JP2001236809A - Edge light panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an edge light panel having a means for refracting or scattering light rays that is arranged in surfaces other than the light incident surface, to achieve a light-emitting surface of uniform brightness. SOLUTION: A light conductive panel 4 comprises a light-emitting surface 2 for sending out the light rays incident on a light incident surface 3 from a light source 1, and surfaces other than the incident surface 3 processed so as to cause the light rays to refract or scatter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an edge light panel used for various surface light source devices such as guide lights and lighting devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various surface light source devices such as guide lights and lighting devices having a configuration as shown in FIG. 1 are known. 1 includes a light source 1 composed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp, a reflection plate 17, an edge light panel A having a reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4, a display sign 18, and a case 19. The light emitted from the light source 1 is directly or reflected by the reflector 17 and enters the edge light panel A. The incident light travels in the edge light panel A and strikes the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface. Since the light reaching the front surface is transmitted at an angle that does not exceed the total reflection angle, the display sign 18 facing the front surface of the edge light panel A is illuminated.

In the above-mentioned conventional example, when the length of the light source 1 or the effective light emission length of the light source 1 is shorter than the width of the edge light panel A, the light becomes dark near the end of the light source 1 and the luminance becomes lower. Non-uniformity may occur. In particular, when reflection and refraction by a smooth surface are used as the reflection pattern 5 of the edge light panel A, the non-uniformity appears more remarkably than a diffusion pattern such as dot printing.

[0004] In order to prevent such non-uniform brightness, a method as disclosed in JP-A-4-218089 has been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-218089
In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H11-157, the incident surface of the edge light panel is made rough so that it is forcedly diffused non-directionally at the time of incidence, thereby improving the uniformity of luminance near the light source. In this conventional example, since the light enters from the rough surface, the traveling direction after the incidence is also non-directional, and the unevenness near the light source is improved, but in this method, the inside of the edge light panel is reflected by total reflection. There is a problem in that light that should travel is emitted to the front, side, and back surfaces, and the incidence efficiency is reduced.

[0005] Since this occurs near the light source, the light emitted to the front makes the vicinity of the light source brighter, and causes a new luminance nonuniformity. The light emitted to the side surface and the back surface is reflected and reentered, but at this time, a large loss occurs.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a means for refracting or scattering light on a surface other than the incident surface to maintain the uniformity of the luminance on the exit surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an edge light panel capable of performing the above operation.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an edge light panel according to the present invention excludes an incident surface 3 of a light guide plate 4 in which light incident from a light source 1 is emitted from an emission surface 2. It is characterized in that any one of the surfaces is processed to refract or scatter light. With such a configuration, the light incident on the light guide plate 4 is refracted or scattered at any part of the light guide plate 4 other than the incident surface 3 which has been subjected to the process of refracting or scattering the light, and the light exit surface 2
Can be kept uniform, and the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

It is preferable that the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 from which light is emitted is subjected to prism processing. With such a configuration, the emitted light is transmitted to the prism processing portion 15 of the emission surface 2.
To make the shadow at the end of the light source 1 inconspicuous. In particular, since the direction of total reflection by the prism processing portion 15 changes, the shadow is hardly formed.

It is preferable that the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 from which light is emitted is roughened. With such a configuration, the emitted light is scattered on the roughened emission surface 2 so that the shadow of the end of the light source 1 is not noticeable, and in particular, the emission surface 2 is roughened. Since the direction of total reflection changes randomly, shadows are less likely to be formed.

In addition, a reflection pattern 5 is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 and a process of refracting or scattering light in addition to the reflection pattern 5 only near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 is performed. Is preferred. By adopting such a configuration, the exit light is refracted or scattered by the presence of a processing portion provided near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 to refract or scatter light.
The shadow at the end of the light source 1 is made inconspicuous, and in particular, since the direction of total reflection changes only near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5, the shadow is hardly formed.

A reflection pattern 5 in which flat surfaces 5a and V-grooves 5b are alternately arranged is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4, and only the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 near the light source 1 end is formed on the flat surface 5a. It is preferable to form another V-shaped groove 6.
With such a configuration, the light source 1 of the reflection pattern 5
By increasing the amount of emitted light only in the vicinity of the end of the light source 1 on the side, the brightness of the shadow portion at the end of the light source 1 can be improved.

On the back surface of the light guide plate 4, a reflection pattern 5 in which flat surfaces 5a and V grooves 5b are alternately formed is formed. It is preferable that the V-grooves 7 are formed, and the inner surfaces of the V-grooves 5 b and the oblique V-grooves 7 that form the reflection pattern 5 be smooth surfaces 8. With such a configuration, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be dispersed, and the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous. Since the direction of total reflection changes only near the end of the light source 1, shadows are less likely to be formed.

On the back surface of the light guide plate 4, a reflection pattern 5 in which flat surfaces 5a and V grooves 5b are alternately formed is formed. Only the V groove 5b of the reflection pattern 5 on the light source 1 side is formed by a diffusion surface 9. Preferably, it is formed. With such a configuration, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

On the rear surface of the light guide plate 4, a reflection pattern 5 in which flat surfaces 5a and V grooves 5b are alternately formed is formed. It is preferable that the V-groove 5b is formed, the inner surface of the V-groove 5b forming the reflection pattern 5 is formed as a smooth surface 8, and the inner surface of the V-groove 5b in the oblique direction is formed as a diffusion surface 9. With such a configuration, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

On the back surface of the light guide plate 4, a reflection pattern 5 in which flat surfaces 5a and V grooves 5b are alternately formed is formed, and the flat surface 5a on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 is formed by a diffusion surface 9. Is preferred. With such a configuration,
The emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be scattered, and the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.
Further, since the direction of total reflection changes, it is difficult to form a shadow.

It is preferable that the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is roughened so that the rougher the surface is, the closer to the light source side. With such a configuration, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous. In particular, since the roughening state is rougher toward the light source 1 and smoother as the distance from the light source 1 increases, the light source 1 can easily diffuse and make the shadow less noticeable. By changing the roughness, Since the light can be propagated to the back with almost no reduction in the amount of light to be guided, uniformity of luminance in the plane can be maintained.

It is preferable that the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is subjected to prism processing. With such a configuration, the light can be sent to the vicinity of the end of the light source 1 by using the total reflection at the prism processing portion 16 on the side surface of the light guide plate 4, and the emitted light can be made uniform to be uniform. Can be made inconspicuous.

Further, it is preferable that a surface of the light guide plate 4 facing the incident surface 3 be a lens portion 10 which is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. With such a configuration, the light guided to the surface facing the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is bent by the convex or concave lens portion 10 with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. , The shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

It is preferable that a light diffusing portion 11 having a sine wave shape for diffusing light is provided on a surface of the light guide plate 4 facing the incident surface 3. With such a configuration,
The light guided to the surface of the light guide plate 4 facing the incident surface 3 is diffused by the light diffuser 11 having a sine wave shape, so that the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

It is preferable that the light incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is a lens portion 12 which is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. With such a configuration, the light is bent by the lens unit 12 on the incident surface 3, and further, the light is refracted or scattered on any surface of the light guide plate 4 except the incident surface 3 by the processing part that refracts or scatters the light. Can be bent or scattered,
The shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous in two stages.

Further, it is preferable to provide a light diffusing portion 13 having a sine wave shape for diffusing light on the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4. With such a configuration, light is diffused by the light diffusion unit 13 on the incident surface 3, and further, the light guide plate 4
The light can be bent or scattered by a part that refracts or scatters light on any surface other than the incident surface 3 of the light source, and the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous in two stages. is there.

It is preferable that the front and back surfaces of the light guide plate 4 are processed to refract or scatter light. With such a configuration, the outgoing light distribution can be controlled with higher accuracy on the two surfaces, the front surface and the back surface, of the light guide plate 4.

It is preferable that the processing for refracting or scattering light is performed only on the portion corresponding to the end of the light source 1. With such a configuration, shadows can be made inconspicuous, and light distribution characteristics close to the cos rule can be obtained.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

The edge light panel A of the present invention is used for various surface light source devices or lighting devices such as guide lights. Various surface light source devices or lighting devices such as guide lights using the edge light panel are shown in FIG. And a light source 1 such as a straight tube fluorescent lamp, a reflection plate 17, an edge light panel A having a reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4, and an edge light panel. It comprises a display sign 18 arranged on the front side of the panel A and a case 19. The light emitted from the light source 1 is directly or reflected by the reflection plate 17 and enters the light guide plate 4 constituting the main body of the edge light panel A. The incident light travels inside the light guide plate 4 and Of the light that has changed the traveling direction upon hitting the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light emitting device, only the light that has entered the front surface, which is the emission surface 2, without exceeding the total reflection angle is transmitted, and the other light repeats total reflection. Then, the light is further guided to the back, and similarly hits the reflection pattern 5 at the back to perform the same operation, thereby emitting light from the emission surface 2 (front surface) of the light guide plate 4 as shown by the arrow in FIG. The light exits from the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 in this manner, so that the light exit surface 2
The display sign 18 arranged opposite to the (front) is illuminated.

In the above-described edge light panel A, as described above, when the length of the light source 1 composed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp or the effective light emission length of the light source 1 is shorter than the width of the edge light panel A. , It becomes dark near the end of the light source 1 (that is, near both ends of the straight tube light source lamp),
In order to prevent the uneven brightness, in order to prevent the unevenness, the light incident on the light source 1 is emitted from any one of the surfaces except the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 which is emitted from the emission surface 2. A process for refracting or scattering light is performed, and thereby, light incident on the light guide plate 4 is refracted or scattered at a portion where any surface other than the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is processed to refract or scatter light and emitted. The configuration is such that the luminance in the surface 2 is kept uniform and the shadow at the end of the light source is inconspicuous. As described above, by forming a portion which has been processed to refract or scatter light on any surface except the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4,
Compared to the conventional light guide plate 4 having a rough entrance surface 3, the luminance in the exit surface 2 can be kept uniform without lowering the incidence efficiency, and the shadow at the end of the light source can be made inconspicuous. Things.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a prism processing is applied to the front surface of the light guide plate 4, which is the light exit surface 2 from which the light exits, to refract the light. Prism processed part 1 formed on emission surface 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a triangular prism-shaped prism portion 15a elongated in a direction orthogonal to the light source 1 composed of a straight fluorescent lamp (that is, a prism having a triangular cross section in a direction parallel to the light source 1 composed of a straight fluorescent lamp). The portion 15a) is formed on the entire exit surface 2 as shown in FIG.

As described above, the output surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 from which the light is emitted is subjected to prism processing for refracting the light.
When the light transmitted through the emission surface 2 is emitted, the prism processed portion 1 is emitted.
Since the direction can be changed by 5, the shadow near the end of the light source 1 (the image of the non-light emitting portion) can be divided into a plurality. In particular, FIG.
When the apex angle of the prism portion 15a is changed as described above, or when the depth of the prism portion 15a is changed, a shadow is emitted in a visually blurred state, and unevenness of luminance on the emission surface 2 is reduced, Thus, the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the light exit surface 2 is roughened to diffuse the light to the front surface, which is the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 from which the light exits.

By forming the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4 from which light is emitted to the rough surface 20 so as to diffuse the light, light transmitted through the output surface 2 is scattered by the rough surface 20 at the time of emission. In addition, the shadow near the end of the light source 1 (the image of the non-light-emitting portion) hardly appears. In other words, the same effect as that obtained by separately disposing a diffusion sheet between the emission surface 2 of the edge light panel A and the display sign 18 can be obtained. Can make the shadows inconspicuous.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A reflection pattern 5 such as a V-groove or fine irregularities is provided on the back surface of the light guide plate 4, and the reflection pattern 5 usually changes according to the distance from the light source 1.
Brightness uniformity in the direction away from the light source is maintained. Thus, in this embodiment, in addition to the above-described reflection pattern 5 that changes according to the distance from the light source 1 on the back surface of the light guide plate 4, further, the light source 1 end portion on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5. A process for further refracting or scattering light is performed only in the vicinity (in FIG. 5, a portion subjected to a process for further refracting or scattering light only near the end of the light source 1 is indicated by reference numeral 22). That is, the reflection pattern is changed even in a direction parallel to the light source 1 (the left-right direction in FIG. 5). Due to the presence of the processed portion 21 provided near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 in the direction parallel to the light source 1, as the processed portion 21 is refracted or scattered, the closer to the end of the light source 1, the more the diffuse component is generated. Is increased, and the brightness uniformity in the left-right direction (near the end of the light source 1) in FIG. 5 can be maintained, and the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be dispersed so as to be inconspicuous. .

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 has the flat surface 5a and the V
It is formed by alternately arranging the grooves 5b. Here, the V-groove 5b is formed such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the light source 1 composed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp.
The pitch of the V-groove 5b is gradually narrowed (that is, the width of the flat surface 5a is narrowed) as the distance from the light source 1 increases, and the depth of the V-groove 5b is gradually increased as the distance from the light source 1 increases. As an example, a V groove 5 indicated by M in FIG.
The pitch length of b gradually narrows from 2 mm to 0.1 mm, and the depth of the V groove 5b indicated by N in FIG. 7B gradually increases from 0.010 mm to 0.1 mm. It is formed to go. Of course, it is not limited only to the above numerical values. In the present embodiment, the flat surface 5a and the V-groove 5 are formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 as described above.
b, the reflection pattern 5 in which the reflection patterns 5 are alternately arranged is formed.
Another V-shaped groove 6 is formed in each flat surface 5a only near the end. Another V-shaped groove 6 formed on the flat surface 5a is a V-shaped groove 5b.
It is parallel to. As shown in FIG. 7B, the depth is approximately the same as or less than the adjacent V groove 5b. By forming another V-shaped groove 6 on each flat surface 5a only near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5, the amount of emitted light only on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 near the end of the light source 1 Can be increased to improve the brightness of the shadow portion at the end of the light source 1.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment as well, the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 is formed by alternately arranging the flat surfaces 5a and the V-grooves 5b as in the above-described embodiment, and the longitudinal direction is a straight pipe. In the V-groove 5b formed so as to be in a direction parallel to the light source 1 made of a fluorescent lamp, the pitch of the V-groove 5b gradually narrows (that is, the width of the flat surface 5a decreases) as the distance from the light source 1 increases. The same applies to the configuration in which the depth of the V-groove 5b is gradually increased as the distance increases. Thus, in the present embodiment, a V-groove 7 is formed in the oblique direction only near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5. Here, the respective inner surfaces of the V-groove 5b forming the reflection pattern 5 and the V-groove portion 7 in the oblique direction are smooth surfaces 8.
As described above, the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5
By forming the V groove 7 in the oblique direction only near the end, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be dispersed, and the amount of emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be increased. , The shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous. Further, since the direction of total reflection changes only near the end of the light source 1, shadows are less likely to be formed.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment as well, the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 is formed by alternately arranging the flat surfaces 5a and the V-grooves 5b as in the above-described embodiment, and the longitudinal direction is a straight pipe. In the V-groove 5b formed so as to be in a direction parallel to the light source 1 made of a fluorescent lamp, the pitch of the V-groove 5b gradually narrows (that is, the width of the flat surface 5a decreases) as the distance from the light source 1 increases. The same applies to the configuration in which the depth of the V-groove 5b is gradually increased as the distance increases. In this embodiment, the V-groove 5 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 is used.
Only b has an inner surface formed by the diffusion surface 9. In other words, the reflection pattern 5 on the back surface of the edge light panel A changes according to the distance from the light source 1 as described above, and maintains the luminance uniformity in the direction away from the light source 1. If the inner surface of the V groove 5b is smooth, the light is specularly reflected and is emitted from the emission surface 2 on the front surface.
When the inner surface of the groove 5b is the diffusion surface 9, the light is diffusely reflected and emitted in various directions. On the other hand, the influence of the shadow at the end of the light source 1 composed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp is conspicuous in the vicinity of the light source 1 of the edge light panel A. The uniformity of the light emitted from the surface 2 is improved.

Here, when the area where the V-groove 5b having the inner surface as the diffusion surface 9 is present (the area indicated by a in FIG. 9A) becomes larger, the amount of light to be diffused increases and the light is emitted from the emission surface 2 on the front surface. In some cases, the distribution of light cannot be controlled, resulting in uneven brightness as a whole. For this reason, the V-groove 5b having the inner surface as the diffusion surface 9 is provided only in the vicinity of the light source 1, and FIG.
The V-groove 5b in the region indicated by b in FIG. The V-groove 5b having the inner surface as the diffusion surface 9 is formed by changing the smoothness and the material of the cutting tool when processing.

In the present embodiment, as described above, only the V-groove 5b on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 has the inner surface
Therefore, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment as well, the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 is formed by alternately arranging the flat surfaces 5a and the V-grooves 5b as in the above-described embodiment, and the longitudinal direction is a straight pipe. In the V-groove 5b formed so as to be in a direction parallel to the light source 1 made of a fluorescent lamp, the pitch of the V-groove 5b gradually narrows (that is, the width of the flat surface 5a decreases) as the distance from the light source 1 increases. The same applies to the configuration in which the depth of the V-groove 5b is gradually increased as the distance increases. Thus, in the present embodiment, a V-groove 5b in the oblique direction is formed only near the end of the light source 1 on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5. Here, in the present embodiment, the inner surface of the V-groove 5b forming the reflection pattern 5 is formed as a smooth surface 8 and the inner surface of the V-groove 5b in the oblique direction is formed as a diffusion surface 9. By forming the V-groove 7 in the oblique direction on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern 5 only near the end of the light source 1 as described above, the inner surface becomes the diffusion surface 9, the emitted light near the end of the light source 1 is dispersed. As a result, the amount of emitted light near the end of the light source 1 can be increased, and the shadow of the end of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous. Also, since the direction of total reflection changes only near the end of the light source 1,
It is difficult to cast shadows.

The oblique V-shaped groove 7 may be linear as shown in FIG. 10, or a plurality of concentric circles centered on a corner which is a side end of the light guide plate 4 on the light source 1 side. May be arc shapes having different diameters.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment as well, the reflection pattern 5 formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 4 is formed by alternately arranging the flat surfaces 5a and the V-grooves 5b as in the above-described embodiment, and the longitudinal direction is a straight pipe. In the V-groove 5b formed so as to be in a direction parallel to the light source 1 made of a fluorescent lamp, the pitch of the V-groove 5b gradually narrows (that is, the width of the flat surface 5a decreases) as the distance from the light source 1 increases. The same applies to the configuration in which the depth of the V-groove 5b is gradually increased as the distance increases. In this embodiment, the flat surface 5a of the reflection pattern 5 on the light source 1 side is formed by the diffusion surface 9. That is, when the reflection pattern 5 is formed by alternately arranging the flat surface 5a and the diffusion surface 9 alternately, the reflection pattern 5 is reflected by the V-grooves 5b having gradually different depths and pitches and emitted from the front surface. The amount of light is determined, and total reflection occurs on the flat surface 5a, and the light is guided to the far side, which is the direction away from the light source 1. However, the V groove 5b is formed in a region where the shadow near the light source 1 is conspicuous. The light source 1 can be formed by using the diffusion surface 9 as a part that is not present.
Is diffusely reflected at the flat surface 5a near the light source 1, so that the shadow near the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous, and can be uniformly emitted from the emission surface 2 on the front surface. Is uniform. Since the direction of total reflection changes, it is difficult to form a shadow.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is roughened. Here, when the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is roughened, as shown in FIG. 12, the roughened surface is roughened closer to the light source 1 side. Thus, the light that has entered the light guide plate 4 from the incident surface 3 guides the inside of the light guide plate 4 according to the direction in which the light enters the light guide plate 4. In this case, the amount of light incident on the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 at the end of the light source 1 formed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp is reduced, so that the entire edge of the edge light panel A is shadowed and darkened. In order to eliminate this shadow, it is necessary to change the direction of light incident on the edge light panel A to increase the amount of light emitted from the edge of the edge light panel A. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the diffusion surface 23 is formed by roughening the side surface of the light guide plate 4, and light reaching the side surface of the light guide plate 4 depends on the rough side surface. The light is diffusely reflected and emitted from the front end, which is the emission surface 2 of the edge light panel A, so that the shadow of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous. In particular, since the roughening state is rougher toward the light source 1 and smoother as the distance from the light source 1 increases, the light source 1 can easily diffuse and make the shadow less noticeable. By changing the roughness, Since the light can be propagated to the back with almost no reduction in the amount of light to be guided, uniformity of luminance in the plane can be maintained.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is prism-processed, and the prism-processed portion 1 is formed.
6 is formed. That is, the light that has entered the light guide plate 4 from the incident surface 3 guides the inside of the light guide plate 4 according to the direction in which the light enters the light guide plate 4. In this case, the amount of light incident on the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 at the end of the light source 1 formed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp is reduced, so that the entire edge of the edge light panel A is shadowed and darkened. In order to eliminate this shadow, it is necessary to change the direction of light incident on the edge light panel A to increase the amount of light emitted from the edge of the edge light panel A. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is prism processed, and light reaching the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is reflected by the prism processed portion 16 on the side surface of the light guide plate 4. The light is emitted from the front end, which is the emission surface 2 of the edge light panel A, so that the shadow of the light source 1 can be made inconspicuous.

The prism processing portion 16 formed on the side surface of the light guide plate 4 is for controlling the light reflection direction, and the prism portion for forming the prism processing portion 16 may have a V-groove shape or a conical shape. The light guide plate 4 may be arranged in such a manner that the light distribution of emitted light is uniform. For example, as shown in FIG. It is arranged to be longer in the direction.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the surface facing the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is formed into a convex or concave shape as shown in FIGS. It is a convex or concave lens section 10. That is, the light incident on the light guide plate 4 from the incident surface 3 is guided in the light guide plate 4 according to the incident direction. A lot of light that reaches the surface facing the incident surface 3 without being emitted is reflected on the surface facing the incident surface 3 toward the incident surface 3 or after transmitting through the surface facing the incident surface 3, After being reflected by the case 19, the light enters the light guide plate 4 again. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the surface facing the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is formed into a convex or concave shape to form a lens portion 10 that is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. By doing so, the light that has reached the surface of the light guide plate 4 facing the incident surface 3 is refracted and reflected in the direction controlled by the lens unit 10, so that the shadow of the end of the light source 1 is inconspicuous. Is what you do.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a light diffuser 11 having a sine wave shape for diffusing light is provided on a surface of the light guide plate 4 facing the incident surface 3. That is,
Light that has entered the light guide plate 4 from the incident surface 3 is guided in the light guide plate 4 in the incident direction, but does not exit from the back surface, front surface, and side surface of the light guided in the light guide plate 4. Many light reaches the surface facing the incident surface 3 at the surface, and is reflected toward the incident surface 3 side by the surface facing the incident surface 3 or
After transmitting through the surface facing the incident surface 3, the light is reflected by the case 19 and then enters the light guide plate 4 again. Therefore, the light guide plate 4
It is conceivable to roughen the surface facing the light incident surface 3. However, when the surface is roughened, transmission loss occurs, and the efficiency of light emitted from the light emitting surface 2 is reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the light diffusing portion 11 is formed in a sinusoidal shape that suppresses a decrease in light loss while having a light distribution of diffuse reflection in a surface facing the incident surface 3. By forming the arcuate convex curved surface and the arcuate concave curved surface into a sine wave shape that is alternately continuous, it is possible to prevent light loss due to multiple reflections at the convex curved surface and the concave curved surface. By the way, to give an example of a sine wave shape, the sine wave is formed so that the traveling direction of the sine wave is the longitudinal direction of the light source 1 composed of a straight fluorescent lamp,
The light guide plate 4 has the same cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction. The pitch of the sine wave is, for example, 0.010 to 1 m
m, and the depth is about 0.010 to 1 mm.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 15 described above, any surface except for the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 in which the light incident from the light source exits from the exit surface 2. In the case where a process of refracting or scattering light is performed, the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 is further formed as a lens portion 12 which is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. That is, as in the above embodiments, when there is a means for controlling the direction of light by refraction or reflection other than the light incident surface 3 of the light from the light source 1, the luminance distribution of the light exit surface 2 of the edge light panel A becomes uniform. However, when the light emission distribution of the light source 1 has extremely uneven brightness, or when the light emission length of the light source 1 is short, the incident surface 3 has a convex curve with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens as in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the distribution of light incident on the light guide plate 4 on the incident surface 3 is shaped by forming the concave lens portion 12. Thus, by providing the light control means other than the incident surface 3 and forming the lens portion 12 convex or concave with respect to the light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens on the incident surface 3, two-stage light control is performed. By this means, a more uniform light distribution can be obtained. Here, the lens portion 12 that is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens has its cross section not changed in the thickness direction of the light guide plate 4 (that is, the straight fluorescent lamp). By making the convex curved surface or the concave curved surface continuous in the longitudinal direction), it is possible to prevent light from leaking from the lens portion 12 provided on the incident surface 4 toward the back surface, and to allow light to escape to the back surface. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the incident efficiency.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 15 described above, any surface except for the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 in which the light incident from the light source exits from the exit surface 2. A light diffusing portion 1 having a sinusoidal shape for diffusing light to the light incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4, which has been processed to refract or scatter light.
3 is provided. That is, as in the above embodiments, when there is a means for controlling the direction of light by refraction or reflection other than the light incident surface 3 of the light from the light source 1, the luminance distribution of the light exit surface 2 of the edge light panel A becomes uniform. But light source 1
In the case where there is extremely uneven brightness in the light emission distribution of the light source 1, or when the light emission length of the light source 1 is short, the incident surface 3
Light diffuser 13 having a sine wave shape for diffusing light into
Is formed, the distribution of light incident on the light guide plate 4 on the incident surface 3 is shaped. As described above, the light control means is provided on the incident surface 3 other than the incident surface 3, and the light diffusion device has a sinusoidal wave shape in which a convex portion and a concave portion are alternately continuous with a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. Part 1
By forming No. 3, it is possible to obtain a more uniform light distribution with two-stage light control means. Here, the direction of the sinusoidal wave in which the convex curved portions and the concave curved portions are alternately continuous coincides with the longitudinal direction of the light source 1 composed of a straight tube fluorescent lamp. The light diffusing portion 13 having a sinusoidal shape with a continuous curved portion is configured such that its cross section does not change in the thickness direction of the light guide plate 4. Accordingly, light incident from the light diffusion portion 13 having a sinusoidal shape in which the convex curved portion and the concave curved portion provided on the incident surface 4 are continuous can be prevented from exiting toward the back surface of the light guide plate 4, and the light can escape to the back surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the incident efficiency. The pitch of the sine wave is, for example, about 0.010 to 1 mm.
The depth is about 0.010 to 1 mm.

By the way, in each of the above-described embodiments, the process of refracting or scattering light on any surface except for the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 in which the light incident from the light source 1 is emitted from the emission surface 2. In this case, although not shown, the front surface and the back surface of the light guide plate 4 may be processed to refract or scatter light to form a diffusion surface. With such a configuration, the diffusion surface on the back surface has a role of directing light to the end of the light source 1, and the diffusion surface on the front surface has a role of uniforming the light distribution direction when finally emitting light. Have In this way, by performing a process of refracting or scattering light on the front surface and the back surface of the light guide plate 4, it becomes possible to control the emitted light distribution with higher accuracy on the two surfaces of the light guide plate 4, The shadow at the end of the light source 1 becomes less noticeable.

Further, as in each of the above-described embodiments, the front surface, the back surface, and the side surface which are any surfaces except for the incident surface 3 of the light guide plate 4 which allows the light incident from the light source 1 to exit from the exit surface 2. In performing the process of refracting or scattering light on the opposing surface, the front surface, the back surface, the side surface, and the entire surface of the light guide plate 4 may be subjected to processing of refracting or scattering light. Instead of performing processing to refract or scatter light on the entire back surface, side surface, and opposing surface, the light guide plate 4
The light may be refracted or scattered only at the portion corresponding to the end of the light source 1 so that light is emitted from the end of the light source 1 of the edge light panel A. FIG.
18A and 18B show examples in which light is refracted or scattered only in a portion corresponding to the end of the light source 1 on the front surface, which is the light exit surface 2 of the light guide plate 4. In FIG. Reference numeral 25 indicates a roughened surface portion. If the entire surface is processed, the efficiency of the emitted light may be reduced. However, as described in the present embodiment, the processing for refracting or scattering the light is performed only on the portion corresponding to the end of the light source 1 so that the shadow is reduced. Is not conspicuous, and optical characteristics close to the cos rule are obtained.

[0049]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, light is incident on any surface except for the light-entering surface of the light guide plate, in which light incident from the light source is emitted from the light emitting surface. Has been processed to refract or scatter the light, so that the light incident on the light guide plate is refracted or scattered at any part of the surface of the light guide plate other than the incident surface that has been subjected to the process of refracting or scattering the light. This makes it possible to keep the brightness of the inside uniform and to make the shadow of the end of the light source inconspicuous, and not to lower the incidence efficiency.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, since the light exit surface of the light guide plate is subjected to prism processing, the exit light is reduced. It can be bent at the prism processing part of the exit surface so that the shadow of the end of the light source is inconspicuous. In particular, prism processing is performed with a simple configuration that performs prism processing on the light exit surface of the light guide plate that emits light. Since the direction of total reflection changes depending on the portion, a shadow is hardly formed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitting surface of the light guide plate for emitting light is roughened, so that the emitted light is roughened. The light can be scattered on the exit surface to make the shadow of the end of the light source inconspicuous. In particular, the direction of total reflection changes randomly with a simple configuration of roughening the exit surface. This makes it difficult to cast shadows.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a reflection pattern is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, and a light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern. Since only the vicinity has been subjected to a process of further refracting or scattering light in addition to the reflection pattern, the presence of a processed portion for refracting or scattering light provided near the light source end on the light source 1 side of the reflection pattern causes emission light to be reduced. It can be refracted or scattered to make the shadow of the end of the light source inconspicuous, especially because the direction of total reflection changes only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern,
It is difficult to cast shadows.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate is formed. Since another V-shaped groove is formed on the flat surface only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern, another V-shaped groove is formed on the flat surface only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern. With a simple configuration, the amount of emitted light is increased only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern,
The brightness of the shadow portion at the end of the light source can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate is formed. On the light source side of the reflection pattern, a V-groove in the oblique direction is further formed only near the light source end, and the inner surfaces of the V-groove forming the reflection pattern and the V-groove in the oblique direction are smooth surfaces. With the simple configuration of forming a diagonal V-groove in which the inner surface becomes a smooth surface only near the light source end on the side, the emitted light near the end of the light source can be dispersed, The shadow can be made inconspicuous, and since the direction of total reflection changes only near the end of the light source, the shadow is hardly formed.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate is formed. Since only the V-groove on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed with a diffusion surface, only the V-groove on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed with a diffusion surface. The emitted light can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source can be made inconspicuous.

According to the invention of claim 8, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate is formed. On the light source side of the reflection pattern, a V-groove in the oblique direction is further formed only near the end of the light source, the inner surface of the V-groove forming the reflection pattern is made smooth, and the inner surface of the V-groove in the oblique direction is formed as a diffusion surface. Therefore, a simple configuration in which a diagonal V-groove portion in which the inner surface becomes a diffusion surface only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed,
The emitted light near the end of the light source can be scattered, and the shadow at the end of the light source can be made inconspicuous.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate is formed. Since the flat surface on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed as a diffusion surface, the emitted light near the end of the light source is scattered by a simple configuration in which the flat surface on the light source side of the reflection pattern is a diffusion surface. The shadow of the end of the light source can be made inconspicuous. Further, since the direction of total reflection changes, it is difficult to form a shadow.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the side surface of the light guide plate is roughened, and the rough surface is made rougher as it is closer to the light source side. With the configuration, it is possible to scatter the emitted light near the end of the light source,
The shadow at the end of the light source can be made inconspicuous,
In particular, the roughening state is rougher on the light source side, and becomes smoother as the distance increases, so that the light source side can easily diffuse and make the shadow less noticeable. Since the light can be propagated to the back without being reduced, the uniformity of the luminance in the plane can be maintained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, since the prism processing is performed on the side surface of the light guide plate, the prism processing is performed on the side surface of the light guide plate. By utilizing reflection, light can be sent to the vicinity of the end of the light source, and the emitted light can be made uniform so that the shadow of the end of the light source is not noticeable.

Further, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, since the surface facing the incident surface of the light guide plate is a lens portion that is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens, the incidence of the light guide plate is reduced. With a simple configuration in which the surface facing the surface is a convex or concave lens portion, light guided to the surface facing the incident surface of the light guide plate is convex with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. The light source can be bent by a curved or concave lens part so that the shadow of the end of the light source is inconspicuous.

In the invention according to claim 13,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, a light diffusion portion having a sine wave shape for diffusing light is provided on a surface facing the incident surface of the light guide plate. With a simple configuration of providing a sinusoidal light diffuser on the surface to be illuminated, the light guided to the surface facing the incident surface of the light guide plate is diffused by the sinusoidal light diffuser, and the light source end The shadow of the part can be made inconspicuous.

In the invention according to claim 14,
In addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 11, in addition, the light incident surface of the light guide plate is a lens portion that is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. The light can be bent or scattered by the lens portion on the light incident surface, and the light can be bent or scattered by a portion of the light guide plate other than the light incident surface except the light incident surface. Can be made more inconspicuous at the edges of the.

Further, in the invention according to claim 15,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in any of claims 2 to 11, in addition to the light diffusing portion having a sinusoidal shape for diffusing light on the incident surface of the light guide plate, the incident surface has The light is diffused by the light diffusing portion, and furthermore, the light is bent or scattered by a portion where the light is refracted or scattered on any surface except the incident surface of the light guide plate. Can be made less noticeable.

In the invention according to claim 16,
In addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, since the front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate are subjected to a process of refracting or scattering light, the light emission and distribution are more accurately performed on the two front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate. It can control light.

In the invention according to claim 17,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 2, claim 3, claim 5, claim 7, claim 7, claim 10, claim 14, claim 15, or claim 16, light is refracted or scattered. Since the processing is performed only on the portion corresponding to the end of the light source, the shadow can be made inconspicuous, and the light distribution characteristics close to the cos rule can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an edge light panel.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to the first embodiment.

3A and 3B show an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate, FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged perspective view of a front surface, and FIG. It is a partially expanded perspective view of other embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the light source and the light guide plate.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to another embodiment of the same.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a light guide plate showing still another embodiment of the above, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example in which a V-groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing an example in which a V-groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate. It is a perspective view.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view showing an example in which a V-groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate. It is sectional drawing.

10A is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view showing an example in which a V-groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate. It is a perspective view.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate showing still another embodiment of the above, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing a relationship between the light source and a light guide plate showing still another embodiment of the same. It is a perspective view which shows a relationship.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the above.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the above.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 (a) and (b) are perspective views showing a relationship between a light source and a light guide plate showing still another embodiment of the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 light source 2 emission surface 3 incidence surface 4 light guide plate 5 reflection pattern 5a flat surface 5b V-groove 6 V-shaped groove 7 V-groove portion 8 smooth surface 9 diffusion surface 10 lens portion 11 light diffusion portion 12 lens portion 13 light diffusion portion 15 prism processing Part 16 Prism processing part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Asahi 1048 Odakadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka F-term in Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (reference) 2H038 AA55 BA06 BA45

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An edge light panel characterized in that any one of the surfaces of a light guide plate other than the incident surface of a light guide plate that emits light incident from a light source from an exit surface is subjected to a process of refracting or scattering light. . 2. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein a prism processing is performed on an emission surface of the light guide plate from which light is emitted. 3. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein an emission surface of the light guide plate from which light is emitted is roughened. 4. A reflection pattern is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, and a process of refracting or scattering light in addition to the reflection pattern only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern is performed. The edge light panel according to claim 1. 5. A reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate, and another V-shaped groove is formed on the flat surface only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern. 2. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein the edge light panel comprises: 6. A reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate, and a V-groove in a diagonal direction is formed only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern. V-grooves forming patterns and V in oblique directions
2. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein each inner surface of the groove is formed as a smooth surface. 7. A light guide plate, wherein a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V grooves are alternately arranged is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, and only the V groove on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed with a diffusion surface. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein 8. A reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged on the back surface of the light guide plate, and a V-groove in a diagonal direction only near the light source end on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed. 2. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the V-groove forming the pattern is made a smooth surface, and an inner surface of the V-groove portion in the oblique direction is formed as a diffusion surface. 9. A light guide plate, wherein a reflection pattern in which flat surfaces and V-grooves are alternately arranged is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, and the flat surface on the light source side of the reflection pattern is formed as a diffusion surface. Item 4. The edge light panel according to Item 1. 10. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the light guide plate is roughened, and the rougher surface is rougher as it is closer to the light source side. 11. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein a prism is formed on a side surface of the light guide plate. 12. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the light guide plate facing the incident surface is formed as a lens portion which is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens. 13. The edge light panel according to claim 1, further comprising a light diffusion portion having a sine wave shape for diffusing light on a surface of the light guide plate facing the incident surface. 14. The light guide plate according to claim 2, wherein an incident surface of the light guide plate is formed as a lens portion which is convex or concave with respect to a light source such as a cylindrical lens or a lenticular lens.
The edge light panel according to claim 11. 15. The edge light panel according to claim 2, wherein a light diffusing portion having a sine wave shape for diffusing light is provided on an incident surface of the light guide plate. . 16. The edge light panel according to claim 1, wherein a front surface and a rear surface of the light guide plate are processed to refract or scatter light. 17. The processing for refracting or scattering light is performed only on a portion corresponding to an end of a light source. Claim 11 or Claim 14 or Claim 15
Or the edge light panel according to claim 16.