U.S. patent application number 15/908913 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for lighting device for vehicles and lighting tool for vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Toshihiro Hatanaka, Kiyokazu Hino, Masayuki Ishiyama, Kazuhisa Iwashita, Takashi Kaneko, Daisuke Kosugi, Hiromitsu Shiraishi, Ryuji Tsuchiya.
Application Number | 20190049085 15/908913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61386727 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190049085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishiyama; Masayuki ; et
al. |
February 14, 2019 |
Lighting Device for Vehicles and Lighting Tool for Vehicles
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a lighting device for vehicles
includes a mounting unit including a recessed portion which is
provided on one face of a flange, and is open to an end face on a
side opposite to a side of the flange; a substrate which is
provided on a lower face side of the recessed portion, and includes
a light emitting element on a face on the side opposite to a side
of the flange; and a plurality of power feeding terminals which
protrude from the lower face of the recessed portion, and are
soldered to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate, in which a
notch portion is provided at a portion on a side face of the
recessed portion which faces the plurality of power feeding
terminals.
Inventors: |
Ishiyama; Masayuki;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Tsuchiya; Ryuji;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Hino; Kiyokazu;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Hatanaka; Toshihiro;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Kosugi; Daisuke;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Shiraishi; Hiromitsu;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Kaneko; Takashi;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Iwashita; Kazuhisa;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation |
Yokosuka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Toshiba Lighting & Technology
Corporation
Yokosuka-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
61386727 |
Appl. No.: |
15/908913 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/0416 20130101;
F21S 41/192 20180101; F21S 43/195 20180101; F21S 41/141 20180101;
F21S 43/14 20180101; F21S 41/194 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F21S 41/19 20060101
F21S041/19; F21S 41/141 20060101 F21S041/141; B60Q 1/04 20060101
B60Q001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2017 |
JP |
2017-155395 |
Claims
1. A lighting device for vehicles comprising: a mounting unit
including a recessed portion which is provided on one face of a
flange, and is open to an end face on a side opposite to a side of
the flange; a substrate which is provided on a lower face side of
the recessed portion, and includes a light emitting element on a
face on the side opposite to a side of the flange; and a plurality
of power feeding terminals which protrude from the lower face of
the recessed portion, and are soldered to a wiring pattern provided
on the substrate, wherein a notch portion is provided at a portion
on a side face of the recessed portion which faces the plurality of
power feeding terminals.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the
notch portion is open to an end face of the mounting unit on a side
opposite to a side of the flange.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a lower end of the
notch portion is provided closer to the lower face side of the
recessed portion than a face of the substrate on which the light
emitting element is provided.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein a distance of the notch
portion between the side face which faces the plurality of power
feeding terminals and the plurality of power feeding terminals is 2
mm or more.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein at least two bayonets
are provided on an outer face side of the mounting unit, and the
side face of the notch portion is provided in the inside of at
least any one of the bayonet.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the notch portion is
open to an outer side face of the mounting unit.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein a curved face or an
inclined face is provided at a corner portion on a lower face side
of the notch portion.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a lower end of the
notch portion is provided at a position on a lower face of the
recessed portion.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein a bayonet is provided
at a position of the mounting unit in a circumferential direction
at which the notch portion is provided.
10. The device according to claim 4, wherein the side face of the
notch portion is set to an inclined face which is inclined in a
direction separated from a center of the recessed portion when
being closer to an end face of the mounting unit on a side opposite
to a side of the flange.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein an angle formed by a
lower face of the recessed portion and the inclined face is
100.degree. or more and 165.degree. or less.
12. The device according to claim 10, wherein a distance between a
position of the inclined face which is the same height as a height
of the surface of the substrate on which the light emitting element
is provided and the plurality of power feeding terminals is 2 mm or
more.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein a tip end of soldering
iron can be inserted into the inside of the notch portion.
14. The device according to claim 5, wherein the at least two
bayonets include a first bayonet and a second bayonet, and a width
dimension of the first bayonet is longer than a width dimension of
the second bayonet.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the first bayonet
faces the power feeding terminals.
16. The device according to claim 14, wherein at least any one of
the number and a disposal of the second bayonet is different
according to a type of the lighting device for vehicles.
17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the face of the flange
on a side opposite to the side on which the mounting unit is
provided is provided with at least one heat radiating fin.
18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the flange, the
mounting unit, and the heat radiating fin are integrally
molded.
19. The device according to claim 17, wherein the flange, the
mounting unit, and the heat radiating fin include a high heat
conductive resin.
20. A lighting tool for vehicles comprising: the lighting device
for vehicles according to claim 1; and a housing in which the
lighting device for vehicles is provided.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-155395, filed on
Aug. 10, 2017; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a lighting
device for vehicles, and a lighting tool for vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There is a lighting device for vehicles provided with a
socket and a light emitting unit including a light emitting diode
(LED). In general, the light emitting unit is provided inside a
recessed portion which is open to one end face of the socket.
[0004] Since the lighting device for vehicles provided with the
light emitting diode is expensive compared to a lighting device for
vehicles provided with a filament light bulb, the lighting device
for vehicles provided with the light emitting diode has not been
used in a popular vehicle such as a light vehicle, in general.
However, in recent years, a price of the lighting device for
vehicles provided with the light emitting diode is reduced, and the
lighting device for vehicles provided with the light emitting diode
is also adopted in the popular vehicle such as the light
vehicle.
[0005] It is necessary to make an external dimension (sectional
dimension) of an end portion of a socket to which a recessed
portion is open small, in order to use the lighting device for
vehicles provided with the light emitting diode in the popular
vehicle such as the light vehicle. For this reason, a distance
between a side face of the recessed portion and a power feeding
terminal which is electrically connected to the light emitting unit
becomes short, and it was not easy to perform soldering between the
light emitting unit and the power feeding terminal.
[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology in which
it is possible to easily perform a soldering work, even when the
external dimension of the end portion of the socket is set to be
small.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying a
lighting device for vehicles according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the lighting device for
vehicles which is taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic view in which the lighting device for
vehicles in FIG, 1 is viewed from a direction of an arrow B.
[0010] FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic sectional views for
exemplifying a notch portion.
[0011] FIGS. 5A to 5D are schematic plan views for exemplifying a
first bayonet and a second bayonet.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view for schematically
exemplifying a lighting tool for vehicles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] A lighting device for vehicles according to one embodiment
is provided with a mounting unit including a recessed portion which
is provided on one face of a flange, and is open to an end face on
a side opposite to a side of the flange; a substrate which is
provided on a lower face side of the recessed portion, and includes
a light emitting element on a face on the side opposite to a side
of the flange; and a plurality of power feeding terminals which
protrude from the lower face of the recessed portion, and are
soldered to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate. A notch
portion is provided at a portion on a side face of the recessed
portion which faces the plurality of power feeding terminals.
[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be exemplified while
referring to drawings. In each figure, the same constituent
elements are attached to the same reference numerals, and detailed
descriptions thereof will be appropriately omitted.
Lighting Device for Vehicles
[0015] A lighting device for vehicles 1 according to the embodiment
can be provided in a vehicle, a railway vehicle, or the like, for
example. As the lighting device for vehicles 1 provided in a
vehicle, for example, it is possible to exemplify a device which is
used in a front combination light (for example, light in which
daytime running lamp (DRL), position lamp, turn signal lamp, and
the like, are appropriately combined), a rear combination light
(for example, stop lamp, tail lamp, turn signal lamp, back lamp,
fog lamp, and the like, are appropriately combined), or the like.
However, a use of the lighting device for vehicles 1 is not limited
to these.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying the
lighting device for vehicles 1 according to the embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the lighting device for
vehicles 1 which is taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view which is viewed from a direction
of an arrow B of the lighting device for vehicles 1 in FIG. 1.
[0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a lighting device for
vehicles 1 is provided with a socket 10, a light emitting unit 20,
and a power feeding unit 30.
[0020] The socket 10 includes a mounting unit 11, a bayonet 12, a
flange 13, a heat radiating fin 14, projection portions 15 and 16,
and a terminal cover 17.
[0021] The mounting unit 11 is provided on one face of the flange
13. The mounting unit 11 is provided on a side opposite to a side
on which the heat radiating fin 14 of the flange 13 is provided. An
external shape of the mounting unit 11 can be set to a columnar
shape. The external shape of the mounting unit 11 can be set to a
cylindrical shape, for example. The mounting unit 11 includes a
recessed portion 11a which is opened to an end face on a side
opposite to a side of the flange 13.
[0022] In addition, it is possible to provide at least one slit 11b
in the mounting unit 11. The slit 11b passes through a portion
between an outer side face of the mounting unit 11 and an inner
face (side face of recessed portion 11a) of the mounting unit 11.
In addition, one end portion of the slit 11b is open to an end face
of the mounting unit 11 on a side opposite to the flange 13 side. A
corner portion of a substrate 21 is provided inside the slit 11b. A
dimension (width dimension) of the slit 11b in a circumferential
direction of the mounting unit 11 is set to be slightly larger than
a dimension of the corner portion of the substrate 21. For this
reason, it is possible to position the substrate 21 by inserting
the corner portion of the substrate 21 into the slit 11b.
[0023] In addition, when the slit 11b is provided, it is possible
to make a planar dimension of the substrate 21 large. For this
reason, it is possible to increase the number of elements which are
mounted on the substrate 21. Alternatively, since it is possible to
make an external dimension D (sectional dimension) of the mounting
unit 11 small, it is possible to make the mounting unit 11 small,
and the lighting device for vehicles 1 small.
[0024] A plurality of the bayonets 12 are provided on the outer
side face of the mounting unit 11. The plurality of bayonets 12
protrude toward the outside of the lighting device for vehicles 1.
The plurality of bayonets 12 face the flange 13. The plurality of
bayonets 12 are used when attaching the lighting device for
vehicles 1 to a housing 101 of a lighting tool for vehicles 100.
The plurality of bayonets 12 are used in a twist lock.
[0025] In addition, the plurality of bayonets 12 can include a
first bayonet 12a and a second bayonet 12b. The first bayonet 12a
and the second bayonet 12b will be described in detail later.
[0026] The flange 13 is formed in a plate shape. The flange 13 can
be formed in a disk shape for example. The outer side face of the
flange 13 is provided on the outer part of the lighting device for
vehicles 1 compared to the outer side face of the bayonet 12.
[0027] The heat radiating fin 14 is provided on a face 13a of the
flange 13 on a side opposite to the side on which the mounting unit
11 is provided. The heat radiating fin 14 can be formed in a flat
plate shape. The number of the heat radiating fins 14 is not
particularly limited, and one or more heat radiating fins 14 can be
provided. In the socket 10 exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 3, one heat
radiating fin 14 is provided. When a plurality of the heat
radiating fins 14 are provided, the plurality of heat radiating
fins 14 can be provided so as to be parallel to each other. In
addition, also the projection portions 15, 16, and the terminal
cover 17 can have a function of the heat radiating fin. For this
reason, the heat radiating fin 14 can be provided, if
necessary.
[0028] The projection portions 15 and 16 can be formed in a block
shape. For example, a thickness of the thickest portion of the
projection portions 15 and 16 can be set to one and a half times or
more of the thickness of the heat radiating fin 14. For this
reason, rigidity of the projection portions 15 and 16 becomes
larger than rigidity of the heat radiating fin 14. In addition, at
least any one of the projection portions 15 and 16 can be provided
with a recessed portion which is open to an end face on a side
opposite to the flange 13 side. When the recessed portion is
provided, it is possible to obtain light weight, an increase in
heat radiating area, a decrease in use amount of a material, or the
like, while suppressing a decrease in rigidity.
[0029] The projection portions 15 and 16 protrude from the face 13a
of the flange 13. The projection portion 15 is provided in vicinity
of the peripheral edge of the flange 13. A plurality of the
projection portions 15 can be provided. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
two projection portions 15 are provided in the socket 10. The
terminal cover 17 is provided between the plurality of projection
portions 15. The plurality of projection portions 15 and the
terminal cover 17 can be provided in line in a direction
intersecting a direction in which the heat radiating fin 14 and the
projection portion 16 are aligned. A distance from the face 13a of
the flange 13 to an end face of the projection portion 15 can be
set to be approximately the same as that from the face 13a of the
flange 13 to an end face of the terminal cover 17.
[0030] Here, since a connector 105 is mounted on the terminal cover
17, it is difficult to make an external dimension (thickness
dimension) of the terminal cover 17 large. For this reason, there
is a case in which resistance of the terminal cover 17 to an
external force decreases. In the lighting device for vehicles 1
according to the embodiment, the terminal cover 17 is provided at a
portion between the plurality of projection portions 15. In
addition, the plurality of projection portions 15 are provided in
the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the flange 13, and the
terminal cover 17 is provided at a center region of the flange 13.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent an external force from
being added to the terminal cover 17.
[0031] The projection portion 16 is provided in the vicinity of the
peripheral edge of the flange 13. The projection portion 16 is
provided on a side opposite to the plurality of projection portions
15 side by interposing the heat radiating fin 14 therebetween. For
this reason, both side face sides of the heat radiating fin 14 are
surrounded with the plurality of the projection portions 15 and the
projection portion 16. A distance from the face 13a of the flange
13 to an end face of the projection portion 16 can be set to be
approximately the same as that from the face 13a of the flange 13
to the end face of the heat radiating fin 14. In addition,
respective end faces of the projection portion 15, the projection
portion 16, the terminal cover 17, and the heat radiating fin 14
can be provided at the same position.
[0032] Here, when setting the thickness of the heat radiating fin
14 to be thin, it is possible to provide the heat radiating fin 14
also in a region which becomes narrow due to a miniaturization of
the socket 10. When it is possible to provide the heat radiating
fin 14, it is possible to make a heat radiating area large.
However, when the thickness of the heat radiating fin 14 becomes
thin, resistance of the heat radiating fin 14 to an external force
decreases. In the lighting device for vehicles 1 according to the
embodiment, the both side face sides of the heat radiating fin 14
are surrounded with the plurality of projection portions 15 and the
projection portion 16. For this reason, it is possible to prevent
an external force from being added to the heat radiating fin
14.
[0033] That is, when the projection portions 15 and 16 are
provided, it is possible to prevent a worker from grasping the heat
radiating fin 14 and the terminal cover 17 when mounting the
lighting device for vehicles 1 on the lighting tool for vehicles
100. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the heat radiating
fin 14 and the terminal cover 17 from being damaged. In addition,
when providing the projection portions 15 and 16, a worker easily
grasps the socket 10 when mounting the lighting device for vehicles
1 on the lighting tool for vehicles 100.
[0034] In addition, it is possible to provide a recessed portion
15a on the outer side face of the projection portion 15. It is
possible to provide a recessed portion 16a on an outer side face of
the projection portion 16. The recessed portions 15a and 16a can be
set to recessed portions with a curved face. Shapes of the recessed
portions 15a and 16a can be set so as to coincide with a person's
finger, for example. When the recessed portions 15a and 16a are
provided, a worker can grasp the socket 10 easily, when mounting
the lighting device for vehicles 1 on the lighting tool for
vehicles 100.
[0035] The terminal cover 17 has a function of protecting the end
portion of a power feeding terminal 31, and a function of holding
the connector 105. The terminal cover 17 is provided on the face
13a of the flange 13. The terminal cover 17 is provided at the
center region of the flange 13. The terminal cover 17 can be formed
in a rectangular cylindrical shape, for example. An end portion of
the power feeding terminal 31 protrudes to the inside of the
terminal cover 17. The connector 105 including a sealing member is
mounted on the terminal cover 17.
[0036] Heat generated in the light emitting unit 20 is mainly
transmitted to the heat radiating fin 14, the projection portion
15, the projection portion 16 and the terminal cover 17 through the
mounting unit 11 and the flange 13. The heat transmitted to the
heat radiating fin 14, or the like, is radiated to the outside. For
this reason, it is preferable to form the socket 10 using a
material with high heat conductivity by taking into consideration
of transmitting heat generated in the light emitting unit 20 to the
outside. The material with high heat conductivity can be set to,
for example, a high heat conductive resin, or the like. The high
heat conductive resin is a resin, for example, obtained by mixing
filler in which an inorganic material is used into a resin such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon. The filler can be set to
filler which includes ceramic such as aluminum oxide, or carbon.
When forming the socket 10 using the high heat conductive resin, it
is possible to efficiently radiate heat generated in the light
emitting unit 20, and realize light weight.
[0037] The mounting unit 11, the bayonet 12, the flange 13, the
heat radiating fin 14, the projection portion 15, the projection
portion 16, and the terminal cover 17 can be integrally molded by
using injection molding, or the like. When these elements are
integrally molded, heat transmission becomes easy, and it is
possible to improve a heat radiating property. In addition, it is
easy to obtain a reduction in manufacturing cost, a
miniaturization, light weight, or the like.
[0038] The light emitting unit 20 is provided inside the recessed
portion 11a. The light emitting unit 20 includes the substrate 21,
a light emitting element 22, a resistor 23, a control element 24, a
frame portion 25, and a sealing portion 26.
[0039] The substrate 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. A planar
shape of the substrate 21 can be set to a quadrangle shape, for
example. A material or a structure of the substrate 21 is not
particularly limited. For example, the substrate 21 can be formed
of an inorganic material such as ceramic (for example, aluminum
oxide, or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper
phenol or glass epoxy. In addition, the substrate 21 may be
obtained by covering the surface of a metal plate with an
insulating material. When covering the surface of the metal plate
with the insulating material, the insulating material may be formed
of an organic material, or an inorganic material. When a heat
generating amount of the light emitting element 22 is large, it is
preferable to form the substrate 21 using a material with high heat
conductivity in a viewpoint of heat radiating. As the material with
high heat conductivity, for example, ceramic of aluminum oxide,
aluminum nitride, or the like, a high heat conductive resin, a
material obtained by covering the surface of the metal plate with
the insulating material, or the like, can be exemplified. In
addition, the substrate 21 may be a single layer or a
multilayer.
[0040] In addition, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface
of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a can be formed of a
material of which a main component is silver. The wiring pattern
21a can be formed of silver or a silver alloy, for example.
However, a material of the wiring pattern 21a is not limited to the
material of which the main component is silver. The wiring pattern
21a can be formed of a material of which a main component is
copper, for example.
[0041] The substrate 21 is provided on a lower face side of the
recessed portion 11a, and includes the light emitting element 22 on
a face on a side opposite to the flange 13 side. For example, it is
possible to bond the substrate 21 on the lower face of the recessed
portion 11a. A type of an adhesive is not particularly limited;
however, it is preferable to be an adhesive with high heat
conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be set to an adhesive
into which filler using an inorganic material is mixed. It is
preferable to set the inorganic material to a material with high
heat conductivity (for example, ceramic of aluminum oxide, aluminum
nitride, or the like). It is possible to set heat conductivity of
the adhesive to 0.5 W/(mK) or more and 10 W/(mK) or less, for
example.
[0042] In addition, it is also possible to provide a heat radiating
plate between the substrate 21 and the lower face of the recessed
portion 11a. The heat radiating plate is formed in a flat plate
shape, and can be formed of metal such as aluminum or an aluminum
alloy. It is possible to provide a layer formed of heat conductive
grease (heat radiating grease), or the above described layer formed
of an adhesive between the heat radiating plate and the lower face
of the recessed portion 11a. A type of the heat conductive grease
is not particularly limited; however, it is possible to set to heat
conductive grease in which filler using a material with high heat
conductivity (for example, ceramic of aluminum oxide, aluminum
nitride, or the like) is mixed into modified silicone, for example.
The heat conductivity of the heat conductive grease can be set to,
for example, 1 W/(mK) or more and 5 W/(mK) or less.
[0043] The light emitting element 22 is provided on a face of the
substrate 21 on a side opposite to the flange 13 side. The light
emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21. The light
emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern
21a which is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The light
emitting element 22 can be set to a light emitting diode, an
organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like, for
example. A plurality of the light emitting elements 22 can be
provided. The plurality of light emitting elements 22 can be
connected in series to each other. In addition, the light emitting
element 22 is connected to the resistor 23 in series.
[0044] The light emitting element 22 can be set to a chip-shaped
light emitting element. The chip-shaped light emitting element 22
can be mounted, using chip on board (COB). When the chip-shaped
light emitting element 22 is mounted, using COB, it is possible to
provide many light emitting elements 22 in a narrow region. For
this reason, it is possible to make the light emitting unit 20
small, and make the lighting device for vehicles 1 small. The light
emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern
21a using wiring. The light emitting element 22 and the wiring
pattern 21a can be electrically connected, using a wire bonding
method.
[0045] In addition, it is also possible to set the light emitting
element 22 to a surface-mounted light emitting element, or a
shell-type light emitting element including a lead wire.
[0046] The resistor 23 is provided on a face of the substrate 21 on
a side opposite to the flange 13 side. The resistor 23 is provided
on the substrate 21. The resistor 23 is electrically connected to
the wiring pattern 21a which is provided on the surface of the
substrate 21. The resistor 23 can be set to, for example, a
surface-mounted resistor, a resistor including a lead wire (metal
oxide film resistor), a film-shaped resistor, or the like, which is
formed by a screen printing method, or the like. In addition, the
resistor 23 exemplified in FIG. 1 is the film-shaped resistor.
[0047] A material of the film-shaped resistor can be set to, for
example, ruthenium oxide (RuO.sub.2). The film-shaped resistor can
be formed by a screen printing method and a baking method, for
example. When the resistor 23 is the film-shaped resistor, it is
possible to improve a heat radiating property, since it is possible
to make a contact area between the resistor 23 and the substrate 21
large. In addition, it is possible to form a plurality of resistors
23 at one time. For this reason, it is possible to improve
productivity, and suppress unevenness in resistance value in the
plurality of resistors 23.
[0048] Here, since there is unevenness in forward voltage
characteristics of the light emitting element 22, when setting an
application voltage between an anode terminal and a ground terminal
to be constant, there is unevenness in brightness of light (light
flux, luminance, intensity of light, and illuminance) which is
radiated from the light emitting element 22. For this reason, it is
set so that a value of current which flows in the light emitting
element 22 falls in a predetermined range using the resistor 23, so
that a brightness of light radiated from the light emitting element
22 falls in a predetermined range. In this case, it is set so that
a value of current which flows in the light emitting element 22
falls in a predetermined range, by changing a resistance value of
the resistor 23.
[0049] When the resistor 23 is the surface mounting-type resistor
or the resistor with a lead wire, the resistor 23 with an
appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward
voltage characteristics of the light emitting element 22. When the
resistor 23 is the film-shaped resistor, it is possible to increase
a resistance value by forming an elimination portion 23a by
removing a part of the resistor 23. For example, it is possible to
easily remove a part of the resistor 23 by radiating laser light to
the resistor 23. The number, a size, an arrangement, and the like,
of the resistor 23 are not limited to examples, and can be
appropriately changed according to the number, a specification, or
the like, of light emitting elements 22.
[0050] The control element 24 is provided on a face of the
substrate 21 on a side opposite to the flange 13 side. The control
element 24 is provided on the substrate 21. The control element 24
is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a which is
provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The control element 24
is provided so that a backward voltage is not applied to the light
emitting element 22, and pulse noise from the backward direction is
not applied to the light emitting element 22. The control element
24 can be set to a diode, for example. The control element 24 can
be set to, for example, a surface-mounted diode, a diode including
a lead wire, or the like. The control element 24 exemplified in
FIG. 1 is the surface-mounted diode.
[0051] In addition to that, it is also possible to provide a
pull-down resistor in order to detect a disconnection, or prevent
erroneous lighting, or the like, of the light emitting element 22.
In addition, it is also possible to provide a cover portion which
covers the wiring pattern 21a, the film-shaped resistor, or the
like. The cover portion can include a glass material, for
example.
[0052] When it is a chip-shaped light emitting element 22, it is
possible to provide the frame portion 25 and the sealing portion
26.
[0053] The frame portion 25 is provided on a face of the substrate
21 on a side opposite to the flange 13 side. The frame portion 25
is provided on the substrate 21. The frame portion 25 is bonded to
the substrate 21. The frame portion 25 surrounds the plurality of
light emitting elements 22. For example, the frame portion 25 is
formed in an annular shape, and the plurality of light emitting
elements 22 are disposed in the inner side. The frame portion 25
can be formed of a resin. The resin can be set to, for example, a
thermoplastic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
polycarbonate (PC), PET, nylon, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene
(PE), and polystyrene (PS).
[0054] It is possible to improve reflectivity with respect to light
output from the light emitting element 22 by mixing particles of
titanium oxide, or the like, into a resin. It is not limited to the
particles of titanium oxide, and particles formed of a material
with high reflectivity with respect to light output from the light
emitting element 22 may be mixed. In addition, the frame portion 25
also can be formed of a white resin, for example.
[0055] An inner wall face of the frame portion 25 can be set to an
inclined face which inclines in a direction separated from a center
axis of the frame portion 25 by being separated from the substrate
21. When the inner wall face of the frame portion 25 is inclined, a
part of light output from the light emitting element 22 is
reflected on the inner wall face of the frame portion 25, and is
output toward the front face side of the lighting device for
vehicles 1. That is, the frame portion 25 can have a function of
regulating a forming range of the sealing portion 26, and a
function of reflector.
[0056] The sealing portion 26 is provided inside the frame portion
25. The sealing portion 26 is provided so as to cover the inside of
the frame portion 25. That is, the sealing portion 26 is provided
inside the frame portion 25, and covers the light emitting element
22, wiring, or the like. The sealing portion 26 is formed of a
material with a light-transmitting property. The sealing portion 26
can be formed by filling a resin in the inside of the frame portion
25, for example. Filling of the resin can be performed by a fixed
amount discharge device for liquid such as a dispenser, for
example. The resin to be filled can be set to a silicone resin, or
the like, for example.
[0057] A phosphor can be included in the sealing portion 26. The
phosphor can be set to a yttrium-aluminum-garnet-based phosphor
(YAG phosphor). However, a type of the phosphor can be
appropriately changed according to a use, or the like, of the
lighting device for vehicles 1 so that it is possible to obtain a
desired luminescent color.
[0058] In addition, it is also possible to provide only the sealing
portion 26 without providing the frame portion 25. When providing
only the sealing portion 26, a dome-shaped sealing portion 26 is
provided on the substrate 21.
[0059] The power feeding unit 30 includes the power feeding
terminal 31 and an insulating portion 32.
[0060] The power feeding terminal 31 can be set to a styloid. The
power feeding terminal 31 protrudes from the lower face of the
recessed portion 11a. A plurality of the power feeding terminals 31
are provided. The plurality of power feeding terminals 31 can be
provided in a predetermined direction in a line. The plurality of
power feeding terminals 31 are provided inside the insulating
portion 32. The plurality of power feeding terminals 31 extend
inside the insulating portion 32, and protrude from an end face of
the insulating portion 32 on the light emitting unit 20 side, and
an end face of the insulating portion 32 on the heat radiating fin
14 side. The end portions of the plurality of power feeding
terminals 31 on the light emitting unit 20 side are electrically or
mechanically connected to the wiring pattern 21a which is provided
on the substrate 21. That is, one end portion of the power feeding
terminal 31 is soldered with the wiring pattern 21a. End portions
of the plurality of power feeding terminals 31 on the heat
radiating fin 14 side are exposed to the inside of the terminal
cover 17. The connector 105 is fitted into the plurality of power
feeding terminals 31 which are exposed to the inside of the
terminal cover 17. The power feeding terminal 31 has conductivity.
The power feeding terminal 31 can be formed of metal such as a
copper alloy, for example. In addition, the number, a shape, a
disposal, a material, or the like, of the power feeding terminal 31
is not limited to the example, and can be appropriately
changed.
[0061] As described above, it is preferable to form the socket 10
using a material with high heat conductivity. However, there is a
case in which a material with high heat conductivity has
conductivity. For example, when it is a high heat conductive resin
including filler formed of carbon, it has conductivity. For this
reason, the insulating portion 32 is provided so as to insulate
between the power feeding terminal 31 and the socket 10 with
conductivity. In addition, the insulating portion 32 has a function
of holding the plurality of power feeding terminals 31. In
addition, when the socket 10 is formed of a high heat conductive
resin with a property of insulation (for example, high heat
conductive resin, or the like, including filler formed of ceramic),
it is possible to omit the insulating portion 32. In this case, the
socket 10 holds the plurality of power feeding terminals 31.
[0062] The insulating portion 32 is provided between the power
feeding terminal 31 and the socket 10. The insulating portion 32
has an insulating property. The insulating portion 32 can be formed
of an insulating resin. The insulating portion 32 can be formed of
PET, nylon, or the like, for example. The insulating portion 32 is
provided inside a hole 10a which is provided in the socket 10. The
insulating portion 32 can be press-fitted, or bonded to the hole
10a, for example.
[0063] In a case of the lighting device for vehicles 1 provided in
a vehicle, a temperature of a use environment becomes -40.degree.
C. to 85.degree. C. For this reason, it is preferable to set a
thermal expansion coefficient of a material of the insulating
portion 32 to be closer to a thermal expansion coefficient of a
material of the socket 10 if possible. In this manner, it is
possible to reduce a thermal stress which is generated between the
insulating portion 32 and the socket 10. For example, a material of
the insulating portion 32 can be set to a high heat conductive
resin included in the socket 10, or a resin included in the high
heat conductive resin.
[0064] Since the lighting device for vehicles 1 provided with the
light emitting element 22 is expensive compared to a lighting
device for vehicles provided with a filament light bulb, the
lighting device for vehicles provided with the light emitting
element was not used in a popular vehicle such as a light vehicle,
in general. However, in recent years, a price of the lighting
device for vehicles 1 provided with the light emitting element 22
is reduced, and the lighting device for vehicles 1 provided with
the light emitting element 22 is also adopted in the popular
vehicle such as the light vehicle.
[0065] In general, a lighting tool for vehicles which is provided
in a popular vehicle such as a light vehicle is smaller than that
which is provided in a luxury vehicle. For this reason, in order to
use the lighting device for vehicles 1 provided with the light
emitting element 22 in a popular vehicle such as a light vehicle,
it is necessary to make the external dimension D of the mounting
unit 11 which is inserted into the lighting tool for vehicles
small.
[0066] Meanwhile, there is no big difference in light intensity or
light distributing property as a lighting device for vehicles
between a popular vehicle such as a light vehicle and a luxury
vehicle. For this reason, it is not easy to reduce the number of
light emitting elements 22, or remarkably change a disposal of the
plurality of light emitting elements 22, and to make a size of a
region in which the plurality of light emitting elements 22 are
provided small.
[0067] When it is not possible to make the size of the region in
which the plurality of light emitting elements 22 are provided
small, it is not easy to make a size of the substrate 21 small. In
addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of power
feeding terminals 31 are soldered in the vicinity of the peripheral
edge of the substrate 21. For this reason, when the external
dimension D of the mounting unit 11 is set to be small, a distance
between the side face of the recessed portion 11a and a peripheral
edge of the substrate 21, and a distance between the side face of
the recessed portion 11a and the plurality of power feeding
terminals 31 become short. When the distance between the side face
of the recessed portion 11a and the plurality of power feeding
terminals 31 become short, it is not easy to perform a soldering
work since soldering iron interferes with the side face of the
recessed portion 11a.
[0068] Therefore, in the socket 10 according to the embodiment, a
notch portion 11c is provided on the side face of the recessed
portion 11a.
[0069] FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic sectional views for
exemplifying the notch portion 11c.
[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the notch portion 11c can
be provided at a portion of the side face of the recessed portion
11a which faces the plurality of power feeding terminals 31. The
notch portion 11c can be opened to the side face of the recessed
portion 11a. An upper end of the notch portion 11c can be opened to
an end face of the mounting unit 11 on a side opposite to the
flange 13 side. A lower end of the notch portion 11c can be
provided on a lower face side of the recessed portion 11a rather
than a face of the substrate 21 on which the light emitting element
22 is provided. For example, the lower end of the notch portion 11c
can be provided at a position on a lower face of the recessed
portion 11a. When the bayonet 12 is provided at a position of the
mounting unit 11 in a circumferential direction at which the notch
portion 11c is provided, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the
side face of the notch portion 11c is provided inside the bayonet
12. When the bayonet 12 is not provided at the position at which
the notch portion 11c is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the
notch portion 11c passes through a portion between the outer side
face of the mounting unit 11 and an inner side face (side face of
recessed portion 11a) of the mounting unit 11. That is, the notch
portion 11c can be opened to the outer side face of the mounting
unit 11.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when a part of the notch
portion 11c is provided inside the bayonet 12, it is preferable
that a distance L between the side face of the notch portion 11c
and the plurality of power feeding terminals 31 be 2 mm or more.
According to a knowledge which is obtained by inventors of the
invention, when the distance L is 2 mm or more, it is possible to
prevent the soldering iron from interfering with the inner side
face of the mounting unit 11 in soldering using an automatic
soldering device (soldering robot). For this reason, the soldering
work becomes easy. In addition, when the side face of the notch
portion 11c is provided inside the bayonet 12, it is possible to
prevent rigidity of a tip end of the socket 10 from decreasing.
[0072] In addition, it is possible to provide a curved face or an
inclined face at a corner portion 11c2 of the notch portion 11c.
When the curved face or the inclined face is provided at the corner
portion 11c2, it is possible to prevent rigidity of the tip end of
the socket 10 from decreasing.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the side face of the notch
portion 11c can be set to an inclined face 11c1 which is inclined
in a direction separated from a center of the recessed portion 11a
when being closer to an end face of the socket 10. An angle .theta.
which is formed between the lower face of the recessed portion 11a
and the inclined face 11c1 can be set to 100.degree. or more and
165.degree. or less. In this manner, it is possible to further
prevent rigidity of the tip end of the socket 10 from
decreasing.
[0074] In addition, it is possible to provide the above described
curved face or the inclined face also at a corner portion provided
at the peripheral edge of the inclined face 11c1.
[0075] When the side face of the notch portion 11c is set to the
inclined face 11c1, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a distance between a
position of the inclined face 11c1 which is the same height as that
of the surface of the substrate 21 and the plurality of power
feeding terminals 31 becomes the above described distance L.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, when it is the notch portion 11c
which passes through a portion between the outer side face of the
mounting unit 11 and the inner side face of the mounting unit 11,
there is no portion interfered by the soldering iron, and it
becomes easier to perform the soldering work.
[0077] Subsequently, the first bayonet 12a and the second bayonet
12b will be further described.
[0078] FIGS. 5A to 5D are schematic plan views for exemplifying the
first bayonet 12a and the second bayonet 12b.
[0079] The total numbers of the first bayonet 12a and the second
bayonet 12b can be set to 2 or more. In this case, as illustrated
in FIGS. 5A to 5D, when the total numbers of the first bayonet 12a
and the second bayonet 12b are set to three or more, it is possible
to make a posture of the lighting device for vehicles 1 stable when
mounting the lighting device for vehicles 1 to the lighting tool
for vehicles 100.
[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D, a width dimension Wa of
the first bayonet 12a is longer than a width dimension Wb of the
second bayonet 12b.
[0081] A disposal of the first bayonet 12a is not particularly
limited; however as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, it is preferable
to make the first bayonet 12a face the plurality of power feeding
terminals 31. By doing so, it becomes easy to form the side face of
the notch portion 11c in the inside of the first bayonet 12a. For
this reason, it is possible to prevent rigidity of the tip end of
the socket 10 from decreasing.
[0082] A disposal of the second bayonet 12b is not particularly
limited. Here, the external dimension D of the mounting unit 11 is
set to be appropriately the same, regardless of a type of the
lighting device for vehicles 1. For this reason, there is a concern
that an assembling failure may occur when mounting the lighting
device for vehicles 1 on the lighting tool for vehicles 100. In
this case, when the number or a disposal of the second bayonet 12b
is set to be different according to a type of the lighting device
for vehicles 1, it is possible to prevent the assembling failure.
For example, when the lighting device for vehicles 1 is a stop
lamp, it is possible to dispose the second bayonet 12b which is
exemplified in FIG. 5A. For example, when the lighting device for
vehicles 1 is a turn signal lamp, it is possible to dispose the
second bayonet 12b which is exemplified in FIG. 5B. For example,
when the lighting device for vehicles 1 is a back lamp, it is
possible to dispose the second bayonet 12b which is exemplified in
FIG. 5C.
Lighting Tool for Vehicles
[0083] Subsequently, the lighting tool for vehicles 100 will be
exemplified.
[0084] Hereinafter, as an example, a case in which the lighting
tool for vehicles 100 is a front combination light which is
provided in a vehicle will be described. However, the lighting tool
for vehicles 100 is not limited to the front combination light
which is provided in a vehicle. The lighting tool for vehicles 100
may be a lighting tool for vehicles which is provided in a vehicle,
a railway vehicle, or the like.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view for schematically
exemplifying the lighting tool for vehicles 100.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lighting tool for vehicles 100
is provided with the lighting device for vehicles 1, the housing
101, a cover 102, an optical element portion 103, a sealing member
104, and the connector 105.
[0087] The housing 101 holds the mounting unit 11. The housing 101
is formed in a box shape of which one end portion side is open. The
housing 101 can be formed of a resin, or the like, through which
light is not transmitted. An attaching hole 101a into which a
portion at which the bayonet 12 of the mounting unit 11 is provided
is inserted is provided on a lower face of the housing 101. A
recessed portion into which the bayonet 12 provided in the mounting
unit 11 is inserted is provided at the peripheral edge of the
attaching hole 101a. In addition, a case in which the attaching
hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 is exemplified;
however, an attaching member including the attaching hole 101a may
be provided in the housing 101.
[0088] When attaching the lighting device for vehicles 1 to the
lighting tool for vehicles 100, the portion in which the bayonet 12
of the mounting unit 11 is provided is inserted into the attaching
hole 101a, and the lighting device for vehicles 1 is rotated. Then,
the bayonet 12 is held in a joint portion provided at the
peripheral edge of the attaching hole 101a. Such an attaching
method is referred to as a twist lock.
[0089] The cover 102 is provided so as to shut off the opening of
the housing 101. The cover 102 can be formed of a
light-transmitting resin, or the like. It is also possible to set
the cover 102 so as to have a function of a lens, or the like.
[0090] Light output from the lighting device for vehicles 1 is
input to the optical element portion 103. The optical element
portion 103 performs reflection, diffusion, light guiding,
condensing, a formation of a predetermined light distributing
pattern, or the like, of light output from the lighting device for
vehicles 1. For example, the optical element portion 103
exemplified in FIG. 6 is a reflector. In this case, the optical
element portion 103 reflects light output from the lighting device
for vehicles 1, and forms a predetermined light distributing
pattern.
[0091] The sealing member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and
the housing 101. The sealing member 104 can be formed in an annular
shape. The sealing member 104 can be formed of an elastic material
such as rubber or a silicone resin.
[0092] When attaching the lighting device for vehicles 1 to the
lighting tool for vehicles 100, the sealing member 104 is
interposed between the flange 13 and the housing 101. For this
reason, an inner space of the housing 101 is enclosed by the
sealing member 104. In addition, the bayonet 12 is pushed to the
housing 101 due to an elastic force of the sealing member 104. For
this reason, it is possible to prevent the lighting device for
vehicles 1 from escaping from the housing 101.
[0093] The connector 105 is fitted to end portions of the plurality
of power feeding terminals 31 which are exposed to the inside of
the terminal cover 17. A power supply (not illustrated), or the
like, is electrically connected to the connector 105. For this
reason, the power supply (not illustrated), or the like, and the
light emitting element 22 are electrically connected when the
connector 105 is fitted to the end portion of the power feeding
terminal 31. In addition, the connector 105 has a stepped portion.
In addition, a sealing member 105a is attached to the stepped
portion. The sealing member 105a is provided in order to prevent
water from entering the inside of the terminal cover 17. When the
connector 105 including the sealing member 105a is inserted into
the terminal cover 17, the inside of the terminal cover 17 is
enclosed so as to be watertight. The sealing member 105a can be
formed in an annular shape. The sealing member 105a can be formed
of a material with elasticity such as rubber, a silicone resin, or
the like. It is also possible to bond the connector 105 to the
terminal cover 17, or the like, using an adhesive, or the like, for
example.
[0094] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions. Moreover, above-mentioned embodiments can be combined
mutually and can be carried out.
* * * * *