Patent ID: 12253233

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can ensure a required total luminous flux and suppress an increase in the rate of change of the total luminous flux even if the input voltage fluctuates.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. Moreover, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent components, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(Vehicle Lighting Device)

A vehicle lighting device1according to this embodiment may be installed in, for example, an automobile or a railroad vehicle. Examples of the vehicle lighting device1provided in an automobile include those used for front combination lights (for example, appropriate combination of daytime running lamps (DRL), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.), rear combination lights (for example, appropriate combination of stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, back lamps, fog lamps, etc.) and the like. However, the applications of the vehicle lighting device1are not limited thereto.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective diagram for illustrating the vehicle lighting device1according to this embodiment.FIG.2is a cross-sectional diagram of the vehicle lighting device1inFIG.1, taken along a line A-A.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the vehicle lighting device1is provided with, for example, a socket10, a light emitting module20, a power feeding portion30and a heat transfer portion40.

The socket10includes, for example, a mounting portion11, a bayonet12, a flange13, a heat radiation fin14, and a connector holder15.

The mounting portion11is provided, for example, on a surface of the flange13opposite to a side on which the heat radiation fin14is provided. An external shape of the mounting portion11may be columnar. An external shape of the mounting portion11is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion11has, for example, a recess portion11aopening at an end portion opposite to the flange13side.

The bayonet12is provided on a side surface of the mounting portion11, for example. The bayonet12protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device1, for example. The bayonet12faces the flange13. A plurality of bayonet12may be provided. The bayonet12is used when the vehicle lighting device1is mounted to, for example, a casing body101of a vehicle lamp100to be described later. The bayonet12may be used for twist locks.

The flange13has, for example, a plate shape. The flange13has, for example, a disk shape. The side surface of the flange13is located outside the vehicle lighting device1than a side surface of the bayonet12.

The heat radiation fin14is provided, for example, on the side of the flange13opposite to the mounting portion11side. At least one heat radiation fin14may be provided. For example, the socket10illustrated inFIG.1is provided with a plurality of heat radiation fins14. The plurality of heat radiation fins14may be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat radiation fins14are, for example, plate-shaped or tubular.

The connector holder15is provided, for example, on the side of the flange13opposite to the mounting portion11side. The connector holder15may be arranged side by side with the heat radiation fins14. The connector holder15has a tubular shape, and a connector105having a sealing member105ato be described later is inserted therein.

The socket10has a function of holding the light emitting module20and the power feeding portion30and a function of transmitting heat generated in the light emitting module20to the outside. Thus, it is preferable to form the socket10from a material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the socket10may be formed from a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

Moreover, in recent years, it is desired that the socket10may efficiently radiate the heat generated in the light emitting module20and be lightweight. Thus, it is more preferable to form the socket10from, for example, a high thermal conductive resin. The high thermal conductive resin includes, for example, a resin and a filler using an inorganic material. The high thermal conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler using carbon, aluminum oxide, or the like.

Assuming that the socket10includes a high thermal conductive resin and is integrally formed with the mounting portion11, the bayonet12, the flange13, the heat radiation fin14, and the connector holder15, heat generated in the light emitting module20may be efficiently radiated. Also, the weight of the socket10may be reduced. In this case, the mounting portion11, the bayonet12, the flange13, the heat radiation fin14, and the connector holder15may be integrally formed using an injection molding method or the like. Alternatively, for example, the socket10, the power feeding portion30, and the heat transfer portion40may be integrally formed using an insert molding method or the like.

The power feeding portion30includes, for example, a plurality of power feeding terminals31and a holding portion32.

The plurality of power feeding terminals31may be rod-shaped. The plurality of power feeding terminals31may be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. One end portion of the plurality of power feeding terminals31protrudes from a bottom surface11alof the recess portion11a. One end portion of the power feeding terminals31is soldered to a wiring pattern21aprovided on a substrate21. The other end portion of the plurality of power feeding terminals31is exposed to the inside of a hole of the connector holder15. The connector105is fitted to the end portion of the plurality of power feeding terminals31exposed to the inside of the hole of the connector holder15. The plurality of power feeding terminals31are made of metal such as copper alloy, for example. Moreover, the shape, arrangement, material, and the like of the plurality of power feeding terminals31are not limited to the examples, and may be changed as appropriate.

As previously mentioned, the socket10is preferably formed from a material having high thermal conductivity. However, materials having high thermal conductivity may have electrical conductivity. For example, metals such as aluminum alloys or high thermal conductive resins containing carbon-based fillers have electrical conductivity. Thus, the holding portion32is provided to insulate between the plurality of power feeding terminals31and the socket10having electrical conductivity. The holding portion32also has a function of holding the plurality of power feeding terminals31. Note that if the socket10is made of an insulating, high thermal conductive resin (for example, a high thermal conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), the holding portion32may be omitted. In this case, the socket10holds the plurality of power feeding terminals31. The holding portion32is made of, for example, an insulating resin. For example, the holding portion32may be press-fitted into a hole10aprovided in the socket10or adhered to an inner wall of the hole10a.

The heat transfer portion40is provided, for example, between the substrate21and the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11a. The heat transfer portion40may be adhered to the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11a, for example. The adhesive that bonds the heat transfer portion40and the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11apreferably has high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive may be an adhesive mixed with a filler using an inorganic material. The inorganic material is preferably a material having high thermal conductivity (for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride).

Moreover, the heat transfer portion40may be embedded in the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11ausing an insert molding method. Further, the heat transfer portion40may also be attached to the bottom surface11a1of the recess portion11avia a layer containing heat conductive grease (heat radiation grease). There is no particular limitation on the type of heat conductive grease, but for example, the heat conductive grease may be a mixture of modified silicone and a filler using a material having high thermal conductivity (for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride).

The heat transfer portion40is provided to facilitate transfer of heat generated in the light emitting module20to the socket10. Thus, it is preferable to form the heat transfer portion40from a material having a high thermal conductivity. The heat transfer portion40has a plate shape and may be made of metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy, for example.

Note that the heat transfer portion40may be omitted when the heat generated in the light emitting module20is small.

The light emitting module20(the substrate21) is provided on one end portion side of the socket10, for example. The light emitting module20(the substrate21) is adhered to the heat transfer portion40, for example. When the heat transfer portion40is omitted, the light emitting module20(the substrate21) is adhered to the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11a, for example. The adhesive for bonding the light emitting module20(the substrate21) may be, for example, the same as the adhesive for bonding the heat transfer portion40and the bottom surface11alof the recess portion11a.

The light emitting module20includes the substrate21, light emitting elements22, a frame portion23, a sealing portion24, an optical element25, and an element26, for example.

The substrate21has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate21is, for example, quadrangle. The substrate21may be made of, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (e.g. aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. Also, the substrate21may be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. When the amount of heat generated by the light emitting elements22is large, it is preferable to form the substrate21using a material having high thermal conductivity from the viewpoint of heat radiation. Examples of materials having high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, high thermal conductive resins, and metal core substrates. Moreover, the substrate21may have a single layer structure or may have a multilayer structure.

Further, the substrate21includes the wiring pattern21a. The wiring pattern21ais provided on a surface of the substrate21. The wiring pattern21acontains, for example, a material whose main component is silver or a material whose main component is copper.

The light emitting element22is provided on the substrate21(on a side opposite to the heat transfer portion40side). The light emitting element22is electrically connected to the wiring pattern21a. A plurality of light emitting elements22are provided.

The light emitting element22may be, for example, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

The light emitting element22may be a chip-shaped light emitting element, a surface-mounted light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or may be a bullet type light emitting element having lead wires. The light emitting elements22illustrated inFIGS.1and2are chip-shaped light emitting elements.

In this case, if the light emitting element22is a surface-mounted light emitting element or a bullet type light emitting element having lead wires, the frame portion23, the sealing portion24, and the optical element25may be omitted. However, considering miniaturization of the light emitting module20and further miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device1, it is preferable to use a chip-shaped light emitting element.

In the following, as an example, the case where the light emitting element22is a chip-shaped light emitting element will be described.

The chip-shaped light emitting element22may be mounted on the wiring pattern21aby COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light emitting element22may be, for example, any of an upper electrode type light emitting element, an upper and lower electrode type light emitting element, and a flip chip type light emitting element.

The frame portion23is provided on the substrate21. The frame portion23has a frame shape and is adhered to the substrate21. The plurality of light emitting elements22are provided in a region surrounded by the frame portion23. The frame portion23is made of resin, for example. The resin may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PET, nylon, PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PS (polystyrene).

The frame portion23may have a function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion24and a function of a reflector. Thus, the frame portion23may contain titanium oxide particles or the like, or may contain white resin, in order to improve the reflectance.

Also, the frame portion23may be omitted. However, if the frame portion23is provided, the utilization efficiency of the light irradiated from the light emitting element22can be improved. Moreover, since the range in which the sealing portion24is formed may be reduced, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the light emitting module20and thus miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device1.

The sealing portion24is provided inside the frame portion23. The sealing portion24is provided so as to cover the region surrounded by the frame portion23. The sealing portion24is provided so as to cover the light emitting element22. The sealing portion24contains a translucent resin. The sealing portion24is formed, for example, by filling the inside of the frame portion23with resin. Filling of the resin is performed using a dispenser or the like, for example. The filling resin is, for example, a silicone resin.

Moreover, when the frame portion23is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion24is provided on the substrate21.

Moreover, the sealing portion24may contain a phosphor. The phosphor may be, for example, a YAG-based phosphor (yttrium-aluminum-garnet-based phosphor). However, the type of phosphor may be appropriately changed according to the application of the vehicle lighting device1such that a predetermined emission color is obtained.

The optical element25may be provided over the sealing portion24. The optical element25may be, for example, a convex lens, a concave lens, a light guide, or the like. The optical element25illustrated inFIG.2is a convex lens. Note that the optical element25is not necessarily required and may be omitted. However, when the optical element25is provided, it is easier to obtain a predetermined light distribution characteristics.

The element26may be a passive element or an active element configured to construct a light emitting circuit including the light emitting elements22. The element26is provided, for example, around the frame portion23and electrically connected to the wiring pattern21a.

The element26may be, for example, a resistor26a, a diode26b, a control element26c, or the like.

However, the type of the element26is not limited to the examples, and may be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the light emitting circuit including the light emitting elements22. For example, in addition to the above, the element26may be a capacitor, a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, a Zener diode, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor such as an FET or a bipolar transistor, an integrated circuit, an arithmetic element, or the like.

The resistor26ais provided on the substrate21. The resistor26ais electrically connected to the wiring pattern21a. The resistor26amay be, for example, a surface-mounted resistor, a resistor having lead wires (metal oxide film resistor), or a film-like resistor formed using a screen printing method or the like. Note that the resistor26aillustrated inFIG.1is a film-like resistor.

The material of the film-like resistor is, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO2). The film-like resistor is formed using, for example, a screen printing method and a firing method. If the resistor26ais a film-like resistor, a contact area between the resistor26aand the substrate21may be increased, and heat radiation can be improved. Also, a plurality of resistors26amay be formed at once. Thus, productivity can be improved. Moreover, it is possible to suppress variations in resistance values of the plurality of resistors26a.

Here, since the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting elements22vary, if the voltage applied between an anode terminal and a ground terminal is constant, variations occur in the brightness of the light irradiated from the light emitting elements22(luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance). Thus, the resistor26aconnected in series with the light emitting elements22keeps the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements22within a predetermined range such that that the brightness of the light irradiated from the light emitting elements22is within a predetermined range. In this case, by changing the resistance value of the resistor26a, the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements22is kept within a predetermined range.

If the resistor26ais a surface-mounted resistor or a resistor having lead wires, the resistor26ahaving an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting elements22. If the resistor26ais a film-like resistor, the resistance value may be increased by removing part of the resistor26a. For example, by irradiating a film-like resistor with laser light, part of the film-like resistor may be easily removed. Note that the number, size, arrangement, etc. of the resistors26aare not limited to the examples, and may be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light emitting elements22, and the like.

The diode26bis provided on the substrate21. The diode26bis electrically connected to the wiring pattern21a. The diode26bis electrically connected between the power feeding terminal31and the light emitting element22as well as the control element26c. For example, the diode26bis provided to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the light emitting element22and the control element26cand to prevent pulse noise from being applied to the light emitting element22and the control element26cfrom the reverse direction. The diode26bis, for example, a surface-mounted diode or a diode having lead wires. The diode26billustrated inFIG.1is a surface-mounted diode.

Here, the voltage (input voltage) applied to the vehicle lighting device1may fluctuate. For example, the operating standard voltage (rated voltage) of the vehicle lighting device1for general automobiles is about 13.5V. However, the input voltage may fluctuate due to the voltage drop of the battery, the operation of the alternator, the influence of the circuit, etc. Thus, the operating voltage range (voltage fluctuation range) is defined in the vehicle lighting device1for automobiles. The operating voltage range is, for example, 9V or higher and 16V or lower.

Moreover, there is a forward voltage drop in the light emitting element22. Thus, when the input voltage of the plurality of light emitting elements22connected in series decreases, the total luminous flux of the light irradiated from the plurality of light emitting elements22decreases. Also, in the vicinity of the lower limit of the operating voltage range, the total luminous flux of the vehicle lighting device1may be less than the specified value. For example, if the forward voltage drop of the light emitting element22is about 3V, connecting three light emitting elements22in series results in a voltage drop of 9V. The resistor26ais also connected in series to the three light emitting elements22. Thus, when the input voltage is about 9V, almost no current flows through the three light emitting elements22, and the total luminous flux of the vehicle lighting device1becomes less than the specified value.

In this case, in a case where the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed according to the input voltage, it is possible to prevent the total luminous flux of the vehicle lighting device1from becoming less than the specified value near the lower limit of the operating voltage range. For example, when the input voltage drops, if the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is reduced, the current flowing through the light emitting elements22to be turned on can be increased, such that the total luminous flux of the vehicle lighting device1cab be suppressed from becoming less than a specified value.

However, if only the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed, the rate of change of the total luminous flux increases when the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed. When the rate of change of the total luminous flux increases, for example, a driver of a vehicle such as an automobile may feel uncomfortable.

Thus, the light emitting module20is provided with the control element26c.FIG.3is a circuit diagram of the light emitting module20.

As shown inFIG.3, the control element26cis electrically connected between the resistor26aand the plurality of light emitting elements22. The light emitting module20illustrated inFIGS.1and3is provided with four light emitting elements22.

The control element26cis provided on the substrate21. The control element26cis electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting elements22via the wiring pattern21a.

The control element26cdetects the input voltage and changes the number of the light emitting elements22through which the current flows according to the detected input voltage. For example, as shown inFIG.3, when the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the control element26ccauses current to flow through the four light emitting elements22connected in series. When the input voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage, the control element26ccauses current to flow through two light emitting elements22connected in series and not flow through the other two light emitting elements22connected in series. In this way, it is possible to prevent the current flowing through the two light emitting elements22from decreasing when the input voltage drops. Thus, the required total luminous flux can be ensured when the input voltage drops.

However, if only the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed, the rate of change of the total luminous flux increases when the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed.

FIG.4is a graph for illustrating the relationship between input voltage and total luminous flux according to a comparative example.

FIG.4illustrates a case in which only the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed when the input voltage reaches a voltage V1.

As may be seen fromFIG.4, when the input voltage reaches the voltage V1, if only the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed, the rate of change of the total luminous flux increases. When the rate of change of the total luminous flux increases, for example, a driver of a vehicle such as an automobile may feel uncomfortable.

FIG.5is a graph for illustrating the relationship between input voltage and total luminous flux when controlled by the control element26c.

As shown inFIG.5, the control element26cchanges the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on when the input voltage reaches the voltage V1(corresponding to an example of a first voltage).

For example, the control element26cturns on two light emitting elements22and turns off two light emitting elements22when the input voltage is lower than the voltage V1.

For example, the control element26cturns on the four light emitting elements22when the input voltage exceeds a voltage V2(corresponding to an example of a second voltage) higher than the voltage V1.

For example, the control element26cturns on the four light emitting elements22and changes at least one of the total luminous flux of the four light emitting elements22and the current flowing through the four light emitting elements22according to the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the voltage V1and equal to or lower than the voltage V2.

In other words, the control element26cturns on some of the plurality of light emitting elements22when the input voltage is lower than the voltage V1.

The control element26cturns on all of the plurality of light emitting elements22when the input voltage exceeds the voltage V2higher than the voltage V1.

The control element26cturns on all of the plurality of light emitting elements22and changes at least one of the total luminous flux of the plurality of light emitting elements22and the current flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements22according to the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the voltage V1and equal to or lower than the voltage V2.

For example, the control element26cchanges the rate of change of the total luminous flux of the plurality of light emitting elements22to 5.1% or more with respect to a change of 0.1V in the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the voltage V1and equal to or lower than the voltage V2.

Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the total luminous flux and the current flowing through the light emitting element22. Thus, for example, the control element26cmay also change the rate of change of the current flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements22to 5.1% or more with respect to a change of 0.1V in the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the voltage V1and equal to or lower than the voltage V2.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable when the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed.

The control parameters of the control element26c(for example, the relationship between the input voltage and the total luminous flux, the relationship between the currents flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements22and the total luminous flux, etc.) may be obtained through experiments or simulations.

Further, the control element26cdoes not perform the above-described control of the total luminous flux and the above-described current when the input voltage is lower than the voltage V1or exceeds the voltage V2.

As described above, when the control element26cis provided, even if the input voltage fluctuates, the necessary total luminous flux can be ensured, and an increase in the rate of change of the total luminous flux can be suppressed.

Here, when the number of light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed, the light distribution characteristics and light emission distribution may change significantly. Thus, when the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is changed, it is preferable to turn on the light emitting elements22provided at predetermined positions.

For example, when the plurality of light emitting elements22are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central axis1aof the vehicle lighting device1(the light emitting module20), the control element26cmay turn on adjacent light emitting elements22or turn on the light emitting elements22facing each other across the central axis1a.(a) to (d) ofFIG.6, and (a) and (b) ofFIG.7are schematic diagrams for illustrating a case where two of the four light emitting elements22are turned on.

As shown in (a) to (d) ofFIG.6, and (a) and (b) ofFIG.7, the four light emitting elements22are provided at four-fold symmetry with respect to the central axis1aof the vehicle lighting device1(the light emitting module20).

As shown in (a) to (d) ofFIG.6, the control element26cmay turn on two adjacent light emitting elements22. In this way, when the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is reduced from four to two, or the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is increased from two to four, it is possible to suppress large changes in light distribution characteristics and light emission distribution.

As shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG.7, the control element26cmay turn on the two light emitting elements22facing each other across the central axis1a. In this way, when the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is reduced from four to two, or the number of the light emitting elements22to be turned on is increased from two to four, it is possible to suppress large changes in light distribution characteristics and light emission distribution.

(Vehicle Lamp)

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle lamp100including the vehicle lighting device1may be provided. Both the description of the above-described vehicle lighting device1and the modifications of the vehicle lighting device1(for example, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or changes the design of components and which have the features of the disclosure) may be applied to the vehicle lamp100.

In the following description, as an example, the case where the vehicle lamp100is a rear combination light provided in an automobile will be described. However, the vehicle lamp100is not limited to a rear combination light provided in an automobile. The vehicle lamp100may be configured as long as it is provided in an automobile, railroad vehicle, or the like.

FIG.8is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram for illustrating the vehicle lamp100.

As shown inFIG.8, the vehicle lamp100includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device1, the casing body101, a cover102, an optical element103, a sealing member104, and the connector105.

The vehicle lighting device1is installed in the casing body101. The casing body101holds the mounting portion11. The casing body101has a box shape with one end portion open. The casing body101is made of, for example, resin that does not transmit light. A bottom surface of the casing body101is provided with a mounting hole101ainto which a portion of the mounting portion11provided with the bayonet12is inserted. A recess portion into which the bayonet12provided on the mounting portion11is inserted is provided on the periphery of the mounting hole101a. Although the case where the casing body101is directly provided with the mounting hole101ais illustrated, the casing body101may be provided with a mounting member having the mounting hole101a.

When the vehicle lighting device1is installed on the vehicle lamp100, the portion of the mounting portion11provided with the bayonet12is inserted into the mounting hole101a, to rotate the vehicle lighting device1. Then, for example, the bayonet12is held by a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole101a. Such an installation method is called a twist lock.

The cover102is provided to close the opening of the casing body101. The cover102is made of translucent resin or the like. The cover102may also have functions such as a lens.

Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device1enters the optical element103. The optical element103reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device1, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element103illustrated inFIG.8is a reflector. In this case, the optical element103reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device1to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

The sealing member104is provided between the flange13and the casing body101. The sealing member104has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

When the vehicle lighting device1is installed on the vehicle lamp100, the sealing member104is sandwiched between the flange13and the casing body101. Thus, the internal space of the casing body101may be sealed by the sealing member104. Also, the elastic force of the sealing member104presses the bayonet12against the casing body101. Thus, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device1from detaching from the casing body101.

The connector105is fitted to the end portion of the power feeding terminal31exposed inside the connector holder15. A power source or the like is electrically connected to the connector105. Thus, by fitting the connector105to the end portion of the power feeding terminal31, the light emitting element22may be electrically connected to the power source or the like.

Further, the connector105is provided with the sealing member105a. When the connector105having the sealing member105ais inserted into the connector holder15, the interior of the connector holder15is sealed so as to be watertight.

Although some embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the disclosure, and are included in the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Moreover, each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

Additional remarks regarding the above-described embodiment are shown below.

(Appendix 1)

A vehicle lighting device, including:a socket;a substrate provided on one end portion side of the socket;a plurality of light emitting elements provided on the substrate; anda control element provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting elements,wherein the control elementturns on some of the plurality of light emitting elements when an input voltage is lower than a first voltage;turns on all of the plurality of light emitting elements when the input voltage exceeds a second voltage higher than the first voltage; andturns on all of the plurality of light emitting elements and changes at least one of a total luminous flux of the plurality of light emitting elements and current flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements according to the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage and equal to or lower than the second voltage.
(Appendix 2)

The vehicle lighting device according to appendix 1, wherein the control element changes a rate of change of the total luminous flux of the plurality of light emitting elements to be 5.1% or more with respect to a change of 0.1V in the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage and equal to or lower than the second voltage.

(Appendix 3)

The vehicle lighting device according to appendix 1, wherein the control element changes a rate of change of the current flowing through the plurality of light emitting elements to be 5.1% or more with respect to a change of 0.1 V in the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage and equal to or lower than the second voltage.

(Appendix 4)

The vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3,wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the vehicle lighting device; andthe control element turns on the adjacent light emitting elements or turns on the light emitting elements facing each other across the central axis when the input voltage is lower than the first voltage.
(Appendix 5)

A vehicle lamp, including:the vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, anda casing body to which the vehicle lighting device is installed.