JP2013097329A - Light-emitting device, light-emitting method, and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve durability of an insertion and removal opening edge of a light guide body and to appropriately perform display of the insertion and removal opening.SOLUTION: A light-emitting device is provided with a light guide body 23 having a slit-shaped insertion and removal opening 23a with a protective face 23d formed on an edge of the opening; and a light-emitting element. In the vicinity of the center of a formation region of the protective face 23d, a reflection and scattering region 31 is formed which reflects and scatters propagation light toward the front side, and in the outer circumference of the formation region, a reflection and scattering region 32 is formed which reflects and scatters the propagation light toward the front side, so that the propagation light is reflected and scattered by the reflection and scattering regions to be emitted through the protective face 23d.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light-emitting device, a method thereof, and an apparatus suitable for appropriately displaying the insertion / extraction opening in an apparatus having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening through which a plate-like object is inserted / extracted.

  For example, there are many devices with slit-like insertion / extraction holes for inserting and removing plate-like objects such as CD (compact disk) and DVD (digital versatile disk) recording / playback machines, automatic teller machines, and automatic ticket vending machines. . In these devices, the insertion / extraction port is often displayed so as to be easily understood by the user.

  As such a display method, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the surface 11a of the light guide 11 is a blasted surface, and the light guide 12 emits from the light source 12 due to the fine unevenness of the blast surface. There is a method of reflecting and scattering the light propagating through 11. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1B, there is also a method of reflecting and scattering by a diffusing material 14 mixed so as to be dispersed in the light guide 11.

  There is also a method in which a transparent member that forms the periphery of the insertion / extraction opening is displayed by irradiating it from behind with an LED (Light Emitting Diode). (For example, see Patent Document 1)

  There is also a method of using a transparent substrate provided with an uneven pattern area around the insertion / extraction opening, and scattering light emitted from the transparent substrate in the uneven pattern area to emit light. With this method, it is possible to shine a wide area with a small number of light emitting elements (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Republished WO2002 / 042990 JP 2003-43958 A

  However, the above-described conventional diffusing material mixing and blasting methods require a large number of light emitting elements because of low light utilization efficiency. In addition, a difference in brightness occurs near and far from the light emitting element on the light guide, and it is necessary to sacrifice the design of the device.

  In the method of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to arrange a large number of LEDs in order to display a line representing the width of the insertion / extraction opening. In addition, in order to continuously display the lines, it is necessary to arrange more LEDs, which is expensive. In the method of Patent Document 2, a corner is left as it is at the edge of the insertion / extraction port, and no consideration is given to damage to the light guide due to contact with the card key to be inserted / extracted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and in a light emitting device that emits light by reflecting and scattering light propagating through a light guide, while enhancing the durability of the insertion / extraction edge of the light guide, This makes it possible to appropriately display the insertion / extraction opening.

  A light emitting device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a light guide having an elongated plate-like shape and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along a longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a light emitting element that makes light incident on the light guide. A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction opening on the front surface of the light guide, and propagates through the light guide near the center of the protective surface formation region of the light guide. A band-like first reflection / scattering region is formed to reflect and scatter the light toward the front side, and the light propagating through the light guide is outside the first band-like region of the light guide. A band-like second reflection / scattering region that is reflected and scattered toward the front side is formed, and the light that has propagated through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second band-like regions so that the protective surface is covered. Is emitted.

  In the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the protective surface can be provided as an inclined surface or a curved surface.

  In the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second reflection / scattering region can be formed at a position of an outer end of the protective surface forming region.

  In the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the light-emitting element can be provided at the end in the longitudinal direction of the light guide.

  In the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second reflective / scattering regions are provided with a plurality of dot recesses having a reflective surface that reflects light from the light source to the front side at a predetermined interval. Can do.

  In the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reflecting surface of the dot recess can be formed to be 40 to 60 ° with respect to the formation surface of the dot recess.

  In the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the dot-shaped concave portion can be formed so as to become deeper as the distance from the light emitting element increases.

  In the light emitting method of the first aspect of the present invention, a light guide having an elongated plate-like shape and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the light guide longitudinal direction, and a light emitting element that makes light incident on the light guide. A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction opening on the front surface of the light guide, and propagates through the light guide near the center of the protective surface formation region of the light guide. A band-like first reflection / scattering region is formed to reflect and scatter the light toward the front side, and the light propagating through the light guide is outside the first band-like region of the light guide. Using a light emitting device in which a band-like second reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters toward the front side is formed, the light propagating through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second band-like regions. The light is emitted through the protective surface.

  The device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a light guide having an elongated plate shape fixed to the housing, and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and the light guide. A light emitting device having a light emitting element that makes light incident on the body, and a protective surface is formed at an edge of the insertion / extraction port on the front surface of the light guide, and the protective surface of the light guide A band-shaped first reflection / scattering area for reflecting and scattering light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed near the center of the formation area, and the first band-shaped area in the light guide A band-like second reflection / scattering region is formed on the outer side to reflect and scatter light propagating in the light guide toward the front side, and the light propagating in the light guide is the first. Then, the light is reflected and scattered by the second belt-like region and emitted through the protective surface.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, a light guide having an elongated plate shape and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a light emitting element for making light incident on the light guide are provided. A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction opening on the front surface of the light guide, and has propagated through the light guide near the center of the protective surface formation region of the light guide. A band-shaped first reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters light toward the front side is formed, and the light propagating in the light guide is outside the first band-like region in the light guide. A band-like second reflection / scattering region is formed that is reflected and scattered toward the light source, and light propagating through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second band-like regions and passes through the protective surface. Are emitted.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, a housing, a light guide having an elongated plate shape fixed to the housing and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the light guide longitudinal direction, and the light guide And a light-emitting device having a light-emitting element that makes light incident thereon, and a protective surface is formed at an edge of the insertion / extraction port on the front-side surface of the light guide, and the protective surface of the light guide A band-shaped first reflection / scattering area for reflecting and scattering light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed near the center of the formation area, and the first band-shaped area in the light guide A band-like second reflection / scattering region for reflecting and scattering light propagating in the light guide toward the front side is formed on the outer side, and the light propagating in the light guide is The light is reflected and scattered by the first and second belt-like regions and emitted through the protective surface.

  The light-emitting device of the present invention is a light-emitting device that emits light by reflecting and scattering light propagating through the light guide, and enhances the durability of the edge of the light-insertion slot, and appropriately displays the insertion / extraction opening Can do.

It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional method of displaying an insertion / extraction opening using a light guide. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 using the light-emitting device 22 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the light-emitting device 22 of FIG. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the light guide 23 which comprises the light-emitting device 22 of FIG. It is a front view which shows the mode of the propagation of the light in the light guide 23 of FIG. It is a rear view which shows the detailed example of the light guide 23 of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the dot recessed part 51 of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the light guide 23-0 which is a modification of the light guide 23 of FIG. BB sectional view of the light guide 23-0 in FIG. 6, and the light guide 23 in FIG. 4 and light guides 23-1, 23-1 ′, 23-2, and 23-2 as modifications thereof. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected 'by the line segment corresponding to said BB. It is a rear view which shows the light guide 23-2 which is a modification of the light guide 23 of FIG. It is a rear view which shows the light guide 23-3 which is a modification of the light guide 23 of FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and do not reflect actual dimensions or ratios unless otherwise specified. Of course, there are portions having different dimensions and ratios between the drawings.
Further, the embodiment described below exemplifies an apparatus and a method for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is the arrangement of each component as described below. It is not something specific. The technical idea of the present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the claims.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a recording / reproducing apparatus that displays an edge of an insertion / extraction slot for inserting / removing a CD as a plate will be described as an example of an apparatus using the light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the recording / reproducing device 20.

  In FIG. 2, the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 21, and a housing hole 21 a is formed through which a CD to be inserted and removed passes slightly above the center of the front surface of the housing 21. Hereinafter, the direction orthogonal to the front surface of the housing 21 is the front-rear direction, and the front surface is the front. In the example of FIG. 2, the housing hole 21 a has an elongated shape in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in the figure) on the front surface of the recording / reproducing device 20. However, the longitudinal direction of the housing hole 21a is not limited to the horizontal direction, and can be freely selected according to the application. From this housing hole 21a, a part of the light guide 23 of the light emitting device 22 arranged inside the housing 21 is exposed to the outside. The light guide 23 has an elongated plate shape and is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the housing hole 21a. The light guide 23 is provided with a slit-like insertion / extraction opening 23a extending in the longitudinal direction, and the entire insertion / extraction opening 23a is exposed to the outside from the housing hole 21a. The user inserts / removes the CD held by his hand so as to be horizontal into the insertion / extraction opening 23a of the light guide 23 exposed from the housing hole 21a.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the light emitting device 22. In this figure, the housing 21 is indicated by a dotted line. Although not shown, for example, a drive device for loading / unloading a CD, a control device for realizing various functions including recording / reproduction, and the like are arranged inside the casing 21 of the recording / reproduction device 20. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting device 22 includes a light guide 23 and a light emitting element 24. The light guide 23 is made of a material that is transparent with respect to the wavelength of the light emitting element 24. For example, in the case of visible light, the light guide 23 is a synthetic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, glass, or the like. The light guide 23 is a plate-like light guide, and the thickness thereof can be set to, for example, 0.3 mm to 3 mm. It is assumed that the thickness of the light guide body 23 in this embodiment is 2 mm. The light emitting element 24 is composed of, for example, an LED element. In FIG. 3, the inner side of the alternate long and short dash line is exposed to the outside from the housing hole 21a of FIG. The light guide 23 and the light emitting element 24 are fixed to the housing 21.

  The details of the light guide 23 will be described with reference to FIG. 4A is a front view (front view) showing the light guide 23, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of the light guide 23 in FIG. 4A.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the light guide 23 is provided integrally with a pair of elongated light guide lip portions 23b and 23b and both ends of the light guide lip portions 23b and 23b. The light guide branching portion 23c. These light guide lip portions 23b and 23b and light guide branch portions 23c and 23c are annularly arranged, so that an insertion / extraction port 23a is formed on the inner side. In this example, the light guide lips 23b and 23b are both linear, but are not limited thereto, and may be curved. The width of the light guide lip 23b can be set to 0.5 mm to 5 mm, for example. However, when the thickness of the light guide 23 is about the lower limit of about 0.3 mm, the width of the light guide lip 23 b is set to, for example, the upper limit of about 5 mm in order to avoid a decrease in the strength of the light guide 23. It is good to do. The width of the light guide lip 23b in this embodiment is assumed to be 3.5 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the cross section of the light guide branching portion 23c is substantially rectangular. However, a protective surface 23d is provided at the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a on the front surface of the light guide 23 (hereinafter referred to as the front surface 23e as appropriate) so that the light guide 23 is not damaged by the contact of the inserted / removed CD. Is formed. Here, the protective surface 23d is a surface formed on the front surface 23e and having a thickness that decreases as it approaches the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a. In the present embodiment, the protective surface 23d is an inclined surface (C surface), but is not limited thereto, and may be a curved surface (fillet surface).

  Returning to FIG. 3, the details of the light emitting device 22 of the present embodiment will be further described.

  In FIG. 3, the light emitting element 24 is disposed on the outer end face of one light guide branching portion 23c. However, the number of light emitting elements 24 is not limited to one, and a plurality of light emitting elements 24 may be arranged. Further, one or more light emitting elements 24 may be arranged on the other light guide branching portion 23c. Further, the position where the light emitting element 24 is disposed is not limited to the light guide branching portion 23c, and may be the light guide lip 23b, for example. However, when the light emitting element 24 is provided on the light guide lip 23b, the light emitting element 24 of the light guide lip 23b is appropriately provided in order to promote the propagation of light in the longitudinal direction of the light guide lip 23b. It is preferable to provide an optical path changing unit that changes the light traveling direction in the longitudinal direction of the light guide lip 23b.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the light emitting element 24 is disposed only in the left light guide branching portion 23 c when viewed from the front. Hereinafter, the left light guide branching portion 23c is referred to as a light guide branching portion 23c1, and the right light guide branching portion 23c is referred to as a light guide branching portion 23c2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the propagation of the light emitted from the light emitting element 24 in the light guide 23 will be described.

  FIG. 5A shows the state of light propagation for the portion of the light guide 23 on the light emitting element 24 side, and FIG. 5B shows the state of light propagation for the portion of the light guide 23 opposite to the light emitting element 24 side. It is a front (front) figure shown, respectively. The arrows in FIGS. 5A and 5B indicate examples of light that is emitted from the light emitting element 24 and propagates through the light guide 23.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the light L1 emitted from the light emitting element 24 at a small angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide 23 enters the outer end face 23q of the light guide branching portion 23c1. The incident light L1 is reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide branching portion 23c1, and is reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b. The reflected light L1 is reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b and reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b. In this way, the light L1 propagates through the light guide lip 23b while alternately reflecting on the inner end face 23p and the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b.

  The light L2 emitted at a slightly larger angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide 23 is incident on the outer end face 23q of the light guide branch portion 23c1. The incident light L2 is reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide branching portion 23c1 and reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b. The reflected light L2 is reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b and reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b. In this way, the light L2 propagates through the light guide lip 23b while alternately reflecting on the inner end surface 23p and the outer end surface 23q of the light guide lip 23b. The angle of the light L2 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide is slightly larger than that of the light L1.

  The light L3 emitted at a larger angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide 23 enters the outer end surface 23q of the light guide branching portion 23c1. The incident light L3 is reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b and reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b. The reflected light L3 is reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b and reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b. In this manner, the light L3 propagates through the light guide lip 23b while alternately reflecting on the outer end face 23q and the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b. The angle of the light L3 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide body is larger than that of the light L1.

  Thus, the angle of the light propagating through the light guide 23 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide has a distribution. As a result, the direction of light reflected and scattered by a reflection / scattering region to be described later is inclined toward the inner end face 23p side and the outer end face 23q side of the light guide 23.

  On the other hand, in the part of the light guide 23 opposite to the light emitting element 24, as shown in the example of FIG. 5B, for example, the light L4 that has propagated and reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide lip 23b. Is reflected by the outer end face 23q of the light guide branching portion 23c2, and reaches the bent portion of the light guide branching portion 23c2. The light L5 that has propagated and reflected by the inner end face 23p of the light guide lip 23b is reflected by the outer end face P of the light guide branch 23c2 and reaches the bent portion of the light guide branch 23c2. Thus, since the light propagating through the light guide lip 23b reaches the bent portion of the light guide branch 23c2, it is formed along the inner end surface 23p of the light guide branch 23c2. It is possible to cause reflection / scattering in the reflection / scattering region 31 and the like, and to emit light also in this region.

  In the light guide 23 described above, the protective surface 23d is formed on the edge of the front surface 23e in the insertion / extraction port 23a. However, for the convenience of description, the light guide 23 in FIG. In −0, the protective surface 23d is not formed, and the corner of the edge is left as it is. In addition, except the edge of the surface 23e of the front side in the light guide 23-0, it is the same structure as the light guide 23, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the reflection / scattering region 31 as a first reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters the propagated light formed in the light guide 23 will be described. FIG. 6 is a back (rear) view showing an example of a portion of the light guide 23 opposite to the light emitting element 24 side.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the reflection / scattering region 31 is a band-shaped region provided on the outer periphery of the insertion / extraction port 23a along the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a on the back surface 23f of the light guide 23-0. In the reflection / scattering region 31, in order to reflect or scatter light propagating through the light guide 23, for example, grooves and dots are formed, blasted, or white paint is printed.

  In the example of FIG. 6, a large number of dot recesses 51 are formed in the reflection / scattering region 31 with a predetermined interval in the extending direction. These dot recesses 51 do not have to be arranged in one line in the reflection / scattering region 31, and may be arranged in a plurality of lines, for example.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the dot recess 51 formed in the reflection / scattering region 31.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the dot recess 51 is configured as a groove-shaped recess having a triangular cross section substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the reflection / scattering region 31. The vertical width s (width in the extending direction of the reflection / scattering region 31), the horizontal width (width in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the reflecting / scattering region 31) t, and the depth u of the dot recess 51 are, for example, 0. 20 mm. However, as will be described later, when the depth u of the dot recess 51 is changed, the vertical width s changes depending on the depth u. For example, when the depth u is changed in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, the vertical width s changes in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. In this description, it is assumed that the direction of the depth u is a direction orthogonal to the back surface 23f, but this is not necessarily the case. Further, the depth u is not limited to the above-described range, and may be in a range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm. As a method for forming the recess, for example, a cutting method, a laser processing, a method of pressing the blade against the light guide while the light guide or the blade is heated, and the like can be adopted.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the surface constituting the side on the light emitting element 24 side of the cross-sectional triangle of the groove constituting the dot recess 51 is the reflecting surface 51a. The light L propagating through the light guide 23 is reflected by the reflecting surface 51a, and is emitted to the front side through the surface 23e on the front side. The angle θ formed by the reflecting surface 51a and the back surface 23f is preferably set to 40 ° to 60 °, for example, in order to efficiently use the light propagating through the light guide 23.

  In addition, the dot recessed part 51 is not limited to the groove | channel of the cross-sectional triangle shape mentioned above, For example, you may be comprised as a cone-shaped recessed part where a diameter becomes small as it goes inside. The dot recess 51 configured as a conical recess has an advantage that it can be formed without worrying about the direction because it is rotationally symmetric within the light guide surface.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the light guide 23-0 divided in the extending direction of the reflection / scattering region 31.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the depth of each dot recess 51 is processed so as to become deeper as the distance from the light emitting element 24 increases. Thereby, the farther from the light emitting element 24, the larger the area of the reflecting surface 51a, and the utilization efficiency of light propagating through the light guide 23 becomes higher. For this reason, even if the light propagating through the light guide 23 becomes small, the reflected light from the individual dot recesses 51 can be kept constant. Therefore, since the difference in brightness between the dot recess 51 near the light emitting element 24 and the dot recess 51 far from the light emitting element 24 can be reduced, the luminance unevenness of the light guide 23-0 can be reduced and the brightness becomes more uniform. it can. As a result, it is not necessary to sacrifice the design of the recording / reproducing apparatus 20. However, the depth of the dot recess 51 should not be constant, and the advantage that the dot recess 51 can be easily formed by making the depth of the dot recess 51 constant may be used. In addition, the brightness can be controlled such that the brightness is increased or decreased by making the dot recess 51 deeper or shallower at a specific location than the surrounding area.

  Thus, when the groove | channel which adjusted the angle of the reflective surface was formed in the light guide, light can be radiate | emitted with high directivity with respect to an observation direction (front). For this reason, it is possible to display the insertion / extraction opening using a small number of light emitting elements. On the other hand, in the conventional mixing of a diffusing material, blasting, or the like, light is diffused, so the directivity of outgoing light is low and it is difficult to make the luminance uniform.

  Next, the relationship between the arrangement of the reflection / scattering region and the light emission visibility will be described with reference to FIG.

  Fig.9 (a) is BB sectional drawing about the light guide 23-0 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the light guide 23-0 that does not form the protective surface 23d, it is reflected and scattered by being inclined to the inner end face 23p side (hereinafter, abbreviated as “inside” as appropriate) in the reflection / scattering region 31. The light L1 is refracted by the surface 23e on the front side, and is emitted after changing the course in a slightly inner direction. The light L2 reflected and scattered on the front side front in the reflection / scattering region 31 is emitted to the front side almost as it is. The light L3 that is reflected and scattered by being inclined to the outer end face 23q side (hereinafter, abbreviated as “outside” as appropriate) in the reflection / scattering region 31 is refracted by the surface 23e on the front side, and is emitted with its path changed slightly outward. Therefore, light emission can be visually recognized from any of the front direction, the inwardly inclined direction, and the outwardly inclined direction of the light guide 23-0.

  FIG. 9B shows a light guide 23 having a protective surface 23d formed on the edge of the front surface 23e of the insertion / extraction port 23a of the light guide 23-0 in FIG. It is sectional drawing divided by the corresponding line segment. The light guide 23 has been described above with reference to FIGS.

  In the example of FIG. 9B, the reflection / scattering region 31 is formed at the position of the outer end 23dd of the formation region of the protective surface 23d. In this light guide 23, the light L1 that is reflected and scattered inwardly in the reflection / scattering region 31 is almost orthogonal to the protective surface 23d, so that there is little change in the path due to refraction, and the light L1 is emitted in almost the same direction. The light L2 reflected and scattered on the front side in the reflection / scattering region 31 passes through the vicinity of the outer end 23dd of the front side surface 23e and is emitted in almost the same direction. The light L3 that is reflected and scattered by being inclined outward in the reflection / scattering region 31 is refracted by the surface 23e on the front side, and is emitted with its path changed slightly outward. Therefore, light emission can be visually recognized from any of the front direction, the inwardly inclined direction, and the outwardly inclined direction of the light guide 23. However, since the distance between the reflection / scattering region 31 and the inner end face 23p is increased, it is difficult to visually recognize that the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a emits light. FIG. 9C shows an example of a light guide 23 'in which a curved surface is formed instead of an inclined surface as the protective surface 23d. Also in this example, since the same effect is produced, the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, when the distance between the reflection / scattering region 31 and the inner end surface 23p is increased, it is difficult to visually recognize that the edge of the insertion / extraction opening 23a emits light. Therefore, it is preferable to bring the reflection / scattering region 31 closer to the inner end surface 23p.

  In FIG. 9D, the light guide 23-1 in which the reflection / scattering region 31 of the light guide 23 is changed to the vicinity of the center of the region where the protective surface 23d is formed is divided by a line segment corresponding to BB in FIG. It is sectional drawing. In addition, in the light guide 23-1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which the light guide 23 respond | corresponds, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 9D, the light L1 that is reflected and scattered inwardly in the reflection / scattering region 31 no longer falls off the protective surface 23d. The light L1 ', which is slightly inclined inward from the light L1, is incident on the protective surface 23d slightly obliquely, so that it is refracted to change the course slightly outward and is emitted almost to the front side. The light L2 reflected and scattered on the front side in the reflection / scattering region 31 is incident obliquely on the protective surface 23d, is refracted so as to change the course slightly outward, and is emitted outward from the front. The light L3 that is reflected and scattered by being inclined outward in the reflection / scattering region 31 is refracted by the surface 23e on the front side, and is emitted with its path changed slightly outward. Therefore, although light emission can be visually recognized about the front direction of the light guide 23-1, and the direction inclined outside, light emission becomes difficult to visually recognize about the direction inclined inside. FIG. 9E shows an example of the light guide 23-1 'in which a curved surface is formed instead of the inclined surface as the protective surface 23d. Also in this example, since the same effect is produced, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9F shows a light guide 23-2 in which the reflection / scattering region 32 is newly added to the position of the outer end 23dd of the region where the protective surface 23d is formed in the light guide 23-1, and is shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing divided by the corresponding line segment. In addition, in the light guide 23-2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the corresponding part of the light guide 23-1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (f), the light L1 ′ that is reflected and scattered inwardly in the reflection / scattering region 31 is incident on the protective surface 23d slightly obliquely. The light is emitted almost to the front side. The light L2 reflected and scattered on the front side in the reflection / scattering region 31 is incident obliquely on the protective surface 23d, is refracted by changing the course slightly outward, and is emitted outward from the front. The light L3 that is reflected and scattered by being inclined outward in the reflection / scattering region 31 is refracted by the surface 23e on the front side, and is emitted with its path changed slightly outward. On the other hand, the light M1 reflected and scattered inwardly in the reflection / scattering region 31 is almost orthogonal to the protective surface 23d, and therefore, there is little change in the path due to refraction, and the light M1 is emitted in almost the same direction. The light M2 reflected and scattered on the front side in the reflection / scattering region 31 passes through the vicinity of the outer end 23dd of the front side surface 23e and is emitted in almost the same direction.

  The light L1 ′ reflected and scattered by being inclined inward in the reflection / scattering region 32 does not go in the direction inclined inward, whereas the light M1 that is inclined inward and reflected and scattered in the reflection / scattering region 32 is inclined inward. Since the light is emitted in the direction, light emission can be visually recognized even when viewed from the direction inclined to the inside of the light guide 23-2. For this reason, light emission can be visually recognized from any of the front direction of the light guide 23-2, the direction inclined inward, and the direction inclined outward. Further, since the reflection / scattering region 31 is formed closer to the inner end face 23p, it is easy to visually recognize that the edge of the insertion / extraction opening 23a emits light. Thus, the light guide 23-2 can achieve both display visibility and easy understanding. FIG. 9G shows an example of a light guide 23-2 'in which a curved surface is formed instead of an inclined surface as the protective surface 23d. Also in this example, since the same effect is produced, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a rear (rear) view showing a portion of the light guide 23-2 on the side opposite to the light emitting element 24. As shown in FIG. In addition, FIG.9 (f) mentioned above is BB-BB sectional drawing about the light guide 23-2 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the reflection / scattering region 32 is a band-shaped region provided on the outer periphery of the insertion / extraction port 23a along the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a on the back surface 23f of the light guide 23-2. In the reflection / scattering region 32, in order to reflect or scatter light propagating through the light guide 23, for example, grooves and dots are formed, blasted, or white paint is printed. The reflection / scattering methods used for the reflection / scattering region 32 and the reflection / scattering region 31 may be the same or different.

  In the example of FIG. 10, a large number of dot recesses 52 are formed in the reflection / scattering region 32 at predetermined intervals in the extending direction. These dot recesses 52 do not have to be arranged in one line in the reflection / scattering region 32, and may be arranged in a plurality of lines, for example. In the example of FIG. 10, the reflection / scattering region 32 is provided at the position of the outer end 23dd of the formation region of the protective surface 23d. For example, the reflection / scattering region 32 is positioned at the outer end 23dd of the formation region of the protection surface 23d. You may provide outside.

  In the example of FIG. 10, there is a non-reflective scattering region without a structure for performing reflection or scattering between the reflective scattering region 31 and the reflective scattering region 32. In the present embodiment, the width of the non-reflective scattering region is, for example, 0.25 mm, but is not limited thereto. The width of this non-reflective / scattering region (distance between the reflective / scattering region 31 and the reflective / scattering region 32) and the depth u of the dot recess 52 described above depend on the shape of the light guide 23-2. The width and thickness of the light guide 23-2, the reflection / scattering regions 31, 32, and the like are adjusted as appropriate. Further, without providing such a non-reflection / scattering region, a structure (for example, a dot recess) for performing reflection or scattering may be provided between the reflection / scattering region 31 and the reflection / scattering region 32.

  In the above, two reflection / scattering regions provided in the light guide are provided, but one or more reflection / scattering regions may be further provided.

  FIG. 11 is a rear view (rear view) showing a light guide 23-3 further provided with a reflection / scattering region 33 outside the reflection / scattering region 32 in the light guide 23-2. In the light guide 23-3 of FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those of the light guide 23-2 of FIG. 10, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the reflection / scattering region 33 is a belt-like region provided on the outer periphery of the insertion / extraction port 23a along the edge of the insertion / extraction port 23a on the back surface 23f. However, the reflection / scattering region 33 is not necessarily provided on the back surface 23f, and may be provided on the front surface 23e of the light guide 23-3. In the reflection / scattering region 33, in order to reflect or scatter light propagating through the light guide 23, for example, grooves and dots are formed, blasted, or white paint is printed. When white paint printing is used, the reflection / scattering region 33 cannot be provided on the front surface 23e, which is the exit surface, and must be provided on the back surface 23f. The reflection / scattering method used for the reflection / scattering region 33 and the reflection / scattering regions 31 and 32 may be the same or different.

  In the example of FIG. 11, there is a non-reflective / scattering region without a structure for performing reflection or scattering between the reflective / scattering region 32 and the reflective / scattering region 33, but such a non-reflective / scattering region is not provided. In addition, a structure (for example, a dot recess) for performing reflection or scattering may be provided between the reflection / scattering region 32 and the reflection / scattering region 33. Therefore, for example, with respect to the reflection / scattering region 32, the reflection / scattering region 33, and the region between them, the extending direction is a groove penetrating from the inner end of the reflection / scattering region 32 to the outer end of the reflection / scattering region 33 instead of the dot recess. It is also possible to provide a large number orthogonally to each other.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the inner side of the alternate long and short dash line is exposed to the outside from the housing hole 21a of FIG. If there is still room in the externally exposed region, a reflection / scattering region may be further provided.

  Thus, by providing more reflection / scattering regions, it becomes possible to make the insertion / extraction port 23a shine even more easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, the light guide is disposed inside the housing 21 and a part thereof is exposed to the outside from the housing hole 21a. However, there may be various other modes. For example, the front surface of the light guide 23 and the front surface of the housing 21 are integrated so as to be flush with each other, and the whole light guide is exposed to the outside.

  20 recording / playback equipment, 21 case, 22 light emitting device, 23 light guide, 23a insertion / extraction port, 23b light guide lip, 23c, 23c1, 23c2, light guide branch, 23d protective surface, 23dd outer end, 23e front side Surface, 23f back surface, 23p inner end surface, 23q outer end surface, 31, 32, 33 reflection scattering region, 51, 52, 53 dot recess

Claims (9)

A light guide having an elongated plate-like shape and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a light emitting element that makes light incident on the light guide,
A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction port on the front side surface of the light guide,
A band-shaped first reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed near the center of the formation region of the protective surface in the light guide,
A belt-like second reflection / scattering region for reflecting and scattering light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed outside the first belt-like region in the light guide,
A light emitting device in which light propagating through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second belt-like regions and emitted through the protective surface.   The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the protective surface is an inclined surface or a curved surface.   3. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the second reflection / scattering region is formed at a position of an outer end of the protective surface forming region.   The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light emitting element is provided at an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the light guide.   The said 1st and 2nd reflection-scattering area | region is provided with two or more dot recessed parts which have the reflective surface which reflects the light from the said light source on the surface side at predetermined intervals. The light-emitting device of description.   The light emitting device according to claim 5, wherein the reflection surface of the dot recess is formed to be 40 to 60 ° with respect to the formation surface of the dot recess.   The light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein the dot-shaped recess is formed so as to become deeper as the distance from the light-emitting element increases. A light guide having an elongated plate-like shape and having a slit-like insertion / extraction opening along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a light emitting element that makes light incident on the light guide,
A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction port on the front side surface of the light guide,
A band-shaped first reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed near the center of the formation region of the protective surface in the light guide,
A band-shaped second reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed outside the first band-shaped region in the light guide. ,
A light emitting method in which light propagating through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second belt-like regions and emitted through the protective surface. A housing,
A light guide having a long and thin plate shape fixed to the housing and including a slit-shaped insertion / extraction opening along a longitudinal direction of the light guide; and a light emitting device having a light emitting element that makes light incident on the light guide. Prepared,
A protective surface is formed at the edge of the insertion / extraction port on the front side surface of the light guide,
A band-shaped first reflection / scattering region that reflects and scatters light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed near the center of the formation region of the protective surface in the light guide,
A belt-like second reflection / scattering region for reflecting and scattering light propagating through the light guide toward the front side is formed outside the first belt-like region in the light guide,
A device in which light propagating through the light guide is reflected and scattered by the first and second belt-like regions and emitted through the protective surface.

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