A direct-lit fiber optic light source module

Abstract

This invention provides a direct-lit fiber optic backlight module, including a light-emitting component and an optical fiber. The light-emitting component's light-emitting end is connected to the light-input end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a core, an outer sheath, and multiple exposed sections with the sheath removed. Each exposed section of the core has multiple light emission points. A semi-transparent layer covers the light emission points on the exposed sections of the core, and a light diffusing agent is placed within the semi-transparent layer. The outer surface of the semi-transparent layer has a textured surface. This invention not only significantly reduces the backlight thickness but also provides excellent light emission, improving the overall performance of the backlight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of display screens, and specifically relates to a fiber optic light source module with direct-lit backlight. Background Technology

[0002] TV backlight modules can be divided into ELED and DLED. Taking the commonly used DLED backlight module as an example, from bottom to top, they consist of LED strips, reflectors, diffusers, prism sheets, and diffusers. Because DLED backlight modules emit light directly below the screen, their size can be larger than 85 inches. However, due to this light-emitting method, the OD value (i.e., the distance between the LED strips and the diffuser) of DLED has always been difficult to reduce, while the trend of pursuing ultra-large and ultra-thin designs is becoming more and more obvious.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a backlight structure employing a fiber optic light source module has been developed, significantly reducing the backlight thickness. Current fiber optic light source modules consist of a light-emitting component and an optical fiber. The fiber's core has a light-emitting point, which disrupts total internal reflection, causing some light to exit the core after passing through the point. However, because the light is directly scattered after exiting the point without further diffusion, the light effect is poor. Compared to current DLED backlight modules, the difference in performance is significant, greatly limiting the widespread adoption of fiber optic light source modules. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings and problems of existing technologies, this utility model provides a fiber optic light source module for direct-lit backlighting, which can not only greatly reduce the thickness of the backlight, but also has a good light output effect, thus improving the performance of the backlight.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A direct-lit fiber optic light source module includes a light-emitting component and an optical fiber. The light-emitting component is connected to the light-inlet end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a core, a cladding layer, and multiple exposed sections with the cladding layer removed. The core at each exposed section has multiple light emission points. The core at each exposed section is covered by a semi-transparent layer that covers the light emission points. The semi-transparent layer contains a light diffusing agent, and its outer surface has a textured structure.

[0007] The concave-convex structure is conical, triangular pyramidal, tetrahedral pyramidal, polygonal prismal, hemispherical, or a combination thereof.

[0008] The optical fiber is a multimode fiber, and the diameter of the fiber core at the light-inlet end is larger than that at other parts.

[0009] The light-emitting component contains a light source, which is white light.

[0010] The light-emitting component contains a light source, which is monochromatic light. The surface of the translucent layer is coated with a quantum coating, and the monochromatic light is mixed into white light by the quantum coating.

[0011] The optical fiber is fixed to the backplate and is arranged in an S-shape or spiral shape.

[0012] The distribution of the light emission points gradually becomes denser as the distance from the light incident end of the optical fiber increases.

[0013] The length of the exposed section on the optical fiber increases with the distance from the light incident end of the optical fiber.

[0014] The outer surface of the wrapping layer is coated.

[0015] This invention features a semi-transparent layer containing a light diffusing agent, which uniformly scatters light emitted from the light emission point. The concave-convex structure acts like a convex lens, optimizing the emitted light and enhancing the backlight effect. Furthermore, the semi-transparent layer protects the exposed wire core, preventing it from being directly exposed. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the optical fiber is arranged in a spiral pattern in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the optical fiber is arranged in an S-shape in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the light-incident end of the core in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of two multimode fiber optic transmission paths in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of two multimode fiber optic transmission paths in Example 2.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Light-emitting component, 2-Optical fiber, 21-Core, 22-Wrapping layer, 221-Coating layer, 23-Light emission point, 24-Semi-transparent layer, 241-Light diffusing agent, 242-Uneven structure, 25-Quantum coating, 201-Exposed section, 3-Backplate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a direct-lit backlight fiber optic light source module includes a light-emitting component 1 and an optical fiber 2. The light-emitting component 1 is connected to the light-input end of the optical fiber 2, and the light emitted by the light-emitting component 1 can be coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber 2 includes a core 21, a cladding layer 22 surrounding the core 21, and a coating layer 221 on the outer surface of the cladding layer 22. The light emitted by the light-emitting component 1 can undergo total internal reflection within the core 21, thereby achieving light transmission. The optical fiber 2 uses multimode fiber, mainly including step-index and gradient-index fibers. Since the larger the diameter of the core 21, the easier it is for the incident light to couple into the optical fiber 2, and the lower the coupling difficulty, the diameter of the light-input end of the core 21 of the optical fiber 2 is larger than that of other parts. The core diameter of multimode optical fiber is generally between 50-100µm, with 50µm, 62.5µm and 100µm being the most common. Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical fiber 2 at the light input end can use either 100µm / 140µm or 62.5µm / 125µm, while the optical fiber specifications for other parts can be one of 50µm / 125µm, 62.5µm / 125µm or 100µm / 140µm.

[0025] The optical fiber 2 has multiple exposed sections 201 with the cladding layer 22 removed. During production, exposed sections 201 can be formed on an optical fiber by removing part of the cladding layer 22. The core 21 at the exposed section 201 has multiple light exit points 23. The light exit points 23 are used to break total internal reflection in the core 21. After passing through the light exit points 23, some of the light transmitted in the core 21 will exit outside the core 21. The light exit points 23 can be located on the outer surface or inside the core 21. Surface light exit points 23 can be formed by hot pressing or screen printing processes, while internal light exit points 23 can be formed by laser engraving.

[0026] The exposed section 201 of the wire core 21 is covered by a semi-transparent layer 24, which also covers the light emission point 23. The semi-transparent layer 24 contains a light diffusing agent 241, and its refractive index is lower than that of the wire core 21. Light emitted from the wire core 21 undergoes diffuse reflection through the light diffusing agent 241, resulting in more uniform light distribution. The outer surface of the semi-transparent layer 24 has a textured structure 242, which acts similarly to a convex lens, optimizing the emitted light and improving the backlighting effect. The textured structure 242 can be conical, triangular pyramidal, square pyramidal, polygonal prism, hemispherical, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The light-emitting component 1 contains a white light source suitable for the general color gamut. The optical fiber 2 is fixed to the backplate 3, and is arranged in an S-shape or spiral pattern, ensuring uniform light emission throughout the backplate 3. The distribution of light emission points 23 gradually increases in density with increasing distance from the light incident end of the optical fiber 2; alternatively, the length of the exposed section 201 on the optical fiber 2 increases with increasing distance from the light incident end. This is because the brightness is lower at locations farther from the light incident end of the optical fiber 2. This is balanced by increasing the density of the light emission points 23 or the length of the exposed section 201, thus achieving overall uniform light emission.

[0028] Working process: The light source of the light-emitting component 1 emits white light, which is coupled into the optical fiber 2 and transmitted within the core 21. Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Diagram showing the optical propagation path of different multimode optical fibers) When the light encounters the light emission point 23, due to the destruction of total internal reflection at that point, some light rays are emitted outside the core 21. The emitted light rays enter the semi-transparent layer 24, where they encounter the light diffusing agent 241, which can achieve a diffuse reflection effect. The light rays then pass through the concave-convex structure 242 and are emitted. The concave-convex structure 242 can act like a convex lens, optimizing the emitted light rays and improving the backlight effect.

[0029] Example 2

[0030] As shown in the figure Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a direct-lit backlight fiber optic light source module includes a light-emitting component 1 and an optical fiber 2. The light-emitting component 1 is connected to the light-input end of the optical fiber 2, and the light emitted by the light-emitting component 1 can be coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber 2 includes a core 21, a cladding layer 22 surrounding the core 21, and a coating layer 221 on the outer surface of the cladding layer 22. The light emitted by the light-emitting component 1 can undergo total internal reflection within the core 21, thereby achieving light transmission. The optical fiber 2 uses multimode fiber, mainly including step-index and gradient-index fibers. Since the larger the diameter of the core 21, the easier it is for the incident light to couple into the optical fiber 2, and the lower the coupling difficulty, the diameter of the light-input end of the core 21 of the optical fiber 2 is larger than that of other parts. The core diameter of multimode optical fiber is generally between 50-100µm, with 50µm, 62.5µm and 100µm being the most common. Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical fiber 2 at the light input end can use either 100µm / 140µm or 62.5µm / 125µm, while the optical fiber specifications for other parts can be one of 50µm / 125µm, 62.5µm / 125µm or 100µm / 140µm.

[0031] The optical fiber 2 has multiple exposed sections 201 with the cladding layer 22 removed. During production, exposed sections 201 can be formed on an optical fiber by removing part of the cladding layer 22. The core 21 at the exposed section 201 has multiple light exit points 23. The light exit points 23 are used to break total internal reflection in the core 21. After passing through the light exit points 23, some of the light transmitted in the core 21 will exit outside the core 21. The light exit points 23 can be located on the outer surface or inside the core 21. Surface light exit points 23 can be formed by hot pressing or screen printing processes, while internal light exit points 23 can be formed by laser engraving.

[0032] The exposed section 201 of the wire core 21 is covered by a semi-transparent layer 24, which also covers the light emission point 23. The semi-transparent layer 24 contains a light diffusing agent 241, and its refractive index is lower than that of the wire core 21. Light emitted from the wire core 21 undergoes diffuse reflection through the light diffusing agent 241, resulting in more uniform light distribution. The outer surface of the semi-transparent layer 24 has a textured structure 242, which acts similarly to a convex lens, optimizing the emitted light and improving the backlighting effect. The textured structure 242 can be conical, triangular pyramidal, square pyramidal, polygonal prism, hemispherical, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The light-emitting component 1 contains a light source, which emits monochromatic light. A quantum coating 25 is applied to the surface of the translucent layer 24. The monochromatic light is mixed into white light by the quantum coating 25. This structure is suitable for high color gamut applications. An optical fiber 2 is fixed to a backplate 3. The optical fiber 2 is arranged in an S-shape or spiral, ensuring that there are light-emitting points throughout the backplate 3, resulting in uniform light emission. The distribution of light emission points 23 gradually increases in density with increasing distance from the light-incident end of the optical fiber 2. Alternatively, the length of the exposed section 201 on the optical fiber 2 increases with increasing distance from the light-incident end of the optical fiber 2. This is because the brightness is lower at locations farther from the light-incident end of the optical fiber 2. This is balanced by increasing the density of the light emission points 23 or the length of the exposed section 201, thereby achieving overall uniform light emission.

[0034] Working process: The light source of the light-emitting component 1 emits monochromatic light, which is coupled into the optical fiber 2 and transmitted within the core 21. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Diagram showing the optical propagation path of different multimode optical fibers) When monochromatic light encounters the light emission point 23, due to the destruction of total internal reflection at that point, part of the monochromatic light exits outside the core 21. The emitted monochromatic light enters the semi-transparent layer 24, where it encounters the light diffusing agent 241, which can achieve a diffuse reflection effect. The monochromatic light then passes through the concave-convex structure 242 and enters the quantum coating 25 before exiting. The concave-convex structure 242 can act like a convex lens, optimizing the emitted light and improving the backlight effect. The quantum coating 25 can mix the monochromatic light to form white light that is emitted.

[0035] The above embodiments are preferred implementations of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any obvious substitutions are within the protection scope of this utility model without departing from its inventive concept.

Claims

1. A fiber optic light source module for direct backlighting, comprising a light emitting assembly (1) and a fiber (2), the light emitting assembly being connected at its light exit to the light entrance end of the fiber, characterized in that: The optical fiber includes a core (21), a wrapping layer (22) is provided outside the core, and multiple bare sections (201) with the wrapping layer removed are provided on the optical fiber. The core at the bare section has multiple light emission points (23). The core at the bare section is wrapped with a semi-transparent layer (24), and the semi-transparent layer covers the light emission points. A light diffusing agent (241) is provided inside the semi-transparent layer, and the outer surface of the semi-transparent layer has a concave-convex structure (242). 2.The direct-lit backlight fiber optic light source module of claim 1, wherein: The concave-convex structure (242) is conical, triangular pyramidal, quadrangular pyramidal, polygonal prismal, hemispherical, or a combination thereof.

3. The edge-lit backlight according to claim 2, wherein: The optical fiber (2) is a multimode optical fiber, and the diameter of the optical fiber core at the light-inlet end is larger than that at other parts. 4.The direct-lit backlight fiber optic light source module of claim 1, wherein: The light-emitting component (1) is equipped with a light source, which is white light.

5. The direct-lit backlight fiber optic light source module of claim 1, wherein: The light-emitting component (1) is provided with a light source, which is monochromatic light. The semi-transparent layer (24) is provided with a quantum coating (25) on its surface. The monochromatic light is mixed into white light by the quantum coating.

6. The fiber optic light source module with direct-lit backlight according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber (2) is fixed on the back plate (3), and the optical fiber is arranged in an S-shape or a spiral shape.

7. The fiber optic light source module with direct-lit backlight according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distribution of the light emission points (23) gradually becomes denser as the distance from the light incident end of the optical fiber increases.

8. The fiber optic light source module with direct-lit backlight according to claim 6, characterized in that: The length of the exposed section (201) on the optical fiber increases with the increase of the distance from the light incident end of the optical fiber.

9. The fiber optic light source module with direct-lit backlight according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The outer surface of the wrapping layer (22) is provided with a coating layer (221).

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