Light guide plate and light source module

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a light guide plate and a light source module that have more superior uniformity of light distribution.SOLUTION: A light guide plate includes a light incident surface, a first surface, and a plurality of optical microstructures. The first surface is connected to the light incident surface. The optical microstructures are disposed on the first surface. Each optical microstructure has a first cross-sectional profile along a first cross section and a second cross-sectional profile along a second cross section. The first cross section is perpendicular to the second cross section. The first cross-sectional profile is different from the second cross-sectional profile. The optical microstructures include a plurality of first optical microstructures and a plurality of second optical microstructures. The second cross-sectional profile of each first optical microstructure is different from the second cross-sectional profile of each second optical microstructure. There is also provided a light source module including the light guide plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source module, and more particularly to a light source module having a light guide plate. [Background technology]

[0002] As non-self-luminous displays such as liquid crystal displays are widely used, the design of backlight modules also needs to be adapted to different usage scenarios. Among them, edge-type backlight modules can meet the demand for thinner display devices and thus have become mainstream in the market. Generally, edge-type backlight modules include a light guide plate and a light source. By arranging the light source on the edge surface of the light guide plate, the thickness of the backlight module can be greatly reduced. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, in such a design, the light sources with power-saving characteristics are distributed discontinuously on the edge side of the light guide plate, which may result in non-uniform light distribution (eg, light spot phenomenon). [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a light guide plate and a light source module with better light distribution uniformity.

[0005] The present invention provides a light guide plate including a light incidence surface, a first surface, and a plurality of optical microstructures. The first surface is connected to the light incidence surface. The optical microstructures are disposed on the first surface. Each optical microstructure has a first cross-sectional profile along a first cross-section and a second cross-sectional profile along a second cross-section. The first cross-section is perpendicular to the second cross-section. The first cross-sectional profile is different from the second cross-sectional profile. The optical microstructure includes a plurality of first optical microstructures and a plurality of second optical microstructures. The second cross-sectional profile of each first optical microstructure is different from the second cross-sectional profile of each second optical microstructure.

[0006] The present invention provides a light source module including a light guide plate and a light source. The light guide plate includes a light incidence surface, a first surface, and a plurality of optical microstructures. The first surface is connected to the light incidence surface. The optical microstructures are disposed on the first surface. Each optical microstructure has a first cross-sectional contour along the first cross-section and a second cross-sectional contour along the second cross-section. The first cross-section is perpendicular to the second cross-section. The first cross-sectional contour is different from the second cross-sectional contour. The optical microstructure includes a plurality of first optical microstructures and a plurality of second optical microstructures. The second cross-sectional contour of each first optical microstructure is different from the second cross-sectional contour of each second optical microstructure. The light source is disposed on one side of the light incidence surface of the light guide plate. Effect of the Invention

[0007] As described above, in the light source module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical microstructures arranged on the first surface of the light guide plate are asymmetric with respect to a cross section parallel to the light incident surface of the light guide plate. The cross-sectional contours of some optical microstructures along their respective cross sections are different from the cross-sectional contours of other optical microstructures along their respective cross sections. Therefore, the uniformity of the light distribution of the light guide plate can be greatly improved.

[0008] In order to make the above content easier to understand, several embodiments will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the principles of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light source module of FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light source module of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, showing by way of example specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" and the like are used with reference to the orientation of the drawings being described. The components of the invention can be arranged in many different orientations. Thus, directional terms are used for purposes of explanation and not for a limiting sense. However, the drawings are schematic and the sizes of the components may be exaggerated for clarity. It is to be understood that structural changes can be made using other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the words and terminology used herein are for purposes of explanation and should not be regarded as limiting. The words "including", "containing", or "having" and variations thereof are meant to encompass not only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, but also additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the words "connected", "coupled", and "attached" and variations thereof are used broadly to encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and attachments. Similarly, "opposing," "facing," and variations thereof are used broadly to include directly and indirectly opposing, and "adjacent" and variations thereof are used broadly to include directly and indirectly "adjacent." Thus, a description of an "A" component facing a "B" component can include a situation in which the "A" component directly faces the "B" component, or where one or more additional components are present between the "A" and "B" components. A description of an "A" component "adjacent" a "B" component can also include a situation in which the "A" component is directly "adjacent" to the "B" component, or where one or more additional components are present between the "A" and "B" components. Thus, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the light source module of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A corresponds to the three section lines A-A' in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B corresponds to the three section lines B-B' in FIG. 1. It should be noted that the orthogonal projection of the first cross section CS1 of each optical microstructure on the first surface 100bs is defined as the section line A-A'. Similarly, the orthogonal projection of the second cross section CS2 of each optical microstructure on the first surface 100bs is defined as the section line B-B'.

[0013] 1, 2A, and 2B, the light source module 10 includes a light guide plate 100 and a light source 120. The light guide plate 100 has a light incident surface 100is, a first surface 100bs, and a second surface 100es. The second surface 100es and the first surface 100bs face each other and are connected to the light incident surface 100is. The light source 120 is disposed on one side of the light incident surface 100is of the light guide plate 100. The light source 120 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes spaced apart along a direction parallel to the light incident surface 100is and the first surface 100bs, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0014] The light guide plate 100 further has a plurality of optical microstructures arranged on the first surface 100bs of the light guide plate 100. The optical microstructures are configured to deflect a light beam (not shown) emitted from the light source 120 and transmitted into the light guide plate 100 toward the second surface 100es. In particular, each optical microstructure has an asymmetric structure. More specifically, each optical microstructure has two different cross-sectional profiles along two cross sections perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the asymmetric structures of the optical microstructures may be the same, but may be arranged in different ways.

[0015] From another perspective, each optical microstructure can have a first cross-sectional contour along the first cross-sectional surface CS1 and a second cross-sectional contour along the second cross-sectional surface CS2. The first cross-sectional surface CS1 is perpendicular to the second cross-sectional surface CS2. The first cross-sectional surface CS1 intersects with the light incidence surface 100is. In this embodiment, for example, the first cross-sectional surface CS1 may be perpendicular to the light incidence surface 100is. At least two portions of the optical microstructure have different first cross-sectional contours or different second cross-sectional contours.

[0016] In this embodiment, for example, the optical microstructure may include a plurality of optical microstructures MS1, a plurality of optical microstructures MS2, and a plurality of optical microstructures MS3. Each optical microstructure MS1 has only one symmetry plane SP1 that coincides with the first cross section CS1, which means that the symmetry plane SP1 of each optical microstructure MS1 is perpendicular to the light incident surface 100is. Each optical microstructure MS2 has only one symmetry plane SP2, and the symmetry plane SP2 rotates counterclockwise by an angle φ2 with respect to the first cross section CS1. Similarly, each optical microstructure MS3 has only one symmetry plane SP3, and the symmetry plane SP3 rotates clockwise by an angle φ1 with respect to the first cross section CS1.

[0017] From another perspective, the second cross-sectional contour CSP2a of each optical microstructure MS1, the second cross-sectional contour CSP2b of each optical microstructure MS2, and the second cross-sectional contour CSP2c of each optical microstructure MS3 are different from each other. The first cross-sectional contour CSP1a of each optical microstructure MS1 is different from the first cross-sectional contour CSP1b of each optical microstructure MS2 and the first cross-sectional contour CSP1c of each optical microstructure MS3.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first cross-sectional contour CSP1b of each optical microstructure MS2 may be the same as the first cross-sectional contour CSP1c of each optical microstructure MS3, which means that the rotation angle φ2 of each optical microstructure MS2 may be the same as the rotation angle φ1 of each optical microstructure MS3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the angle φ2 at which each optical microstructure MS2 rotates may be different from the angle φ1 at which each optical microstructure MS3 rotates, which means that the first cross-sectional contour CSP1b of each optical microstructure MS2 may be different from the first cross-sectional contour CSP1c of each optical microstructure MS3.

[0019] It should be noted that the line shapes of the cross-sectional profiles of FIGS. 2A and 2B are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] The above-mentioned configurations of the optical microstructure MS1, the optical microstructure MS2, and the optical microstructure MS3 can greatly improve the uniformity of the light distribution of the light guide plate 100. In particular, the light spot phenomenon that mainly occurs near the side of the light guide plate 100 where the light source 120 is installed can be reduced.

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by providing another embodiment, in which the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the same technical contents are omitted. The omitted parts can be referred to the above-mentioned embodiment, so that the detailed description will not be given below.

[0022] 3 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the difference between the light source module 10A of this embodiment and the light source module 10 of FIG. 1 is the arrangement of the optical microstructures.

[0023] Unlike the randomly arranged optical microstructures in Fig. 1, the multiple optical microstructures in this embodiment can be arranged in at least one direction. In this embodiment, for example, the optical microstructure MS2 can be arranged in a direction D2, and the optical microstructure MS3 can be arranged in a direction D1. It should be noted that the direction D1 and the direction D2 are neither perpendicular nor parallel to the light incident surface 100is, and the direction D1 intersects with the direction D2.

[0024] More specifically, the arrangement direction of the optical microstructure MS2 (i.e., direction D2) rotates counterclockwise by an angle θ2 with respect to the normal direction of the light incident surface 100is, and the arrangement direction of the optical microstructure MS3 (i.e., direction D1) rotates clockwise by an angle θ1 with respect to the normal direction of the light incident surface 100is. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 may be different from the angle θ2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the angle θ1 may be the same as the angle θ2.

[0025] In this embodiment, the plane of symmetry of each optical microstructure MS2 (e.g., plane of symmetry SP2 shown in FIG. 1) may be parallel to direction D2, and the plane of symmetry of each optical microstructure MS3 (e.g., plane of symmetry SP3 shown in FIG. 1) may be parallel to direction D1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the plane of symmetry of each optical microstructure MS2 may intersect with direction D2, and the plane of symmetry of each optical microstructure MS3 may intersect with direction D1.

[0026] The above-mentioned arrangement of the optical microstructures MS2 and MS3 can greatly improve the uniformity of the light distribution of the light guide plate 100A, and in particular, can reduce the light spot phenomenon that mainly occurs near the side of the light guide plate 100A where the light source 120 is installed.

[0027] 4 is a schematic bottom view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the difference between the light source module 10B of this embodiment and the light source module 10 of FIG. 1 is the arrangement of the optical microstructures. Specifically, the distribution density of the optical microstructures on the first surface 100bs increases along a direction away from the light incident surface 100is (e.g., direction D3). Therefore, compared with the light source module 10 of FIG. 1, the uniformity of the light distribution of the light guide plate 100B can be further improved.

[0028] The directional arrangement of the optical microstructure MS1, the optical microstructure MS2, and the optical microstructure MS3 in this embodiment is similar to that of the optical microstructure MS1, the optical microstructure MS2, and the optical microstructure MS3 in FIG. 1, and for detailed descriptions, reference can be made to the relevant paragraphs of the above-mentioned embodiments, so that they will not be repeated here.

[0029] As described above, in the light source module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical microstructures arranged on the first surface of the light guide plate are asymmetric with respect to a cross section parallel to the light incident surface of the light guide plate. The cross-sectional contours of some optical microstructures along their respective cross sections are different from the cross-sectional contours of other optical microstructures along their respective cross sections. Therefore, the uniformity of the light distribution of the light guide plate can be greatly improved.

[0030] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of this, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0031] The light guide plate and the light source module having the light guide plate of the present invention can be applied to a backlight module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 10, 10A, 10B Light Source Module 100, 100A, 100B Light Guide Plate 100bs Surface 1 100es Surface 2 100is light incident surface 120 Light Source CS1 Section 1 CS2 Section 2 CSP1a, CSP1b, CSP1c Section 1 CSP2a, CSP2b, CSP2c 2nd section wheel D1, D2, D3 direction MS1, MS2, MS3 optical microstructures SP1, SP2, SP3 facing surface A-A', B-B' section lines φ1, φ2, θ1, θ2 angles

Claims

1. A light incidence surface; a first surface connected to the light incidence surface; a plurality of optical microstructures disposed on the first surface; Including, each said optical microstructure having a first cross-sectional profile along a first cross section and a second cross-sectional profile along a second cross section; the first cross section is perpendicular to the second cross section; the first cross-sectional profile is different from the second cross-sectional profile; the optical microstructures include a plurality of first optical microstructures and a plurality of second optical microstructures; A light guide plate, wherein the second cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the second cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures.

2. The light guide plate of claim 1 , wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures.

3. the optical microstructure further comprises a plurality of third optical microstructures; The light guide plate of claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional contour of each of the third optical microstructures is different from the second cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures and the second optical microstructures.

4. The light guide plate of claim 3 , wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures is the same as the first cross-sectional contour of each of the third optical microstructures.

5. The light guide plate of claim 4 , wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures.

6. the first optical microstructures are arranged in a first direction; The light guide plate of claim 1 , wherein the first direction is not perpendicular to the light incidence surface.

7. the second optical microstructures are arranged in a second direction; The light guide plate according to claim 6 , wherein the second direction is not perpendicular to the light incident surface and intersects with the first direction.

8. The light guide plate according to claim 7 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are not parallel to the light incident surface.

9. The light guide plate of claim 1 , wherein a distribution density of the optical microstructures on the first surface increases along a direction away from the light-incident surface.

10. A light incidence surface; a first surface connected to the light incidence surface; a plurality of optical microstructures disposed on the first surface; Including, each said optical microstructure having a first cross-sectional profile along a first cross section and a second cross-sectional profile along a second cross section; the first cross section is perpendicular to the second cross section; the first cross-sectional profile is different from the second cross-sectional profile; the optical microstructures include a plurality of first optical microstructures and a plurality of second optical microstructures; a light guide plate in which the second cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the second cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures; a light source disposed on one side of the light incident surface of the light guide plate; A light source module including:

11. The light source module of claim 10 , wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures.

12. The light source module of claim 10 , wherein the optical microstructures further include a plurality of third optical microstructures, and the second cross-sectional contour of each of the third optical microstructures is different from the second cross-sectional contours of each of the first optical microstructures and the second optical microstructures.

13. The light source module of claim 12 , wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures is the same as the first cross-sectional contour of each of the third optical microstructures.

14. 14. The light source module of claim 13, wherein the first cross-sectional contour of each of the first optical microstructures is different from the first cross-sectional contour of each of the second optical microstructures.

15. The light source module of claim 10 , wherein the first optical microstructures are arranged in a first direction, and the first direction is not perpendicular to the light incidence surface.

16. The light source module according to claim 15 , wherein the second optical microstructures are arranged in a second direction, the second direction is not perpendicular to the light incident surface, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

17. The light source module of claim 16 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are not parallel to the light incidence surface.

18. The light source module of claim 10 , wherein a distribution density of the optical microstructures on the first surface increases along a direction away from the light incidence surface.

Images