US20140104815A1 - Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus - Google Patents
Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140104815A1 US20140104815A1 US14/054,353 US201314054353A US2014104815A1 US 20140104815 A1 US20140104815 A1 US 20140104815A1 US 201314054353 A US201314054353 A US 201314054353A US 2014104815 A1 US2014104815 A1 US 2014104815A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- light source
- lens
- source unit
- incident surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
- G02F1/133606—Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0205—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties
- G02B5/021—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties the diffusion taking place at the element's surface, e.g. by means of surface roughening or microprismatic structures
-
- F21K9/52—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0004—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed
- G02B19/0009—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed having refractive surfaces only
- G02B19/0014—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed having refractive surfaces only at least one surface having optical power
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0004—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed
- G02B19/0028—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed refractive and reflective surfaces, e.g. non-imaging catadioptric systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0033—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use
- G02B19/0047—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use for use with a light source
- G02B19/0061—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use for use with a light source the light source comprising a LED
- G02B19/0066—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use for use with a light source the light source comprising a LED in the form of an LED array
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0268—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the fabrication or manufacturing method
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0273—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use
- G02B5/0278—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use used in transmission
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
- F21V5/043—Refractors for light sources of lens shape the lens having cylindrical faces, e.g. rod lenses, toric lenses
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a backlight apparatus used in, for example, a display apparatus, a lens used in the backlight apparatus, a light source unit, and a display apparatus equipped with the backlight apparatus.
- LEDs Light Emitting Diodes
- NTSC National Television System Committee
- the direct LED backlight refers to a backlight of a type in which a plurality of LEDs as a light source are arranged two-dimensionally and in parallel to a plane of the liquid crystal panel.
- the number of LEDs to be mounted varies depending on which of a power-type LED and a normal-type LED is used in relation to a light amount.
- the power-type LEDs it is difficult to dispose the LED elements independent for each of R, G, and B close to each other due to the problem of the number, size, and heat of the LEDs.
- an increase in distances among the LED elements results in a disadvantage in mixing red light, green light, and blue light in a limited space.
- a sufficient optical distance (thickness) can be secured, because it is currently difficult to bring the LED elements close to each other due to the move towards reductions in thickness, color variability is caused.
- RGB elements when normal low-power LEDs are used, distances among RGB elements can be shortened. However, by merely using the LED elements as they are even when the distances are shortened, generation of color variability right above the LEDs cannot be avoided in a backlight assuming thickness reduction. Moreover, a large variation in RGB light distribution characteristics of the respective LED elements facilitates color variability, which is a large problem.
- a device including a plurality of point light sources arranged one-dimensionally and a cylindrical lens disposed above the plurality of point light sources and elongated in the one dimensional direction (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-286608 (paragraphs [0007] and [0009], FIG. 5); hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1).
- the cylindrical lens used in this device includes a concave lens function ( 52 ) in a direction vertical to a substrate holding the point light sources (y direction). Further, the cylindrical lens includes a convex lens function ( 54 ) in a part of the horizontal direction (x direction).
- a lens, a light source unit, a backlight apparatus, and a display apparatus that are capable of efficiently mixing light from a light source and suppressing luminance variability or color variability.
- a lens diffusing light emitted from a light source including a concave light-incident surface, a light guide portion, and a light-emitting surface.
- the concave light-incident surface includes a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and one of scatters and diffuses the light.
- the light emitted from the light source enters the light-incident surface.
- the light that has entered the light-incident surface passes through the light guide portion.
- the light-emitting surface emits the light that has passed through the light guide portion.
- luminance of light that enters a generally-used light guide plate or an optical sheet such as a diffusing sheet from the light source becomes partially high at a position right above the light source.
- luminance variability or color variability is caused.
- the optical function portion formed on the plane portion on the light-incident surface by the optical function portion formed on the plane portion on the light-incident surface, light that has entered the plane portion is scattered or diffused. Therefore, luminance variability or color variability can be suppressed.
- provision of the optical function portion on the plane portion makes processing and process of the lens for the scattering and diffusion easier at a time of production of the lens.
- the light source is provided either singly or plurally.
- an element that emits light by an EL (Electro Luminescence) phenomenon, a cathode tube, or any other light-emitting element is used.
- the element that emits light by an EL phenomenon is an LED as a dispersion-type EL element or an LED as a genuine EL element.
- a single light source includes one or a plurality of light-emitting elements.
- the light emitted by that light-emitting element may be in any color.
- the light emitted from the light-emitting elements may be monochromatic or may be in a plurality of colors (combination of colors may be changed as appropriate).
- the light-emitting element is an LED, for example, a plurality of LEDs are realized in a single package in some cases. In this case, a single light source may correspond to one or a plurality of packages.
- luminance variability when a single light source emits monochromatic light, luminance variability is suppressed, and when a single light source emits light of two colors or more, luminance variability and color variability are suppressed.
- luminance variability and color variability at least one of the luminance variability and color variability will be simply referred to as light variability.
- Reflectance (or absorptance) of light increases as a degree of “scatter” of light by the optical function portion increases, that is, as light beams advancing in the vertical direction toward the plane portion become less due to the scatter.
- the light source is constituted of a plurality of light-emitting elements that are arranged in a predetermined direction and emit light by an EL phenomenon, and the lens is elongated in the predetermined direction.
- the lens may have light distribution characteristics that are substantially the same in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction within a plane on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged.
- the optical function portion is a part that has been subjected to print processing or roughening processing. Accordingly, light is scattered or diffused. Moreover, it becomes possible to adjust an amount of light that passes through the plane portion by the print processing.
- the “roughening processing” includes processing of forming the plane portion into a prism-like surface, dot processing, blast processing, and the like.
- the “print processing” operates to scatter the light at a micro level.
- a part that has been subjected to the “print processing” may be included in a concept of the part that has been subjected to the “roughening processing”.
- the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion, that has been subjected to the print processing. Because the print processing is performed on both the plane portion and a surface opposed to the plane portion, an effect of scattering the light is promoted and light variability is suppressed. Alternatively, the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion, that has been subjected to the roughening processing.
- the light-emitting surface is, for example, one of a cylindrical surface and a toroidal surface.
- the lens may further include a bottom surface and one of a print processing portion and a roughening processing portion formed on the bottom surface.
- a reflective member, a reflective film, or the like only needs to be formed on the bottom surface of the lens. Accordingly, light beams can be increased at the light guide portion, to thus realize high luminance.
- the term “reflect” refers to not only the case where light is reflected 100%, but also a case where part of the light is transmitted through the bottom surface.
- the light guide portion may contain a diffusing material. Accordingly, light from the light source can be efficiently diffused.
- the lens further includes a heat flow path that is formed from the light-incident surface to the light-emitting surface and discharges heat radiated from the light source. Accordingly, heat radiated from the light source can be discharged to outside the lens.
- the heat flow path may be provided from the plane portion to the light-emitting surface, or from a part other than the plane portion to the light-emitting surface.
- the heat flow path may be a through-hole formed in the lens, or may be constituted of a material having higher heat conductivity than a principle material of the lens.
- a light source unit including a light source and a lens to diffuse light emitted from the light source. It is only necessary that the lens described above be used for the lens.
- the light source unit further includes an optical member that is mounted on the light source and one of scatters and diffuses the light. Accordingly, light variability is suppressed.
- the light-emitting element(s) that emits (emit) monochromatic light or light in a plurality of colors as the light source, light distribution characteristics of a specific color can be enhanced. In other words, it becomes possible to orient the light of a specific color from the light source in a desired direction, and cause the light to enter the light-incident surface of the lens.
- the optical member includes, for example, a sheet member.
- a prism sheet, a diffusing sheet, or the like is used as the sheet member.
- a sheet member whose surface has been subjected to the dot processing or the blast processing may be used.
- the light source includes a light-emitting element to emit light by an EL phenomenon
- the optical member includes a sealing member to seal up the light-emitting element. Because the sealing member also functions to scatter or diffuse the light from the light source, light variability can be suppressed, the structure of which also contributes to the reduction in thickness of the light source.
- the sealing member may contain a diffusing material.
- the light source unit further includes a common substrate, the light-emitting element of the light source is provided plurally, the plurality of light-emitting elements being arranged on the common substrate, and the sealing member seals up each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.
- the light source unit includes a so-called potting-type light source block.
- a backlight apparatus includes a light source unit and a supporting member to support the light source unit.
- a display apparatus includes the backlight apparatus and a light transmission control panel that includes a plurality of pixels and controls transmission of the light emitted from the backlight apparatus for each of the plurality of pixels.
- a typical example of the light transmission control panel is a liquid crystal panel.
- the light transmission control panel may be any panel as long as it can control the light transmission of the backlight for each pixel.
- light from the light source can be efficiently mixed, and luminance variability or color variability can be suppressed.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a backlight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a part of a linear light source
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an LED block of this embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of a single light source unit that is taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing a lens seen from a bottom surface thereof
- FIG. 6 is a simulation diagram showing a plurality of light beams passing through the lens
- FIG. 7 is a simulation diagram showing the light beams passing through the lens, the lens being seen from a z-axis direction thereof;
- FIG. 8 is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED block in a case where no lens of this embodiment is provided.
- FIG. 9A is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED blocks to a diffusing plate in cases where the lens is provided;
- FIG. 9B is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED blocks to a diffusing plate in cases where the lens is not provided;
- FIG. 10 is a simulation diagram showing light beams in the case where the lens is provided in FIG. 9B , seen from above the diffusing plate;
- FIG. 11A is a diagram showing TFs (Transfer Functions) on the diffusing plate in the case shown in FIG. 9A ;
- FIG. 11B is a diagram showing TFs (Transfer Functions) on the diffusing plate in the case shown in FIG. 9B ;
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the lens shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
- FIG. 13 is a partially-enlarged diagram of a bottom surface of the lens shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a state where light emitted from a single light source unit shown in FIG. 19 is diffused by a diffusing plate;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 22A is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes two green LEDs, a red LED, and a blue LED;
- FIG. 22B is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED with a larger light-emitting area than the other LEDs;
- FIG. 22C is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a concave portion of a reflector for each of four LEDs;
- FIG. 22D is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a reflector having quadrangular concave portions
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 24A is a perspective diagram showing the LED block
- FIG. 24B is a plan view of the LED block in FIG. 24A ;
- FIG. 25 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where a plurality of LED blocks are arranged inside a light-incident surface of a lens;
- FIG. 26 is a diagram showing RGB light distribution characteristics of the LED block
- FIG. 27A is a perspective diagram showing an LED block according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 27B is a plan view of the LED block in FIG. 27A ;
- FIG. 28 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where the LED block shown in FIG. 27 is arranged plurally inside a light-incident surface of a lens;
- FIG. 29 is a table showing a result of comparison between the LED block shown in FIG. 24 and the LED block shown in FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a backlight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a backlight apparatus 10 includes a plurality of light source units 5 and a supporting member 2 for supporting the light source units 5 .
- the backlight apparatus 10 is applied to a display apparatus that uses a light transmission control panel (not shown).
- a typical example of the light transmission control panel is a liquid crystal panel, though any panel may be used as long as it can variably control light transmission of a backlight for each pixel.
- an optical sheet such as a diffusing sheet and a prism sheet is interposed between the backlight apparatus 10 and the light transmission control panel in some cases.
- the supporting member 2 may be of a substrate type or a frame type, or alternatively be an assembly as a combination of two or more members.
- the supporting member 2 is formed of a resin, metal, or the like, but is not limited thereto.
- a material having high heat conductivity such as copper, aluminum, and carbon may be used as the material for the supporting member 2 , for diffusing heat radiated from the light source units 5 .
- the plurality of light source units 5 are arranged in one direction, that is, laterally (x-axis direction) in FIG. 1 , for example, to thus constitute a single row of linear light source 15 .
- a single row of linear light source 15 includes 12 light source units 5
- a single backlight apparatus 10 includes 6 rows of linear light sources 15 .
- the number, arrangement, size, and the like of the light source units 5 and the linear light sources 15 can be changed as appropriate.
- a single light source unit 5 includes a plurality of (6 in the example shown in FIG. 1 ) LED blocks 3 mounted on a base member 4 , and a lens 1 for diffusing light from the LED blocks 3 .
- a single LED block 3 is constituted by packaging one or a plurality of LEDs 7 .
- a single LED block 3 includes one or a plurality of LEDs 7 (see FIG. 3 ).
- a pitch of the LED blocks 3 is several mm to several ten mm, but is not limited thereto.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a part of the linear light source 15 .
- the linear light source 15 is constituted by arranging the plurality of light source units 5 .
- a predetermined gap may be provided between the light source units 5 .
- a power supply lead wire 6 is connected to a back surface of each of the base members 4 of the linear light source 15 .
- a single LED block 3 includes one LED 7 , light emitted from that LED 7 is monochromatic (white, red, green, blue, or any other color).
- the LEDs that respectively emit a plurality of colors are arranged sequentially.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the LED block 3 of this embodiment.
- each of the LED blocks 3 includes LEDs 7 R, 7 G, and 7 B for three colors of R, G, and B, and members including a substrate for supporting the LEDs 7 R, 7 G, and 7 B, a reflector 8 , and the like.
- the LEDs 7 R, 7 G, and 7 B are arranged in the x-axis direction.
- the reflector 8 includes a concave portion 8 a , and the LEDs 7 are disposed inside the concave portion 8 a .
- the reflector 8 is formed of a material having high reflectance for specular reflection (i.e., O-order diffraction), such as aluminum nitride.
- the reflector 8 it is also possible for the reflector 8 to be formed of aluminum, copper, iron, or stainless steel, or other materials.
- a material having high heat conductivity such as a carbon resin or metal other than those described above may be used for the reflector 8 . Accordingly, accumulation of heat in the LED blocks 3 can be reduced and a large current can therefore be applied to the LEDs 7 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of a single light source unit 5 that is taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing the lens 1 seen from a bottom surface thereof.
- the lens 1 is elongated in a predetermined direction, that is, the x-axis direction, for example, in accordance with the number of LED blocks 3 provided in the single light source unit 5 .
- the lens 1 is elongated in the y-axis direction.
- a length of the lens 1 in the x-axis direction is about several ten mm, but can be changed as appropriate without being limited thereto.
- a length of the lens 1 in the y-axis direction is about several mm to several ten mm, but can be changed as appropriate without being limited thereto.
- the lens 1 is elongated in the x-axis direction and has light distribution characteristics that are substantially the same in the y-axis direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction within a plane on which the plurality of LEDs 7 are arranged.
- the lens 1 includes a concave light-incident surface 1 a , a light guide portion 1 b through which light that has entered the light-incident surface 1 a passes, and a light-emitting surface 1 c for emitting the light.
- the light-incident surface 1 a , the light guide portion 1 b , and the light-emitting surface 1 c each have a shape that is approximately constant in a longitudinal direction of the lens 1 .
- the plurality of LED blocks 3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the lens 1 such that the LEDs 7 emit light toward a concave portion formed by the light-incident surface 1 a .
- the light-emitting surface 1 c of the lens 1 includes, for example, a cylindrical surface (i.e., partial sphere seen from an x-z plane in FIG. 4 ).
- the light-emitting surface 1 c may instead be constituted of a toroidal surface, a combination of the cylindrical surface and a plane, a combination of the toroidal surface and the plane, or other aspherical surfaces.
- a lens including the toroidal surface a lens having a radius, a conic coefficient, or an aspherical coefficient set for each chip size of the plurality of LEDs 7 may be used.
- the light-incident surface 1 a includes a plane portion 1 d opposed to the block of the LEDs 7 .
- the plane portion 1 d is provided with a part including an optical function of scattering or diffusing light from the LED blocks 3 .
- the plane portion 1 d is provided with a print processing portion 12 that has been subjected to print processing.
- the plane portion 1 d is printed in white or a color close to white, for example, which makes it possible to adjust an amount of light that transmits through the plane portion 1 d based on a printed state.
- the color in the print processing is not limited to white or a color close to white, and may be any color as long as it can at least scatter light.
- the reflectance (or absorptance) of light increases as a degree of “scatter” of light in the plane portion 1 d increases, that is, as light beams advancing in the vertical direction toward the plane portion 1 d become less due to the scatter.
- Glass, polycarbonate, olefin, or other resins is used as the material for the lens 1 .
- Light emitted from the each of the LED blocks 3 enters the light-incident surface 1 a . Due to the concaveness of the light-incident surface 1 a , the light that has entered the light-incident surface 1 a is diffused and passed through the light guide portion 1 b as shown in FIG. 4 . The light that has passed through the light guide portion 1 b is emitted from the light-emitting surface 1 c . Due to the convexedness of the light-emitting surface 1 c , the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 1 c is diffused additionally.
- FIG. 6 is a simulation diagram showing a plurality of light beams passing through the lens 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a simulation diagram showing the light beams passing through the lens 1 , the lens 1 being seen from the z-axis direction thereof.
- the light guide portion 1 b in the light guide portion 1 b , light also advances in the longitudinal direction of the lens 1 or a direction close to the longitudinal direction.
- the light reflected by the light-emitting surface 1 c out of the light that has passed through the light guide portion 1 b advances toward a bottom surface 1 e .
- a reflective member or a reflective film is formed on the bottom surface 1 e as will be described later, for example, the light is reflected by the bottom surface 1 e.
- the lens 1 of this embodiment the light that advances in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) or a near-vertical direction from the LED block 3 is scattered or diffused by the print processing portion 12 formed right above the LED block 3 . Accordingly, the colors of light are mixed effectively at a center portion of the light guide portion 1 b of the lens 1 (between the plane portion 1 d and a part of the light-emitting surface 1 c opposed thereto), thus resulting in suppression of luminance variability and color variability.
- FIG. 8 is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED block 3 in a case where the lens 1 of this embodiment is not provided. It can be seen from the comparison with the case of FIG. 8 that the lens 1 shown in FIG. 6 has less light beams that are emitted in the vertical or near-vertical direction from the light-emitting surface 1 c of the lens 1 .
- the lens 1 is of a small size, by providing a part having a plane surface, print processing to that plane portion 1 d becomes easier.
- the LED blocks 3 are arranged linearly in the x-axis direction and the lens 1 is elongated in the x-axis direction.
- the number of lenses 1 to be mounted on a single backlight apparatus 10 can be reduced. Therefore, in production of the backlight apparatus 10 , the number of processes for mounting the lenses 1 (processes for mounting light source units 5 ) can be reduced, thus leading to a reduction in costs.
- a diffusing sheet or a sheet for suppressing luminance variability is generally used.
- a large number of LEDs 7 have been provided to thus maintain high luminance as a whole.
- desired luminance can be obtained even when the number of LEDs 7 is reduced.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are simulation diagrams respectively showing light beams from the LED blocks 3 to a diffusing plate 13 in cases where the lens 1 is and is not provided.
- the figures are diagrams seen from the x-axis direction.
- FIG. 10 is a simulation diagram showing light beams in the case where the lens 1 is provided in FIG. 9B , seen from above the diffusing plate 13 . It can be seen that a larger amount of light beams advance in oblique directions out of the light beams emitted from the lens 1 in FIG. 9B than in FIG. 9A . In other words, the case where the lens 1 is provided has less luminance variability and color variability on the diffusing plate 13 than the case where the lens 1 is not provided.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing TFs (Transfer Functions) of the lens shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively.
- a graph represented by a solid line shows a TF of the lens in the y-axis direction (see FIG. 4 ).
- a graph represented by a dashed line shows a TF of the lens in the x-axis direction.
- FIG. 13 is a partially-enlarged diagram of the bottom surface 21 e of the lens 21 shown in FIG. 12 .
- the lens 21 is different from the lens 1 in that the print processing portion is provided on the bottom surface 21 e of the lens 21 .
- the print processing portion 12 b only needs to include, mainly, a function of scattering or reflecting the light advancing toward the bottom surface 21 e out of the light that has passed through the light guide portion 1 b . Therefore, light transmission of the print processing portion 12 b and that of a print processing portion 12 a at a plane portion 21 d may be different, or may be the same. It is also possible to set the light transmission of the print processing portion 12 b on the bottom surface 21 e to be smaller than that of the print processing portion 12 a at the plane portion 21 d.
- a reflective member or a reflective film as a member other than the member subjected to the print processing may be formed on the bottom surfaces 1 e and 21 e of the lenses 1 and 21 , respectively.
- a reflective film formed of metal such as aluminum may be formed on the bottom surfaces 1 e and 21 e.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- descriptions below descriptions on structures, functions, and the like similar to those of the light source unit 5 and the lens 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 etc. will be simplified or omitted, and points different therefrom will mainly be described.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram seen from the x-axis direction.
- a lens 31 of this embodiment contains a diffusing material 32 . Due to the diffusing material 32 of the lens 31 , light can be efficiently diffused to thus suppress luminance variability and color variability. Particularly an effect of uniformizing and obscuring light that passes a center portion 31 f of the lens 31 , that is, a part between a plane portion 31 d and a part of a light-emitting surface 31 c opposed to the plane portion 31 d can be obtained.
- the diffusing material 32 does not necessarily have to be contained in the entire lens 31 , but only needs to be contained in at least the center portion 31 f of the lens 31 .
- the following materials can be exemplified as the diffusing material 32 .
- Examples include cross-linked acrylic powder, acrylic ultrafine powder, cross-linked polystyrene particles, methyl silicone powder, cross-linked styrene particles, monodispersed cross-linked acrylic particles, cross-linked siloxane series, silver powder, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, silica, glass, white carbon, talc, mica, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- a roughening processing portion 44 that has been subjected to roughening processing is provided at a center portion (plane portion 41 d ) on a light-incident surface 41 a of a lens 41 .
- a roughening processing portion 46 similar to the roughening processing portion 44 is provided on a light-emitting surface 41 c of the lens 41 .
- the roughening processing portions 44 and 46 may be prism-like parts, or may be parts subjected to dot processing or blast processing.
- the roughening processing portions 44 and 46 may alternatively be formed by processing different from each other (prism, dot, blast, etc.).
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- Roughening processing portions 54 , 56 , and 52 are respectively provided at a center portion (plane portion 51 d ) of a light-incident surface 51 a of a lens 51 , a part 51 g of a light-emitting surface 51 c opposed to the plane portion 51 d , and a bottom surface 51 e .
- the roughening processing portions 54 , 56 , and 52 are the same as that described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- Print processing portions 64 and 66 are respectively provided at a center portion (plane portion 61 d ) of a light-incident surface 61 a of a lens 61 and a part 61 g of a light-emitting surface 61 c opposed to the plane portion 61 d .
- the print processing portions 64 and 66 are the same as the print processing portion 12 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 .
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- An optical member 26 for scattering or diffusing light from the LED blocks 3 is mounted on the LED blocks 3 of a light source unit 25 .
- a surface of the optical member 26 (surface from which light from the LEDs 7 is emitted) is subjected to, for example, the roughening processing described above such as the prism processing, dot processing, and blast processing.
- the optical member 26 may be used as, for example, a sealing member for sealing up the LEDs 7 (e.g., member for sealing the concave portion 8 a of the reflector 8 ). Accordingly, because the sealing member also functions to scatter or diffuse the light from the LEDs 7 , luminance variability and color variability can be suppressed while contributing to a reduction in thickness of the light source unit 25 .
- the optical member 26 subjected to the prism processing for example, it is possible to prevent light of a certain color out of RGB and/or other colors from advancing in the vertical or near-vertical direction. Thus, light distribution characteristics can be enhanced.
- the material for the optical member 26 examples include a transparent silicone resin, an olefin-based resin, other resins, and glass. It is also possible for the optical member 26 to contain various diffusing materials described above.
- a surface of the reflector 8 (e.g., surface of the concave portion 8 a ) of the LED blocks 3 may be subjected to the roughening processing.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to one of the embodiments on the combinations, for example.
- a plane portion 71 d and a bottom surface portion 71 e of a lens 71 are respectively provided with print processing portions 74 and 72 .
- the lens 71 contains the diffusing material 32
- the optical member 26 e.g., prism sheet
- a part 71 g of a light-emitting surface 71 c of the lens 71 opposed to the plane portion 71 d may be formed as a plane.
- FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a state where light emitted from a single light source unit 35 shown in FIG. 19 , in which 6 LED blocks 3 are provided, is diffused by a diffusing plate.
- an FWHM of 95 mm was obtained with respect to the TF on the diffusing plate.
- the inventors of the present invention have conducted a similar experiment on a light source unit without the lens, which resulted in an FWHM of 42 mm.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- a heat flow path 81 h that is formed from a light-incident surface 81 a to a light-emitting surface 81 c and discharges heat radiated from the LED blocks 3 is provided. Accordingly, heat radiated from the LED blocks 3 can be discharged to the outside of the lens.
- the heat flow path 81 h is a through-hole penetrating the lens 81 .
- the heat flow path 81 h it is also possible for the heat flow path 81 h to be formed of a material having higher heat conductivity than a principle material of the lens 81 , such as metal and carbon.
- the number, size, shape, location, and the like of the heat flow path 81 h can be changed as appropriate.
- the lens 81 shown in FIG. 21 is a lens provided with a print processing portion 84 at a plane portion 81 d thereof.
- the heat flow path 81 h may also be provided in the lenses 21 , 31 , 41 , 51 , 61 , and 71 shown in the above embodiments.
- FIGS. 22A to 22D are diagrams each showing an LED block according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- An LED block 23 shown in FIG. 22A includes an LED 7 R, two LEDs 7 G, and an LED 7 B. Of the four LEDs 7 , the two LEDs 7 G disposed on both ends, for example, emit green light.
- a light source unit including the LED block 23 above typically includes a plurality of LED blocks 23 arranged in a direction in which the LEDs 7 are arranged (x-axis direction), and is also elongated in the x-axis direction.
- the LED 7 G in the middle is the largest. In other words, the LED 7 G has a larger light-emitting area than other LEDs 7 .
- a concave portion 18 a of a reflector 18 has an oval shape, the shape may of course be a circle.
- a concave portion 28 a of a reflector 28 is provided to each of the four LEDs 7 .
- the LEDs 7 G on both ends for example, emit green light.
- An LED block 53 shown in FIG. 22D includes a reflector 38 having quadrangular (e.g., rectangular or quadrate) concave portions 38 a.
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- An LED block 63 of a light source unit 45 is a potting-type LED block.
- FIG. 24A is a perspective diagram showing the LED block 63
- FIG. 24B is a plan view thereof.
- the potting-type LED block 63 has a structure in which each of the plurality of LEDs 7 arranged in a row on a common substrate 68 is sealed up.
- a sealing member 36 is constituted of a transparent resin, glass, or the like, and has a shape of, for example, a partial sphere, that is, the sealing member 36 has a function of a lens.
- the partial sphere is typically a hemisphere, but is not limited thereto. Further, instead of a sphere, a toroidal surface or a multi-order curved surface of a quadratic surface or more may also be employed.
- the sealing member 36 may be formed of the same material as the optical member 26 , or may be formed of a different material.
- the LEDs 7 typically, the LEDs 7 G are disposed on both ends and the two LEDs 7 R and 7 B are disposed in the middle. The coloration, arrangement, number, and the like of the LEDs 7 can be changed as appropriate.
- FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a state where the plurality of thus-structured LED blocks 63 are arranged inside a light-incident surface 100 a of a lens 100 .
- a single light source unit 45 typically includes the plurality of LED blocks 63 and one lens 100 .
- the number of LED blocks 63 to be contained in a single light source unit 45 can be changed as appropriate.
- the lens 100 it is only necessary to employ the lens 1 , 21 , 31 , 41 , 51 , 61 , 71 , or 81 of the above embodiments, or a lens as a combination of at least two feature parts of those lenses.
- Sizes a, b, and c shown in FIGS. 24B and 25 are 2 to 4 mm, 9 to 12 mm, and 9 to 15 mm, respectively, though not limited thereto.
- FIG. 26 is a diagram showing RGB light distribution characteristics of the LED block 63 . As shown in FIG. 26 , RGB light distribution close to Lambertian (uniform diffusion) is realized.
- the sealing member 36 of the LED block 63 is formed as a partial sphere, a multiple reflection caused by a total reflection is suppressed, whereby a high light extraction efficiency can be realized. Further, because the sealing member 36 is formed as the partial sphere, a single LED becomes close to a linear light source at a macro level, whereby it becomes possible to fully exhibit the function of a lens.
- FIG. 27A is a perspective diagram showing an LED block according to still another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 27B is a plan view thereof.
- An LED block 73 includes a plurality of LEDs 7 arranged close to each other, a case 99 for packaging the LEDs 7 , and a sealing member 47 for sealing up the LEDs 7 .
- the LEDs 7 G, 7 R, 7 B, and 7 G are arranged in the stated order from the left-hand side.
- the coloration, arrangement, number, and the like of the LEDs 7 can be changed as appropriate.
- the sealing member 47 is constituted of a transparent resin, glass, or the like, and an upper surface thereof is a plane without the function of a lens. However, it is also possible to design the sealing member 47 in a shape that provides the function of a lens.
- a size d of the case 99 in the lateral direction is 6 to 9 mm, though not limited thereto.
- FIG. 28 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where the plurality of LED blocks 73 are arranged inside the light-incident surface 100 a of the lens 100 , as in the case of the light source unit shown in FIG. 25 .
- FIG. 29 is a table showing a result of comparison between the LED block 63 shown in FIG. 24 and the LED block 73 shown in FIG. 27 .
- the present invention is not limited to the display apparatus, and the light source unit and the backlight apparatus 10 can also be applied to billboards for commercial use and billboards for advertisements.
- each of the LED blocks 3 , 23 , 33 , 43 , and 53 has been mounted on the base member 4 , and the base member 4 has been attached to the supporting member 2 .
- the LED blocks 3 , 23 , 33 , 43 , and 53 (or LEDs 7 ) to be attached directly to the supporting member 2 .
- FIGS. 22A to 22D the examples in which the LED blocks 23 , 33 , 43 , and 53 are each mounted with the LEDs 7 that respectively emit red light, green light, and blue light have been described. However, the LED blocks 23 , 33 , 43 , and 53 that are each mounted with a white-color LED are also applicable.
Abstract
A lens diffusing light emitted from a light source includes a concave light-incident surface, a light guide portion, and a light-emitting surface. The light-incident surface includes a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and one of scatters and diffuses the light. The light emitted from the light source enters the light-incident surface. The light that has entered the light-incident surface passes through the light guide portion. The light-emitting surface emits the light passed through the light guide portion.
Description
- The present invention claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/366,066 filed Feb. 5, 2009 under Attorney Docket No. 51459.70562US00 and entitled “Lens, Light Source Unit, Backlight Apparatus, and Display Apparatus,” which contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2008-034627 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Feb. 15, 2008. The entire contents of both of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a backlight apparatus used in, for example, a display apparatus, a lens used in the backlight apparatus, a light source unit, and a display apparatus equipped with the backlight apparatus.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Currently, use of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) independent for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) has contributed to achieving an NTSC (National Television System Committee) ratio of 100% or more in backlights of a high color range used for liquid crystal panels. Therefore, commodification of the backlights in PCs (Personal Computers), amusement equipment, in-car equipment, and TVs is expected.
- In a case of a middle- or large-sized backlight of 10 inches or more, for example, sufficient luminance and thinness are required to be compatible therein. Therefore, a new design of a direct LED backlight that has been employed in the middle- or large-sized backlights is required. The direct LED backlight refers to a backlight of a type in which a plurality of LEDs as a light source are arranged two-dimensionally and in parallel to a plane of the liquid crystal panel.
- In the case of the direct LED backlight, the number of LEDs to be mounted varies depending on which of a power-type LED and a normal-type LED is used in relation to a light amount. When using the power-type LEDs, it is difficult to dispose the LED elements independent for each of R, G, and B close to each other due to the problem of the number, size, and heat of the LEDs. In other words, an increase in distances among the LED elements results in a disadvantage in mixing red light, green light, and blue light in a limited space. Also in this case, although not many problems are caused when a sufficient optical distance (thickness) can be secured, because it is currently difficult to bring the LED elements close to each other due to the move towards reductions in thickness, color variability is caused.
- For reducing the thickness of the liquid crystal panel, side-emitting-type power LEDs of the related art are used in some cases. However, this case also has a limit in terms of color variability.
- Meanwhile, when normal low-power LEDs are used, distances among RGB elements can be shortened. However, by merely using the LED elements as they are even when the distances are shortened, generation of color variability right above the LEDs cannot be avoided in a backlight assuming thickness reduction. Moreover, a large variation in RGB light distribution characteristics of the respective LED elements facilitates color variability, which is a large problem.
- For solving the problem on such color variability, there is disclosed, for example, a device including a plurality of point light sources arranged one-dimensionally and a cylindrical lens disposed above the plurality of point light sources and elongated in the one dimensional direction (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-286608 (paragraphs [0007] and [0009], FIG. 5); hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1). The cylindrical lens used in this device includes a concave lens function (52) in a direction vertical to a substrate holding the point light sources (y direction). Further, the cylindrical lens includes a convex lens function (54) in a part of the horizontal direction (x direction). With such a structure, light from the point light sources expands in a planar state even without a light guide plate, whereby color variability is prevented.
- In the cylindrical lens disclosed in
Patent Document 1 above, light from the point light sources is diffused by the concave lens function (52). However, the cylindrical lens needs to be devised further for realizing a reduction in thickness of the display panel and suppressing luminance variability or color variability. - In view of the circumstances as described above, there is a need for a lens, a light source unit, a backlight apparatus, and a display apparatus that are capable of efficiently mixing light from a light source and suppressing luminance variability or color variability.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lens diffusing light emitted from a light source, including a concave light-incident surface, a light guide portion, and a light-emitting surface. The concave light-incident surface includes a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and one of scatters and diffuses the light. The light emitted from the light source enters the light-incident surface. The light that has entered the light-incident surface passes through the light guide portion. The light-emitting surface emits the light that has passed through the light guide portion.
- When the lens according to the embodiment of the present invention is not provided, for example, luminance of light that enters a generally-used light guide plate or an optical sheet such as a diffusing sheet from the light source becomes partially high at a position right above the light source. In other words, luminance variability or color variability is caused. In the embodiment of the present invention, by the optical function portion formed on the plane portion on the light-incident surface, light that has entered the plane portion is scattered or diffused. Therefore, luminance variability or color variability can be suppressed. Moreover, provision of the optical function portion on the plane portion makes processing and process of the lens for the scattering and diffusion easier at a time of production of the lens.
- The light source is provided either singly or plurally. As the light source, an element that emits light by an EL (Electro Luminescence) phenomenon, a cathode tube, or any other light-emitting element is used. The element that emits light by an EL phenomenon is an LED as a dispersion-type EL element or an LED as a genuine EL element.
- A single light source includes one or a plurality of light-emitting elements. When a single light source includes one light-emitting element, the light emitted by that light-emitting element may be in any color. When a single light source includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, the light emitted from the light-emitting elements may be monochromatic or may be in a plurality of colors (combination of colors may be changed as appropriate). When the light-emitting element is an LED, for example, a plurality of LEDs are realized in a single package in some cases. In this case, a single light source may correspond to one or a plurality of packages.
- In the embodiment of the present invention, when a single light source emits monochromatic light, luminance variability is suppressed, and when a single light source emits light of two colors or more, luminance variability and color variability are suppressed. Hereinafter, at least one of the luminance variability and color variability will be simply referred to as light variability.
- Reflectance (or absorptance) of light increases as a degree of “scatter” of light by the optical function portion increases, that is, as light beams advancing in the vertical direction toward the plane portion become less due to the scatter.
- For example, the light source is constituted of a plurality of light-emitting elements that are arranged in a predetermined direction and emit light by an EL phenomenon, and the lens is elongated in the predetermined direction. In this case, the lens may have light distribution characteristics that are substantially the same in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction within a plane on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged.
- The optical function portion is a part that has been subjected to print processing or roughening processing. Accordingly, light is scattered or diffused. Moreover, it becomes possible to adjust an amount of light that passes through the plane portion by the print processing.
- The “roughening processing” includes processing of forming the plane portion into a prism-like surface, dot processing, blast processing, and the like.
- The “print processing” operates to scatter the light at a micro level. Thus, a part that has been subjected to the “print processing” may be included in a concept of the part that has been subjected to the “roughening processing”.
- The light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion, that has been subjected to the print processing. Because the print processing is performed on both the plane portion and a surface opposed to the plane portion, an effect of scattering the light is promoted and light variability is suppressed. Alternatively, the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion, that has been subjected to the roughening processing.
- The light-emitting surface is, for example, one of a cylindrical surface and a toroidal surface.
- The lens may further include a bottom surface and one of a print processing portion and a roughening processing portion formed on the bottom surface. Alternatively, a reflective member, a reflective film, or the like only needs to be formed on the bottom surface of the lens. Accordingly, light beams can be increased at the light guide portion, to thus realize high luminance. The term “reflect” refers to not only the case where light is reflected 100%, but also a case where part of the light is transmitted through the bottom surface.
- The light guide portion may contain a diffusing material. Accordingly, light from the light source can be efficiently diffused.
- The lens further includes a heat flow path that is formed from the light-incident surface to the light-emitting surface and discharges heat radiated from the light source. Accordingly, heat radiated from the light source can be discharged to outside the lens.
- The heat flow path may be provided from the plane portion to the light-emitting surface, or from a part other than the plane portion to the light-emitting surface.
- The heat flow path may be a through-hole formed in the lens, or may be constituted of a material having higher heat conductivity than a principle material of the lens.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a light source unit including a light source and a lens to diffuse light emitted from the light source. It is only necessary that the lens described above be used for the lens.
- The light source unit further includes an optical member that is mounted on the light source and one of scatters and diffuses the light. Accordingly, light variability is suppressed. When using the light-emitting element(s) that emits (emit) monochromatic light or light in a plurality of colors as the light source, light distribution characteristics of a specific color can be enhanced. In other words, it becomes possible to orient the light of a specific color from the light source in a desired direction, and cause the light to enter the light-incident surface of the lens.
- The optical member includes, for example, a sheet member. A prism sheet, a diffusing sheet, or the like is used as the sheet member. Alternatively, a sheet member whose surface has been subjected to the dot processing or the blast processing may be used.
- The light source includes a light-emitting element to emit light by an EL phenomenon, and the optical member includes a sealing member to seal up the light-emitting element. Because the sealing member also functions to scatter or diffuse the light from the light source, light variability can be suppressed, the structure of which also contributes to the reduction in thickness of the light source.
- The sealing member may contain a diffusing material.
- The light source unit further includes a common substrate, the light-emitting element of the light source is provided plurally, the plurality of light-emitting elements being arranged on the common substrate, and the sealing member seals up each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. In other words, the light source unit includes a so-called potting-type light source block.
- A backlight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit and a supporting member to support the light source unit.
- A display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the backlight apparatus and a light transmission control panel that includes a plurality of pixels and controls transmission of the light emitted from the backlight apparatus for each of the plurality of pixels. A typical example of the light transmission control panel is a liquid crystal panel. However, the light transmission control panel may be any panel as long as it can control the light transmission of the backlight for each pixel.
- As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, light from the light source can be efficiently mixed, and luminance variability or color variability can be suppressed.
- These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of best mode embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a backlight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a part of a linear light source; -
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an LED block of this embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of a single light source unit that is taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing a lens seen from a bottom surface thereof; -
FIG. 6 is a simulation diagram showing a plurality of light beams passing through the lens; -
FIG. 7 is a simulation diagram showing the light beams passing through the lens, the lens being seen from a z-axis direction thereof; -
FIG. 8 is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED block in a case where no lens of this embodiment is provided; -
FIG. 9A is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED blocks to a diffusing plate in cases where the lens is provided; -
FIG. 9B is a simulation diagram showing light beams from the LED blocks to a diffusing plate in cases where the lens is not provided; -
FIG. 10 is a simulation diagram showing light beams in the case where the lens is provided inFIG. 9B , seen from above the diffusing plate; -
FIG. 11A is a diagram showing TFs (Transfer Functions) on the diffusing plate in the case shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 11B is a diagram showing TFs (Transfer Functions) on the diffusing plate in the case shown inFIG. 9B ; -
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the lens shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 ; -
FIG. 13 is a partially-enlarged diagram of a bottom surface of the lens shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a state where light emitted from a single light source unit shown inFIG. 19 is diffused by a diffusing plate; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 22A is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes two green LEDs, a red LED, and a blue LED; -
FIG. 22B is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED with a larger light-emitting area than the other LEDs; -
FIG. 22C is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a concave portion of a reflector for each of four LEDs; -
FIG. 22D is a diagram showing an LED block according to another embodiment that includes a reflector having quadrangular concave portions; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 24A is a perspective diagram showing the LED block; -
FIG. 24B is a plan view of the LED block inFIG. 24A ; -
FIG. 25 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where a plurality of LED blocks are arranged inside a light-incident surface of a lens; -
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing RGB light distribution characteristics of the LED block; -
FIG. 27A is a perspective diagram showing an LED block according to still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 27B is a plan view of the LED block inFIG. 27A ; -
FIG. 28 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where the LED block shown inFIG. 27 is arranged plurally inside a light-incident surface of a lens; and -
FIG. 29 is a table showing a result of comparison between the LED block shown inFIG. 24 and the LED block shown inFIG. 27 . - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a backlight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. - A
backlight apparatus 10 includes a plurality oflight source units 5 and a supportingmember 2 for supporting thelight source units 5. Thebacklight apparatus 10 is applied to a display apparatus that uses a light transmission control panel (not shown). A typical example of the light transmission control panel is a liquid crystal panel, though any panel may be used as long as it can variably control light transmission of a backlight for each pixel. - When the
backlight apparatus 10 is applied to the display apparatus, an optical sheet (not shown) such as a diffusing sheet and a prism sheet is interposed between thebacklight apparatus 10 and the light transmission control panel in some cases. - The supporting
member 2 may be of a substrate type or a frame type, or alternatively be an assembly as a combination of two or more members. The supportingmember 2 is formed of a resin, metal, or the like, but is not limited thereto. A material having high heat conductivity such as copper, aluminum, and carbon may be used as the material for the supportingmember 2, for diffusing heat radiated from thelight source units 5. - The plurality of
light source units 5 are arranged in one direction, that is, laterally (x-axis direction) inFIG. 1 , for example, to thus constitute a single row of linearlight source 15. By arranging a plurality of linearlight sources 15 longitudinally (y-axis direction), the plurality of linearlight sources 15 are arranged in a planar state. In the example ofFIG. 1 , a single row of linearlight source 15 includes 12light source units 5, and asingle backlight apparatus 10 includes 6 rows of linearlight sources 15. The number, arrangement, size, and the like of thelight source units 5 and the linearlight sources 15 can be changed as appropriate. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , a singlelight source unit 5 includes a plurality of (6 in the example shown inFIG. 1 ) LED blocks 3 mounted on abase member 4, and alens 1 for diffusing light from the LED blocks 3. Asingle LED block 3 is constituted by packaging one or a plurality ofLEDs 7. Asingle LED block 3 includes one or a plurality of LEDs 7 (seeFIG. 3 ). However, a structure in which a singlelight source unit 5 includes asingle LED block 3 is also possible. A pitch of the LED blocks 3 is several mm to several ten mm, but is not limited thereto. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a part of the linearlight source 15. As shown in the figure, the linearlight source 15 is constituted by arranging the plurality oflight source units 5. Although no gap is provided between thelight source units 5 in the example ofFIG. 2 , a predetermined gap may be provided between thelight source units 5. It should be noted that a powersupply lead wire 6 is connected to a back surface of each of thebase members 4 of the linearlight source 15. - When a
single LED block 3 includes oneLED 7, light emitted from thatLED 7 is monochromatic (white, red, green, blue, or any other color). The LEDs that respectively emit a plurality of colors are arranged sequentially. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing theLED block 3 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, each of the LED blocks 3 includesLEDs LEDs reflector 8, and the like. TheLEDs - The
reflector 8 includes aconcave portion 8 a, and theLEDs 7 are disposed inside theconcave portion 8 a. Thereflector 8 is formed of a material having high reflectance for specular reflection (i.e., O-order diffraction), such as aluminum nitride. However, it is also possible for thereflector 8 to be formed of aluminum, copper, iron, or stainless steel, or other materials. Alternatively, a material having high heat conductivity such as a carbon resin or metal other than those described above may be used for thereflector 8. Accordingly, accumulation of heat in the LED blocks 3 can be reduced and a large current can therefore be applied to theLEDs 7. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of a singlelight source unit 5 that is taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing thelens 1 seen from a bottom surface thereof. - The
lens 1 is elongated in a predetermined direction, that is, the x-axis direction, for example, in accordance with the number ofLED blocks 3 provided in the singlelight source unit 5. When the number of LED blocks 3 is one, it is also possible that thelens 1 is elongated in the y-axis direction. A length of thelens 1 in the x-axis direction is about several ten mm, but can be changed as appropriate without being limited thereto. A length of thelens 1 in the y-axis direction is about several mm to several ten mm, but can be changed as appropriate without being limited thereto. - The
lens 1 is elongated in the x-axis direction and has light distribution characteristics that are substantially the same in the y-axis direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction within a plane on which the plurality ofLEDs 7 are arranged. - For example, the
lens 1 includes a concave light-incident surface 1 a, alight guide portion 1 b through which light that has entered the light-incident surface 1 a passes, and a light-emittingsurface 1 c for emitting the light. The light-incident surface 1 a, thelight guide portion 1 b, and the light-emittingsurface 1 c each have a shape that is approximately constant in a longitudinal direction of thelens 1. The plurality ofLED blocks 3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of thelens 1 such that theLEDs 7 emit light toward a concave portion formed by the light-incident surface 1 a. The light-emittingsurface 1 c of thelens 1 includes, for example, a cylindrical surface (i.e., partial sphere seen from an x-z plane inFIG. 4 ). The light-emittingsurface 1 c may instead be constituted of a toroidal surface, a combination of the cylindrical surface and a plane, a combination of the toroidal surface and the plane, or other aspherical surfaces. In a case of a lens including the toroidal surface, a lens having a radius, a conic coefficient, or an aspherical coefficient set for each chip size of the plurality ofLEDs 7 may be used. - The light-
incident surface 1 a includes aplane portion 1 d opposed to the block of theLEDs 7. Theplane portion 1 d is provided with a part including an optical function of scattering or diffusing light from the LED blocks 3. As shown inFIG. 5 , for example, in this embodiment, theplane portion 1 d is provided with aprint processing portion 12 that has been subjected to print processing. During the print processing, theplane portion 1 d is printed in white or a color close to white, for example, which makes it possible to adjust an amount of light that transmits through theplane portion 1 d based on a printed state. The color in the print processing is not limited to white or a color close to white, and may be any color as long as it can at least scatter light. - It should be noted that the reflectance (or absorptance) of light increases as a degree of “scatter” of light in the
plane portion 1 d increases, that is, as light beams advancing in the vertical direction toward theplane portion 1 d become less due to the scatter. - Glass, polycarbonate, olefin, or other resins is used as the material for the
lens 1. - An operation of the
light source unit 5 structured as described above will be described. - Light emitted from the each of the LED blocks 3 enters the light-
incident surface 1 a. Due to the concaveness of the light-incident surface 1 a, the light that has entered the light-incident surface 1 a is diffused and passed through thelight guide portion 1 b as shown inFIG. 4 . The light that has passed through thelight guide portion 1 b is emitted from the light-emittingsurface 1 c. Due to the convexedness of the light-emittingsurface 1 c, the light emitted from the light-emittingsurface 1 c is diffused additionally. -
FIG. 6 is a simulation diagram showing a plurality of light beams passing through thelens 1. As can be seen fromFIG. 6 , due to a unique shape of thelens 1, the light emitted from the LED blocks 3 exits thelens 1 diffusely.FIG. 7 is a simulation diagram showing the light beams passing through thelens 1, thelens 1 being seen from the z-axis direction thereof. As can be seen fromFIG. 7 , in thelight guide portion 1 b, light also advances in the longitudinal direction of thelens 1 or a direction close to the longitudinal direction. The light reflected by the light-emittingsurface 1 c out of the light that has passed through thelight guide portion 1 b advances toward abottom surface 1 e. When a reflective member or a reflective film is formed on thebottom surface 1 e as will be described later, for example, the light is reflected by thebottom surface 1 e. - Further, in the
lens 1 of this embodiment, the light that advances in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) or a near-vertical direction from theLED block 3 is scattered or diffused by theprint processing portion 12 formed right above theLED block 3. Accordingly, the colors of light are mixed effectively at a center portion of thelight guide portion 1 b of the lens 1 (between theplane portion 1 d and a part of the light-emittingsurface 1 c opposed thereto), thus resulting in suppression of luminance variability and color variability. -
FIG. 8 is a simulation diagram showing light beams from theLED block 3 in a case where thelens 1 of this embodiment is not provided. It can be seen from the comparison with the case ofFIG. 8 that thelens 1 shown inFIG. 6 has less light beams that are emitted in the vertical or near-vertical direction from the light-emittingsurface 1 c of thelens 1. - Moreover, although the
lens 1 is of a small size, by providing a part having a plane surface, print processing to thatplane portion 1 d becomes easier. - In this embodiment, the LED blocks 3 are arranged linearly in the x-axis direction and the
lens 1 is elongated in the x-axis direction. Thus, the number oflenses 1 to be mounted on asingle backlight apparatus 10 can be reduced. Therefore, in production of thebacklight apparatus 10, the number of processes for mounting the lenses 1 (processes for mounting light source units 5) can be reduced, thus leading to a reduction in costs. - In this embodiment, because there is no need to use an expensive optical member such as a dichroic mirror, it becomes possible to realize an
inexpensive backlight apparatus 10 and display apparatus. - For suppressing luminance variability, a diffusing sheet or a sheet for suppressing luminance variability is generally used. In such a case, due to deterioration of a light use efficiency, a large number of
LEDs 7 have been provided to thus maintain high luminance as a whole. In this embodiment, however, because there is no need to use such a sheet for suppressing luminance variability, desired luminance can be obtained even when the number ofLEDs 7 is reduced. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are simulation diagrams respectively showing light beams from the LED blocks 3 to a diffusingplate 13 in cases where thelens 1 is and is not provided. The figures are diagrams seen from the x-axis direction.FIG. 10 is a simulation diagram showing light beams in the case where thelens 1 is provided inFIG. 9B , seen from above the diffusingplate 13. It can be seen that a larger amount of light beams advance in oblique directions out of the light beams emitted from thelens 1 inFIG. 9B than inFIG. 9A . In other words, the case where thelens 1 is provided has less luminance variability and color variability on the diffusingplate 13 than the case where thelens 1 is not provided. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing TFs (Transfer Functions) of the lens shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively. In each ofFIGS. 11A and 11B , a graph represented by a solid line shows a TF of the lens in the y-axis direction (seeFIG. 4 ). A graph represented by a dashed line shows a TF of the lens in the x-axis direction. When focusing on the TF in the y-axis direction represented by the solid line in particular, it can be seen that, as shown inFIG. 11A , an FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) in the case where thelens 1 is not provided is 50 mm or less. It can also be seen that, as shown inFIG. 11B , the FWHM is about 90 mm in the case where thelens 1 is provided. - As a modification of the
lens 1, it is also possible to provide aprint processing portion 12 b that has been subjected to the print processing on abottom surface 21 e of alens 21 as shown inFIG. 12 .FIG. 13 is a partially-enlarged diagram of thebottom surface 21 e of thelens 21 shown inFIG. 12 . Thelens 21 is different from thelens 1 in that the print processing portion is provided on thebottom surface 21 e of thelens 21. - The
print processing portion 12 b only needs to include, mainly, a function of scattering or reflecting the light advancing toward thebottom surface 21 e out of the light that has passed through thelight guide portion 1 b. Therefore, light transmission of theprint processing portion 12 b and that of aprint processing portion 12 a at aplane portion 21 d may be different, or may be the same. It is also possible to set the light transmission of theprint processing portion 12 b on thebottom surface 21 e to be smaller than that of theprint processing portion 12 a at theplane portion 21 d. - Alternatively, a reflective member or a reflective film as a member other than the member subjected to the print processing may be formed on the bottom surfaces 1 e and 21 e of the
lenses -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to another embodiment of the present invention. In descriptions below, descriptions on structures, functions, and the like similar to those of thelight source unit 5 and thelens 1 of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 5 etc. will be simplified or omitted, and points different therefrom will mainly be described. - As in the case of
FIG. 4 ,FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram seen from the x-axis direction. Alens 31 of this embodiment contains a diffusingmaterial 32. Due to the diffusingmaterial 32 of thelens 31, light can be efficiently diffused to thus suppress luminance variability and color variability. Particularly an effect of uniformizing and obscuring light that passes acenter portion 31 f of thelens 31, that is, a part between aplane portion 31 d and a part of a light-emittingsurface 31 c opposed to theplane portion 31 d can be obtained. - The diffusing
material 32 does not necessarily have to be contained in theentire lens 31, but only needs to be contained in at least thecenter portion 31 f of thelens 31. - The following materials can be exemplified as the diffusing
material 32. - Examples include cross-linked acrylic powder, acrylic ultrafine powder, cross-linked polystyrene particles, methyl silicone powder, cross-linked styrene particles, monodispersed cross-linked acrylic particles, cross-linked siloxane series, silver powder, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, silica, glass, white carbon, talc, mica, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide.
-
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Aroughening processing portion 44 that has been subjected to roughening processing is provided at a center portion (plane portion 41 d) on a light-incident surface 41 a of alens 41. Further, aroughening processing portion 46 similar to theroughening processing portion 44 is provided on a light-emittingsurface 41 c of thelens 41. Theroughening processing portions roughening processing portions -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.Roughening processing portions plane portion 51 d) of a light-incident surface 51 a of alens 51, apart 51 g of a light-emittingsurface 51 c opposed to theplane portion 51 d, and abottom surface 51 e. Theroughening processing portions FIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention.Print processing portions plane portion 61 d) of a light-incident surface 61 a of alens 61 and apart 61 g of a light-emittingsurface 61 c opposed to theplane portion 61 d. Theprint processing portions print processing portion 12 of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 5 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Anoptical member 26 for scattering or diffusing light from the LED blocks 3 is mounted on the LED blocks 3 of alight source unit 25. A surface of the optical member 26 (surface from which light from theLEDs 7 is emitted) is subjected to, for example, the roughening processing described above such as the prism processing, dot processing, and blast processing. - The
optical member 26 may be used as, for example, a sealing member for sealing up the LEDs 7 (e.g., member for sealing theconcave portion 8 a of the reflector 8). Accordingly, because the sealing member also functions to scatter or diffuse the light from theLEDs 7, luminance variability and color variability can be suppressed while contributing to a reduction in thickness of thelight source unit 25. By using theoptical member 26 subjected to the prism processing, for example, it is possible to prevent light of a certain color out of RGB and/or other colors from advancing in the vertical or near-vertical direction. Thus, light distribution characteristics can be enhanced. - Examples of the material for the
optical member 26 include a transparent silicone resin, an olefin-based resin, other resins, and glass. It is also possible for theoptical member 26 to contain various diffusing materials described above. - In addition, a surface of the reflector 8 (e.g., surface of the
concave portion 8 a) of the LED blocks 3 may be subjected to the roughening processing. - It is also possible to realize a lens constituted by combining at least two feature parts of the
lenses light source unit 25 shown inFIGS. 1 (andFIGS. 2 to 5 ) and 12 to 18.FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to one of the embodiments on the combinations, for example. In alight source unit 35, aplane portion 71 d and abottom surface portion 71 e of alens 71 are respectively provided withprint processing portions lens 71 contains the diffusingmaterial 32, and the optical member 26 (e.g., prism sheet) is mounted on theLED block 3. - A
part 71 g of a light-emittingsurface 71 c of thelens 71 opposed to theplane portion 71 d may be formed as a plane. -
FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a state where light emitted from a singlelight source unit 35 shown inFIG. 19 , in which 6LED blocks 3 are provided, is diffused by a diffusing plate. In this example, an FWHM of 95 mm was obtained with respect to the TF on the diffusing plate. The inventors of the present invention have conducted a similar experiment on a light source unit without the lens, which resulted in an FWHM of 42 mm. -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a lens according to still another embodiment of the present invention. At a center portion of alens 81, aheat flow path 81 h that is formed from a light-incident surface 81 a to a light-emitting surface 81 c and discharges heat radiated from the LED blocks 3 is provided. Accordingly, heat radiated from the LED blocks 3 can be discharged to the outside of the lens. - Typically, the
heat flow path 81 h is a through-hole penetrating thelens 81. However, it is also possible for theheat flow path 81 h to be formed of a material having higher heat conductivity than a principle material of thelens 81, such as metal and carbon. The number, size, shape, location, and the like of theheat flow path 81 h can be changed as appropriate. - It should be noted that the
lens 81 shown inFIG. 21 is a lens provided with aprint processing portion 84 at aplane portion 81 d thereof. However, theheat flow path 81 h may also be provided in thelenses -
FIGS. 22A to 22D are diagrams each showing an LED block according to another embodiment of the present invention. - An
LED block 23 shown inFIG. 22A includes anLED 7R, twoLEDs 7G, and anLED 7B. Of the fourLEDs 7, the twoLEDs 7G disposed on both ends, for example, emit green light. A light source unit including theLED block 23 above typically includes a plurality of LED blocks 23 arranged in a direction in which theLEDs 7 are arranged (x-axis direction), and is also elongated in the x-axis direction. - Of the three
LEDs 7 in anLED block 33 shown inFIG. 22B , theLED 7G in the middle is the largest. In other words, theLED 7G has a larger light-emitting area thanother LEDs 7. Though aconcave portion 18 a of areflector 18 has an oval shape, the shape may of course be a circle. - In an
LED block 43 shown inFIG. 22C , aconcave portion 28 a of areflector 28 is provided to each of the fourLEDs 7. Of the fourLEDs 7, theLEDs 7G on both ends, for example, emit green light. - An
LED block 53 shown inFIG. 22D includes areflector 38 having quadrangular (e.g., rectangular or quadrate)concave portions 38 a. - For the lenses of the light source units mounted with the LED blocks 23, 33, 43, and 53 shown in
FIGS. 22A to 22D , respectively, it is only necessary to employ thelens -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a light source unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention. - An
LED block 63 of alight source unit 45 is a potting-type LED block.FIG. 24A is a perspective diagram showing theLED block 63, andFIG. 24B is a plan view thereof. The potting-type LED block 63 has a structure in which each of the plurality ofLEDs 7 arranged in a row on acommon substrate 68 is sealed up. - A sealing
member 36 is constituted of a transparent resin, glass, or the like, and has a shape of, for example, a partial sphere, that is, the sealingmember 36 has a function of a lens. The partial sphere is typically a hemisphere, but is not limited thereto. Further, instead of a sphere, a toroidal surface or a multi-order curved surface of a quadratic surface or more may also be employed. The sealingmember 36 may be formed of the same material as theoptical member 26, or may be formed of a different material. As theLEDs 7, typically, theLEDs 7G are disposed on both ends and the twoLEDs LEDs 7 can be changed as appropriate. -
FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a state where the plurality of thus-structured LED blocks 63 are arranged inside a light-incident surface 100 a of alens 100. As shown inFIG. 25 , a singlelight source unit 45 typically includes the plurality of LED blocks 63 and onelens 100. The number of LED blocks 63 to be contained in a singlelight source unit 45 can be changed as appropriate. - For the
lens 100, it is only necessary to employ thelens - Sizes a, b, and c shown in
FIGS. 24B and 25 are 2 to 4 mm, 9 to 12 mm, and 9 to 15 mm, respectively, though not limited thereto. - By using such potting-type LED blocks 63, distributions of red (R) light, green (G) light, and blue (B) light become substantially the same as shown in
FIG. 23 , for example, and mixing of colors with respect to the diffusing plate is facilitated. Accordingly, color variability is suppressed.FIG. 26 is a diagram showing RGB light distribution characteristics of theLED block 63. As shown inFIG. 26 , RGB light distribution close to Lambertian (uniform diffusion) is realized. - In particular, because the sealing
member 36 of theLED block 63 is formed as a partial sphere, a multiple reflection caused by a total reflection is suppressed, whereby a high light extraction efficiency can be realized. Further, because the sealingmember 36 is formed as the partial sphere, a single LED becomes close to a linear light source at a macro level, whereby it becomes possible to fully exhibit the function of a lens. -
FIG. 27A is a perspective diagram showing an LED block according to still another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 27B is a plan view thereof. - An
LED block 73 includes a plurality ofLEDs 7 arranged close to each other, acase 99 for packaging theLEDs 7, and a sealingmember 47 for sealing up theLEDs 7. InFIGS. 27A and 27B , theLEDs LEDs 7 can be changed as appropriate. The sealingmember 47 is constituted of a transparent resin, glass, or the like, and an upper surface thereof is a plane without the function of a lens. However, it is also possible to design the sealingmember 47 in a shape that provides the function of a lens. - As shown in
FIG. 27B , a size d of thecase 99 in the lateral direction is 6 to 9 mm, though not limited thereto. -
FIG. 28 is a plan view of a light source unit showing a state where the plurality of LED blocks 73 are arranged inside the light-incident surface 100 a of thelens 100, as in the case of the light source unit shown inFIG. 25 . - It should be noted that
FIG. 29 is a table showing a result of comparison between theLED block 63 shown inFIG. 24 and theLED block 73 shown inFIG. 27 . - An embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various other embodiments may also be employed.
- The above descriptions have been given on the case where the light source unit or the
backlight apparatus 10 of the above embodiments is applied to a display apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the display apparatus, and the light source unit and thebacklight apparatus 10 can also be applied to billboards for commercial use and billboards for advertisements. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the above embodiments, each of the LED blocks 3, 23, 33, 43, and 53 has been mounted on thebase member 4, and thebase member 4 has been attached to the supportingmember 2. However, it is also possible for the LED blocks 3, 23, 33, 43, and 53 (or LEDs 7) to be attached directly to the supportingmember 2. - In
FIGS. 22A to 22D , the examples in which the LED blocks 23, 33, 43, and 53 are each mounted with theLEDs 7 that respectively emit red light, green light, and blue light have been described. However, the LED blocks 23, 33, 43, and 53 that are each mounted with a white-color LED are also applicable. - It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims (18)
1. A lens configured to diffuse light emitted from a light source, the lens comprising:
a concave light-incident surface including a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and scatters and/or diffuses the light, and which at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source enters;
a light guide portion through which the light that has entered the light-incident surface passes; and
a light-emitting surface configured to emit the light that passes through the light guide portion,
wherein the light-emitting surface is a cylindrical surface or a toroidal surface.
2. The lens according to claim 1 , wherein the optical function portion is a part that has been subjected to print processing.
3. The lens according to claim 2 , wherein the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion that has been subjected to the print processing.
4. The lens according to claim 1 , wherein the optical function portion is a part that has been subjected to roughening processing.
5. The lens according to claim 4 , wherein the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion, that has been subjected to the roughening processing.
6. The lens according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting surface includes a part opposed to the plane portion that has been subjected to roughening processing.
7. The lens according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a bottom surface; and
a print processing portion or a roughening processing portion formed on the bottom surface.
8. The lens according to claim 1 , wherein the light guide portion comprises a diffusing material for diffusing the light.
9. The lens according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat flow path that is formed from the light-incident surface to the light-emitting surface and discharges heat radiated from the light source.
10. The lens according to claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements that are arranged in a predetermined direction and emit light by an EL (Electro Luminescence) phenomenon, and wherein the lens is elongated in the predetermined direction.
11. The lens according to claim 10 , wherein the lens has light distribution characteristics that are substantially the same in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction within a plane on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged.
12. A light source unit, comprising:
a light source; and
a lens configured to diffuse light emitted from the light source, the lens comprising:
a concave light-incident surface including a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and scatters or diffuses the light, and which at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source enters,
a light guide portion through which the light that has entered the light-incident surface passes, and
a light-emitting surface configured to emit the light that passes through the light guide portion.
13. The light source unit according to claim 12 , further comprising:
an optical member that is mounted on the light source and scatters and/or diffuses the light.
14. The light source unit according to claim 13 , wherein the light source comprises a light-emitting element to emit light by an EL phenomenon, and wherein the optical member includes a sealing member to seal up the light-emitting element.
15. The light source unit according to claim 14 , wherein the optical member contains a diffusing material.
16. The light source unit according to claim 14 , further comprising:
a common substrate, wherein the light-emitting element of the light source is provided plurally, the plurality of light-emitting elements being arranged on the common substrate, and
wherein the sealing member seals each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.
17. A backlight apparatus, comprising:
a light source unit comprising a light source; =
a lens to diffuse light emitted from the light source, the lens comprising:
a concave light-incident surface including a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and scatters and/or diffuses the light, and which at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source enters,
a light guide portion through which the light that has entered the light-incident surface passes, and
a light-emitting surface configured to emit the light that passes through the light guide portion; and
a supporting member to support the light source unit.
18. A display apparatus, comprising:
a light source unit including a light source;
a lens to diffuse light emitted from the light source, the lens comprising:
a concave light-incident surface including a plane portion opposed to the light source and an optical function portion that is formed on the plane portion and scatters and/or diffuses the light, and which the light emitted from the light source enters,
a light guide portion through which the light that has entered the light-incident surface passes, and
a light-emitting surface configured to emit the light that passes through the light guide portion;
a supporting member to support the light source unit; and
a light transmission control panel that includes a plurality of pixels and controls transmission of the light emitted from the lens for each of the plurality of pixels.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/054,353 US20140104815A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2013-10-15 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
US15/652,590 US11460731B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2017-07-18 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008034627A JP4479805B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2008-02-15 | Lens, light source unit, backlight device, and display device |
JP2008-034627 | 2008-02-15 | ||
US12/366,066 US8585254B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2009-02-05 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
US14/054,353 US20140104815A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2013-10-15 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/366,066 Division US8585254B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2009-02-05 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/652,590 Continuation US11460731B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2017-07-18 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140104815A1 true US20140104815A1 (en) | 2014-04-17 |
Family
ID=40954930
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/366,066 Expired - Fee Related US8585254B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2009-02-05 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
US14/054,353 Abandoned US20140104815A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2013-10-15 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
US15/652,590 Active US11460731B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2017-07-18 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/366,066 Expired - Fee Related US8585254B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2009-02-05 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/652,590 Active US11460731B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2017-07-18 | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8585254B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4479805B2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140177267A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2014-06-26 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Backlight module including cicular and cylinder fresnel lenses |
US9574736B2 (en) | 2006-08-09 | 2017-02-21 | Sony Corporation | Backlight device, light source device, lens, electronic apparatus and light guide plate |
CN108227296A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-29 | 三菱电机株式会社 | The manufacturing method of planar light source device, display device and planar light source device |
US10598841B1 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2020-03-24 | G. Skill International Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Light guide device |
Families Citing this family (83)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4479805B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2010-06-09 | ソニー株式会社 | Lens, light source unit, backlight device, and display device |
JP2010129447A (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-06-10 | Enplas Corp | Point-like light source cover lens and lighting device |
US9035975B2 (en) * | 2009-10-14 | 2015-05-19 | Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation | Variable flower display backlight system |
KR101064076B1 (en) * | 2010-04-01 | 2011-09-08 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Light unit and display device having therof |
US8541945B2 (en) * | 2010-06-04 | 2013-09-24 | Schwarz Reliance Llc | Lighting device |
EP2588931B1 (en) * | 2010-06-30 | 2017-06-07 | ABL IP Holding LLC | Linear light fixtures |
US8783890B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2014-07-22 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Illumination device, display device, television receiving device, and LED light source utilizing square shaped emission distributions |
JP5269843B2 (en) * | 2010-07-26 | 2013-08-21 | 株式会社遠藤照明 | LED light distribution lens, LED illumination module including the LED light distribution lens, and lighting fixture including the LED illumination module |
JP5588808B2 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2014-09-10 | 株式会社エンプラス | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE, LIGHTING DEVICE, AND DISPLAY DEVICE |
CN102410491A (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-04-11 | 富士迈半导体精密工业(上海)有限公司 | Lens and light source module |
JP2012103420A (en) * | 2010-11-09 | 2012-05-31 | Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co Ltd | Liquid crystal display device |
JP5028569B2 (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2012-09-19 | ナルックス株式会社 | Optical element |
WO2012096203A1 (en) * | 2011-01-12 | 2012-07-19 | シャープ株式会社 | Illumination device and display device |
WO2012132872A1 (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-10-04 | ナルックス株式会社 | Illumination device |
JP5899508B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2016-04-06 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING DEVICE USING THE SAME |
JP2012243723A (en) * | 2011-05-24 | 2012-12-10 | Mitsubishi Chemicals Corp | Organic el illumination system and control method therefor |
CN102287679A (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2011-12-21 | 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 | Light source module and backlight module |
DE112011105462B4 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2021-01-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | LED module for double-sided lighting and double-sided LED lighting device with the same |
US10047930B2 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2018-08-14 | Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Light emitting module and lens |
EP4242516A3 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2023-11-22 | Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Light emitting module and lens |
KR101850981B1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2018-04-20 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light emitting module and lens |
KR101887624B1 (en) * | 2011-12-23 | 2018-08-13 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light emitting module and lens |
KR101322455B1 (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-10-28 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light emitting module and lens |
TWI470167B (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2015-01-21 | Light source device with outer lens and light source system using the same | |
DE212013000079U1 (en) * | 2012-03-05 | 2014-10-28 | Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Illuminating lens for short-distance illumination |
DE102012102119A1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2013-09-19 | Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh | Area light source |
KR101861233B1 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2018-07-02 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light emitting unit array and light diffusing lens adjustable for the smae |
CN103375695B (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2017-12-26 | 欧司朗股份有限公司 | Luminaire |
WO2013168290A1 (en) * | 2012-05-11 | 2013-11-14 | パイオニア株式会社 | Light emitting apparatus |
KR101802997B1 (en) * | 2012-05-31 | 2017-12-01 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light emitting module and lens |
US8974077B2 (en) | 2012-07-30 | 2015-03-10 | Ultravision Technologies, Llc | Heat sink for LED light source |
JP2015188001A (en) * | 2012-08-10 | 2015-10-29 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Optical element for led and led illumination apparatus |
KR20140033527A (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2014-03-19 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Condensing lens and lighting device including the same |
JP2014089941A (en) * | 2012-10-03 | 2014-05-15 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Vehicular lighting unit |
DE202013012818U1 (en) * | 2012-10-30 | 2020-01-23 | Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Lens and light-emitting module for area lighting |
US9134007B2 (en) | 2012-11-06 | 2015-09-15 | Darwin Precisions Corporation | Light source device |
TW201422984A (en) * | 2012-12-11 | 2014-06-16 | 鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 | Optical lens and lighting element with the optical lens |
TW201430400A (en) * | 2013-01-31 | 2014-08-01 | 鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 | Diffusion lens, light module, and light source |
CN103969740A (en) * | 2013-01-31 | 2014-08-06 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Diffusion lens, light source module and surface light source |
JP6205768B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-04 | ウシオ電機株式会社 | Linear light source device |
JP2014192403A (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-06 | Kyocera Corp | Light irradiation device, light irradiation module and printer |
CN104076418A (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-10-01 | 海洋王(东莞)照明科技有限公司 | Lens structure and LED lamp |
KR20140120683A (en) | 2013-04-04 | 2014-10-14 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Lens and light emitting module for surface illumination |
JP6119460B2 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2017-04-26 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Light emitting unit and electronic device |
KR20150009860A (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-01-27 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Light diffusing lens and light emitting device having the same |
KR102108204B1 (en) | 2013-08-26 | 2020-05-08 | 서울반도체 주식회사 | Lens and light emitting module for surface illumination |
TWI582345B (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2017-05-11 | 鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 | Lens and light source module having the same |
CN104566203A (en) * | 2013-10-12 | 2015-04-29 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Lens and light source module using lens |
US20150116999A1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-04-30 | Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd | Mono-axial lens for multiple light sources |
EP3183492B1 (en) * | 2014-08-21 | 2021-06-30 | Signify Holding B.V. | Light emitting device |
US9606229B2 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2017-03-28 | Honeywell International Inc. | Highly efficient NIR light distribution for imaging based intrusion detection |
FR3028963B1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-12-23 | Valeo Comfort & Driving Assistance | PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY, IN PARTICULAR HIGH HEAD, AND ASSOCIATED DISPLAY |
KR101683717B1 (en) * | 2014-11-27 | 2016-12-09 | 주식회사 아이엘사이언스 | Lighting apparatus with chip on borad type led module |
CN104680947A (en) * | 2015-02-15 | 2015-06-03 | 北京环宇蓝博科技有限公司 | Device and method for eliminating moire fringes from LED (light emitting diode) screen and improving filling coefficient |
EP3057082B1 (en) | 2015-02-15 | 2019-10-09 | Beijing Universal Lanbo Technology Co., Ltd. | Led display screen covers and led displays |
JP6798980B2 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2020-12-09 | ソニー株式会社 | Light source lens, lighting device and display device |
JP2016213051A (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-12-15 | 株式会社エンプラス | Surface light source device |
CN104976552B (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2017-09-26 | 赛尔富电子有限公司 | A kind of lens devices and LED lamp |
CN105299514A (en) * | 2015-11-05 | 2016-02-03 | 苏州威盛视信息科技有限公司 | Line light source device |
WO2017114428A1 (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2017-07-06 | 欧普照明股份有限公司 | Light source module and lighting device |
KR102558280B1 (en) * | 2016-02-05 | 2023-07-25 | 쑤저우 레킨 세미컨덕터 컴퍼니 리미티드 | Light source unit and light unit having thereof |
CN106439730A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2017-02-22 | 江苏恒鹏智能电气有限公司 | Strip special-shape lens and LED lamp illuminant component based on strip special-shape lens |
JP6869667B2 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2021-05-12 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Surface light source device and liquid crystal display device |
JP2018124519A (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-09 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Optical lens, luminaire and lighting apparatus |
JP2018132608A (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Optical member, illumination device and illumination instrument |
KR101826325B1 (en) * | 2017-05-08 | 2018-02-07 | 주식회사 제이텍 | Diffusing lens and light emitting device using the same |
US10400986B2 (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2019-09-03 | Lumileds Holding B.V. | Extremely wide distribution light-emitting diode (LED) lens for thin direct-lit backlight |
JP2019109994A (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2019-07-04 | ミネベアミツミ株式会社 | Lens and planar lighting device |
WO2019117159A1 (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2019-06-20 | ミネベアミツミ株式会社 | Lens and planar illumination device |
JP6571812B2 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2019-09-04 | 株式会社スクウェア・エニックス | Translucent part, electrical decoration device having translucent part, and method of creating translucent part |
TWI670544B (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2019-09-01 | 達運精密工業股份有限公司 | Light source device and display device using the same |
KR102077388B1 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2020-02-13 | (주)엔디에스 | Led diffusion lens |
JP7038603B2 (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2022-03-18 | 株式会社エンプラス | Luminous flux control member, light emitting device, surface light source device and display device |
US10400975B1 (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2019-09-03 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Automotive lamp with elongated aspherical lens |
WO2020013404A1 (en) * | 2018-07-09 | 2020-01-16 | (주)에이치엘옵틱스 | Light diffusing lens |
US11592158B2 (en) * | 2019-04-23 | 2023-02-28 | Fusion Optix, Inc. | Lighting arrangement with optical composite for targeted illumination patterns |
JP6863505B2 (en) * | 2019-07-01 | 2021-04-21 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Diffusing member, laminate, set of diffusing member, LED backlight and display device |
TWI686626B (en) * | 2019-07-11 | 2020-03-01 | 友達光電股份有限公司 | Lens and face light source module |
ES2937819T3 (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2023-03-31 | Ledil Oy | An optical device for modifying a distribution of light |
US10788170B1 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2020-09-29 | Elemental LED, Inc. | Optical systems for linear lighting |
US10920940B1 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2021-02-16 | Elemental LED, Inc. | Optical system for linear lighting |
KR102405109B1 (en) * | 2020-08-05 | 2022-06-08 | 영광정공(주) | Digital light stick for cheer |
KR102411078B1 (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2022-06-22 | (주)지에스옵티텍 | Diffusing lens for led light source |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020097578A1 (en) * | 2001-01-20 | 2002-07-25 | Horst Greiner | Lighting device with point-shaped light sources |
US20050225862A1 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2005-10-13 | Shih-Chieh Tang | Light diffuser having a light diffusion layer |
US7048414B2 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2006-05-23 | Martin Thomas Weber | Light fixture cover system and method |
US20060133106A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-22 | Forward Electronics Co., Ltd. | Backlight module having light diffusing device |
US20060186431A1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-24 | Nichia Corporation | Light emitting device provided with lens for controlling light distribution characteristic |
US20060285311A1 (en) * | 2005-06-19 | 2006-12-21 | Chih-Li Chang | Light-emitting device, backlight module, and liquid crystal display using the same |
US7192161B1 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2007-03-20 | Ilight Technologies, Inc. | Fluorescent illumination device |
US20070070616A1 (en) * | 2005-09-21 | 2007-03-29 | Victor Company Of Japan, Limited | Surface light source device |
US20070086179A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation | Light mixing plate and direct backlight module |
US20070091615A1 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | Chi-Tang Hsieh | Backlight module for LCD monitors and method of backlighting the same |
US20070091598A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-26 | Chen Chi G | Low-voltage LED garden lights |
US20070133204A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | Ilight Technologies, Inc. | Illumination device with hue transformation |
US20070147073A1 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-06-28 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Surface light source device and display device using the same |
US20070258247A1 (en) * | 2006-05-02 | 2007-11-08 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting module capable of increasing dispersion diameter |
US7334933B1 (en) * | 2005-11-04 | 2008-02-26 | Simon Jerome H | Unified optical collection and distribution of light from quasi-point sources including LEDs, and linear light sources |
US20080137335A1 (en) * | 2006-12-06 | 2008-06-12 | Shen-Yin Tsai | Light mixer and backlight module having the same |
US7422347B2 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2008-09-09 | Nichia Corporation | Planar light source and planar lighting apparatus |
US7458714B2 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2008-12-02 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Optical plate and backlight module using the same |
US8585254B2 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2013-11-19 | Sony Corporation | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Family Cites Families (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1456585A (en) * | 1920-02-13 | 1923-05-29 | Edward N Goding | Headlight lens |
JPH0612564Y2 (en) | 1989-02-09 | 1994-03-30 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Car signal light |
JPH071804B2 (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1995-01-11 | シャープ株式会社 | Light emitting element array light source |
US5515253A (en) | 1995-05-30 | 1996-05-07 | Sjobom; Fritz C. | L.E.D. light assembly |
JPH116904A (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1999-01-12 | Reatsukusu:Kk | In-hole observation purpose rotary body lens and probe using it |
JP2002049326A (en) | 2000-08-02 | 2002-02-15 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Plane light source and display element using the same |
JP2002075025A (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-03-15 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Led lighting fixture for vehicle |
JP2002250807A (en) | 2000-12-22 | 2002-09-06 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Lens sheet, projection screen using the same and method for molding lens sheet |
US6686676B2 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2004-02-03 | General Electric Company | UV reflectors and UV-based light sources having reduced UV radiation leakage incorporating the same |
JP4045781B2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2008-02-13 | 松下電工株式会社 | Light emitting device |
JP3948650B2 (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2007-07-25 | アバゴ・テクノロジーズ・イーシービーユー・アイピー(シンガポール)プライベート・リミテッド | Light emitting diode and manufacturing method thereof |
US6896381B2 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2005-05-24 | Light Prescriptions Innovators, Llc | Compact folded-optics illumination lens |
US9142734B2 (en) * | 2003-02-26 | 2015-09-22 | Cree, Inc. | Composite white light source and method for fabricating |
US6758582B1 (en) * | 2003-03-19 | 2004-07-06 | Elumina Technology Incorporation | LED lighting device |
JP4504662B2 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2010-07-14 | シチズン電子株式会社 | LED lamp |
JP4256738B2 (en) | 2003-07-23 | 2009-04-22 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Planar light source device and display device using the same |
JP2007503664A (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2007-02-22 | 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 | Optical scanning device |
US6819506B1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2004-11-16 | Infinity Trading Co. Ltd. | Optical lens system for projecting light in a lambertion pattern from a high power led light source |
GB2408846A (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2005-06-08 | Sung Tao Ho | LED lamp tube |
FR2864204B1 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2006-10-27 | Valeo Vision | SIGNALING OR LIGHTING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
JP4360945B2 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2009-11-11 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Lighting device |
JP4436704B2 (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2010-03-24 | オリンパス株式会社 | Optical member, composite optical member, and illumination device |
DE102004018424B4 (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2016-12-08 | Docter Optics Se | Process for producing a lens |
JP2006024615A (en) | 2004-07-06 | 2006-01-26 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Led lighting source and manufacturing method thereof |
US7121691B2 (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2006-10-17 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Lamp assembly with interchangeable light distributing cap |
KR101080355B1 (en) | 2004-10-18 | 2011-11-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Light emitting diode, lens for the same |
JP2007102139A (en) | 2004-12-03 | 2007-04-19 | Sony Corp | Light pickup lens, light emitting element assembly, surface light source device, and color liquid crystal display unit assembly |
KR100580753B1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-05-15 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Light emitting device package |
GB2421584A (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2006-06-28 | Sharp Kk | Optical device with converging and diverging elements for directing light |
US7731395B2 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2010-06-08 | Anthony International | Linear lenses for LEDs |
UA92001C2 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2010-09-27 | Эйчди Девелопментс (Препрайетри) Лимитед | Method for focusing light emitted by light-emitting diode and lamp using light emitting diode as light source |
JP4899502B2 (en) | 2005-03-07 | 2012-03-21 | 日亜化学工業株式会社 | Surface irradiation light source and surface irradiation device |
US7293908B2 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-11-13 | Goldeneye, Inc. | Side emitting illumination systems incorporating light emitting diodes |
US7413325B2 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2008-08-19 | International Development Corporation | LED bulb |
US8434912B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-05-07 | Illumination Management Solutions, Inc. | LED device for wide beam generation |
JP4937845B2 (en) | 2006-08-03 | 2012-05-23 | 日立マクセル株式会社 | Illumination device and display device |
JP4245014B2 (en) | 2006-08-09 | 2009-03-25 | ソニー株式会社 | Backlight device, light source device, lens, electronic device and light guide plate |
KR20080033000A (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-16 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Lens and backlight unit and liquid crystal display having the same |
US7731401B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2010-06-08 | Valeo Sylvania Llc. | High efficiency automotive LED optical system |
KR101286705B1 (en) * | 2006-10-31 | 2013-07-16 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Light source and lens for light source and backlight assembly having the same |
AU2008254676B2 (en) | 2007-05-21 | 2012-03-22 | Illumination Management Solutions, Inc. | An improved LED device for wide beam generation and method of making the same |
JP2007310419A (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2007-11-29 | Rabo Sufia Kk | Bulk lens, light emitting body, light receiving body, lighting equipment and method for manufacturing bulk lens |
JP5213383B2 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2013-06-19 | シャープ株式会社 | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME |
US8016451B2 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2011-09-13 | Fraen Corporation | Variable spot size lenses and lighting systems |
US8157419B2 (en) * | 2009-08-26 | 2012-04-17 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | LED assembly |
-
2008
- 2008-02-15 JP JP2008034627A patent/JP4479805B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-02-05 US US12/366,066 patent/US8585254B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-10-15 US US14/054,353 patent/US20140104815A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-07-18 US US15/652,590 patent/US11460731B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020097578A1 (en) * | 2001-01-20 | 2002-07-25 | Horst Greiner | Lighting device with point-shaped light sources |
US7192161B1 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2007-03-20 | Ilight Technologies, Inc. | Fluorescent illumination device |
US7048414B2 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2006-05-23 | Martin Thomas Weber | Light fixture cover system and method |
US20050225862A1 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2005-10-13 | Shih-Chieh Tang | Light diffuser having a light diffusion layer |
US20060133106A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-22 | Forward Electronics Co., Ltd. | Backlight module having light diffusing device |
US20060186431A1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-24 | Nichia Corporation | Light emitting device provided with lens for controlling light distribution characteristic |
US7422347B2 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2008-09-09 | Nichia Corporation | Planar light source and planar lighting apparatus |
US20060285311A1 (en) * | 2005-06-19 | 2006-12-21 | Chih-Li Chang | Light-emitting device, backlight module, and liquid crystal display using the same |
US20070070616A1 (en) * | 2005-09-21 | 2007-03-29 | Victor Company Of Japan, Limited | Surface light source device |
US20070091598A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-26 | Chen Chi G | Low-voltage LED garden lights |
US20070086179A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation | Light mixing plate and direct backlight module |
US20070091615A1 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | Chi-Tang Hsieh | Backlight module for LCD monitors and method of backlighting the same |
US7334933B1 (en) * | 2005-11-04 | 2008-02-26 | Simon Jerome H | Unified optical collection and distribution of light from quasi-point sources including LEDs, and linear light sources |
US20070133204A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | Ilight Technologies, Inc. | Illumination device with hue transformation |
US20070147073A1 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-06-28 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Surface light source device and display device using the same |
US20070258247A1 (en) * | 2006-05-02 | 2007-11-08 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting module capable of increasing dispersion diameter |
US20080137335A1 (en) * | 2006-12-06 | 2008-06-12 | Shen-Yin Tsai | Light mixer and backlight module having the same |
US7458714B2 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2008-12-02 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Optical plate and backlight module using the same |
US8585254B2 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2013-11-19 | Sony Corporation | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9574736B2 (en) | 2006-08-09 | 2017-02-21 | Sony Corporation | Backlight device, light source device, lens, electronic apparatus and light guide plate |
US20140177267A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2014-06-26 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Backlight module including cicular and cylinder fresnel lenses |
US9039247B2 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2015-05-26 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Backlight module including circular and cylinder fresnel lenses |
CN108227296A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-29 | 三菱电机株式会社 | The manufacturing method of planar light source device, display device and planar light source device |
US10598841B1 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2020-03-24 | G. Skill International Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Light guide device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8585254B2 (en) | 2013-11-19 |
US11460731B2 (en) | 2022-10-04 |
JP4479805B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 |
US20180011375A1 (en) | 2018-01-11 |
US20090207586A1 (en) | 2009-08-20 |
JP2009192915A (en) | 2009-08-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11460731B2 (en) | Lens, light source unit, backlight apparatus, and display apparatus | |
KR100783592B1 (en) | Illuminating apparatus and display device using the same | |
US7476015B2 (en) | Backlight apparatus and liquid crystal display apparatus | |
KR101318302B1 (en) | Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same | |
TW200521535A (en) | Backlight and liquid crystal display device | |
US20100061087A1 (en) | Backlight and display | |
KR101867044B1 (en) | Backlight unit, display apparatus using the same, and the lighting apparatus including the same | |
US20060203512A1 (en) | Backlight module | |
JP2006267991A (en) | Backlight module | |
JP2007178988A (en) | Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same | |
US8419264B2 (en) | Planar lighting device | |
JP2005026202A (en) | Backlight module | |
JP2012204337A (en) | Illumination device and display device | |
US20140226311A1 (en) | Light emitting device and display device | |
US7959324B2 (en) | Substrate structure and side-entrance lighting structure | |
KR20190021522A (en) | Light guide plate and backlight unit having the same | |
US20150003109A1 (en) | Direct edge-lit backlighting module | |
US11181682B2 (en) | Segmented backlight structure | |
US20050129357A1 (en) | Light guide apparatus for enhancing light source utilization efficiency | |
JP2010123551A (en) | Surface light source and liquid crystal display device | |
JP2012248769A (en) | Light-emitting device and display device | |
JP2010108601A (en) | Planar light source and liquid crystal display | |
JP2009245902A (en) | Planar illumination device and liquid crystal display device using the same | |
JP2009099270A (en) | Hollow surface lighting device | |
WO2013099454A1 (en) | Sheet-shaped light guide plate, planar illumination device, and planar illumination unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SONY CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ARAI, TAKEO;MORIMOTO, JUNJI;SIGNING DATES FROM 20131101 TO 20131105;REEL/FRAME:032135/0990 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SATURN LICENSING LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF THE ENTIRE INTEREST SUBJECT TO AN AGREEMENT RECITED IN THE DOCUMENT;ASSIGNOR:SONY CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:041391/0037 Effective date: 20150911 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |