y and Z directions.

[0054] The four holes 33 are arranged such that their relative positions form a trapezoidal shape. Each hole 33 is positioned corresponding to the fastening portions 87A and 87B on the frame 8 side (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0055] Figure 8 is a perspective view from the rear of the vehicle showing the assembled state of the LB light guide 4, ADB light guide 5, frame 8, LB substrate 2, ADB substrate 3, LB heat sink 6, and ADB heat sink 7 shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the plate 61 of the LB heat sink 6 and the LB substrate 2 (see Figure 7) are fastened together to the frame 8 at four points.

[0056] The plate 61 has four holes (not shown) through which screws are inserted. Each hole is positioned to correspond to a hole 23 in the LB substrate 2 (see Figure 7) and a fastening portion 86 on the frame 8 side (see Figure 6). The plate 61 and the LB substrate 2 are fastened to the fastening portion 86 by screwing the screws inserted through the holes in the plate 61 and the holes 23 in the LB substrate 2 into the fastening portion 86.

[0057] The plate 71 of the ADB heatsink 7 and the ADB substrate 3 (see Figure 7) are fastened together to the frame 8 at four points. The plate 71 has four holes (not shown) through which screws are inserted. Each hole is positioned to correspond to a hole 33 in the ADB substrate 3 (see Figure 7) and fastening parts 87A and 87B on the frame 8 side (see Figure 5, etc.). The screws inserted through the holes in the plate 71 and the holes 33 in the ADB substrate 3 are screwed into the fastening parts 87A and 87B, thereby fastening the plate 71 and the ADB substrate 3 to the fastening parts 87A and 87B.

[0058] The plate 61 has a pair of positioning holes (not shown) into which a pair of positioning pins 43 (see Figure 6) on the LB light guide 4 side are fitted, thereby positioning the plate 61 and the LB light guide 4 in the Y and Z directions. The plate 71 has a pair of positioning holes 73 into which a pair of positioning pins 54 on the ADB light guide 5 side are fitted, thereby positioning the plate 71 and the ADB light guide 5 in the Y and Z directions.

[0059] Figure 9 shows the ADB light guide 5 from a direction perpendicular to the surface 5C. As shown in this figure, on the surface 5C of the ADB light guide 5, a pair of substrate contact portions 52 are arranged so as to sandwich the multiple light-receiving portions 51 in the direction in which the multiple light-receiving portions 51 are lined up (Y direction). Each substrate contact portion 52 is a flat, protruding portion that extends from the surface 5C. The plate surface of each substrate contact portion 52 is perpendicular to the Y direction, and the pair of substrate contact portions 52 are arranged so that their plate surfaces face each other in the Y direction. One substrate contact portion 52 is close to the light-receiving portion 51 on one end in the Y direction, and the other substrate contact portion 52 is close to the light-receiving portion 51 on the other end in the Y direction. Note that the distance between one substrate contact portion 52 and the light-receiving portion 51 and the distance between the other substrate contact portion 52 and the light-receiving portion 51 are uneven, but they may be uniform.

[0060] The second substrate contact portion 53 is positioned below the multiple light-receiving portions 51. The pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the second substrate contact portion 53 are positioned such that their relative positions form a triangular shape. The heights of the tips of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the second substrate contact portion 53 are the same, and the tips of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the tip of the second substrate contact portion 53 are in contact with the ADB substrate 3 (see Figure 7).

[0061] The light-transmitting section 5A includes an intermediate section 59 provided between the light-guiding section 55 and the connecting section 5B. The intermediate section 59 is U-shaped and connected to the connecting section 5B.

[0062] A flexible portion 58 is provided between the light guide portion 55 and the intermediate portion 59. The flexible portion 58 is U-shaped. The portions on both sides of the flexible portion 58 in the Y direction are arranged to sandwich the multiple light-receiving portions 51 and the pair of substrate contact portions 52 in the Y direction. The portion of the flexible portion 58 extending in the Y direction and the multiple light-receiving portions 51 are arranged to sandwich the second substrate contact portion 53 in the Z direction. Details of the flexible portion 58 will be described later.

[0063] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section perpendicular to the ADB substrate 3 and the ADB heat sink 7, passing through multiple light sources 31 and multiple light receiving parts 51. As shown in this figure, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the region 3A on the ADB substrate 3 where the multiple light sources 31 are arranged, the ADB light guide 5 is provided with a pair of substrate contact parts 52, a pair of positioning parts 56B, and a flexible part 58, and the frame 8 is provided with a pair of fastening parts 87A and a pair of receiving parts 88.

[0064] The surface 5C on the ADB light guide 5 and the region 3A on the ADB substrate 3 are parallel, and the heights of the multiple light-receiving portions 51 from the surface 5C are equal. Also, the heights of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 from the surface 5C are equal, and the height of each substrate contact portion 52 from the surface 5C is greater than the height of each light-receiving portion 51 from the surface 5C. The height of each substrate contact portion 52 from the surface 5C is set so that the tip of each substrate contact portion 52 contacts the ADB substrate 3 while there is a gap between the tip of each light-receiving portion 51 and the light source 31.

[0065] The pair of positioning portions 56B are rectangular plate-shaped members facing the ADB substrate 3, and are arranged to sandwich the pair of substrate contact portions 52 in the direction in which the multiple light sources 31 are lined up. Each positioning portion 56B has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and a protrusion 56C that projects toward the ADB substrate 3 side.

[0066] The pair of receiving portions 88 are arranged to sandwich the pair of substrate contact portions 52 in the direction in which the multiple light sources 31 are lined up. Each receiving portion 88 extends from the frame 8 toward the protrusion 56C, and the tip of each receiving portion 88 abuts against the back side of the protrusion 56C.

[0067] The pair of fastening portions 87A are arranged to sandwich the pair of receiving portions 88 in the direction in which the multiple light sources 31 are lined up. The plates 71 of the ADB substrate 3 and the ADB heat sink 7 are fastened to each fastening portion 87A by screws S.

[0068] The portions on both sides of the flexible portion 58 in the Y direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the flexible portion 58) are arranged to sandwich a pair of substrate contact portions 52 in the direction in which the multiple light sources 31 are lined up. The flexible portion 58 is positioned between each substrate contact portion 52 and the positioning portion 56B. The flexible portion 58 is thinner than the light guide portion 55 and the intermediate portion 59, and is a flexible portion due to elastic deformation. The flexible portion 58 connects the side surface (end face in the Y direction) of the light guide portion 55 and the side surface (end face in the Y direction) of the intermediate portion 59.

[0069] Here, the flexible portion 58 is inclined toward the side away from the ADB substrate 3, from the light guide portion 55 side toward the intermediate portion 59 side. As a result, the flexible portion 58 flexes due to the force input to the light guide portion 55 from the ADB substrate 3 side via the substrate contact portion 52, thereby allowing displacement of the light guide portion 55.

[0070] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the ADB substrate 3 and the plate 71 of the ADB heat sink 7 are fastened to the fastening portions 87A and 87B with screws S. In the state shown in this figure, a small gap is formed between the protrusion 56C of the positioning portion 56B and the ADB substrate 3.

[0071] The ADB substrate 3 and the plate 71 of the ADB heat sink 7 are fastened to the fastening portion 87A by screws S, so that the ADB substrate 3 is pressed against the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the pair of positioning portions 56B. At this time, the flexible portion 58 flexes, allowing displacement of the light guide portion 55, so that the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the ADB substrate 3 come into secure contact. Furthermore, bending moments are applied to the ADB substrate 3 and the plate 71 on both the left and right sides of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 so that there is no small gap between the ADB substrate 3 and the protrusion portion 56C. As a result, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the ADB substrate 3 come into even more secure contact.

[0072] A pair of substrate contact portions 52 are arranged to sandwich the multiple light sources 31 and the multiple light receiving portions 51 in the direction in which the multiple light sources 31 are aligned, and by contacting the ADB substrate 3, the flatness of the region 3A on the ADB substrate 3 in which the multiple light sources 31 are aligned is ensured.

[0073] As described above, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, a plurality of light sources 31 provided on the ADB substrate 3 are arranged in one direction, and the ADB light guide body 5 is provided with a plurality of light receiving parts 51, each corresponding to one of the light sources 31. The ADB substrate 3 is pressed towards the ADB light guide body 5 by screws S and fastening parts 87A, and is supported and positioned by receiving parts 88.

[0074] Here, the ADB light guide 5 is provided with a pair of substrate contact portions 52. The pair of substrate contact portions 52 are arranged to sandwich a plurality of light-receiving portions 51 in the direction in which the plurality of light sources 31 are aligned (hereinafter, one direction), and the ADB substrate 3 is pressed towards the ADB light guide 5 by the screws S and fastening portion 87A and supported and positioned by the receiving portion 88, thereby making stable contact with the ADB substrate 3. As a result, the plurality of light sources 31 aligned in one direction are positioned between the pair of substrate contact portions 52, and the flatness of the region 3A on the ADB substrate 3 where the plurality of light sources 31 are aligned is ensured.

[0075] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the screw S and fastening portion 87A press the ADB substrate 3 toward the ADB light guide 5 on both sides of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 sandwiched in one direction, and the receiving portion 88 receives the ADB light guide 5 on both sides of the pair of substrate contact portions 52 sandwiched in one direction. As a result, with the pair of substrate contact portions 52 in contact with the ADB substrate 3, the ADB substrate 3 is pressed toward the ADB light guide 5 by the screw S and fastening portion 87A. Therefore, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 can be stably brought into contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides of the multiple light sources 31 sandwiched in one direction.

[0076] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the ADB light guide 5 is provided with flexible portions 58 on both sides that sandwich a pair of substrate contact portions 52 in one direction. This allows the area inside the flexible portion 58 of the ADB light guide 5 to be displaced by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A. Therefore, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 can be stably brought into contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides that unilaterally sandwich the multiple light sources 31.

[0077] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, the flexible portion 58 is thinner than the light guide portion 55 and the intermediate portion 59, and is inclined away from the ADB substrate 3 side from the light guide portion 55 side to the intermediate portion 59 side. As a result, the flexible portion 58 is more easily flexed by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A, and the area inside the flexible portion 58 of the ADB light guide body 5 can be displaced by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A.

[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, the flexible portion 58 is formed to surround the light guide portion 55 on the surface of the ADB light guide body 5 facing the ADB substrate 3. As a result, the flexible portion 58 is more easily bent by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A, and the light guide portion 55 is more easily displaced by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A.

[0079] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the ADB light guide 5 includes a second substrate contact portion 53. The second substrate contact portion 53 is positioned between a plurality of light-receiving portions 51 and flexible portions 58, with the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the second substrate contact portion 53 in a triangular positional relationship, and contacts the ADB substrate 3. As a result, the ADB light guide 5 contacts the ADB substrate 3 at three points in the triangular positional relationship, thereby stably positioning the ADB substrate 3 and the ADB light guide 5.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the substrate contact portion 52 extends in a direction perpendicular to one direction. In contrast, the multiple light sources 31 are housed between the pair of substrate contact portions 52 without protruding in a direction perpendicular to one direction. This improves the flatness of the region 3A on the ADB substrate 3 where the multiple light sources 31 are arranged.

[0081] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the ADB light guide 5 is provided with a pair of positioning portions 56B. Each positioning portion 56B is positioned by contacting a receiving portion 88. Here, the ADB substrate 3 is pressed against the pair of positioning portions 56B by screws S and fastening portions 87A. This allows the pair of substrate contact portions 52 to be stably in contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides of a plurality of light sources 31 in one direction. In addition, it is possible to allow deformation of the ADB substrate 3 but to prevent excessive deformation of the ADB substrate 3.

[0082] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the screw S and fastening portion 87A press the ADB substrate 3 toward the ADB light guide 5 on both sides of the contact point between the ADB substrate 3 and the positioning portion 56B in one direction, thereby applying a bending moment to the ADB substrate 3 on both the left and right sides of the pair of substrate contact portions 52. As a result, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 can be stably brought into contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides of the multiple light sources 31 in one direction.

[0083] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, a pair of receiving portions 88 each extend from the frame 8 to the positioning portion 56B and receive the positioning portion 56B. Here, the contact position between the receiving portion 88 and the positioning portion 56B is located on the ADB substrate 3 side of the flexible portion 58. As a result, the flexible portion 58 bends when the ADB substrate 3 is pressed against the positioning portion 56B by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A, and displacement of the light guide portion 55 is permitted. Therefore, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 can be stably brought into contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides of the multiple light sources 31 in one direction.

[0084] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, the flexible portion 58 is made of a softer material than the positioning portion 56B. This allows for displacement of the light guide portion 55 due to the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A, while also increasing the strength of the positioning portion 56B.

[0085] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, the light guide portion 55 is provided with a stepped portion 55A at the end of the emission surface for forming a cutoff line. This stepped portion 55A is located within the range projected onto the emission surface side of the light guide portion 55 from the region sandwiched in one direction by a pair of substrate contact portions 52. This makes it possible to ensure the accuracy of the cutoff line.

[0086] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, a minute gap is formed between the positioning portion 56B and the ADB substrate 3, and the ADB substrate 3 is fastened to the fastening portion 87A with screws S, thereby pressing the ADB substrate 3 against the pair of substrate contact portions 52 and the pair of positioning portions 56B. At this time, a bending moment is applied to the ADB substrate 3 on both the left and right sides of the pair of substrate contact portions 52. As a result, the pair of substrate contact portions 52 can be stably brought into contact with the ADB substrate 3 on both sides that sandwich the multiple light sources 31 in one direction.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, or the technologies of the embodiments or publicly known technologies may be combined.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention was described using an ADB (Automatic Detachment Brake) as an example, but this is not essential, and the present invention can also be applied to high beams and low beams. Furthermore, although the ADB substrate 3 was pressed towards the ADB light guide 5 by the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A, other means such as snap fitting, rivets, springs, crimping, and adhesive may also be used.

[0089] Furthermore, although a pair of receiving portions 88 are provided in the above embodiment, this is not essential, and the positioning portion for positioning the ADB light guide 5 may be integrally configured. Moreover, although the above embodiment is configured so that a minute gap is created between the protrusion 56C of the positioned portion 56B and the ADB substrate 3 before the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A acts on the ADB substrate 3, this is not essential. For example, the protrusion 56C of the positioned portion 56B may be made of an elastically deformable member, and the elastically deformable member protrusion 56C may be interposed between the positioned portion 56B and the ADB substrate 3 before the pressing force of the screw S and fastening portion 87A acts on the ADB substrate 3.

[0090] 1: Vehicle lighting fixture 3: ADB substrate (substrate) 5: ADB light guide (light guide) 5C: Surface 8: Frame 31: Light source 51: Light receiving part 52: Substrate contact part 53: Second substrate contact part 55: Light guide part (first part) 55A: Stepped part 56B: Positioning part 58: Flexible part 59: Intermediate part (second part) 87A: Fastening part (pressing part) 88: Receiving part (positioning part) S: Screw (pressing part)

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction; a substrate on which the plurality of light sources are provided; a plurality of light-receiving portions arranged corresponding to each light source; a pair of substrate contact portions arranged to sandwich the plurality of light-receiving portions in the one direction and in contact with the substrate; a light guide that guides the light emitted by the light sources and incident from the light-receiving portions; a pressing portion that presses the substrate toward the light guide; and a positioning portion that receives and positions the light guide pressed through the substrate by the pressing portion.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion presses the substrate toward the light guide on both sides of the pair of substrate contact portions sandwiched in the one direction, and the positioning portion receives the light guide on both sides of the pair of substrate contact portions sandwiched in the one direction.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide has flexible portions on both sides of a pair of substrate contact portions sandwiched in the one direction.

4. The light guide comprises a first part provided with a plurality of light-receiving parts and a pair of substrate contact parts, and a second part provided outside the first part with the flexible part in between, wherein the flexible part is thinner than the first part and the second part, and is inclined from the first part side to the second part side toward the substrate side.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the flexible portion is formed to surround the first portion on the surface of the light guide facing the substrate.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the light guide is in a triangular positional relationship with the pair of substrate contact portions, and is positioned between a plurality of light-receiving portions and the flexible portion, and includes a second substrate contact portion that contacts the substrate.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate contact portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and the plurality of light sources are housed between a pair of substrate contact portions without protruding in a direction perpendicular to the one direction.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide body comprises a pair of positioning portions that are positioned by contacting the positioning portion, and the substrate is pressed against the pair of positioning portions by the pressing portion.

9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein the pressing portion presses the substrate toward the light guide on both sides of the contact position between the substrate and the pair of positioning portions in the one direction.

10. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a frame to which the substrate is attached, the positioning portion, the light guide comprising a pair of flexible portions located on both sides of a pair of substrate contact portions sandwiched in one direction, and a pair of positioned portions that contact the positioning portion and are positioned, the positioning portion each comprising a pair of receiving portions that extend from the frame to the positioned portions and receive the positioned portions, and the substrate being pressed against the pair of positioned portions by the pressing portion.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein the contact position between the receiving portion and the positioned portion is located on the substrate side of the flexible portion.

12. The light guide comprises flexible portions located on both sides of a pair of substrate contact portions sandwiched in the one direction, and a pair of positioned portions that contact and are positioned by the positioning portion, wherein the flexible portions are made of a softer material than the positioned portions, as described in claim 1 or 2.

13. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide is provided with a stepped portion at the end of the emission surface for forming a cutoff line, and the stepped portion is located within a range obtained by projecting the region sandwiched in one direction by the pair of substrate contact portions toward the emission surface.

14. A method for manufacturing a vehicle light fixture, the vehicle light fixture comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction; a substrate on which the plurality of light sources are provided; a plurality of light-receiving portions arranged corresponding to each light source; a pair of substrate contact portions arranged to sandwich the plurality of light-receiving portions in the one direction and in contact with the substrate; a light guide that guides the light emitted from the light sources and incident from the light-receiving portions; a pressing portion that presses the substrate toward the light guide; a positioning portion that receives and positions the light guide pressed through the substrate by the pressing portion; the light guide each comprising a pair of positioned portions that are positioned in contact with the positioning portion; a minute gap is formed between the positioned portions and the substrate; and the substrate is pressed against the positioned portions by the pressing force of the pressing portion.

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