WO2012026164A1 - Illumination device and display device - Google Patents

Illumination device and display device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012026164A1
WO2012026164A1 PCT/JP2011/061390 JP2011061390W WO2012026164A1 WO 2012026164 A1 WO2012026164 A1 WO 2012026164A1 JP 2011061390 W JP2011061390 W JP 2011061390W WO 2012026164 A1 WO2012026164 A1 WO 2012026164A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
light guide
incident
led
incident surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2011/061390
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
張　志芳
Original Assignee
シャープ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by シャープ株式会社 filed Critical シャープ株式会社
Publication of WO2012026164A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012026164A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0075—Arrangements of multiple light guides
    • G02B6/0078—Side-by-side arrangements, e.g. for large area displays

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an illuminating device and a display device, and more particularly to an illuminating device equipped with a light guide for guiding light and a display device including the illuminating device.
  • a backlight unit for supplying light is usually mounted on the liquid crystal display panel.
  • the backlight unit is preferably configured to generate planar light that spreads over the entire area of the planar liquid crystal display panel. Therefore, the backlight unit mounted on the liquid crystal display device may include a light guide plate (light guide) for mixing the light of the built-in light source to a high degree.
  • an edge light (side light) type backlight unit As a backlight unit including a light guide plate, for example, an edge light (side light) type backlight unit is known.
  • An edge-light type backlight unit generally has a configuration in which a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is disposed on a side surface of a light guide plate, and light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light guide plate. The incident light enters the light guide plate from the side surface, and the incident light is guided inside the light guide plate and emitted to the liquid crystal display panel side.
  • the light from the LED can be emitted upward without increasing the thickness of the light guide plate, so that the liquid crystal display device can be easily reduced in thickness.
  • the side surface of the light guide plate is an incident surface on which light is incident.
  • the incident surface is on the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate. It is provided vertically.
  • the incident surface of the light guide plate is formed on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the lower surface of the light guide plate, and the LED as the light source is arranged so that the light emitting surface thereof is parallel to the incident surface of the light guide plate.
  • a backlight unit arranged at an inclination is described.
  • the LEDs are arranged so that the light emitting surface thereof is parallel to the incident surface of the light guide plate. There is an inconvenience that the portion is reflected by the incident surface. Therefore, there is a problem that the incident efficiency is lowered.
  • the incident surface is provided perpendicular to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate
  • the light incident on the light guide plate is more parallel to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate.
  • the number of reflections of light within the light guide plate is reduced, there is a disadvantage that sufficient luminance uniformity and color mixing cannot be performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the illumination quality is lowered.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device capable of improving incident efficiency and a display device equipped with the lighting device. It is to be.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device capable of improving the illumination quality and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
  • an illumination device includes a light source and a side end portion having an incident surface on which light from the light source is incident, and guides the incident light inside. And a light guide for light emission. And the said entrance plane is formed in the shape match
  • the incident surface of the light guide is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the light source with respect to the height direction of the light guide.
  • the reflection of light on the surface can be suppressed. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved.
  • the first aspect by configuring as described above, light other than light parallel to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide can be easily incident on the light guide. For this reason, since the frequency
  • an edge light type illumination device can be configured by providing a light guide that guides light inside, so that the illumination device can be easily reduced in thickness. You can plan. Moreover, since it is possible to reduce unnecessary reflection by configuring as described above, unnecessary leakage light can also be reduced. Thereby, uniformity (uniformity such as brightness) can be improved.
  • the light guide has a light emission surface that emits incident light toward the outside, and the incident surface of the light guide is a light emission surface. It is configured to include a plurality of types of inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface. If comprised in this way, since the entrance plane of a light guide can be easily formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to the height direction of a light guide, Light reflection can be easily suppressed. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved easily. Moreover, if comprised in this way, illumination quality can be improved easily. In addition, since the area of an incident surface can be increased by the said structure, the incident efficiency to a light guide can be improved more by this.
  • the inclined surface is configured so that the light from the light source is incident at substantially right angles, and the inclined angle is an angle at which the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide. Is preferably set. If comprised in this way, while being able to improve the incident efficiency of light effectively, the high quality planar light with which the illumination quality was improved can be radiate
  • the incident surface can be composed of two inclined surfaces having different inclination angles.
  • the incident surface is composed of three or more inclined surfaces having different inclination angles. If comprised in this way, the said entrance plane can be more easily formed in the shape match
  • the incident surface is formed in a concave shape at a side end portion of the light guide. If comprised in this way, since the incident surface of a light guide can be more easily formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to the height direction of a light guide, The reflection of light can be easily suppressed.
  • the light source may include a plurality of light sources arranged at a predetermined interval.
  • the concave incident surface is preferably formed so as to extend along the arrangement direction of the light sources.
  • the light source is configured by a light emitting diode, and the light from the light emitting diode is disposed so as to be inclined toward the lower surface of the light guide. . If comprised in this way, since the reflection of the light in an entrance plane and leakage light can be reduced effectively, incident efficiency can be improved effectively. Moreover, if comprised in this way, since light other than the light parallel to the upper surface or lower surface of a light guide can be increased easily, the frequency
  • the incident surface of the light guide is subjected to antireflection processing. If comprised in this way, since reflection of the light in an incident surface can be suppressed effectively, incident efficiency can be improved easily.
  • the “antireflection process” includes an antireflection coating.
  • the light guide may be constituted by a light guide plate.
  • the said light guide may be comprised from the rod-shaped light guide bar other than a plate-shaped light guide plate.
  • the light guide plate may be a single light guide plate or a combination of a plurality of strip light guide plates.
  • a display device includes the illumination device according to the first aspect and a display panel that receives light from the illumination device. If comprised in this way, a display apparatus with a high display quality can be obtained easily.
  • an illumination device capable of improving the incidence efficiency and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
  • an illumination device capable of improving the illumination quality and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is also an optical path figure which showed the optical path of light. It is the perspective view which showed a part of light guide of the backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the A1 direction of FIG.
  • 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is also an optical path figure which showed the optical path of light. It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view showing a part of the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • 4 to 7 are views for explaining the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the liquid crystal display device 100 includes a liquid crystal display panel 10, a backlight unit 50 that supplies light to the liquid crystal display panel 10, and a pair facing each other with these interposed therebetween.
  • Housing 70 front housing 71, back housing 72.
  • the liquid crystal display device 100 is an example of the “display device” in the present invention
  • the liquid crystal display panel 10 is an example of the “display panel” in the present invention
  • the backlight unit 50 is an example of the “lighting device” in the present invention.
  • an active matrix substrate 11 including a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) and an opposite substrate 12 facing the active matrix substrate 11 are bonded to each other with a sealing material (not shown). It is constituted by.
  • a liquid crystal (not shown) is injected into the gap between the substrates 11 and 12.
  • a polarizing film 13 is attached to each of the light receiving surface side of the active matrix substrate 11 and the light emitting surface side of the counter substrate 12.
  • the liquid crystal display panel 10 configured in this manner displays an image by using a change in transmittance caused by the tilt of liquid crystal molecules.
  • the backlight unit 50 is an edge light (side light) type backlight unit, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) module 20 and a light guide 30 that guides light from the LED module 20.
  • the backlight unit 50 is disposed directly below the liquid crystal display panel 10.
  • the LED module 20 constituting the backlight unit 50 is a module that emits light, and includes a mounting substrate 21 and an LED 22 as a light source mounted on the substrate surface of the mounting substrate 21.
  • the mounting substrate 21 is a plate-like and rectangular substrate, and a plurality of electrodes (not shown) are arranged on the mounting surface 21a. And said LED22 is attached on these electrodes.
  • the LED 22 is mounted on an electrode (not shown) formed on the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 so as to receive light and emit light.
  • a plurality of LEDs 22 are arranged on the mounting substrate 21 at a predetermined interval.
  • the light guide 30 is made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, for example, and is formed on a single light guide plate as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
  • the light guide 30 has an upper surface 30U and a lower surface 30B opposite to the upper surface 30U, and a plurality of side end surfaces (side end portions) 31 connected to the upper surface 30U and the lower surface 30B.
  • the light guide 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape (substantially rectangular shape) when seen in a plan view.
  • the light guide 30 has four side end faces 31 (31a to 31d). Of the four side end faces 31 (31a to 31d) of the light guide 30, the side end faces 31a and 31b serve as incident surfaces 32 on which the light from the LEDs 22 is incident. That is, the light from the LED 22 enters the light guide 30 through the side end surfaces 31 (31 a and 31 b) of the light guide 30.
  • the side end surfaces 31a and 31b of the light guide 30 are surfaces that face in opposite directions and are parallel to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the light guide 30. Further, the side end surfaces 31c and 31d of the light guide 30 are surfaces that face in opposite directions to each other and are parallel to the short direction (Y direction) of the light guide 30.
  • the LED modules 20 on which the plurality of LEDs 22 are mounted are divided into two rows on the left and right sides (X direction) of the backlight unit 50 and arranged in two rows.
  • the LED modules 20 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the light guide 30 (on the side end surfaces 31a and 31b side which are incident surfaces). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the light emitting surface 22a (see FIGS. 2 and 7) of the LED 22 and the side end surface 31a face each other on the side end surface 31a side of the light guide 30.
  • the LED module 20 is disposed, and the light emitting surface 22a (see FIGS.
  • the LED module 20 is disposed such that the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 is perpendicular to the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30.
  • the light incident from the incident surface 32 (side end surface 31) of the light guide 30 guides the light guide 30 and guides the light guide.
  • 30 is emitted as planar light (emitted light) from the upper surface 30U.
  • the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30 serves as a light emitting surface 30U that emits incident light toward the outside (the liquid crystal display panel 10 (see FIG. 1) side).
  • the LED 22 as the light source has a light distribution characteristic having a certain extent as shown by a broken line R in FIG.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is not formed so that it may become parallel with the light emission surface 22a of LED22, but is formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of LED22.
  • a broken line R indicates an example of a light distribution (light distribution characteristic).
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is light having an angle that is estimated to have better incident efficiency in the light distribution of the light emitted from the LED 22.
  • the incident surface 32 is composed of two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b.
  • the two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b are inclined at different angles with respect to the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30.
  • an angle ⁇ 1 formed by the inclined surface 33a on the upper surface 30U side of the two inclined surfaces and the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30 is set to an acute angle.
  • An angle ⁇ 2 formed by the inclined surface 33b on the lower surface 30B side and the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30 is set to an obtuse angle. For this reason, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the inner side of the light guide 30.
  • the concave incident surface 32 extends in the arrangement direction (short direction: Y direction) of the LEDs 22 over the entire length of the side end surfaces 31 (31 a, 31 b) of the light guide 30. ).
  • the inclination angle ⁇ 1 of the inclined surface 33a and the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the inclined surface 33b are appropriately set according to the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 mounted on the mounting substrate 21, respectively.
  • the inclination angles ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are the angles at which the incident efficiency is most improved in consideration of the light distribution characteristics of the LED 22 and the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide 30. Is preferably set.
  • the two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b are arranged in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the light guide 30. It may be formed so as to be symmetric with respect to the center line P (two-dot chain line P). In this case, an angle ⁇ 1 formed between the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30 and the inclined surface 33a is equal to an angle ⁇ formed between the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30 and the inclined surface 33b.
  • the LED module 20 includes the light guide 30 so that the distance a between the mounted LED 22 and the side end face 31 (incident surface 32) of the light guide 30 is 1 mm or less. It is preferable that they are arranged close to each other.
  • the entrance plane 32 of the light guide 30 is formed in the shape matched with the light distribution characteristic of LED22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Has been.
  • the reflective sheet 41 included in the backlight unit 50 is a sheet covered with the lower surface 30 ⁇ / b> B of the light guide 30, and the reflective surface 41 ⁇ / b> U of the sheet is on the lower surface 30 ⁇ / b> B of the light guide 30. Face. Then, if there is light leaking from the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, the light is reflected back to the light guide 30 to prevent light loss.
  • the backlight chassis 42 is a box-shaped member, for example, and accommodates them by spreading the LED module 20 and the light guide 30 on the bottom surface 42B.
  • the diffusion plate 43 is an optical sheet that overlaps the light guide 30 and diffuses light emitted from the light guide 30. That is, the diffusion plate 43 diffuses the light from the light guide 30 and spreads the light over the entire area of the liquid crystal display panel 10.
  • the prism sheet 44 is an optical sheet that overlaps the diffusion plate 43.
  • triangular prisms extending in one direction are arranged in a direction intersecting with one direction in the sheet surface, and deflect the radiation characteristics of light from the diffusion plate 43.
  • the lens sheet 45 is an optical sheet that overlaps the prism sheet 44.
  • fine particles that refract and scatter light are dispersed in the lens sheet 45, and the light from the prism sheet 44 is not collected locally, and the difference in brightness (light intensity unevenness) is suppressed.
  • the backlight unit 50 converts the light from the LED module 20 into planar light by the light guide 30, and the planar light is transmitted to the plurality of optical members 43 to 45.
  • the liquid crystal is passed through and supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 10.
  • the non-light-emitting liquid crystal display panel 10 receives the light (backlight light) from the backlight unit 50 and improves the display function.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is made into the shape match
  • reflection of light on the incident surface 32 can be suppressed and incident efficiency can be improved.
  • the edge light type backlight unit 50 can be configured by including the light guide 30 that guides light inside, so that the backlight unit 50 and The liquid crystal display device 100 can be easily reduced in thickness. Moreover, since it can reduce unnecessary reflection in the light guide 30 by comprising as mentioned above, unnecessary leaked light can also be reduced. Thereby, uniformity (uniformity such as brightness) can be improved.
  • the entrance surface 32 of the light guide 30 is comprised from the two inclined surfaces 33 (33a, 33b) inclined with respect to the light-projection surface 30U (upper surface 30U of the light guide 30).
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 can be easily formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Thereby, reflection of light at the incident surface 32 can be easily suppressed. As a result, the incident efficiency can be easily improved.
  • the light incident from the inclined surface 33 becomes light that travels in a direction intersecting the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, so that the light in the light guide 30 is transmitted.
  • the number of reflections can be increased. For this reason, illumination quality can be improved easily.
  • the area of the incident surface 32 can be increased as compared with the case where the incident surface is provided perpendicular to the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30. Incidence efficiency to the light body 30 can be further improved.
  • the inclined surface 33 is configured so that the light from the LED 22 is incident at a substantially right angle, the light incident efficiency can be effectively improved.
  • the inclined surface 33 is set to an angle at which the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide 30, high-quality planar light with improved illumination quality can be emitted. Can do.
  • the incident surface of the light guide is formed so as to be parallel to the light emitting surface of the LED. Less light is incident perpendicular to the. For this reason, since more light is incident at an angle other than perpendicular to the incident surface, a part of the light is reflected by the incident surface, resulting in a decrease in incident efficiency.
  • the incident efficiency is improved, but the light guide 30 expands due to heat, so the LED 22 (LED module 20) It is necessary to dispose a certain distance from the light guide 30. Further, since the distance a from the LED 22 to the side end face 31 (31a, 31b) increases as the screen size of the liquid crystal display device 100 increases, for example, in a large liquid crystal display device of 40 inches or more, the incident efficiency is higher. Tends to decrease.
  • the amount of light incident perpendicularly to the incident surface 32 can be increased by forming the shape of the incident surface 32 as described above. Therefore, in 1st Embodiment which has the said structure, incident efficiency can be improved as mentioned above. Further, such a backlight unit 50 is particularly effective when used in a large-sized liquid crystal display device (for example, 40 inches or more) in which the incident efficiency tends to decrease.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 can be more easily guided. Since it can be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED 22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light body 30, it is possible to easily suppress reflection of light on the incident surface 32. it can.
  • the backlight unit 50 is configured to be able to improve the incidence efficiency on the light guide 30, and thus supplies the planar light with high luminance to the liquid crystal display panel 10. It becomes possible. Thereby, the brightness and display quality of the liquid crystal display device 100 can be improved. Further, in the case of configuring the same brightness (luminance) as the conventional one, the number of the LEDs 22 as the light source can be reduced. Therefore, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of the LEDs 22. Moreover, since the brightness
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a backlight unit according to a modification of the first embodiment.
  • corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted as appropriate.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is subjected to antireflection processing.
  • a coating layer 35 made of, for example, AR (Anti-Reflective) coating is formed on the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30.
  • the antireflection processing may be antireflection processing other than AR coating.
  • a silica coating that scatters reflected light by providing irregularities on the surface may be used.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • a backlight unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
  • corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is divided into three parts, and the incident efficiency of the principal ray portion having a large energy ratio is increased.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has two inclined surfaces 33 (33a and 33b) and one plane 33 perpendicular to the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30. (33c).
  • the two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b constituting the incident surface 32 can be, for example, inclined surfaces having the same inclination angle as in the first embodiment.
  • the flat surface 33c constituting the incident surface 32 is arranged between two inclined surfaces 33 (33a, 33b).
  • the three inclined surfaces 33 (33a to 33c) in which the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is inclined at different angles with respect to the light emitting surface 30U (the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30). It is composed of
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is configured by the three inclined surfaces 33 inclined with respect to the light emitting surface 30U, so that the light guide 30 can be more easily configured.
  • the incident surface 32 can be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 (see the broken line R in FIG. 9) with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved more easily.
  • the incident surface 32 can be subjected to antireflection processing.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a backlight unit according to a modification of the second embodiment.
  • corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is composed of more than three inclined surfaces 33. Therefore, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a shape closer to the light distribution of the LEDs 22 (see the broken line R in FIG. 10), and the incident efficiency is further improved.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is divided into six (an example in which the incident surface 32 includes six inclined surfaces 33).
  • the number of divisions of the incident surface 32 is four. What is necessary is just to be more than division. In other words, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 only needs to be composed of four or more inclined surfaces 33.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • a backlight unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
  • symbol is attached
  • the LED 22 (LED module 20) is arranged so that the light from the LED 22 is inclined toward the lower surface 30 ⁇ / b> B of the light guide 30. That is, in the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the LED module 20 is disposed so as to be inclined so that the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 faces the lower surface 30B side of the light guide 30. .
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has the LED 22 in the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. It is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics. Specifically, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is composed of two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b.
  • the shape of the incident surface 32 may be formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • the area of the surface 33a is preferably configured to be larger than the area of the inclined surface 33b on the lower surface 30B side.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed between the inclined surface 33a and the upper surface 30U may be set to be the same as the angle ⁇ formed between the inclined surface 33b and the lower surface 30B, but is set to be different. It is preferable.
  • the LED 22 (LED module 20) is disposed so that the light from the LED 22 is inclined so as to be directed toward the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, thereby reflecting the light on the incident surface 32.
  • the leakage light can be effectively reduced, the incident efficiency can be effectively improved.
  • the thickness of the light guide 30 is reduced in order to further reduce the thickness of the backlight unit, light leakage that causes light to escape from the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 to the upper surface 30U side occurs. Can be suppressed.
  • the light distribution characteristic of the LED 22 is a wide directivity characteristic, light leakage to the upper surface 30U side of the light guide 30 can be suppressed. Thereby, generation
  • the incident surface 32 can be subjected to antireflection processing.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 comprised the two inclined surface 33
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 was 3 as shown in the said 2nd Embodiment. It may be composed of two or more inclined surfaces 33.
  • the incident surface of the light guide is configured by a plurality of inclined surfaces.
  • the incident surface of the light body may be composed of a concave curved surface 32a. That is, the incident surface of the light guide body only needs to be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the light source (LED).
  • the shape matching the light distribution characteristics of the light source (LED) is the light of the angle that is estimated to have better incidence efficiency in the light distribution of the emitted light as the principal ray.
  • the principal ray includes a shape that is incident at a substantially right angle.
  • the incident surface of the light guide is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED with respect to the height direction of the light guide.
  • the invention is not limited to this, and the incident surface of the light guide may be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED with respect to the plane direction (XY plane direction) of the light guide.
  • the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a side end surface 31 of the light guide 30 (in addition to the inclined surface 33 inclined with respect to the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30).
  • 31a, 31b) may be comprised including the inclined surface 36 inclined.
  • Each of the inclined surfaces 33 and 36 may be three or more.
  • the incident surface 32 may be a curved surface.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the light guide is, for example, shown in FIG. A configuration in which a plurality of strip-shaped light guide plates 30 as shown in FIG. Further, the light guide may be, for example, a rod-shaped light guide bar in addition to the plate shape.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which has arrange
  • the LED module may be arranged on both the left and right sides or the upper and lower sides. For example, you may arrange
  • the type of LED is not particularly limited.
  • the LED may include a blue light emitting LED chip (light emitting chip) and a phosphor that receives light from the LED chip and fluoresces yellow light.
  • a blue light emitting LED chip light emitting chip
  • a phosphor that receives light from the LED chip and fluoresces yellow light.
  • Such an LED generates white light using light from a blue light emitting LED chip and light emitted from a fluorescent light.
  • the number of LED chips included in the LED is not particularly limited.
  • the phosphor incorporated in the LED is not limited to a phosphor that emits yellow light.
  • an LED includes a blue light emitting LED chip and a phosphor that emits green light and red light in response to light from the LED chip, and emits blue light and fluorescent light (green light) from the LED chip. , Red light) and white light can be used.
  • the LED chip built in the LED is not limited to the one emitting blue light.
  • the LED may include a red LED chip that emits red light, a blue LED chip that emits blue light, and a phosphor that emits green light by receiving light from the blue LED chip. With such an LED, white light can be generated by red light from the red LED chip, blue light from the blue LED chip, and green light that fluoresces.
  • the LED may be an LED that does not contain any phosphor.
  • a red LED chip that emits red light, a green LED chip that emits green light, and a blue LED chip that emits blue light are configured to generate white light by mixing light from all LED chips. Also good.
  • the LED may be a top-view type LED that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting substrate, or a side that emits light in a direction horizontal to the mounting surface of the mounting substrate.
  • a view-type LED may be used.
  • an example is shown in which an LED is used as the light source of the backlight unit.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and a light source other than the LED may be used as the light source of the backlight unit.
  • a cold cathode tube may be used as the light source of the backlight unit.
  • the backlight unit includes the diffuser plate, the prism sheet, and the lens sheet as the optical member (optical sheet).
  • the optical member optical sheet
  • the optical member optical sheet
  • the optical member can be appropriately changed (added or deleted) as necessary.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and is for supplying light to the display panel.
  • the present invention can be applied to all non-light emitting display devices including a backlight unit.
  • Liquid crystal display panel (display panel) 11 ACTIVE MATRIX SUBSTRATE 12 DIRECTIONAL SUBSTRATE 13 POLARIZING FILM 20 LED MODULE 21 MOUNTING BOARD 21a MOUNTING SIDE 22 LED 22a Light emitting surface 30 Light guide 30U Upper surface, light emitting surface 30B Lower surface 31, 31a to 31d Side end surfaces (side end portions) 32 Incident surface 33 Inclined surface 33a, 33b, 33c Inclined surface 35 Coating layer (antireflection processing) 41 reflective sheet 41U reflective surface 42 backlight chassis 42B bottom surface 43 diffuser plate 44 prism sheet 45 lens sheet 50 backlight unit (illumination device) 70 housing 71 front housing 72 rear housing 100 liquid crystal display device (display device)

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  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)

Abstract

Provided is an illumination device in which incidence efficiency can be improved. The backlight unit (illumination device) (50) includes: an LED (22) as a light source; and a light guide element (30) that has a side end surface (31 (31a, 31b)) having an incident surface (32) on which the light from the LED (22) is incident, the incident light being guided inside the light guide element. In regard to the height direction (Z direction) of the light guide element (30), the incident surface (32) of the light guide element (30) is formed into a shape conforming to the light distribution characteristics (the spatial distribution of luminous intensity (R)) of the LED (22).

Description

照明装置および表示装置Illumination device and display device
　本発明は、照明装置および表示装置に関し、特に、光を導光させる導光体を搭載した照明装置およびその照明装置を備えた表示装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an illuminating device and a display device, and more particularly to an illuminating device equipped with a light guide for guiding light and a display device including the illuminating device.
　非発光型の液晶表示パネル（表示パネル）を搭載する液晶表示装置（表示装置）では、通常、その液晶表示パネルに対して、光を供給するバックライトユニット（照明装置）も搭載される。バックライトユニットは、面状の液晶表示パネル全域に対して行き渡るような面状光を生成するように構成されているのが好ましい。そのため、液晶表示装置に搭載されるバックライトユニットは、内蔵する光源の光を高い度合いで混ぜ合わせるための導光板（導光体）を含むことがある。 In a liquid crystal display device (display device) equipped with a non-light emitting liquid crystal display panel (display panel), a backlight unit (illumination device) for supplying light is usually mounted on the liquid crystal display panel. The backlight unit is preferably configured to generate planar light that spreads over the entire area of the planar liquid crystal display panel. Therefore, the backlight unit mounted on the liquid crystal display device may include a light guide plate (light guide) for mixing the light of the built-in light source to a high degree.
　導光板を含むバックライトユニットとしては、たとえば、エッジライト（サイドライト）型のバックライトユニットが知られている。エッジライト型のバックライトユニットは、一般的に、導光板の側面にＬＥＤ（Ｌｉｇｈｔ　Ｅｍｉｔｔｉｎｇ　Ｄｉｏｄｅ：発光ダイオード）などの光源が配置された構成を有しており、光源から出射された光が導光板の側面から導光板内部に入射されるとともに、入射された光は導光板内部で導光されて液晶表示パネル側に放出される。このようなエッジライト型のバックライトユニットでは、導光板の厚みを大きくしなくてもＬＥＤからの光を上部に放出できるため、液晶表示装置の薄型化を容易に図ることができる。 As a backlight unit including a light guide plate, for example, an edge light (side light) type backlight unit is known. An edge-light type backlight unit generally has a configuration in which a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is disposed on a side surface of a light guide plate, and light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light guide plate. The incident light enters the light guide plate from the side surface, and the incident light is guided inside the light guide plate and emitted to the liquid crystal display panel side. In such an edge light type backlight unit, the light from the LED can be emitted upward without increasing the thickness of the light guide plate, so that the liquid crystal display device can be easily reduced in thickness.
　なお、エッジライト型のバックライトユニットは、上記のように、導光板の側面が、光が入射される入射面となっており、通常、この入射面は、導光板の上面または下面に対して垂直に設けられている。 As described above, in the edge light type backlight unit, the side surface of the light guide plate is an incident surface on which light is incident. Usually, the incident surface is on the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate. It is provided vertically.
　また、従来、上記入射面が、導光板の下面に対して傾斜した傾斜面に形成されたバックライトユニットも知られている（たとえば、特許文献１参照）。 Also conventionally known is a backlight unit in which the incident surface is formed on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the lower surface of the light guide plate (for example, see Patent Document 1).
　上記特許文献１には、導光板の入射面を、導光板の下面に対して傾斜した傾斜面に形成し、光源としてのＬＥＤを、その発光面が導光板の入射面と平行となるように傾斜させて配置したバックライトユニットが記載されている。 In Patent Document 1, the incident surface of the light guide plate is formed on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the lower surface of the light guide plate, and the LED as the light source is arranged so that the light emitting surface thereof is parallel to the incident surface of the light guide plate. A backlight unit arranged at an inclination is described.
特開２００５－２４２２４９号公報JP 2005-242249 A
　しかしながら、上記した従来のエッジライト型のバックライトユニットでは、いずれも、導光板の入射面に対して、その発光面が平行となるようにＬＥＤが配置されているため、ＬＥＤからの光の一部が入射面で反射されるという不都合がある。そのため、入射効率が低下するという問題点がある。 However, in each of the conventional edge light type backlight units described above, the LEDs are arranged so that the light emitting surface thereof is parallel to the incident surface of the light guide plate. There is an inconvenience that the portion is reflected by the incident surface. Therefore, there is a problem that the incident efficiency is lowered.
　また、入射面が導光板の上面または下面に対して垂直に設けられている場合、導光板内に入射される光は、導光板の上面または下面に対して平行な光が多くなる。この場合、導光板内での光の反射回数が減るため、十分な輝度均一性および混色が行われなくなるという不都合がある。そのため、照明品位が低下するという問題点がある。 In addition, when the incident surface is provided perpendicular to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate, the light incident on the light guide plate is more parallel to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide plate. In this case, since the number of reflections of light within the light guide plate is reduced, there is a disadvantage that sufficient luminance uniformity and color mixing cannot be performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the illumination quality is lowered.
　この発明は、上記のような課題を解決するためになされたものであり、この発明の１つの目的は、入射効率を向上させることが可能な照明装置およびその照明装置を搭載した表示装置を提供することである。 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device capable of improving incident efficiency and a display device equipped with the lighting device. It is to be.
　この発明のもう１つの目的は、照明品位を向上させることが可能な照明装置およびその照明装置を搭載した表示装置を提供することである。 Another object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device capable of improving the illumination quality and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
　上記目的を達成するために、この発明の第１の局面による照明装置は、光源と、この光源からの光が入射される入射面を有する側端部を含み、入射された光を内部で導光させる導光体とを備えている。そして、上記入射面が、導光体の高さ方向に対して、光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されている。 To achieve the above object, an illumination device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a light source and a side end portion having an incident surface on which light from the light source is incident, and guides the incident light inside. And a light guide for light emission. And the said entrance plane is formed in the shape match | combined with the light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to the height direction of a light guide.
　この第１の局面による照明装置では、上記のように、導光体の入射面を、導光体の高さ方向に対して、光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することによって、入射面での光の反射を抑制することができる。これにより、入射効率を向上させることができる。 In the lighting device according to the first aspect, as described above, the incident surface of the light guide is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the light source with respect to the height direction of the light guide. The reflection of light on the surface can be suppressed. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved.
　また、第１の局面では、上記のように構成することによって、導光体の上面または下面に対して平行な光以外の光も、導光体内に入射され易くすることができる。このため、導光体内での光の反射回数を増やすことができるので、十分な輝度均一性および混色を行うことができる。これにより、照明品位を向上させることができる。 Also, in the first aspect, by configuring as described above, light other than light parallel to the upper surface or the lower surface of the light guide can be easily incident on the light guide. For this reason, since the frequency | count of reflection of the light within a light guide can be increased, sufficient brightness uniformity and color mixing can be performed. Thereby, illumination quality can be improved.
　なお、第１の局面では、上記のように、光を内部で導光させる導光体を備えることによって、エッジライト型の照明装置を構成することができるので、照明装置の薄型化を容易に図ることができる。また、上記のように構成することによって、不要な反射を減らすことができるので、不要な漏れ光を減らすこともできる。これにより、ユニフォミティ（明るさなどの均一性）を向上させることができる。 In the first aspect, as described above, an edge light type illumination device can be configured by providing a light guide that guides light inside, so that the illumination device can be easily reduced in thickness. You can plan. Moreover, since it is possible to reduce unnecessary reflection by configuring as described above, unnecessary leakage light can also be reduced. Thereby, uniformity (uniformity such as brightness) can be improved.
　上記第１の局面による照明装置において、好ましくは、導光体は、入射された光を外部に向けて出射する光出射面を有しており、導光体の入射面は、光出射面に対して傾斜した複数種類の傾斜面を含んで構成されている。このように構成すれば、容易に、導光体の入射面を、導光体の高さ方向に対して、光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することができるので、入射面での光の反射を容易に抑制することができる。これにより、容易に、入射効率を向上させることができる。また、このように構成すれば、容易に、照明品位を向上させることができる。なお、上記構成により、入射面の面積を増加させることができるので、これにより、導光体への入射効率をより向上させることができる。 In the illumination device according to the first aspect, preferably, the light guide has a light emission surface that emits incident light toward the outside, and the incident surface of the light guide is a light emission surface. It is configured to include a plurality of types of inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface. If comprised in this way, since the entrance plane of a light guide can be easily formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to the height direction of a light guide, Light reflection can be easily suppressed. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved easily. Moreover, if comprised in this way, illumination quality can be improved easily. In addition, since the area of an incident surface can be increased by the said structure, the incident efficiency to a light guide can be improved more by this.
　この場合において、上記傾斜面は、光源からの光が略直角に入射するように構成されているとともに、その傾斜角度が、入射後の光が導光体内での全反射臨界角を超えない角度に設定されているのが好ましい。このように構成すれば、光の入射効率を効果的に向上させることができるとともに、照明品位が向上された高品質な面状光を出射させることができる。 In this case, the inclined surface is configured so that the light from the light source is incident at substantially right angles, and the inclined angle is an angle at which the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide. Is preferably set. If comprised in this way, while being able to improve the incident efficiency of light effectively, the high quality planar light with which the illumination quality was improved can be radiate | emitted.
　また、この場合、上記入射面は、傾斜角度が互いに異なる２つの傾斜面から構成することができる。 In this case, the incident surface can be composed of two inclined surfaces having different inclination angles.
　さらに、この場合、上記入射面は、傾斜角度が互いに異なる３つ以上の傾斜面から構成されていると好ましい。このように構成すれば、より容易に、上記入射面を、光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することができる。これにより、光の入射効率をさらに向上させることが容易にできる。 Further, in this case, it is preferable that the incident surface is composed of three or more inclined surfaces having different inclination angles. If comprised in this way, the said entrance plane can be more easily formed in the shape match | combined with the light distribution characteristic of the light source. Thereby, the incident efficiency of light can be further improved easily.
　上記第１の局面による照明装置において、好ましくは、上記入射面は、導光体の側端部に凹状に形成されている。このように構成すれば、より容易に、導光体の入射面を、導光体の高さ方向に対して、光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することができるので、入射面での光の反射を容易に抑制することができる。 In the illumination device according to the first aspect, preferably, the incident surface is formed in a concave shape at a side end portion of the light guide. If comprised in this way, since the incident surface of a light guide can be more easily formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to the height direction of a light guide, The reflection of light can be easily suppressed.
　この場合において、上記光源は、所定の間隔で配列された複数の光源を含んで構成されていてもよい。この場合、上記凹状の入射面は、光源の配列方向に沿って延びるように形成されているのが好ましい。 In this case, the light source may include a plurality of light sources arranged at a predetermined interval. In this case, the concave incident surface is preferably formed so as to extend along the arrangement direction of the light sources.
　上記第１の局面による照明装置において、好ましくは、上記光源は、発光ダイオードから構成されているとともに、この発光ダイオードからの光が、導光体の下面に向かうように傾斜させて配置されている。このように構成すれば、入射面での光の反射や漏れ光を効果的に低減することができるので、効果的に入射効率を向上させることができる。また、このように構成すれば、導光体の上面または下面に対して平行な光以外の光を容易に増やすことができるので、導光体内での光の反射回数をより増やすことができる。これにより、十分な輝度均一性および混色を効果的に行うことができるので、照明品位をより向上させることができる。 In the illumination device according to the first aspect, preferably, the light source is configured by a light emitting diode, and the light from the light emitting diode is disposed so as to be inclined toward the lower surface of the light guide. . If comprised in this way, since the reflection of the light in an entrance plane and leakage light can be reduced effectively, incident efficiency can be improved effectively. Moreover, if comprised in this way, since light other than the light parallel to the upper surface or lower surface of a light guide can be increased easily, the frequency | count of reflection of the light in a light guide can be increased more. Thereby, sufficient luminance uniformity and color mixing can be performed effectively, so that the illumination quality can be further improved.
　上記第１の局面による照明装置において、好ましくは、導光体の入射面には、反射防止加工が施されている。このように構成すれば、効果的に入射面での光の反射を抑制することができるので、入射効率を容易に向上させることができる。なお、上記「反射防止加工」は、反射防止コーティングを含む。 In the illuminating device according to the first aspect, preferably, the incident surface of the light guide is subjected to antireflection processing. If comprised in this way, since reflection of the light in an incident surface can be suppressed effectively, incident efficiency can be improved easily. The “antireflection process” includes an antireflection coating.
　上記第１の局面による照明装置において、導光体は、導光板から構成されていてもよい。なお、上記導光体は、板状の導光板以外に、棒状の導光棒から構成されていてもよい。また、上記導光板は、一枚状の導光板であってもよいし、短冊状の導光板を複数組み合わせた構成であってもよい。 In the illumination device according to the first aspect, the light guide may be constituted by a light guide plate. In addition, the said light guide may be comprised from the rod-shaped light guide bar other than a plate-shaped light guide plate. The light guide plate may be a single light guide plate or a combination of a plurality of strip light guide plates.
　この発明の第２の局面による表示装置は、上記第１の局面による照明装置と、この照明装置からの光を受ける表示パネルとを備えている。このように構成すれば、容易に、表示品位の高い表示装置を得ることができる。 A display device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the illumination device according to the first aspect and a display panel that receives light from the illumination device. If comprised in this way, a display apparatus with a high display quality can be obtained easily.
　以上のように、本発明によれば、入射効率を向上させることが可能な照明装置およびその照明装置を搭載した表示装置を容易に得ることができる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an illumination device capable of improving the incidence efficiency and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
　また、本発明によれば、照明品位を向上させることが可能な照明装置およびその照明装置を搭載した表示装置を容易に得ることができる。 Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an illumination device capable of improving the illumination quality and a display device equipped with the illumination device.
本発明の第１実施形態による液晶表示装置の分解斜視図である。1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した側面図である。It is the side view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した平面図である。It is the top view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した平面図であり、光の光路を示した光路図でもある。It is the top view which showed a part of backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is also an optical path figure which showed the optical path of light. 本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの導光体の一部を示した斜視図である。It is the perspective view which showed a part of light guide of the backlight unit by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 図５のＡ１方向の側面図である。It is a side view of the A1 direction of FIG. 本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 第１実施形態の変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the modification of 1st Embodiment. 本発明の第２実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 第２実施形態の変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the modification of 2nd Embodiment. 本発明の第３実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図であり、光の光路を示した光路図でもある。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is also an optical path figure which showed the optical path of light. 本発明の第３実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the 1st modification of this invention. 本発明の第２変形例によるバックライトユニットの導光体の一部を示した斜視図である。It is the perspective view which showed a part of light guide of the backlight unit by the 2nd modification of this invention. 図１４のＡ２方向の側面図である。It is a side view of the A2 direction of FIG. 本発明の第２変形例によるバックライトユニットの導光体の一部を示した平面図である。It is the top view which showed a part of light guide of the backlight unit by the 2nd modification of this invention. 本発明の第３変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the 3rd modification of this invention. 本発明の第４変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed a part of backlight unit by the 4th modification of this invention.
　以下、本発明を具体化した実施形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
　（第１実施形態）
　図１は、本発明の第１実施形態による液晶表示装置の分解斜視図である。図２は、本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した側面図である。図３は、本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した平面図である。図４～図７は、本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットを説明するための図である。まず、図１～図７を参照して、本発明の第１実施形態によるバックライトユニットおよびそのバックライトユニットを備えた液晶表示装置について説明する。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a part of the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 to 7 are views for explaining the backlight unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, a backlight unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a liquid crystal display device including the backlight unit will be described with reference to FIGS.
　第１実施形態による液晶表示装置１００は、図１に示すように、液晶表示パネル１０と、この液晶表示パネル１０に対して光を供給するバックライトユニット５０と、これらを挟んで互いに対向する一対のハウジング７０（表ハウジング７１、裏ハウジング７２）とを備えている。なお、液晶表示装置１００は、本発明の「表示装置」の一例であり、液晶表示パネル１０は、本発明の「表示パネル」の一例である。また、バックライトユニット５０は、本発明の「照明装置」の一例である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a liquid crystal display panel 10, a backlight unit 50 that supplies light to the liquid crystal display panel 10, and a pair facing each other with these interposed therebetween. Housing 70 (front housing 71, back housing 72). The liquid crystal display device 100 is an example of the “display device” in the present invention, and the liquid crystal display panel 10 is an example of the “display panel” in the present invention. The backlight unit 50 is an example of the “lighting device” in the present invention.
　液晶表示パネル１０は、たとえば、ＴＦＴ（Ｔｈｉｎ　Ｆｉｌｍ　Ｔｒａｎｓｉｓｔｏｒ）などのスイッチング素子を含むアクティブマトリックス基板１１と、このアクティブマトリックス基板１１に対向する対向基板１２とをシール材（図示せず）で貼り合わせることによって構成されている。また、両基板１１および１２の隙間には、液晶（図示せず）が注入されている。そして、アクティブマトリックス基板１１の受光面側および対向基板１２の出射面側には、それぞれ、偏光フィルム１３が取り付けられている。 In the liquid crystal display panel 10, for example, an active matrix substrate 11 including a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) and an opposite substrate 12 facing the active matrix substrate 11 are bonded to each other with a sealing material (not shown). It is constituted by. A liquid crystal (not shown) is injected into the gap between the substrates 11 and 12. A polarizing film 13 is attached to each of the light receiving surface side of the active matrix substrate 11 and the light emitting surface side of the counter substrate 12.
　このように構成された液晶表示パネル１０は、液晶分子の傾きに起因する透過率の変化を利用して、画像を表示する。 The liquid crystal display panel 10 configured in this manner displays an image by using a change in transmittance caused by the tilt of liquid crystal molecules.
　また、第１実施形態によるバックライトユニット５０は、エッジライト（サイドライト）型のバックライトユニットであり、ＬＥＤ（Ｌｉｇｈｔ　Ｅｍｉｔｔｉｎｇ　Ｄｉｏｄｅ）モジュール２０、ＬＥＤモジュール２０からの光を導光する導光体３０、反射シート（反射部材）４１、バックライトシャーシ４２、拡散板（拡散部材）４３、プリズムシート４４、および、レンズシート４５を有している。なお、上記バックライトユニット５０は、液晶表示パネル１０の直下に配置されている。 Further, the backlight unit 50 according to the first embodiment is an edge light (side light) type backlight unit, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) module 20 and a light guide 30 that guides light from the LED module 20. A reflection sheet (reflection member) 41, a backlight chassis 42, a diffusion plate (diffusion member) 43, a prism sheet 44, and a lens sheet 45. The backlight unit 50 is disposed directly below the liquid crystal display panel 10.
　バックライトユニット５０を構成するＬＥＤモジュール２０は、光を発するモジュールであり、実装基板２１と、この実装基板２１の基板面上に実装される、光源としてのＬＥＤ２２とを含む。 The LED module 20 constituting the backlight unit 50 is a module that emits light, and includes a mounting substrate 21 and an LED 22 as a light source mounted on the substrate surface of the mounting substrate 21.
　実装基板２１は、板状かつ矩形状の基板であり、実装面２１ａ上に、複数の電極（図示せず）が配列されている。そして、これらの電極上に、上記ＬＥＤ２２が取り付けられている。 The mounting substrate 21 is a plate-like and rectangular substrate, and a plurality of electrodes (not shown) are arranged on the mounting surface 21a. And said LED22 is attached on these electrodes.
　ＬＥＤ２２は、実装基板２１における実装面２１ａに形成された電極（図示せず）に実装されることで電流の供給を受けて光を発する。また、実装基板２１上には、複数のＬＥＤ２２が、所定の間隔を隔てて配列されている。 The LED 22 is mounted on an electrode (not shown) formed on the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 so as to receive light and emit light. A plurality of LEDs 22 are arranged on the mounting substrate 21 at a predetermined interval.
　導光体３０は、たとえば、アクリル、ポリカーボネートのような透明樹脂材料から構成されており、図１および図３に示すように、一枚状の導光板に形成されている。また、この導光体３０は、上面３０Ｕおよびその反対面である下面３０Ｂと、上面３０Ｕおよび下面３０Ｂに繋がる複数の側端面（側端部）３１とを有している。さらに、上記導光体３０は、平面的に見て、略矩形形状（略長方形形状）に形成されている。このため、導光体３０は、４つの側端面３１（３１ａ～３１ｄ）を有している。そして、この導光体３０の４つの側端面３１（３１ａ～３１ｄ）のうちの側端面３１ａおよび３１ｂが、ＬＥＤ２２からの光が入射される入射面３２となっている。すなわち、導光体３０の側端面３１（３１ａおよび３１ｂ）を介して、ＬＥＤ２２からの光が導光体３０内に入射される。 The light guide 30 is made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, for example, and is formed on a single light guide plate as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The light guide 30 has an upper surface 30U and a lower surface 30B opposite to the upper surface 30U, and a plurality of side end surfaces (side end portions) 31 connected to the upper surface 30U and the lower surface 30B. Furthermore, the light guide 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape (substantially rectangular shape) when seen in a plan view. For this reason, the light guide 30 has four side end faces 31 (31a to 31d). Of the four side end faces 31 (31a to 31d) of the light guide 30, the side end faces 31a and 31b serve as incident surfaces 32 on which the light from the LEDs 22 is incident. That is, the light from the LED 22 enters the light guide 30 through the side end surfaces 31 (31 a and 31 b) of the light guide 30.
　なお、導光体３０の側端面３１ａおよび３１ｂは、互いに逆方向を向き、かつ、導光体３０の長手方向（Ｘ方向）に平行な面である。また、導光体３０の側端面３１ｃおよび３１ｄは、互いに逆方向を向き、かつ、導光体３０の短手方向（Ｙ方向）に平行な面である。 The side end surfaces 31a and 31b of the light guide 30 are surfaces that face in opposite directions and are parallel to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the light guide 30. Further, the side end surfaces 31c and 31d of the light guide 30 are surfaces that face in opposite directions to each other and are parallel to the short direction (Y direction) of the light guide 30.
　また、複数のＬＥＤ２２が実装されたＬＥＤモジュール２０は、バックライトユニット５０の左右方向（Ｘ方向）の両側に分かれて２列状に配置されている。すなわち、導光体３０の左右両側（入射面となる側端面３１ａおよび３１ｂ側）に、それぞれ、ＬＥＤモジュール２０が配置されている。より具体的には、図１～図３に示すように、導光体３０の側端面３１ａ側に、ＬＥＤ２２の発光面２２ａ（図２および図７参照）と側端面３１ａとが対向するように、ＬＥＤモジュール２０が配置されているとともに、導光体３０の側端面３１ｂ側にも、ＬＥＤ２２の発光面２２ａ（図２および図７参照）と側端面３１ｂとが対向するように、ＬＥＤモジュール２０が配置されている。なお、第１実施形態では、ＬＥＤモジュール２０は、実装基板２１の実装面２１ａが導光体３０の上面３０Ｕまたは下面３０Ｂと垂直となるように配置されている。 Further, the LED modules 20 on which the plurality of LEDs 22 are mounted are divided into two rows on the left and right sides (X direction) of the backlight unit 50 and arranged in two rows. In other words, the LED modules 20 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the light guide 30 (on the side end surfaces 31a and 31b side which are incident surfaces). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the light emitting surface 22a (see FIGS. 2 and 7) of the LED 22 and the side end surface 31a face each other on the side end surface 31a side of the light guide 30. The LED module 20 is disposed, and the light emitting surface 22a (see FIGS. 2 and 7) of the LED 22 and the side end surface 31b face each other on the side end surface 31b side of the light guide 30 as well. Is arranged. In the first embodiment, the LED module 20 is disposed such that the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 is perpendicular to the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30.
　そして、図４に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２（側端面３１）から入射された光（図４の一点鎖線矢印参照）は、導光体３０を導光して導光体３０の上面３０Ｕから面状光（出射光）として出射される。このため、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕが、入射された光を外部（液晶表示パネル１０（図１参照）側）に向けて出射する光出射面３０Ｕとなる。 Then, as shown in FIG. 4, light incident from the incident surface 32 (side end surface 31) of the light guide 30 (see the dashed line arrow in FIG. 4) guides the light guide 30 and guides the light guide. 30 is emitted as planar light (emitted light) from the upper surface 30U. For this reason, the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30 serves as a light emitting surface 30U that emits incident light toward the outside (the liquid crystal display panel 10 (see FIG. 1) side).
　ここで、光源としてのＬＥＤ２２は、図７の破線Ｒで示すように、ある程度の広がりをもつ配光特性を有している。このため、第１実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２が、ＬＥＤ２２の発光面２２ａと平行となるように形成されているのではなく、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されている。なお、破線Ｒは、配光分布（配光特性）の一例を示している。 Here, the LED 22 as the light source has a light distribution characteristic having a certain extent as shown by a broken line R in FIG. For this reason, in 1st Embodiment, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is not formed so that it may become parallel with the light emission surface 22a of LED22, but is formed in the shape according to the light distribution characteristic of LED22. ing. A broken line R indicates an example of a light distribution (light distribution characteristic).
　具体的には、図５～図７に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２は、ＬＥＤ２２から出射される光の配光分布のうち、より入射効率がよいと推定される角度の光を主光線として、この主光線に対して略直交するように斜めにカットされた複数（複数種類）の傾斜面３３からなる。なお、第１実施形態では、上記入射面３２は、２つの傾斜面３３ａおよび３３ｂから構成されている。また、図７に示すように、２つの傾斜面３３ａおよび３３ｂは、導光体３０の上面（光出射面）３０Ｕに対して、互いに異なる角度で傾斜している。 Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is light having an angle that is estimated to have better incident efficiency in the light distribution of the light emitted from the LED 22. Is a plurality of (a plurality of types) of inclined surfaces 33 that are cut obliquely so as to be substantially orthogonal to the principal ray. In the first embodiment, the incident surface 32 is composed of two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b are inclined at different angles with respect to the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30.
　また、２つの傾斜面のうちの上面３０Ｕ側の傾斜面３３ａと導光体３０の上面（光出射面）３０Ｕとのなす角α１は、鋭角に設定されており、２つの傾斜面のうちの下面３０Ｂ側の傾斜面３３ｂと導光体３０の上面（光出射面）３０Ｕとのなす角α２は、鈍角に設定されている。このため、導光体３０の入射面３２は、導光体３０の内部側に向かって凹む凹状となっている。 In addition, an angle α1 formed by the inclined surface 33a on the upper surface 30U side of the two inclined surfaces and the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30 is set to an acute angle. An angle α2 formed by the inclined surface 33b on the lower surface 30B side and the upper surface (light emitting surface) 30U of the light guide 30 is set to an obtuse angle. For this reason, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the inner side of the light guide 30.
　凹状の入射面３２は、図３、図５および図６に示すように、導光体３０の側端面３１（３１ａ、３１ｂ）の全長に渡って、ＬＥＤ２２の配列方向（短手方向：Ｙ方向）に延びるように形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the concave incident surface 32 extends in the arrangement direction (short direction: Y direction) of the LEDs 22 over the entire length of the side end surfaces 31 (31 a, 31 b) of the light guide 30. ).
　なお、傾斜面３３ａの傾斜角度α１および傾斜面３３ｂの傾斜角度α２は、それぞれ、実装基板２１に実装されるＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に応じて適宜設定される。この際、上記傾斜角度α１およびα２は、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性を考慮して、最も入射効率が向上し、かつ、入射後の光が導光体３０内での全反射臨界角を超えない角度に設定されているのが好ましい。 In addition, the inclination angle α1 of the inclined surface 33a and the inclination angle α2 of the inclined surface 33b are appropriately set according to the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 mounted on the mounting substrate 21, respectively. At this time, the inclination angles α1 and α2 are the angles at which the incident efficiency is most improved in consideration of the light distribution characteristics of the LED 22 and the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide 30. Is preferably set.
　また、図７に示すように、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕと下面３０Ｂとが互いに平行となっている場合、２つの傾斜面３３ａおよび３３ｂは、導光体３０の厚み方向（Ｚ方向）の中心線Ｐ（二点鎖線Ｐ）に対して、対称となるように形成されていてもよい。この場合、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕと傾斜面３３ａとのなす角α１は、導光体３０の下面３０Ｂと傾斜面３３ｂとのなす角βと等しくなる。 As shown in FIG. 7, when the upper surface 30U and the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30 are parallel to each other, the two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b are arranged in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the light guide 30. It may be formed so as to be symmetric with respect to the center line P (two-dot chain line P). In this case, an angle α1 formed between the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30 and the inclined surface 33a is equal to an angle β formed between the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30 and the inclined surface 33b.
　なお、図４に示すように、ＬＥＤモジュール２０は、実装されるＬＥＤ２２と導光体３０の側端面３１（入射面３２）との間の距離ａが１ｍｍ以下となるように、導光体３０に近接配置されているのが好ましい。 As shown in FIG. 4, the LED module 20 includes the light guide 30 so that the distance a between the mounted LED 22 and the side end face 31 (incident surface 32) of the light guide 30 is 1 mm or less. It is preferable that they are arranged close to each other.
　このように、第１実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２が、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されている。 Thus, in 1st Embodiment, the entrance plane 32 of the light guide 30 is formed in the shape matched with the light distribution characteristic of LED22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Has been.
　また、図１に示すように、バックライトユニット５０に含まれる反射シート４１は、導光体３０における下面３０Ｂにて覆われるシートで、シートにおける反射面４１Ｕは、導光体３０の下面３０Ｂに面する。そして、導光体３０の下面３０Ｂから漏れだした光があれば、その光を導光体３０に戻すように反射させ、光の損失を防ぐ。 As shown in FIG. 1, the reflective sheet 41 included in the backlight unit 50 is a sheet covered with the lower surface 30 </ b> B of the light guide 30, and the reflective surface 41 </ b> U of the sheet is on the lower surface 30 </ b> B of the light guide 30. Face. Then, if there is light leaking from the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, the light is reflected back to the light guide 30 to prevent light loss.
　バックライトシャーシ４２は、たとえば箱状の部材で、底面４２ＢにＬＥＤモジュール２０と導光体３０とを敷き詰めることで、それらを収容する。 The backlight chassis 42 is a box-shaped member, for example, and accommodates them by spreading the LED module 20 and the light guide 30 on the bottom surface 42B.
　拡散板４３は、導光体３０に重なる光学シートであり、導光体３０から発せられる光を拡散させる。すなわち、拡散板４３は、導光体３０からの光を拡散させて、液晶表示パネル１０の全域に光を行き渡らせる。 The diffusion plate 43 is an optical sheet that overlaps the light guide 30 and diffuses light emitted from the light guide 30. That is, the diffusion plate 43 diffuses the light from the light guide 30 and spreads the light over the entire area of the liquid crystal display panel 10.
　プリズムシート４４は、拡散板４３に重なる光学シートである。このプリズムシート４４は、一方向（線状）に延びるたとえば三角プリズムが、シート面内にて、一方向に交差する方向に並べられており、拡散板４３からの光の放射特性を偏向させる。 The prism sheet 44 is an optical sheet that overlaps the diffusion plate 43. In the prism sheet 44, for example, triangular prisms extending in one direction (linear shape) are arranged in a direction intersecting with one direction in the sheet surface, and deflect the radiation characteristics of light from the diffusion plate 43.
　レンズシート４５は、プリズムシート４４に重なる光学シートである。このレンズシート４５は、光を屈折散乱させる微粒子が内部に分散されており、プリズムシート４４からの光を、局所的に集光させることなく、明暗差（光量ムラ）を抑える。 The lens sheet 45 is an optical sheet that overlaps the prism sheet 44. In the lens sheet 45, fine particles that refract and scatter light are dispersed in the lens sheet 45, and the light from the prism sheet 44 is not collected locally, and the difference in brightness (light intensity unevenness) is suppressed.
　上記のように構成された第１実施形態によるバックライトユニット５０は、ＬＥＤモジュール２０からの光を導光体３０で面状光にし、その面状光を、複数枚の光学部材４３～４５に通過させて、液晶表示パネル１０に供給する。これにより、非発光型の液晶表示パネル１０は、バックライトユニット５０からの光（バックライト光）を受光して表示機能を向上させる。 The backlight unit 50 according to the first embodiment configured as described above converts the light from the LED module 20 into planar light by the light guide 30, and the planar light is transmitted to the plurality of optical members 43 to 45. The liquid crystal is passed through and supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 10. Thereby, the non-light-emitting liquid crystal display panel 10 receives the light (backlight light) from the backlight unit 50 and improves the display function.
　第１実施形態では、上記のように、導光体３０の入射面３２を、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することによって、入射面３２での光の反射を抑制して、入射効率を向上させることができる。 In 1st Embodiment, as mentioned above, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is made into the shape match | combined with the light distribution characteristic of LED22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. By forming, reflection of light on the incident surface 32 can be suppressed and incident efficiency can be improved.
　また、第１実施形態では、上記のように構成することによって、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕまたは下面３０Ｂに対して平行な光以外の光も、導光体３０内に入射され易くすることができる。このため、導光体３０内での光の反射回数を増やすことができるので、十分な輝度均一性および混色を行うことができる。これにより、照明品位を向上させることができる。 In the first embodiment, by configuring as described above, light other than light parallel to the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30 may be easily incident on the light guide 30. it can. For this reason, since the frequency | count of reflection of the light in the light guide 30 can be increased, sufficient brightness uniformity and color mixing can be performed. Thereby, illumination quality can be improved.
　なお、第１実施形態では、上記のように、光を内部で導光させる導光体３０を備えることによって、エッジライト型のバックライトユニット５０を構成することができるので、バックライトユニット５０および液晶表示装置１００の薄型化を容易に図ることができる。また、上記のように構成することによって、導光体３０での不要な反射を減らすことができるので、不要な漏れ光を減らすこともできる。これにより、ユニフォミティ（明るさなどの均一性）を向上させることができる。 In the first embodiment, as described above, the edge light type backlight unit 50 can be configured by including the light guide 30 that guides light inside, so that the backlight unit 50 and The liquid crystal display device 100 can be easily reduced in thickness. Moreover, since it can reduce unnecessary reflection in the light guide 30 by comprising as mentioned above, unnecessary leaked light can also be reduced. Thereby, uniformity (uniformity such as brightness) can be improved.
　また、第１実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２を、光出射面３０Ｕ（導光体３０の上面３０Ｕ）に対して傾斜した２つの傾斜面３３（３３ａ、３３ｂ）から構成することによって、容易に、導光体３０の入射面３２を、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することができる。これにより、入射面３２での光の反射を容易に抑制することができる。その結果、容易に、入射効率を向上させることができる。また、このように構成すれば、傾斜面３３から入射した光は、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕまたは下面３０Ｂに対して交差する方向に進む光となるため、導光体３０内での光の反射回数を増やすことができる。このため、容易に、照明品位を向上させることができる。なお、上記構成により、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕまたは下面３０Ｂに対して垂直に入射面が設けられている場合に比べて、入射面３２の面積を増加させることができるので、これにより、導光体３０への入射効率をより向上させることができる。 Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the entrance surface 32 of the light guide 30 is comprised from the two inclined surfaces 33 (33a, 33b) inclined with respect to the light-projection surface 30U (upper surface 30U of the light guide 30). Thus, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 can be easily formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Thereby, reflection of light at the incident surface 32 can be easily suppressed. As a result, the incident efficiency can be easily improved. Further, with this configuration, the light incident from the inclined surface 33 becomes light that travels in a direction intersecting the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, so that the light in the light guide 30 is transmitted. The number of reflections can be increased. For this reason, illumination quality can be improved easily. Note that, with the above configuration, the area of the incident surface 32 can be increased as compared with the case where the incident surface is provided perpendicular to the upper surface 30U or the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30. Incidence efficiency to the light body 30 can be further improved.
　また、第１実施形態では、上記傾斜面３３を、ＬＥＤ２２からの光が略直角に入射するように構成すれば、光の入射効率を効果的に向上させることができる。加えて、上記傾斜面３３を、入射後の光が導光体３０内での全反射臨界角を超えない角度に設定すれば、照明品位が向上された高品質な面状光を出射させることができる。 In the first embodiment, if the inclined surface 33 is configured so that the light from the LED 22 is incident at a substantially right angle, the light incident efficiency can be effectively improved. In addition, if the inclined surface 33 is set to an angle at which the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide 30, high-quality planar light with improved illumination quality can be emitted. Can do.
　ここで、上述したように、ＬＥＤからの光（出射光）は配光特性を有するため、導光体の入射面が、ＬＥＤの発光面と平行となるように形成されている場合、入射面に対して垂直に入射される光が少なくなる。このため、入射面に垂直以外の角度で入射される光が多くなるため、その一部は入射面で反射されて入射効率が低下する。 Here, as described above, since the light (emitted light) from the LED has a light distribution characteristic, the incident surface of the light guide is formed so as to be parallel to the light emitting surface of the LED. Less light is incident perpendicular to the. For this reason, since more light is incident at an angle other than perpendicular to the incident surface, a part of the light is reflected by the incident surface, resulting in a decrease in incident efficiency.
　また、ＬＥＤ２２から側端面３１（３１ａ、３１ｂ）までの距離ａ（図４参照）を小さくすると、入射効率は向上するものの、導光体３０は熱により膨張するため、ＬＥＤ２２（ＬＥＤモジュール２０）は、導光体３０からある程度の距離を隔てて配置する必要がある。また、ＬＥＤ２２から側端面３１（３１ａ、３１ｂ）までの距離ａは、液晶表示装置１００の画面サイズが大きくなる程、大きくなるため、たとえば、４０インチ以上の大型の液晶表示装置では、より入射効率が低下し易くなる。 Further, if the distance a (see FIG. 4) from the LED 22 to the side end surfaces 31 (31a, 31b) is reduced, the incident efficiency is improved, but the light guide 30 expands due to heat, so the LED 22 (LED module 20) It is necessary to dispose a certain distance from the light guide 30. Further, since the distance a from the LED 22 to the side end face 31 (31a, 31b) increases as the screen size of the liquid crystal display device 100 increases, for example, in a large liquid crystal display device of 40 inches or more, the incident efficiency is higher. Tends to decrease.
　これに対し、第１実施形態では、入射面３２の形状を上記のように形成することによって、入射面３２に対して垂直に入射される光の量を増やすことができる。したがって、上記構成を有する第１実施形態では、上記のように、入射効率を向上させることができる。また、このようなバックライトユニット５０は、入射効率が低下し易い大型の液晶表示装置（たとえば、４０インチ以上）に用いれば、特に有効である。 In contrast, in the first embodiment, the amount of light incident perpendicularly to the incident surface 32 can be increased by forming the shape of the incident surface 32 as described above. Therefore, in 1st Embodiment which has the said structure, incident efficiency can be improved as mentioned above. Further, such a backlight unit 50 is particularly effective when used in a large-sized liquid crystal display device (for example, 40 inches or more) in which the incident efficiency tends to decrease.
　また、第１実施形態では、上記入射面３２を、導光体３０の側端面（側端部）３１に凹状に形成することによって、より容易に、導光体３０の入射面３２を、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成することができるので、入射面３２での光の反射を容易に抑制することができる。 Further, in the first embodiment, by forming the incident surface 32 in a concave shape on the side end surface (side end portion) 31 of the light guide 30, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 can be more easily guided. Since it can be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED 22 with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light body 30, it is possible to easily suppress reflection of light on the incident surface 32. it can.
　このように、第１実施形態によるバックライトユニット５０は、導光体３０への入射効率を向上させることが可能に構成されているため、輝度の高い面状光を液晶表示パネル１０に供給することが可能となる。これにより、液晶表示装置１００の明るさや表示品位を向上させることができる。また、従来と同じ明るさ（輝度）に構成する場合、光源としてのＬＥＤ２２の個数を減らすことができるので、ＬＥＤ２２の個数を減らすことにより、コストの低減を図ることができる。また、導光体３０への入射効率を向上させることによって、バックライトユニット５０の輝度を向上させることができるので、光学シートなどの数を減らすこともできる。このため、これによっても、コストの低減を図ることができる。さらに、導光体３０への入射効率を向上させることによって、少ない電力で面状光を供給することが可能となるので、消費電力の低減を図ることもできる。 As described above, the backlight unit 50 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to improve the incidence efficiency on the light guide 30, and thus supplies the planar light with high luminance to the liquid crystal display panel 10. It becomes possible. Thereby, the brightness and display quality of the liquid crystal display device 100 can be improved. Further, in the case of configuring the same brightness (luminance) as the conventional one, the number of the LEDs 22 as the light source can be reduced. Therefore, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of the LEDs 22. Moreover, since the brightness | luminance of the backlight unit 50 can be improved by improving the incident efficiency to the light guide 30, the number of optical sheets etc. can also be reduced. For this reason, the cost can be reduced also by this. Further, by improving the incidence efficiency to the light guide 30, it becomes possible to supply the planar light with a small amount of power, so that the power consumption can be reduced.
　（第１実施形態の変形例）
　図８は、第１実施形態の変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。なお、図８において、対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付すことにより、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 (Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a backlight unit according to a modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted as appropriate.
　第１実施形態の変形例では、図８に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２に、反射防止加工が施されている。具体的には、第１実施形態の変形例では、導光体３０の入射面３２に、たとえば、ＡＲ（Ａｎｔｉ－Ｒｅｆｌｅｃｔｉｖｅ）コーティングによるコーティング層３５が形成されている。これにより、ＬＥＤ２２からの光の入射効率がより向上する。 In the modification of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is subjected to antireflection processing. Specifically, in the modification of the first embodiment, a coating layer 35 made of, for example, AR (Anti-Reflective) coating is formed on the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30. Thereby, the incident efficiency of the light from LED22 improves more.
　第１実施形態の変形例におけるその他の構成および効果は、上記第１実施形態と同様である。なお、上記反射防止加工は、ＡＲコーティング以外の反射防止処理であってもよい。たとえば、表面に凹凸をつけて反射光を散乱させるシリカコーティングなどであってもよい。 Other configurations and effects in the modified example of the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The antireflection processing may be antireflection processing other than AR coating. For example, a silica coating that scatters reflected light by providing irregularities on the surface may be used.
　（第２実施形態）
　図９は、本発明の第２実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。次に、図９を参照して、本発明の第２実施形態によるバックライトユニットについて説明する。なお、図９において、対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付すことにより、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 (Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Next, a backlight unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
　この第２実施形態では、図９に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２が３分割されており、エネルギの割合の大きい主光線部分の入射効率が高められた構成となっている。具体的には、この第２実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２が、２つの傾斜面３３（３３ａ、３３ｂ）と、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕに対して垂直な１つの平面３３（３３ｃ）とから構成されている。入射面３２を構成する２つの傾斜面３３ａおよび３３ｂは、たとえば、上記第１実施形態と同様の傾斜角度を有する傾斜面とすることができる。また、入射面３２を構成する平面３３ｃは、２つの傾斜面３３（３３ａ、３３ｂ）の間に配された構成となっている。 In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is divided into three parts, and the incident efficiency of the principal ray portion having a large energy ratio is increased. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has two inclined surfaces 33 (33a and 33b) and one plane 33 perpendicular to the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30. (33c). The two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b constituting the incident surface 32 can be, for example, inclined surfaces having the same inclination angle as in the first embodiment. Further, the flat surface 33c constituting the incident surface 32 is arranged between two inclined surfaces 33 (33a, 33b).
　すなわち、第２実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２が、光出射面３０Ｕ（導光体３０の上面３０Ｕ）に対して互いに異なる角度で傾斜した３つの傾斜面３３（３３ａ～３３ｃ）から構成されている。 That is, in the second embodiment, the three inclined surfaces 33 (33a to 33c) in which the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is inclined at different angles with respect to the light emitting surface 30U (the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30). It is composed of
　第２実施形態では、上記のように、導光体３０の入射面３２を、光出射面３０Ｕに対して傾斜した３つの傾斜面３３から構成することによって、より容易に、導光体３０の入射面３２を、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性（図９の破線Ｒ参照）に合わせた形状に形成することができる。これにより、より容易に、入射効率を向上させることができる。 In the second embodiment, as described above, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is configured by the three inclined surfaces 33 inclined with respect to the light emitting surface 30U, so that the light guide 30 can be more easily configured. The incident surface 32 can be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LEDs 22 (see the broken line R in FIG. 9) with respect to the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. Thereby, incident efficiency can be improved more easily.
　第２実施形態のその他の構成および効果は、上記第１実施形態と同様である。また、第２実施形態においても、上記第１実施形態の変形例で示したように、入射面３２に、反射防止加工を施すことができる。 Other configurations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Also in the second embodiment, as shown in the modification of the first embodiment, the incident surface 32 can be subjected to antireflection processing.
　（第２実施形態の変形例）
　図１０は、第２実施形態の変形例によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。なお、図１０において、対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付すことにより、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 (Modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a backlight unit according to a modification of the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
　第２実施形態の変形例では、図１０に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２が、３つより多い傾斜面３３から構成されている。そのため、導光体３０の入射面３２は、ＬＥＤ２２の配光分布（図１０の破線Ｒ参照）により近づけた形状となっており、より入射効率が高められている。 In the modification of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is composed of more than three inclined surfaces 33. Therefore, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a shape closer to the light distribution of the LEDs 22 (see the broken line R in FIG. 10), and the incident efficiency is further improved.
　なお、図１０では、導光体３０の入射面３２が６分割された例（入射面３２が６つの傾斜面３３から構成された例）を示しているが、入射面３２の分割数は４分割以上であればよい。すなわち、導光体３０の入射面３２は、４つ以上の傾斜面３３から構成されていればよい。 10 illustrates an example in which the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is divided into six (an example in which the incident surface 32 includes six inclined surfaces 33). However, the number of divisions of the incident surface 32 is four. What is necessary is just to be more than division. In other words, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 only needs to be composed of four or more inclined surfaces 33.
　（第３実施形態）
　図１１および図１２は、本発明の第３実施形態によるバックライトユニットの一部を示した断面図である。次に、図１１および図１２を参照して、本発明の第３実施形態によるバックライトユニットについて説明する。なお、各図において、対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付すことにより、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 (Third embodiment)
11 and 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating a part of a backlight unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Next, a backlight unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding component, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
　この第３実施形態では、図１１および図１２に示すように、ＬＥＤ２２からの光が導光体３０の下面３０Ｂに向かうように傾斜させてＬＥＤ２２（ＬＥＤモジュール２０）が配置されている。すなわち、第３実施形態では、上記第１および第２実施形態とは異なり、実装基板２１の実装面２１ａが導光体３０の下面３０Ｂ側を向くように傾けてＬＥＤモジュール２０が配置されている。 In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the LED 22 (LED module 20) is arranged so that the light from the LED 22 is inclined toward the lower surface 30 </ b> B of the light guide 30. That is, in the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the LED module 20 is disposed so as to be inclined so that the mounting surface 21a of the mounting substrate 21 faces the lower surface 30B side of the light guide 30. .
　また、第３実施形態では、上記第１および第２実施形態と同様、導光体３０の入射面３２が、導光体３０の高さ方向（厚み方向：Ｚ方向）に対して、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されている。具体的には、導光体３０の入射面３２が、２つの傾斜面３３ａおよび３３ｂから構成されている。 In the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has the LED 22 in the height direction (thickness direction: Z direction) of the light guide 30. It is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics. Specifically, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 is composed of two inclined surfaces 33a and 33b.
　第３実施形態において、入射面３２の形状は、上記第１実施形態と同様に形成されていてもよいが、より入射効率を向上させるために、図１２に示すように、上面３０Ｕ側の傾斜面３３ａの面積が、下面３０Ｂ側の傾斜面３３ｂの面積に比べて大きくなるように構成されているのが好ましい。この場合、傾斜面３３ａと上面３０Ｕとの成す角α１は、傾斜面３３ｂと下面３０Ｂとの成す角βと同じになるように設定されていてもよいが、異なる角度となるように設定されているのが好ましい。 In the third embodiment, the shape of the incident surface 32 may be formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, in order to further improve the incident efficiency, as shown in FIG. The area of the surface 33a is preferably configured to be larger than the area of the inclined surface 33b on the lower surface 30B side. In this case, the angle α1 formed between the inclined surface 33a and the upper surface 30U may be set to be the same as the angle β formed between the inclined surface 33b and the lower surface 30B, but is set to be different. It is preferable.
　第３実施形態では、上記のように、ＬＥＤ２２からの光が導光体３０の下面３０Ｂに向かうように傾斜させてＬＥＤ２２（ＬＥＤモジュール２０）を配置することによって、入射面３２での光の反射や漏れ光を効果的に低減することができるので、効果的に入射効率を向上させることができる。 In the third embodiment, as described above, the LED 22 (LED module 20) is disposed so that the light from the LED 22 is inclined so as to be directed toward the lower surface 30B of the light guide 30, thereby reflecting the light on the incident surface 32. In addition, since the leakage light can be effectively reduced, the incident efficiency can be effectively improved.
　たとえば、バックライトユニットのさらなる薄型化を図るために導光体３０の厚みをより小さくした場合でも、導光体３０の入射面３２から上面３０Ｕ側に光を逃がしてしまう光漏れが生じるのを抑制することができる。また、たとえば、ＬＥＤ２２の配光特性が広指向特性であった場合でも、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕ側への光漏れを抑制することができる。これにより、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕ側への光漏れに起因する輝点もしくは輝線の発生を抑制することができる。したがって、上記のように構成すれば、均一性の高い高品質な面状光を液晶表示パネルに供給することができる。 For example, even when the thickness of the light guide 30 is reduced in order to further reduce the thickness of the backlight unit, light leakage that causes light to escape from the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 to the upper surface 30U side occurs. Can be suppressed. For example, even when the light distribution characteristic of the LED 22 is a wide directivity characteristic, light leakage to the upper surface 30U side of the light guide 30 can be suppressed. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the bright spot or bright line resulting from the light leakage to the upper surface 30U side of the light guide 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, if constituted as described above, high-quality planar light with high uniformity can be supplied to the liquid crystal display panel.
　第３実施形態のその他の構成および効果は、上記第１実施形態と同様である。また、第３実施形態においても、上記第１実施形態の変形例で示したように、入射面３２に、反射防止加工を施すことができる。 Other configurations and effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Also in the third embodiment, as shown in the modification of the first embodiment, the incident surface 32 can be subjected to antireflection processing.
　第３実施形態では、導光体３０の入射面３２を２つの傾斜面３３から構成した例を示したが、上記第２実施形態で示したように、導光体３０の入射面３２は３つ以上の傾斜面３３から構成されていてもよい。 In 3rd Embodiment, although the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 comprised the two inclined surface 33, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 was 3 as shown in the said 2nd Embodiment. It may be composed of two or more inclined surfaces 33.
　なお、今回開示された実施形態は、すべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は、上記した実施形態の説明ではなく特許請求の範囲によって示され、さらに特許請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれる。 In addition, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.
　たとえば、上記第１～第３実施形態では、導光体の入射面を複数の傾斜面から構成した例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、たとえば、図１３に示すように、導光体の入射面を、凹状の曲面３２ａから構成してもよい。すなわち、導光体の入射面は、光源（ＬＥＤ）の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されていればよい。なお、光源（ＬＥＤ）の配光特性に合わせた形状とは、上述したように、出射される光の配光分布のうち、より入射効率がよいと推定される角度の光を主光線とした場合、この主光線が略直角に入射するような形状を含む。 For example, in the first to third embodiments, the example in which the incident surface of the light guide is configured by a plurality of inclined surfaces has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. The incident surface of the light body may be composed of a concave curved surface 32a. That is, the incident surface of the light guide body only needs to be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the light source (LED). Note that, as described above, the shape matching the light distribution characteristics of the light source (LED) is the light of the angle that is estimated to have better incidence efficiency in the light distribution of the emitted light as the principal ray. In this case, the principal ray includes a shape that is incident at a substantially right angle.
　また、上記第１～第３実施形態では、導光体の入射面を、導光体の高さ方向に対して、ＬＥＤの配光特性に合わせた形状に形成した例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、導光体の入射面は、導光体の平面方向（ＸＹ平面方向）に対して、ＬＥＤの配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されていてもよい。たとえば、図１４～図１６に示すように、導光体３０の入射面３２は、導光体３０の上面３０Ｕに対して傾斜した傾斜面３３に加えて、導光体３０の側端面３１（３１ａ、３１ｂ）に対して傾斜した傾斜面３６を含んで構成されていてもよい。上記傾斜面３３および３６は、それぞれ、３つ以上であってもよい。また、入射面３２は曲面であってもよい。 In the first to third embodiments, the example in which the incident surface of the light guide is formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED with respect to the height direction of the light guide has been described. The invention is not limited to this, and the incident surface of the light guide may be formed in a shape that matches the light distribution characteristics of the LED with respect to the plane direction (XY plane direction) of the light guide. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, the incident surface 32 of the light guide 30 has a side end surface 31 of the light guide 30 (in addition to the inclined surface 33 inclined with respect to the upper surface 30U of the light guide 30). 31a, 31b) may be comprised including the inclined surface 36 inclined. Each of the inclined surfaces 33 and 36 may be three or more. Further, the incident surface 32 may be a curved surface.
　また、上記第１～第３実施形態では、導光体に、一枚状の導光板を用いた例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、上記導光体は、たとえば、図１７に示すような短冊状の導光板３０を複数組み合わせた構成であってもよい。また、上記導光体は、板状以外に、たとえば、棒状の導光棒であってもよい。 In the first to third embodiments, an example in which a single light guide plate is used as the light guide has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light guide is, for example, shown in FIG. A configuration in which a plurality of strip-shaped light guide plates 30 as shown in FIG. Further, the light guide may be, for example, a rod-shaped light guide bar in addition to the plate shape.
　また、上記第１～第３実施形態では、導光体の左右両側に、ＬＥＤモジュールを配置した例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、たとえば、図１８に示すように、導光体３０の上下両側に、ＬＥＤモジュール２０を配置した構成としてもよい。また、ＬＥＤモジュールの配置は、左右両側または上下両側以外であってもよい。たとえば、導光体における上側の側端面と右側の側端面とにＬＥＤモジュールを配置してもよい。また、導光体における上側の側端面および下側の側端面のいずれか一方にのみＬＥＤモジュールを配置してもよいし、導光体における右側の側端面および左側の側端面のいずれか一方にのみＬＥＤモジュールを配置してもよい。すなわち、光源としてのＬＥＤ（ＬＥＤモジュール）は、導光体の４つの側端面のうちの少なくとも１つの側端面の近傍に配置されていればよい。 In the first to third embodiments, the example in which the LED modules are arranged on both the left and right sides of the light guide is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which has arrange | positioned the LED module 20 to the upper and lower sides of the body 30. FIG. Further, the LED module may be arranged on both the left and right sides or the upper and lower sides. For example, you may arrange | position an LED module in the upper side end surface and right side end surface in a light guide. Moreover, you may arrange | position an LED module only in any one of the upper side end surface in a light guide, and a lower side end surface, and in either one of the right side end surface in a light guide, and the left side end surface. Only the LED module may be arranged. That is, the LED (LED module) as the light source may be disposed in the vicinity of at least one side end surface of the four side end surfaces of the light guide.
　また、上記した実施形態において、ＬＥＤの種類は特に限定されるものではない。たとえば、ＬＥＤは、青色発光のＬＥＤチップ（発光チップ）と、そのＬＥＤチップからの光を受けて、黄色光を蛍光発光する蛍光体とを含むものを用いることができる。このようなＬＥＤは、青色発光のＬＥＤチップからの光と蛍光発光する光とで白色光を生成する。なお、ＬＥＤに含まれるＬＥＤチップの個数は特に限定されない。 In the above-described embodiment, the type of LED is not particularly limited. For example, the LED may include a blue light emitting LED chip (light emitting chip) and a phosphor that receives light from the LED chip and fluoresces yellow light. Such an LED generates white light using light from a blue light emitting LED chip and light emitted from a fluorescent light. Note that the number of LED chips included in the LED is not particularly limited.
　また、ＬＥＤに内蔵される蛍光体は、黄色光を蛍光発光する蛍光体に限らない。たとえば、ＬＥＤは、青色発光のＬＥＤチップと、そのＬＥＤチップからの光を受けて緑色光および赤色光を蛍光発光する蛍光体とを含み、ＬＥＤチップからの青色光と蛍光発光する光（緑色光、赤色光）とで白色光を生成するものを用いることもできる。 Further, the phosphor incorporated in the LED is not limited to a phosphor that emits yellow light. For example, an LED includes a blue light emitting LED chip and a phosphor that emits green light and red light in response to light from the LED chip, and emits blue light and fluorescent light (green light) from the LED chip. , Red light) and white light can be used.
　また、ＬＥＤに内蔵されるＬＥＤチップは、青色発光のものに限られない。たとえば、ＬＥＤは、赤色発光の赤色ＬＥＤチップと、青色発光の青色ＬＥＤチップと、青色ＬＥＤチップからの光を受けて緑色光を蛍光発光する蛍光体とを含んでいてもよい。このようなＬＥＤであれば、赤色ＬＥＤチップからの赤色光と、青色ＬＥＤチップからの青色光と、蛍光発光する緑色光とで白色光を生成することができる。 In addition, the LED chip built in the LED is not limited to the one emitting blue light. For example, the LED may include a red LED chip that emits red light, a blue LED chip that emits blue light, and a phosphor that emits green light by receiving light from the blue LED chip. With such an LED, white light can be generated by red light from the red LED chip, blue light from the blue LED chip, and green light that fluoresces.
　さらに、上記ＬＥＤは、蛍光体を全く含まないＬＥＤであってもよい。たとえば、赤色発光の赤色ＬＥＤチップと、緑色発光の緑色ＬＥＤチップと、青色発光の青色ＬＥＤチップとを含み、全てのＬＥＤチップからの光を混色させて白色光を生成するように構成されていてもよい。 Furthermore, the LED may be an LED that does not contain any phosphor. For example, a red LED chip that emits red light, a green LED chip that emits green light, and a blue LED chip that emits blue light are configured to generate white light by mixing light from all LED chips. Also good.
　また、上記ＬＥＤは、実装基板の実装面に対して垂直な方向に光を出射するトップビュー型ＬＥＤであってもよいし、実装基板の実装面に対して水平な方向に光を出射するサイドビュー型ＬＥＤであってもよい。 The LED may be a top-view type LED that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting substrate, or a side that emits light in a direction horizontal to the mounting surface of the mounting substrate. A view-type LED may be used.
　また、上記第１～第３実施形態では、バックライトユニットの光源としてＬＥＤを用いた例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、ＬＥＤ以外の光源をバックライトユニットの光源として用いてもよい。たとえば、冷陰極管をバックライトユニットの光源として用いてもよい。 In the first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which an LED is used as the light source of the backlight unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a light source other than the LED may be used as the light source of the backlight unit. Good. For example, a cold cathode tube may be used as the light source of the backlight unit.
　また、上記第１～第３実施形態では、バックライトユニットに、光学部材（光学シート）として、拡散板、プリズムシートおよびレンズシートを含むように構成した例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、上記光学部材（光学シート）は、必要に応じて適宜変更（追加、削除）することができる。 In the first to third embodiments, the backlight unit includes the diffuser plate, the prism sheet, and the lens sheet as the optical member (optical sheet). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. However, the optical member (optical sheet) can be appropriately changed (added or deleted) as necessary.
　さらに、上記第１～第３実施形態では、表示装置の一例である液晶表示装置に本発明を適用した例を示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、表示パネルに光を供給するためのバックライトユニットを備えた非発光型の表示装置全般に本発明を適用することができる。 Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the liquid crystal display device which is an example of the display device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is for supplying light to the display panel. The present invention can be applied to all non-light emitting display devices including a backlight unit.
　なお、上記で開示された技術を適宜組み合わせて得られる実施形態についても本発明の技術的範囲に含まれる。 Note that embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the techniques disclosed above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
　１０　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　液晶表示パネル（表示パネル）
　１１　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　クティブマトリックス基板
　１２　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　向基板
　１３　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　偏光フィルム
　２０　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ＬＥＤモジュール
　２１　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　実装基板
　２１ａ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　実装面
　２２　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ＬＥＤ（光源）
　２２ａ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　発光面
　３０　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　導光体
　３０Ｕ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　上面、光出射面
　３０Ｂ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　下面
　３１、３１ａ～３１ｄ　　　　　　　側端面（側端部）
　３２　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　入射面
　３３　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　傾斜面
　３３ａ、３３ｂ、３３ｃ　　　　　　傾斜面
　３５　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　コーティング層（反射防止加工）
　４１　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　反射シート
　４１Ｕ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　反射面
　４２　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　バックライトシャーシ
　４２Ｂ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　底面
　４３　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　拡散板
　４４　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　プリズムシート
　４５　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　レンズシート
　５０　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　バックライトユニット（照明装置）
　７０　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ハウジング
　７１　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　表ハウジング
　７２　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　裏ハウジング
　１００　　　　　　　　　　　　　　液晶表示装置（表示装置） 10 Liquid crystal display panel (display panel)
11 ACTIVE MATRIX SUBSTRATE 12 DIRECTIONAL SUBSTRATE 13 POLARIZING FILM 20 LED MODULE 21 MOUNTING BOARD 21a MOUNTING SIDE 22 LED
22a Light emitting surface 30 Light guide 30U Upper surface, light emitting surface 30B Lower surface 31, 31a to 31d Side end surfaces (side end portions)
32 Incident surface 33 Inclined surface 33a, 33b, 33c Inclined surface 35 Coating layer (antireflection processing)
41 reflective sheet 41U reflective surface 42 backlight chassis 42B bottom surface 43 diffuser plate 44 prism sheet 45 lens sheet 50 backlight unit (illumination device)
70 housing 71 front housing 72 rear housing 100 liquid crystal display device (display device)

Claims (11)

  1. 　光源と、
    　前記光源からの光が入射される入射面を有する側端部を含み、入射された光を内部で導光させる導光体とを備え、
    　前記入射面は、前記導光体の高さ方向に対して、前記光源の配光特性に合わせた形状に形成されていることを特徴とする、照明装置。     A light source;
    Including a side end portion having an incident surface on which light from the light source is incident, and a light guide that guides the incident light inside,
    The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface is formed in a shape according to a light distribution characteristic of the light source with respect to a height direction of the light guide.
  2. 　前記導光体は、入射された光を外部に向けて出射する光出射面を有し、
    　前記入射面は、前記光出射面に対して傾斜した複数種類の傾斜面を含んで構成されていることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の照明装置。     The light guide has a light exit surface for emitting incident light toward the outside,
    The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface includes a plurality of types of inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the light emitting surface.
  3. 　前記傾斜面は、前記光源からの光が略直角に入射するように構成されているとともに、その傾斜角度が、入射後の光が前記導光体内での全反射臨界角を超えない角度に設定されていることを特徴とする、請求項２に記載の照明装置。 The inclined surface is configured such that light from the light source is incident at a substantially right angle, and the inclined angle is set such that the incident light does not exceed the total reflection critical angle in the light guide. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein
  4. 　前記入射面は、前記傾斜角度が互いに異なる２つの前記傾斜面からなることを特徴とする、請求項３に記載の照明装置。 4. The illumination device according to claim 3, wherein the incident surface includes two inclined surfaces having different inclination angles.
  5. 　前記入射面は、前記傾斜角度が互いに異なる３つ以上の前記傾斜面からなることを特徴とする、請求項３に記載の照明装置。 The illumination device according to claim 3, wherein the incident surface includes three or more inclined surfaces having different inclination angles.
  6. 　前記入射面は、前記導光体の側端部に凹状に形成されていることを特徴とする、請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の照明装置。 6. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface is formed in a concave shape at a side end portion of the light guide.
  7. 　前記光源は、所定の間隔で配列された複数の光源を含んで構成されており、
    　前記凹状の入射面は、前記光源の配列方向に沿って延びるように形成されていることを特徴とする、請求項６に記載の照明装置。     The light source is configured to include a plurality of light sources arranged at a predetermined interval,
    The illumination device according to claim 6, wherein the concave incident surface is formed so as to extend along an arrangement direction of the light sources.
  8. 　前記光源は、発光ダイオードから構成されているとともに、前記発光ダイオードからの光が、前記導光体の下面に向かうように傾斜させて配置されていることを特徴とする、請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の照明装置。 8. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the light source is composed of a light emitting diode, and the light from the light emitting diode is inclined so as to face a lower surface of the light guide. The lighting device according to any one of the above.
  9. 　前記導光体の前記入射面には、反射防止加工が施されていることを特徴とする、請求項１～８のいずれか１項に記載の照明装置。 The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an antireflection process is applied to the incident surface of the light guide.
  10. 　前記導光体は、導光板からなることを特徴とする、請求項１～９のいずれか１項に記載の照明装置。 The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light guide body includes a light guide plate.
  11. 　請求項１～１０のいずれか１項に記載の照明装置と、
    　前記照明装置からの光を受ける表示パネルとを備えることを特徴とする、表示装置。     The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    And a display panel that receives light from the illumination device.
PCT/JP2011/061390 2010-08-24 2011-05-18 Illumination device and display device WO2012026164A1 (en)

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JP2011113852A (en) * 2009-11-27 2011-06-09 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Surface light source device and display device
CN104280812A (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-14 苏州茂立光电科技有限公司 Light guide assembly
JP2015050142A (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-16 久豊技研株式会社 Member for light emitting device, light emitting device and display device
WO2017073175A1 (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 ソニー株式会社 Light emitting device, display apparatus, and illumination apparatus
JP2017220418A (en) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ Illumination device and display device

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JP2006526796A (en) * 2003-05-02 2006-11-24 コーニンクレッカ　フィリップス　エレクトロニクス　エヌ　ヴィ Front light for diffuse reflection display
JP2008053013A (en) * 2006-08-23 2008-03-06 Sony Corp Backlight device, and liquid crystal display device
WO2010016501A1 (en) * 2008-08-05 2010-02-11 シャープ株式会社 Surface light source device
WO2010038522A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-08 シャープ株式会社 Illuminating device, display device and television receiver

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JP2006526796A (en) * 2003-05-02 2006-11-24 コーニンクレッカ　フィリップス　エレクトロニクス　エヌ　ヴィ Front light for diffuse reflection display
JP2008053013A (en) * 2006-08-23 2008-03-06 Sony Corp Backlight device, and liquid crystal display device
WO2010016501A1 (en) * 2008-08-05 2010-02-11 シャープ株式会社 Surface light source device
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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011113852A (en) * 2009-11-27 2011-06-09 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Surface light source device and display device
CN104280812A (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-14 苏州茂立光电科技有限公司 Light guide assembly
JP2015050142A (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-16 久豊技研株式会社 Member for light emitting device, light emitting device and display device
WO2017073175A1 (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 ソニー株式会社 Light emitting device, display apparatus, and illumination apparatus
JP2017220418A (en) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ Illumination device and display device

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