Lighting device and display

Abstract

To provide a lighting device and a display unit which suppress complication of a structure and are easy to assemble.SOLUTION: The illumination device 6 illuminates the liquid crystal panel 10. The illuminator 6 includes the plurality of optical elements 60, which are located between the light sources 31 and the liquid crystal panel 10 and each include the light parallelizing element 61, which parallelizes the light from the light sources 31, and the cushion 70, which is sandwiched between optical elements adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction AX of the illuminator 6 out of the plurality of optical elements 60 and is made of an elastomer. The cushion 70 is provided at a position avoiding an optical path from the light source 31 to the liquid crystal panel 10, and is compressed in the optical axis direction AX.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting devices and displays. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a display device (display unit) that includes a liquid crystal panel and an illumination device that illuminates the liquid crystal panel. The illumination device has a light source and a plurality of optical elements (condenser lenses, lenticular lenses, etc.) positioned between the light source and the liquid crystal panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-160293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of lighting device or display, a laminated structure of multiple optical elements and liquid crystal panels is generally held in place by leaf springs to prevent rattle in the optical axis direction, but the use of leaf springs can complicate the structure and assembly.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a lighting device and a display that are easy to assemble and suppress the complexity of the structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a lighting device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: An illumination device for illuminating a liquid crystal panel, A light source and a plurality of optical elements including a light collimating element positioned between the light source and the liquid crystal panel, the light being collimated from the light source; a cushion made of elastomer and sandwiched between adjacent optical elements in the optical axis direction of the illumination device among the plurality of optical elements, The cushion is provided at a position that avoids the optical path from the light source to the liquid crystal panel, and is compressed in the optical axis direction.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a display according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises: An LCD panel, an illumination device for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, the illumination device having a light source and a plurality of optical elements, the optical elements being positioned between the light source and the liquid crystal panel and including a light collimating element for collimating light from the light source; a bezel that covers the outer edge of the front surface of the liquid crystal panel; a cushion made of elastomer and sandwiched between the bezel and the liquid crystal panel, The cushion is provided at a position that avoids the display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel, and is compressed in the optical axis direction of the lighting device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a lighting device and a display that are easy to assemble and that suppress the complexity of the structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a head-up display to which a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bezel, a cushion, and a liquid crystal panel according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is installed in a dashboard 2 of a vehicle, emits display light L representing an image toward a windshield 3 of the vehicle, and displays a virtual image V of the image by the display light L reflected by the windshield 3. A user 4 (mainly the driver of the vehicle) views the virtual image V through the windshield 3.

[0012] The head-up display 1 includes a display device 5 that emits display light L, a plane mirror 1a, and a concave mirror 1b. The display light L emitted by the display device 5 is reflected by the plane mirror 1a and then the concave mirror 1b, and reaches the windshield 3.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the display device 5 includes a liquid crystal panel 10, a bezel 20, and an illumination device 6. In the following, the side of the display device 5 facing the liquid crystal panel 10 will be referred to as the front side of the display device 5, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side. In addition, an appropriate configuration may be described using the optical axis AX of the illumination device 6 (the same as the optical axis of the display device 5). The optical axis AX extends in the front-to-rear direction of the display device 5.

[0014] The liquid crystal panel 10 is not limited to a specific type as long as it has a known configuration and type, but may be, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type. The bezel 20 covers the outer edge of the front surface of the liquid crystal panel 10 while allowing a display area 10a, which is the area on the liquid crystal panel 10 where images can be displayed, to be seen forward.

[0015] The lighting device 6 is configured to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 10 from behind and includes a circuit board 30, a heat sink 40, a case 50, multiple optical elements 60, and a cushion 70. The multiple optical elements 60 are located between the light source 31 and the liquid crystal panel 10 and are configured to transmit light traveling from the light source 31 toward the liquid crystal panel 10. The multiple optical elements 60 include, in order from the light source 31 toward the liquid crystal panel 10, a light collimating element 61, a first lens 62, a second lens 63, and a light diffuser 64. In other words, of the multiple optical elements 60, the light collimating element 61 is located closest to the light source 31, and the light diffuser 64 is located closest to the liquid crystal panel 10.

[0016] The circuit board 30 is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on whose front surface a plurality of light sources 31 are mounted. The light sources 31 are made of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and are arranged on the circuit board 30 in a matrix.

[0017] The heat sink 40 is located behind the circuit board 30 and is configured to dissipate heat from the circuit board 30 to the outside. The circuit board 30 is fixed to the heat sink 40 via thermal paste or thermal tape. The heat sink 40 is formed of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or a thermally conductive resin material.

[0018] The case 50 houses all of the optical elements 60 except the light diffuser plate 64, and functions as a light box that guides light emitted by the light source 31 to the liquid crystal panel 10. The case 50 houses the light collimating element 61, the first lens 62, and the second lens 63 in a state in which each of them can perform the functions described below. For example, the case 50 has grooves formed therein into which the outer edges of the light collimating element 61, the first lens 62, and the second lens 63 are fitted. Spacers may also be provided to ensure a gap between adjacent ones of the light collimating element 61, the first lens 62, and the second lens 63. The spacers may be integral with each of the optical elements 60 or with the case 50, or may be separate from each other.

[0019] The case 50 is located between the heat sink 40 and the bezel 20, and is fixed to the heat sink 40 and the bezel 20 by known fixing means such as screwing, fitting, or engagement. The case 50 may be structured to house all of the optical elements 60. The case 50 may also be structured to house all of the optical elements 60 and to house the liquid crystal panel 10 integrally with the bezel 20.

[0020] The light collimating element 61 is composed of, for example, a condenser lens, and collimates the light from the light source 31. The light collimating element 61 does not need to convert the light emitted by the light source 31 into completely parallel light with respect to the optical axis AX, but only needs to convert the light into light that is approximately parallel with respect to the optical axis AX. In other words, the light collimating element 61 only needs to be able to emit the light received from the light source 31 forward as approximately parallel light. Note that the light collimating element 61 may have any configuration as long as it can collimate the light from the light source 31, and may also have a configuration using a prism.

[0021] The first lens 62 and the second lens 63 are each composed of a lenticular lens, one of which illuminates the liquid crystal panel 10 in the vertical direction based on incident light rays, and the other of which illuminates the liquid crystal panel 10 in the horizontal direction based on incident light rays. The vertical and horizontal directions here correspond to the vertical and horizontal directions of the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 10.

[0022] The light diffusion plate 64 diffuses and radiates the incident light toward the liquid crystal panel 10 .

[0023] The cushion 70 is sandwiched between adjacent optical elements of the plurality of optical elements 60 in the optical axis direction AX, and is made of an elastomer such as urethane or rubber. The cushion 70 is provided at a position that avoids the optical path from the light source 31 to the liquid crystal panel 10, and is compressed in the optical axis direction AX. For example, the cushion 70 is compressed to a thickness of 75%±10% of its original thickness.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the cushion 70 is sandwiched between the light collimating element 61 and the optical element (i.e., the first lens 62) among the multiple optical elements 60 that is positioned next to the light collimating element 61 in the optical axis direction.

[0025] For example, the rear surface of the cushion 70 is fixed to the front surface of the light collimating element 61 via an adhesive or sticky layer. Meanwhile, the front surface of the cushion 70 contacts the rear surface of the first lens 62. In this case, a resin sheet made of PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) or the like may be provided on the front surface of the cushion 70. The resin sheet suppresses wear of the member (first lens 62) in contact with the front surface of the cushion 70 in a vibration environment, thereby reducing the generation of powder caused by wear. The cushion 70 may be a cushion tape having an adhesive or sticky layer on one side and a resin sheet on the other side. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the front surface of the cushion 70 is fixed to the rear surface of the first lens 62 via an adhesive or sticky layer, and the rear surface of the cushion 70 contacts the front surface of the light collimating element 61.

[0026] The cushion 70 may be disposed in any position and have any shape as long as it is provided at a location that avoids the optical path from the light source 31 to the liquid crystal panel 10 and can prevent the members sandwiching the cushion 70 from tilting with respect to the optical axis direction AX. The cushion 70 may have an enclosing shape when viewed from the optical axis direction AX, or may be provided at portions corresponding to one end and the other end of the liquid crystal panel 10 in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0027] In the first embodiment, among the multiple optical elements 60, the optical elements that are adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction AX and sandwich the cushion 70 are a light collimating element 61 (an example of a first element) and a first lens 62 (an example of a second element). The light collimating element 61 is provided with a rib-like protrusion 8 that protrudes toward the first lens 62. The height of the protrusion 8 in the optical axis direction AX is set to the height of the cushion 70 in the optical axis direction AX in a compressed state. Here, the "height of the cushion 70 in the optical axis direction AX in a compressed state" refers to the height of the cushion 70 in the optical axis direction AX when the cushion 70 is compressed by a predetermined compression amount (for example, an amount compressed to a thickness of 75% of the original thickness).

[0028] The protrusion 8 prevents the cushion 70 sandwiched between the first element and the second element from being excessively compressed. Note that due to manufacturing errors in the lighting device 6, depending on the compressed state of the cushion 70, the tip of the protrusion 8 may or may not abut against the rear surface of the first lens 62, which is an example of the second element.

[0029] Furthermore, the protrusion 8 has a shape that tapers toward the first lens 62, which is an example of a second element. For example, although not shown, the protrusion 8 preferably has a fillet-like tip and a sector-like cross-sectional shape. Protrusion 8 of this shape can reduce the gap between the rear surface of the first lens 62, which is an example of a second element, and the tip of the protrusion 8. The tip of the protrusion 8 may have a C-face or an R-face. The arrangement of the protrusion 8 is arbitrary, and like the cushion 70, it may have an enclosing shape when viewed from the optical axis direction AX, or may be provided at portions corresponding to one end and the other end of the liquid crystal panel 10 in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that the protrusion 8 is positioned closer to the center of the lighting device 6 than the cushion 70. This makes it possible to prevent dust, dirt, or powder generated by wear from entering the light path side of the lighting device 6.

[0031] Conversely to the above relationship, the light collimating element 61 may be an example of the second element, and the first lens 62 may be an example of the first element. In other words, the protrusion 8 may be provided on the first lens 62, which serves as the first element, and protrude toward the light collimating element 61, which serves as the second element.

[0032] In the lighting device 6 and the display 5 according to the first embodiment, the cushion 70 can suppress rattle in the optical axis direction AX of the optical element sandwiching the cushion 70. In this way, in the lighting device 6 and the display 5 according to the first embodiment using the cushion 70, the leaf spring can be omitted, which prevents the structure from becoming complicated and makes assembly easy.

[0033] From here on, other embodiments will be described in order. Note that components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0034] (Second embodiment) As shown in Figure 3, in the display 5 and lighting device 6 of the second embodiment, the cushion 70 is sandwiched between the first lens 62 and an optical element (i.e., the second lens 63) among the multiple optical elements 60 that is located next to the first lens 62 in the optical axis direction.

[0035] For example, the rear surface of cushion 70 is fixed to the front surface of first lens 62 via an adhesive layer or a sticky layer. Meanwhile, the front surface of cushion 70 contacts the rear surface of second lens 63. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the front surface of cushion 70 is fixed to the rear surface of second lens 63 via an adhesive layer or a sticky layer, and the rear surface of cushion 70 contacts the front surface of first lens 62.

[0036] In the second embodiment, of the multiple optical elements 60, the optical elements that are adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction AX and sandwich the cushion 70 are a first lens 62 (an example of a first element) and a second lens 63 (an example of a second element). The first lens 62 is provided with a rib-like protrusion 8 that protrudes toward the second lens 63. The height of the protrusion 8 in the optical axis direction AX is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0037] Note that, contrary to the above relationship, the first lens 62 may be an example of the second element, and the second lens 63 may be an example of the first element. In other words, the protrusion 8 may be provided on the second lens 63 as the first element, and protrude toward the first lens 62 as the second element. This second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. This concludes the description of the second embodiment.

[0038] (Third embodiment) As shown in FIG. 4, in the display 5 and lighting device 6 according to the third embodiment, the cushion 70 is sandwiched between the light diffusion plate 64 and the optical element (i.e., the second lens 63) among the multiple optical elements 60 that is located next to the light diffusion plate 64 in the optical axis direction.

[0039] For example, the rear surface of the cushion 70 is fixed to the front surface of the second lens 63 via an adhesive layer or a sticky layer. Meanwhile, the front surface of the cushion 70 contacts the rear surface of the light diffuser plate 64. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the front surface of the cushion 70 is fixed to the rear surface of the light diffuser plate 64 via an adhesive layer or a sticky layer, and the rear surface of the cushion 70 contacts the front surface of the second lens 63.

[0040] In the third embodiment, of the multiple optical elements 60, the optical elements that are adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction AX and sandwich the cushion 70 are a second lens 63 (an example of a first element) and a light diffusion plate 64 (an example of a second element). The second lens 63 is provided with a rib-like protrusion 8 that protrudes toward the light diffusion plate 64. The height of the protrusion 8 in the optical axis direction AX is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0041] Note that, contrary to the above relationship, the second lens 63 may be an example of the second element, and the light diffusion plate 64 may be an example of the first element. In other words, the protrusion 8 may be provided on the light diffusion plate 64 as the first element, and protrude toward the second lens 63 as the second element. This second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. This concludes the description of the third embodiment.

[0042] (Fourth embodiment) 5, a display device 5 according to the fourth embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel 10, a bezel 20, an illumination device 6, and a cushion 70. The illumination device 6 according to the fourth embodiment also includes a circuit board 30, a heat sink 40, a case 50, and a plurality of optical elements 60.

[0043] 6, the cushion 70 according to the fourth embodiment is sandwiched between the bezel 20 and the liquid crystal panel 10. The cushion 70 is provided at a position that avoids the display area 10a of the liquid crystal panel 10, and is compressed in the optical axis direction AX of the lighting device 6.

[0044] The protrusion 8 according to the fourth embodiment is provided on the bezel 20 and protrudes toward the front surface of the liquid crystal panel 10. The height of the protrusion 8 in the optical axis direction AX is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0045] The protrusion 8 according to the fourth embodiment is located closer to the center of the liquid crystal panel 10 than the cushion 70. This makes it possible to prevent dust generated by wear from entering the display area 10a side of the liquid crystal panel 10.

[0046] This fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The bezel 20 may be integral with the case 50 or may be separate from it.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings. Appropriate modifications (including the deletion of components) are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the types and arrangement order of the optical elements constituting the plurality of optical elements 60 are not limited to those in the above-described examples and are arbitrary.

[0048] In the above description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, descriptions of well-known technical matters have been omitted as appropriate.

[0049] This invention allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain this invention and do not limit the scope of this invention. That is, the scope of this invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 5...Indicator 6...Lighting equipment 10...LCD panel 20...Bezel 30...Circuit board, 31...Light source 40...heat sink 50…cases 60...Multiple optical elements 61...Light collimating element 62...1st lens 63...Second lens 64...Light diffuser 70...Cushion 8...Protrusion

Claims

1. An illumination device for illuminating a liquid crystal panel, A light source and a plurality of optical elements including a light collimating element positioned between the light source and the liquid crystal panel, the light being collimated from the light source; a cushion made of elastomer and sandwiched between adjacent optical elements in the optical axis direction of the illumination device among the plurality of optical elements, the cushion is provided at a position that avoids an optical path from the light source to the liquid crystal panel, and is compressed in the optical axis direction. Lighting equipment.

2. the light collimating element is located closest to the light source among the plurality of optical elements, the cushion is sandwiched between the light collimating element and an optical element among the plurality of optical elements that is located adjacent to the light collimating element in the optical axis direction; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. the plurality of optical elements includes a light diffusion plate that is located closest to the liquid crystal panel among the plurality of optical elements, the cushion is sandwiched between the light diffusion plate and an optical element among the plurality of optical elements that is located adjacent to the light diffusion plate in the optical axis direction. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

4. Among the plurality of optical elements, optical elements adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction and sandwiching the cushion therebetween are defined as a first element and a second element, the first element is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the second element, The height of the protrusion in the optical axis direction is set to the height of the cushion in the optical axis direction in a compressed state. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The protrusion has a shape tapered toward the second element.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4.

6. the protrusion is located closer to the center of the lighting device than the cushion; 5. The lighting device according to claim 4.

7. An LCD panel, an illumination device for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, the illumination device having a light source and a plurality of optical elements, the optical elements including a light collimating element positioned between the light source and the liquid crystal panel, for collimating light from the light source; a bezel that covers the outer edge of the front surface of the liquid crystal panel; a cushion made of elastomer and sandwiched between the bezel and the liquid crystal panel, the cushion is provided at a position that avoids a display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel and is compressed in the optical axis direction of the lighting device. Indicator.

8. the bezel is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the front surface of the liquid crystal panel, the protrusion is located closer to the center of the liquid crystal panel than the cushion; The display according to claim 7.

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