Light guide structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light guide structure relates to lighting and display technical field. The light guide structure includes: casing, light source and light guide subassembly, casing includes top plate and the side plate of being perpendicular to top plate setting, top plate can enclose a containing space with side plate, light source sets up in the inside of containing space, light source can emit light along the first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to top plate, light guide subassembly includes the light -uniform piece of arranging along the second direction and the profiling light guide piece, light -uniform piece is at least partially located between light source and top plate, the profiling mounting hole is seted up with profiling light guide piece along the second direction to the side plate, and profiling light guide piece is adapted with profiling mounting hole, and is at least partially located in the inside of profiling mounting hole, the second direction is set up with the first direction and presents the angle, the light can occur diffuse reflection after irradiating to top plate, and the light after diffuse reflection can be guided out from profiling light guide piece along the second direction through light -uniform piece. The light guide structure is used to avoid the local light of lamp is too bright or too dark, reduces the space occupation simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lighting and display technology, and in particular to a light guide structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most light guide solutions on the market design the light source's emission direction and the light guide's external emission direction to be parallel or coincident. In this setup, light emitted from the light source inside the product is transmitted to the outside through the light guide, resulting in areas of excessive brightness or darkness, affecting the appearance and user experience. To solve this problem, the aforementioned light guide solutions are forced to increase the distance between the light source and the light guide to extend the light mixing path.

[0003] This results in existing light guide solutions occupying a large space, being inconvenient to install, and being unsuitable for products that are small in size and have limited installation space. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a light guide structure to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a light guide structure to avoid localized overly bright or dim lighting while reducing space occupancy.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides a light guide structure, which includes: a housing, a light source, and a light guide assembly; the housing includes a top plate and a side plate disposed perpendicular to the top plate; the top plate and the side plate can enclose an accommodating space; the light source is disposed inside the accommodating space; the light source can emit light along a first direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the top plate; the light guide assembly includes a light-diffusing element and a contoured light guide element arranged along a second direction; the light-diffusing element is at least partially located between the light source and the top plate; the side plate has a contoured mounting hole along the second direction, the contoured light guide element is adapted to the contoured mounting hole, and is at least partially located inside the contoured mounting hole; the second direction is set at an angle to the first direction; the light shines on the light-diffusing element, and the light-diffusing element guides the light from the contoured light guide element along the second direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light homogenizing element contains uniformly distributed light scattering particles.

[0008] In some embodiments, the uniform light scattering particles have a spherical structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light-diffusing component includes a first abutting portion, a second abutting portion, and a connecting portion; the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion both extend along the second direction and are spaced apart along the first direction; the connecting portion extends along the first direction, with one end connected to the first abutting portion and the other end connected to the second abutting portion; in the first direction, the first abutting portion abuts against the top plate and is located between the light source and the top plate; in the second direction, the second abutting portion abuts against the side plate; the connecting portion and the first abutting portion form a first mounting space; the light source is disposed in the first mounting space; the connecting portion and the second abutting portion form a second mounting space; the contoured light guide is disposed in the second mounting space.

[0010] In some embodiments, the contoured light guide includes a mounting portion and a contoured portion arranged along the second direction; the mounting portion is located within the second mounting space, and the contoured portion is located within the contoured mounting hole; the contoured portion is adapted to the contoured mounting hole; in the first direction, the size of the mounting portion is larger than the size of the contoured portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light guide structure further includes a light shielding member disposed on the side of the light homogenizing member opposite to the contoured light guide member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light guide structure further includes a mounting plate disposed within the receiving space and spaced apart from the top plate; the light source is disposed on the mounting plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, there are multiple light sources, which are evenly spaced on the side of the mounting plate near the top plate; the light diffuser is at least partially located between the multiple light sources and the top plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the light guide structure further includes a control component disposed on the mounting plate; the control component is capable of controlling the state of light emitted by the plurality of light sources.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the distance between the light source and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide is not less than 6 mm.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This invention provides a light guide structure. A housing with a accommodating space is provided, inside which a light source capable of emitting light in a direction perpendicular to the top plate is disposed. A light guide assembly including a light diffuser and a contoured light guide is provided. At least a portion of the light diffuser is disposed between the light source and the top plate. A contoured mounting hole adapted to the contoured light guide is formed in a second direction on the side plate, and at least a portion of the contoured light guide is disposed inside the contoured mounting hole. Furthermore, the light emitted by the light source in a first direction, after illuminating the bottom plate of the housing, undergoes diffuse reflection. The diffused light is then guided out from the contoured light guide in the second direction by the aforementioned light diffuser. In the aforementioned light-guiding process, the direction of the emitted light from the light source is perpendicular to the direction of light guidance. The light spot generated by the light is located on the top plate, avoiding direct viewing of the light spot from the second direction. Simultaneously, the light is initially homogenized through diffuse reflection from the top plate before entering the light homogenizer. Within the light homogenizer, it undergoes repeated refraction and reflection before finally being guided out along the second direction from the light guide. This makes the light emitted by the light source more uniform and prevents localized overly bright or dim light from the light guide structure. Furthermore, since the direction of the emitted light from the light source is perpendicular to the direction of light guidance, there is no need to lengthen the distance between the light source and the light guide to increase the light mixing path, significantly reducing the space required. This allows the light guide structure to be used in smaller products, improving its versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a light guide structure provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of a light guide structure provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The structure shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a light guide component provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 1. Housing; 11. Top plate; 12. Side plate; 121. Contouring mounting hole; 2. Light source; 3. Light guide assembly; 31. Light diffuser; 311. First abutment part; 312. Second abutment part; 313. Connecting part; 32. Contouring light guide; 321. Mounting part; 322. Contouring part; 33. First mounting space; 34. Second mounting space; 4. Light shield; 5. Mounting plate;

[0024] X1, first direction; X2, second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0029] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a light guide structure, which includes a housing 1, a light source 2, and a light guide component 3.

[0030] The material of the aforementioned casing 1 is plastic or metal, etc. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the housing 1 includes a top plate 11 and side plates 12 disposed perpendicular to the top plate 11. The top plate 11 and the side plates 12 can enclose an accommodating space. It is easy to understand that the shape of the housing 1 can be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. When the shape of the housing 1 is circular or polygonal, the shape of the top plate 11 is circular or polygonal, and the side plate 12 is a circular or elliptical annular side plate 12; when the shape of the housing 1 is polygonal (e.g., rectangular), the shape of the top plate 11 is rectangular, and the side plate 12 is a rectangular annular side plate 12, or four straight plate-shaped side plates 12.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source 2 is disposed inside the accommodating space. The light source 2 is capable of emitting light along a first direction X1, which is perpendicular to the top plate 11, and is, for example, a vertical direction. The light source 2 includes an LED.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the light guide structure also includes a mounting plate 5, which is disposed inside the receiving space and spaced apart from the top plate 11. The light source 2 is disposed on the mounting plate 5. That is, the light source 2 is disposed between the mounting plate 5 and the top plate 11. The mounting plate 5 is connected to the top plate 11, for example, by bolts. This arrangement provides a mounting position for the light source 2.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the light guide assembly 3 includes a light diffuser 31 and a contoured light guide 32 arranged along the second direction X2. The light diffuser 31 is at least partially located between the light source 2 and the top plate 11. The material of the light diffuser 31 is, for example, a plastic material such as polycarbonate. The side plate 12 has a contoured mounting hole 121 along the second direction X2, and the contoured light guide 32 is adapted to the contoured mounting hole 121, with at least a portion of the contoured light guide 32 located inside the contoured mounting hole 121. Here, the second direction X2 forms an angle with the first direction X1, for example, 90°. It is easy to understand that "the contoured light guide 32 is adapted to the contoured mounting hole 121" means that the shape and size of the contoured light guide 32 are the same as the shape and size of the contoured mounting hole 121. This arrangement ensures that the light guide is adapted to the side plate 12 of the housing 1, improving the overall aesthetics.

[0034] The light source 2 can emit light along the first direction X1, which illuminates the light diffuser 31. The light diffuser 31 guides the light from the contour light guide 32 along the second direction X2.

[0035] Therefore, the light guide structure provided by this utility model includes a housing 1 with a accommodating space, a light source 2 that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the top plate 11 inside the housing 1, and a light guide assembly 3 including a light diffuser 31 and a contoured light guide 32. At least a portion of the light diffuser 31 is disposed between the light source 2 and the top plate 11, and a contoured mounting hole 121 adapted to the contoured light guide 32 is opened on the side plate 12 along the second direction X2, with at least a portion of the contoured light guide 32 disposed inside the contoured mounting hole 121. In addition, the light emitted by the light source 2 along the first direction X1 can undergo diffuse reflection after illuminating the bottom plate of the housing 1, and the diffused light can be guided out from the contoured light guide 32 along the second direction X2 through the aforementioned light diffuser 31. In the aforementioned light-guiding process, the direction of light emitted by the light source 2 is perpendicular to the direction of light guidance. The light spot generated by the light is located on the top plate 11, avoiding direct viewing of the light spot from the second direction X2. Simultaneously, the light is initially homogenized by diffuse reflection through the top plate 11 before entering the light homogenizer 31. Within the light homogenizer 31, it undergoes repeated refraction and reflection before finally being guided out along the second direction X2. This makes the light emitted by the light source 2 more uniform, preventing localized overly bright or dim light from the light guide structure. Furthermore, since the direction of light emitted by the light source 2 is perpendicular to the direction of light guidance, there is no need to lengthen the distance between the light source 2 and the light guide to increase the light mixing path, significantly reducing the space occupied. This allows the light guide structure to be applied to smaller products, improving its applicability.

[0036] In some embodiments, the light-diffusing element 31 is provided with uniformly distributed light-diffusing particles. These particles can be inorganic diffusion particles, such as silicon dioxide, barium sulfate, or nano-calcium carbonate, or organic diffusion particles, such as organosilicon compounds. By uniformly distributing light-diffusing particles within the light-diffusing element 31, the light-diffusing particles can be used to cross-refract light, thereby improving the light homogenization effect.

[0037] In some embodiments, the light-scattering particles described above have a spherical structure. For example, the light-scattering particles are organic nanospheres, that is, three-dimensional polymer microspheres mainly composed of organosilicon compounds (such as cross-linked methacryloyloxy functionalized elastomers). By such a configuration, the light-scattering effect of the light-diffusing element 31 can be further improved, thereby making the light emitted by the light-guiding structure more uniform.

[0038] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the light-diffusing component 31 includes a first abutting portion 311, a second abutting portion 312, and a connecting portion 313. The first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 both extend along a second direction X2 and are spaced apart along a first direction X1. The connecting portion 313 extends along the first direction X1, with one end connected to the first abutting portion 311 and the other end connected to the second abutting portion 312. In the first direction X1, the first abutting portion 311 abuts against the top plate 11 and is located between the light source 2 and the top plate 11 of the housing 1, i.e., with... Figure 3 Taking the shown perspective as an example, the upper surface of the first abutting part 311 abuts against the lower surface of the top plate 11. In the second direction X2, the second abutting part 312 abuts against the side plate 12, that is, with Figure 3 Taking the shown perspective as an example, the left end of the second abutment portion 312 abuts against the right side wall of the side plate 12. The connecting portion 313 and the first abutment portion 311 form a first mounting space 33, and the light source 2 is disposed in the first mounting space 33. The connecting portion 313 and the second abutment portion 312 form a second mounting space 34, and the contoured light guide 32 is disposed in the second mounting space 34. Through the above arrangement, the first mounting space 33 formed by the first abutment portion 311 and the connecting portion 313 of the light homogenizer 31 can partially surround the light source 2, so that the light emitted by the light source 2 can enter the light homogenizer 31 as much as possible; in addition, the second mounting space 34 formed by the second abutment portion 312 and the connecting portion 313 can partially surround the contoured light guide 32, so that the light homogenized by the light homogenizer 31 can enter the light guide as much as possible, and then be discharged from the light guide. This can improve the utilization rate of the light emitted by the light source 2, and while ensuring the uniformity of the light emitted by the light guide structure, it can also increase the brightness of the emitted light.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the aforementioned contoured light guide 32 includes a mounting portion 321 and a contouring portion 322 arranged along the second direction X2. The mounting portion 321 is located within the second mounting space 34, and the contouring portion 322 is located within the contoured mounting hole 121. Here, the contouring portion 322 is adapted to the contoured mounting hole 121. In the first direction X1, the size of the mounting portion 321 is larger than the size of the contouring portion 322. That is, with... Figure 1 Taking the shown viewpoint as an example, the height (vertical dimension) of the mounting part 321 is greater than the height (vertical dimension) of the contouring part 322. By setting it in this way, the dimensional difference between the mounting part 321 and the contouring part 322 in the first direction X1 can be used to limit the directional light guide in the second direction X2, preventing the contouring light guide 32 from falling out of the housing 1's receiving space, thus improving the reliability of the light guide structure during use.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the light guide structure also includes a light-shielding member 4. This light-shielding member 4 is disposed on the side of the light-diffusing member 31 that faces away from the contoured light guide member 32. That is, with... Figure 3 Taking the shown viewpoint as an example, the light-shielding component 4 is located on the right side of the light-diffusing component 31. By setting the light-shielding component 4, the light emitted by the light source 2 can be concentrated on the side of the light guide component 3, thereby improving the light utilization rate and increasing the brightness of the emitted light while ensuring the uniformity of the light emitted by the light guide structure.

[0041] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple light sources 2, which are evenly spaced on the side of the mounting plate 5 near the top plate 11. That is, with... Figure 3 Taking the shown viewpoint as an example, multiple light sources 2 are evenly spaced on the upper side of the mounting plate 5. The aforementioned light diffuser 31 is at least partially located between the multiple light sources 2 and the top plate 11. With this arrangement, more light sources 2 can be provided to the light guide structure, avoiding the decrease in brightness of the light emitted by the light guide structure due to diffuse reflection from the top plate 11 and the light diffuser 31, thus ensuring the brightness of the light emitted by the light guide structure.

[0042] In some embodiments, the light guide structure further includes a control component. This control component is mounted on the mounting plate 5. The control component can control the state of light emitted by the multiple light sources 2; that is, it can control the start and stop of the multiple light sources 2, enabling all light sources 2 to start or only some of them to start. It is easy to understand that the control component includes control circuitry and a controller, etc., which can be configured according to the actual needs of use, and will not be described in detail here. Through the above configuration, the state of light emitted by the multiple light sources 2 (i.e., start and stop states) can be flexibly controlled using the control component, thus flexibly controlling the brightness of the light emitted by the light guide structure and improving its practicality.

[0043] In some embodiments, in the second direction X2, the distance between the light source 2 and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide 32 is not less than 6 mm. For example, the distance between the light source 2 and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide 32 is 6 mm; or, for example, the distance between the light source 2 and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide 32 is 7 mm; or, for example, the distance between the light source 2 and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide 32 is 8 mm. This arrangement avoids the distance between the light source 2 and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide 32 being too small in the second direction, thereby preventing uneven brightness on the outer light surface.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A light guiding structure, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) includes a top plate (11) and a side plate (12) disposed perpendicular to the top plate (11); the top plate (11) and the side plate (12) can enclose an accommodating space; A light source (2) is disposed inside the accommodating space; the light source (2) is capable of emitting light along a first direction (X1); the first direction (X1) is perpendicular to the top plate (11); The light guide assembly (3) includes a light diffuser (31) and a contoured light guide (32) arranged along a second direction (X2); the light diffuser (31) is at least partially located between the light source (2) and the top plate (11); the side plate (12) has a contoured mounting hole (121) along the second direction (X2), the contoured light guide (32) is adapted to the contoured mounting hole (121), and is at least partially located inside the contoured mounting hole (121); the second direction (X2) is set at an angle to the first direction (X1); The light shines onto the light homogenizer (31), and the light homogenizer (31) guides the light out from the contour light guide (32) along the second direction (X2).

2. The light guide structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-diffusing component (31) has uniformly distributed light-diffusing particles inside.

3. The light guide structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light-scattering particles have a spherical structure.

4. The light guide structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-diffusing component (31) includes a first abutting part (311), a second abutting part (312), and a connecting part (313). The first abutting part (311) and the second abutting part (312) both extend along the second direction (X2) and are spaced apart along the first direction (X1); the connecting part (313) extends along the first direction (X1), and one end is connected to the first abutting part (311) and the other end is connected to the second abutting part (312); in the first direction (X1), the first abutting part (311) abuts against the top plate (11) and is located between the light source (2) and the top plate (11); in the second direction (X2), the second abutting part (312) abuts against the side plate (12); The connecting part (313) and the first abutting part (311) form a first installation space (33); the light source (2) is disposed in the first installation space (33); the connecting part (313) and the second abutting part (312) form a second installation space (34); the contour light guide (32) is disposed in the second installation space (34).

5. The light guide structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The contoured light guide (32) includes a mounting portion (321) and a contoured portion (322) arranged along the second direction (X2); the mounting portion (321) is located within the second mounting space (34), and the contoured portion (322) is located within the contoured mounting hole (121); the contoured portion (322) is adapted to the contoured mounting hole (121); In the first direction (X1), the size of the mounting part (321) is larger than the size of the contouring part (322).

6. The light guide structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a light-shielding element (4), which is disposed on the side of the light-diffusing element (31) away from the contour light guide element (32).

7. The light guiding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting plate (5), which is disposed within the accommodating space and spaced apart from the top plate (11); the light source (2) is disposed on the mounting plate (5).

8. The light guide structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of light sources (2) is multiple, and the multiple light sources (2) are evenly spaced on the side of the mounting plate (5) near the top plate (11); the light diffuser (31) is at least partially located between the multiple light sources (2) and the top plate (11).

9. The light guide structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, which is disposed on the mounting plate (5); the control component is capable of controlling the state of light emitted by the multiple light sources (2).

10. The light guide structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the second direction (X2), the distance between the light source (2) and the light-emitting surface of the contoured light guide (32) is not less than 6 mm.

Images