Patent Description:
Light source modules provided with: a circuit board on which a semiconductor light emitting element is mounted and which is placed on a placement base of a light source holding member; and a power supply attachment that supplies electric power to the semiconductor light emitting element. The power supply attachment is attached to the light source holding member such that at least a part of the circuit board is pressed against the placement base (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>).

In an assembly process, a circuit board may be placed somewhat off a specified location by mistake. If the displacement from the specified location is not that large, it may be possible to assemble a power supply attachment on the misplaced circuit board. In that case, the circuit board and the power supply attachment may interfere, causing undesired deformation in one or both of them. For example, a power supply terminal of the power supply attachment may be deformed.

In this background, a purpose of the present invention is to provide a power supply attachment useful for accurate assembly and an automotive lamp provided with the power supply attachment.

A power supply attachment as described in this patent application is a power supply attachment for providing electrical connection to a light source and fixing the light source to a light source placement portion on a placement member, comprising: an attachment main unit that is provided with an attachment bottom surface that comes into contact with the placement member, and has an attachment opening for receiving the light source placement portion; a power supply terminal that extends from the attachment main unit to the attachment opening; and a first rib that extends from the attachment main unit to the attachment opening. The first rib is provided with a first rib bottom surface that becomes closer to the attachment bottom surface than the power supply terminal.

According to the present invention the automotive lamp according to the preamble of claim <NUM> incorporates the features of the characterizing part of claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, a power supply attachment useful for accurate assembly and an automotive lamp provided with the power supply attachment can be provided.

A description will be given of the present invention with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments do not limit the invention and are shown for illustrative purposes, and all the features described in the embodiments and combinations thereof are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent constituting elements, members, and processes illustrated in each drawing shall be denoted by the same or equivalent reference numerals, and duplicative explanations will be omitted appropriately. Further, the scales and shapes of parts shown in each drawing are set for the sake of convenience in order to facilitate the explanation and are not to be interpreted in a limited manner unless otherwise mentioned.

<FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of an automotive lamp according to a first embodiment in which a lamp unit is mounted. An automotive lamp <NUM> explained in the present embodiment is an automotive headlamp apparatus that has a pair of headlamp units disposed on the left and right of the front of a vehicle. Since the pair of head lamp units have substantially the same structure, <FIG> shows, as the automotive lamp <NUM>, the structure of a headlamp unit that is disposed on either the left or the right.

As shown in <FIG>, the automotive lamp <NUM> is provided with a lamp body <NUM> having an opening toward the front side of the vehicle and a light-transmitting cover <NUM> attached to cover the opening of the lamp body <NUM>. The light-transmitting cover <NUM> is formed of a resin, glass, or the like that transmits light. A lamp unit <NUM> is housed in a lamp chamber <NUM> formed of the lamp body <NUM> and the light-transmitting cover <NUM>.

The lamp unit <NUM> is a so-called projector-type lamp unit and is provided with a bracket part <NUM>, a placement member <NUM>, a light source module (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "light source") <NUM>, a reflector <NUM>, a shade part <NUM>, a projection lens <NUM>, and a power supply attachment <NUM>.

The bracket part <NUM> is, for example, a substantially plate-shaped member formed of a metal material such as aluminum, and the main surface thereof is disposed to face the front/back direction of the lamp. On the main surface of the bracket part <NUM> toward the front side of the lamp, the placement member <NUM> is fixed. On the main surface of the bracket part <NUM> toward the back side of the lamp, a heat radiation fin <NUM> is fixed. The bracket part <NUM> has thread holes at predetermined positions on the edge portion. Aiming screws <NUM> extending forward through the lamp body <NUM> are threadably engaged with the thread holes. This allows the bracket part <NUM> to be attached to the lamp body <NUM>. The automotive lamp <NUM> is formed such that an optical axis O of the lamp unit <NUM> can be adjusted horizontally or vertically using the aiming screws <NUM>. The shape of the bracket part <NUM> is not particularly limited to this.

The placement member <NUM> is formed of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, and projects toward the front side of the lamp from the main surface of the bracket part <NUM> facing toward the front side of the lamp. The placement member <NUM> has a light source placement portion 14a facing upward in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O of the lamp unit <NUM>. On the light source placement portion 14a, the light source <NUM> is placed. The placement member <NUM> is fixed to the bracket part <NUM> by a fastening member <NUM> such as a screw that penetrates the bracket part <NUM> from the rear side of the bracket part <NUM> and projects into the placement member <NUM>. The placement member <NUM> may be a member integrally formed with the heat radiation fin <NUM>, and in that case, the member can be referred to as a heat sink.

As will be described in detail later, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided in order to provide electrical connection to the light source <NUM> and to fix the light source <NUM> to the light source placement portion 14a. Electric power is supplied to the light source <NUM> via the power supply attachment <NUM> from a control circuit (not shown) of the light source <NUM>. Further, the power supply attachment <NUM> is attached to the placement member <NUM>, and the light source <NUM> is sandwiched between the power supply attachment <NUM> and the light source placement portion 14a.

The light source <NUM> is disposed such that a light emitting surface thereof faces substantially upward in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. The light source <NUM> is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The light source used for the lamp unit <NUM> may be an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, or the like. The heat generated from the light source <NUM> is transmitted to the heat radiation fin <NUM> via the placement member <NUM> and the bracket part <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> has a substantially dome shape and is disposed above the light source <NUM> and fixed to the placement member <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> has a reflecting surface 18a formed with a free-form surface based on a spheroidal surface in the inside of the reflector <NUM>. This reflecting surface 18a has a first focal point and a second focal point located more toward the front side of the lamp than the first focal point. In the reflector <NUM>, the positional relationship with the light source <NUM> is determined such that a light emitting unit of the light source <NUM> substantially coincides with the first focal point of the reflecting surface 18a.

On the side of the placement member <NUM> facing toward the front of the lamp, the shade part <NUM> is provided. The shade part <NUM> is fixed to the placement member <NUM> by a fastening member such as a screw. The shade part <NUM> is a plate-shaped resin member and has a flat portion 20a disposed substantially horizontally and a curved portion 20b curving downward at a position more toward the front of the lamp than the flat portion 20a so as not to block source light entering the projection lens <NUM>. In the reflector <NUM>, the positional relationship with the shade part <NUM> is determined such that an edge line 20c formed by the flat portion 20a and the curved portion 20b of the shade part <NUM> is located near the second focal point of the reflecting surface 18a.

The shade part <NUM> can also function as a lens holder. A fixing portion (not shown) of the projection lens <NUM> may be fixed to the distal end of the curved portion 20b of the shade part <NUM>. The front side surface of the projection lens <NUM> is a convex surface and is a light transmitting member that projects light from the light source <NUM> mounted on the placement member <NUM> toward the front of the lamp. The projection lens <NUM> projects, as an inverted image, a light source image formed on a rear focal plane including a rear focal point of the projection lens <NUM> onto a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp. The projection lens <NUM> is disposed on the optical axis O of the lamp unit <NUM> and at a position where the rear focal point substantially coincides with the second focal point of the reflecting surface 18a of the reflector <NUM>.

Light emitted from a light emitting element 16a of the light source <NUM> is reflected by the reflecting surface 18a of the reflector <NUM> and enters the projection lens <NUM> through the second focal point of the reflecting surface 18a, that is, the vicinity of the edge line 20c. The light that has entered the projection lens <NUM> is radiated from the projection lens <NUM> toward the front of the lamp as approximately parallel light. Further, a part of the source light is reflected on the flat portion 20a of the shade part <NUM>, and the source light is thereby selectively cut using the edge line 20c as a boundary line. As a result, a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line corresponding to the shape of the edge line 20c is projected toward the front of the vehicle.

<FIG> is a schematic exploded perspective view of the light source <NUM> and the peripheral structure of the light source <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic top view of the light source <NUM> and the peripheral structure of the light source <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The light source <NUM> has a light emitting element 16a and a substrate 16b, which supports the light emitting element 16a. On the substrate 16b, an electrode and wiring for supplying electric power to the light emitting element 16a that is mounted are provided. In the electrode and wiring of the substrate 16b, there are a cathode side pole and an anode side pole. The substrate 16b has a rectangular shape, and the light emitting element 16a is disposed in the center part thereof.

The light source placement portion 14a is a rectangular pedestal corresponding to the shape of the substrate 16b. The light source placement portion 14a is provided with a light source positioning guide 14c comprising one set (eight in the illustrated case) of projections. Two projections are provided upright at each of the four corners of the light source placement portion 14a. One of the two projections comes into contact with the long side of the substrate 16b at the corner portion of the substrate 16b, and the other one comes into contact with the short side of the substrate 16b at the corner portion. In this manner, the light source positioning guide 14c receives the light source <NUM> at the light source placement portion 14a and positions the light source <NUM> at a fixed position.

For ease of understanding, <FIG> shows the light source positioning guide 14c of the placement member <NUM>. In <FIG>, illustration of other parts of the placement member <NUM> is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with an attachment main unit <NUM>, a pair of power supply terminals <NUM>, a pair of first ribs <NUM>, a pair of light source pressing pieces <NUM>, and a pair of second ribs <NUM>. The attachment main unit <NUM>, the first ribs <NUM>, and the second ribs <NUM> are formed of an insulating material such as a resin. The power supply terminals <NUM> and the light source pressing pieces <NUM> are formed of a conductive material such as a metal.

The power supply attachment <NUM> is manufactured, for example, by insert molding of a metal member. In this case, the attachment main unit <NUM>, the first ribs <NUM>, and the second ribs <NUM> are resin portions that are integrally formed. Portions of the metal member exposed outside the resin portions represent the power supply terminals <NUM>. Corresponding to the cathode side pole and the anode side pole of the substrate 16b of the light source <NUM>, a cathode side pole and an anode side pole also exist at the power supply terminals <NUM>. Other portions of the metal member exposed outside the resin portions represent the light source pressing pieces <NUM>.

The attachment main unit <NUM> is provided with an attachment bottom surface 32a, which comes into contact with the placement member <NUM>, and an attachment upper surface 32b, which faces the opposite side (that is, the same side as the light emitting element 16a). The attachment upper surface 32b is located at almost the same height as the light emitting element 16a.

The attachment main unit <NUM> has an attachment opening <NUM> for receiving the light source placement portion 14a. The attachment opening <NUM> penetrates the attachment main unit <NUM> from the attachment upper surface 32b to the attachment bottom surface 32a.

Further, the attachment main unit <NUM> has, in the attachment opening <NUM>, recessed portions 42a for receiving the light source positioning guide 14c. The recessed portions 42a are formed at the four corners of the attachment opening <NUM> in correspondence with the light source positioning guide 14c.

On the attachment bottom surface 32a, a connector portion <NUM> is provided. As shown in <FIG>, a housing portion 14d is formed in the placement member <NUM>, and when the power supply attachment <NUM> is attached to the placement member <NUM>, the connector portion <NUM> is housed in the housing portion 14d. A connector (not shown) for supplying electric power to the light source <NUM> is connected to the connector portion <NUM>.

The power supply terminal <NUM> on the cathode side extends inside the attachment main unit <NUM> and is exposed inside the connector portion <NUM>. The power supply terminal <NUM> on the anode side extends inside the attachment main unit <NUM> and is exposed inside the connector portion <NUM>. The power supply terminal <NUM> on the cathode side and the power supply terminal <NUM> on the anode side are insulated from each other by the resin portion forming the attachment main unit <NUM>. Respective exposed portions of the power supply terminals <NUM> toward the connector portion <NUM> serve as connection terminals for a connector that is installed in the connector portion <NUM>. Therefore, when the connector is connected to the connector portion <NUM>, the power supply attachment <NUM> allows for conduction from the connector portion <NUM> to the light source <NUM> through the power supply terminals <NUM>.

The attachment main unit <NUM> is provided with a first fixing portion <NUM> and a second fixing portion <NUM>, which are fixed to the placement member <NUM>. The first fixing portion <NUM> is located on one side with respect to the attachment opening <NUM>, and the second fixing portion <NUM> is located on the other side with respect to the attachment opening <NUM>. The first fixing portion <NUM> and the second fixing portion <NUM> each form a part of the attachment bottom surface 32a. The upper surface of the first fixing portion <NUM> and the upper surface of the second fixing portion <NUM> are somewhat lower than the attachment upper surface 32b. The connector portion <NUM> is provided in the first fixing portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first fixing portion <NUM> has a first positioning hole 46a and a first fixing screw hole 46b. The second fixing portion <NUM> has a second positioning hole 48a and a second fixing screw hole 48b. Since the first fixing portion <NUM> and the second fixing portion <NUM> are located opposite to each other with respect to the attachment opening <NUM>, the first positioning hole 46a and the second positioning hole 48a are disposed so as to sandwich the light source <NUM>. In the same way, the first fixing screw hole 46b and the second fixing screw hole 48b are disposed so as to sandwich the light source <NUM>.

The first positioning hole 46a and the second positioning hole 48a are respectively engaged with a first positioning pin 14e and a second positioning pin 14f of the placement member <NUM>. Thereby, the power supply attachment <NUM> is positioned on the placement member <NUM>.

The first fixing screw <NUM> and the second fixing screw <NUM> shown in <FIG> are respectively inserted into the first fixing screw hole 46b and the second fixing screw hole 48b. The first fixing screw <NUM> and the second fixing screw <NUM> are attached to a first screw hole <NUM> and a second screw hole <NUM> of the placement member <NUM>, respectively. In this way, the power supply attachment <NUM> is fixed to the placement member <NUM>.

Further, the attachment main unit <NUM> is provided with a pair of extending portions <NUM> extending along the attachment opening <NUM> from the first fixing portion <NUM> to the second fixing portion <NUM>. The extending portions <NUM> form a part of the attachment bottom surface 32a. One extending portion <NUM> is located on one side with respect to the attachment opening <NUM>, and the other extending portion <NUM> is located on the other side with respect to the attachment opening <NUM>. Since the first fixing portion <NUM> is on one short side of the light source placement portion 14a and the second fixing portion <NUM> is on the other short side of the light source placement portion 14a, the pair of extending portions <NUM> extend along the long sides of the light source placement portion 14a.

In this manner, the attachment opening <NUM> is surrounded by the first fixing portion <NUM>, the second fixing portion <NUM>, and the pair of extending portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the power supply terminals <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. Four power supply terminals <NUM> are provided in total, two on each side of the light source <NUM>. Two power supply terminals <NUM> on one side protrude parallel to each other from the first fixing portion <NUM> side toward the center part of the attachment opening <NUM>. The two power supply terminals <NUM> on the opposite side protrude parallel to each other from the second fixing portion <NUM> side toward the center part of the attachment opening <NUM>.

When the power supply attachment <NUM> is attached to the placement member <NUM>, the two power supply terminals <NUM> on the cathode side come into contact with the cathode side pole of the light source <NUM>, and the two power supply terminals <NUM> on the anode side come into contact with the anode side pole of the light source <NUM>. In this way, the power supply attachment <NUM> becomes conductive with the light source <NUM>.

The first ribs <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. One first rib <NUM> is provided on each side of the light source <NUM>. One of the first ribs <NUM> protrudes from the first fixing portion <NUM> side toward the center part of the attachment opening <NUM> in parallel with the power supply terminals <NUM>, and the other first rib <NUM> protrudes from the second fixing portion <NUM> side toward the center part of the attachment opening <NUM> in parallel with the power supply terminals <NUM>. The power supply terminals <NUM> and the first ribs <NUM> are disposed between the two recessed portions 42a adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the attachment opening <NUM> and located on the short side of the light source <NUM>.

The first ribs <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM> between the respective power supply terminals <NUM> and the respective recessed portions 42a. In this way, the first ribs <NUM> are disposed at places other than the recessed portions 42a so as to avoid interference with the light source positioning guide 14c.

Further, the first ribs <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM> along the respective power supply terminals <NUM>. In this manner, the first ribs <NUM> are disposed near the respective power supply terminals <NUM>. Therefore, the first ribs <NUM> can effectively prevent interference of a misarranged light source <NUM> to the power supply terminals <NUM>.

The projecting length of the first ribs <NUM> is shorter than the projecting length of the power supply terminals <NUM>. Although the power supply terminals <NUM> extends beyond the edge of the light source <NUM> from the outside of the light source <NUM> in order to achieve conduction, the first ribs <NUM> do not reach the light source <NUM>. When the light source <NUM> is properly placed on the light source placement portion 14a, a slight clearance is formed between a first rib distal end surface 36a and the substrate 16b.

The light source pressing pieces <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. A total of four light source pressing pieces <NUM> are provided, two on each side of the light source <NUM>. The two light source pressing pieces <NUM> project in parallel with each other from one extending portion <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. These two light source pressing pieces <NUM> are disposed between two recessed portions 42a located on the long side of the light source <NUM>.

When the power supply attachment <NUM> is attached to the placement member <NUM>, the light source <NUM> is pressed against the light source placement portion 14a by the light source pressing pieces <NUM>, and floating of the light source <NUM> is suppressed. As described above, the light source pressing pieces <NUM> are formed of a metal and functions as flat springs for pressing the light source <NUM>.

The second ribs <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. One second rib <NUM> is provided on each side of the light source <NUM>. Each of the second ribs <NUM> is disposed between two light source pressing pieces <NUM> and protrudes into the attachment opening <NUM> in parallel with the light source pressing pieces <NUM>. In the same way as in the first ribs <NUM>, the second ribs <NUM> are also disposed at places other than the recessed portions 42a so as to avoid interference with the light source positioning guide 14c.

Further, the second ribs <NUM> extend from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM> along the respective light source pressing pieces <NUM>. Since the second ribs <NUM> are disposed near the light source pressing pieces <NUM>, the second ribs <NUM> can effectively suppress interference of a misarranged light source <NUM> to the light source pressing pieces <NUM>.

The projecting length of the second ribs <NUM> is shorter than the projecting length of the light source pressing pieces <NUM>. Although the light source pressing pieces <NUM> extend beyond the edge of the light source <NUM> in order to press the light source <NUM>, the second ribs <NUM> do not reach the light source <NUM>. When the light source <NUM> is properly placed on the light source placement portion 14a, a slight clearance is formed between a second rib distal end surface 40a and the substrate 16b.

In this manner, the attachment opening <NUM> is provided with the power supply terminals <NUM> and the light source pressing pieces <NUM> such that the power supply terminals <NUM> and the light source pressing pieces <NUM> surround the light source <NUM>. Further, the first ribs <NUM> and the second ribs <NUM> are provided so as to fill in spaces excluding the power supply terminals <NUM>, the light source pressing pieces <NUM>, and the recessed portions 42a between the attachment opening <NUM> and the light source <NUM>. The first ribs <NUM> and the second ribs <NUM> are disposed so as to respectively correspond to the four sides of the substrate 16b of the light source <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view sectioned along line A-A of the power supply attachment <NUM> shown in <FIG> schematically shows a power supply terminal <NUM>, a first rib <NUM>, and the periphery thereof. As described above, the power supply terminal <NUM> and the first rib <NUM> protrude from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. The power supply terminal <NUM> is gently curved convexly toward the attachment upper surface 32b side so as to secure an appropriate flexural contact load when coming into contact with the light source <NUM>. The distal end of the power supply terminal <NUM> is directed obliquely upward.

In addition to the first rib distal end surface 36a, the first rib <NUM> includes a first rib bottom surface 36b and a first rib upper surface 36d. The first rib bottom surface 36b becomes closer to the attachment bottom surface 32a than the power supply terminal <NUM>. The first rib upper surface 36d is flush with the attachment upper surface 32b. The power supply terminal <NUM> is located between the first rib upper surface 36d and the first rib bottom surface 36b.

The first rib bottom surface 36b is provided with a first rib distal end inclined surface 36c. The first rib distal end inclined surface 36c is inclined so as to connect the first rib bottom surface 36b to the first rib distal end surface 36a. In the illustrated case, the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c is a flat inclined surface. However, the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c is not limited thereto and may be a curved surface. The first rib distal end surface 36a connects the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c to the first rib upper surface 36d and is perpendicular to the first rib upper surface 36d.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view sectioned along line B-B of the power supply attachment <NUM> shown in <FIG> schematically shows a light source pressing piece <NUM>, a second rib <NUM>, and the periphery thereof. As described above, the light source pressing piece <NUM> and the second rib <NUM> protrude from the attachment main unit <NUM> to the attachment opening <NUM>. The light source pressing piece <NUM> extends in a straight line, and the distal end thereof is directed obliquely upward.

In addition to the second rib distal end surface 40a, the second rib <NUM> is provided with a second rib bottom surface 40b and a second rib upper surface 40d. The second rib bottom surface 40b becomes closer to the attachment bottom surface 32a than the light source pressing piece <NUM>. The second rib upper surface 40d also becomes closer to the attachment bottom surface 32a compared to the light source pressing piece <NUM>. That is, the light source pressing piece <NUM> is located between the second rib <NUM> and the attachment upper surface 32b.

The second rib bottom surface 40b is provided with a second rib distal end inclined surface 40c. The second rib distal end inclined surface 40c is inclined so as to connect the second rib bottom surface 40b to the second rib distal end surface 40a. In the illustrated case, the second rib distal end inclined surface 40c is a flat inclined surface. However, the second rib distal end inclined surface 40c is not limited thereto and may be a curved surface. The second rib distal end surface 40a connects the second rib distal end inclined surface 40c to the second rib upper surface 40d and is perpendicular to the second rib upper surface 40d.

In the assembly process, it is desired that the light source <NUM> be accurately placed on the light source placement portion 14a. However, the light source <NUM> can be erroneously placed in an incorrect place. <FIG> exemplifies misarrangement of the light source <NUM> on the light source placement portion 14a. Correctly, as indicated by a broken line, the light source <NUM> should be surrounded by the light source positioning guide 14c and placed on the light source placement portion 14a. However, as illustrated, the light source <NUM> possibly becomes slightly off the correct location and sit on some light source positioning guides 14c.

If a conventional type (i.e., no rib) attachment <NUM> is assembled to the light source <NUM> misarranged as described, the attachment <NUM> interferes with the light source <NUM>, and the attachment <NUM> can be deformed. For example, metal parts such as power supply terminals <NUM> and pressing pieces are easily deformed. There is a possibility that the attachment <NUM> may be incorrectly assembled while being in such a deformed state.

On the other hand, the power supply attachment <NUM> according to the first embodiment is provided with the first ribs <NUM>, and the first rib bottom surfaces 36b become closer to the attachment bottom surface 32a than the respective power supply terminals <NUM>. Therefore, even when the light source <NUM> is located in a wrong place, when the power supply attachment <NUM> is attached to the placement member <NUM>, the first rib bottom surface 36b first hits the light source <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

If the positional displacement of the light source <NUM> from the light source placement portion 14a is large, the light source <NUM> is sandwiched between the light source positioning guide 14c and the first rib <NUM>, and the power supply attachment <NUM> is lifted from the placement member <NUM>. Therefore, the power supply attachment <NUM> cannot be directly assembled to the misarranged light source <NUM>. This prevents erroneous assembly of the power supply attachment <NUM>.

If the positional displacement of the light source <NUM> from the light source placement portion 14a is small, the first rib <NUM> can push out the light source <NUM> sitting on the light source positioning guide 14c to the correct place (that is, the light source placement portion 14a). In this manner, the first rib <NUM> can also play a role of assisting the positioning of the light source <NUM>.

When the substrate 16b of the light source <NUM> bumps into the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c, the force acting on the substrate 16b from the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c has a lateral direction component determined according to the angle of the inclined surface. The term "lateral direction" refers to a direction parallel to the surface of the light source placement portion 14a. Since a lateral direction force acts on the substrate 16b from the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c, the light source <NUM> sitting on the light source positioning guide 14c is easily pushed out in the lateral direction. Therefore, the first rib distal end inclined surface 36c is effective for assisting the positioning of the light source <NUM>.

Just like the first ribs <NUM>, the second ribs <NUM> also serve to prevent erroneous assembly of the power supply attachment <NUM>. Further, the second rib distal end inclined surface 40c can assist in positioning the light source <NUM> to the light source placement portion 14a.

The power supply attachment <NUM> according to the first embodiment further has some advantageous features useful for accurate assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, the distance D1 between the first positioning hole 46a and the second positioning hole 48a is different from the distance D2 between the first fixing screw hole 46b and the second fixing screw hole 48b. In the case of <FIG>, the distance D1 is shorter than the distance D2. Conversely, the distance D2 may be shorter than the distance D1. The distances D1 and D2 are the distances between the respective centers of the holes. Such a difference in distance helps prevent confusion between the positioning holes and the fixing screw holes in the assembly process. Only when the first positioning pin 14e and the second positioning pin 14f are properly fitted into the first positioning hole 46a and the second positioning hole 48a, respectively, the first fixing screw hole 46b coincides with the first screw hole <NUM> of the placement member <NUM>, and the second fixing screw hole 48b coincides with the second screw hole <NUM> of the placement member <NUM>. For example, if the first positioning pin 14e is mistakenly inserted into the first fixing screw hole 46b, the screw holes do not coincide with each other, and the power supply attachment <NUM> cannot be attached to the placement member <NUM>.

Further, as described above, the extending portions <NUM> form a part of the attachment bottom surface 32a, and the four sides of the light source placement portion 14a are surrounded by the attachment bottom surface 32a. In this manner, the attachment main unit <NUM> is formed to be thick. Due to this thickness, even when the power supply attachment <NUM> is assembled at an incorrect position, screwing cannot be performed.

When the light source <NUM> is placed on the light source placement portion 14a, the distal end of the light source positioning guide 14c may be higher than the height of the substrate 16b. In this way, it is difficult for the light source <NUM> to sit on the light source positioning guide 14c.

The structure of the power supply attachment <NUM> and the arrangement of the power supply terminals <NUM>, the first ribs <NUM>, and the like are not limited to the above-described specific examples in the first embodiment, and various modifications may be adopted. Several embodiments are exemplified below.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a power supply attachment <NUM> according to a second embodiment. As shown, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with a connector portion <NUM>. The connector portion <NUM> is provided on an attachment upper surface 132b. In this way, there is no need to provide a notch portion for housing the connector portion <NUM> in the placement member (for example, a heat sink). This contributes to the miniaturization of the heat sink and the improvement of the heat dissipation thereof. Further, since the connector portion <NUM> is on the attachment upper surface 132b, workability for connector connection is improved.

In the same way as in the first embodiment, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with first ribs <NUM> and second ribs <NUM>. Two power supply terminals <NUM> are provided on each side of the power supply attachment <NUM>. The power supply terminals <NUM> are disposed between two first ribs <NUM>. Further, light source pressing pieces <NUM> are provided, one on each side of the power supply attachment <NUM>. The light source pressing pieces <NUM> extend in a direction perpendicular to the power supply terminal <NUM>. Each light source pressing piece <NUM> is disposed between two second ribs <NUM>.

Unlike the first embodiment, the power supply attachment <NUM> does not have a recessed portion for a light source positioning guide. Further, the number of the light source pressing pieces <NUM> is small. In this way, the power supply attachment <NUM> is also downsized.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a power supply attachment <NUM> according to a third embodiment. In the same manner as in the second embodiment, a connector portion <NUM> is provided on an attachment upper surface 232b.

Further, power supply terminals <NUM> have a power supply terminal distal end 234a and a power supply terminal base portion 234b. The power supply terminals <NUM> are disposed adjacent to respective light source pressing pieces <NUM> in the circumferential direction of an attachment opening <NUM>. An intermediate line <NUM>, which bisects the attachment opening <NUM> through an optical axis O' of the light source, is taken into consideration. The intermediate line <NUM> passes through the midpoint between the two light source pressing pieces <NUM>. At this time, the power supply terminal distal end 234a is located on one side with respect to the intermediate line <NUM>, and the power supply terminal base portion 234b is located on the other side with respect to the intermediate line <NUM>. The power supply terminals <NUM> extend beyond the intermediate line <NUM> from the respective power supply terminal base portions 234b to the respective power supply terminal distal ends 234a. This allows the power supply terminals <NUM>, which are formed in an elongated form so as to provide desired deflection characteristics, to be housed in the attachment opening <NUM> having a small area. Therefore, the compact power supply attachment <NUM> can be provided.

Similarly, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with first ribs <NUM> and second ribs <NUM>. The first ribs <NUM> are adjacent to the respective power supply terminals <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the attachment opening <NUM>, and the second ribs <NUM> are adjacent to the respective light source pressing pieces <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the attachment opening <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> are located on the same long side as the power supply terminals <NUM> and the light source pressing pieces <NUM>. Unlike the second ribs <NUM>, the first ribs <NUM> are located on the short side of the attachment opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a power supply attachment <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment. In the same manner as in the second embodiment, a connector portion <NUM> is provided on an attachment upper surface 332b. In the same manner as in the above embodiments, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with first ribs <NUM> and second ribs <NUM>.

Power supply terminals <NUM> are provided with a power supply terminal distal end 334a located on one side with respect to an intermediate line <NUM>, which bisects an attachment opening <NUM> through an optical axis O' of the light source, and a power supply terminal base portion 334b located on the other side with respect to the intermediate line <NUM>. The intermediate line <NUM> passes through the midpoint between the two light source pressing pieces <NUM>. The power supply terminals <NUM> extend beyond the intermediate line <NUM> from the respective power supply terminal base portions 334b to the respective power supply terminal distal ends 334a. Further, the power supply terminals <NUM> are provided with a bent portion 334c between the power supply terminal base portion 334b and the power supply terminal distal end 334a. The power supply terminals <NUM> are bent by <NUM> degrees at the respective bent portions 334c. This also allows for both the ensuring of the deflection characteristics of the power supply terminals <NUM> and the miniaturization of the power supply attachment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a power supply attachment <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment. In the same manner as in the second embodiment, a connector portion <NUM> is provided on an attachment upper surface 432b.

The power supply attachment <NUM> does not have a pressing piece for pressing the light source. This allows the power supply attachment <NUM> to be downsized. In this case, a light source <NUM> may be fixed to a light source placement portion 414a through adhesion. Therefore, no positioning guide is provided on the light source placement portion 414a.

Further, since the power supply attachment <NUM> does not have a first rib or a second rib, further miniaturization is possible. The power supply attachment <NUM> may have a first rib and a second rib as in the same way as in the embodiments described above.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a power supply attachment <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment. In each of the above-stated embodiments, a connector portion is provided on a power supply attachment. However, this is non-limiting. The power supply attachment <NUM> may provide electrical connection to the light source by connectorless connection such as pressure joining that does not use a connector. Thus, the power supply attachment <NUM> is provided with pressure joining terminal portions <NUM> instead of a connector portion. In this way, since there is no connector portion, the power supply attachment <NUM> is downsized. Further, the configuration of the power supply attachment <NUM> is simplified, which is also useful for reducing the cost of the power supply attachment <NUM>.

The connectorless connection is not limited to pressure joining. For example, instead of the pressure joining terminal portions <NUM>, a pressure welding terminal portion or a solder fixing portion (for example, a solder pot or an eyelet) may be provided on the power supply attachment. Alternatively, a connection cord may be formed integrally with the power supply attachment.

In the power supply attachments according to the second embodiment through the fourth embodiment, first ribs and second ribs are provided. However, in these embodiments, first ribs and second ribs are not essential. First ribs and second ribs may be omitted from the respective power supply attachments according to the second embodiment through the fourth embodiment.

<NUM> automotive lamp, <NUM> placement member, 14a light source placement portion, 14c light source positioning guide, <NUM> light source, <NUM> power supply attachment, <NUM> attachment main unit, 32a attachment bottom surface, 32b attachment upper surface, <NUM> power supply terminal, <NUM> first rib, 36b first rib bottom surface, 36c first rib distal end inclined surface, <NUM> light source pressing piece, <NUM> second rib, 40b second rib bottom surface, 42attachment opening, 42a recessed portion, <NUM> connector portion.

Claim 1:
An automotive lamp (<NUM>) comprising:
a light source (<NUM>);
a placement member (<NUM>) that is provided with a light source placement portion (14a) on which the light source (<NUM>) is placed; and
a power supply attachment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) structured to provide electrical connection to the light source (<NUM>) and to fix the light source (<NUM>) to the light source placement portion (14a) on the placement member (<NUM>), the power supply attachment comprising:
an attachment main body (<NUM>) that is provided with an attachment bottom surface (32a) that comes into contact with the placement member (<NUM>), and has an attachment opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving the light source placement portion (14a);
a power supply terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that extends from the attachment main body (<NUM>) to the attachment opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a first rib (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that extends from the attachment main body (<NUM>) to the attachment opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first rib (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is provided with a first rib distal end surface (36a), a first rib upper surface (36b), a first rib bottom surface (36b) that becomes closer to the attachment bottom surface (32a) than the power supply terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized by
a first rib distal end inclined surface (36c) that connects the first rib bottom surface (36b) to the first rib distal end surface (36a), the first rib distal end surface (36a) that connects the first rib distal end inclined surface (36c) to the first rib upper surface (36d) and is perpendicular to the first rib upper surface (36d), the first rib distal end inclined surface (36c) inclined relative to both of the first rib bottom surface (36b) and the first rib distal end surface (36a).