JP2003222859A - Light guide element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light guide element to attain energy saving. <P>SOLUTION: A light guide element 21 is provided on a light guide module 20 which is provided on the bottom part of a liquid crystal module 10 which a liquid crystal display has. A light guide face 211 is provided on the bottom part of the light guide element 21, a light source 22 is provided on the light guide module 20, further, the light guide element 21 is connected to a plurality of light emitting materials which absorb and store energy and radiate energy stored by an optical energy method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light guide element, and more particularly to a back light source which has a function of guiding light to a kind of liquid crystal module and is combined with a light emitting material on the light guide element to be provided as an external light source and a display. And a night-light type light guide element capable of absorbing visible light and providing visible light without driving a back light source at night or in a dark place.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, a back light type light guide element 90 (which can be roughly classified into a direct light emitting type, a side light emitting type, and a hollow light emitting type). Is provided in order to equalize the brightness of the liquid crystal display, and when the user views the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display, it is possible to avoid a situation where the screen is dark and the screen is not clear. The back light type light guide module generally uses an LED (light emitting diode) or a CCFL (cold cathode ray tube) as the light source 91. As is well known, when a general liquid crystal display type electronic device (for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (palm digital assistant), a notebook, etc.) is used, sufficient light is emitted from a light source 91 of a light emitting diode or a cold cathode ray tube. It is necessary to provide. Since a sufficient and average back light source is generated via the light guide module, the light source 91
Is the largest consumption source, and in order to reduce the power consumption of the battery, the vendor generally improves the light guide pattern and structure design of the backlight module to increase the luminous efficiency and luminous efficiency of the backlight module and increase the number of light sources 91. By reducing the current consumption of the light source 91, the battery life is extended. Taking a PDA as an example, the light source 9 of the back light module is used in order to keep the display screen visible in the dark or at night.
Since it is necessary to drive all the light sources 1, when the light source 91 is used up and the light source 91 disappears, the light guide element 90 loses the function of providing back light and the liquid crystal module 92 does not transmit light rays. You lose the ability to display the screen because there isn't one.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a light guide element which achieves an energy saving effect.

[0004]

The light guide element of the present invention made to achieve the above object is provided in a light guide module provided at the bottom of a liquid crystal module included in a liquid crystal display. A light guide surface is provided at the bottom of the light guide element, a light source is provided in the light guide module, and the light guide element is configured to absorb and store energy and to radiate the stored energy by a light energy method. It is a combination of light emitting materials.

The present invention utilizes a light emitting material coupled to a light guide element to release energy by absorbing and storing a light source and emitting light. When the light source emits light, the light ray enters the light guide element to guide light, and the light emitting material emits fluorescence while absorbing the light source, and when the light source disappears, the light emitting material emits visible night light in its original complexion. Thus, the light guide element radiates the night light and achieves the energy saving effect.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a light guide element according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The light guide element is a kind of side-emission light guide element, and this embodiment mainly maintains the original light guide function. The material has the function of absorbing the light source and storing it to release the energy so that it can provide visible light at night or in the dark.

The light guide element 21 according to this embodiment is provided in a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display has a liquid crystal module 10, a light guide module 20 is provided at the bottom of the liquid crystal module 10, and the light guide module 20 has a light guide element 21. An inclined light guide surface 211 is provided at the bottom of the light guide element 21, and the light guide element 21 has a thick end 2 depending on the inclined state of the light guide surface 211.
12 and a thin end 213 are formed, a light source 22 is provided at one end of the thick end 212 of the light guide element 21, and a reflector 22 is provided on the opposite side of the light guide element 21 to the light source 22.
1 is provided, and the light guide element 21 is combined with a plurality of light emitting materials 231 on the light emitting surface (in this embodiment, a light emitting material of a granular material is taken as an example) to form a luminescent layer 23. A layer 23 is provided between the light guide element 21 and the liquid crystal module.

The point to be noted here is that the light guide element 21 is
The luminescent layer 23 in is composed of the plurality of luminescent materials 231, and the characteristics of the plurality of luminescent materials 231 are capable of absorbing and storing energy of light rays, and absorbing and storing energy in the form of light rays. This is the point of release. In the prior art, the sources of light rays that make the liquid crystal display visible include a light source external to the liquid crystal display (eg, a light source such as sunlight or a light) and the light source 22 of the backlight module 20. The night-light layer 23 absorbs the energy of light rays and then stores the energy, and slowly absorbs the energy in the form of light energy to release the stored energy to form other visible light rays. It provides backlighting when the display light source 22 is extinguished or external light rays are lost.

The light emitting material can be classified into a self light emitting type and a storage light emitting type according to the light emitting form, and can be divided into an organic material and an inorganic material depending on the type of material. Among them, the self-luminous type is generally a radioactive substance, and its usage, production, and waste treatment are strictly regulated by law, so that the self-luminous type is rarely used. The storage and emission type has different absorption rate, storage capacity, emission capacity and decay rate depending on the material properties. Inorganic storage luminescence type materials are the most used materials in the general market. For example, the main component of one kind of common inorganic storage luminescence type materials is zinc sulfide (ZnS), which has a specific active component (eg, copper (Cu)). ) Is mixed to form the original complexion yellow-green,
Excitation wavelength is 200-450 nm, emission wavelength is 53
0 nm, the emission intensity is 20-30 mcd / m ² , the decay time is about 200 minutes, and another new type of high efficiency long emission inorganic storage luminescent type material is
Excitation wavelength is 200-450 nm, emission wavelength is 52
0 nm, the emission intensity is 300 mcd / m ² ,
The decay time is 2000 minutes or more. As described above, it has been described that the light emitting material can surely generate visible light and maintain it for a predetermined time to obtain an energy saving effect.

Referring to FIG. The light guide element may be provided in a liquid crystal display of a product such as a mobile phone or a PDA, and the external light ray X passes through the liquid crystal module 10 and reaches the night light layer to be absorbed and stored in the light emitting material 231. When turned on, the light ray Y generated by the light source 22 enters the inside of the light guide element 21 directly or by the reflection of the reflection plate 221. A light ray Y that has passed through the light guide 21 and reaches the night light layer 23 directly and has entered the inside of the light guide element 21 also forms a reflected light ray Z due to reflection on the light guide surface 211, and passes through the light guide element 21. The light rays reaching the night-light layer 23 and part of the light rays reaching the night-light layer 23 are part of the night-light layer 2
3 is absorbed and stored in the light emitting material 231 in FIG. 3, and part of the light rays transmitted through the luminous layer 23;
The light rays absorbed, stored and radiated into the liquid crystal module 10 provide light rays that adhere to the liquid crystal module 10 and drive liquid crystal molecules (not shown) to display a screen effect, thereby providing a liquid crystal display. Make the displayed screen visible from outside of.

The luminescent material 231 in the luminescent layer 23 absorbs the energy of the external ray X and the reflected ray Z to start energy storage and releases the energy in the form of light energy, and after a predetermined time, When either or both of the external light ray X and the reflected light ray Z disappear, the energy absorbed by the luminescent material 231 in the night-light layer 23 is emitted as light energy for a predetermined time to provide a visible (fluorescent) light ray. Since it is possible to drive the light source 22 in full time, a battery (not shown) can be used.
The power consumption can be saved, and the energy saving effect can be achieved.

To summarize the above, the present embodiment stores the external light rays X and the internal light rays Y by utilizing the principle of absorbing, storing and radiating the light energy of the light emitting material 231 in the phosphor layer 23. After reuse, the light source 22 is not driven in full time even if the liquid crystal display is placed in a dark place, and the energy stored in the light emitting material 231 in the phosphor layer 23 is used to emit light in the form of light energy to be visible ( (Fluorescent) light and energy saving function,
In addition, it is a night-light type light guide element having a function of guiding light rays to the liquid crystal module 10.

Of course, the present invention has many other structural changes that can achieve the luminous effect. FIG. 3 shows a light guide element according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a light emitting material 31 is directly provided in the light guide element 30, and the light guide element 30 has a function of a luminescent layer. However, the plurality of light emitting materials 31 can also absorb the external light rays X and the internal light rays Y, and when the energy is stored and the energy is stored at night or in the dark, the plurality of light emitting materials 31 in the light guide element 30. Can release energy continuously and provide visible light to achieve energy saving effect.

FIG. 4 shows a light guide element according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the luminescent layer 41 is provided directly after the light guide element 40, and the plurality of luminescent materials in the luminescent layer 41 are external. The light rays X and the internal rays Y can be absorbed, and the energy is stored, and when the energy is stored at night or in the dark, the plurality of light emitting materials in the light guide element 40 continuously release the energy, and the visible light rays are emitted. Can provide the effect of energy saving.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show light guide elements according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention, in which the light guide surface at the bottom of the light guide element is a flat surface. Yes, the light guide surface has a plurality of light guide protrusions (521, 57).
) Has. FIG. 5 therein shows the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the luminescent layer 53 is provided in front of the light guide element 51, and the plurality of luminescent materials in the luminescent layer 53 are sunlight and light rays of an electric lamp. Energy can be absorbed and stored, and when it is placed at night or in the dark, a plurality of light-emitting materials in the night-light layer 53 continuously release energy to provide visible light and save energy. Can be achieved.

FIG. 6 shows a light guide element according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of light emitting materials 54 are directly provided in a light guide element 55, and the plurality of light emitting materials 54 are exposed to external light rays. The internal light generated by the light source can be absorbed and the energy can be stored and placed at night or in the dark, the plurality of luminescent materials 54 in the light guide element 55 continuously release the energy. By providing visible light, energy saving effect can be achieved.

FIG. 7 shows a light guide device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a luminescent layer 56 composed of a plurality of luminescent particles is directly provided on the bottom of a light guide protrusion 57. The plurality of luminescent materials in the luminescent layer 56 are capable of absorbing sunlight and light rays of an electric lamp, and energy is stored in the luminescent layer 5.
When stored in 6, and placed at night or in the dark, a plurality of luminescent materials in the luminescent layer 56 can release energy continuously and provide visible light to achieve energy saving effect. .

8 to 10 show light guide elements according to the seventh to ninth embodiments of the present invention, in which the light guide surface at the bottom of the light guide element 61 is an arc surface, 63 is provided in the light guide element 61. FIG. 8 shows a light guide device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a luminescent layer 65 composed of a plurality of light emitting materials 64 is coupled to the top of the light emitting surface of the light guide device 61 to form the luminescent material. The plurality of light emitting materials in the layer 65 are capable of absorbing external light rays and internal light rays generated by the light source 63, and storing energy therein, so that when the light rays are extinguished, the plurality of light emitting materials in the luminous layer 65 are absorbed. The material 64 can subsequently release energy and provide visible light to achieve the energy saving effect.

FIG. 9 shows a light guide element according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of light emitting materials 64 are directly provided in the light guide element 61, and the plurality of light emitting materials 64 are external light rays. And the internal light rays generated by the light source 63 can be absorbed, and energy can be stored in the luminescent material 64 and placed at night or in the dark, the luminescent material 64 continues to release energy, Visible light can be provided to achieve the energy saving effect.

FIG. 10 shows a light guide element according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, in which a luminescent layer 65 composed of a plurality of light emitting materials is directly provided on the bottom of the light guide element 61, The plurality of luminescent materials in 65 can absorb sunlight and light rays of electric lamp, and can transfer energy to the luminescent layer 6
When stored at 5, and placed at night or in the dark, a plurality of luminescent materials in the luminescent layer 65 can release energy continuously and provide visible light to achieve energy saving effect. The above-mentioned embodiments are only for explaining the present invention, and not for limiting the present invention, and all changes of numerical values and replacement of elements having the same effect belong to the present invention.

[0021]

The present invention has the following effects. (1) In addition to changing the design of the light guide pattern to increase the light guiding effect, the present invention couples a light emitting material to the light guiding element or a luminous layer composed of the light emitting material on the top or bottom of the light guiding element. The light guide element has an effect of saving energy and also has an effect of averaging the light guides by combining the above, absorbing and storing light rays and releasing energy.

(2) The present invention provides visible light during darkness or power failure, and mixes different fluorescent colors of different complexion with the light emitting material or fluorescent pigments of different complexion to the light guide element to obtain different complexion colors. It is possible to manufacture a night light (fluorescent) light guide element. (3) The light guide element of the present invention is combined with a light emitting material to utilize the function of the light emitting material to absorb and store light rays to release energy, and when the light source emits light, the light rays are guided by the light guide element. At the same time as entering and performing a light guiding action, the luminescent layer emits fluorescent light while starting to absorb light rays, and when the light source disappears, the luminescent layer emits visible luminescent light (fluorescent light) with the original complexion and the light guide element is You can continue to emit night light, and achieve the effect of energy saving.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a light guide element according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the operation of the light guide element for radiating a light source according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a light guide element according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a light guide element according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a light guide element according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a light guide device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a light guide device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a light guide device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a light guide device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a light guide device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional backlight type liquid crystal display.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another conventional backlight type liquid crystal display.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing still another conventional backlight type liquid crystal display.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 LCD module 20 Light guide module 21, 30, 40, 51 Light guide element 22, 42 light source 23, 41, 53 Luminous layer 31, 231 luminescent material 52, 211 Light guide surface 57, 521 light guide convex portion 212 Thick edge 213 thin edge 221 reflector

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Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A light guide module provided at the bottom of a liquid crystal module of a liquid crystal display, having a light guide surface at the bottom, and absorbing energy of light rays generated by a light source provided in the light guide module. A light guide element, characterized in that a plurality of light emitting materials that emit energy stored by the light energy method are combined with each other. 2. The plurality of light emitting materials are combined to form a luminescent layer, and the luminescent layer is directly provided between the light guide element and the liquid crystal module. The light guide element described in. 3. The light guide element according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting materials are directly mixed in the light guide element. 4. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting materials are combined to form a luminescent layer, and the luminescent layer is directly provided on a bottom portion of the light guide element. element. 5. The light guide element according to claim 1, wherein the light guide surface is a flat surface, and the light guide surface has a plurality of uneven light guide patterns. 6. The light guide device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting surface provided on the upper surface is a flat surface, and the light emitting surface has a plurality of uneven light guide patterns. 7. The light guide surface is an inclined surface, and the light guide element has a thick end and a thin end formed by an inclined state of the light guide surface, and the light source is provided at one end of the thick end, The light guide element according to claim 1, further comprising a reflector provided on the opposite side of the light source. 8. The light guide element according to claim 1, wherein the light guide surface is a circular arc surface, and the light source is provided in the light guide element. 9. The light guide element according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting materials are mixed with a fluorescent pigment. 10. The light guide element according to claim 1, wherein the light guide element is mixed with a fluorescent pigment.