JP2010129493A - Light source device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain high visual effect in a light source device and an electronic equipment in which a linear illumination of space saving and low cost is possible. <P>SOLUTION: A pair of side end faces 4b which guide light incident through a base end side end face 4a and which are extended from both ends of the base end side end face 4a, a surface state light guide body 4 that emits the light in a linear state from a tip side end face 4c opposing to the base end side end face 4a, and a plurality of LED light sources 5 that make the light incident at the tip side end faces 4c installed respectively at both end parts and the center part of the base end side end face 4a are equipped. The surface state light guide body 4 includes a pair of long hole state slits 4d that are formed along the lateral end face 4b and reflect the guided light incident from the LED light source 5 lateral end face 4b side at the inner side face and tip side end face 4c side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source device and an electronic apparatus that can improve visual effects such as illumination of a mobile phone.

  Many mobile phones have a foldable housing. In such a mobile phone, an LED light source or a liquid crystal display panel is used not only for the main liquid crystal display device provided inside the housing but also for the outside of the housing to notify an incoming call and to improve the design. Alternatively, a device that is mounted with a simple display device such as an organic EL panel and performs back-lighting, information display, and the like is widespread.

  Conventionally, for example, in Patent Document 1, a light transmission tube extending along the edge of a liquid crystal display surface is provided, light is incident from one end of the light transmission tube, and light is emitted from a side peripheral surface to display a liquid crystal display. There has been proposed a liquid crystal illumination device that irradiates light on the front surface.

JP 2001-318235 A (Claims, FIG. 6)

However, the following problems remain in the conventional technology.
In recent years, it has been demanded to improve the design by enhancing the visual effect, particularly for the illumination of the outer surface of a mobile phone or the like. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, light is emitted and illuminated toward the liquid crystal display surface by the light transmission tube, but it does not function as illumination on the outer surface. For example, the light transmission tube may be used for illumination by emitting light upward rather than the liquid crystal display surface. However, since the light transmission tube has a cylindrical shape, a large storage space is required in the housing. Therefore, there is a problem in mounting in a small and thin electronic device such as a mobile phone. In addition, since it is difficult to bend the optical transmission tube in the middle, a reflection structure such as a mirror is required at the corner, which increases the member cost and space, and it is difficult to cope with various shapes. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a light source device and an electronic apparatus capable of linear illumination at a low cost and at a low cost and capable of obtaining a high visual effect. To do.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, the light source device of the present invention guides light incident from the proximal end surface and extends from both ends of the proximal end surface, and a distal end surface facing the proximal end surface. A planar light guide that emits linearly from a plurality of light sources that are respectively installed at both end portions and a central portion of the base end side end surface and allow light to enter toward the front end side end surface. The light guide has a pair of elongated slits that are formed along the side end surface and reflect the light that is incident from the light source and guided to the side end surface side and the front end side end surface on the inner surface. It is characterized by being.

  In this light source device, the planar light guide has a long hole-like slit that is formed along the side end face and reflects the light guided from the light source to the side end face side and the tip end face side on the inner side. Since it has a pair, the light incident from the light sources at both ends of the proximal end surface is reflected by the inner inner surface of each slit and emitted from the lateral end surfaces on both sides, and the center of the proximal end surface The light incident from the light source is reflected from the inner inner surface of each slit and emitted from the end surface on the front end side. In this way, the light from the light source that is guided inside while being reflected by the upper and lower surfaces of the planar light guide is reflected by the inner surface of the slit, so that it has high brightness from the side end surface and the end side end surface. Thin and long linear light can be emitted. In addition, the planar light guide is divided into three light guide regions by a pair of slits, and light that is incident and guided from three light sources is divided into three light guide regions, and two side end surfaces and a tip side end surface Therefore, by controlling the light emission of the light source individually, it is possible to shine the end surfaces of each side separately. Furthermore, since a plurality of light sources are mounted only on one base end side end face side, the substrate area for the light source can be reduced as much as possible, the substrate cost can be reduced, and the overall thickness can be reduced.

  Moreover, the light source device of the present invention is characterized in that the planar light guide is formed of a light guide film. That is, in this light source device, the planar light guide is formed of a flexible light guide film, so that it can be easily manufactured by cutting the film, and can be bent and bent freely. Illuminated light with a simple shape can be realized.

  Further, in the light source device of the present invention, the distance between the side end surface and the slit is formed so as to be farther from the light source, and the inner peripheral surface of the slit is brought closer to the optical axis of the light source. Features. That is, in this light source device, the distance between the side end surface and the slit is formed so that the width is further away from the light source, and the inner peripheral surface of the slit is brought closer to the optical axis of the light source. By increasing the amount of reflected light as the inner surface of the slit, which is the reflection surface, approaches the optical axis with the highest light intensity in the intensity distribution, the amount of reflected light increases, making it possible to correct the brightness in the far region and make the entire luminance uniform. Improves.

In the light source device of the present invention, the planar light guide has a triangular hole formed on the optical axis of the light source installed at the center of the proximal end surface, and the top of the triangular hole. Is arranged toward the light source.
If there is nothing in front of the light source installed at the center of the proximal end surface, the light incident from this light source reaches the distal end surface directly as the direct light and exits. There is an inconvenience that a luminance portion, a so-called hot spot is generated. On the other hand, in the light source device of the present invention, since the top of the triangular hole provided in front of the light source is arranged toward the light source, the light incident from the light source at the center of the proximal end surface Are reflected separately on the left and right of the optical axis on the inner surface inclined in two directions from the top of the triangular hole. Further, the light reflected by the inner surface of the triangular hole is also reflected by the inner surface on the inner side of the slit and then emitted to the outside from the end surface on the front end side. In this way, the light from this light source is changed in the optical path at at least two locations of the triangular hole and the slit and then emitted as reflected light to the outside from the end surface on the front end side, thereby reducing the front light and generating hot spots. Therefore, the uniformity of linear light can be improved.

  Further, the light source device of the present invention is characterized in that a V-shaped groove facing the light source provided at a central portion of the base end side end surface is formed on the base end side end surface. That is, in this light source device, since the V-shaped groove facing the light source installed at the center of the base end side end surface is formed on the base end side end surface, the light emitted from the light source is V-shaped. From two inclined end faces constituting the groove, and is incident on the planar light guide body in two directions that are oblique to the left and right of the optical axis. Furthermore, the light incident obliquely on the inclined end surface of the V-shaped groove is reflected on the inner inner surface of the slit and then emitted to the outside from the end surface on the front end side. As described above, by changing the optical path of the light from the light source at at least two locations of the V-shaped groove and the slit and then emitting the light as reflected light to the outside from the front end side surface, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of hot spots.

  In addition, the light source device of the present invention includes a reflective surface member that is installed on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide and has a reflective surface facing the planar light guide. That is, in this light source device, since it is provided on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide and includes a reflective surface member having a reflective surface facing the planar light guide, the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide are provided. The light leaked from the light is returned again to the planar light guide by the reflection surface of the reflection surface member, so that the light guide performance can be improved and higher luminance can be achieved.

  In addition, the light source device of the present invention is characterized in that it has an in-slit reflecting portion that is fitted into the slit and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner side surface of the slit as a reflecting surface. That is, in this light source device, since it has an in-slit reflecting portion that is fitted in the slit and opposed to the inner side surface of the slit as a reflecting surface, the reflecting portion in the slit is reflected on the inner side surface of the slit. In addition, reflection on the outer peripheral side surface of the light can be reflected, so that the guided light can be reflected with higher efficiency, and higher luminance can be achieved. Moreover, the independence of the light radiate | emitted in the end surface of each edge | side can be improved by preventing the reflection part in a slit permeate | transmits a slit and light leaks to the adjacent light guide area | region.

  Further, the light source device of the present invention is characterized in that it has a triangular reflecting portion that is fitted into the triangular hole and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the triangular hole as a reflecting surface. That is, in this light source device, since the outer peripheral side surface that is fitted into the triangular hole and faces the inner peripheral surface of the triangular hole has a reflective surface, the inner surface of the triangular hole In addition to the reflection, the reflection on the outer peripheral side surface of the triangular reflecting portion is added, so that the guided light can be reflected with higher efficiency, and the brightness can be further increased.

  In the light source device of the present invention, the planar light guide is provided with a first refractive index layer and a pair of first refractive indexes that are sandwiched between the first refractive index layers and have a refractive index lower than that of the first refractive index layer. And 2 refractive index layers. That is, in this light source device, the planar light guide is a pair of first refractive index layers that serve as core layers and a cladding layer that has a lower refractive index than the first refractive index layers with the first refractive index layers interposed therebetween. Because the light guided light is confined by the refractive index difference between the three layers, the light guiding performance is improved and the brightness at the exit end face is increased. Can do.

  Further, in the light source device of the present invention, a fine optical shape portion is formed between the pair of slits of the planar light guide so that the guided light is converted into an optical path by reflection or diffusion and emitted to the surface side. It is characterized by that. In other words, in this light source device, a fine optical shape portion is formed between the pair of slits of the planar light guide so that the guided light is converted into an optical path by reflection or diffusion and emitted to the surface side. Light can be emitted not only to the end face and the end face side end face but also to the upper part of the fine optical shape portion. As the fine optical shape portion, for example, a plurality of grooves are formed in a predetermined region of the planar light guide by laser processing, or a plurality of convex dots are formed in the predetermined region of the planar light guide by laser processing or white ink printing. It is possible to adopt the one formed in the above.

  In the light source device of the present invention, the light source is an RGB-LED including a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element. That is, in this light source device, since the light source is an RGB-LED including a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element, illumination light of any color is possible.

  The electronic device of the present invention is installed in the casing with the casing, the side end face and the tip end end face exposed on the surface of the casing or close to a translucent portion provided on the surface of the casing. And a light source device according to the present invention. That is, in this electronic apparatus, the light source device of the present invention installed in the casing with the side end face and the end side end face exposed to the surface of the casing or in proximity to the light transmitting portion provided on the surface of the casing. Since it is provided, it is possible to perform illumination in which the surface of the housing (for example, the outer peripheral side surface) shines in a line with high brightness at low cost and at a low cost.

  Further, in the electronic device of the present invention, a window portion made of a transparent material is provided on the surface of the casing, a liquid crystal display panel is installed inside the window portion, and the planar light guide is The liquid crystal display panel is interposed between the window and the liquid crystal display panel. That is, in this electronic apparatus, the planar light guide is interposed between the window portion and the liquid crystal display panel in a close contact state, thereby eliminating interface reflection due to an air layer between the window portion and the liquid crystal display panel. The visibility of the liquid crystal display can be improved.

  In addition, the electronic device of the present invention is a mobile phone that can control the light source device in accordance with the state of a communication function. That is, since this armature device is a mobile phone that can control the light source device according to the status of the communication function, it has an illumination effect that illuminates the outer periphery of the housing according to the status of the communication function such as a call or mail transmission / reception. High visibility such as communication status can be obtained.

The present invention has the following effects.
That is, according to the light source device of the present invention, the planar light guide reflects the light that is formed along the side end surface and is incident from the light source and guided to the side end surface side and the front end side end surface side. Because it has a pair of long hole-shaped slits, the light that has been guided is reflected by the inner surface of the slit, so that long and thin linear light is emitted from the side end surface and the end side end surface. Can do. Further, by individually controlling the light emission of the light source, it is possible to shine the end surfaces of each side separately. Furthermore, since a plurality of light sources are mounted only on one base end side end face side, the substrate area for the light source can be reduced as much as possible, the substrate cost can be reduced, and the overall thickness can be reduced.
Therefore, in an electronic device equipped with this light source device, high designability and visual effects can be obtained at a low cost and at a low cost due to the visual effect of illumination in which the outer periphery of the housing shines with high brightness. In particular, since the communication status can be visually confirmed by illuminating the outer periphery of the housing according to the status of the communication function, it is suitable for a mobile phone.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a light source device and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the light source device 1 of the present embodiment is installed in a housing 3 of a mobile phone (electronic device) 2 and emits linear light from the outer peripheral side surface of the housing 3. It is linear from a pair of side end surfaces 4b extending from both ends of the base end side end surface 4a by guiding light incident from the base end side end surface 4a and a front end side end surface 4c facing the base end side end surface 4a. And a plurality of LED light sources (light sources) 5 that are respectively installed at both end portions and the central portion of the base end side end surface 4a and enter the light toward the front end side end surface. .

The light source device 1 is installed on the surface of the planar light guide 4 and has a reflective sheet (reflective surface member) 6 having a reflective surface facing the planar light guide 4 and a back surface of the planar light guide 4. A holder (reflective surface member) 7 that is installed and has a reflective surface facing the planar light guide 4.
The reflection sheet 6 is a metal plate, film, foil or the like having a light reflection function, and in this embodiment, a film provided with a silver vapor deposition film is employed. Note that an aluminum metal vapor deposition film or the like may be employed instead of the silver vapor deposition film.

The holder 7 is, for example, a support for the planar light guide 4 molded with a white resin material, and has a white surface.
The reflection sheet 6 and the holder 7 are respectively bonded to the planar light guide 4 by a double-sided tape 8.

The planar light guide 4 is formed of a light guide film obtained by cutting a light-transmitting acrylic resin, polycarbonate, or silicone resin film into a predetermined shape. In this embodiment, a highly flexible silicone resin light guide film is employed. It is also possible to use a molded product such as a resin for the planar light guide 4.
Note that the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide 4 are in a mirror state in order to improve the inward reflection characteristics.

The planar light guide 4 is formed along the side end surface 4b and has a long hole shape that reflects the light incident and guided from the LED light source 5 to the side end surface 4b side and the end side end surface 4c side on the inner surface. A pair of slits 4d is provided.
The distance between the slit 4d and the side end surface 4b is narrower as the distance from the LED light source 5 increases, and the inner peripheral surface of the slit 4d is brought closer to the optical axis of the LED light source 5.

In the planar light guide 4, a triangular hole 4 e is formed on the optical axis of the LED light source 5 installed at the center of the proximal end surface 4 a. The top of the triangular hole 4e is arranged toward the LED light source 5 installed at the center of the base end side end face 4a.
The holder 7 is fitted into the triangular hole 4e and the convex in-slit reflecting portion 7a, which is fitted in the slit 4d and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner side surface of the slit 4d as a reflecting surface, and the triangular hole 4e. A convex triangular reflecting portion 7b having an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner peripheral surface as a reflecting surface.

  The LED light source 5 is an RGB-LED including a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element. The three LED light sources 5 arranged on the base end side end surface 4a are each mounted on a flexible printed circuit board 9 for the light source.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 2 of the present embodiment has a housing 3, a side end surface 4 b, and a front end side end surface 4 c that are close to a light transmitting portion 3 a provided on the surface of the housing 3. A foldable mobile phone including the light source device 1 installed in a housing 3. That is, in this cellular phone 2, the outer peripheral surface portion of the housing 3 is a translucent part 3a formed of a transparent or translucent material, and the side of the planar light guide 4 is formed inside the translucent part 3a. The end surface 4b and the front end side end surface 4c are arranged in proximity.

  In the cellular phone 2, the light source device 1 can be controlled by a control unit (not shown) according to the state of the communication function. That is, the light emission of each LED light source 5 is controlled at the time of a call or e-mail transmission / reception, etc., and the illumination light emitted from the side end face 4b and the front end face 4c with the set blinking or emission color is transmitted through the light transmitting portion 3a. And is emitted to the outside.

  As described above, in the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, the planar light guide 4 is formed along the side end surface 4b, and the light guided from the LED light source 5 is guided by the inner side surface on the side end surface 4b side and the front end. Since there are a pair of elongated slits 4d that reflect to the side end face 4c side, the light incident from the LED light sources 5 at both ends of the base end side end face 4a is reflected to the inner side surface outside each slit 4d. The light emitted from the side end surfaces 4b on both sides and the light incident from the LED light source 5 at the center of the base end side end surface 4a is reflected by the inner inner surface of each slit 4d and emitted from the front end side end surface 4c. The In addition, the virtual line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 1 shows an example of the optical path.

  Thus, the light from the LED light source 5 that is guided inside while being reflected by the upper and lower surfaces of the planar light guide 4 is reflected by the inner side surface of the slit 4d, so that the side end surface 4b and the front end side are reflected. It is possible to emit thin and long linear light with high luminance from the end face 4c. Further, the planar light guide 4 is divided into three light guide regions by the pair of slits 4d, and the light that is incident and guided from the three LED light sources 5 is divided into three light guide regions and two side end surfaces. Since it is radiate | emitted from 4b and the front end side end surface 4c, it becomes possible to make each end surface shine separately by controlling light emission of the LED light source 5 separately. Further, since the plurality of LED light sources 5 are mounted only on the base end side end face 4a side, the area of the flexible printed circuit board 9 for the light source can be reduced as much as possible, the board cost is reduced, and the overall thickness is also reduced. It becomes possible.

In addition, since the planar light guide 4 is formed of a flexible light guide film, it can be easily manufactured by cutting the film, and can be freely bent and bent, so that illumination of various shapes is possible. Light can be realized.
Further, the distance between the side end face 4b and the slit 4d is formed so that the distance from the LED light source 5 is farther from the LED light source 5, and the inner peripheral surface of the slit 4d is brought closer to the optical axis of the LED light source 5. In the light intensity distribution, the inner surface of the slit 4d, which is the reflection surface, approaches the optical axis with the highest light intensity, and the amount of reflected light increases as the distance from the LED light source 5 increases. The overall brightness uniformity is improved.

  Moreover, since the top part of the triangular hole 4e is arranged toward the LED light source 5 in the central part of the base end side end face 4a, the light incident from the LED light source 5 is 2 from the top part of the triangular hole 4e. Reflected separately on the left and right of the optical axis on the inner surface inclined in the direction. Further, the light reflected by the inner side surface of the triangular hole 4e is also reflected by the inner side surface inside the slit 4d, and then is emitted to the outside from the front end side end surface 4c. As described above, the light from the LED light source 5 is changed in the optical path in at least two places of the triangular hole 4e and the slit 4d and then emitted to the outside as the reflected light from the front end surface 4c, thereby reducing the front light. Generation of hot spots can be suppressed, and the uniformity of linear light can be improved.

  Moreover, since the reflection sheet 6 and the holder 7 which are installed on the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide 4 and have the reflection surface facing the planar light guide 4 are leaked from the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide 4 By returning the emitted light to the planar light guide 4 again by the reflection surfaces of the reflection sheet 6 and the holder 7, the light guide performance can be improved and higher luminance can be achieved.

  Further, since the holder 7 has an in-slit reflecting portion 7a that is fitted in the slit 4d and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner side surface of the slit 4d as a reflecting surface, the slit 7d reflects light on the inner side surface of the slit 4d. Reflection on the outer peripheral side surface of the inner reflection portion 7a is added, so that the guided light can be reflected with higher efficiency, and higher luminance can be achieved. Furthermore, the in-slit reflection part 7a prevents light from leaking to the adjacent light guide region through the slit 4d, thereby increasing the independence of the light emitted from the end faces of the sides.

  Further, since the holder 7 has a triangular reflecting portion 7b that is fitted into the triangular hole 4e and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the triangular hole 4e as a reflecting surface, Reflection on the outer peripheral side surface of the triangular reflecting portion 7b is added to reflection on the inner side surface, so that the guided light can be reflected with higher efficiency and higher brightness can be achieved.

  As described above, the cellular phone 2 includes the light source device 1 installed in the casing 3 with the side end face 4b and the tip end side end face 4c being close to the translucent portion 3a provided on the surface of the casing 3. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate the outer peripheral side surface of the housing 3 with high brightness and in a line shape with low space and low cost.

In particular, since the LED light source 5 is an RGB-LED including a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element, illumination light of any color is possible.
Furthermore, in this cellular phone 2, since the light source device 1 can be controlled according to the status of the communication function, the illumination that illuminates the outer peripheral side surface and the like of the housing 3 according to the status of the communication function such as a call or transmission / reception of e-mails. As a result, high visibility such as communication status can be obtained.

  Next, second to sixth embodiments of the light source device and the electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following description of each embodiment, the same constituent elements described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the light incident from the LED light source 5 at the central portion is shifted left and right in the triangular hole 4e formed in the planar light guide 4. On the other hand, in the light source device 21 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the base end side end surface 4 a is formed on the base end side end surface 4 a of the planar light guide 24. A V-shaped groove 24f facing the LED light source 5 installed in is formed.

  In the light source device 21 of the second embodiment, the base end side end face 4a is formed with a V-shaped groove 24f facing the LED light source 5 installed at the center of the base end side end face 4a. The light emitted from the LED light source 5 is incident on the planar light guide 24 from the two inclined end surfaces constituting the V-shaped groove 24f in two oblique directions of the optical axis.

  Further, the light incident obliquely on the inclined end face of the V-shaped groove 24f is reflected also on the inner inner face of the slit 4d and then emitted to the outside from the front end face 4c. As described above, in the light source device 21 of the second embodiment, the light from the LED light source 5 in the center is changed from the optical path at at least two places of the V-shaped groove 24f and the slit 4d and then reflected from the front end side end face 4c as the reflected light. It is possible to suppress the generation of hot spots.

  The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the back surface of the housing 3 is not provided with a portion for displaying information, whereas the light source device of the third embodiment. In the mobile phone 32 and the mobile phone 32, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a window 33a made of a transparent material is provided on the front surface (rear surface) of the housing 33, and a liquid crystal display panel is provided inside the window 33a. 38, and the planar light guide 4 is interposed between the window 33a and the liquid crystal display panel 38 in a close contact state.

  That is, in the mobile phone 32 of the third embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel 38 is installed via the planar light guide 4 just below the rectangular window 33 a provided at the center of the back surface of the housing 3. Further, in the light source device 31, the region including the reflection sheet 6 and the portion directly under the window 33a of the holder 37 is cut out to form a transmission hole 37c so that the display of the liquid crystal display panel 38 can be seen from the window 33a. It has become.

The liquid crystal display panel 38 is a transmissive or transflective liquid crystal display panel. For example, in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal display panel, a TFT liquid crystal system, a STN liquid crystal system, or a TN liquid crystal in which a liquid crystal material is sealed with a sealing material in a gap between an upper substrate and a lower substrate each having a transparent electrode, an alignment film, and a polarizing plate. It has a panel body such as a method.
The planar light guide 4 is preferably formed of a flexible light guide film such as a silicone resin so as to be in close contact with the window 33 and the liquid crystal display panel 38 to eliminate the air layer in the gap.

  Thus, in the mobile phone 32 according to the third embodiment, the planar light guide 4 is interposed between the window 33a and the liquid crystal display panel 38, so that the window 33a and the liquid crystal display panel 38 are interposed. Interfacial reflection due to the air layer between the liquid crystal display and the liquid crystal display can be improved. The light source device 31 can also function as a front light of the liquid crystal display panel 38 by illuminating the liquid crystal display panel 38 with light leaking from the planar light guide 4 to the back surface side.

  The difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the planar light guide 4 is formed of the same material, whereas in the light source device of the fourth embodiment, As shown in FIG. 8, the planar light guide 44 is formed of a first refractive index layer 44a and a material having a refractive index lower than that of the first refractive index layer 44a provided with the first refractive index layer 44a interposed therebetween. It is a point comprised by the light guide film which consists of a pair of 2nd refractive index layer 44b made.

That is, when the refractive index of the first refractive index layer 44a is n1, and the refractive index of the second refractive index layer 44b is n2, the relation of n1> n2 is set. The first refractive index layer 44a and the second refractive index layer 44b may each be composed of a plurality of layers.
As described above, in the light source device according to the fourth embodiment, the planar light guide 44 includes the first refractive index layer 44a serving as the core layer and the first refractive index layer 44a with the first refractive index layer 44a interposed therebetween. Since it has a three-layer structure with a pair of second refractive index layers 44b serving as a cladding layer having a low refractive index, the light guiding performance is improved by confining the guided light by the refractive index difference between the three layers, It is possible to increase the luminance at the emission end face.

  The difference between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment is that linear light is emitted from the outer peripheral side surface of the housing 3 in the first embodiment, whereas the light source device 51 and the mobile phone of the fifth embodiment are different. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a fine optical shape portion 54g is configured to change the optical path of the guided light between the pair of slits 4d of the planar light guide 54 by the reflection or diffusion and to emit the light to the surface side. Is formed so that light can be emitted also from the window portion 53 a provided on the back side of the housing 53.

  That is, in the fifth embodiment, a rectangular window 53a made of a transparent material is provided on the back surface of the casing 53, and a fine optical shape is formed in a region immediately below the window 53a in the planar light guide 54. A portion 54g is formed. The fine optical shape portion 54g is composed of a plurality of grooves formed so as to intersect the optical axis of the LED light source 5 by laser processing.

  As described above, in the cellular phone 52 of the fifth embodiment, the fine optical shape portion 54g between the pair of slits 4d of the planar light guide 54 and that changes the optical path of the guided light by reflection or diffusion and emits it to the surface side. Thus, light can be emitted not only to the side end face 4b and the tip end face 4c but also to the upper side of the fine optical shape portion 54g. Therefore, linear light can be emitted from the outer peripheral side surface of the casing 53 and light can also be emitted from the rear surface of the casing 53, so that more various illumination effects can be obtained.

  The difference between the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that, in the fifth embodiment, the fine optical shape portion 54g composed of a plurality of grooves is formed on the planar light guide 54 by laser processing. On the other hand, in the light source device 61 of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a fine optical shape portion 64 g composed of a plurality of convex dots is formed on the planar light guide 64 by laser processing or white ink printing. It is a point that has been.

  In the light source device 61 of the sixth embodiment as well, in the same way as in the fifth embodiment, the guided light is converted into an optical path by reflection or diffusion and emitted to the surface side by the fine optical shape portion 64g. Light can also be emitted from the window 53a above 64g. In this manner, light can be emitted also from the back surface of the housing 53, and more various illumination effects can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the light source device of the present invention is provided in a foldable mobile phone, but it may be mounted in another type of mobile phone. For example, the light source device of the present invention may be mounted on a so-called candy bar type (straight type) mobile phone or a slide type mobile phone.
In each of the above embodiments, since the planar light guide is made of a soft silicone resin, the side end surface and the front end side end surface are brought close to the translucent part provided on the surface of the casing. Although it is installed in the body, when the planar light guide is formed of hard polycarbonate or acrylic resin, the side end surface and the end side end surface thereof may be directly exposed to the surface of the housing to shine.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an RGB-LED LED light source is used to emit illumination light of various colors. However, when only monochromatic illumination light is emitted, a monochromatic LED such as a white LED is used. You may adopt.
Furthermore, although the light source device of the present invention is mounted on a mobile phone, it may be adopted in other electronic devices such as a PDA, a notebook personal computer (notebook PC), and an electronic dictionary. Furthermore, the light source device of the present invention may be mounted on a wall-mounted display or a signboard.

  Moreover, in the said 3rd Embodiment, although the planar light guide is inserted between the window part and the liquid crystal display panel, by installing a planar light guide on the back surface side of the liquid crystal display panel, the surface It is also possible to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel with light leaked from the light guide to the surface side, and to cause the light source device to function as a backlight of the liquid crystal display panel. At this time, the luminance of the illumination light can be further improved by forming the fine optical shape portion shown in the fifth embodiment directly under the liquid crystal display panel.

In 1st Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the light source device which removed the reflective sheet. In 1st Embodiment, it is a disassembled perspective view which shows a light source device. In 1st Embodiment, it is a perspective view which shows the electronic device which is a mobile telephone. In 2nd Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is a perspective view of the principal part which shows the light source device which removed the reflective sheet. In 3rd Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the light source device which removed the reflective sheet. In 3rd Embodiment, it is a perspective view which shows the electronic device which is a mobile telephone. In 3rd Embodiment, it is an expanded sectional view of the principal part which shows a window part, a liquid crystal display panel, and a planar light guide. In 4th Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is an expanded sectional view of the principal part which shows a planar light guide. In 5th Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the electronic device which is a mobile telephone. In 5th Embodiment, it is a perspective view which shows the light source device which removed the reflective sheet. In 6th Embodiment of the light source device and electronic device which concern on this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the light source device which removed the reflective sheet.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2, 51, 61 ... Light source device, 2, 32, 52 ... Mobile phone (electronic device), 3, 33, 53 ... Housing, 3a ... Translucent part, 4, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64 ... A planar light guide, 4a ... A proximal end face of the planar light guide, 4b ... A lateral end face of the planar light guide, 4c ... A distal end face of the planar light guide, 4d ... Slit, 4e ... Triangular hole, 5 ... LED light source (light source), 6 ... reflective sheet (reflective surface member), 7, 37 ... holder (reflective surface member), 7a ... reflective part in slit, 7b ... triangular reflective part, 24f ... V Character-shaped groove, 33a ... window portion of casing, 38 ... liquid crystal display panel, 44a ... first refractive index layer, 44b ... second refractive index layer, 54g, 64g ... fine optical shape portion

Claims (14)

A planar guide that guides light incident from the proximal end surface and emits light linearly from a pair of lateral end surfaces extending from both ends of the proximal end surface and the distal end surface facing the proximal end surface. Light body,
A plurality of light sources that are respectively installed at both end portions and a central portion of the base end side end surface and make light incident toward the front end side end surface;
The planar light guide is formed along the side end surface and has a long hole-like slit that reflects the light incident and guided from the light source to the side end surface side and the front end side end surface side on the inner surface. A light source device having a pair. The light source device according to claim 1,
The light source device, wherein the planar light guide is formed of a light guide film. The light source device according to claim 1 or 2,
The light source device characterized in that a width between the side end surface and the slit is narrower as the distance from the light source is increased, and an inner peripheral surface of the slit is brought closer to the optical axis of the light source. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the planar light guide, a triangular hole is formed on the optical axis of the light source installed at the center of the proximal end surface,
The light source device, wherein the top of the triangular hole is arranged toward the light source. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A light source device characterized in that a V-shaped groove facing the light source disposed at a central portion of the base end side end surface is formed on the base end side end surface. In the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A light source device comprising a reflective surface member installed on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the planar light guide and having a reflective surface facing the planar light guide. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A light source device having an in-slit reflecting portion that is fitted into the slit and has an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner side surface of the slit as a reflecting surface. The light source device according to claim 4,
A light source device characterized by having a triangular reflecting portion fitted into the triangular hole and having an outer peripheral side surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the triangular hole as a reflecting surface. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The planar light guide has a first refractive index layer,
A light source device comprising: a pair of second refractive index layers provided with the first refractive index layer interposed therebetween and having a refractive index lower than that of the first refractive index layer. In the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A light source device characterized in that a fine optical shape portion is formed between a pair of the slits of the planar light guide so as to change the optical path of the guided light by reflection or diffusion and emit the light to the surface side. In the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The light source is an RGB-LED including a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element. A housing,
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side end surface and the front end side end surface are exposed in a surface of the housing or are placed in the housing so as to be close to a translucent portion provided on the surface of the housing. An electronic device comprising: the light source device according to 1. The electronic device according to claim 12,
A window formed of a transparent material is provided on the surface of the housing,
A liquid crystal display panel is installed inside the window,
The electronic apparatus, wherein the planar light guide is interposed between the window and the liquid crystal display panel in a close contact state.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the electronic apparatus is a mobile phone capable of controlling the light source device according to a state of a communication function.

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