JP2023009191A - lamp unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lamp unit which prevents rattling of light emitting elements.

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

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a lamp unit having light emitting elements.

2. Description of the Related Art A lamp unit that emits light to illuminate the feet of an occupant when a vehicle door is opened is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The lamp unit of Patent Document 1 has a light emitting element. The light-emitting element is coupled to a bus bar, which is a metal plate provided on the functional portion. The functional portion is fitted to the design portion attached to the assembly target portion of the vehicle door.

JP 2012-166635 A

Since the light emitting element is coupled to the bus bar, there is a problem that the light emitting element rattles with respect to the holder member.

Therefore, in view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unit in which rattling of a light emitting element is prevented.

In order to solve the above problems, a lamp unit (4) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a holder member (9) configured to be attached to an attachment target (3), and a light emitting element (5) on its main surface. and a retaining member for engaging said holder member and clamping said substrate against said holder member to retain said substrate in position on said holder member. (8) and at least partially translucent and attached to said holder member to cooperate with said holder member to define a receiving chamber (90) for receiving said substrate and said holding member. and a cover member (9).

According to this aspect, the light-emitting element is coupled to the main surface of the substrate, and the substrate is sandwiched between the holder member and the holding member, so that the light-emitting element is prevented from rattling with respect to the holder member.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holder member has an accommodation recess for accommodating the substrate and the holding member, and an engaging portion for engaging the holding member is provided on the inner surface of the holder member. (37) is preferably provided.

According to this aspect, since the holding member and the substrate are accommodated in the accommodation recess, it is possible to prevent damage to the holding member and the substrate.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member preferably has a plate-like shape and includes a through hole (39) penetrating at a position corresponding to the light emitting element.

According to this aspect, the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the housing recess is not obstructed. Furthermore, the holding member can be made lighter by forming the light-passing holes.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member includes an outer frame (35) formed along the edge of the substrate and a plurality of beams (36, 38) provided between the outer frames. ), wherein the light passage hole is defined by the outer frame and the beam, and the engaging portion is engaged with the outer frame.

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

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member protrudes from each of at least two portions of the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame that are separated from each other, and is in contact with a wall surface (111) that defines the accommodation recess. 1 convex part (101) is preferably provided.

According to this aspect, rattling of the holding member with respect to the holder member can be prevented.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holding member protrudes from the outer frame toward the substrate side, abuts on the end face of the substrate, and holds the substrate between the pair of second protrusions ( 102).

According to this aspect, the substrate is coupled to the holding member, and the substrate can be prevented from rattling with respect to the holder member.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a locking recess (23) is provided in the bottom wall of the housing recess, and a locking projection (40) protruding into the locking recess is provided in the corresponding portion of the holding member. ) should be provided.

According to this aspect, when the holding member moves along the bottom wall of the holder member, the locking projection abuts against the wall defining the locking recess, so that the movement of the holding member along the bottom wall of the holder member can be regulated.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a through hole (11) penetrating through the substrate is formed at a position facing the locking concave portion, and the locking convex portion passes through the through hole (11). It is preferable that it is fitted in the concave portion.

According to this aspect, since the locking projection is inserted into the through-hole provided in the substrate, it is possible to restrict the movement of the locking projection with respect to the holding member of the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the projecting direction. Therefore, since the holder member is coupled to the holding member, movement of the substrate relative to the holder member in the direction along the bottom wall of the holder member can be restricted.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holder member has a connector insertion recess that passes from the outer surface between the bottom wall of the locking recess and the outer surface of the holder member and reaches the locking recess. (22), and a connection terminal (47) that passes from the substrate through between the locking protrusion and the locking recess to reach the connector insertion recess.

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

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the locking recess extends along a predetermined axis and reaches substantially the center of the connector insertion recess, and the connector insertion recess extends substantially perpendicular to the axis. , reaching substantially the center of the locking recess, the locking recess and the connector insertion recess are connected to each other, and the locking projection has a first projecting end surface (43) and a second projecting end surface (44). The first protruding end surface abuts the bottom wall of the locking recess or the connecting terminal, and the second protruding end surface cooperates with the wall surface of the connector insertion recess to insert the connector (60). A connector insertion hole (80) is defined, and the connection terminal passes between the first projecting end face and the bottom wall of the locking recess to reach the connector insertion hole.

According to this aspect, since the connection terminal is sandwiched between the first projecting end surface and the bottom wall of the locking recess, movement of the connection terminal is prevented.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a groove (48) for receiving the connection terminal is formed in the bottom wall of the locking recess, and the first protruding end surface and the bottom wall of the locking recess are separated from each other. It is preferable that they are in contact with each other.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from moving in the direction along the bottom wall of the engaging recess.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the second protruded end surface is located closer to the proximal end of the locking projection than the first protruded end surface, and is between the second protruded end surface and the connection terminal. is preferably formed with a gap.

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

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the second projecting end surface may be inclined toward the base end side toward the opening of the connector insertion recess.

According to this aspect, when the connector is inserted, the connector is guided to the proper position by the second projecting end face, so that the connector can be easily attached.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer surface of the holder member is formed with an inclined surface (55) that continues to the opening of the connector insertion recess.

According to this aspect, since the connector is guided into the connector insertion hole when the connector is inserted, the connector can be easily attached.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, the lamp unit may be a courtesy lamp provided on a vehicle door.

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

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holder member may be formed integrally with a door trim of a vehicle door.

According to this aspect, the structure is simplified, and the substrate is more unlikely to come off from the door trim.

According to the above aspect, the light emitting element is coupled to the main surface of the substrate, and the substrate is sandwiched between the holder member and the holding member, thereby providing a lamp unit in which rattling of the light emitting element is prevented. It becomes possible to

In addition, according to the aspect in which the holder member has the accommodation recess for accommodating the substrate and the holding member, and the inner surface of the holder member is provided with the engaging portion for engaging the holding member, the holding member and the substrate Damage can be prevented.

According to the aspect in which the holding member is plate-shaped and has a light passage hole penetrating at a position corresponding to the light emitting element, the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the housing recess is not obstructed. Furthermore, the holding member can be made lighter by forming the light-passing holes.

Moreover, according to the aspect in which the holding member includes the outer frame and the beam, the substrate can be fixed to the holder member without obstructing the optical path from the light emitting element to the opening of the housing recess.

In addition, according to the aspect in which the holding member includes the first protrusions that protrude from each of at least two portions of the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame that are separated from each other and that come into contact with the wall surfaces that respectively define the accommodation recesses, the holder member of the holding member It is possible to prevent rattling.

In addition, according to the aspect in which the holding member includes a pair of second projections that protrude from the outer frame toward the substrate side and abut on the end face of the substrate to sandwich the substrate, the substrate is coupled to the holding member, It is possible to prevent rattling of the substrate with respect to the holder member.

Further, according to the aspect in which the locking projection is fitted into the locking recess, it is possible to restrict the movement of the holding member along the bottom wall of the holder member.

In addition, according to the aspect in which the engaging projection passes through the through-hole and fits into the engaging recess, it is possible to restrict the movement of the holding member and the substrate along the bottom wall of the holder member.

Further, according to the aspect in which the connector insertion recess is provided, the connector and the substrate can be connected via the connection terminals by inserting the connector into the connector insertion recess.

A groove for receiving the connecting terminal is formed in the bottom wall of the engaging recess, the first protruding end surface and the bottom wall of the engaging recess are in contact with each other, and the connector insertion hole is formed by the second protruding end surface and the connector insertion recess. is defined, by sandwiching the connecting terminal between the first projecting end surface and the bottom wall of the locking recess, movement of the connecting terminal can be prevented and the connector insertion hole can be formed more easily. .

Further, in the bottom wall of the engaging recess, a groove for receiving the connection terminal is formed, and according to the mode in which the first protruding end surface and the bottom wall of the engaging recess are in contact with each other, the engaging recess of the connection terminal is formed. Movement in the direction along the bottom wall can be prevented.

In addition, according to the aspect in which the second protruded end surface is located closer to the proximal end side of the engaging projection than the first protruded end surface, and a gap is formed between the second protruded end surface and the connection terminal, the connector can By inserting the connection terminal into the provided hole, the connection terminal and the connector can be connected.

Also, according to the aspect in which the second protruding end surface is inclined, the connector is guided to the proper position by the second protruding end surface when the connector is inserted, so that the connector can be easily attached.

In addition, according to the aspect in which the outer surface of the holder member is formed with the inclined surface continuous with the opening of the connector insertion recess, when the connector is inserted, the connector is guided into the connector insertion hole, thereby preventing the connector from being mounted. becomes easier.

Moreover, according to the aspect in which the lamp unit is a courtesy lamp provided on a vehicle door, it is possible to provide a courtesy lamp in which rattling of the light emitting element is prevented.

Further, according to the aspect in which the holder member is integrally formed with the door trim of the vehicle door, the configuration is simplified, and the substrate is less likely to come off the door trim.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle door to which the lamp unit according to the present embodiment is attached; Perspective view of the lamp unit when viewed from the rear right Perspective view of the lamp unit viewed from the upper left Perspective view of the connector connected to the lamp unit Perspective view of cover member Side view of lamp unit with cover removed Side view of the lamp unit with the cover member and the holding member removed Side view of holder member Perspective view of holding member XX sectional view of FIG. XI-XI sectional view of FIG. A side view of a lamp unit when a cover member according to another embodiment is removed. FIG. 11 is a side view of a lamp unit when a cover member and a holding member according to another embodiment are removed; The perspective view when it sees from the front side of the holding member which concerns on another embodiment. The perspective view when it sees from the back side of the holding member which concerns on another embodiment. A perspective view of a lamp unit according to another embodiment Sectional view of a lamp unit according to another embodiment A perspective view of a door trim according to another embodiment A perspective view of a door trim when a lamp unit according to another embodiment is attached.

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

<<First Embodiment>>
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle door 1 for a driver's seat has a door panel 2 serving as a framework, and a door trim 3 attached inside the door panel 2 as an interior member. A courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the lower end of the door trim 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the courtesy lamp 4 includes a substrate 6 provided with a light emitting element 5, a holder member 7 supporting the substrate 6, and a substrate 6 fixed to the holder member 7. A holding member 8 and a cover member 9 covering the substrate 6 and the holding member 8 are provided.

The substrate 6 is a printed circuit board on which the light emitting elements 5 are provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the substrate 6 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The light emitting element 5 is soldered to the surface of the substrate 6 . The light-emitting element 5 may be, for example, a surface-mounted LED element, an organic EL element, a light bulb, or the like, and preferably emits white light. A plurality of light emitting elements 5 are provided on the substrate 6 . The light emitting elements 5 are arranged in a grid pattern on the substrate 6 . In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 5 are arranged in a grid pattern of two rows in the short direction and four columns in the longitudinal direction. In addition to the light emitting element 5 , the substrate 6 is provided with resistors, diodes, and the like (not shown) necessary for controlling power supply to the light emitting element 5 .

As shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 11 is formed in the substrate 6 substantially in the center thereof so as to penetrate from the front surface to the rear surface. The through hole 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 6 . Four connection holes 12 are formed through the substrate 6 from the front surface to the back surface. On the surface of the substrate 6, lands 13 for soldering are provided at respective opening peripheral edges of the connection holes 12. As shown in FIG. The connection hole 12 is formed on the longitudinal direction side of the substrate 6 with respect to the through hole 11 . In this embodiment, the connection holes 12 are circularly open on the front and back surfaces of the substrate 6 .

The holder member 7 is a member made of resin. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the holder member 7 has an accommodating portion 15 and a connector portion 16 protruding from the accommodating portion 15 in the X direction, which is a predetermined direction. The housing portion 15 is formed with a housing recess 17 recessed in the X direction on the side opposite to the surface to which the connector portion 16 is coupled. The accommodation recess 17 is defined by an accommodation recess bottom wall 18 perpendicular to the X direction and accommodation recess sidewalls 19 provided around the accommodation recess bottom wall 18 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the housing recess bottom wall 18 is substantially rectangular. Hereinafter, the direction along the long sides of the housing recess bottom wall 18 will be referred to as the Y direction, and the direction along the short sides will be referred to as the Z direction. The housing recess side wall 19 includes a pair of housing recess lateral walls 20 that are connected to the short sides of the housing recess bottom wall 18 and face each other.

As shown in FIG. 11, the connector portion 16 is formed with an insertion recess 22 recessed in the Y direction. A locking recess 23 recessed in the X direction is formed in the housing recess bottom wall 18 . The locking recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 partially overlap in the X direction and the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. An opening 24 is formed in a portion where the locking recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 overlap. The locking recess 23 and the insertion recess 22 are connected to each other through the opening 24 . A locking recess bottom wall 25, which is the bottom wall of the locking recess 23, is positioned substantially at the center of the insertion recess 22 in the X direction. An insertion recess bottom wall 26, which is the bottom wall of the insertion recess 22, is positioned substantially in the center of the locking recess 23 in the Y direction. The locking recess bottom wall 25 and the insertion recess bottom wall 26 are connected to each other.

Side walls defining the insertion recess 22 include a first insertion recess lateral wall 27 and a second insertion recess lateral wall 28 facing each other, and a pair of insertion recess vertical walls 29 facing each other. The first insertion recess lateral wall 27 and the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 face the X direction. The first insertion recess lateral wall 27 is located closer to the locking recess 23 than the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 is. As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical walls 29 of the insertion recess each face the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the side walls defining the locking recess 23 include locking recess vertical walls 30 that are perpendicular to the Y direction and face the opening side of the insertion recess 22 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the substrate 6 is housed in the housing recess 17 so that the main surface faces the X direction. The back surface of the substrate 6 is in contact with the bottom wall 18 of the housing recess. As shown in FIG. 6, a holding member 8 is arranged on the front side of the substrate 6 . The holding member 8 is a flexible member made of resin. As shown in FIG. 9 , the holding member 8 has a substantially rectangular outer frame 35 and a plurality of longitudinal beams 36 provided between the outer frames 35 . The outer frame 35 is formed in substantially the same shape as the edge of the substrate 6 .

The holding member 8 has a portion (long side) extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35 on the long side of the substrate 6 and a portion (short side) extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35 on the short side of the substrate 6 . are arranged along. The longitudinal beams 36 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 35 . The longitudinal beams 36 respectively connect the longitudinally extending portions of the outer frame 35 . In this embodiment, the holding member 8 is provided with three longitudinal beams 36 . The holding member 8 is in contact with the substrate 6 on the surfaces (rear surfaces) of the outer frame 35 and the longitudinal beams 36 facing the substrate 6 .

As shown in FIG. 6, each side wall 20 of the housing recess is provided with a locking projection 37 projecting inwardly of the housing recess 17 . Each housing recess lateral wall 20 is provided with two locking projections 37 in pairs. The paired locking projections 37 are formed in parallel with the housing recess bottom wall 18 in each housing recess lateral wall 20 . The locking projection 37 contacts the surface of the short side of the outer frame 35 and restricts the movement of the holding member 8 toward the opening of the housing recess 17 . As a result, the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the housing recess bottom wall 18 and the holding member 8 . The interval between the locking projections 37 facing each other in the Y direction is shorter than the long side of the outer frame 35 and longer than the long side of the substrate 6 .

The holding member 8 includes a horizontal beam 38 connecting approximately the centers of the vertical beams 36 . In this embodiment, a transverse beam 38 connects all three longitudinal beams 36 . The vertical beams 36 and the horizontal beams 38 pass between the light emitting elements 5 arranged in a grid. In the holding member 8 , a light passage hole 39 penetrating in the X direction is formed at a position corresponding to the light emitting element 5 by the outer frame 35 , vertical beams 36 and horizontal beams 38 . As shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal beam 38 is provided with a locking projection 40 projecting in the X direction from the rear surface.

The locking projection 40 passes through the through hole 11 and projects into the locking recess 23 to be fitted. Since the locking projection 40 passes through the through hole 11 , the movement of the locking projection 40 with respect to the holding member 8 of the substrate 6 in the direction perpendicular to the projecting direction is restricted. Since the locking projection 40 is fitted in the locking recess 23 , movement of the holding member relative to the holder member 7 in the directions (X direction and Y direction) along the housing recess bottom wall 18 is restricted.

The locking protrusion 40 is defined by a locking protrusion tip wall 41 facing in the X direction and a locking protrusion side wall 42 coupled to the periphery of the locking protrusion tip wall 41 . A first projecting end surface 43 and a second projecting end surface 44 are formed on the locking projection projecting end wall 41 at different levels and face substantially in the X direction, and a connecting surface 45 connecting the first projecting end surface 43 and the second projecting end surface 44 . is provided. The first protruding end surface 43 is positioned closer to the proximal end of the locking protrusion 40 than the second protruding end surface 44 is. The first protruding end surface 43 forms a surface facing the locking recess bottom wall 25 , and the second protruding end surface 44 is provided at a position facing the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 through the opening 24 . The connection surface 45 faces the opening side of the insertion recess 22 in the Y direction and is continuous with the wall surface of the insertion recess bottom wall 26 . The locking protrusion 40 is in contact with the locking recess bottom wall 25 at the first projecting end surface 43 . The locking protrusion side wall 42 includes a locking protrusion vertical wall 46 facing the locking recess vertical wall 30 .

A plurality of metal connection terminals 47 formed in the shape of leaf springs are coupled to the substrate 6 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, two connection terminals 47 are coupled to the substrate 6 in this embodiment. The connection terminal 47 is coupled to the substrate 6 on the base end side.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the connection terminal 47 includes, in order from the base end side, a base end portion 47A, an intermediate portion 47B, and a tip portion 47C. The base end portion 47A is branched into two on the base end side, each inserted into the connection hole 12 and soldered to the land 13 . 47 A of base ends are extended toward the through-hole 11 from the connection hole 12. As shown in FIG. The base end portion 47A is bent in the X direction on the tip end side, extends into the through hole 11, and is connected to the intermediate portion 47B. The intermediate portion 47B reaches the back side of the substrate 6 along the through-hole 11, passes between the locking projection vertical wall 46 and the locking recess vertical wall 30, and reaches the locking recess bottom wall 25. . The intermediate portion 47B is bent at the locking recess bottom wall 25 and connected to the tip portion 47C. The tip portion 47C extends in the Y direction along the locking recess bottom wall 25 (see FIG. 10). A plurality of grooves 48 extending in the direction (Y direction) toward the opening of the insertion recess 22 from the locking recess vertical wall 30 are formed in the locking recess bottom wall 25 . In this embodiment, two grooves 48 are formed in the locking recess bottom wall 25 . The projecting end 47C is received in the groove 48 on the intermediate portion 47B side, and as shown in FIGS. is sandwiched between

As shown in FIG. 8, a constricted portion 49 whose width is narrowed in the Z direction is formed approximately in the middle of the groove 48 in the Y direction. The tip portion 47</b>C is narrowed in width in the Z direction at a position corresponding to the constricted portion 49 . When the connection terminal 47 moves along the Y direction, the tip portion 47C comes into contact with the wall surface defining the constricted portion 49. As shown in FIG. The constricted portion 49 restricts movement of the connection terminal 47 in the Y direction.

The tip 47C extends in the Y direction through the groove 48 and protrudes toward the opening of the insertion recess 22. As shown in FIG. The protruding end portion 47</b>C protrudes substantially perpendicularly to the insertion recess bottom wall 26 and reaches between the second protruding end surface 44 and the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 . Since the second projecting end surface 44 is located closer to the proximal side than the first projecting end surface 43 , the second projecting end surface 44 is separated from the engaging recess bottom wall 25 in the X direction. Therefore, a gap is formed between the second tip surface 44 and the connection terminal 47 , and the tip of the tip portion 47</b>C protrudes from between the continuous connection surface 45 and the wall surface of the insertion recess bottom wall 26 . The second tip surface 44 slopes away from the second insertion recess lateral wall 28 toward the opening of the insertion recess 22 .

A protrusion 51 extending in the Y direction and a locking hole 53 penetrating in the X direction are formed in the second insertion recess side wall 28 .

An inclined surface 55 that connects to the opening of the connector insertion recess 22 is formed on the outer surface of the housing portion 15 at a portion that is continuous with the opening of the connector insertion recess 22 . The inclined surface 55 is inclined toward the axis of the connector insertion recess 22 as it approaches the connector insertion recess 22 along the Y direction.

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

The connector insertion hole 80 is defined by the second tip surface 44 , the connection surface 45 and the insertion recess 22 . When the connector 60 is inserted into the connector insertion hole 80 , the front end of the connector 60 abuts against the inclined surface 55 , moves along the inclined surface 55 , and is guided into the insertion recess 22 . As the connector 60 is further inserted, the front end of the connector 60 contacts the second tip surface 44 and moves along the second tip surface 44 . Thereby, the connector 60 is guided to a proper position where the connection terminal 47 is inserted into the terminal receiving hole 61 . The ridges 51 are engaged with the guide grooves 63, and the connector 60 is guided to the proper position. The connector 60 is connected to the courtesy lamp 4 by engaging the locking claw 67 with the locking hole 53 . At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the connector 60 is sandwiched between the second protruding end surface 44 and the lateral wall 28 of the second insertion recess. Also, the connector 60 is connected to the board 6 via the connection terminal 47 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plurality of locking claws 70 are provided on the outer surface of the housing portion 15 along the opening edge of the housing recess 17 . As shown in FIG. 4, the cover member 9 is plate-shaped and made of translucent resin. An engagement hole 71 is formed in the edge of the cover member 9 . The cover member 9 is coupled to the opening of the accommodation recess 17 by engaging the locking claw 70 with the engagement hole 71 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the opening of the accommodation recess 17 is closed by the cover member 9 . A housing chamber 90 for housing the substrate 6 and the holding member 8 is defined by the housing recess 17 and the cover member 9 .

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a plurality of projections 73 projecting in the opening direction are provided on the opening edge of the housing recess 17 . As shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 9 abuts on the protrusion 73, and a gap is formed between the cover member 9 and the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17. As shown in FIG. Heat generated from the light emitting element 5 can be released to the outside of the housing recess 17 through the gap.

The cover member 9 is made of transparent resin, and has a cover side wall 74 and a cover lower wall 75 connected substantially vertically to the cover side wall 74, as shown in FIGS. The cover side wall 74 has a substantially rectangular shape. The cover lower wall 75 has a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the door trim 3 , the cover side wall 74 is arranged so as to be continuous with the side surface of the door trim 3 . The cover lower wall 75 is arranged so as to be continuous with the lower surface of the door trim 3 . A red transparent colored portion 76 is coupled to the cover side wall 74 .

The courtesy lamp 4 is fixed to the door trim 3 to which it is attached using a predetermined member such as a screw. A connector 60 is connected to the courtesy lamp 4 . The door trim 3 is fixed to the door panel 2 using predetermined bolts. When the vehicle door 1 is closed, the X direction is the obliquely upward direction toward the outside of the vehicle, and the Y direction is the longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle body.

When the vehicle door 1 is opened, the light emitting element 5 emits light. When the light-emitting element 5 emits light, the courtesy lamp 4 lights red on the cover side wall 74 to notify the following vehicle that the vehicle door 1 is open. When the light emitting element 5 emits light, the courtesy lamp 4 lights up in white on the lower wall 75 of the cover and illuminates the feet of the occupant who is going up and down.

Next, the effects of the courtesy lamp 4 configured in this manner will be described. The light emitting element 5 is coupled to the substrate 6, and the substrate 6 is held between the holding member 8 and the bottom wall 18 of the housing recess. Therefore, rattling of the light emitting element 5 is prevented.

Moreover, the holding member 8 and the substrate 6 are covered with the cover member 9 . Further, the holding member 8 and the substrate 6 are housed in the housing recess 17 . The opening of the housing recess 17 is closed by the cover member 9 . As a result, even when a load is applied to the courtesy lamp 4, the load is not directly applied to the holding member 8 and the substrate 6, and damage to the holding member 8 and the substrate 6 can be prevented.

Since the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the holding member 8 and the holder member 7, no screws or the like are required for attachment, and the attachment is easy. Further, since the substrate 6 is arranged along the bottom wall 18 of the housing recess, a load that breaks the substrate 6 is less likely to be applied, and damage and movement of the substrate 6 can be prevented.

The light from the light emitting element 5 reaches the opening of the housing recess 17 without being blocked by the holding member 8 due to the light passage hole 39 . In addition, since the holding member 8 is provided with the light passage holes 39, the holding member 8 is lighter than when it is formed in a plate shape. Further, since the horizontal beams 38 connect the vertical beams 36 and are not connected to the outer frame 35, the outer frame 35 is easily bent in the Y direction, and the holding member 8 is easily assembled. Since the long side of the board 6 is shorter than the distance between the locking projections 37 facing each other in the Y direction, the board 6 can be easily passed between the locking projections 37 facing each other in the Y direction. is easy.

Since the connection terminal 47 is sandwiched between the locking recess bottom wall 25 and the first projecting end surface 43 , the connection terminal 47 can be prevented from moving with respect to the holder member 7 . There is no need to fix the connection terminal 47 to the holder member 7 by adhesion or the like, and assembly is easy.

The tip 47C protrudes from the connection surface 45 and the bottom wall 26 of the insertion recess. Therefore, the connection terminal 47 protrudes from substantially the center of the bottom wall of the connector insertion hole 80 . Therefore, the connection terminals 47 can be fitted into the terminal receiving holes 61 of the connector 60 .

<<Second Embodiment>>
In the courtesy lamp 4 according to the second embodiment, the holding member 8 and the holder member 7 have different shapes. As shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15, the outer frame 35 of the holding member 8 has projections 100 projecting outward on each of its longitudinal outer surfaces. Approximately rectangular surfaces facing outward and separated from each other are formed at the projecting ends of the protruding portions 100, respectively. A plurality of first projections 101 projecting outward are formed on each of the tip surfaces of the projecting portion 100 . The first protrusions 101 formed on one of the protrusions 100 are aligned with the first protrusions 101 formed on the other protrusion 100 in the short side direction (Y direction) to form a pair. are doing. In this embodiment, the holding member 8 has two pairs of first protrusions 101 .

Protrusions 100 each extend to the back side as shown in FIG. 15 to form an inwardly facing surface. A rib-shaped second convex portion 102 is formed on each of the surfaces, protruding inward and extending toward the back side, that is, toward the substrate 6 side. As shown in FIG. 12, the second protrusions 102 formed on one protrusion 100 are aligned with the second protrusions 102 formed on the other protrusion 100 in the short side direction (Y direction). and form a pair. In this embodiment, the holding member 8 has three pairs of second protrusions 102 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the back surface of the holding member 8 is recessed in a substantially semicircular shape around the second protrusions 102 .

As shown in FIG. 12, two side walls of the housing recess 19 of the holder member 7 facing in the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as housing recess vertical walls 107) have receiving recesses 110 recessed outward on the inner surfaces thereof. is provided. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the receiving recesses 110 faces toward the inside of the receiving recess 17, and has surfaces 111 to be pressed that face each other, left and right side surfaces 112 that face the Y direction, and X direction (opening direction of the receiving recess 17). and a locking surface 113 (FIG. 13) facing toward.

As shown in FIG. 16, the distance between the two pressed surfaces 111 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the tips of the paired first projections 101 . The first projections 101 are respectively received in the receiving recesses 110 and are elastically deformed to press the pressed surface 111 . Therefore, rattling of the holding member 8 with respect to the holder member 7 is prevented.

In addition, by inserting an elastic member (rubber) or non-woven fabric between the outer surface of the projecting portion 100 and the pressed surface 111 without providing the first projecting portion 101, the holding member 8 is prevented from rattling with respect to the holder member 7. may be configured to prevent

The locking surface 113 is formed in a stepped manner with respect to the housing recess bottom wall 18 in the X direction, and is positioned closer to the opening side of the housing recess 17 (upper side of the drawing) than the housing recess bottom wall 18 . The protruding portion 100 is in contact with the locking surface 113 at the end face on the back side (lower side of the paper surface).

As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of ribs 115 projecting toward the opening are formed on the bottom wall 18 of the housing recess. The ribs 115 include horizontal ribs (two in this embodiment) extending in the Y direction and vertical ribs (three in this embodiment) extending in the Z direction. It is formed so as to align with the direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the tip surface of the rib 115 is located closer to the housing recess bottom wall 18 (lower side of the drawing) than the locking surface 113 in the X direction.

The back surface of the substrate 6 abuts on the protruding end of the rib 115 , and the front surface is positioned closer to the opening of the housing recess 17 than the locking surface 113 . In addition, the second protrusions 102 are in contact with the end surfaces of the substrate 6 in the Z direction. The distance between the facing surfaces of the pair of second protrusions 102 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the substrate 6 in the Z direction. As a result, the second protrusions 102 are elastically deformed to press the end surface of the substrate 6 , and the substrate 6 is sandwiched between the paired second protrusions 102 . Therefore, the substrate 6 is coupled to the holding member 8, and the substrate 6 is prevented from rattling with respect to the holder member 7. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in order to prevent the load applied from the second protrusions 102 from being applied to the LED elements, resistors, etc. mounted on the substrate 6, the LED elements, resistors, etc. is preferably arranged to avoid

As shown in FIG. 12, each side wall 20 of the housing recess is provided with a locking projection 37 . The locking projections 37 each have a pair of claw-like shapes, protrude inward from the housing recess 17 , that is, in the Y direction (the insertion direction of the connector 60 ), and abut on the surface of the holding member 8 . This restricts the movement of the substrate 6 and the holding member 8 in the opening direction of the housing recess 17 . Furthermore, the locking projection 37 is positioned substantially at the center of the two housing recess vertical walls 107 in the Z direction. Therefore, the outer frame 35 is easily bent at the position corresponding to the locking projection 37, and the assembly of the holding member 8 is facilitated.

A cover member 9 is coupled to the holder member 7 as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the cover side wall 74 is in contact with the opening edge of the accommodation recess 17 . This prevents light from leaking from between the cover side wall 74 and the opening edge of the housing recess 17 . Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a protrusion 73 similar to that of the first embodiment is provided at a position corresponding to the cover lower wall 75 on the opening edge of the housing recess 17 . The cover lower wall 75 contacts the projection 73 , and a gap 116 is formed between the cover lower wall 75 and the opening edge of the housing recess 17 . Since the gap 116 can absorb distortion of the holder member 7 and the cover member 9, the holder member 7 and the cover member 9 can be easily combined. The resin forming the cover member 9 preferably contains a diffusion material that scatters light.

As shown in FIG. 12, two extending portions 120 are provided side by side at the opening side edge of the vertical wall (on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 12) of the housing recess vertical wall 107 that is coupled to the cover side wall 74. As shown in FIG. there is Each of the extensions 120 protrudes outward from the edge of the opening of the housing recess 17 . A flange portion 121 is provided at an opening side edge portion of the vertical wall of the accommodation recess portion 107 that is coupled to the cover lower wall 75 . The flange portion 121 has a plate shape and extends outward from the opening of the housing recess 17 . The flange portion 121 has a main surface facing the opening direction of the housing recess 17 , and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) flange recesses 123 recessed toward the bottom of the housing recess 17 are formed on the main surface. Tongue pieces 124 projecting outward are provided on the outer surfaces of the lateral walls 20 of the housing recess.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower edge of the door trim 3 is bent outwardly of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 18, the bent portion is formed with a door trim opening 130 penetrating in a shape corresponding to the cover member 9 . The door trim opening 130 is composed of an upper half portion 130U provided on a wall surface of the door trim 3 facing the vehicle width direction, and a lower half portion 130D provided on a wall surface extending to the outside of the vehicle. An upper edge wall 131 extending to the rear side is provided at the edge defining the upper half 130U. The upper edge wall 131 is formed with two upper edge wall recesses 132 that are recessed toward the front side. Further, the upper edge wall 131 is provided with a pair of latching plates 133 extending in a plate shape on the back side. A claw portion 134 that protrudes toward the inside of the door trim opening portion 130 is provided at the extending end of the latching plate 133 . An edge defining the lower half 130D is provided with a lower edge wall 135 extending upwardly. The lower edge wall 135 is provided with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of edge wall protrusions 136 protruding upward.

As shown in FIG. 19, the courtesy lamp 4 is attached to the door trim 3. As shown in FIG. At the time of installation, the extending portions 120 are inserted into the door trim opening portion 130 from the front side, and the extending portions 120 are respectively hooked on the upper edge wall recess portions 132 . After that, the courtesy lamp 4 is rotated around the extending portion 120 to push the flange portion 121 to the back side. When the flange portion 121 is pushed in, the edge wall projections 136 are each elastically deformed to pass through the wall defining the flange recess 123 and fit into the flange recess 123 . The courtesy lamp 4 is thereby assembled to the door trim 3 . By rotating the courtesy lamp 4 around the extension 120 in this manner, the courtesy lamp 4 can be easily arranged at an appropriate position and assembled to the door trim 3 .

When the courtesy lamp 4 is assembled to the door trim 3, the latching plates 133 are in contact with the side surfaces of the courtesy lamp 4, and the claw portions 134 are in contact with the tongue portion 124 from the rear side. This restricts the movement of the courtesy lamp 4 along the door trim 3 and to the back side of the door trim 3 . Further, since the edge wall projection 136 is fitted into the flange recess 123 , movement of the lower portion of the courtesy lamp 4 toward the front side, the back side, and along the door trim 3 is restricted. Further, since the extending portion 120 is in contact with the rear surface of the door trim 3 , movement of the upper portion of the courtesy lamp 4 toward the front side of the door trim 3 is restricted. The courtesy lamp 4 is thereby fixed to the door trim 3 .

Although the specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be widely modified. In the present embodiment, the cover member 9 closes the opening of the accommodation recess 17 and covers all of the holding member 8 and the substrate 6, but it is not limited to this aspect. For example, at least a portion of the holding member 8 and at least a portion of the substrate 6 may be covered with the cover member 9. In this case also, the cover member 9 partially covers the holding member 8. , the holding member 8 can be protected against the load from the outside, so that the holding member 8 can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, since the cover member 9 partially covers the substrate 6 and protects the substrate 6 from external loads, the substrate 6 can be prevented from being damaged.

Although the lamp unit is applied to the courtesy lamp 4 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the lamp unit may be applied to various types of vehicle lights such as headlights, turn signals, fog lights, tail lights, brake lights, backlights, license plate lights, room lamps, and the like. The lamp unit may also be applied to bicycle lights, flashlights and the like.

The locking protrusion 37 may be formed at a position aligned with the second protrusion 102 in the Z direction. With this configuration, the locking projection 37 abuts on the end portion of the outer frame 35 that is difficult to deform, so that the board 6 and the holding member 8 are more difficult to fall out of the housing recess 17 .

Further, when the flange portion 121 is pushed to the back side of the door trim 3, the locking plate 133 is bent outward from the door trim opening 130, and after the connection, the locking plate 133 is pressed against the tongue portion 124. good too. The courtesy lamp 4 may be coupled to the door trim 3 by hooking the claw portion 134 to the edge of the cover member 9 .

Alternatively, the holder member 7 may be integrally formed with the door trim 3 and the cover member 9 may be detachable from the door trim 3 .

3: Door trim (to be installed)
4: courtesy lamp (lamp unit)
5 : Light emitting element 6 : Substrate 7 : Holder member 8 : Holding member 9 : Cover member 11 : Through hole 17 : Housing recess 18 : Housing recess bottom wall (recess bottom wall)
19: accommodation concave side wall (concave side wall)
22: Insertion recess (connector insertion recess)
23: locking recess 35: outer frame 36: longitudinal beam 37: locking projection (engagement portion)
38 : Horizontal beam 39 : Light passage hole 40 : Locking projection 43 : First projecting end surface 44 : Second projecting end surface 47 : Connection terminal 48 : Groove 55 : Inclined surface 60 : Connector 80 : Connector insertion hole 90 : Housing chamber 101 : First convex portion 102 : Second convex portion

Claims (6)

a holder member configured to be attached to an attachment target;
a substrate having a light emitting element on its main surface;
a holding member for engaging the holder member and holding the substrate against the holder member to hold the substrate at a predetermined position on the holder member;
a cover member at least partially translucent and attached to the holder member to cooperate with the holder member to define a receiving chamber for receiving the substrate and the holding member;
the holder member includes a housing recess that houses the substrate and the holding member;
The holder member is provided with a connector insertion hole into which a connector electrically connected to the substrate is to be inserted,
The lamp unit, wherein the connector insertion hole opens in the extending direction of the bottom wall defining the bottom of the housing recess on the outer surface of the holder member. The holder member includes a housing portion having the housing recess and a protruding portion protruding from the outer surface of the housing portion,
2. The lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein said connector insertion hole is open at said projecting portion. 3. The lamp unit according to claim 2, wherein said connector insertion hole opens at said projecting portion and extends in said extending direction. A locking portion is provided on a side surface of the connector,
4. The lamp unit according to claim 2, wherein the projecting portion is formed with a locking hole that engages with the locking portion near the opening of the connector insertion hole. An outer surface of the holder member is provided with an inclined surface in the vicinity of the opening edge of the connector insertion hole so as to be inclined along the insertion direction of the connector so as to be close to the opening edge. 4. The lamp unit according to any one of items 3. 6. The lamp unit according to claim 5, wherein the inclined surface is provided on the bottom wall.

Images