Partition member, planar light source, and liquid crystal display device

Abstract

A partition member, a surface light source, and a liquid crystal display device, in a surface light source having a partition member, suppress thermal contraction of the partition member. The surface light source has: a substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate; and at least one partition member disposed on the substrate, the partition member having: a plurality of first wall portions having first ridgelines extending in a first direction; a plurality of second wall portions having second ridgelines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and partition regions including two opposite first wall portions and two opposite second wall portions, and surrounded by the first ridgelines and the second ridgelines when viewed from above, the partition regions being disposed in plurality in the first direction and the second direction, at least one first cutout portion being provided on at least one of the first ridgelines, the light sources being disposed in the partition regions, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a separator, a planar light source, and a liquid crystal display device. Background Technology

[0002] A known lighting device includes a substrate with a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged thereon and a reflective member disposed on the substrate. In this lighting device, light-emitting elements are disposed in each opening of the reflective member. In this lighting device, the reflective member undergoes thermal shrinkage under high temperature conditions, which sometimes results in uneven brightness. Therefore, countermeasures are implemented to reduce the impact of thermal shrinkage of the reflective member (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] <Prior art documents>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-185921 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Problem to be solved by this invention>

[0007] The object of this invention is to suppress thermal shrinkage of the separating member in a planar light source having a separating member. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide a separating member used in such a planar light source, and a liquid crystal display device using such a planar light source.

[0008] <Methods for solving problems>

[0009] An embodiment of the planar light source of the present invention includes: a substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate; and at least one partition member disposed on the substrate. The partition member includes: a plurality of first wall portions having a first ridge extending in a first direction; a plurality of second wall portions having a second ridge extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and partition regions including two opposing first wall portions and two opposing second wall portions, and being surrounded by the first ridge and the second ridge when viewed from above. A plurality of partition regions are disposed in the first direction and the second direction, and at least one first cut is provided on at least one of the first ridges. The light sources are respectively disposed in the partition regions.

[0010] <The Effects of the Invention>

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, thermal shrinkage of the separating member can be suppressed in a planar light source having a separating member. Furthermore, a separating member used in the planar light source and a liquid crystal display device using the planar light source are also provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top view illustrating the partition 1.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of area A.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of IV-IV.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view (of which 1) showing another example of a continuous cut.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view (2) showing another example of a continuous cut.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the thermal load-based shrinkage in the partition component 1X of the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the suppression of thermal load-based shrinkage in the partition component 1.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1A.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1B.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1C.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1D.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1E.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition 1F.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a top view illustrating the planar light source of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view along the XVI-XVI line.

[0028] Figure 17This is an example of a partial top view (of part 1) of the partition 2.

[0029] Figure 18 This is an example of a partial top view (of part 2) of the partition component 2.

[0030] Figure 19 This is an example of a partial top view (of which 1) showing the partition 2A.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a partial top view (2) illustrating the partition 2A.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a configuration diagram illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a third embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D,1E,1F,2,2A Separating components

[0035] 1G,1H Lower side components

[0036] 10 First wall section

[0037] 11 First edge line

[0038] 12 First sidewall

[0039] 13 Second sidewall

[0040] 20 Second wall section

[0041] 21 Second edge line

[0042] 22 Third sidewall

[0043] 23 Fourth sidewall

[0044] 30 Separated Areas

[0045] 40,140 Bottom

[0046] 40x, 140x opening

[0047] 50,50C Continuous cut

[0048] 51. All mouth parts

[0049] 51E Peripheral First Incision

[0050] 52 Second incision

[0051] 52E Peripheral Second Incision

[0052] 53 Third incision

[0053] 60 planar light source

[0054] 61 substrate

[0055] 61m upper surface

[0056] 62 Covering components

[0057] 63 Light Source

[0058] 63a Light-emitting element

[0059] 63b Sealing component

[0060] 63c light-reflecting film

[0061] 63d bottom filler

[0062] 68A and 68B conductor wiring

[0063] 69. Connecting components

[0064] 70 Third wall section

[0065] 71 Third ridge line

[0066] 72 Fifth sidewall

[0067] 73 Sixth lateral wall

[0068] 110 Fourth wall section

[0069] 111 Fourth edge line

[0070] 112 Seventh sidewall

[0071] 113 Eighth sidewall

[0072] 120 Fifth Wall Section

[0073] 121 Fifth Edge

[0074] 122 Ninth lateral wall

[0075] 123 Tenth sidewall

[0076] 150 Lower continuous incision section

[0077] 151 First lower side incision

[0078] 152 Second lower side incision

[0079] 710 Optical Film

[0080] 720 LCD panel

[0081] 1000 LCD display device Detailed Implementation

[0082] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes the methods for carrying out the invention. It should be noted that in the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., "upper," "lower," and other terms including these terms) are used as needed. However, the use of these terms is to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the technical scope of the invention is not limited by the meaning of these terms. Furthermore, the same reference numerals shown in multiple figures indicate the same or equivalent parts or components.

[0083] Furthermore, the embodiments described below exemplify planar light sources and the like, which are used to embody the technical concept of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the following. Also, unless specifically described, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely examples. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments and variations. Additionally, the size and position of components shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Moreover, to avoid making the drawings overly complex, schematic diagrams with some elements omitted are sometimes used, or end views showing only the cut surfaces are used as sectional views.

[0084] <First Implementation Method>

[0085] In the first embodiment, the separating member will be described first, and then the planar light source on which the separating member and the light source are disposed on the substrate will be described.

[0086] [Separator Component 1]

[0087] Figure 1 This is a top view illustrating the partition 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0088] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the partition member 1 has a plurality of first wall portions 10, a plurality of second wall portions 20, and a plurality of partition regions 30. The plurality of first wall portions 10 are arranged parallel to each other, for example. Additionally, the plurality of second wall portions 20 are arranged parallel to each other, for example. The partition member 1 may have a plurality of bottom portions 40 as needed. The following description will take the case where the partition member 1 has a plurality of bottom portions 40 as an example.

[0089] The first wall portion 10 has a first ridge 11 extending in a first direction, a first sidewall 12, and a second sidewall 13. The first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 are arranged apart from the first ridge 11 when viewed from above. The upper end of the first sidewall 12 is continuous with the upper end of the second sidewall 13. There is a space between the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13.

[0090] The first ridge line 11 is the line connecting the highest point of the first wall portion 10. In a cross-sectional view cut in a direction orthogonal to the first ridge line 11, the area near the first ridge line 11 can be either pointed or rounded. Alternatively, the first ridge line 11 can be a flat portion extending linearly with an extremely narrow width. This flat portion is not the wide width used in threaded fastening, but rather a width narrower than the threaded hole. The width of this flat portion is, for example, 1 mm or less. Furthermore, the first ridge line 11 does not have a widened portion used in threaded fastening; it is essentially a constant width.

[0091] The second wall portion 20 has a second ridge 21 extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a third side wall 22, and a fourth side wall 23. The third side wall 22 and the fourth side wall 23 are arranged separated by the second ridge 21 when viewed from above. The upper end of the third side wall 22 is continuous with the upper end of the fourth side wall 23. There is a space between the third side wall 22 and the fourth side wall 23.

[0092] The second ridge line 21 is the line connecting the highest point of the second wall portion 20. In a cross-sectional view cut in a direction orthogonal to the second ridge line 21, the area near the second ridge line 21 can be either pointed or rounded. Alternatively, the second ridge line 21 can be a flat portion extending linearly with an extremely narrow width. This flat portion is not the wide width used in threaded fastening, but rather a width narrower than the threaded hole. The width of this flat portion is, for example, less than 1 mm. Furthermore, the second ridge line 21 does not have a widened portion used in threaded fastening; it is essentially a constant width.

[0093] exist Figure 1 In this context, the X and Y directions, which are orthogonal to each other, are defined, and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is set as the Z direction. In the separator 1, either of the directions in which the two edges extend can be set as the first direction. Here, [the following is a more detailed explanation of the first direction]. Figure 1 The orthogonal X and Y directions are defined as follows: the X direction is designated as the first direction X, and the Y direction is designated as the second direction Y. However, in the partition 1, the first and second directions may not be orthogonal. It should be noted that in the following description, the -X direction of the object part is sometimes referred to as the X-side, the +X direction as the X+ side, the -Y direction as the Y-side, and the +Y direction as the Y+ side.

[0094] The dividing region 30, when viewed from above, is the area surrounded by the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21. Multiple dividing regions 30 are arranged in the first and second directions. Figure 1In the example, multiple dividing regions 30 are configured in a row-column pattern, with the first direction X set as the row direction and the second direction Y set as the column direction. The number of dividing regions 30 configured in each row direction can be the same or different. Similarly, the number of dividing regions 30 configured in each column direction can also be the same or different. Figure 1 In the example, when viewed from above, the multiple rectangular dividing areas 30 are configured as 4 rows and 8 columns.

[0095] Each partition region 30 includes two opposing first wall portions 10, two opposing second wall portions 20, and a bottom 40. The bottom 40 is, for example, rectangular when viewed from above. In each partition region 30, the two opposing first wall portions 10 are a first sidewall 12 located at the outer edge of the Y-side of the bottom 40, and a second sidewall 13 located at the outer edge of the Y+side of the bottom 40. Additionally, in each partition region 30, the two opposing second wall portions 20 are a third sidewall 22 located at the outer edge of the X-side of the bottom 40, and a fourth sidewall 23 located at the outer edge of the X+side of the bottom 40.

[0096] The outer edge of the bottom 40 is connected to the lower ends of the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23. That is, the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23 are configured as a frame surrounding the bottom 40 when viewed from above. The first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23 are inclined relative to the bottom 40. In each partition region 30, the distance in the second direction Y between the regions enclosed by the opposing first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 narrows towards the bottom 40 and widens towards the top. Furthermore, in each partition region 30, the distance in the first direction X between the regions enclosed by the opposing third sidewall 22 and the fourth sidewall 23 narrows towards the bottom 40 and widens towards the top.

[0097] The bottom 40 has an opening 40x. When the separating member 1 is used as a planar light source, the opening 40x is the area where the light source can be arranged. The opening 40x is, for example, located in the center of the bottom 40, and does not reach the lower ends of the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the opening 40x is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom 40. The opening 40x is, for example, circular when viewed from above.

[0098] In a longitudinal sectional view cut through the center of the bottom 40 and parallel to the second direction Y, the first wall portion 10, preferably including the first ridge 11, the first sidewall 12, and the second sidewall 13, is preferably V-shaped with a downward opening. Furthermore, in a longitudinal sectional view cut through the center of the bottom 40 and parallel to the first direction X (e.g., Figure 2The second wall portion 20, which preferably includes the second ridge 21, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23, is V-shaped and opens downwards.

[0099] It should be noted that the first wall portion 10 located on the outer edge of the Y-side of the entire partition member 1 may not have a second sidewall 13. In this case, the first ridge line 11 on the outer edge of the Y-side of the entire partition member 1 is the upper end of the first sidewall 12. A second cutout 52 may or may not be provided on the second wall portion 20 located on the outer edge of the Y-side of the entire partition member 1. Furthermore, the first wall portion 10 located on the outer edge of the Y+side of the entire partition member 1 may not have a first sidewall 12. In this case, the first ridge line 11 on the outer edge of the Y+side of the entire partition member 1 is the upper end of the second sidewall 13. A second cutout 52 may or may not be provided on the second wall portion 20 located on the outer edge of the Y+side of the entire partition member 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the second wall portion 20 located on the outer edge of the X-side of the entire partition member 1 may not have a fourth sidewall 23. In this case, the second ridge line 21 on the outer edge of the X-side of the entire partition member 1 is the upper end of the third sidewall 22. A first cutout 51 may or may not be provided on the first wall portion 10 located on the outer edge of the X-side of the entire partition member 1. Additionally, the second wall portion 20 located on the outer edge of the X+ side of the entire partition member 1 may not have a third sidewall 22. In this case, the second ridge line 21 on the outer edge of the X+ side of the entire partition member 1 is the upper end of the fourth sidewall 23. A first cutout 51 may or may not be provided on the first wall portion 10 located on the outer edge of the X+ side of the entire partition member 1.

[0101] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of region A. The dividing member 1 has a first cutout 51 on the first ridge 11 and a second cutout 52 on the second ridge 21. Figure 3 In the example shown, a continuous cut portion 50 is formed by the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52. In the separating member 1 and the separating member 1A described later, the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 are sometimes described using the continuous cut portion 50. The first cut portion 51 is, for example, a straight line extending in the first direction X, and the second cut portion 52 is, for example, a straight line extending in the second direction Y. The lengths of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 may be the same or different.

[0102] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of IV-IV. (See also:) Figure 4 As shown, the continuous cut portion 50 can penetrate the first wall portion 10 or the second wall portion 20. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view (of which 1) showing another example of a continuous cut. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view (2) showing another example of a continuous cut. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 It shows the relationship with Figure 4 The corresponding cross-section. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the continuous cut portion 50 may not penetrate the first wall portion 10 or the second wall portion 20.

[0103] That is, the first cut 51 may penetrate the first wall portion 10 or not. For example, the first cut 51 may be a bottomed recess. When the first cut 51 does not penetrate the first wall portion 10, it is preferable that the depth of the first cut 51 is more than half the thickness of the first wall portion 10. When the first cut 51 does not penetrate the first wall portion 10, the first cut 51 may be disposed on the first ridge 11 or on the lower surface of the first wall portion 10 located directly below the first ridge 11. When the separating member 1 is used in the planar light source described later, if the first cut 51 is disposed on the lower surface of the first wall portion 10, the optical effect of uneven brightness can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, the second cutout 52 may or may not penetrate the second wall portion 20. For example, the second cutout 52 may be a bottomed recess. When the second cutout 52 does not penetrate the second wall portion 20, it is preferable that the depth of the second cutout 52 is more than half the thickness of the second wall portion 20. When the second cutout 52 does not penetrate the second wall portion 20, the second cutout 52 may be disposed on the second ridge 21 or on the lower surface of the second wall portion 20 located directly below the second ridge 21. When the separating member 1 is used in the planar light source described later, if the second cutout 52 is disposed on the lower surface of the second wall portion 20, the optical effects of uneven brightness can be suppressed.

[0105] When viewed from above, the continuous cut portion 50 is cross-shaped. For example, the first cut portion 51 passes through the midpoint of the second cut portion 52, and the second cut portion 52 passes through the midpoint of the first cut portion 51. In the continuous cut portion 50, the intersection of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 coincides with intersection point I. At least one continuous cut portion 50 is required. Figure 3 In the example, continuous cutouts 50 are provided at all intersection points I. It should be noted that, when viewed from above, the shape of the continuous cutouts 50 at intersection points I is not limited to a cross shape, but can also be L-shaped, I-shaped, T-shaped, etc.

[0106] The first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52, located at an intersection I, are disposed away from other intersections I adjacent to that intersection I. When adjacent intersections I also have continuous cut portions 50, the adjacent continuous cut portions 50 are separated and do not contact each other. The length of each of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 constituting the continuous cut portion 50 is, for example, shorter than the length of one side of the dividing region 30. The length of each of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 can, for example, be set to one-third the length of one side of the dividing region 30.

[0107] It should be noted that, in Figure 3 In order to clearly define the position of the continuous cut portion 50, the continuous cut portion 50 is depicted with exaggeratedly thick lines for convenience. However, in reality, the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 constituting the continuous cut portion 50 are formed, for example, with a width of about several hundred μm by preparing a dividing member intermediate body in which the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 are not provided on the first ridge line 11 and the second ridge line 21, and forming the cut using a cutting tool such as a knife.

[0108] Alternatively, the separator 1 can be formed by injection molding or the like. When forming by injection molding or the like, the mold is positioned at the portions corresponding to the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52, so that the part is not formed at the portions corresponding to the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52. Thus, parts that do not require a "cutting" process can also include the cutout portions.

[0109] Alternatively, the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 can also be formed, for example, by preparing a dividing member intermediate body without the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 on the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, and using a die-cutting process. Specifically, for example, the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 can be formed on the dividing member intermediate body by setting a die on the lower surface side of the dividing member intermediate body and using a backing plate to stamp from the upper surface side of the dividing member intermediate body. This method is preferable because it is less likely to produce burrs when forming the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52. In this case, the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 can be formed integrally on the dividing member intermediate body by a single stamping operation, and the stamping can be performed in multiple operations or one by one.

[0110] There is a case where at least a portion of the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 are connected across the first cutout 51. Additionally, there is a case where at least a portion of the third sidewall 22 and the fourth sidewall 23 are connected across the second cutout 52. Thus, with at least a portion of the first cutout 51 and / or the second cutout 52 connected, the separating member 1 becomes light-reflective, and when using a planar light source (described later), it is possible to suppress light directly incident from the light source onto the first cutout 51 and / or the second cutout 52, as well as light returning from the optical sheet, from entering the first cutout 51 and / or the second cutout 52. This suppresses the reduction in the amount of light extracted from the planar light source.

[0111] The separator 1 can be disposed on and bonded to the substrate to form a planar light source. When the separator 1 is light-reflective, the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 of the first wall portion 10, the third sidewall 22 and the fourth sidewall 23 of the second wall portion 20, and the bottom 40 function as reflective components for reflecting light from the light source. That is, the separator 1 can be used as a reflector for the planar light source.

[0112] It should be noted that "disposed on the substrate" refers to both cases where the partition member or the like is directly disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and cases where it is indirectly disposed through the cover member or the like (described later). Furthermore, "bonded to the substrate" refers to both cases where the partition member or the like is directly bonded to the upper surface of the substrate and cases where it is indirectly bonded to the substrate through the cover member or the like (described later).

[0113] In a planar light source disposed on a substrate with partition 1 and light source disposed on a substrate exposed within each opening 40x, thermal load is applied to partition 1 during storage in a high-temperature environment or during light source operation, which may cause shrinkage in partition 1. It should be noted that if stored in a high-temperature environment, individual partition 1 may also experience thermal shrinkage.

[0114] For example, in Figure 7 In the comparative example shown, the partition member 1X is designed to have no cutouts. If a heat load is applied to the partition member 1X, the partition member 1X will shrink towards the center as indicated by the arrow. The larger the size of the partition member 1X when viewed from above, the greater the shrinkage of the partition member 1X. If the partition member 1X shrinks due to the heat load, the distance from the light source to the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, and the fourth sidewall 23 in each partition region 30 may change.

[0115] In contrast, in the partition member 1 with the continuous cut portion 50, the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are cut off by the continuous cut portion 50. Therefore, if a thermal load is applied, the partition member 1 can be caused to contract at each of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 that are cut off by the continuous cut portion 50. By causing each of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 to contract, each of the first ridge 11 and each of the second ridge 21 contracts in the direction of the contraction of the first ridge and the second ridge itself ( Figure 8 (As indicated by the arrow) contraction, thus suppressing the separation component 1 as shown. Figure 7 The light contracts towards the center. This suppresses variations in the distance from the light source to the first sidewall 12, second sidewall 13, third sidewall 22, and fourth sidewall 23 in each of the partitioned regions 30. As a result, changes in the direction of light reflection in the partition member 1 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing uneven brightness and color in a planar light source.

[0116] The separator 1 is formed, for example, by stamping a sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.3 mm using a die, into a shape having a first wall portion 10, a second wall portion 20, and a bottom portion 40. During forming, the portion at intersection I is stretched the most, and therefore the stress based on thermal load is greatest at intersection I. Therefore, providing continuous cutouts 50 at intersection I to alleviate stress is particularly effective in suppressing the shrinkage of the separator 1 caused by thermal load. In addition, setting the continuous cutouts 50 in a cross shape is effective in suppressing the shrinkage of the separator 1 in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Furthermore, arranging continuous cutouts 50 at all intersections I of the separator 1 is effective in suppressing the overall shrinkage of the separator 1.

[0117] Furthermore, placing the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 at the intersection I has the following advantages compared to placing them outside the intersection I. Specifically, when the dividing region 30 is rectangular, the distance from the light source to the intersection I is greater than that outside the intersection I. Therefore, when the dividing member is used in a planar light source, by placing the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 at a position far from the light source, light from the light source can be made less likely to reach the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52, thus suppressing the optical effects of uneven brightness.

[0118] In addition, in the partition component 1, each partition region 30 is rectangular when viewed from above. Since each partition region 30 has the same shape, it is possible to suppress the optical effects of uneven brightness.

[0119] [Separator Component 1A]

[0120] Separator 1A is another example of a separator. Figure 9This is a partial top view illustrating the partition member 1A. The partition member 1A is arranged in an alternating pattern at the continuous cutouts 50, similar to partition member 1 (see reference 1). Figure 3 (etc.) are the same.

[0121] Here, "interlaced" means that there are intersection points I where no continuous cuts 50 are provided between adjacent continuous cut portions 50 in the first direction X, and also between adjacent continuous cut portions 50 in the second direction Y. In other words, in the separator 1A, the continuous cut portions 50 are arranged at intersection points I adjacent to each other in the first direction X. Furthermore, the continuous cut portions 50 are arranged at intersection points I adjacent to each other in the second direction Y. No continuous cut portions 50 are provided at the intersection points I adjacent to each other in the first direction X and in the second direction Y.

[0122] The separator 1A is the same as separator 1 and can be used as a reflector for a planar light source. Since separator 1A has a continuous cutout 50, it can achieve the same effect as separator 1.

[0123] [Separator Component 1B]

[0124] Separator 1B is another example of a separator. Figure 10 This is a partial top view illustrating the partition member 1B. The partition member 1B differs from the partition member 1 in that the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 are not continuous like the continuous cutout 50, but are separated from each other. (See reference 1) Figure 3 (etc.) are different.

[0125] In the partition member 1B, at the plurality of intersection points I on the first ridge 11 where it intersects with the second ridge 21, the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 are alternately arranged. Alternatively, the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 may be alternately arranged only at either the plurality of intersection points I on the first ridge 11 where it intersects with the second ridge 21, or at either the plurality of intersection points I on the second ridge 21 where it intersects with the first ridge 11.

[0126] The first cutout 51, positioned at an intersection I, moves away from other intersections I adjacent to that intersection I. In other words, the first cutout 51 positioned at an intersection I does not reach other intersections I adjacent to that intersection I. It should be noted that the same applies to the second cutout 52.

[0127] The separating member 1B is the same as the separating member 1 and can be used as a reflector for a planar light source. Since the separating member 1B has a first cutout 51 and a second cutout 52, it can achieve the same effect as the separating member 1 in terms of suppressing shrinkage. In addition, in the continuous cutout 50, the opening degree of the cutout near the intersection of the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 is relatively larger. In contrast, when the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52 are arranged separately from each other, the opening degree of the cutout can be reduced. Therefore, when the separating member 1B is used for a planar light source, the amount of light emitted by the light source and light returning from the optical sheet can be reduced from entering the first cutout 51 and the second cutout 52, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light extracted from the planar light source.

[0128] [Other variations of the partition component]

[0129] In the separating component, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 may not be positioned at intersection point I, but rather positioned between adjacent intersection points I without being connected to intersection point I. In this case, only the first cutout portion 51 may be positioned, only the second cutout portion 52 may be positioned, or both the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 may be positioned. Furthermore, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 may be configured by arranging multiple points.

[0130] Furthermore, in the partition components, the shape of each partition area is not limited to a rectangle when viewed from above. For example, as... Figure 11 The shown separator 1C, Figure 12 As shown in the dividing component 1D, the shape of each dividing region 30 can be hexagonal when viewed from above.

[0131] In addition to a plurality of first wall portions 10 and a plurality of second wall portions 20, the partition members 1C and 1D also have a plurality of third wall portions 70. The plurality of third wall portions 70 are arranged, for example, in parallel with each other. The partition members 1C and 1D may have a plurality of bottom portions 40 as needed.

[0132] The third wall portion 70 has a third ridge 71 extending upward in a third direction different from the first and second directions, a fifth side wall 72, and a sixth side wall 73. The fifth side wall 72 and the sixth side wall 73 are positioned across the third ridge 71 when viewed from above. The upper end of the fifth side wall 72 is continuous with the upper end of the sixth side wall 73. A space exists between the fifth side wall 72 and the sixth side wall 73.

[0133] The third ridge line 71 is the line connecting the highest point of the third wall portion 70. In a cross-sectional view taken in a direction orthogonal to the third ridge line 71, the area near the third ridge line 71 can be either pointed or rounded. Furthermore, similar to the description of the first ridge line 11, the third ridge line 71 can be a flat portion of extremely narrow width extending in a linear shape.

[0134] Separating members 1C and 1D have a first cutout 51 on a first ridge 11, a second cutout 52 on a second ridge 21, and a third cutout 53 on a third ridge 71. The first cutout 51, the second cutout 52, and the third cutout 53 are continuous, forming a continuous cutout portion 50C. In the continuous cutout portion 50C, the first cutout 51, the second cutout 52, and the third cutout 53 are continuous at the intersection point I of the first ridge 11, the second ridge 21, and the third ridge 71. In separating member 1C, the continuous cutout portion 50C is arranged at all intersection points I. In contrast, in separating member 1D, the continuous cutout portions 50C are arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0135] Thus, the separating components 1C and 1D each have a plurality of first wall portions 10 having a first ridge 11, a plurality of second wall portions 20 having a second ridge 21, and a plurality of third wall portions 70 having a third ridge 71 extending in a direction different from the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21. The ends of the first ridge 11, the second ridge 21, and the third ridge 71 are connected to define the separating region 30. For example, if the separating region 30 is hexagonal when viewed from above, then each separating region 30 is arranged in a honeycomb shape when viewed from above. The separating region 30 can be a regular hexagon when viewed from above.

[0136] Figure 13 This is a partial top view of the partition component 1E, showing the lower left corner of the partition component 1E. For example... Figure 13 Similar to the portion surrounded by dotted lines, a first peripheral cut 51E and a second peripheral cut 52E, different from the first cut 51 and the second cut 52, can be arranged on the outer periphery of the separating member 1E. The first peripheral cut 51E is a cut provided on the first ridge 11 and located on the outer periphery of the separating member 1E. The second peripheral cut 52E is a cut provided on the second ridge 21 and located on the outer periphery of the separating member 1E. The first peripheral cut 51E and the second peripheral cut 52E can be arranged orthogonally to the outer periphery of the separating member 1E.

[0137] In the partition member 1E, as an example, at multiple intersection points I on the first ridge 11 where it intersects with the second ridge 21, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 are alternately arranged. Furthermore, as an example, at multiple intersection points I on the second ridge 21 where it intersects with the first ridge 11, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 are alternately arranged. The outer peripheral first cutout portion 51E and the outer peripheral second cutout portion 52E may be arranged according to this rule, or they may not be arranged according to this rule. Figure 13In the example shown, all the outer peripheral first cutouts 51E and outer peripheral second cutouts 52E are orthogonally arranged to the outer periphery. The lengths of the outer peripheral first cutouts 51E and outer peripheral second cutouts 52E are... Figure 13 In the example shown, the lengths of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 are shorter. The lengths of the outer peripheral first cut portion 51E and the outer peripheral second cut portion 52E can, for example, be set to approximately half the lengths of the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52. It should be noted that the outer peripheral first cut portion 51E and the outer peripheral second cut portion 52E can be formed simultaneously with the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52, or they can be formed in a separate process from the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52. By simultaneously forming the outer peripheral first cut portion 51E, the outer peripheral second cut portion 52E, the first cut portion 51, and the second cut portion 52, productivity can be improved.

[0138] Separating components can be as follows Figure 1 As shown in the example, it can be rectangular when viewed from above, or it can be irregular in shape when viewed from above. Figure 14 This example shows a partial top view of a partition component 1F that is irregularly shaped when viewed from above, showing the lower left corner of the partition component 1F. Here, irregular shape refers to a shape other than a rectangle when viewed from above, such as a shape that applies partial or overall deformation to a complete rectangle to conform to a specific product shape. The outer perimeter of the partition component can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown in the example, it can consist of only multiple straight lines, or it can include curves. In the separator 1F, there is an area in the lower left corner where no separator area is configured.

[0139] In the partition member 1F, as an example, at multiple intersection points I on the first ridge 11 where it intersects with the second ridge 21, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 are alternately arranged. Similarly, as an example, at multiple intersection points I on the second ridge 21 where it intersects with the first ridge 11, the first cutout portion 51 and the second cutout portion 52 are alternately arranged. Similar to the partition member 1E, the outer peripheral first cutout portion 51E and the outer peripheral second cutout portion 52E may be arranged according to this rule, or they may not be arranged according to this rule. Figure 14 In the example shown, all the outer peripheral first cutouts 51E and outer peripheral second cutouts 52E are orthogonally arranged to the outer periphery.

[0140] Furthermore, the continuous cut portion at the intersection of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 of the separating component can be arranged along the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, or it can be arranged without following the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21. When the continuous cut portion is not arranged along the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, the first cut portion 51 and the second cut portion 52 of the continuous cut are arranged on the side wall.

[0141] Furthermore, when the first cutout 51 is positioned at the intersection of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, in a top view, the first cutout 51 can extend from a position through the lower end of the third sidewall 22 and parallel to the Y direction to a position through the lower end of the fourth sidewall 23 and parallel to the Y direction. Similarly, when the second cutout 52 is positioned at the intersection of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, in a top view, the second cutout 52 can extend from a position through the lower end of the first sidewall 12 and parallel to the X direction to a position through the lower end of the second sidewall 13 and parallel to the X direction.

[0142] Furthermore, when multiple first cutouts 51 are arranged on the first ridge 11, the length of each first cutout 51 can be the same, or the cutouts of the first cutouts 51 located further outwards can be longer. Since the shrinkage of the separating member is greater on the outer periphery, by setting the length of the cutouts of the first cutouts 51 located further outwards to be longer, the shrinkage on the outer periphery can be suppressed. The same applies when multiple second cutouts 52 are arranged on the second ridge 21. That is, when multiple second cutouts 52 are arranged on the second ridge 21, the length of each second cutout 52 can be the same, or the cutouts of the second cutouts 52 located further outwards can be longer. Furthermore, when multiple first cutouts 51 are arranged on the first ridge 11 and multiple second cutouts 52 are arranged on the second ridge 21, the length of the cutouts of the first cutouts 51 and the second cutouts 52 located closer to the corners of the separating member can be set to be longer. This can suppress the shrinkage on the outer periphery.

[0143] Furthermore, in the partition component, it is sufficient to provide at least one first cut on at least one first ridge line; a second cut on the second ridge line is not required. Alternatively, in the partition component, at least one first cut can be provided on at least one first ridge line, and at least one second cut can be provided on at least one second ridge line.

[0144] [Area Light Source 60]

[0145] The aforementioned separating members can be disposed on and bonded to the substrate to form a planar light source. Here, although the planar light source is described using separating member 1 as an example, other separating members such as separating members 1A and 1B can be used instead of separating member 1. Furthermore, multiple separating members can be arranged on a single substrate.

[0146] Figure 15 This is a top view illustrating the planar light source of the first embodiment. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view along the XVI-XVI line. (See example...) Figure 15 as well as Figure 16As shown, the planar light source 60 is a surface-emitting type light-emitting device having a substrate 61, a covering member 62, a separating member 1, and a plurality of light sources 63. The separating member 1 is disposed on the substrate 61. The covering member 62 covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the substrate 61. The covering member 62 is provided as needed.

[0147] In the planar light source 60, the lower surface of the bottom 40 of the separating member 1 is joined to the cover member 62 disposed on the substrate 61. That is, the lower surface of the bottom 40 of the separating member 1 is indirectly joined to the substrate 61 through the cover member 62. In addition, in the planar light source 60, the light source 63 is disposed on the substrate 61 exposed within the opening 40x of the bottom 40. Hereinafter, the components included in the planar light source 60 will be described in detail.

[0148] (Substrate 61)

[0149] The substrate 61 is a component for mounting a plurality of light sources 63. Conductor wirings 68A and 68B for supplying power to the light sources 63 are disposed on the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61. Preferably, a covering member 62 covers a portion of the conductor wirings 68A and 68B that are not electrically connected to the light-emitting elements.

[0150] The material of the substrate 61 should be sufficient to insulate and separate at least one pair of conductor wires 68A and 68B. Examples of suitable materials include ceramics, resins, and composite materials. Examples of suitable resins include phenolic resins, epoxy resins, polyimide resins, BT resins, polyphthalamide (PPA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Examples of suitable composite materials include materials in which inorganic fillers such as glass fibers, SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 are mixed into the aforementioned resins, glass fiber reinforced resins (glass epoxy resins), and metal substrates with an insulating layer covering the metal parts.

[0151] The thickness of substrate 61 can be appropriately selected. Substrate 61 can be either a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate that can be manufactured by roll-to-roll. The rigid substrate can be a thin, flexible rigid substrate. Conductor wires 68A and 68B can be conductive components, and the material is not particularly limited; materials commonly used as wiring layers in circuit boards, etc., can be used. The surfaces of conductor wires 68A and 68B can be coated with light-reflecting films, etc.

[0152] Preferably, the cover member 62 is made of an insulating material. The same material as that used for the substrate 61 can be used as the material for the cover member 62. By using a material containing a white, light-reflective filler or numerous air bubbles in the resin, the light emitted from the light source 63 is reflected, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the planar light source 60.

[0153] (Light source 63)

[0154] Light source 63 is a component for emitting light, including, for example, a self-emitting light-emitting element itself, a component that seals the light-emitting element with a light-transmitting resin, and a surface-mount light-emitting device (also called an LED) after the light-emitting element is encapsulated. For example, as light source 63, such as Figure 16 As shown, an example is a component that covers the light-emitting element 63a with a sealing component 63b. The light source 63 can use one light-emitting element 63a, or multiple light-emitting elements can be used as a single light source 63. For example, a component that emits blue light can be used as the light-emitting element. Alternatively, the light source 63 can be configured to include: a resin comprising a light-reflective material surrounding the sides of the light-emitting element; and a light-transmitting component covering the upper surface of the light-emitting element and the upper surface of the resin comprising the light-reflective material. It can also be configured to include a light-transmitting component covering the upper surface of the light-emitting element, and a resin comprising a light-reflective material surrounding the sides of the light-emitting element and the sides of the light-transmitting component. The light-transmitting component may contain a phosphor. A light-transmitting adhesive component can be provided between the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting component to bond the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting component.

[0155] In order to illuminate each of the partition regions 30 of the partition member 1 with less uneven brightness, the light source 63 is preferably wide-spectrum. In particular, each light source 63 is preferably characterized by a batwing-shaped light distribution. As a result, by suppressing the amount of light emitted directly above the light source 63, the light distribution of each light source 63 is broadened, and the broadened light illuminates the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, the fourth sidewall 23, and the bottom 40, thereby suppressing uneven brightness in each partition region 30.

[0156] Here, the light distribution characteristics of a batwing-shaped wing are defined as follows: with the optical axis OA set to 0 degrees, at angles where the absolute value of the light distribution angle is greater than 0 degrees, the luminous intensity distribution is stronger than that at 0 degrees. It should be noted that, as... Figure 16 As shown, the optical axis OA is defined as a line that passes through the center of the light source 63 and intersects perpendicularly with the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61.

[0157] In particular, as a light source 63 with batwing-shaped light distribution characteristics, for example, such as Figure 16As shown, a light source using a light-emitting element 63a with a light-reflecting film 63c on its upper surface can be cited as an example. By providing a light-reflecting film 63c on the upper surface of the light-emitting element 63a, light directed upwards towards the light-emitting element 63a is essentially reflected by the light-reflecting film 63c, suppressing the amount of light directly above the light-emitting element 63a, thus achieving batwing-shaped light distribution characteristics. Alternatively, a lens can be separately assembled to achieve batwing-shaped light distribution.

[0158] The light-reflecting film 63c can be any of the following: a metal film such as silver or copper; a material containing a white filler in resin; or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the light-reflecting film 63c is configured as a dielectric multilayer film (DBR film), and its reflectivity can be angle-dependent with respect to the emission wavelength of the light-emitting element 63a. Specifically, it is preferable that the reflectivity of the light-reflecting film 63c is set such that it is lower when incident at an angle compared to perpendicular incidence. This moderates the brightness variation on the surface of the light-emitting element 63a, suppressing extreme dimming or darkening of the surface of the light-emitting element 63a.

[0159] As the light source 63, for example, the height of the light-emitting element 63a, which is directly mounted on the substrate 61, can be 100 μm to 500 μm. The thickness of the light-reflecting film 63c can be 0.1 μm to 3.0 μm. Even including the sealing member 63b, the thickness of the light source 63 can be set to about 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0160] The wiring on the substrate 61 is preferably performed in a manner in which multiple light sources 63 can be driven independently of each other, and dimming control (e.g., local dimming or high dynamic range) is possible for each light source 63.

[0161] (Light-emitting element 63a)

[0162] As the light-emitting element 63a, known components can be used. For example, a light-emitting diode (LED) is preferably used as the light-emitting element 63a. The light-emitting element 63a can be selected with any wavelength. For example, as a blue or green light-emitting element, a light-emitting element using nitride semiconductors such as GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN can be used. In addition, as a red light-emitting element, GaAlAs, AlInGaP, etc. can be used. Moreover, semiconductor light-emitting elements made of materials other than these can also be used. The composition of the light-emitting element used, as well as the emission color, size, number, etc., can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0163] like Figure 16As shown, the light-emitting element 63a can be flip-chip mounted across the bonding member 69 by means of a pair of positive and negative conductor wires 68A and 68B provided on the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61. However, the light-emitting element 62a is not limited to flip-chip mounting and can also be mounted face-up.

[0164] The bonding component 69 is used to bond the light-emitting element 63a to a substrate or conductor wiring; examples include insulating resins or conductive components. Figure 16 In the case of flip-chip mounting as shown, conductive components can be used. Specifically, examples include alloys containing Au, Ag, Pd, In, Pb-Pd, Au-Ga, Au-Sn, Sn, Sn-Cu, Sn-Cu-Ag, Au-Ge, Au-Si, Al, Cu-In, and mixtures of metals and flux.

[0165] (Sealing component 63b)

[0166] The sealing component 63b covers the light-emitting element 63a for purposes such as protecting the light-emitting element 63a from the external environment and optically controlling the light emitted from the self-emitting element 63a (e.g., obtaining batwing-shaped light distribution characteristics). The sealing component 63b is made of a light-transmitting material. Light-transmitting resins such as epoxy resins, silicone resins, or mixtures thereof, as well as glass, can be used as the material for the sealing component 63b. Among these, silicone resin is preferred considering light resistance and ease of molding. The sealing component 63b may include a diffusing agent for diffusing light from the light-emitting element 63a, a colorant corresponding to the emission color of the light-emitting element 63a, etc. The diffusing agent and colorant can be substances known in the art.

[0167] The sealing member 63b can directly contact the substrate 61. The sealing member 63b is adjusted to a viscosity suitable for printing, dispensing, etc., and can be cured by heat treatment or light irradiation. Examples of the shape of the sealing member 63b include, for example, a generally hemispherical shape, a longitudinally elongated convex shape in cross-section, a flattened convex shape in cross-section, a circular shape or an elliptical shape in top view, but it is not limited to these. Here, a longitudinally elongated convex shape refers to a shape in cross-section where, compared to the maximum length in the direction parallel to the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61, the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61 is longer. Conversely, a flattened convex shape refers to a shape in cross-section where, compared to the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61, the maximum length in the direction parallel to the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61 is longer. The sealing member 63b can be disposed as a bottom filler 63d between the lower surface of the light-emitting element 63a and the upper surface 61m of the substrate 61.

[0168] (Separator 1)

[0169] The separator 1 is disposed on the substrate 61. A space is provided between the lower surface of the first sidewall 12 and the lower surface of the second sidewall 13 and the upper surface of the substrate 61 or the upper surface of the cover member 62. In addition, a space is provided between the lower surface of the third sidewall 22 and the lower surface of the fourth sidewall 23 and the upper surface of the substrate 61 or the upper surface of the cover member 62.

[0170] In the partition member 1, each opening 40x is disposed in the center of each partition region 30. Preferably, the shape and size of each opening 40x are such that the light source 63 is fully exposed, and preferably, the outer edge of each opening 40x is set to be located only near the light source 63. Thus, when the partition member 1 is light reflective, light from the light source 63 can also be reflected at each bottom 40, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency. It should be noted that in the partition member 1, each opening 40x can be formed before the formation of the first cut 51 and the second cut 52, after the formation of the first cut 51 and the second cut 52, or simultaneously with the first cut 51 and the second cut 52.

[0171] exist Figure 16 In this configuration, the angle α formed by the adjacent third sidewall 22 and fourth sidewall 23 is preferably set to, for example, 60 to 90 degrees. By setting the angle α to such a range, the space and area occupied by the partition member 1 are reduced, and the height of the partition member 1 can be reduced, thereby enabling the planar light source 60 to be made thinner. The same applies to the angle formed by the adjacent first sidewall 12 and second sidewall 13.

[0172] The spacing between adjacent first edge lines 11 and adjacent second edge lines 21 can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the light source used and the size of the required planar light source. For example, the spacing between adjacent first edge lines 11 and adjacent second edge lines 21 can be 1mm to 50mm, preferably 5mm to 20mm, and more preferably 6mm to 15mm.

[0173] In addition, the height H of the dividing member 1 itself, that is, the length in the Z direction from the lower surface of each bottom 40 of the dividing member 1 to the first ridge 11 or the second ridge 21, is preferably 8 mm or less, and is preferably about 1 mm to 4 mm when it is set as a thinner planar light source.

[0174] Preferably, the separator 1 is bonded to the substrate 61 using an adhesive component. Therefore, even if the separator 1 shrinks due to heat, the shrinkage can be suppressed because it is bonded to the substrate 61 via the adhesive component. The separator 1 can be bonded around each opening 40x using a light-reflective adhesive component, so that emitted light from the light source 63 does not incident between the substrate 61 and the separator 1. For example, it is more preferable to arrange the light-reflective adhesive component in a ring shape along the outer edge of each opening 40x. The adhesive component can be, for example, double-sided tape with an acrylic resin adhesive applied to both sides of a PET substrate, a hot-melt adhesive sheet, or a resin-based adhesive such as a thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. Preferably, these adhesive components have high flame retardancy.

[0175] As described above, the partition member 1 preferably has light reflectivity. As a result, light emitted from the light source 63 can be efficiently reflected upward through the first sidewall 12, the second sidewall 13, the third sidewall 22, the fourth sidewall 23, and the bottom 40.

[0176] The separating member 1 can be molded using a resin containing reflective materials such as titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, or silicon dioxide particles, or it can be molded using a resin without reflective materials and then have reflective materials applied to its surface. Alternatively, a resin comprising multiple tiny air bubbles can be used. In this case, light is reflected at the interface between the air bubbles and the resin. Furthermore, examples of resins used in the separating member 1 include thermoplastic resins such as acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, cyclic polyolefin resins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyesters, or thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins or silicone resins. Preferably, the separating member 1 is configured to have a reflectivity of 70% or higher for light emitted from the light source 63.

[0177] The partition component 1 can be formed using a metal mold forming method, a photoforming forming method, or by purchasing a partition component 1 having each first wall portion 10, each second wall portion 20, and each bottom portion 40. As a metal mold forming method, injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, vacuum forming, stamping, and other forming methods can be applied. For example, a partition component 1 with each first wall portion 10, each second wall portion 20, and each bottom portion 40 integrally formed can be obtained by vacuum forming using a reflective sheet made of PET or the like.

[0178] It should be noted that the planar light source 60, as an optical component disposed above the light source 63 with the separating member 1 in between, may include a diffuser. By having a diffuser in the planar light source 60, the uniformity of light emitted from the planar light source 60 to the outside can be improved. Furthermore, the planar light source 60 may further have at least one selected from the group consisting of a wavelength conversion plate, a first prism sheet, a second prism sheet, and a polarizer above the diffuser. By having one or more of these optical components in the planar light source 60, the uniformity of light can be further improved. It should be noted that the wavelength conversion plate, for example, absorbs a portion of the blue light from the light source and emits yellow, green, and / or red light, and emits white light. Since the wavelength conversion plate is separated from the light-emitting element 63a of the light source 63, phosphors that are difficult to use near the light-emitting element 63a or have poor heat or light intensity tolerance can be used. Therefore, the performance of the backlight of the planar light source 60 is improved. The phosphor included in the wavelength conversion plate can be a yttrium aluminum garnet phosphor (e.g., Y3(Al,Ga)5O). 12 Ce), lutetium-aluminum-garnet phosphors (e.g., Lu3(Al,Ga)5O) 12 Ce), terbium-aluminum-garnet phosphors (e.g., Tb3(Al,Ga)5O) 12 Ce), CCA-type fluorophores (e.g., Ca), 10 (PO4)6C l2 Eu), SAE-type phosphors (e.g., Sr4Al) 14 O 25 Eu), chlorosilicate phosphors (e.g., Ca8MgSi4O) 16 Cl2:Eu), β-silicon phosphors (e.g., (Si,Al)3(O,N)4:Eu), α-silicon phosphors (e.g., Ca(Si,Al) 12 (O,N) 16Nitrogen-based phosphors such as Eu), SLA-type phosphors (e.g., SrLiAl3N4:Eu), CASN-type phosphors (e.g., CaAlSiN3:Eu), or SCASN-type phosphors (e.g., (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu), KSF-type phosphors (e.g., K2SiF6:Mn), and KSAF-type phosphors (e.g., K2(Si)AlSiN3:Eu) 0.99 Al 0.01 )F 65.99 Fluoride phosphors such as fluoride phosphors (e.g., 3.5MgO·0.5MgF2·GeO2:Mn), phosphors with perovskite structures (e.g., CsPb(F,Cl,Br,I)3), or quantum dot phosphors (e.g., CdSe, InP, AgInS2, or AgInSe2). It should be noted that when the sealing component 63b contains a phosphor, the aforementioned materials can be used.

[0179] The planar light source 60 can be a shape parallel to the XY plane, or it can be a shape curved towards the Z+ or Z- side relative to the XY plane. For example, in the X direction, the center of the planar light source 60 can be a curved shape that is concave towards the Z- side.

[0180] <Example>

[0181] First, making and Figure 15 A planar light source A has the same structure as the planar light source 60 shown. In planar light source A, a shape similar to... Figure 1 The dividing component 1 shown is a rectangle with the same shape as the dividing component 1 and has the same shape as the dividing component 1. Figure 10 This is a partition member with the same cut portion as the partition member 1B shown. That is, it uses a partition member where the first and second cut portions are alternately arranged at multiple intersection points on the first ridge line where they intersect with the second ridge line, and also alternately arranged at multiple intersection points on the second ridge line where they intersect with the first ridge line. However, on the outer periphery of the partition member, an outer peripheral first cut portion and an outer peripheral second cut portion are arranged orthogonally to the outer periphery edge. It should be noted that the lengths of the first and second cut portions are set to approximately 3 mm, and the lengths of the outer peripheral first and second cut portions are set to approximately 1.5 mm.

[0182] In addition, as a comparative example, a planar light source B with the same structure as planar light source A was fabricated, except that no cutout was provided in the partition member. In both planar light source A and planar light source B, the partition member is formed of the same material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as the material for the partition member.

[0183] For planar light source A and planar light source B, the dimensions of the separation component in the length direction (X direction) and width direction (Y direction) were measured as initial data, and both were X = 225 mm and Y = 127 mm.

[0184] Next, planar light source A and planar light source B were stored at 100°C. After 1000 hours, the dimensions of the separating component in the X and Y directions were measured, and the degree of shrinkage was investigated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0185] (Table 1)

[0186]

[0187] As shown in Table 1, in the planar light source A with a notch in the separating component, the dimension of the separating component shrinks by 0.16 mm in the X direction and 0.12 mm in the Y direction. Expressed as a shrinkage rate, this is 0.07% in the X direction and 0.26% in the Y direction. In contrast, in the planar light source B without a notch in the separating component, the dimension of the separating component shrinks by 0.63 mm in the X direction and 0.42 mm in the Y direction. Expressed as a shrinkage rate, this is 0.28% in the X direction and 0.92% in the Y direction.

[0188] Thus, it can be confirmed that by providing a notch in the partition component, compared with the case where no notch is provided in the partition component, the shrinkage of the partition component in the X and Y directions under high temperature environment can be suppressed to about 1 / 3 to 1 / 4.

[0189] <Second Implementation Method>

[0190] In the second embodiment, an example of a partition component with two components overlapping is shown.

[0191] [Separator Component 2]

[0192] Figure 17 This is an example of a partial top view (of part 1) of the partition 2. Figure 18 The example shows a partial top view (of which 2) of the separating component 2, which shows the filling before the two components are overlapped. Figure 17 The shown separator 2 is in Figure 18 A lower component 1G is disposed on the lower side of the shown partition component 1A.

[0193] That is, the partition member 2 has a partition member 1A and a lower member 1G disposed below the partition member 1A. In the partition member 2, the partition member 1A is disposed overlapping the lower member 1G. The overall shape of the partition member 1A is similar to... Figure 1 The partition component 1 shown is the same as that shown, and the position and shape of the cut are the same as those of the reference. Figure 9 The explanations are the same.

[0194] The lower component 1G has multiple fourth wall portions 110 and multiple fifth wall portions 120. Figure 18 In the example, the lower component 1G has multiple bottoms 140, each bottom 140 having an opening 140x. It should be noted that either the separating component 1A or the lower component 1G may have a bottom and an opening, or both may have a bottom and an opening. When both the separating component 1A and the lower component 1G have bottoms and openings, and the separating component 1A overlaps the lower component 1G, a bottom 40 is positioned above the bottoms 140, and the opening 40x communicates with the opening 140x.

[0195] The fourth wall portion 110 has a fourth ridge line 111 extending in a first direction, a seventh side wall 112, and an eighth side wall 113. The upper end of the seventh side wall 112 is continuous with the upper end of the eighth side wall 113. There is a space between the seventh side wall 112 and the eighth side wall 113.

[0196] The fourth ridge line 111 is the line connecting the highest point of the fourth wall portion 110. In a cross-sectional view cut in a direction orthogonal to the fourth ridge line 111, the area near the fourth ridge line 111 can be either pointed or rounded. Furthermore, similar to the description of the first ridge line 111, the fourth ridge line 111 can be a very narrow, flat portion extending linearly.

[0197] Each fourth wall portion 110 is disposed on the lower side of each first wall portion 10 of the partition member 1A.

[0198] The fifth wall portion 120 has a fifth ridge line 121 extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a ninth side wall 122, and a tenth side wall 123. The upper end of the ninth side wall 122 is continuous with the upper end of the tenth side wall 123. There is a space between the ninth side wall 122 and the tenth side wall 123.

[0199] The fifth ridge line 121 is the line connecting the highest point of the fifth wall portion 120. In a cross-sectional view cut in a direction orthogonal to the fifth ridge line 121, the area near the fifth ridge line 121 can be either pointed or rounded. Furthermore, similar to the description given for the first ridge line 11, the fifth ridge line 121 can be a very narrow, flat portion extending linearly.

[0200] Each fifth wall portion 120 is disposed on the underside of each second wall portion 20 of the partition member 1A.

[0201] The lower component 1G, when viewed from above, has a continuous lower cutout 150 consisting of a first lower cutout 151 on the fifth ridge 121 and a second lower cutout 152 on the fourth ridge 111. The first lower cutout 151 is, for example, a straight line extending in the second direction Y, and the second lower cutout 152 is, for example, a straight line extending in the first direction X. The lengths of the first lower cutout 151 and the second lower cutout 152 may be the same or different.

[0202] When viewed from above, the continuous incision section 150 on the lower side is cross-shaped.

[0203] In the partition member 1A, the continuous cutouts 50 are arranged in an alternating pattern. In the lower member 1G, the lower continuous cutouts 150 are arranged in an alternating pattern and are positioned at a position that does not coincide with the continuous cutouts 50 of the partition member 1A when viewed from above, after the lower member 1G overlaps the partition member 1A.

[0204] The partition member 1A may or may not be adhered to the lower member 1G. When the partition member 1A is adhered to the lower member 1G, adhesive, double-sided tape, etc., can be used. For example, if both the partition member 1A and the lower member 1G have bottoms, the bottom 40 of the partition member 1A can be adhered to the bottom 140 of the lower member 1G. Alternatively, the partition member 1A and the lower member 1G may not be adhered to each other at their bottoms, but rather their wall portions may be adhered to each other. Alternatively, the partition member 1A and the lower member 1G may be adhered to each other at their bottoms, and then their wall portions may be adhered to each other.

[0205] The lower component 1G can be the same size as the partition component 1A or a different size. For example, the lower component 1G can be configured such that its wall is connected to the wall of the partition component 1A, and its bottom is connected to the bottom of the partition component 1A. It should be noted that the same applies to the lower component 1H described later; it can be the same size as the partition component 1B or a different size.

[0206] Thus, in the partition member 2, when viewed from above, continuous cutouts 50 and lower continuous cutouts 150 are arranged at positions that do not overlap. Therefore, when the partition member 2 is used for a planar light source, the same effect as that of the partition member 1 can be achieved in suppressing the shrinkage of the partition member 2.

[0207] Furthermore, when the separating member 2 is used for a planar light source, the light emitted from the light source and the light returning from the optical sheet, etc., passing through the cutout of the separating member 1A, is reflected by the lower member 1G. Therefore, with Figure 3 Compared to the case where continuous cutouts 50 are provided at all intersections I of the separating member 1, the reduction in the amount of light extracted from the planar light source can be suppressed.

[0208] [Separator Component 2A]

[0209] Figure 19 This is an example of a partial top view (of which 1) showing the partition 2A. Figure 20 The example shows a partial top view (of which 2) of the separating component 2A, which shows the state before the two components are overlapped. Figure 19 The shown separator 2A is in Figure 20 The lower part 1H is disposed on the lower side of the partition 1B shown. Figure 19 The example shows the positional relationship of the cutout portion of the separator 2A with... Figure 17 The partition component 2 shown is different.

[0210] In the separator 2A, the separator 1B overlaps the lower separator 1H. When viewed from above, the first cut 51 intersects with the first lower cut 151, and the second cut 52 intersects with the second lower cut 152. For example, when viewed from above, the first cut 51 and the first lower cut 151 intersect in a cross shape, and the second cut 52 and the second lower cut 152 intersect in a cross shape.

[0211] Thus, in the partition member 2A, when viewed from above, at all intersection points I, the first cut 51 intersects with the first lower cut 151, or the second cut 52 intersects with the second lower cut 152. Therefore, when the partition member 2A is used for a planar light source, the same effect as that of the partition member 1 can be achieved in suppressing the shrinkage of the partition member 2A.

[0212] Furthermore, when the separating member 2A is used for a planar light source, a portion of the light emitted by the light source and the light returning from the optical sheet, etc., that passes through the cutout of the separating member 1B, is reflected by the lower member 1H. Therefore, compared with... Figure 3 Compared to the case where continuous cutouts 50 are provided at all intersection points I of the shown separator 1, the reduction in the amount of light extracted from the planar light source can be suppressed. It should be noted that the separator 2, where the continuous cutouts 50 are completely blocked by the lower member 1G, is more effective than the separator 2A in suppressing the reduction in the amount of light extracted.

[0213] [Modifications of the Second Embodiment]

[0214] In the partition member 2, at least one continuous cutout 50 may be provided in the partition member 1A, and at least one lower continuous cutout 150 may be provided at a position that does not coincide with the continuous cutout 50 when viewed from above in the lower member 1G.

[0215] <Third Implementation Method>

[0216] In the third embodiment, an example of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) in which a planar light source 60 is used as a backlight source is shown.

[0217] Figure 21 This is a configuration diagram illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a third embodiment. Figure 21 As shown, the liquid crystal display device 1000 includes, from top to bottom, a liquid crystal panel 720, an optical element 710, and a planar light source 60. It should be noted that the planar light source 60 may include, above the light source 63, optical components such as a DBEF (reflective polarizer), a BEF (brightness enhancer), and a color filter.

[0218] The liquid crystal display device 1000 is a so-called under-mount liquid crystal display device in which a planar light source 60 is stacked below the liquid crystal panel 720. The liquid crystal display device 1000 illuminates the liquid crystal panel 720 with light emitted from the planar light source 60.

[0219] From the perspective of making the planar light source thinner, the thickness of the planar light source can be set to less than 15mm. As a result, by making the planar light source thinner, the LCD device 1000 can be made thinner.

[0220] The planar light source 60 is not limited to being used as a backlight for the LCD display device 1000. The planar light source 60 can also be used as a backlight for televisions, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, head-up displays, digital signage, bulletin boards, etc. Furthermore, the planar light source 60 can be used as a lighting source, such as an emergency light, linear lighting, various colored lights, or for vehicle mounting, etc.

[0221] While the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, they are not limited to the embodiments described above, nor do they exceed the scope of the claims. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A planar light source, having: substrate; Multiple light sources are disposed on the aforementioned substrate; and At least one separator is disposed on the aforementioned substrate. The aforementioned partition component has: A plurality of first wall portions having first ridges extending in a first direction with constant width and constant height; A plurality of second wall portions, each having a second ridge extending with a constant width and a constant height in a second direction intersecting the aforementioned first direction; and The dividing area includes two opposing first wall portions and two opposing second wall portions, and is surrounded by the first ridge line and the second ridge line when viewed from above. Multiple such dividing regions are configured in the first direction and the second direction. At least one first cut is provided on at least one of the aforementioned first edges. At least one second cut is provided on at least one of the aforementioned second ridge lines. When viewed from above, the first incision and the second incision are separated from each other. At multiple intersection points where the first ridge line intersects with the second ridge line, the first cut portion and the second cut portion are alternately arranged. The aforementioned light sources are respectively positioned within the aforementioned separated areas.

2. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein, At multiple intersections on the second ridge line where it intersects with the first ridge line, the first cut and the second cut are alternately arranged.

3. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein, It also has a lower side component disposed on the lower side of the aforementioned partition component. The aforementioned lower component has: A plurality of fourth wall portions, each having a fourth ridge extending in the first direction, and disposed on the lower side of each of the first wall portions; and A plurality of fifth wall portions, each having a fifth ridge extending in the second direction, and disposed on the underside of each of the second wall portions; A first lower cut is provided on the fifth ridge line, which intersects with the first cut when viewed from above. A second lower side cut is provided on the fourth ridge line, which intersects with the second cut when viewed from above.

4. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein, The second wall portion has a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall arranged between the second ridge line. At least a portion of the aforementioned third sidewall and the aforementioned fourth sidewall are connected across the aforementioned second incision.

5. The planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first wall portion described above has a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed at a distance from the first ridge line. At least a portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected across the first incision.

6. A separating member for a planar light source, comprising: A plurality of first wall portions having first ridges extending in a first direction with constant width and constant height; A plurality of second wall portions, each having a second ridge extending with a constant width and a constant height in a second direction intersecting the aforementioned first direction; and The dividing area includes two opposing first wall portions and two opposing second wall portions, and is surrounded by the first ridge line and the second ridge line when viewed from above. Multiple such dividing regions are configured in the first direction and the second direction. At least one first cut is provided on at least one of the aforementioned first ridge lines. At least one second cut is provided on at least one of the aforementioned second ridge lines. When viewed from above, the first incision and the second incision are separated from each other. At multiple intersection points where the first ridge line intersects with the second ridge line, the first cut portion and the second cut portion are alternately arranged.

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