Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device with high light use efficiency and capable of being downsized. The display device includes a light-transmissive light guide substrate including a first main surface, an end surface intersecting the first main surface, and a second main surface on the opposite side of the first main surface; a light source including a light emitting surface and disposed opposite at least one of the second main surface and the end surface; and a reflection layer disposed on the first main surface at a position overlapping the light source in plan view. The light-transmissive light guide substrate includes a light diffusion scattering portion, and a pattern corresponding to the light diffusion scattering portion is displayed in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional display devices that use a light-transmitting light-guiding substrate to display characters or other patterns are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device having a light guide and having a light-diffusing and reflective portion with the same shape as the pattern to be displayed formed on the back of the light guide.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-258077 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, a light source arranged opposite to the end face of a light-transmitting light-guiding substrate, such as a light guide body, directs light into the interior of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate via this end face. Therefore, in order to efficiently direct light emitted from the light source into the interior of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate and improve the light utilization efficiency of the display device, the end face of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate needs to have a length equal to or greater than the emitting surface of the light source in the thickness direction. Since the end face is longer in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate, the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate becomes thicker, which may lead to a larger display device.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display device that has high light utilization efficiency and can be miniaturized.

[0006] Methods for solving problems A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a light-transmitting light-guiding substrate comprising a first main surface, an end surface intersecting the first main surface, and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface; a light source comprising a light-emitting surface and disposed opposite to at least one of the second main surface and the end surface; and a reflective layer disposed on a region of the first main surface that overlaps with the light source when viewed from above, the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate comprising a light-diffusing portion that displays a pattern corresponding to the light-diffusing portion when viewed from above.

[0007] Invention Effects According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device with high light utilization efficiency and miniaturization can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing the overall configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the area around the light source of the display device involved in the comparative example.

[0011] Figure 4A This is a schematic top view showing a first example of a pattern displayed by the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4B It means to Figure 4A The diagram shows a state in which the pattern involved in the first example overlaps with the display pattern displayed on the liquid crystal panel located at the back of the display device involved in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a second example of a pattern displayed by the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the light source of the display device according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view showing the overall configuration of the display device according to the third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the protrusion forming layer of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing a first example of a pattern displayed by the display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing a second example of a pattern displayed by the display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10C This is a diagram showing a third example of a pattern displayed by the display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is an example of a situation where an object behind the display device according to the fourth embodiment is visible.

[0022] Marker description 1, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 Transparent light guide substrate 2, 2-1, 2-1, 2-3 Light Source 2T upper end 3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 Reflective Layers 4, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 Wiring substrates 5, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3 Light-shielding layers 6-2, 6-3 Convex Cambium 7. Air layer 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 Retaining components Display devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c 11 Main side 1 11N First principal plane normal direction 12, 12-3 end faces 13 2nd main side 14 Light Diffusing and Scattering Section 15 Incisions 20 luminous surfaces 20N normal 61 Upper surface 62 Lower surface 63 bulge A dashboard B LCD panel B1 Number B2 graphics B3 icon C knob D aluminum plate L, L-1, L-2, L-3 light LS, LS-1, LS-2, LS-3 diffuse scattered light Patterns P, P-1, P-2, P-3 Q is the object. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative of specific implementations of the technical concept of the present disclosure and are not limited thereto. The figures are schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure; therefore, the proportions, spacing, or positional relationships of the components are sometimes exaggerated, or some components are omitted. Furthermore, as sectional views, end views showing only the cross-section are sometimes used.

[0024] In the following description, components with substantially the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Additionally, terms indicating specific directions or positions, such as "upper," "lower," and other terms containing these terms, are sometimes used. However, these terms are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of relative directions or positions in the reference drawings. As long as the relative directions or positions indicated by terms such as "upper" and "lower" in the reference drawings are the same, the configuration may differ from that in drawings, actual products, etc., outside of this disclosure.

[0025] In this specification, the positional relationship described as "above" includes both situations where they are in contact with each other and situations where they are not in contact but are located above each other. The positional relationship described as "below" includes both situations where they are in contact with each other and situations where they are not in contact but are located below each other. In addition, "configuration" is not limited to situations of direct contact, but also includes situations of indirect configuration, such as configuration via other components.

[0026] In each figure, a Cartesian coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes is used to represent directions. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. In the X direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is denoted as +X side, and the direction opposite to +X side is denoted as -X side. In the Y direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is denoted as +Y side, and the direction opposite to +Y side is denoted as -Y side. In the Z direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is denoted as +Z side, and the direction opposite to +Z side is denoted as -Z side. In this specification, as an example, +Z side corresponds to "up" and -Z side corresponds to "down". Furthermore, the normal direction of the first main surface of the first main surface in the light-transmitting light guide substrate of the display device according to the embodiment is, as an example, corresponding to the Z direction. Additionally, in this specification, the thickness direction of the light-transmitting light guide substrate of the display device according to the embodiment is sometimes referred to as the Z direction.

[0027] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment> Reference Figures 1 to 3 This section describes the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing the overall configuration of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view at line II-II. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the area around the light source 2 of the display device 10X involved in the comparative example.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the display device 10 includes a light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1, a light source 2, and a reflective layer 3. The light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 includes a first main surface 11, an end surface 12 intersecting the first main surface 11, and a second main surface 13 located on the opposite side of the first main surface 11. Furthermore, the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 includes a light-diffusing portion 14. The light source 2 includes a light-emitting surface 20. The light source 2 is disposed opposite to at least one of the second main surface 13 and the end surface 12. The reflective layer 3 is disposed on the first main surface 11 at a position overlapping the light source 2 when viewed from above.

[0029] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the display device 10 also has a wiring substrate 4 on which the light source 2 is mounted. The light source 2 is disposed opposite to the second main surface 13, but not opposite to the end surface 12. The reflective layer 3 is disposed opposite to the light source 2 near the end surface 12 on the -X side of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, separated by the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1.

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, light L emitted from light source 2 is incident on the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 via the portion of the second main surface 13 opposite to light source 2. At least a portion of the light L incident on the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 is reflected by the reflective layer 3 and undergoes repeated total internal reflection on both the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 13, and is guided towards the +X side within the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1. When the light L guided inside the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 reaches the light diffusion and scattering portion 14 provided in the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, a portion is diffused or scattered by the light diffusion and scattering portion 14. Figure 2 In the example shown, the light diffuser 14 is disposed on the second main surface 13 of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1. The light diffuser 14 is configured to include a plurality of protrusions having light diffuser or light scatterer properties.

[0031] The light L diffused or scattered by the light diffuser scattering section 14 is extracted as diffused scattered light LS from the first main surface 11 of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 towards the +Z side. Additionally, in Figure 2 In the diagram, a portion of the light L emitted from the light source 2 and guided within the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is represented by a solid arrow. Additionally, the diffused light LS extracted from the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is represented by a dashed arrow.

[0032] When viewed from above, the light-diffusing and scattering portion 14 is disposed in a position or area within the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 corresponding to the pattern P. Figure 1 In the example shown, pattern P is a pattern with a rectangular outer edge when viewed from above. The light diffuser 14, when viewed from above, is positioned within the region with the rectangular outer edge, corresponding to pattern P. Furthermore, in Figure 1In order to facilitate understanding of the accompanying drawings, the rectangular area in the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 where the light-diffusing portion 14 is provided is represented by dotted shading, and the reflective layer 3 is represented by diagonal shading. Furthermore, to indicate that the pattern P corresponds to the light-diffusing portion 14, a mark for the light-diffusing portion 14 and a mark for the pattern P are also added. In the figures shown below, these marks are sometimes added together for the same purpose.

[0033] The display device 10 displays a pattern P corresponding to the light diffusion and scattering section 14 disposed on the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 when viewed from above, by emitting light from the light source 2. When viewed from above, the pattern P appears to be emitting light to the observer through the diffused and scattered light LS extracted from the light-transmitting light guide substrate 14 by the light diffusion and scattering section 14. Figure 1 In the example shown, the display device 10 emits light from the light source 2, displaying a pattern P with a rectangular outer edge when viewed from above. However, the pattern P can be appropriately changed depending on the content that is desired to be displayed by the display device 10. The display device 10 is capable of displaying a pattern P that includes characters, marks, graphics, images, or combinations thereof.

[0034] For an observer, the -Z side of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is visible when viewed from above. When the light source 2 is not emitting light, the display device 10 does not display the pattern P, and for an observer, the -Z side of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is visible throughout when viewed from above. When the light source 2 is emitting light, as a display device 10, the -Z side of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is visible in areas other than the area where the pattern P is displayed in the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1. Alternatively, when the light source 2 is emitting light, for an observer, while the pattern P appears to be emitting light, the -Z side of the area where the pattern P is displayed in the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 is visible when viewed from above.

[0035] here, Figure 3 The periphery of the light source 2 in the display device 10X involved in the comparative example is shown. Additionally, in Figure 3 In order to make the explanation easier to understand, common reference numerals are added to the constituent elements of the display device 10X that have the same function as the constituent elements of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, in the display device 10X of the comparative example, the light source 2 is configured such that the light-emitting surface 20 faces the end face 12 of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1. The light LX emitted from the light source 2 is incident on the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 via the end face 12 and guided inside the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1.

[0037] In the Z direction corresponding to the normal direction 11N of the first principal surface 11, when the length of the emitting surface 20 of the light source 2 is longer than the length of the end face 12, light emitted from the area of ​​the emitting surface 20 that is not opposite to the end face 12 in the light LX from the light source 2 cannot enter the interior of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, resulting in light loss. This may generate light that does not contribute to the display of the display device 10X, leading to a decrease in the light utilization efficiency of the display device 10X. On the other hand, to improve the light utilization efficiency of the display device 10X, when the length of the end face 12 in the Z direction is equal to or greater than the length of the emitting surface 20 of the light source 2, the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 becomes thicker due to the longer end face 12 in the Z direction. This allows for a larger display device 10X.

[0038] The display device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure includes a light source 2 disposed opposite to a second main surface 13, and a reflective layer 3 disposed on the first main surface 11 at a position overlapping the light source 2 when viewed from above. By arranging the light source 2 opposite to the second main surface 13, it is not necessary for the size of the end face 12 in the Z direction to be equal to or greater than the size of the light-emitting surface 20 of the light source 2. As a result, the end face 12 can be shorter than the light-emitting surface 20 in the Z direction, thus enabling the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 to be thinner, and making it easier to make the display device 10 thinner. In other words, it is easier to miniaturize the display device 10 in the Z direction. By disposing the reflective layer 3 on the first main surface 11 at a position overlapping the light source 2 when viewed from above, the light L emitted from the light source 2 that has passed through the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 to the +Z side can be reflected by the reflective layer 3 and guided into the interior of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1. As a result, the amount of light L from the light source 2 passing through the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 can be reduced, light loss can be reduced, and thus the light utilization efficiency of the display device 10 can be improved. As described above, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, a display device 10 with high light utilization efficiency and miniaturization can be provided.

[0039] For example, when the display device 10 is mounted on a car, if the display device 10 is large, the type of car that can be equipped with the display device 10 may be limited to large cars, etc. In the first embodiment, by miniaturizing the display device 10, the display device 10 can be mounted on various car models, from small cars to large cars, thus expanding the range of car models that can be equipped with the display device 10.

[0040] In the display device 10, the -Z side of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 is visible when viewed from above. Therefore, the pattern P displayed by the display device 10 can be overlaid on a design or component disposed on the -Z side of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, or the pattern P can be displayed while the -Z side of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 is visible to the observer. By overlaying the pattern P on a design or component disposed on the -Z side of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, the pattern P can be displayed without compromising the design or functionality of the component. Furthermore, a perspective-type display device 10 can be realized, improving the design flexibility of the display device 10.

[0041] In the display device 10, the light source 2 can be illuminated to display the pattern P when needed, and the light source 2 can be de-illuminated to not display the pattern P when not needed. For example, the pattern P indicating the location of the operation button can be displayed when the operation button needs to be operated, and not displayed when not needed. This can, for example, reduce the psychological burden on the operator caused by the operation button being constantly displayed.

[0042] The following describes in detail the constituent elements of the display device 10.

[0043] (Light-transmitting light guide substrate 1) The light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 can be made of materials such as glass or resin. The resin can be acrylic resin, etc. Preferably, the light transmittance of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 is, for example, 60% or more of visible light transmittance. The thickness of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 can be, for example, about 0.3 mm. Preferably, the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 is flexible. By making the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 flexible, the display device 10 can be configured to fit the shape of components of various shapes, including curved surfaces, which are not limited to planar shapes.

[0044] The light diffuser 14 is not limited to being disposed on the second main surface 13 of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, but may also be disposed on at least one of the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 13 of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1. The light diffuser 14 is not limited to including multiple protrusions, but may also include multiple recesses, or a combination of multiple recesses and multiple protrusions, as long as it has light diffuser or light scattering properties. Furthermore, the light diffuser 14 is not limited to the shape of multiple protrusions disposed on at least one of the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 13, and may also include multiple particles or multiple voids having light diffuser or light scattering properties disposed inside the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1. The light diffuser 14 may also be a combination of multiple protrusions and multiple particles or multiple voids.

[0045] As a method for forming the light-diffusing portion 14 on the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1, when the light-diffusing portion 14 is in the shape of multiple protrusions, methods such as printing dots or multiple patterns, laser processing, cutting processing, embossing processing, molding processing, stamping processing, and sandblasting processing can be used. When the light-diffusing portion 14 is in the shape of multiple particles, molding processing methods using resin containing multiple particles can be used. When the light-diffusing portion 14 is in the shape of multiple voids, molding processing methods using resin containing multiple air bubbles can be used.

[0046] (Light source 2) The light source 2 can be a device with a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). However, it is not limited to LEDs; LDs (Laser Diodes), organic ELs (Organic Electroluminescence), etc., can also be used as the light source 2. In addition, the number of light sources 2 is not limited to one. For example, multiple light sources 2 can be arranged side by side in the Y direction extending from the end face 12 of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1.

[0047] (Reflective layer 3) The reflective layer 3 can be made of a metal film, metal component, dielectric film, dielectric component, etc., that has high reflectivity to light emitted from the light source 2. Metals with high reflectivity to light emitted from the light source 2 include, for example, aluminum. The metal film can be a multilayer metal film composed of multiple types of metal films stacked together. The dielectric film can be a multilayer dielectric film composed of multiple types of dielectric films stacked together.

[0048] For example, a metal film or dielectric film can be formed on the first main surface 11 of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 at a position that overlaps with the light source 2 when viewed from above, by means of a vapor deposition method, thereby configuring the reflective layer 3. Alternatively, a component that serves as the reflective layer 3, formed by covering a substrate such as glass or resin with a metal film or dielectric film, can be configured on the first main surface 11 of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 at a position that overlaps with the light source 2 when viewed from above.

[0049] (Wire Wiring Board 4) The wiring substrate 4 preferably uses an insulating material as the base material, and preferably uses a material with a certain strength. Furthermore, the wiring substrate 4 preferably uses a material that does not easily transmit light emitted from the light source 2 or external light. Specifically, the wiring substrate 4 can be constructed using resins such as phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, BT resin, polyphthalamide, and polyester resin as the base material.

[0050] <Example of display device 10> The display device 10, for example, is disposed on the surface of a non-luminous material, and is capable of displaying characters, numbers, marks, graphics, images, or combinations thereof on the surface of the material. (See reference...) Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 This describes a display example of the display device 10.

[0051] (Example 1) Figure 4A This is a schematic top view showing a first example of the pattern P displayed by the display device 10. Figure 4B It means to Figure 4A The diagram illustrates the state in which the pattern P involved in the first example overlaps with the display pattern displayed on the liquid crystal panel located behind the display device 10.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first example shown is an example of a temperature display LCD panel installed on a car's dashboard, where a pattern P representing the temperature display area is overlaid. For example... Figure 4A As shown, pattern P includes a circle representing the temperature display area and the character "Temp." indicating that the area represented by the circle is the temperature display area.

[0053] exist Figure 4B In the example shown, the instrument panel A includes an LCD panel B and a temperature control knob C. The LCD panel B contains a digital display B1 showing the current set temperature, a circular graphic B2 indicating the temperature level, and icons B3 indicating fan direction and airflow. Figure 4B In the example shown, the display device 10 is superimposed on the liquid crystal panel B, and the area where the set temperature is displayed is indicated by the pattern P. For example, by superimposing the display device 10 on the liquid crystal panel B, a pattern P containing characters, numbers, graphics, etc., can be displayed over an area exceeding the area of ​​the liquid crystal panel.

[0054] (Example 2) Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the second example of the pattern P displayed by the display device 10. Figure 5 In the second example shown, the display device 10 is disposed on the surface of the aluminum plate D, and a pattern P containing characters, numbers, and lines is displayed on the surface of the aluminum plate D. Furthermore, the surface of the aluminum plate D disposed behind the display device 10 is visible through the display device 10.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, by distributing the display device 10 on the surface of the aluminum plate D, a pattern P can be displayed on the surface of the aluminum plate D, which is a non-luminous material. Furthermore, by overlapping the pattern P with a design or component disposed on the -Z side of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1, the pattern P can be displayed while maintaining the design of the component disposed behind the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1.

[0056] [Second Implementation] Next, refer to Figure 6 This section describes the display device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, for names and designations that are the same as those in the already described embodiments, indicating the same or corresponding components or configurations, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. This also applies to the embodiments shown below.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the light source 2 of the display device 10a according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 Will correspond to Figure 1 The light source 2 is drawn out from the periphery of a cross section of the II-II line display device 10a.

[0058] The difference between the display device 10a according to the second embodiment and the display device 10 according to the first embodiment is that the light source 2 is respectively arranged opposite to the second main surface 13 and the end surface 12.

[0059] Light source 2 can be located below the first main surface 11, for example, near the -Z side. Figure 6 In the example shown, the upper end 2T of the light source 2 is located slightly -Z side above the first main surface 11 in the Z direction. By positioning the upper end 2T below the first main surface 11, the light source 2 is positioned below the first main surface 11. By positioning the light source 2 below the first main surface 11, the display device 10a can be made thinner and smaller in the Z direction.

[0060] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the light source 2 does not overlap with the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 when viewed from above, but is respectively positioned opposite the end face 12 and the reflective layer 3. Furthermore, the normal 20N of the light-emitting surface 20 is inclined such that it gets closer to the end face 12 as it rises. Additionally, in this specification, "opposite" includes not only two objects having surfaces that are parallel to each other, but also two objects having parts of each other with their surfaces inclined towards each other.

[0061] By arranging the light source 2 so that it does not overlap with the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 when viewed from above, and instead is positioned opposite the end face 12 and the reflective layer 3 respectively, compared to the case where the normal 20N is parallel to the end face 12, the light L emitted from the light-emitting surface 20 more easily enters the interior of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 through the end face 12. Furthermore, the light L emitted from the light-emitting surface 20 and reflected by the reflective layer 3 also more easily enters the interior of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 through the end face 12. By making it easier for the light L emitted from the light-emitting surface 20 to enter the interior of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1, the light utilization efficiency of the display device 10a can be improved. Furthermore, the display device 10a can be miniaturized in the Z direction, and the light utilization efficiency of the display device 10a can be improved.

[0062] The effects of the display device 10a other than those described above are the same as those of the display device 10 described in the first embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0063] [Third Implementation] Next, refer to Figure 7 This describes the display device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic top view showing the overall configuration of the display device 10b according to the third embodiment.

[0064] The display device 10b according to the third embodiment of this disclosure has one or more light sources 2 arranged in the Y direction extending along the end face 12, and the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 includes one or more cutouts 15 arranged in the Y direction extending along the end face 12. The one or more light sources 2 overlap with the one or more cutouts 15 when viewed from above. This differs from the display device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0065] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the display device 10b has a light source 2. The light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 includes a cutout 15. When viewed from above, the light source 2 overlaps with the cutout 15. However, the display device 10b may also have multiple light sources 2 and multiple cutouts 15, which can overlap with each other when viewed from above.

[0066] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the cut 15 is a recessed portion from the end face 12 toward the +X side when viewed from above. The cut 15 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. However, the cut 15 may also have a hemispherical shape, or the like, when viewed from above, that is recessed from the end face 12 toward the +X side.

[0067] In the third embodiment of this disclosure, by having one or more light sources 2 arranged along the Y direction extending from the end face 12 correspondingly overlap with one or more cutouts 15 arranged along the Y direction extending from the end face 12 when viewed from above, the length of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction can be shortened, thereby miniaturizing the display device 10b in the X direction. Furthermore, the display device 10b can be thinned in the Z direction, and the reflective layer 3 is retained in the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 in the portion other than the cutouts 15.

[0068] The effects of the display device 10b other than those described above are the same as those of the display device 10 described in the first embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0069] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the display device according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0070] <The configuration of the display device according to the fourth embodiment> Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The configuration of the display device according to the fourth embodiment will be explained. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the display device 10c according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the protrusion forming layer 6-2 of the display device 10c. Figure 8 Indicates corresponding to Figure 1 A cross-section of the II-II line display device 10c. Figure 9 Will Figure 8 The protrusion forming layer 6-2 in a cross-section of the display device 10c shown is drawn out around its periphery.

[0071] (Overall composition) like Figure 8As shown, the display device 10c includes light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 disposed at different positions in the Z-direction. Additionally, the display device 10c includes light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 disposed at different positions in the Z-direction, corresponding to the light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. Furthermore, the display device 10c includes reflective layers 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 disposed at different positions in the Z-direction, corresponding to the light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. When viewed from above, the display device 10c displays patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 corresponding to the light diffuser scattering portions 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 disposed on the light-transmitting light guide substrates 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, respectively. The display device 10c according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure differs primarily from the display device 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure in the aforementioned aspects.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the display device 10c has light-shielding layers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 respectively disposed on the reflective layers 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3. Additionally, the display device 10c has holding members 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 corresponding to holding the light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Furthermore, the display device 10c has a protrusion forming layer 6-2 and a protrusion forming layer 6-3.

[0073] The light-transparent light-guiding substrate 1-1 includes a light-diffusing portion 14-1. The light-transparent light-guiding substrate 1-2 includes a light-diffusing portion 14-2. The light-transparent light-guiding substrate 1-3 includes a light-diffusing portion 14-3.

[0074] Holding component 8-1 holds light source 2-1 via wiring substrate 4-1. Holding component 8-2 holds light source 2-2 via wiring substrate 4-2. Holding component 8-3 holds light source 2-3 via wiring substrate 4-3.

[0075] The protrusion forming layers 6-2 and 6-3 are correspondingly disposed between adjacent light-transmitting light-guide substrates 1-1 and 1-2, and between light-transmitting light-guide substrates 1-2 and 1-3 in the Z direction. Multiple protrusions 63 are arranged along the X and Y directions on the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusion forming layers 6-2 and 6-3, respectively.

[0076] Light L-1 emitted from light source 2-1 is guided towards the +X side inside the translucent light guide substrate 1-1, and diffused or scattered by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-1. The diffused and scattered light LS-1 generated by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-1 is extracted from the translucent light guide substrate 1-1 towards the +Z side. Light L-2 emitted from light source 2-2 is guided towards the +X side inside the translucent light guide substrate 1-2, and diffused or scattered by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-2. The diffused and scattered light LS-2 generated by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-2 is extracted from the translucent light guide substrate 1-2 towards the +Z side. Light L-3 emitted from light source 2-3 is guided towards the +X side inside the translucent light guide substrate 1-3, and diffused or scattered by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-3. The diffused and scattered light LS-3 generated by the light diffusion and scattering section 14-3 is extracted from the translucent light guide substrate 1-3 towards the +Z side.

[0077] The display device 10c can display pattern P-1 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering section 14-1, but not patterns P-2 and P-3 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering sections 14-2 and 14-3, by emitting light from light source 2-1 and deemitting light from light sources 2-2 and 2-3. Alternatively, by emitting light from light source 2-2 and deemitting light from light sources 2-1 and 2-3, the display device 10c can display pattern P-2 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering section 14-2, but not patterns P-1 and P-3 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering sections 14-1 and 14-3. Furthermore, by emitting light from light source 2-3 and deemitting light from light sources 2-1 and 2-2, the display device 10c can display pattern P-3 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering section 14-3, but not patterns P-1 and P-2 corresponding to the light diffusion scattering sections 14-1 and 14-2.

[0078] The display device 10c can select the pattern to be displayed from patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 by selecting the light source to emit light from light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. The display device 10c can select and display patterns with different content or at different positions by making the content or position of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 different from each other. Furthermore, the display positions of at least two of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 when viewed from above can at least partially overlap. The content of at least two of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 can also be the same.

[0079] exist Figure 8In the example shown, light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 do not overlap when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the areas of the translucent light guide substrates 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 on the +X side of their end face 12-3 overlap. When viewed from above, a portion of reflective layers 3-1 and 3-2 overlaps, and a portion of reflective layers 3-2 and 3-3 overlaps. Reflective layers 3-1 and 3-3 do not overlap when viewed from above.

[0080] By ensuring that light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 do not overlap when viewed from above, it is possible to make portions of light sources 2-1 and 2-2 overlap in the Z direction, and portions of light sources 2-2 and 2-3 overlap in another direction. This shortens the length of the display device 10c in the Z direction. In other words, the display device 10c becomes thinner. Furthermore, "different positions in the Z direction" also includes states where portions of objects overlap in the Z direction. For example, "different positions in the Z direction" includes states where portions of light sources 2-1 and 2-2 overlap, and portions of light sources 2-2 and 2-3 overlap in another direction.

[0081] In the display device 10c, for example, the thickness of each of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-1, light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-2, and light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-3 can be set to 0.30 mm. When using three light-transmitting light guide substrates 1, the overall length of the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 in the Z direction is 0.90 mm. The thickness of the protrusion forming layer 6-2 and the protrusion forming layer 6-3 can be set to 0.15 mm. When using four protrusion forming layers, the overall length of the protrusion forming layer in the Z direction is 0.60 mm. Furthermore, by overlapping a portion of the light source 2-1 and a portion of the light source 2-2 in the Z direction, and by overlapping a portion of the light source 2-2 and a portion of the light source 2-3 in the Z direction, the overall length of the light source in the Z direction can be set to 1.5 mm. As a result, the length of the display device 10c in the Z direction can be set to approximately 3 mm.

[0082] When the distance from the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-1 to the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-3 in the Z direction is long, the difference in display positions of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 in the Z direction becomes larger, which may cause a sense of disharmony for the observer. In the display device 10c, by making the display device 10c thinner, the distance from the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-1 to the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-3 can be shortened. This reduces the difference in display positions of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 in the Z direction, thus reducing the sense of disharmony for the observer.

[0083] In the display device 10c, by overlapping the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-1, light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-2, and light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-3 when viewed from above, the area of ​​the display device 10c can be reduced, thereby miniaturizing the display device 10c. Furthermore, by partially overlapping the reflective layers 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 when viewed from above, the area of ​​the display device 10c can be reduced, further miniaturizing the display device 10c.

[0084] The display device 10c is capable of displaying a pattern P corresponding to the color of the light emitted from at least two of the light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Figure 8 In the example shown, light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 emit light of different colors. Specifically, light source 2-1 emits white light. Light source 2-2 emits green light. Light source 2-3 emits yellow light. Pattern P-1 is a white pattern corresponding to the white light emitted by light source 2-1. Pattern P-2 is a green pattern corresponding to the green light emitted by light source 2-2. Pattern P-3 is a yellow pattern corresponding to the yellow light emitted by light source 2-3. Thus, the display device 10c can display patterns of different colors by selecting the light source to emit light from among light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3.

[0085] "Different colors of light" means that the colors of light differ to a degree that an observer can perceive as different. Therefore, even if two lights have different peak wavelengths, if their peak wavelengths are similar and the observer can perceive them as the same, it can be said that "the colors of light are the same," not that "the colors of light are different." Furthermore, at least two of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 can also have the same color.

[0086] (Light-shielding layer 5-1, light-shielding layer 5-2 and light-shielding layer 5-3) Light-shielding layers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 can all have the same structure, so light-shielding layer 5-2 will be used as an example for explanation.

[0087] The light-shielding layer 5-2 is a layer that blocks light emitted from the light source 2-2 that is not reflected by the reflective layer 3-2 but is transmitted through the reflective layer 3-2. By having the light-shielding layer 5-2, the display device 10c can reduce the occurrence of light leakage that is not reflected by the reflective layer 3-2 but is transmitted through the reflective layer 3-2 and then incident on the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-1 or the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1-3. Therefore, in the display device 10c, patterns that become noise due to light leakage can be reduced.

[0088] The light-shielding layer 5-2 is light-absorbing. Light absorption means that the reflectivity of the light emitted from the light source 2-2 is less than 1%. The light-shielding layer 5-2 is preferably dark-colored, more preferably black. The light-shielding layer 5-2 can be used in components with a black coating applied to the surface of a resin substrate. Alternatively, the light-shielding layer 5-2 can also be used in components with a black coating applied to the surface of a metal substrate. Furthermore, the light-shielding layer 5-2 may contain a light-absorbing material such as carbon black. Furthermore, the light-shielding layer 5-2 is not limited to being light-absorbing; it may also be light-reflective. Additionally, the light-shielding layer 5-1 is capable of light absorption of the light emitted from the light source 2-1. Additionally, the light-shielding layer 5-3 is capable of light absorption of the light emitted from the light source 2-3.

[0089] (Convexation cambium 6-2 and convexity cambium 6-3) The protrusion forming layer 6-2 and the protrusion forming layer 6-3 can have the same structure, so the description will be based on the protrusion forming layer 6-2.

[0090] like Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion forming layer 6-2 is a layer used to form an air layer 7 between adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1 in the Z direction among a plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1. A plurality of protrusions 63 are arranged in a matrix pattern on the upper surface 61 and lower surface 62 of the protrusion forming layer 6-2 along the X and Y directions, respectively. Figure 9 In the example shown, the protrusion 63 has a spherical shape. Furthermore, in the Z direction, the length of the protrusion 63 relative to the upper surface 61 and the length of the protrusion 63 relative to the lower surface 62 are both 10 μm or more.

[0091] For example, when adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrates in the Z-direction come into contact, at the contact point, light guided within the light-transmitting light guide substrate may leak out without total internal reflection and be incident on the adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrate in the Z-direction. Since the light incident on the adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrate in the Z-direction is diffused or scattered by the light-diffusing portion of the light-transmitting light guide substrate, unexpected patterns may be displayed in the display device. Furthermore, even if a gap is provided between adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrates in the Z-direction, the gap between adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrates in the Z-direction may change when the display device is bent due to its placement on a component with a curved surface. Due to this change, the light-transmitting light guide substrates may come into contact with each other, resulting in unexpected patterns being displayed in the display device.

[0092] The display device 10c, by having a protrusion forming layer 6-2, enables adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrates 1-1 and 1-2 in the Z direction to contact only at the protrusion 63 of the protrusion forming layer 6-2. Therefore, compared to the case without the protrusion forming layer 6-2, the contact area between the light-transmitting light guide substrates 1-1 and 1-2 can be significantly reduced. An air layer 7 exists in the area where the light-transmitting light guide substrates 1-1 and 1-2 do not contact. Therefore, for example, light L-1 guided inside the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-2 undergoes total internal reflection and does not leak out from the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-2. By reducing the contact area between the light-transmitting light guide substrates 1-1 and 1-2, for example, the incidence of light L-2 guided inside the light-transmitting light guide substrate 1-2 on the adjacent light-transmitting light guide substrate 1 in the Z direction can be reduced. Therefore, the display device 10c can reduce the occurrence of unexpected patterns. Furthermore, even when the display device 10c is positioned on a component with a curved surface, the presence of multiple protrusions 63 reduces the variation in spacing between adjacent light-transmitting substrates 1 in the Z direction. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected patterns being displayed in the display device 10c.

[0093] By making the protrusion 63 spherical, only the area near the apex of the protrusion 63 contacts the adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 in the Z direction. This appropriately reduces the contact area with the adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1. Furthermore, because it is spherical, the shape near the apex of the protrusion 63 changes gradually, thus allowing the adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1 to be stably positioned on the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate 1. However, the protrusion 63 is not limited to a spherical shape; it can also be conical, pyramidal, cuboid, or the like.

[0094] By setting the lengths of the protrusion 63 relative to the upper surface 61 and the protrusion 63 relative to the lower surface 62 to 10 μm or more, the contact between adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1 in the Z direction can be appropriately reduced. Furthermore, interference fringes generated by multiple reflections in adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrates 1 in the Z direction are easily reduced. However, the lengths of the protrusion 63 relative to the upper surface 61 and the protrusion 63 relative to the lower surface 62 are not limited to 10 μm or more, and may be less than 10 μm. Additionally, the lengths of the protrusion 63 relative to the upper surface 61 and the protrusion 63 relative to the lower surface 62 may be different.

[0095] The thickness of the protrusion forming layer 6-2 can be set to approximately 0.15 mm, for example. When viewed from above, if the outer edge of the protrusion 63 is circular, the diameter of the protrusion 63 can be set to approximately 0.1 mm. When viewed from above, the spacing between adjacent protrusions 63 in both the X and Y directions can be set to approximately 1 mm. However, the protrusions 63 do not necessarily need to be arranged neatly; they can also be arranged with uneven spacing. When viewed from above, the protrusions 63 are not limited to a matrix shape; they can also be arranged in a triangular lattice or honeycomb lattice shape, etc.

[0096] The protrusion forming layer 6-2 is translucent. Preferably, the translucentness of the protrusion forming layer 6-2 is 60% or more for visible light. The protrusion forming layer 6-2 can contain resin or the like. From the viewpoint of making the protrusion forming layer 6-2 thinner, the protrusion forming layer 6-2 is preferably a resin film. As a method for forming a plurality of protrusions 63 on the protrusion forming layer 6-2, embossing, molding, stamping, and other methods can be used.

[0097] The protrusion forming layer 6-2 is preferably flexible. By making the protrusion forming layer 6-2 flexible, the display device 10c can be configured to fit the shape of a component that has various shapes, such as a curved surface, and is not limited to a planar shape.

[0098] (Retaining component 8-1, retaining component 8-2 and retaining component 8-3) exist Figure 8 In the example shown, holding components 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 hold corresponding light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, ensuring their positions in the Z direction are different. Furthermore, holding components 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 hold corresponding light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 so that they do not overlap when viewed from above. Holding components 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 may be made of resin or metal, etc. The shapes of holding components 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the components on which the display device 10c is mounted.

[0099] <Example of display in display device 10c> Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C and Figure 11 This describes a display example of display device 10c. Figure 10A This is a diagram showing the first example of the pattern P displayed by the display device 10c. Figure 10B This is a diagram representing the second example of the pattern P displayed by the display device 10c. Figure 10C This is a diagram representing the third example of the pattern P displayed by the display device 10c. Figure 11This is an example of an object Q visible through the back of the display device 10c.

[0100] Figure 10A The pattern P-1 shown is the pattern displayed when only light source 2-1 is lit in light source 2, and light sources 2-2 and 2-3 are not lit. Figure 10B The pattern P-2 shown is the pattern displayed when only light source 2-2 emits light in light source 2, and light sources 2-1 and 2-3 do not emit light. Figure 10C The pattern P-3 shown is the pattern displayed when only light source 2-3 emits light in light source 2, and light sources 2-1 and 2-2 do not emit light. Additionally, in Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C In order to indicate that patterns P-1, P-2 and P-3 are examples of pattern P, the marks of patterns P-1, P-2 and P-3 and the mark of pattern P are also attached.

[0101] Figure 10A The pattern P-1 shown contains the numbers and characters "3.0N". Pattern P-1 is a white pattern. Figure 10B The pattern P-2 shown contains the numbers and characters "1.5N" and appears on the +Y side when viewed from above. Pattern P-2 is green. Figure 10C The pattern P-3 shown contains the numbers and characters "5.0N" and is displayed on the Y-side compared to pattern P-1 when viewed from above. Pattern P-3 is yellow. Thus, by selecting the light source 2 from light sources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 to emit light, the display device 10c can display patterns of different colors and contents at different positions when viewed from above. Furthermore, the colors of patterns P-1, P-2, and P-3 are not limited to white, green, or yellow, and can be appropriately changed depending on the application of the display device 10c.

[0102] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, when the display device 10c displays pattern P-3, the object Q located behind the display device 10c is visible. In this way, even if the display device 10c has multiple light-transmitting light guide substrates 1, it is possible to make the object Q located behind the display device 10c visible while displaying pattern P.

[0103] The effects of the display device 10c other than those described above are the same as those described in the second embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0104] The preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0105] For example, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, an example is shown where the light source 2 is only opposite to the second main surface 13 (see reference). Figure 2 In the second embodiment of this disclosure, an example is shown where the light source 2 is only opposite to the second main surface 13 and the end surface 12 (see reference). Figure 6 However, this is not the only limitation. For example, in the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the light source 2 may also be configured to face only the end face 12. Even in this case, light loss can be reduced, thus providing a display device 10 with high light utilization efficiency and miniaturization. However, when the light source 2 faces only the end face 12, since the end face 12 needs to have a length equal to or greater than the length of the light-emitting surface of the light source 2 in the Z direction, from the viewpoint of making the display device thinner in the Z direction, it is preferable to use a light source 2 with a shorter length of the light-emitting surface in the Z direction.

[0106] In the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of light-shielding layers 5 are illustrated, correspondingly disposed on a plurality of reflective layers 3, but this is not a limitation. In the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a single light-shielding layer 5 may also be disposed on a single reflective layer 3. Specifically, it is possible to... Figure 1 A light-shielding layer 5 can be disposed on the reflective layer 3 shown, or it can be... Figure 6 A light-shielding layer 5 is disposed on the reflective layer 3 shown. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the noise-causing pattern caused by light leakage upwards from the reflective layer 3.

[0107] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other figures used in the description of the embodiments are all illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating the technology of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative figures. In addition, the connection relationships between the constituent elements are illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating the technology of this disclosure, and the connection relationships for realizing the functions of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] The display device disclosed herein is suitable for use as an in-vehicle display device, such as one installed in the instrument panel, dashboard, door panel, etc., of an automobile, displaying the location of operation buttons or information such as vehicle speed or temperature displayed on an LCD panel. Because the display device is small, the instrument panel, dashboard, door panel, etc., in which the display device is installed can be miniaturized or made thinner, thus increasing the interior space of the automobile. However, the display device of this disclosure is not limited to in-vehicle use and can be applied to various other purposes. Furthermore, the display device of this disclosure can also be combined with an operation panel to form a touch panel.

[0109] This disclosure may include, for example, the following.

[0110] <1> A display device comprising: a light-transmitting light-guiding substrate including a first main surface, an end surface intersecting the first main surface, and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface; a light source including a light-emitting surface and disposed opposite to at least one of the second main surface and the end surface; and a reflective layer disposed on a region of the first main surface that overlaps with the light source when viewed from above, the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate including a light-diffusing portion that displays a pattern corresponding to the light-diffusing portion when viewed from above.

[0111] <2> As described in <1> above, when viewed from above, the lower part of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate is visible.

[0112] <3> As described in <1> or <2> above, the light source is located below the first main surface.

[0113] <4> As described in any one of <1> to <3> above, the light source does not overlap with the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate when viewed from above, but is respectively positioned opposite to the end face and the reflective layer, and the normal of the light-emitting surface is inclined such that it gets closer to the end face as it goes upward.

[0114] <5> The display device as described in any one of <1> to <4> above has one or more light sources arranged in the direction extending from the end face, and the light-transmitting light guide substrate includes one or more cuts arranged in the direction extending from the end face, wherein the one or more light sources overlap with one or more cuts when viewed from above.

[0115] <6> The display device as described in any one of <1> to <5> above includes a light-shielding layer disposed on the reflective layer.

[0116] <7> The display device as described in any one of <1> to <6> above includes: a plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates disposed at different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface of the first main surface; a plurality of light sources disposed at different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface in correspondence with the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates; and a plurality of reflective layers disposed at different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface in correspondence with the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates, and displays, when viewed from above, a pattern corresponding to the light diffusion and scattering portions provided corresponding to the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates.

[0117] <8> As described in <7> above, the multiple light sources do not overlap when viewed from above.

[0118] <9> As described in <7> or <8> above, the display device emits light of different colors from at least two of the plurality of light sources, and displays the pattern corresponding to the color of the light emitted by the light sources.

[0119] <10> The display device as described in any one of <7> to <9> above includes: one or more protrusion forming layers, which are correspondingly arranged between adjacent light-transmitting light-guide substrates in the normal direction of the first main surface among a plurality of light-transmitting light-guide substrates, and a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface respectively.

[0120] <11> As described in <10> above, the protrusion has a spherical shape.

[0121] <12> As described in <10> or <11> above, in the display device, in the direction of the normal of the first main surface, the length of the protrusion relative to the upper surface of the protrusion forming layer and the length of the protrusion relative to the lower surface of the protrusion forming layer are both 10 μm or more.

[0122] <13> The display device as described in any one of <7> to <12> above has a light-shielding layer disposed on the reflective layer.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: A light-transmitting light-guiding substrate includes a first main surface, an end surface intersecting the first main surface, and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface; A light source, comprising a light-emitting surface, and configured opposite to at least one of the second main surface and the end surface; and A reflective layer is disposed on the first main surface in the area that overlaps with the light source when viewed from above. The light-transparent light-guiding substrate includes a light-diffusing and scattering portion. The display device displays a pattern corresponding to the light diffuser when viewed from above.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, When viewed from above, the lower part of the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate is visible.

3. The display device as described in claim 1, The light source is located below the first main surface.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 1, The light source does not overlap with the light-transmitting light-guiding substrate when viewed from above, but is respectively positioned opposite the end face and the reflective layer. The normal to the light-emitting surface slopes upwards, getting closer to the end face.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 1, The display device has one or more of the light sources arranged in the direction extending from the end face. The light-transparent light-guiding substrate includes one or more cuts arranged in the direction extending from the end face. One or more of the light sources overlap with one or more of the cuts when viewed from above.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 1, The display device has a light-shielding layer disposed on the reflective layer.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 1, comprising: A plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates are disposed at different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface of the first main surface; A plurality of light sources, corresponding to the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates, are disposed at mutually different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface; and A plurality of reflective layers are disposed at different positions along the normal direction of the first main surface, corresponding to the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates. The display device displays, when viewed from above, the pattern corresponding to the light diffusion and scattering portions provided corresponding to the plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 7, The multiple light sources do not overlap when viewed from above.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 7, The light emitted from at least two of the plurality of light sources is of a different color. The display device displays the pattern corresponding to the color of the light emitted by the light source.

10. The display device as claimed in claim 7, comprising: One or more protrusion forming layers are correspondingly arranged between adjacent light-transmitting light-guiding substrates in the normal direction of the first main surface among a plurality of light-transmitting light-guiding substrates, and a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface respectively.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 10, The protrusion has a spherical shape.

12. The display device as claimed in claim 10, In the direction of the normal of the first principal surface, the length of the protrusion relative to the upper surface of the protrusion forming layer and the length of the protrusion relative to the lower surface of the protrusion forming layer are both 10 μm or more.

13. The display device as claimed in claim 7, The display device has multiple light-shielding layers correspondingly arranged on the multiple reflective layers.

Images