JP2002184228A - Flat lighting system - Google Patents
Flat lighting systemInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002184228A JP2002184228A JP2001287341A JP2001287341A JP2002184228A JP 2002184228 A JP2002184228 A JP 2002184228A JP 2001287341 A JP2001287341 A JP 2001287341A JP 2001287341 A JP2001287341 A JP 2001287341A JP 2002184228 A JP2002184228 A JP 2002184228A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- light
- light guide
- light scattering
- transparent substrate
- illuminating apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
- Liquid Crystal (AREA)
- Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、看板や各種反射型
表示装置等の照明手段に用いられる面状照明装置に関す
るものであり、特に液晶表示装置の照明手段として用い
られるものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a planar illumination device used for illumination means such as a signboard or various reflection type display devices, and more particularly to an illumination device for a liquid crystal display device.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】低消費電力で作動する液晶表示装置は、
薄型、軽量等の特徴があるので、主にパーソナルコンピ
ュータや携帯電話用等を中心とした表示装置としての需
要が増大している。さて、液晶表示装置の構成部材であ
る液晶は、ブラウン管等の発光型素子と異なり自ら発光
しないため、暗所での使用を可能とするための照明手段
を、別個に使用することが必要となる。特に、近年の電
子製品の薄型化および省電力化の要求の中では、液晶表
示装置を照射するための照明手段として、サイドライト
方式（導光板方式）の面状照明装置を使用することが多
い。2. Description of the Related Art A liquid crystal display device that operates with low power consumption is:
Due to its features such as thinness and light weight, demand for display devices mainly for personal computers and mobile phones is increasing. The liquid crystal, which is a constituent member of the liquid crystal display device, does not emit light by itself, unlike a light emitting element such as a cathode ray tube. Therefore, it is necessary to separately use lighting means for enabling use in a dark place. . Particularly, in recent years, demands for thinning and power saving of electronic products have led to the use of a sidelight type (light guide plate type) planar illumination device as an illumination means for irradiating a liquid crystal display device. .
【０００３】図５には、サイドライト方式の面状照明装
置を、概略的に示している。面状照明装置１は、透過性
材料からなる透明基板２の一側端面３に、直線状の光源
部４を近接配置することによって大略構成されている。
透明基板２は、矩形の平板状をなし、その一面（上面）
には、光反射パターン１７が形成されている。光反射パ
ターン１７は、一側端面３に沿って形成される、断面形
状ほぼ三角形の多数の溝部１８および溝部１８に隣接す
る平坦部１９で構成されている。FIG. 5 schematically shows a sidelight type surface illumination device. The spread illuminating apparatus 1 is generally constituted by disposing a linear light source section 4 close to one end face 3 of a transparent substrate 2 made of a transmissive material.
The transparent substrate 2 has a rectangular flat plate shape, and its one surface (upper surface)
Is formed with a light reflection pattern 17. The light reflection pattern 17 is composed of a large number of grooves 18 having a substantially triangular cross-section and a flat portion 19 adjacent to the grooves 18 formed along the one end surface 3.
【０００４】光反射パターン１７は、光源部４からの距
離に左右されることなく、透明基板２の面状の均一発光
を実現するために、溝部１８の形成される間隔を場所に
よって異ならしめている。すなわち、平坦部１９の範囲
（占有面積）に対する溝部１８の範囲（占有面積）の比
率が、透明基板２の一側端面３から遠ざかるに従って徐
々に大きくなるように設定されている。なお、透明基板
２に形成される光反射パターン１７の溝部１８は、非常
に微細であるため、画面の観察においては目視で認識で
きない。In the light reflection pattern 17, the intervals at which the groove portions 18 are formed are made different depending on the location in order to realize uniform planar light emission of the transparent substrate 2 irrespective of the distance from the light source section 4. . That is, the ratio of the range (occupied area) of the groove portion 18 to the range (occupied area) of the flat portion 19 is set so as to gradually increase as the distance from the one end face 3 of the transparent substrate 2 increases. Since the groove 18 of the light reflection pattern 17 formed on the transparent substrate 2 is very fine, it cannot be visually recognized when observing the screen.
【０００５】光源部４は、透明基板２の一側端面３に沿
って近接配置される直線状の透明材料からなる導光体７
と、導光体７の一端部に対面して配置される点状光源９
とから大略構成されている。また、導光体７には、光路
変更手段１１が設けられている。光路変更手段１１は、
透明基板２の一側端面３に向き合う面１３の対向面１４
に、例えば、光散乱部１５として断面形状が三角形の溝
を導光体７の厚み方向へと形成することで、点状光源９
から射出された光を、透明基板２の一側端面３に、ほぼ
均一に入射させるものである。[0005] The light source unit 4 includes a light guide 7 made of a linear transparent material disposed close to the one end surface 3 of the transparent substrate 2.
And a point light source 9 arranged to face one end of the light guide 7.
It is roughly composed of The light guide 7 is provided with an optical path changing unit 11. The optical path changing means 11
Opposite surface 14 of surface 13 facing one end surface 3 of transparent substrate 2
In addition, for example, by forming a groove having a triangular cross section in the thickness direction of the light guide 7 as the light scattering portion 15, the point light source 9 is formed.
The light emitted from the substrate is incident on the one end surface 3 of the transparent substrate 2 almost uniformly.
【０００６】なお、導光体７の長手方向における射出光
を均一にするために、三角形の溝部は、点状光源９から
離れるにしたがって徐々に深く形成することが望まし
い。また、導光体７における光利用効率を改善するため
に、透明基板２の一側端面に向き合う面１３以外の長手
方向周囲、および透明基板２の一側端面３近傍を覆うよ
うにして、断面形状略Ｕ字形の光反射部材１２を設け、
導光体７の漏れ光を回収することが望ましい。Incidentally, in order to make the emitted light in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 7 uniform, it is desirable that the triangular groove is formed gradually deeper as the distance from the point light source 9 increases. Further, in order to improve the light use efficiency of the light guide 7, the cross section is formed so as to cover the periphery in the longitudinal direction other than the surface 13 facing the one end surface of the transparent substrate 2 and the vicinity of the one end surface 3 of the transparent substrate 2. A light reflecting member 12 having a substantially U-shape is provided,
It is desirable to collect the light leaking from the light guide 7.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、導光体７の
光路変更手段は、図６に示すように、光散乱部１５を平
面部１６と交互に配置した場合、ほぼ光散乱部１５のみ
が光を反射して透明基板２に入光する。よって、目視の
レベルでは連続した線上の発光体として見えても、微視
的には、光り輝く部分と暗い部分が多数並んだ状態で発
光し、透明基板２を多条の光Ｌで照らす状態となってい
る。このような状態を改善するため、本出願人は、図
７、図８に示すように、導光体７と透明基板２との間に
拡散板２０を設けるという着想に至り、特開２０００−
２３１８１４号公報において、その詳細を開示してい
る。By the way, as shown in FIG. 6, when the light scattering portions 15 are alternately arranged with the flat portions 16 as shown in FIG. Light is reflected and enters the transparent substrate 2. Therefore, at a visual level, even if it appears as a light emitter on a continuous line, microscopically, it emits light in a state in which many shining parts and dark parts are arranged, and illuminates the transparent substrate 2 with multiple rays of light L. Has become. In order to improve such a state, the present applicant has come up with the idea of providing a diffusion plate 20 between the light guide 7 and the transparent substrate 2 as shown in FIGS.
No. 231814 discloses details thereof.
【０００８】しかしながら、図７、図８に示す従来の構
造では、拡散板２０という部品が増加し、また、拡散板
２０は薄くかつ幅も狭いことから、それ自体の取扱いの
困難性と組立性の悪さから、コストアップを避けること
が困難であった。また、光が拡散板２０を通過すること
により、光の透過率低下や光の拡散のため、輝度やコン
トラストの低下を来すという問題もあった。However, in the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the number of parts called the diffusion plate 20 increases, and since the diffusion plate 20 is thin and narrow, it is difficult to handle itself and assemble easily. It was difficult to avoid the cost increase from the badness. Further, there is also a problem that when the light passes through the diffusion plate 20, the luminance and the contrast are reduced due to a decrease in light transmittance and diffusion of the light.
【０００９】本発明は上記課題に鑑みてなされたもので
あり、その目的とするところは、面状照明装置の線状光
源をより均一に発光させることで、面状照明装置の面状
発光をより均一にし、かつ、更なる高輝度化、ハイコン
トラスト化を図ることにある。しかも、かかる改良を、
部品点数を増加させること無く行なうことを目的とす
る。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make a linear light source of a spread illuminating device emit light more uniformly, thereby making the spread illuminating device emit planar light. It is intended to achieve more uniform brightness and higher brightness and higher contrast. Moreover, such improvements
The purpose is to perform this without increasing the number of parts.
【００１０】[0010]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決するため
の、本発明の請求項１に係る面状照明装置は、透光性材
料からなる透明基板の側面付近に、透明材料からなる直
線状の導光体と点状光源よりなる長手状の光源を近接配
置したサイドライト方式の面状照明装置において、前記
直線状の導光体の少なくとも一面に、前記導光体の厚み
方向に対して傾斜する多条の光散乱部を備える光路変更
手段を設けたことを特徴とする。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spread illuminating apparatus comprising: a transparent substrate made of a transparent material; In a side light type planar lighting device in which a long light source composed of a light guide and a point light source are arranged in close proximity to each other, at least one surface of the linear light guide, with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide. An optical path changing means including a plurality of inclined light scattering portions is provided.
【００１１】本発明によれば、前記光散乱部を前記導光
体の厚み方向に対して傾斜させたことにより、前記導光
体の長手方向における、前記光散乱部の一条当りの設置
範囲を広げる。そして、前記光散乱部において反射し
て、前記透明基板へと入光する光の一条当りの照射範囲
を広げ、微視的に見た場合でも前記導光体の暗い部分の
範囲を狭める。According to the present invention, the light scattering portion is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide, so that an installation range per one light scattering portion in the longitudinal direction of the light guide is reduced. spread. Then, the irradiation range per one ray of light that is reflected by the light scattering portion and enters the transparent substrate is widened, and the range of the dark portion of the light guide is narrowed even when viewed microscopically.
【００１２】また、本発明の請求項２に係る面状照明装
置では、隣接する光散乱部の照射範囲の一部分が、導光
体の軸方向に重複するように前記光散乱部が形成されて
いる。この構成によれば、各光散乱部により反射された
光の範囲は、隣接する光散乱部から発する光同士でオー
バーラップすることとなり、前記導光体から前記透明基
板へと入光する光を、前記導光体の軸方向で連続させる
ことができる。Further, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the light scattering portion is formed such that a part of the irradiation range of the adjacent light scattering portion overlaps in the axial direction of the light guide. I have. According to this configuration, the range of the light reflected by each light scattering portion overlaps with the light emitted from the adjacent light scattering portion, so that light entering the transparent substrate from the light guide is reduced. , Can be continuous in the axial direction of the light guide.
【００１３】また、本発明の請求項３に係る面状照明装
置では、前記導光体の厚みｔ、前記光散乱部のピッチｐ
のとき、前記光散乱部の傾斜角θを、θ≧ｔａｎ-1（ｐ
／ｔ）としている。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus, the thickness t of the light guide and the pitch p of the light scattering portion are provided.
, The inclination angle θ of the light scattering portion is set to θ ≧ tan −1 (p
/ T).
【００１４】かかる要件を満たすとき、隣接する光散乱
部を導光体の軸方向にオーバーラップさせることができ
る。よって、一条の光散乱部により光を反射する範囲
を、隣接する光散乱部同士でオーバーラップさせて、前
記導光体から前記透明基板へと入光する光を、前記導光
体の軸方向で連続させることが可能となる。When such requirements are satisfied, adjacent light scattering portions can be overlapped in the axial direction of the light guide. Therefore, the range in which light is reflected by the single light scattering portion is overlapped between adjacent light scattering portions, and light entering the transparent substrate from the light guide is shifted in the axial direction of the light guide. Can be continued.
【００１５】また、本発明の請求項４に係る面状照明装
置では、前記光散乱部を階段状または溝状のプリズムと
している。かかる形態の光散乱部によって、前記導光体
から前記透明基板へと入光するように、光を反射させ
る。In the spread illuminating apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the light scattering portion is a step-like or groove-like prism. The light is reflected by the light scattering portion having such a form so as to enter the transparent substrate from the light guide.
【００１６】また、本発明の請求項５に係る面状照明装
置では、前記光路変更手段は、複数の溝と該溝に隣接す
る平坦部からなる。この構成によれば、複数の溝が光を
反射する光散乱部として機能し、前記導光体から前記透
明基板へと入光するように、光を反射させる。Further, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention, the optical path changing means includes a plurality of grooves and a flat portion adjacent to the grooves. According to this configuration, the plurality of grooves function as light scattering portions that reflect light, and reflect light such that light enters the transparent substrate from the light guide.
【００１７】また、本発明の請求項６に係る面状照明装
置では、前記複数の溝は、三角形の断面形状を有する。
また、本発明の請求項７にかかる面状照明装置では、前
記複数の溝は、台形の断面形状を有する。かかる形状の
複数の溝は、複数の溝が光を反射する光散乱部として機
能し、前記導光体から前記透明基板へと入光するよう
に、光を反射させる。Further, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention, the plurality of grooves have a triangular cross-sectional shape.
In the spread illuminating device according to claim 7 of the present invention, the plurality of grooves have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The plurality of grooves having such a shape function as a light scattering portion in which the plurality of grooves reflect light, and reflect light such that light enters the transparent substrate from the light guide.
【００１８】さらに、本発明の請求項８に係る面状照明
装置では、前記直線状の導光体は、前記点状光源から離
れるに従い、厚み・幅の少なくとも一方を減少させてい
る。本発明では、前記直線状の導光体は、前記点状光源
から離れるにしたがって、厚みまたは幅の一方若しくは
両方を減少させる、いわゆる楔型をなすことにより、該
導光体は、前記点状光源からの距離の増加と共に断面積
を減少させ、前記点状光源とは反対側の端部における断
面積を最小とする。そして、前記点状光源とは反対側の
端部からの光の漏れを減少させることにより、前記点状
光源からの距離に関係無く、前記直線状の導光体の全体
を均一に発光させ、光を効率良く前記透明基板内に進行
させる。Further, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, at least one of the thickness and the width of the linear light guide decreases as the distance from the point light source increases. In the present invention, the linear light guide has a so-called wedge shape in which one or both of the thickness and the width is reduced as the distance from the point light source increases, so that the light guide has the point light. The cross-sectional area decreases as the distance from the light source increases, and the cross-sectional area at the end opposite to the point light source is minimized. And by reducing the leakage of light from the end opposite to the point light source, regardless of the distance from the point light source, the entire linear light guide uniformly emits light, Light is efficiently transmitted into the transparent substrate.
【００１９】[0019]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付
図面に基づいて説明する。従来技術と同一部分または相
当する部分については同一符号で示し、詳しい説明は省
略する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
【００２０】図１には、本発明の実施の形態に係るサイ
ドライト方式の面状照明装置を、概略的に示している。
本発明の実施の形態では、光路変更手段１１は、断面形
状略三角形の複数の溝（プリズム）である光散乱部１５
と、該溝に隣接する平坦部１６とで構成されている。し
かも、各光散乱部１５は、夫々が平行となるように、導
光体７の厚み方向に対して傾斜させて、かつ、隣接する
光散乱部１５の照射範囲の一部分が、導光体７の軸方向
に重複するように形成されている。FIG. 1 schematically shows a sidelight type spread illuminating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the light path changing unit 11 is a light scattering unit 15 that is a plurality of grooves (prisms) having a substantially triangular cross section.
And a flat portion 16 adjacent to the groove. Moreover, each light scattering portion 15 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide 7 so that each of the light scattering portions 15 is parallel to each other. Are formed so as to overlap in the axial direction.
【００２１】このように、多条の溝である光散乱部１５
を、導光体７の厚み方向に対して傾斜させたことによ
り、図２に示すように、光散乱部１５で反射して透明基
板２に入光する光の、導光体７の長手方向における一条
当りの照射範囲Ｌa1、Ｌa2、Ｌa 3、Ｌa4、Ｌa5を、広げ
ることができる。しかも、各光散乱部１５により反射さ
れる光の範囲Ｌa1、Ｌa2、Ｌa3、Ｌa4、Ｌa5も、隣接す
る光散乱部から発する光同士でオーバーラップすること
となる。As described above, the light scattering portion 15 which is a multi-groove
Is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide 7.
As shown in FIG.
One line of light entering the plate 2 in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 7
Irradiation range L per hita1, La2, La Three, La4, La5And spread
Can be Moreover, the light is reflected by each light scattering portion 15.
Range of light La1, La2, La3, La4, La5Also adjacent
Light emitted from the light scattering parts that overlap each other
Becomes
【００２２】図２の例では、光の範囲Ｌa2は隣接する光
の範囲Ｌa1、Ｌa3とオーバーラップし、光の範囲Ｌ
a4は、隣接する光の範囲Ｌa3、Ｌa5とオーバーラップ
し、全体として、導光体７から透明基板２へと入光する
光を、導光体７の軸方向で連続させることができる。よ
って、導光体７の軸方向で、導光体７の光路変更手段１
１からの反射光が出射されない部分はなくなり、微視的
に見たときにも、導光体７は連続して線状に発光する光
源となる。In the example of FIG. 2, the light range L a2 overlaps the adjacent light ranges L a1 and L a3, and the light range L a
a4 is adjacent overlaps the range L a3, L a5 light, as a whole, the light incident from the light guide body 7 and the transparent substrate 2 can be continuous in the axial direction of the light guide 7 . Therefore, in the axial direction of the light guide 7, the light path changing means 1 of the light guide 7
There is no portion where the reflected light from 1 is not emitted, and even when viewed microscopically, the light guide 7 is a light source that emits light continuously and linearly.
【００２３】さらに、透明基板２の一側端面３に入射し
た光は、透明基板２の上面６と下面５との間で反射しな
がら対向面１０（図１参照）へと進行し、その過程で各
条の光（Ｌa1、Ｌa2、Ｌa3、Ｌa4、Ｌa5）は混ざり合
い、透明基板２の明暗のムラは、微視的にもほとんど目
立たなくなる。Further, the light incident on one side end surface 3 of the transparent substrate 2 travels to the opposing surface 10 (see FIG. 1) while being reflected between the upper surface 6 and the lower surface 5 of the transparent substrate 2. Thus, the light ( La1 , La2 , La3 , La4 , La5 ) of each stripe is mixed, and the unevenness of light and darkness of the transparent substrate 2 becomes almost inconspicuous microscopically.
【００２４】よって、面状照明装置１の面状発光をより
均一にし、かつ、更なる高輝度化、ハイコントラスト化
を図ることが可能となる。しかも、従来のごとく、導光
体７と透明基板２との間に拡散板２０を設ける等、部品
点数を増加させることは無い。Therefore, it is possible to make the planar light emission of the planar illumination device 1 more uniform, and to achieve higher luminance and higher contrast. Moreover, unlike the conventional case, the number of components does not increase, for example, by providing the diffusion plate 20 between the light guide 7 and the transparent substrate 2.
【００２５】なお、本発明の実施の形態は、点状光源９
を、図１に示すように導光体７の一側端面にのみ設ける
場合のみならず、図３に示すように、導光体７の両側端
面８に設ける場合にも対応することができる。また、図
３に示す導光体７の光路変更手段１１のように、光散乱
部１５を、階段状に傾斜するプリズムで構成することも
できる。さらに、図７に示す従来例と同様に、透明基板
２の一側端面３にのみ、光源部４を設けるものであって
も良い。In the embodiment of the present invention, the point light source 9 is used.
Can be provided not only on one side end face of the light guide 7 as shown in FIG. 1 but also on both side end faces 8 of the light guide 7 as shown in FIG. Further, like the optical path changing means 11 of the light guide 7 shown in FIG. 3, the light scattering portion 15 may be constituted by a prism inclined in a stepwise manner. Further, similarly to the conventional example shown in FIG. 7, the light source unit 4 may be provided only on one end face 3 of the transparent substrate 2.
【００２６】図１に示すように、点状光源９を導光体７
の一側端面にのみ設ける場合には、導光体７に設ける光
散乱部１５（三角形の溝）の設置深さを、点状光源９か
ら離れるにしたがって大きくすることにより、導光体７
の全体で、より均一な発光をさせることが可能ととな
る。また、図３に示すように、点状光源９を導光体７の
両側端面８に設ける場合には、階段状の光散乱部１５の
段差を、導光体７の軸方向中央部で最大とすることによ
り、導光体７の全体で、より均一な発光をさせることが
可能となる。As shown in FIG. 1, the point light source 9 is
When the light scattering member 15 (triangular groove) provided on the light guide 7 is provided only on one side end surface, the depth of the light scattering portion 15 (triangular groove) is increased as the distance from the point light source 9 increases.
Can emit light more uniformly. As shown in FIG. 3, when the point light sources 9 are provided on both side end surfaces 8 of the light guide 7, the steps of the step-like light scattering portions 15 are maximally formed at the axial center of the light guide 7. By doing so, more uniform light emission can be achieved in the entire light guide 7.
【００２７】また、光散乱部１５の傾斜方向は、図１〜
図３に示す方向に限定されるものではなく、光散乱部１
５の形状も、断面形状略三角形の溝や、階段状に限るこ
とは無く、例えば、断面形状略台形の溝とすることも可
能である。The inclination direction of the light scattering portion 15 is shown in FIGS.
The direction is not limited to the direction shown in FIG.
The shape of 5 is not limited to a groove having a substantially triangular cross section or a stepped shape, and may be, for example, a groove having a substantially trapezoidal cross section.
【００２８】さらに、導光体７の全体の明るさを向上さ
せて、より均一な発光をさせることを目的として、導光
体７の厚み・幅の少なくとも一方を、点状光源９から離
れるに従い減少させる、いわゆる「楔型」とすることも
可能である。この場合、導光体７は、前記点状光源から
の距離の増加と共に断面積を減少させ、前記点状光源と
は反対側の端部における断面積は最小となる。このよう
に構成すると、点状光源９とは反対側の端部からの光の
漏れを減少させることが可能となり、点状光源から９の
距離に関係無く、導光体７の全体を均一に発光させ、光
を効率良く透明基板２内に進行させることができる。Further, for the purpose of improving the overall brightness of the light guide 7 and emitting more uniform light, at least one of the thickness and the width of the light guide 7 is increased as the distance from the point light source 9 increases. It is also possible to have a so-called "wedge-shaped" reduction. In this case, the light guide 7 decreases in cross-sectional area as the distance from the point light source increases, and the cross-sectional area at the end opposite to the point light source becomes minimum. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce leakage of light from the end opposite to the point light source 9, and to make the entire light guide 7 uniform regardless of the distance from the point light source 9. Light can be emitted, and the light can efficiently travel into the transparent substrate 2.
【００２９】なお、導光体７の厚みを減少させるに際し
て、導光体７の上面を導光体７の軸方向と平行とし下面
を導光体７の軸方向に対し傾斜させても良く、その逆で
あっても良い。さらに、導光体７の上下面の何れも導光
体７の軸方向に対し傾斜させても良い。また、導光体７
の幅を減少させるに際して、透明基板２の一側端面３に
向き合う面１３を導光体７の軸方向と平行とし対向面１
４を導光体７の軸方向に対し傾斜させても良く、その逆
であっても良い。さらに、面１３,１４の何れも、導光
体７の軸方向に対し傾斜させても良い。そして、必要に
応じて適切な楔形状を選択し、かつ、点状光源９からの
距離にかかわり無く導光体７のより均一な発光が可能と
なるように、面の傾斜角度を設定することが好ましい。When reducing the thickness of the light guide 7, the upper surface of the light guide 7 may be parallel to the axial direction of the light guide 7, and the lower surface may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the light guide 7. The reverse is also possible. Further, both the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide 7 may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the light guide 7. Also, the light guide 7
When the width of the light guide 7 is reduced, the surface 13 facing the one end surface 3 of the transparent substrate 2 is
4 may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the light guide 7, or vice versa. Further, both of the surfaces 13 and 14 may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the light guide 7. Then, if necessary, an appropriate wedge shape is selected, and the inclination angle of the surface is set so that the light guide 7 can emit light more uniformly regardless of the distance from the point light source 9. Is preferred.
【００３０】[0030]
【実施例】光散乱部１５を導光体７の厚み方向に対して
傾斜させ、隣接する光散乱部１５の照射範囲の一部分
が、導光体７の軸方向に重複するように形成するための
具体的手法を、図４を参照しながら説明する。図４に示
すように、導光体７の厚みをｔ、光散乱部１５のピッチ
をｐ、導光体７の厚み方向に対する光散乱部１５の傾斜
角をθ、導光体７を微視的に観察したときの、軸方向の
暗縞のピッチをａとしたとき、ピッチａ＝０で、傾斜角
θ＝ｔａｎ-1（ｐ／ｔ）の関係が成り立つ。よって、θ
≧ｔａｎ-1（ｐ／ｔ）とすることにより、隣接する光散
乱部１５の照射範囲の一部分を、導光体７の軸方向に重
複するように形成することができる。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to form the light scattering portion 15 inclining with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide 7 so that a part of the irradiation range of the adjacent light scattering portion 15 overlaps in the axial direction of the light guide 7. Will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of the light guide 7 is t, the pitch of the light scattering portions 15 is p, the inclination angle of the light scattering portion 15 with respect to the thickness direction of the light guide 7 is θ, and the light guide 7 is microscopically viewed. Assuming that the pitch of the dark stripe in the axial direction when visually observed is a, the relationship of the inclination angle θ = tan −1 (p / t) holds when the pitch a = 0. Therefore, θ
By setting ≧ tan −1 (p / t), a part of the irradiation range of the adjacent light scattering portion 15 can be formed so as to overlap in the axial direction of the light guide 7.
【００３１】例えば、導光体７の厚みｔ＝１、光散乱部
１５のピッチｐ＝0.2の場合、傾斜角θ＝ｔａｎ-1（ｐ
／ｔ）＝ｔａｎ-1（0.2／１）＝11.5°となる。よっ
て、θ≧11.5°とすれば、隣接する光散乱部１５の照射
範囲の一部分を、導光体７の軸方向に重複させることが
できる。For example, when the thickness t of the light guide 7 is 1 and the pitch p of the light scattering portions 15 is 0.2, the inclination angle θ = tan −1 (p
/ T) = tan -1 (0.2 / 1) = 11.5 °. Therefore, if θ ≧ 11.5 °, a part of the irradiation range of the adjacent light scattering unit 15 can be overlapped in the axial direction of the light guide 7.
【００３２】[0032]
【発明の効果】本発明はこのように構成したので、以下
のような効果を有する。まず、本発明の請求項１に係る
面状照明装置によれば、部品点数を増加させること無
く、面状照明装置の面状発光をより均一に、かつ、更な
る高輝度化、ハイコントラスト化を図ることが可能とな
る。よって、面状照明装置の視認性を向上させることが
できる。According to the present invention, the following effects are obtained. First, according to the spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, the spread of the spread of the spread illuminator is made more uniform, and the brightness and contrast are further increased without increasing the number of components. Can be achieved. Therefore, the visibility of the planar lighting device can be improved.
【００３３】また、本発明の請求項２に係る面状照明装
置によれば、面状照明装置の線状光源を、より均一に発
光させることが可能となり、面状照明装置の面状発光を
より均一に、かつ、更なる高輝度化、ハイコントラスト
化を図ることが可能となる。According to the spread illuminating apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the linear light source of the spread illuminating apparatus can emit light more uniformly, and the planar illuminating apparatus can emit the planar light. It is possible to achieve more uniform and higher brightness and higher contrast.
【００３４】また、本発明の請求項３に係る面状照明装
置によれば、隣接する光散乱部を導光体の軸方向にオー
バーラップさせて、面状照明装置の線状光源を、より均
一に発光させることが可能となる。Further, according to the planar lighting device of the third aspect of the present invention, the linear light source of the planar lighting device can be further improved by overlapping the adjacent light scattering portions in the axial direction of the light guide. It is possible to emit light uniformly.
【００３５】また、本発明の請求項４に係る面状照明装
置によれば、階段状または溝状のプリズムにより、前記
導光体から前記透明基板へと入光するように光を反射さ
せて、面状照明装置を、より均一に発光させることが可
能となる。According to the planar illumination device of the present invention, the light is reflected by the stepped or grooved prism so that the light enters the transparent substrate from the light guide. In addition, it is possible to make the spread illuminating device emit light more uniformly.
【００３６】さらに、本発明の請求項５に係る面状照明
装置によれば、複数の溝が光を反射する光散乱部として
機能し、前記導光体から前記透明基板へと入光するよう
に、光を反射させて、面状照明装置を、より均一に発光
させることが可能となる。Further, according to the planar lighting device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of grooves function as light scattering portions for reflecting light, so that light enters the transparent substrate from the light guide. In addition, it is possible to make the surface illumination device emit light more uniformly by reflecting light.
【００３７】また、本発明の請求項６に係る面状照明装
置によれば、断面形状略三角形の溝が、本発明の請求項
７にかかる面状照明装置によれば、断面形状略台形の溝
が、夫々、複数の溝が光を反射する光散乱部として機能
し、前記導光体から前記透明基板へと入光するように、
光を反射させる。そして、面状照明装置を、より均一に
発光させることが可能となる。According to the spread illuminating apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the substantially triangular groove in cross section has the substantially trapezoidal cross sectional shape according to the seventh aspect of the present invention. The grooves each function as a light scattering portion in which a plurality of grooves reflect light, so that light enters the transparent substrate from the light guide,
Reflect light. And it becomes possible to make a spread illuminating device emit light more uniformly.
【００３８】また、本発明の請求項８に係る面状照明装
置によれば、前記導光体全体の均一発光を促進して、前
記導光体から前記透明基板へと入光する光の均一化、面
状照明装置の更なる均一発光の促進を図ることが可能と
なる。According to the spread illuminating apparatus of the present invention, the uniform light emission of the entire light guide is promoted, and the uniformity of light entering the transparent substrate from the light guide is improved. It is possible to further promote uniform light emission of the planar lighting device.
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係る、サイドライト方式
の面状照明装置を示す、概略図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sidelight type planar lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１に示すサイドライト方式の面状照明装置に
おいて、透明基板に入光する光の一条当りの照射範囲を
示す、概略図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an irradiation range per one beam of light entering a transparent substrate in the sidelight type planar illumination device shown in FIG.
【図３】図１に示すサイドライト方式の面状照明装置の
応用例を示す、概略図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an application example of the sidelight type spread illuminating apparatus shown in FIG.
【図４】隣接する光散乱部を、導光体の軸方向にオーバ
ーラップさせるための、具体的手法を示す説明図であ
る。FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific method for overlapping adjacent light scattering portions in the axial direction of the light guide.
【図５】従来の、サイドライト方式の面状照明装置を示
す、概略図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a conventional sidelight type surface illumination device.
【図６】従来の、サイドライト方式の面状照明装置にお
いて、透明基板に入光する光の一条当りの照射範囲を示
す、概略図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an irradiation range per one beam of light entering a transparent substrate in a conventional sidelight type planar illumination device.
【図７】従来の、発光むら対策を施したサイドライト方
式の面状照明装置を示す、概略図である。FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a conventional sidelight type planar lighting device which takes measures against uneven light emission.
【図８】従来の、発光むら対策を施したサイドライト方
式の面状照明装置を示す、概略図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a conventional side light type planar lighting device which takes measures against uneven light emission.
１ 面状照明装置 ２ 透明基板 ３ 一側端面 ４ 光源部 ７ 導光体 ９ 点状光源 １１ 光路変更手段 １３ 透明基板の一側端面に向き合う面 １４ 透明基板の一側端面に向き合う面に対向する面 １５ 光散乱部 １６ 平面部 Ｌa1、Ｌa2、Ｌa3、Ｌa4、Ｌa5 透明基板に入光する光
の一条当りの照射範囲DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Planar illumination device 2 Transparent substrate 3 One side end surface 4 Light source part 7 Light guide 9 Point light source 11 Optical path changing means 13 Surface facing one side end surface of a transparent substrate 14 Opposite surface facing one side end surface of a transparent substrate Surface 15 Light scattering part 16 Plane part La1 , La2 , La3 , La4 , La5 Irradiation range per beam entering the transparent substrate
フロントページの続き (51)Int.Cl.7 識別記号 ＦＩ テーマコート゛(参考） // Ｆ２１Ｙ 101:00 Ｆ２１Ｙ 101:00 Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. 7 Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) // F21Y 101: 00 F21Y 101: 00
Claims (8)
に、透明材料からなる直線状の導光体と点状光源よりな
る長手状の光源を近接配置したサイドライト方式の面状
照明装置において、前記直線状の導光体の少なくとも一
面に、前記導光体の厚み方向に対して傾斜する多条の光
散乱部を備える光路変更手段を設けたことを特徴とする
面状照明装置。1. A sidelight type planar lighting device in which a linear light guide made of a transparent material and a longitudinal light source made of a point light source are arranged close to a side surface of a transparent substrate made of a translucent material. 3. The planar lighting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the linear light guide is provided with an optical path changing unit including a plurality of light scattering portions inclined with respect to a thickness direction of the light guide.
が、導光体の軸方向に重複するように前記光散乱部が形
成されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の面状照明
装置。2. The planar illumination according to claim 1, wherein the light scattering portions are formed such that a part of an irradiation range of an adjacent light scattering portion overlaps in an axial direction of the light guide. apparatus.
ッチｐのとき、前記光散乱部の傾斜角θを、θ≧ｔａｎ
-1（ｐ／ｔ）とすることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の
面状照明装置。3. When the thickness t of the light guide and the pitch p of the light scattering portions are set, the inclination angle θ of the light scattering portions is defined as θ ≧ tan.
2. The spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein -1 (p / t).
ズムとしたことを特徴とする請求項１から３のいずれか
１項記載の面状照明装置。4. The spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said light scattering portion is a stepped or grooved prism.
隣接する平坦部からなることを特徴とする請求項１から
３のいずれか１項記載の面状照明装置。5. The spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical path changing means includes a plurality of grooves and a flat portion adjacent to said grooves.
することを特徴とする請求項５記載の面状照明装置。6. The spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of grooves have a triangular cross-sectional shape.
ることを特徴とする請求項５記載の面状照明装置。7. The spread illuminating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of grooves have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.
ら離れるに従い、厚み・幅の少なくとも一方を減少させ
ることを特徴とする請求項１から３のいずれか１項記載
の面状照明装置。8. The planar shape according to claim 1, wherein the linear light guide decreases at least one of thickness and width as the distance from the point light source increases. Lighting equipment.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001287341A JP2002184228A (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2001-09-20 | Flat lighting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000306080 | 2000-10-05 | ||
| JP2000-306080 | 2000-10-05 | ||
| JP2001287341A JP2002184228A (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2001-09-20 | Flat lighting system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002184228A true JP2002184228A (en) | 2002-06-28 |
Family
ID=26601601
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001287341A Pending JP2002184228A (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2001-09-20 | Flat lighting system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2002184228A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008165996A (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2008-07-17 | Sony Corp | Surface light source device, liquid crystal display device assembly, light guide member, light detection device, and lighting system |
| WO2016013206A1 (en) * | 2014-07-24 | 2016-01-28 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Light guide member and method for producing same |
| JP2016517162A (en) * | 2013-05-08 | 2016-06-09 | チザラ リヒトシステーメ ゲーエムベーハーＺｉｚａｌａ Ｌｉｃｈｔｓｙｓｔｅｍｅ ＧｍｂＨ | Automotive lighting system |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0621002U (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1994-03-18 | 林時計工業株式会社 | Flat lighting device |
| JPH11167808A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 1999-06-22 | Hitachi Ltd | Lighting system and liquid crystal display with back light |
| JPH11282368A (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 1999-10-15 | Meitaku System:Kk | Light source device of edge light panel |
| JP2000011723A (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-01-14 | Minebea Co Ltd | Sheet-like lighting system |
| JP2001202815A (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-27 | Citizen Electronics Co Ltd | Linear light source unit |
| JP2001281457A (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2001-10-10 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Light transmission rod |
| JP2001283622A (en) * | 2000-03-29 | 2001-10-12 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Illumination apparatus and reflector liquid crystal display |
-
2001
- 2001-09-20 JP JP2001287341A patent/JP2002184228A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0621002U (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1994-03-18 | 林時計工業株式会社 | Flat lighting device |
| JPH11167808A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 1999-06-22 | Hitachi Ltd | Lighting system and liquid crystal display with back light |
| JPH11282368A (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 1999-10-15 | Meitaku System:Kk | Light source device of edge light panel |
| JP2000011723A (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-01-14 | Minebea Co Ltd | Sheet-like lighting system |
| JP2001202815A (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-27 | Citizen Electronics Co Ltd | Linear light source unit |
| JP2001283622A (en) * | 2000-03-29 | 2001-10-12 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Illumination apparatus and reflector liquid crystal display |
| JP2001281457A (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2001-10-10 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Light transmission rod |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008165996A (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2008-07-17 | Sony Corp | Surface light source device, liquid crystal display device assembly, light guide member, light detection device, and lighting system |
| JP2016517162A (en) * | 2013-05-08 | 2016-06-09 | チザラ リヒトシステーメ ゲーエムベーハーＺｉｚａｌａ Ｌｉｃｈｔｓｙｓｔｅｍｅ ＧｍｂＨ | Automotive lighting system |
| WO2016013206A1 (en) * | 2014-07-24 | 2016-01-28 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Light guide member and method for producing same |
| JP2016025066A (en) * | 2014-07-24 | 2016-02-08 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Light guide member and manufacturing method of the same |
| US10295725B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2019-05-21 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Light guide member and light guide member manufacturing method |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5667289A (en) | Background lighting apparatus for liquid crystal display | |
| US6540368B2 (en) | Spread illuminating apparatus with multi-layer light conductive member | |
| US6607297B2 (en) | Spread illuminating apparatus including inclined light scattering portions | |
| TWI299422B (en) | ||
| JP4185721B2 (en) | Illumination device and liquid crystal display device | |
| JP3297846B2 (en) | Transmission type surface illumination device | |
| EP2202447A1 (en) | Hollow planar illuminating device | |
| KR101607287B1 (en) | Light guiding plate, backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same | |
| TWI479207B (en) | Light guide panel | |
| WO2000032981A1 (en) | Illuminator, illuminating device, front light, and liquid crystal display | |
| US6644824B2 (en) | Light unit using point light source, and liquid crystal display using the same light unit | |
| JP2001035225A (en) | Surface lighting system | |
| JP2010170897A (en) | Edge light partial drive backlight unit, and liquid crystal display device | |
| JP2002245825A (en) | Backlight, liquid crystal display device and electronic equipment | |
| JP2001014921A (en) | Surface lighting system | |
| JP4552082B2 (en) | Surface lighting device | |
| JP5685099B2 (en) | Surface light source element and display device including the same | |
| JP2000268622A (en) | Planar lighting system | |
| JP2000231814A (en) | Planar lighting system | |
| JP2009099270A (en) | Hollow surface lighting device | |
| JP2004171870A (en) | Lighting system and liquid crystal display device | |
| JP2006134661A (en) | Planar light source and liquid crystal display device using this | |
| JP2002184228A (en) | Flat lighting system | |
| JP2001266627A (en) | Back light guide plate, surface light device and liquid crystal display device using the same | |
| JP4044324B2 (en) | Planar light emitter and liquid crystal display device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A621 | Written request for application examination |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621 Effective date: 20080704 |
|
| A977 | Report on retrieval |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007 Effective date: 20100204 |
|
| A131 | Notification of reasons for refusal |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131 Effective date: 20100210 |
|
| A521 | Written amendment |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523 Effective date: 20100315 |
|
| A02 | Decision of refusal |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A02 Effective date: 20100915 |