Light source module

Abstract

To reduce luminance unevenness or chromaticity unevenness due to thermal contraction of a partition member in a light source module having the partition member.SOLUTION: A light source module comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate, each of the plurality of light sources being disposed on a lattice point of a rectangular lattice on the substrate; and a sectioning member disposed on the substrate, the sectioning member sectioning for each light-emitting region including each of the plurality of light sources, the sectioning member including a wall portion having a ridge line, wherein a rectangular region in which four lattice points constituting a minimum rectangle are corners includes four light-emitting regions, and an intersection of the ridge lines of the wall portion is away from a center of the rectangular region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light source module. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an illumination device including a substrate on which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged and a reflecting member provided on the substrate. In this illumination device, the light-emitting elements are arranged in each opening provided in the reflecting member. In this illumination device, the reflecting member may thermally shrink in a high-temperature environment, causing uneven brightness. Therefore, measures have been taken to reduce the effects of thermal shrinkage of the reflecting member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-185921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to reduce luminance or chromaticity variations caused by thermal contraction of a partition member in a light source module having the partition member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A light source module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate, a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate, each of the light sources being arranged on a lattice point of a rectangular lattice on the substrate, and a dividing member arranged on the substrate, the dividing member having walls with ridge lines that divide the substrate into light-emitting areas each including one of the plurality of light sources, the dividing member including four light-emitting areas in a rectangular area where the four lattice points that form the smallest rectangle are corners, and the intersection of the ridge lines of the wall members is away from the center of the rectangular area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a light source module having a partition member, it is possible to reduce unevenness in brightness or chromaticity due to thermal contraction of the partition member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the light source module of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an end view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of the section member of FIG. 3 as seen from the X direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the light source module. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the dividing member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light-emitting element. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light-emitting element. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a light source module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the liquid crystal display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., "upper," "lower," and other terms incorporating these terms) are used as necessary. The use of these terms is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Parts with the same reference numerals appearing in multiple drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts or components. The embodiments described below are intended to exemplify light source modules and the like embodying the technical concepts of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, and the like of the components described below are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The content described in one embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments and modified examples. The size and positional relationships of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. To avoid overly complex drawings, schematic diagrams may be used in which some elements are omitted, or end views may be used as cross-sectional views showing only the cut surface.

[0009] First embodiment As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source module 10 of this embodiment includes a substrate 1, a plurality of light sources 2 arranged on the substrate 1, and a dividing member 3 arranged on the substrate 1. The multiple light sources 2 are each arranged on lattice points of a rectangular lattice on the substrate 1. The rectangular lattice is made up of, for example, a first line X1 and a second line Y2 that extend in a first direction (the X direction in FIG. 1) and a second direction (the Y direction in FIG. 1) that is perpendicular to the first direction, respectively, on the substrate 1. The partition member 3 is provided with a wall portion 60 having ridge lines 41 and 51 and partitioning the light emitting area 30 into light emitting areas 30 each including one of the plurality of light sources 2 . A rectangular area M, whose corners are the four lattice points that form the smallest rectangle, includes four light-emitting areas 30. In the dividing member 3, the intersection Q of the ridge lines 41, 51 of the wall portion 60 is away from the center of the rectangular region M. In other words, in the dividing member 3, the intersection Q of the ridge lines 41, 51 of the wall portion 60 does not coincide with the center of the rectangular region M, and they do not overlap. Furthermore, the ridge lines 41, 51 connecting two adjacent light-emitting regions 30 are arranged in a broken line shape. By using such a light source module, even if thermal shrinkage occurs in the dividing member due to a high-temperature environment, the wall portion, i.e., the broken line or curve of the ridge line, breaks up the deformation caused by the thermal shrinkage, thereby mitigating positional deviation of the wall portion relative to the light source and reducing the occurrence of uneven brightness or chromaticity.

[0010] (Substrate 1) The substrate 1 is a member for mounting a plurality of light sources 2. The substrate 1 includes a base material 11, conductor wiring 12 arranged on the upper surface thereof for supplying power to the light sources 2, and a covering member 13. The covering member 13 covers at least a portion of the conductor wiring 12 above an area that is not electrically connected to the light sources 2, etc. The material of the substrate 11 may be any material that can insulate and separate at least one pair of conductor wirings 12, and examples thereof include ceramics, resins, composite materials, etc. Examples of resins include phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, BT resin, polyphthalamide (PPA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. Examples of composite materials include those obtained by mixing the above-mentioned resins with inorganic fillers such as glass fiber, SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3, and metal substrates in which a metal member is coated with an insulating layer. The thickness of the substrate 11 can be set as appropriate. The substrate 11 may be either a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate that can be manufactured by a roll-to-roll process. The rigid substrate may be a thin rigid substrate that can be bent. The material of the conductor wiring 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive member, and the conductor wiring 12 can be formed to any thickness using a material that is normally used as a wiring layer for a circuit board or the like. The covering member 13 is made of an insulating material. Examples of materials for the covering member 13 include the same materials as those exemplified as materials for the base material 11. The covering member 13 may be light-reflective. For example, by using the above-mentioned resin containing a light-reflective filler or a large number of bubbles as the covering member 13, the light emitted from the light source 2 is reflected, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the light source module.

[0011] (Light source 2) The light sources 2 are arranged on the substrate 1, and as shown in FIG. 1, are arranged on the lattice points of a rectangular lattice in a plan view from the Z direction. Here, a rectangular lattice means that four sides intersect at right angles and the lengths of opposite sides are equal. Examples of the shape of the rectangular lattice include a square and a rectangle. The length between lattice points is, for example, 3 to 10 times the diameter or the length of one side of the light source 2, and preferably 3 to 5 times. Specifically, it is 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 6 mm to 15 mm. It is preferable that the center or center of gravity of the light source 2 coincides with the lattice points of the rectangular lattice. It is preferable that all light sources 2 in one light source module are arranged on the lattice points of the rectangular lattice. However, some of the light sources constituting one light source module may not be arranged on the lattice points, and light sources may not be arranged at some of the lattice points in one light source module. The area where the four lattice points that make up the smallest rectangle form corners is called rectangular area M. Rectangular area M is arranged across four light-emitting areas 30. In other words, rectangular area M includes a portion of each of the four light-emitting areas 30. In yet other words, rectangular area M includes the point where the four light-emitting areas 30 meet.

[0012] The light source 2 is a light-emitting component and can be appropriately selected from those known in the art, such as a light-emitting element 21 that emits light itself, or a light-emitting device (also called an LED) equipped with a light-emitting element 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source 2 may include a lead 24, a light-emitting element 21, a first light-transmitting member 22, and a light-shielding member 23. The periphery of the light-emitting element 21 may be covered with a second light-transmitting member 25. The light source 2 may include one light-emitting element 21, or may include multiple light-emitting elements 21. Furthermore, the light source 2 may be arranged around the light-emitting element 21 on the exposed portion of the substrate so as to cover the opening of the dividing member. The second light-transmitting member 25 may include a wavelength conversion member. The wavelength conversion member may be a phosphor known in the art, for example, a phosphor described in International Publication No. 2022 / 196300. The light source 2 may have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less from the upper surface of the substrate 1. Furthermore, the light source 2 may have a side length of 0.25 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less in plan view seen from the Z direction.

[0013] The light source 2 preferably has a wide light distribution to reduce brightness unevenness in each light-emitting region 30 of the partition member 3. In particular, each light source 2 preferably has a batwing light distribution characteristic. This reduces the amount of light emitted directly upward from the light source 2, widening the light distribution of each light source 2. The widened light is then directed toward the first side wall 42, second side wall 43, third side wall 52, fourth side wall 53, and bottom 31 of the partition member (described later), thereby reducing brightness unevenness or chromaticity unevenness in each light-emitting region 30. Here, the batwing light distribution characteristic is defined as an emission intensity distribution in which, with the optical axis OA at 0 degrees, the emission intensity is stronger at angles with a larger absolute value of the light distribution angle than 0 degrees. The optical axis OA is defined as a line passing through the center of the light source 2 and perpendicularly intersecting the top surface of the substrate 1, as shown in FIG. 2. In particular, a light source 2 having a batwing light distribution characteristic may have a light-blocking member 23 on its top surface, as shown in FIG. 2. By including the light source 2 with the light-blocking member 23, most of the light emitted upward from the light source 2 is reflected by the light-blocking member 23, reducing the amount of light directly above the light-emitting element 21, thereby achieving bat-wing light distribution characteristics. The light source 2 may be combined with a lens to achieve bat-wing light distribution. The light-shielding member 23 may be a metal film such as silver or copper, a resin containing a light-diffusing filler, a dielectric multilayer film (DBR film), a combination of these, etc. The reflectance of the light-shielding member 23 may be set so that it is lower for oblique incidence than for normal incidence. In one light source module, the multiple light sources 2 can be driven independently of each other, and are preferably wired on the substrate 1 so that dimming control (e.g., local dimming or high dynamic range) is possible for each light source 2.

[0014] (Light emitting element 21) Known light-emitting elements 21 can be used. For example, it is preferable to use a light-emitting diode as the light-emitting element 21. The light-emitting element 21 can be selected from elements that can emit light of any wavelength. For example, light-emitting elements that can emit blue and green light include those using nitride-based semiconductors such as GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. Light-emitting elements that can emit red light include those using GaAlAs, AlInGaP, and the like. Semiconductor light-emitting elements made of materials other than these may also be used. The composition, emission wavelength, emission color, shape, size, number, and the like of the light-emitting elements used can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The light emitting element 21 may be flip-chip mounted on the lead 24 via a bonding material. However, the light emitting element 21 may be mounted on the surface opposite to the electrode. The bonding material is a material for bonding the light emitting element 21 to a substrate or conductor wiring, and may be an insulating resin or a conductive material. In the case of flip-chip mounting as shown in FIG. 2, a conductive material is used. Specific examples include Au-containing alloys, Ag-containing alloys, Pd-containing alloys, In-containing alloys, Pb-Pd-containing alloys, Au-Ga-containing alloys, Au-Sn-containing alloys, Sn-containing alloys, Sn-Cu-containing alloys, Sn-Cu-Ag-containing alloys, Au-Ge-containing alloys, Au-Si-containing alloys, Al-containing alloys, Cu-In-containing alloys, and mixtures of metals and fluxes.

[0015] (First light-transmitting member 22, second light-transmitting member 25) The first light-transmitting member 22 and the second light-transmitting member 25 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the light-transmitting members 22 and 25 when used interchangeably) cover the light-emitting element 21 to protect the light-emitting element 21 from the external environment and to optically control the light emitted from the light-emitting element 21, for example, to obtain a bad wing light distribution characteristic. The light-transmitting members 22 and 25 are made of a light-transmitting material. Examples of materials that can be used for the light-transmitting members 22 and 25 include light-transmitting resins such as epoxy resin, silicone resin, or a mixture thereof, and glass. Of these, silicone resin is preferred in view of its light resistance and ease of molding. The light-transmitting members 22 and 25 may contain a diffusing agent to diffuse the light from the light-emitting element 21. In particular, the second light-transmitting member 25 preferably contains a wavelength conversion material or the like. The light-transmitting members 22 and 25 can be formed by adjusting the viscosity to allow printing, dispenser application, etc., and hardening by heat treatment or light irradiation.

[0016] (Light-blocking member 23) The light-shielding member 23 covers the upper surface of the light-emitting element 21, and preferably covers only a portion of the upper surface of the light-emitting element 21. The light-shielding member 23 has an upper surface, and the upper surface of the light-shielding member 23 may be larger or smaller than the upper surface of the light-emitting element 21. The light-shielding member 23 can be formed from the resin or glass exemplified for the first light-transmitting member 22 and a light-reflective material. Materials known in the art can be used as the light-reflective material. Examples of resins include those similar to those exemplified for the sealing member. This light-shielding member 23 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0017] (Classification Component 3) As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the dividing member 3 has wall portions 60 that divide the light emitting regions 30 into light emitting regions 30 each including a plurality of light sources 2. The wall portion 60 has a plurality of first wall portions 40 and a plurality of second wall portions 50 intersecting the first wall portions. These first wall portions 40 and second wall portions 50 define a plurality of light-emitting regions 30 for respectively arranging the plurality of light sources 2. In other words, each of the plurality of light sources 2 is arranged in an area surrounded by a pair of first wall portions 40 and a pair of second wall portions 50. Each light-emitting region 30 is surrounded by a pair of first wall portions 40 and a pair of second wall portions 50. The partition member 3 has wall portions 60 and a bottom portion 31 and the like in each light-emitting region 30. The bottom portion 31 is disposed so as to be continuous with the wall portion 60. In other words, the bottom portion 31 is connected to the first wall portion 40 and the second wall portion 50. The bottom portion 31 has an opening 32 at its center or center of gravity for disposing the light source 2 therein.

[0018] The first walls 40 are preferably arranged so as not to intersect with one another, and some of them may be arranged parallel to one another, or they may not be parallel to one another. The second walls 50 are preferably arranged so as not to intersect with one another, and some of them may be arranged parallel to one another, or they may not be parallel to one another. The plurality of first walls 40 and the plurality of second walls 50 can be formed by straight lines, curves, or a combination thereof in a plan view. In this case, the first wall 40 and / or the second wall 50 may be formed for each light-emitting region 30 by straight lines (i.e., polygonal lines) and curves that are different from the straight lines and curves that define the adjacent light-emitting region (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The first wall portion 40 extends in a direction deviated from the first direction (X direction) within a range of less than ±45° from the first direction. Although a portion of the first wall portion 40 may coincide with the first direction (X direction), it is preferable that the other portion or the entire portion extends in a direction deviated from the first direction.

[0019] The first wall portion 40 has a first ridge line 41, a first sidewall 42, and a second sidewall 43. The first sidewall 42 and the second sidewall 43 are arranged on either side of the first ridge line 41 in a plan view. The first sidewall 42 and the second sidewall 43 are arranged so as to separate adjacent light-emitting regions 30. The first ridge line 41 is a line connecting the highest points of the first wall portion 40. The first ridge line 41 may have a pointed or rounded shape in a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the first ridge line 41. The first ridge line 41 may have a shape in which a very narrow flat portion extends into a rectangular shape. The width of this flat portion is, for example, 1 mm or less. The first ridge line 41 may have a widening portion, but preferably has a substantially constant width. The second wall portion 50 extends in a direction intersecting the first wall portion 40, i.e., the first ridge line 41. In other words, the second wall portion 50 extends in a direction deviated from the second direction (Y direction) by less than ±45°. A portion of the second wall portion 50 may coincide with the second direction (Y direction), but it is preferable that a portion or all of the second wall portion 50 extends in a direction deviated from the second direction. The second wall portion 50 has a second ridge line 51, a third side wall 52, and a fourth side wall 53. The third side wall 52 and the fourth side wall 53 are disposed on either side of the second ridge line 51 in a plan view. The third side wall 52 and the fourth side wall 53 are disposed so as to separate adjacent light-emitting regions 30. The second ridge line 51 is a line connecting the highest points of the second wall portions 50. The second ridge line 51 may have a pointed or rounded shape in a cross section taken along a line perpendicular to the second ridge line 51. The second ridge line 51 may have a shape in which a very narrow flat portion extends into a rectangular shape. The flat portion here may have a width of 1 mm or less, for example. The second ridge line 51 may have a portion where it widens, but preferably has a substantially constant width.

[0020] 3, the extending direction of the first ridge lines 41 in the dividing member 3 does not coincide with the X direction, but extends in a direction deviated from the X direction by less than ±45° in the X direction for each light-emitting region 30. The extending directions of the first ridge lines 41 may coincide with some of the extending directions of the multiple light-emitting regions 30, but preferably do not coincide with some or all of them. Furthermore, the extending direction of the second ridge lines 51 does not coincide with the Y direction, but extends in a direction deviated from the Y direction by less than ±45° in the Y direction for each light-emitting region 30. The extending directions of the second ridge lines 51 may coincide with some of the extending directions of the multiple light-emitting regions 30, but preferably do not coincide with some or all of them. The shifted direction here refers to, for example, an angle at which the first ridge line 41 intersects with the first line X1 and / or the angle at which the second ridge line 51 intersects with the second line Y2 that is greater than 0° and less than 45°, preferably greater than or equal to 0.2° and less than or equal to 20°, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.3° and less than or equal to 15°, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 0.4° and less than or equal to 12°. In other words, in one rectangular area M having four lattice points as corners, the total length of the first ridge lines 41 extending in a direction deviated from the X direction within a range of less than ±45° in the X direction is longer than the length of the first line X1, i.e., the length between adjacent lattice points in the X direction. Similarly, in one rectangular area, the total length of the second ridge lines 51 extending in a direction deviated from the Y direction within a range of less than ±45° in the Y direction is longer than the length of the second line Y2, i.e., the length between adjacent lattice points in the Y direction. In other words, the total length of a predetermined number n of wall portions defining the predetermined number n of adjacent light-emitting regions in the first direction is longer than the predetermined number n times the distance between lattice points in the first direction. Similarly, the total length of a predetermined number m of wall portions defining the predetermined number m of adjacent light-emitting regions in the second direction is longer than the predetermined number m times the distance between lattice points in the second direction. The difference in length here means that, in one rectangular region, the total length of the first ridge lines 41 is greater than the length of the first line X1, preferably 1.003 times or more, more preferably 1.0035 times or more, even more preferably 1.005 times or more, and 1.1 times or less, preferably 1.05 times or less, and more preferably 1.035 times or less. Similarly, the total length of the second ridge lines 51 is greater than the length of the second line Y2, preferably 1.003 times or more, more preferably 1.0035 times or more, even more preferably 1.005 times or more, and 1.1 times or less, preferably 1.05 times or less, and more preferably 1.035 times or less.

[0021] In a plan view, the light emitting region 30 is an area surrounded by the wall portions 60. That is, the light emitting region 30 is an area surrounded by a pair of first wall portions 40 and a pair of second wall portions 50. In other words, the light emitting region 30 is an area surrounded by a first ridge line 41 and a second ridge line 51. 1, a plurality of light-emitting regions 30 are arranged in the first direction and the second direction. The number of light-emitting regions 30 in the first direction and the second direction may be the same or different. Furthermore, the number of light-emitting regions 30 in each of the first directions and each of the second directions may be the same or different. Each light-emitting region 30 includes two opposing first wall portions 40, two opposing second wall portions 50, and a bottom 31. The outer shape and size of the bottom 31 of one light-emitting region can be appropriately set depending on the light-emitting element used, the intended size of the light source module, etc. The outer shape of the bottom 31 is, for example, a rectangle, a diamond, or a shape similar thereto in plan view. The outer shapes of the bottoms 31 of each light-emitting region 30 may be partially or entirely the same shape, or partially or entirely different shapes. In each light-emitting region 30, the outer edge of the bottom 31 is surrounded clockwise by the second side wall 43, the fourth side wall 53, the first side wall 42, and the third side wall 52. In other words, the outer edge of the bottom 31 is connected to the lower ends of the second side wall 43, the fourth side wall 53, the first side wall 42, and the third side wall 52. In other words, the second side wall 43, the fourth side wall 53, the first side wall 42, and the third side wall 52 are arranged in a frame shape surrounding the bottom 31 in a plan view, and divide the light emitting region.

[0022] As described above, the intersection Q of the wall portions 60 that separate the four adjacent light-emitting regions 30 is arranged within one rectangular region M. The intersection Q of the wall portions 60 refers to the point where two first wall portions 40 and two second wall portions 50 intersect. Specifically, it is the point where two first ridge lines 41 and two second ridge lines 51 intersect. In this case, the first ridge lines 41 and the second ridge lines 51 may have a pointed shape, a rounded shape, or a shape in which a very narrow flat portion of 1 mm or less extends into a rectangular shape, as long as the intersection point is substantially point-like. "Substantially point-like" means, for example, that the intersection Q is 1 mm or less. 2 The area must be within 0.5mm 2 The following region is preferable. This intersection point Q is away from the center of the rectangular region M, i.e., it does not coincide with the center of the rectangular region M. As a result, even if the dividing member undergoes thermal shrinkage due to a high-temperature environment, the wall portion 60, i.e., the folded or curved ridge lines, can break up the deformation caused by the thermal shrinkage, thereby mitigating misalignment of the wall portion 60 with respect to the light source. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of uneven brightness or chromaticity.

[0023] The first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, the third side wall 52, and the fourth side wall 53 are inclined with respect to the bottom 31. In each light-emitting region 30, the distance in the second direction Y between the region sandwiched between the opposing first side wall 42 and second side wall 43 is narrower toward the bottom 31 and wider toward the upper portion. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4 , in each light-emitting region 30, in the region sandwiched between the opposing third side wall 52 and fourth side wall 53, the distance S in the first direction on the bottom 31 side is narrower than the distance T in the first direction on the upper portion. In other words, the wall portion 60 is inclined in the light-emitting region so that the distance between the opposing first side wall 42 and second side wall 43 increases with increasing distance from the substrate 1. The light source module also has a space surrounded by two side walls facing each other across a ridge and the upper surface of the substrate 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a space K exists between the first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, and the upper surface of the substrate 1. The angle α formed by the first side wall 42 and the second side wall 43 is, for example, 15 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. The smaller angle β1 or β2 (in FIG. 2) between the first side wall 42 or the second side wall 43 and the upper surface of the substrate 1 is, for example, less than 90 degrees and 50 degrees or more. β1 and β2 may be different or the same. Similar to the first side wall 42 and the second side wall 43, a space K exists between the third side wall 52, the fourth side wall 53, and the upper surface of the substrate 1. The angle formed by the third side wall 52 and the fourth side wall 53 and the smaller angle between the third side wall 52 or the fourth side wall 53 and the upper surface of the substrate 1 may be similar to α, β1, and β2 in FIG. 2. By setting the angles α, β1, and β2 within these ranges, the space and area occupied by the dividing members can be reduced. By reducing the height of the dividing member 3, the light source module can be made thinner. Furthermore, the height H (in FIG. 2) of the dividing member 3 itself, i.e., the length in the Z direction from the lower surface of each bottom portion 31 of the dividing member 3 to the first ridge line 41 or the second ridge line 51 (H in FIG. 2), is preferably 8 mm or less, and is preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less to make a thinner light source module.

[0024] The bottom 31 has an opening 32. The opening 32 is an area for placing a light source when the dividing member 3 is used in a light source module. The size of the opening 32 can be set appropriately depending on the light emitting element used, the intended size of the light source module, etc. The opening 32 is preferably placed, for example, in the center of the bottom 31 and does not reach the lower ends of the first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, the third side wall 52, and the fourth side wall 53. In a plan view, the area of ​​the opening 32 is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom 31. The opening 32 is, for example, circular in a plan view. In a cross-sectional view passing through the center of the bottom 31 in the second direction Y, the shape of the first wall 40, including the first ridge 41, the first side wall 42, and the second side wall 43, is preferably a V-shape that opens downward. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 2, in a cross-sectional view passing through the center of the bottom 31 in the first direction X, the shape of the second wall 50, including the second ridge 51, the third side wall 52, and the fourth side wall 53, is preferably a V-shape that opens downward.

[0025] The outer shape of the dividing member can be various shapes, such as a rectangular shape in plan view, or an irregular shape other than a rectangle in plan view. An irregular shape can be, for example, a shape that is partially or entirely deformed from a perfect rectangle to fit a specific product shape. The outer periphery of the dividing member can be composed of only a plurality of straight lines, or can include curves. The first wall portion 40 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 may or may not have a second side wall 43. In this case, the first ridge line 41 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 is located at the upper end of the first side wall 42. Similarly, the first wall portion 40 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 may or may not have a first side wall 42. In this case, the first ridge line 41 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 is located at the upper end of the second side wall 43. The second wall portion 50 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 may or may not have a fourth side wall 53. In this case, the second ridge line 51 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 is located at the upper end of the third side wall 52. Similarly, the second wall portion 50 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 may or may not have a third side wall 52. In this case, the second ridge line 51 located on the outer edge of the partition member 3 is located at the upper end of the fourth side wall 53. 3, the first ridge line 41 and / or the second ridge line 51 are continuous and do not have any notches. However, the dividing member 3 may have a notch in a part of the first ridge line 41 and / or the second ridge line 51 at the intersection of the first ridge line 41 and the second ridge line 51 in a plan view, as disclosed in JP 2022-191132 A. This makes it possible to further reduce the occurrence of uneven brightness or chromaticity due to thermal shrinkage of the dividing member when the dividing member 3 is used in a light source module described later.

[0026] In a light source module in which the dividing member 3 is arranged on the substrate 1 and the light source 2 is arranged on the substrate 1 exposed within each opening 32, the dividing member 3 may be subjected to thermal load when stored in a high-temperature environment or when the light source is operated, which may cause thermal shrinkage or the like in the dividing member 3. In such a case, if the intersection of the first wall portion 40 and the second wall portion 50 in the partition member 3 is molded in a shape that is offset from the center of the rectangular area, in other words, if the first ridge line 41 and the second ridge line 51 are molded in a shape that is not arranged in a straight line, the thermal load at the areas that are subjected to the greatest stress, i.e., the first ridge line 41, the second ridge line 51 and their intersection point, can be alleviated by thermal shrinkage, etc. and molding, etc., thereby reducing unintended deformation of the partition member and reducing the occurrence of brightness or chromaticity unevenness. In other words, when a thermal load is applied to the partitioning member 3, the partitioning member 3 tends to shrink toward the center. The larger the size of the partitioning member in plan view, the greater the shrinkage of the partitioning member. When the partitioning member shrinks due to a thermal load, the distances from the light source to the first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, the third side wall 52, and the fourth side wall 53 in each light-emitting region 30 may change. As a result, the direction of light reflection fluctuates, causing uneven brightness or chromaticity in the light source module. In contrast, as described above, by forming the partitioning member so that the intersections of the walls are away from the center of the rectangular region, deformation due to thermal contraction is substantially separated for each wall 60, including the first wall 42 and the second wall 43 between each light-emitting region. This allows the wall to contract under thermal load for each light-emitting region. Therefore, when viewing the partitioning member 3 as a whole, it is possible to reduce the tendency of the partitioning member 3 to contract toward the center. This reduces changes in the distances from the light source to the first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, the third side wall 52, and the fourth side wall 53 in each light-emitting region 30. As a result, it is possible to reduce changes in the reflection direction of light in the partitioning member 3, and reduce the occurrence of uneven brightness or chromaticity in the light source module.

[0027] The dividing member 3 can be placed on the substrate 1 directly or indirectly using an adhesive member or the like to form a light source module. The adhesive member may be, for example, a double-sided tape with an acrylic resin-based adhesive applied to both sides of a PET substrate, a hot-melt adhesive sheet, or a resin-based adhesive such as a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin. These adhesive members preferably have high flame retardancy. The dividing member 3 is preferably bonded around the periphery of each opening 32 using a light-reflective adhesive member so that light emitted from the light source 2 does not enter between the substrate 1 and the dividing member 3. For example, it is more preferable to arrange a light-reflective adhesive member in a ring shape along the outer edge of each opening 32.

[0028] The dividing member 3 can be formed by a molding method using a mold, a molding method using stereolithography, or the like. For example, a resin sheet having a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm can be pressed with a mold to form a shape having the first wall portion 40, the second wall portion 50, and the bottom portion 31. Furthermore, molding methods using a mold, such as injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, and vacuum molding, can be applied. This makes it possible to obtain a dividing member 3 in which the first wall portion 40, the second wall portion 50, and the bottom portion 31 are integrally molded. The dividing member 3 can be formed from a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, cyclic polyolefin resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyester, or a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or silicone resin. The dividing member 3 is preferably light-reflective. To achieve this, the dividing member 3 may be molded from a resin containing a reflective material such as particles of titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the dividing member 3 may be molded from a resin containing no reflective material and then coated with a reflective film. Alternatively, the dividing member 3 may be formed from a resin containing a plurality of fine bubbles. In this case, light is reflected at the interface between the bubbles and the resin. The dividing member 3 is preferably configured to have a reflectivity of 70% or more for light emitted from the light source 2. This allows the light emitted from the light source 2 to be efficiently reflected upward by the first side wall 42, the second side wall 43, the third side wall 52, the fourth side wall 53, and the bottom 31. In other words, the dividing member 3 can be used as a reflector for the light source module.

[0029] Variation 1 1, the light source module 10 arranges the light source 2 in the opening 32 of the dividing member 3 so that one side of the light source 2 is parallel to the first line X1 and / or the second line Y2 of the rectangular grid. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the light source module 10A, the light source 2 may be arranged in the opening 32 of the dividing member 3 so that one side of the light emitting element in the light source 2 is inclined with respect to the first line X1 and / or the second line Y2 of the rectangular grid, for example, so as to intersect at 45 degrees.

[0030] Variation 2 1, the first wall portion 40 and the second wall portion 50 of the dividing member 3 are linear in each of the light-emitting regions 30, and are arranged in a polygonal line at the ridge line connecting two adjacent light-emitting regions 30. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the first wall portion 40A and the second wall portion 50A of the dividing member 3A may be curved in one light-emitting region 30A and may also be arranged in a curved line at the adjacent light-emitting region 30. In other words, the first ridge line 41A and the second ridge line 51A may be curved in one light-emitting region 30A and may also be arranged in a curved line at the adjacent light-emitting region 30.

[0031] Variation 3 As the light source in the light source module 10 shown in FIG. 1, for example, a light source 2B shown in FIG. 7 may be used. The light source 2B includes a light-emitting element 73, a light-transmitting member 74 covering the side and upper surfaces of the light-emitting element 73, a light-reflective wiring board 72 covering the lower surface of the light-emitting element 73 and the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 74, a light-adjusting member 75 covering the upper surface of the light-transmitting member 74 and transmitting and reflecting part of the light from the light-emitting element 73, and wiring 71 located on the lower surface of the light source 2B and electrically connected to the light-emitting element 73. The light-transmitting member 74 is configured so that most of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 73 is emitted laterally. The light-transmitting member 74 may contain a wavelength conversion member and / or a light diffusing member.

[0032] Variation 4 8 may be used as the light source in the light source module 10 shown in FIG. 1. The light source 2C has positive and negative electrodes 82 on the lower surface of a light emitting element 81, and a light adjusting member 83 on the upper surface of the light emitting element 81 that transmits part of the light from the light emitting element 81 and reflects part of the light. The side surfaces of the light emitting element 81 and the side surfaces and upper surface of the light-transmitting member 83 are covered with a light-transmitting sealing member 84. The sealing member 84 may cover the lower surface side of the light emitting element 81 except for the lower surface of the electrode 82. The sealing member 84 may contain a wavelength conversion member and / or a light diffusing member.

[0033] Second embodiment As shown in FIG. 9, a light source module 10B of this embodiment includes a substrate 1, a plurality of light sources 2 arranged on the substrate 1, and a dividing member 3B arranged on the substrate and having a wall portion 60B. The plurality of light sources 2 are each arranged on lattice points of a rectangular lattice on the substrate 1. That is, the plurality of light sources 2 are each arranged on lattice points of a lattice made up of a plurality of first lines X1 extending in a first direction (X direction in FIG. 9) and a plurality of second lines Y2 extending in a second direction (Y direction in FIG. 9) perpendicular to the first direction. The dividing member 3B divides the light emitting area 30B into light emitting areas 30B each including a plurality of light sources 2, and has a wall portion 60B having ridge lines 41B and 51B. A rectangular region M, whose corners are four lattice points that form the smallest rectangle, includes four light-emitting regions 30B. The substrate 1 and the light source 2 may be similar to those described above.

[0034] (Division member 3B) The partition member 3B is defined by wall portions 60B into a plurality of light emitting regions 30B in which a plurality of light sources 2 are respectively arranged. The total length of the predetermined number n of wall portions defining the predetermined number n of adjacent light-emitting regions 30B in the first direction is longer than the predetermined number n times the distance between lattice points in the first direction. Similarly, the total length of the predetermined number m of wall portions defining the predetermined number m of adjacent light-emitting regions 30B in the second direction is longer than the predetermined number m times the distance between lattice points in the second direction. The wall portion 60B has a plurality of first wall portions 40B and a plurality of second wall portions 50B intersecting the first wall portions 40B. These first wall portions 40B and second wall portions 50B define a plurality of light-emitting regions 30B for arranging the plurality of light sources 2, respectively. The first wall portion 40B has a first ridge line 41B, a first side wall 42B, and a second side wall 43B. The first side wall 42B and the second side wall 43B are arranged on either side of the first ridge line 41B in a plan view. The first side wall 42B and the second side wall 43B are arranged so as to separate adjacent light-emitting regions 30B. The first ridge line 41B is a line connecting the highest points of the first wall portion 40B. The second wall portion 50B has a second ridge line 51B, a third side wall 52B, and a fourth side wall 53B. The third side wall 52B and the fourth side wall 53B are arranged on either side of the second ridge line 51B in a plan view. The third side wall 52B and the fourth side wall 53B are arranged so as to separate adjacent light-emitting regions 30B. The second ridge line 51B is a line connecting the highest points of the second wall portion 50B. The first wall portions 40B and the second wall portions 50B may each have a shape formed by a combination of curved lines in a plan view. Specifically, the first ridge line 41B and the second ridge line 51B may each be formed by a combination of curved lines in a plan view. In a rectangular region M having four lattice points as corners, the wall portions 60B, for example, the plurality of first wall portions 40B and the plurality of second wall portions 50B, specifically the first ridge lines 41B and the second ridge lines 51B, preferably have a total length longer than the length of the first line X1, i.e., the length between adjacent lattice points in the X direction, and a total length longer than the length of the second line Y2, i.e., the length between adjacent lattice points in the Y direction. Examples of this difference in length are similar to those described above. Each light-emitting region 30B has a bottom 31B. The bottom 31B is arranged so as to be continuous with the wall portion, and has an opening 32B at or near the center or center of gravity of the bottom 31B. The shape of the bottom 31B may be curved depending on the shape of the wall portion. In a rectangular region M including four light-emitting regions 30B in a partitioning member 3B having such wall portions 60B, the centers of the regions may coincide with and overlap the intersections of the wall portions of the partitioning member 3B in a plan view. The wall 60B of the dividing member 3B is curved in plan view, so that even if the dividing member undergoes thermal shrinkage due to a high temperature environment, the curve of the wall, i.e., the ridge line, can separate the deformation caused by the thermal shrinkage and mitigate the positional deviation of the wall relative to the light source, thereby reducing the occurrence of uneven brightness or chromaticity.

[0035] Third embodiment In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a liquid crystal display device 90 having a backlight source using a light source module is shown. The liquid crystal display device 90 includes, in order from the top, a liquid crystal panel 91, an optical sheet 92, and a light source module 10. The optical sheet 92 is, for example, a light diffusion sheet. The light diffusion sheet includes, for example, a light diffusion member. The light diffusion sheet may be in the form of a plate. Above the light source 2 of the light source module 10, a wavelength conversion sheet, a prism sheet, or a polarizing sheet may be provided instead of the optical sheet or above or below the optical sheet. Furthermore, above or below the light source module 10, an exterior substrate having a reflective wall surrounding the periphery of the substrate 1, a covering substrate having a reflective wall surrounding the periphery of the reflecting member, or the like may be provided. These may be laminated to the light source module 10 via an adhesive layer and / or a reflective layer, or the like. The optical sheet, diffusion plate and / or diffusion sheet, wavelength conversion sheet, prism sheet, polarizing sheet, exterior substrate, covering substrate, adhesive layer, and / or reflective layer may be any of those known in the art. The liquid crystal display device 90 configured as described above uses the light source module 10 as a surface-emitting direct backlight light source. In this embodiment, the light source module can be used as a backlight for a liquid crystal display device. The light source module can also be used as a light source for lighting, emergency lighting and / or line lighting, various illuminations, vehicle installations, etc.

[0036] This specification discloses the following technical matters. (Appendix 1) A substrate; a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate, the light sources being arranged on lattice points of a rectangular lattice on the substrate; a partition member disposed on the substrate, the partition member separating the substrate into light-emitting regions each including one of the plurality of light sources, the partition member having a wall portion with a ridge line; a rectangular region in which the four lattice points constituting the smallest rectangle are corners includes four light-emitting regions, A light source module in which the intersection of the ridge lines of the wall portion is away from the center of the rectangular area. (Appendix 2) The light source module described in Appendix 1, wherein the wall portion has a plurality of first wall portions and a plurality of second wall portions intersecting the first wall portions, and each of the plurality of light sources is arranged in an area surrounded by a pair of the first wall portions and a pair of the second wall portions. (Appendix 3) The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is continuous with the wall portion and has a bottom surface with an opening, and one of the light sources is disposed within the opening. (Appendix 4) 4. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is inclined so that an area surrounding the light source becomes larger with increasing distance from the substrate. (Appendix 5) 5. The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall portion has a ridge line and two side walls that face each other across the ridge line. (Appendix 6) 6. The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wall portion has a space surrounded by the two side walls that face each other across the ridge line and the upper surface of the substrate. (Appendix 7) 7. The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dividing member has light reflectivity. (Appendix 8) 8. The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a light diffusion sheet on the dividing member. (Appendix 9) A substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate; a partition member disposed on the substrate and having a wall portion; the plurality of light sources are respectively arranged on a plurality of lattice points of a lattice formed by a plurality of first lines extending in a first direction and a plurality of second lines extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the partition member is defined by the wall portion into a plurality of light-emitting regions in which the plurality of light sources are respectively arranged, A light source module in which the total length of a predetermined number n of wall portions defining a predetermined number n of light-emitting regions adjacent in the first direction is longer than the predetermined number n times the distance between lattice points in the first direction. (Appendix 10) A light source module as described in Appendix 9, wherein the total length of the wall portions of a predetermined number m that define a predetermined number m of light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the second direction is longer than the predetermined number m times the distance between lattice points in the second direction. (Appendix 11) 11. The light source module according to claim 9, wherein the wall portion has a second ridge line between the light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the first direction and a first ridge line between the partitioned regions adjacent to each other in the second direction. (Appendix 12) 12. The light source module of claim 11, wherein, in a planar view, in a rectangular area surrounded by four adjacent lattice points in the first direction or the second direction, the intersection of the first edge line and the second edge line is away from the midpoint of the rectangular area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 board 2, 2B, 2C light source 3, 3A, 3B division members 10, 10A, 10B Light Source Module 11 Base material 12 Conductor wiring 13 Covering material 21 Light-emitting element 22 First light-transmitting member 23 Light-blocking material 24 leads 25 Second light-transmitting member 30, 30A, 30B Light-emitting area 31 Bottom 32 Aperture 40, 40A, 40B First wall portion 41, 41A, 41B First Ridge 42, 42B 1st side wall 43, 43B 2nd side wall 50, 50A, 50B Second wall portion 51, 51A, 51B 2nd ridgeline 52, 52B Third side wall 53, 53B 4th side wall 60, 60B wall section 71 Wiring 72 Wiring board 73 Light-emitting element 74 Translucent material 75 Light adjustment material 81 Light-emitting element 82 electrode 83 Light adjustment material 84 Sealing member 90 Liquid crystal display device 91 LCD panel 92 Optical Sheet H Height K space M rectangular area OA optical axis Q intersection S, T distance X 1st direction X1 1st line Y Second direction Y2 2nd Line α, β1, β2 angles

Claims

1. A substrate; a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate, the light sources being arranged on lattice points of a rectangular lattice on the substrate; a partition member disposed on the substrate, the partition member separating the substrate into light-emitting regions each including one of the plurality of light sources, the partition member having a wall portion with a ridge line; a rectangular region in which the four lattice points constituting the smallest rectangle are corners includes four light-emitting regions, A light source module in which the intersection of the ridge lines of the wall portion is away from the center of the rectangular area.

2. 2. The light source module of claim 1, wherein the wall portion has a plurality of first wall portions and a plurality of second wall portions intersecting the first wall portions, and each of the plurality of light sources is arranged in an area surrounded by a pair of the first wall portions and a pair of the second wall portions.

3. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member has a bottom surface that is continuous with the wall portion and has an opening, and one of the light sources is disposed in the opening.

4. The light source module according to claim 1 , wherein the wall portion is inclined so that an area surrounding the light source increases with increasing distance from the substrate.

5. 3. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion has a ridge line and two side walls that face each other across the ridge line.

6. The light source module according to claim 5 , wherein the wall portion has a space surrounded by the two side walls that face each other across the ridge line and the upper surface of the substrate.

7. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dividing member has light reflectivity.

8. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a light diffusion sheet on the dividing member.

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