Display for vehicles and backlight module thereof

Abstract

A backlight module includes a housing, a diffusion plate, a light source and an elastic limiting member. The housing includes a back plate and a side wall having a groove. The diffusion plate is disposed in the housing and includes a main body and a protruding structure disposed at an outer edge of the main body and corresponding to the groove of the side wall. The light source is disposed in the housing. The elastic limiting member is sleeved on the protruding structure of the diffusion plate and has a groove embedded with an inner edge of the groove of the side wall. Through the above configuration, the diffusion plate can be firmly fixed and not shaken with the backlight module to be offset or collide with other elements to produce abnormal sound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an automotive display and its backlight module. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of automotive displays in modern vehicles, their applications now encompass navigation systems, entertainment systems, and vehicle information displays. However, during vehicle operation, these displays frequently experience various forms of vibration due to uneven road surfaces or external shocks. This vibration not only affects the stability of the displayed content but can also cause internal noise, negatively impacting the user's driving experience. To address this issue, the industry has proposed several technical solutions to reduce the impact of vibration on automotive displays.

[0003] In the past, some solutions focused on improving the display's casing structure. For example, some technologies used more robust casing materials, hoping to reduce the impact of vibration by increasing overall rigidity. However, while such designs can reduce the amplitude of vibration transmitted to the display's interior to some extent, vibration can still cause friction or impact between components due to design gaps and assembly tolerances between the backlight module and optical elements, resulting in noise. This noise not only affects the quietness of the vehicle interior but can also lead to long-term wear and tear on optical components, further shortening the display's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, one objective of this disclosure is to propose an improved automotive display device and backlight module to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a backlight module includes a housing, a diffuser plate, a light source, and an elastic limiting member. The housing includes a back plate and a sidewall, the sidewall having a groove. The diffuser plate is disposed within the housing and includes a main body and a protruding structure, the protruding structure being disposed on the outer edge of the main body and corresponding to the groove of the sidewall. The light source is disposed within the housing. The elastic limiting member is sleeved on the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and has a groove that engages with the inner edge of the groove of the sidewall.

[0006] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, an elastic limiting member surrounds a protruding structure of a diffuser plate and has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the opening extends through the elastic limiting member.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall also has a recess that is recessed relative to the outer wall surface of the sidewall, and a groove is formed in the recess.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the outer wall surface of the sidewall rests on a reference plane, and the groove of the sidewall and the elastic limiting member are located inside the reference plane.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a first segment that connects to and is substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sidewall. A groove of the resilient retainer engages with the first segment.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a second segment located between the leading edge of the sidewall and the back plate, and substantially parallel to the leading edge of the sidewall. A groove of the resilient retainer engages with the second segment.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the light source is disposed on the back panel. The backlight module further includes a support member disposed inside the elastic limiting member and abutting against the light source, the sidewall, and the diffuser plate.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the support member has a bearing surface that abuts against the diffuser plate. The resilient limiting member also has an opening into which a protruding structure is inserted, the inner surface portion of which is aligned with the bearing surface of the support member.

[0014] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, an automotive display includes the aforementioned backlight module and display panel, with the backlight module disposed on the back of the display panel facing away from it.

[0015] In summary, the backlight module disclosed herein includes a housing, a diffuser plate, and an elastic retaining member. The elastic retaining member is fitted onto a protruding structure on the edge of the diffuser plate and embedded in a groove on the side wall of the housing. This securely fixes the diffuser plate, preventing it from shifting position due to backlight module movement or colliding with other components to generate noise. Furthermore, the elastic retaining member is compression-resistant; even if the components of the backlight module expand in high-temperature environments, the elastic retaining member will not easily fail. Therefore, the backlight module disclosed herein has high reliability and can be used in high-temperature and high-vibration environments (e.g., vehicles). Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided;

[0018] Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 An exploded view of the backlight module of the display device shown;

[0019] Figure 3For illustration Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display device at the mark 3-3' on line segment;

[0020] Figures 4 to 6 For illustration Figure 2 An enlarged view of some components of the backlight module shown.

[0021] [Symbol Explanation]

[0022] 15: Display device

[0023] 16: Display panel

[0024] 17: First Surface

[0025] 18: Second Surface

[0026] 19: Backlight Module

[0027] 20: Shell

[0028] 21: Back panel

[0029] 22: Sidewall

[0030] 23: concave part

[0031] 24:Outer wall surface

[0032] 26: Forefront

[0033] 27: Groove

[0034] 271: First Section

[0035] 272: Second Section

[0036] 28: Storage space

[0037] 29:Light exit

[0038] 30: Diffuser plate

[0039] 35: Main Body

[0040] 37: Emphasize Structure

[0041] 40: Light source

[0042] 45: Reflective sheet

[0043] 47: Circuit Board

[0044] 48: Light-emitting element

[0045] 50: Elastic limiting component

[0046] 56: Opening

[0047] 57: Trench

[0048] 60: Frame

[0049] 61: Part One

[0050] 62: Part Two

[0051] 65:Light exit

[0052] 70: Optical film

[0053] 71: Limiting groove

[0054] 80: Support component

[0055] 81: Bearing surface

[0056] 83: Groove

[0057] D1: First Direction

[0058] D2: Second Direction

[0059] D3: Third direction

[0060] PL: Reference plane Detailed Implementation

[0061] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings and the various embodiments described below. The elements in the drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Many practical details are described below to provide a comprehensive understanding of this disclosure; however, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these practical details, and therefore, these details should not be used to limit this disclosure.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 A perspective view of a display device 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The display device 15 includes a display panel 16 (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel) and a backlight module 19. The display panel 16 has opposing first surfaces 17 and second surfaces 18 (see...). Figure 2 The first surface 17 faces outwards to display the image; that is, the first surface 17 is the display surface of the display panel 16. The second surface 18 is the back surface of the display panel 16, and the backlight module 19 is disposed facing the second surface 18 of the display panel 16. The backlight module 19 is configured to provide illumination to the display panel 16 so that the display panel 16 can display the image. The display device 15 disclosed herein may be an automotive display, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, the first surface 17 of the display panel 16 faces the first direction D1; in other words, the first direction D1 is the normal direction of the first surface 17 of the display panel 16. The display device 15 also has two edges extending along the second direction D2 and two other edges extending along the third direction D3. In some embodiments, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0064] It should be noted that the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are coordinate systems attached to the display device 15 and the backlight module 19. Therefore, as the orientation of the display device 15 and the backlight module 19 changes (e.g., transforms into...), the coordinate system will change accordingly. Figure 2 (As shown in the flat position), this coordinate system rotates accordingly.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 . Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 An exploded view of the backlight module 19 of the display device 15 shown, and Figure 3 For illustration Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display device 15 at the mark 3-3'. As shown, the backlight module 19 includes a housing 20, a diffuser plate 30, and a light source 40. The housing 20 has an accommodating space 28 and a light-emitting port 29 communicating with the accommodating space 28. The display panel 16 is positioned facing the light-emitting port 29 of the housing 20. The diffuser plate 30 and the light source 40 are disposed within the accommodating space 28 of the housing 20, with the light source 40 facing the diffuser plate 30. The light source 40 is configured to emit light, and the light emitted by the light source 40 passes through the diffuser plate 30 and then through the light-emitting port 29 to illuminate the outside of the housing 20 and the display panel 16.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light source 40 may include at least one lamp panel or lamp strip, which may include a circuit board 47 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 48 disposed on the circuit board 47. The light-emitting elements 48 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or mini LEDs. The backlight module 19 may also include a reflective sheet 45, which covers the circuit board 47 of the light source 40. The reflective sheet 45 may include a plurality of holes (not shown), through which the light-emitting elements 48 are exposed.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the housing 20 includes a back plate 21 and a side wall 22. The back plate 21 faces the light outlet 29, while the side wall 22 connects to the back plate 21 and is bent relative to the back plate 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 40 is disposed on the back plate 21 and faces the light outlet 29 of the housing 20 (that is, the direction facing the light source 40 is the first direction D1), and the diffuser plate 30 is located between the light source 40 and the light outlet 29 of the housing 20. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the backlight module 19 is a direct-lit backlight module.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the diffuser plate 30 includes a main body 35 and at least one protruding structure 37. The main body 35 is generally rectangular and faces the light source 40. The protruding structure 37 connects to the main body 35 and is disposed on the outer edge of the main body 35. The main body 35 has a third surface facing the light source 40, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a fifth surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface. The protruding structure 37 protrudes from the fifth surface of the main body 35. The backlight module 19 also includes at least one elastic limiting member 50, which is disposed on the side wall 22 of the housing 20 and sleeved on the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30, thereby fixing the diffuser plate 30. The elastic limiting member 50 may contain an elastomeric material, such as rubber. The elastic limiting member 50 may be embedded in a groove on the side wall 22 of the housing 20, the details of which will be described below.

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sidewall 22 may be formed by connecting one or more wall portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 22 includes four wall portions and surrounds the backplate 21 on all four sides. In some embodiments, the backlight module 19 may include a plurality of elastic limiting members 50, which are disposed on at least two wall portions of the sidewall 22. Correspondingly, the diffuser plate 30 may include a plurality of protruding structures 37, which are disposed on at least two edges of the diffuser plate 30, and each protruding structure 37 is connected to a corresponding elastic limiting member 50. In some embodiments, one wall portion of the sidewall 22 may have a plurality of elastic limiting members 50, and correspondingly, one edge of the diffuser plate 30 may have a plurality of protruding structures 37, and each protruding structure 37 is connected to a corresponding elastic limiting member 50.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes at least one optical film 70, which is disposed on the side of the diffuser plate 30 away from the light source 40; in other words, the diffuser plate 30 is disposed between the light source 40 and the optical film 70. The light source 40, the diffuser plate 30, and the optical film 70 are arranged in a first direction D1. The optical film 70 may include a diffuser sheet, a prism sheet, a brightness enhancement sheet, or other functional optical films. In some embodiments, the backlight module 19 includes multiple optical films 70, which are stacked with the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the optical films 70 and the diffuser plate 30 are fixed together by adhesive. In some embodiments, the multiple optical films 70 are fixed together by adhesive.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes a frame 60 disposed on the housing 20 and configured to support the display panel 16. The frame 60 may have a light exit port 65 to allow light emitted from the light source 40 to illuminate the display panel 16. In some embodiments, the frame 60 includes a first portion 61 and a second portion 62 connected together. The first portion 61 of the frame 60 covers the peripheral area of ​​the diffuser plate 30 and the optical film 70, and the display panel 16 is disposed on the first portion 61. In addition, the first portion 61 of the frame 60 may press against the edge of the sidewall 22 and the resilient retainer 50 away from the back plate 21 to prevent the resilient retainer 50 from detaching from the sidewall 22. The second portion 62 of the frame 60 is bent relative to the first portion 61 and extends to the outside of the sidewall 22 of the housing 20 and the resilient retainer 50 (i.e., the side of the sidewall 22 and the resilient retainer 50 away from the receiving space 28). The second portion 62 of the frame 60 can be secured to the side wall 22 of the housing 20 by snap-fit, adhesive, or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the first portion 61 of the frame 60 is substantially perpendicular to the second portion 62.

[0072] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 4 . Figure 4 For illustration Figure 2 An enlarged view of some components of the backlight module 19 shown. (See attached image.) Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the sidewall 22 of the housing 20 has at least one groove 27. The protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 is provided corresponding to the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. The elastic limiting member 50 is sleeved on the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 and embedded in the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. Specifically, the elastic limiting member 50 has a groove 57, which is provided along the outer edge of the elastic limiting member 50 and engages with the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. In other words, at least a portion of the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is inserted into the groove 57 of the elastic limiting member 50. In other words, at least a portion of the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is held by the elastic limiting member 50.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the resilient retaining member 50 is a closed annular structure surrounding the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 and has an opening 56 into which the protruding structure 37 is inserted. In some embodiments, the opening 56 extends through the resilient retaining member 50 to facilitate assembly. Specifically, the opening 56 extends from the surface of the resilient retaining member 50 facing the receiving space 28 to the surface of the resilient retaining member 50 away from the receiving space 28. In other words, the opening 56 is a through hole.

[0074] In some embodiments, the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is slightly smaller than the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30, such that when the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 is inserted into the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50, the elastic limiting member 50 can tightly engage with the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the width of the protruding structure 37 is at least 10 mm in the direction parallel to the edge of the diffuser plate 30 to prevent the protruding structure 37 from easily breaking. Correspondingly, the width of the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is at least 10 mm.

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sidewall 22 has a leading edge 26, which is the edge of the sidewall 22 away from the back plate 21. In some embodiments, a groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is recessed from the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 toward the back plate 21. In other words, the groove 27 is a notch on the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 includes at least a first segment 271, which connects to the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 and is substantially perpendicular to the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22. A groove 57 of the resilient retainer 50 is provided on at least one edge facing the first segment 271 and engages with the first segment 271.

[0076] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 includes a second segment 272 located between the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 and the back plate 21, and substantially parallel to the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22. The groove 57 of the resilient stop member 50 is provided on the edge facing the second segment 272 and engages with the second segment 272.

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the elastic limiting member 50 is located on the side of the diffuser plate 30 away from the light source 40, and a limiting groove 71 is formed between the first part 61 of the frame 60, the elastic limiting member 50, and the diffuser plate 30, with the peripheral area of ​​the optical film 70 disposed in the limiting groove 71. In some embodiments, the elastic limiting member 50 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the side wall 22 to prevent the optical film 70 from impacting the side wall 22 when it shifts.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes a support member 80 disposed inside the elastic limiting member 50 and abutting against the light source 40, the sidewall 22, and the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the support member 80 has a bearing surface 81 that abuts against the third surface of the diffuser plate 30 facing the light source 40. The inner surface portion of the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is aligned with the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80; for example, the side of the inner surface of the opening 56 adjacent to the back plate 21 may be aligned with the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80. In this way, the elastic limiting member 50 and the support member 80 can stably support the diffuser plate 30 together. In some embodiments, in the first direction D1, the minimum distance between the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 and the back plate 21 is substantially equal to the distance from the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80 to the back plate 21.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, when the resilient retainer 50 is assembled onto the sidewall 22, the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 is substantially aligned with the surface of the resilient retainer 50 away from the backplate 21 (see also...). Figure 5 This allows the frame 60 to be stably mounted on the side wall 22. The distance between the leading edge 26 of the side wall 22 and the back plate 21 defines the thickness of the optical cavity of the backlight module 19. In the first direction D1, the height of the elastic limiting member 50 is less than the thickness of the optical cavity, while the height of the portion of the side wall 22 corresponding to the groove 27 is at least 2.5 mm to facilitate assembly.

[0080] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 5 and Figure 6 . Figure 5 and Figure 6 For illustration Figure 2 An enlarged view of some components of the backlight module 19 shown. (See attached image.) Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the sidewall 22 has an outer wall surface 24, which is the wall surface of the sidewall 22 away from the receiving space 28. In some embodiments, the sidewall 22 also has a recess 23, which is recessed relative to the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22, and a groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is formed in the recess 23. In some embodiments, the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22 is located on a reference plane PL, and the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50 are located inside the reference plane PL and do not extend beyond the reference plane PL. With the above configuration, the width of the housing 20 will not increase when the sidewall 22 is provided with the elastic limiting member 50, that is, the elastic limiting member 50 will not protrude relative to the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22, allowing the frame 60 to be stably abutted against the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the elastic limiting member 50 (i.e., the surface of the elastic limiting member 50 away from the receiving space 28) is substantially aligned with the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22.

[0081] like Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the support member 80 extends continuously along the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the support member 80 also has at least one groove 83, which corresponds to the recess 23 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50, and the recess 23 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50 are received in the groove 83.

[0082] In summary, the backlight module disclosed herein includes a housing, a diffuser plate, and an elastic retaining member. The elastic retaining member is fitted onto a protruding structure on the edge of the diffuser plate and embedded in a groove on the side wall of the housing. This securely fixes the diffuser plate, preventing it from shifting position due to backlight module movement or colliding with other components to generate noise. Furthermore, the elastic retaining member is compression-resistant; even if the components of the backlight module expand in high-temperature environments, the elastic retaining member will not easily fail. Therefore, the backlight module disclosed herein has high reliability and can be used in high-temperature and high-vibration environments (e.g., vehicles).

[0083] Although this disclosure has been presented above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A backlight module, characterized in that, Include: A housing comprising a back plate and a side wall having a groove; A diffuser plate is disposed in the housing and includes a main body and a protruding structure disposed on an outer edge of the main body and corresponding to the groove of the sidewall; A light source is housed within this housing; as well as An elastic limiting member is fitted onto the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and has a groove that engages with the inner edge of the groove in the sidewall.

2. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic limiting member surrounds the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted.

3. The backlight module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The opening extends through the elastic limiting member.

4. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall also has a recess that is recessed relative to an outer wall surface of the sidewall, and the groove is formed in the recess.

5. The backlight module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall surface of the sidewall rests on a reference plane, and the groove of the sidewall and the elastic limiting member are located inside the reference plane.

6. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a first section that connects to the leading edge of the sidewall and is substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sidewall. The groove of the resilient retainer engages with the first section.

7. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a second section located between the leading edge of the sidewall and the back plate, and substantially parallel to the leading edge of the sidewall, wherein the groove of the resilient retainer engages with the second section.

8. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source is disposed on the back panel, and the backlight module further includes a support member disposed inside the elastic limiting member and abutting against the light source, the side wall and the diffuser plate.

9. The backlight module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support member has a bearing surface that abuts against the diffuser plate, wherein the elastic limiting member also has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted, and an inner surface portion of the opening is aligned with the bearing surface of the support member.

10. A vehicle display, characterized in that, Include: A display panel; A backlight module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, disposed on a rear side facing the display panel.

Images