Optical module and electronic device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-10
- Publication Date
- 2024-10-01
Smart Images
Figure TWG2TA000977110_001 
Figure TWG2TA000977110_002 
Figure TWG2TA000977110_003
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to an optical module, and more particularly to an optical module and electronic device having an infinite mirror effect. [Previous Technology]
[0002] The existing infinite reflector is a design used in interior decoration or art installation. Its main principle is to place a light-emitting element between two parallel mirrors. After the light-emitting element emits light, it will produce a three-dimensional superimposed image through several reflections in the mirror space, so that the mirror produces an infinite number of mirror effects and an infinitely extended spatial effect.
[0003] However, the current application of infinity mirrors is limited to interior decoration or art installations. The usual practice is to use the infinite extension of light source points to create multiple mirror images for aesthetic design. As a result, the function and application of the aforementioned infinity mirrors are limited to the infinite extension and visual extension of general "light source points". The pattern effect presented is relatively monotonous, and the body and placement of the light-emitting element are easily exposed in the infinity mirror. [Summary of the Invention]
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the prior art exposes the body and position of the light-emitting element, and the pattern of the infinite reflector is simple and relatively limited. Therefore, an optical module is provided to enrich and enhance the visual effect of the infinite reflector.
[0005] This invention provides an optical module, including a substrate, a first light guide plate, at least one first light-emitting element, a reflective layer, a first pattern layer, and a beam-splitting layer. The first light guide plate is located above the substrate and has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second surface facing the substrate. Two sides extending in a first direction of the first light guide plate are defined as a first side portion and an opposing second side portion. The first light-emitting element is located on the substrate, with its light-emitting surface facing the first side portion. The reflective layer is located between the substrate and the first light guide plate. The first pattern layer is formed on the first light guide plate. The beam-splitting layer is located above the first light guide plate and is disposed away from the substrate. A predetermined distance is formed between the side of the reflective layer closest to the light-emitting surface and the first side portion.
[0006] The present invention also provides an optical module, including a substrate, a first light guide plate, at least one first light-emitting element, a reflective layer, a first pattern layer, a first light-shielding structure, and a beam-splitting layer. The first light guide plate is located above the substrate and has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second surface facing the substrate. Two sides extending in a first direction of the first light guide plate are defined as a first side and an opposing second side, respectively. The first light-emitting element is located on the substrate, and the light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting element faces the first side. The reflective layer is located between the substrate and the first light guide plate. The first pattern layer is formed on the first light guide plate. The first light-shielding structure covers a portion of the substrate, the first light-emitting element, and the first surface of the first light guide plate. The beam-splitting layer is located above the first light guide plate and the first light-shielding structure and is disposed away from the substrate.
[0007] According to a feasible embodiment, there are multiple first light-emitting elements, and the multiple first light-emitting elements are arranged at intervals along a first direction parallel to the first side, with a gap area between two adjacent first light-emitting elements.
[0008] According to a feasible embodiment, the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface is substantially parallel to the first side.
[0009] According to a feasible embodiment, the aforementioned predetermined spacing is 4-6 mm.
[0010] According to a feasible embodiment, the first light-shielding structure includes a first upper extension, a first connecting portion and a first lower extension. The first lower extension is located below the substrate, the first connecting portion is located on one side of the substrate and at least one first light-emitting element, and the first upper extension covers at least one first light-emitting element and a portion of the first surface.
[0011] According to a feasible embodiment, the vertical projections of the first upper extension and the first lower extension onto the substrate do not overlap with the vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the substrate.
[0012] According to a feasible embodiment, the optical module further includes an anti-reflective coating formed on a first light guide plate or substrate, located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, wherein the area of the anti-reflective coating perpendicularly projected onto the substrate overlaps with the area between the reflective layer and the first side portion.
[0013] According to a feasible embodiment, the anti-reflective coating includes a plurality of extended blocks, each extended block being formed in each spaced region.
[0014] According to a feasible embodiment, in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the vertical distance D between the edge of the first pattern layer and the first side of at least one first light-emitting element and the spacing P between the center of two adjacent first light-emitting elements satisfies the following proportional relationship: D / P is between 0.3 and 0.7.
[0015] According to a feasible embodiment, the vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the substrate covers the vertical projection of the first patterned layer onto the substrate.
[0016] According to a feasible embodiment, the first pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer.
[0017] According to a feasible embodiment, the first side of the first light guide plate has an optical microstructure corresponding to the first light-emitting element.
[0018] According to a feasible embodiment, the first pattern layer is located on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the first light guide plate.
[0019] According to a feasible embodiment, the optical module further includes a light-blocking adhesive layer for bonding the first light guide plate and the reflective layer, the light-blocking adhesive layer being located on and surrounding the side edge of at least one of the reflective layer and the first light guide plate.
[0020] According to a feasible embodiment, the optical module further includes a second light guide plate, a second light-emitting element, a second pattern layer, a second light-shielding structure, and a third light-shielding structure. The second light guide plate is located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, and has a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the fourth surface facing the substrate; wherein, the two sides extending in a first direction of the second light guide plate are respectively defined as a third side and an opposing fourth side, the third side being flush with the first side and the fourth side being substantially flush with the second side. At least one second light-emitting element is located on the substrate, and the light-emitting surface of the at least one second light-emitting element faces the fourth side. The second pattern layer is formed on the second light guide plate. The second light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the third surface, the third side, and a portion of the fourth surface of the second light guide plate. The third light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the first surface, the second side, and a portion of the first surface of the first light guide plate.
[0021] According to a feasible embodiment, the optical module further includes a second light guide plate, at least one second light-emitting element, a second pattern layer, a second light-shielding structure, and a third light-shielding structure. The second light guide plate is located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, and has a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the fourth surface facing the substrate; wherein, the two sides extending in the first direction and the second direction of the second light guide plate are respectively defined as a third side and an adjacent fourth side, the third side being substantially flush with the first side. At least one second light-emitting element is located on the substrate, and the light-emitting surface of the at least one second light-emitting element faces the fourth side. The second pattern layer is formed on the second light guide plate. The second light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the third surface, a fifth side opposite to the fourth side, and a portion of the fourth surface of the second light guide plate. The third light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the first surface, the second side, and a portion of the first surface of the first light guide plate.
[0022] According to a feasible embodiment, the first pattern layer is a gray or white ink pattern layer, and the second pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer.
[0023] According to a feasible embodiment, there are multiple second light-emitting elements, and the multiple second light-emitting elements are arranged at intervals along a direction parallel to the fourth side. The second light-emitting elements and the first light-emitting elements have the same or different wavelength ranges.
[0024] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including a housing and an optical module. The optical module is located inside the housing.
[0025] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the optical module provided by the present invention can achieve the technical effect of complete pattern light emission and uniform light emission by means of the technical solution of "a predetermined distance between the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface and the first side".
[0026] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the optical module provided by the present invention can prevent the material of the reflective layer from amplifying the bright spots of the first light-emitting element and causing uneven light emission when reflecting the light emitted by the first light-emitting element, thereby achieving the technical effect that the first pattern layer can emit light completely and evenly. Furthermore, when the aforementioned predetermined spacing is 4-6 mm, the aforementioned technical effect is further enhanced. This is achieved through technical solutions such as "a first light-shielding structure covering part of the substrate, the first light-emitting element, and the first surface of the first light guide plate", "the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface is substantially parallel to the first side and has a predetermined distance between them", "the vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the first light guide plate covers the first pattern layer", and "the optical module further includes an anti-reflective coating formed on the first light guide plate or substrate, the area of the anti-reflective coating vertically projected onto the substrate overlaps with the area between the reflective layer and the first side".
[0027] Furthermore, the optical module can also achieve the technical effect of fully presenting the first pattern layer and improving the light uniformity of the optical module by means of the technical solution that "the first pattern layer has a vertical distance D between the edge of the first light-emitting element and the first side, and the interval distance P between the center of the two adjacent first light-emitting elements satisfies the following relationship: D / P is between 0.3 and 0.7".
[0028] Furthermore, the optical module can also use the technical solution of "the first side of the first light guide plate has an optical microstructure corresponding to the first light-emitting element" to increase the light emission angle of the first light-emitting element by means of the optical microstructure, thereby increasing the distance P between the centers of two adjacent first light-emitting elements. In this way, the number of first light-emitting elements can be reduced and the manufacturing cost of the optical module can be reduced.
[0029] Furthermore, the optical module can also use the technical solutions of "the optical module further includes a light-blocking adhesive layer for bonding the first light guide plate and the reflective layer, the light-blocking adhesive layer is located on and surrounds the side edge of at least one of the reflective layer and the first light guide plate" and "the light-blocking adhesive layer is black double-sided tape" to avoid the adhesive layer itself receiving light and shining, thereby affecting the light-emitting effect of the optical module.
[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical module includes a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer. By setting elements such as a first light-shielding structure, a second light-shielding structure and a third light-shielding structure, and technical solutions such as "the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light simultaneously or only one of them emits light", users are provided with richer pattern visual effects.
[0031] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including an optical module, which, when applied, has the technical effects achievable by the aforementioned optical module.
[0032] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention.
Implementation Method
[0045] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "optical module and electronic device" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings of this invention are only simple schematic illustrations and are not depictions based on actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.
[0046] It should be understood that although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. In addition, the term “or” as used herein may include, as appropriate, any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.
[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of an optical module 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an assembly diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The optical module 1A includes a substrate 11, a first light guide plate 12, a first light-emitting element 13, a reflective layer 14, a first pattern layer, and a beam-splitting layer 16. The first light guide plate 12 is located above the substrate 11. The first light guide plate 12 has a first surface 12A and an opposing second surface 12B, with the second surface 12B facing the substrate 11. The two sides extending in the first direction D1 of the first light guide plate 12 are defined as a first side portion 121 and an opposing second side portion 122. The first light-emitting element 13 is located above the substrate 11, with the light-emitting surface 13A of the first light-emitting element 13 facing the aforementioned first side portion 121 (i.e., the light-incident side). The reflective layer 14 is located between the substrate 11 and the first light guide plate 12. The first pattern layer is formed on the first light guide plate 12. The beam-splitting layer 16 is located above the first light guide plate 12 and is disposed away from the substrate 11. The side edge 141 of the reflective layer 14 near the light-emitting surface 13A is separated from the first side portion 121 by a distance. Specifically, the side edge 141 of the reflective layer 14 near the light-emitting surface 13A is substantially parallel to the first side portion 121 in the first direction D1, and there is a predetermined distance H between the side edge 141 and the first side portion 121.
[0048] According to some embodiments, the predetermined spacing H is, for example, 4-6 mm, to avoid the problem of uneven luminescence due to the material of the reflective layer 14 that may cause the brightness of the first light-emitting element 13 to be amplified when reflecting the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 13 when the size of the reflective layer 14 is equivalent to that of the first light guide plate 12 .
[0049] The aforementioned substrate 11 is, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The first light-emitting element 13 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), however the invention is not limited to this. The first light-emitting element 13 may be one or more, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The first light guide plate 12 is, for example, made of polymethyl methacrylate resin (PPMA), which has high light transmittance. According to some embodiments, the first light guide plate 12 may also be made of cycloolefin polymers (CYCLO-OLEFIN POLYMERS, COP) or polycarbonate (PC), however the invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the reflective layer 14 has a high reflectivity, such as a reflectivity of 95%, the material of which is, for example, a thin sheet made of silver. The first pattern layer may be formed in at least one of the first surface 12A and the second surface 12B of the first light guide plate 12 , if formed on the patterned region 15 of the first light guide plate 12 , herein, the patterned region 15 will be represented as the first pattern layer 15 An illustration of the following embodiment will be performed, the first pattern layer 15 being formed in such a way that the first pattern layer 15 is formed, for example, in an inkjet manner on the first surface 12B and at least one of the second surface 12 . However the present invention is not limited to this, according to some embodiments, the first pattern layer 15 is formed by printing in at least one of the first surface 12A and the second surface 12B. According to some embodiments, the first pattern layer 15 is a white ink pattern layer that does not produce a color mixing effect with the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 13 , and the white ink pattern layer also has the effect of reflecting light.
[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIG. The support piece 30 may be, but is not limited to, made of an elastic material, such as a sponge frame. The spectroscopic layer 16 may be a partially light-transmitting film layer, which, according to some embodiments, has the characteristics of allowing partial penetration and partial reflection of the beam, the reflectivity of which may be greater than its light transmittance, in some embodiments, the reflectivity of the spectroscopic layer 16 is 70%-95%, and the light transmittance is 5% to 30%.
[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the first shading structure 17 covers the first surface 12A of a portion of the substrate 11 , the first light-emitting element 13 , and the first light guide plate 12 . The light-splitting layer 16 is located above the first light guide plate 12 and the first shading structure 17 toward a configuration away from the substrate 11 . The first light-blocking structure 17 may be, but is not limited to, a tape that has a light-blocking effect that can block the light leakage exposure of the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 13 . Further, in this embodiment. The first shading structure 17 includes a first upper extension 171 , a first connection 172 and a first lower extension 173 , the first lower extension 173 is located below the substrate 11 , the first connection 172 is located next to the substrate 11 and the first light-emitting element 13 (see Figs. In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the first upper extension 171 and the first lower extension 173 at the substrate 11 does not overlap with the vertical projection of the reflective layer 14 at the substrate 11 . According to some embodiments, the side 141 of the reflective layer 14 has a predetermined spacing H with the first side portion 121 of the first light guide plate 12 , and the vertical projection of the reflective layer 14 at the first light guide plate 12 covers the first pattern layer 15 . That is, the first pattern layer 15 is located within the range of the vertical projection of the reflective layer 14 in the first light guide plate 12 , thereby reducing the problem that the first light-emitting element 13 will produce a distinct bright spot visually. According to one embodiment, the first shading structure 17 further includes a side visor 174 and an extended visor 175 , which is located on a side portion of the first light guide plate 12 extending on a second direction D2, covering this side portion and a portion of the first surface 12A . The extended visor 175 connects one end of said side visor 174 (partially overlapping part of the side visor 174 as shown in FIG. 1 ) and is located on the second side portion 122 , the extended visor 175 covers the second side portion 122 and a portion of the first surface 12A , but not so far.
[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIG. The anti-reflective coating 18 is formed in the first light guide plate 12 or the substrate 11 , between the first light guide plate 12 and the substrate 11 . The region of the anti-reflective coating 18 projected vertically on the substrate 11 overlaps the region between the reflective layer 14 and the first side portion 121 . Specifically, the anti-reflective coating 18 masks the area between the projection mask reflective layer 14 and the first side portion 121 in a third direction D3 (e.g., the plumb direction). That is, there is a region where the predetermined spacing H is formed between the side 141 of the reflective layer 14 and the first side portion 121 and the projection mask of the anti-reflective coating 18 on the third direction D3. The anti-reflective coating 18 may, but is not limited to, configured on the surface of the first light guide plate 12 (such as the first surface 12A or the second surface 12B). According to some embodiments, the anti-reflective coating 18 may also be disposed on the surface of the substrate 11 toward the first light guide plate 12 . According to another feasible embodiment, the anti-reflective coating 18 includes a plurality of extension blocks 181 (see FIG. 1 ) located on the first side portion 121 of the first light guide plate 12 , each of which corresponds to a region between adjacent first light-emitting elements 13 , respectively. This reduces the reflection of the bright spots in the optical module 1A. The anti-reflective coating 18 may be, but is not limited to, a black adhesive layer, in other embodiments, the anti-reflective coating 18 may be made of a dark opaque or light-absorbent material.
[0053] See FIG. According to this embodiment, from an overhead view, the first pattern layer 15 , the first light guide plate 12 , and the first light emitting element 13 of the optical module 1A conform to the following relationship on a second direction D2 orthogonal to said first direction D1 . According to this relationship, the first pattern layer 15, as well as the improved light uniformity of the optical module 1A, can be fully presented.
[0054] Please refer to Figure 1 again. In this embodiment, the first side portion 121 of the first light guide plate 12 may also have an optical microstructure 123 formed corresponding to the first light-emitting element 13, such as a surface with a concave-convex microstructure or a rough microstructure. Through the optical microstructure 123, the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 13 is scattered by the optical microstructure 123, so as to increase the light emission angle and increase the distance P between the centers of two adjacent first light-emitting elements 13 (see Figure 4). In this way, the number of first light-emitting elements 13 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the optical module 1A can be reduced. According to some embodiments, discontinuous and spaced optical microstructures 123 (e.g., concave-convex microstructures) are arranged on the first side portion 121, each corresponding to each first light-emitting element 13. The present invention is not limited to the provision of an optical microstructure 123 on the first side portion 121 corresponding to each first light-emitting element 13.
[0055] Referring again to Figure 1, the optical module 1A also includes a light-blocking adhesive layer 19 for bonding the first light guide plate 12 and the reflective layer 14. The light-blocking adhesive layer 19 is located on and surrounds the side edge of at least one of the reflective layer 14 and the first light guide plate. According to some embodiments, the light-blocking adhesive layer 19 is made of black double-sided tape. Since it can block light, it can prevent the bonded adhesive layer itself from receiving light and shining, resulting in a light emission that is not desired by the pattern design, thereby affecting the light emission effect of the optical module 1A.
[0056] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a side view of an optical module 1B according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the optical module 1B includes a cover plate 31, which is made of, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), glass, or polycarbonate (PC). The light-transmitting cover plate 31 is located on the beam-splitting layer 16, and there is no air gap between the cover plate 31 and the beam-splitting layer 16. The two can be tightly bonded together by optical adhesive. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the beam-splitting layer 16 can be coated onto the cover plate 31 by means of a film.
[0057] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9. Figure 6 is a top view of an optical module 1C according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the optical module 1C further includes a second light guide plate 20, at least one second light-emitting element 21, a second pattern layer (not shown), a second light-shielding structure 22, and a third light-shielding structure 23. The second light guide plate 20 is located between the first light guide plate 12 and the substrate 11. The second light guide plate 20 has a third surface 20A and an opposing fourth surface 20B, with the fourth surface 20B facing the substrate 11. The two sides extending in the first direction D1 of the second light guide plate 20 are defined as a third side portion 201 and an opposing fourth side portion 202 (see Figure 9). The third side portion 201 is parallel to and substantially aligned with the first side portion 121, and the fourth side portion 202 is parallel to and substantially aligned with the second side portion 122. At least one second light-emitting element 21 is located on the substrate 11, with its light-emitting surface facing the fourth side 202 (i.e., the light-incident side). In other words, the first light-emitting element 13 and the second light-emitting element 21 are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate 11, and the second light-emitting element 21 is shielded by another first light-shielding structure 17'. A second pattern layer (not shown) is formed on the second light guide plate 20. The second light-shielding structure 22 at least covers a portion of the third surface 20A, the third side 201, and a portion of the fourth surface 20B of the second light guide plate 20. The third light-shielding structure 23 at least covers a portion of the first surface 12A, the second side 122, and a portion of the first surface 12A of the first light guide plate 12. For the second light guide plate 20, please refer to the description of the first light guide plate 12 above. For the second light-emitting element 21, please refer to the first light-emitting element 13, but it should be noted that the number and wavelength range of the second light-emitting element 21 and the first light-emitting element 13 may be the same or different. Regarding the materials of the second light-shielding structure 22 and the third light-shielding structure 23, please refer to the description of the first light-shielding structure 17 above. For the second pattern layer, please refer to the description of the first pattern layer 15 above. The second pattern layer can be formed on at least one of the third surface 20A and the fourth surface 20B of the second light guide plate 20. It should be noted that the patterns of the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer can be the same or different; this invention is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the first pattern layer is a pattern layer of gray ink (with a reduced proportion of white ink) or white ink, and the second pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer. For example, when the first pattern layer is a gray ink pattern layer and the second pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer, the influence of the second pattern layer on the light-emitting effect of the first pattern layer 15 will be reduced when the first light-emitting element 13 and the second light-emitting element 21 emit light simultaneously. However, this invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer do not overlap or do not completely overlap, so both can be white ink pattern layers. When at least one of the first light-emitting element 13 and the second light-emitting element 21 emits light, multiple patterns can be presented.Furthermore, it should be noted that when the second light-emitting element 21 and the first light-emitting element 13 have different wavelengths, the pattern and its corresponding color can be freely changed by controlling the first light-emitting element 13 and the second light-emitting element 21 to emit light simultaneously, sequentially, or by controlling only one of them to emit light, thus providing users with a richer visual experience.
[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second light-shielding structure 22 is a U-shaped frame structure, which includes a second upper extension 221, a second connecting portion 222, a second lower extension 223, and a pair of second lateral extensions 224 (see FIG8). The second upper extension 221 is located on the third surface 20A and covers a portion of the third surface 20A. The second connecting portion 222 is located on the third side 201 and covers the third side 201. The second lower extension 223 is located on the fourth surface 20B and covers a portion of the fourth surface 20B. The two opposing second lateral extensions 224 are respectively located on two opposing sides of the second light guide plate 20 and cover the sides, as shown in FIG8. The third light-shielding structure 23 is also a U-shaped frame structure, which includes a third upper extension 231, a third connecting part 232, a third lower extension 233, and two third lateral extensions 234 (see Figure 9). The third upper extension 231 is located on the first surface 12A and covers a portion of the first surface 12A. The third connecting part 232 is located on the second side 122 and covers the second side 122. The third lower extension 233 is located on the second surface 12B and covers a portion of the second surface 12B. The two opposing third lateral extensions 234 are located on two opposing sides of the first light guide plate 12 and cover the sides, as shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9.
[0059] Please refer to Figures 10 and 11, and also refer to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 10 is a top view of an optical module 1D according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, the difference from the previous embodiment is that the fourth side 202 (i.e., the light-incident side) is adjacent to the third side 201. In other words, the first light-emitting element 13 and the second light-emitting element 21 are disposed on adjacent sides of the substrate 11 and arranged orthogonally. The second light-shielding structure 22 at least covers a portion of the third surface 20A of the second light guide plate 20, the fifth side (located on the side 203 shown in Figure 10) opposite to the fourth side 202, and a portion of the fourth surface 20B.
[0060] Specifically, the second light-shielding structure 22 includes a second upper extension 221, a second connecting portion 222, a second lower extension 223, and two opposing second lateral extensions 224. The second upper extension 221 is located on the third surface 20A and covers a portion of the third surface 20A. The second connecting portion 222 is located on the fifth side 203 and covers the fifth side 203. The second lower extension 223 is located on the fourth surface 20B and covers a portion of the fourth surface 20B. The two opposing second lateral extensions 224 are respectively located on the third side 201 of the second light guide plate 20 and on the sixth side (located on the side 204 shown in FIG. 10) opposite to the third side 201. The two opposing second lateral extensions 224 respectively cover the third side 201 and the sixth side 204, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0061] Please refer to Figures 6 to 11 again. According to these embodiments, the beam splitting layer 16, the first light guide plate 12 and the second light guide plate 20 are stacked and bonded together. The elastic support member 30 of the optical module 1C-1D is, for example, a hollow frame made of sponge, which supports the beam splitting layer 16, the first light guide plate 12 and the second light guide plate 20, so that there is a gap between the second light guide plate 20 and the reflective layer 14.
[0062] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 includes a housing 3 and an optical module 1C, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be configured with an optical module 1D. The optical module 1C is located within the housing 3. The housing 3 may be a frame or a box, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device 100 can be practically applied to art installations, advertising billboards, signs, and electronic products (such as laptops or computer cases), and the patterns displayed by the optical module 1C can be widely applied to the aforementioned products. As shown in Figure 12, the electronic device 100 is, for example, a laptop.
[0063] It should be noted that in the optical module of the present invention, the number of first light-emitting elements 13 (or / and second light-emitting elements 21) provided with the first light guide plate 12 having the first pattern layer (or / and the second light guide plate 20 having the second pattern layer) is less than that of the prior art. In addition to displaying a good visual effect of an infinity mirror, it also has the effect of reducing manufacturing costs and saving energy.
[0064] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the optical module provided by the present invention can achieve the technical effect of complete pattern light emission and uniform light emission by means of the technical solution of "a predetermined distance between the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface and the first side".
[0065] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the optical module provided by the present invention can prevent the material of the reflective layer from amplifying the bright spots of the first light-emitting element and causing uneven light emission when reflecting the light emitted by the first light-emitting element, thereby achieving the technical effect that the first pattern layer can emit light completely and evenly. Furthermore, when the aforementioned predetermined spacing is 4-6 mm, the aforementioned technical effect is further enhanced. This is achieved through technical solutions such as "a first light-shielding structure covering part of the substrate, the first light-emitting element, and the first surface of the first light guide plate", "the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface is substantially parallel to the first side and has a predetermined distance between them", "the vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the first light guide plate covers the first pattern layer", and "the optical module further includes an anti-reflective coating formed on the first light guide plate or substrate, the area of the anti-reflective coating vertically projected onto the substrate overlaps with the area between the reflective layer and the first side".
[0066] Furthermore, the optical module can also achieve the technical effect of fully presenting the first pattern layer and improving the light uniformity of the optical module by means of the technical solution that "the first pattern layer has a vertical distance D between the edge of the first light-emitting element and the first side, and the distance P between the first pattern layer and the center of the two adjacent first light-emitting elements satisfies the following relationship: D / P is between 0.3 and 0.7".
[0067] Furthermore, the optical module can also use the technical solution of "the first side of the first light guide plate has an optical microstructure corresponding to the first light-emitting element" to increase the light emission angle of the first light-emitting element and increase the distance between the centers of two adjacent first light-emitting elements through the optical microstructure. In this way, the number of first light-emitting elements can be reduced and the manufacturing cost of the optical module can be reduced.
[0068] Furthermore, the optical module can also use the technical solutions of "the optical module further includes a light-blocking adhesive layer for bonding the first light guide plate and the reflective layer, the light-blocking adhesive layer is located on and surrounds the side edge of at least one of the reflective layer and the first light guide plate" and "the light-blocking adhesive layer is black double-sided tape" to avoid the adhesive layer itself receiving light and shining, thereby affecting the light-emitting effect of the optical module.
[0069] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical module includes a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer. By setting elements such as a first light-shielding structure, a second light-shielding structure and a third light-shielding structure, and technical solutions such as "the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light simultaneously, emit light sequentially or control only one of them to emit light", users are provided with richer pattern visual effects.
[0070] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including an optical module, which, when applied, has the technical effects achievable by the aforementioned optical module.
[0071] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0033] Figure 1 is a partial exploded view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 2 is a combination diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the first light guide plate, the first pattern layer and the light-emitting element in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 5 is a side view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 6 is a top view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.
[0040] Figure 8 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.
[0041] Figure 9 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.
[0042] Figure 10 is a top view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 11 is a partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.
[0044] Figure 12 is a top view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Claims
1. An optical module comprising: One substrate; A first light guide plate is located above the substrate, the first light guide plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second surface facing the substrate; wherein, two sides extending in a first direction of the first light guide plate are defined as a first side portion and an opposing second side portion; at least one first light-emitting element is located on the substrate, the light-emitting surface of the at least one first light-emitting element facing the first side portion; a reflective layer is located between the substrate and the first light guide plate; a first pattern layer is formed on the first light guide plate; and a beam-splitting layer is located above the first light guide plate and disposed away from the substrate; wherein, the side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface has a predetermined distance from the first side portion.
2. The optical module as described in claim 1, wherein, The predetermined spacing is 4-6 mm.
3. The optical module as described in claim 1, wherein, The beam-splitting layer is a film layer in which light partially passes through and partially reflects.
4. The optical module as described in claim 1, further comprising: A support member is located between the beam splitting layer and the first light guide plate; And a light-transmitting cover plate located on the light-splitting layer.
5. The optical module as described in claim 4, wherein, There is no air gap between the light-transmitting cover plate and the light-splitting layer.
6. An optical module comprising: One substrate; A first light guide plate is located above the substrate, the first light guide plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second surface facing the substrate; wherein, the two sides extending in a first direction of the first light guide plate are respectively defined as a first side portion and an opposing second side portion; at least one first light-emitting element is located on the substrate, the light-emitting surface of the at least one first light-emitting element facing the first side portion; a reflective layer is located between the substrate and the first light guide plate; a first pattern layer is formed on the first light guide plate; a first light-shielding structure covers a portion of the substrate, the at least one first light-emitting element and a portion of the first surface of the first light guide plate; and a light-splitting layer is located above the first light guide plate and the first light-shielding structure, disposed away from the substrate.
7. The optical module as described in claim 6, wherein, The at least one first light-emitting element is a plurality of elements, and the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged at intervals along the first direction parallel to the first side, with a gap region between two adjacent first light-emitting elements.
8. The optical module as described in claim 7, wherein, The side of the reflective layer near the light-emitting surface is approximately parallel to the first side, and there is a predetermined distance between the side and the first side, the predetermined distance being 4-6 mm.
9. The optical module as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The first light-shielding structure includes a first upper extension, a first connecting portion, and a first lower extension. The first lower extension is located below the substrate, the first connecting portion is located on the side of the substrate and the at least one first light-emitting element, and the first upper extension covers a portion of the at least one first light-emitting element and the first surface.
10. The optical module as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The vertical projections of the first upper extension and the first lower extension onto the substrate do not overlap with the vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the substrate.
11. The optical module of claim 8, further comprising an anti-reflective coating formed on the first light guide plate or the substrate, located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, wherein the area of the anti-reflective coating perpendicularly projected onto the substrate overlaps with the area between the reflective layer and the first side portion.
12. The optical module as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The anti-reflective coating includes multiple extended blocks, each of which is formed in each of the interval regions.
13. The optical module as described in claim 8, wherein, In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the vertical distance D between the edge of the first pattern layer near the at least one first light-emitting element and the first side portion, and the spacing P between the centers of two adjacent first light-emitting elements, satisfy the following proportional relationship: D / P is between 0.3 and 0.
7.
14. The optical module as described in claim 6, wherein, The vertical projection of the reflective layer onto the substrate covers the vertical projection of the first patterned layer onto the substrate.
15. The optical module as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer.
16. The optical module as described in claim 6, wherein, The first side portion of the first light guide plate has an optical microstructure corresponding to the at least one first light-emitting element.
17. The optical module as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first pattern layer is located on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the first light guide plate.
18. The optical module of any one of claims 1 to 17 further includes a light-blocking adhesive layer for bonding the first light guide plate and the reflective layer, the light-blocking adhesive layer being located on and surrounding the side edge of at least one of the reflective layer and the first light guide plate.
19. The optical module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A second light guide plate is located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, the second light guide plate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the fourth surface facing the substrate; wherein, the two sides of the second light guide plate extending in the first direction are respectively defined as a third side and an opposing fourth side, the third side being substantially flush with the first side and the fourth side being substantially flush with the second side; at least one second light-emitting element is located on the substrate, the light-emitting surface of the at least one second light-emitting element facing the fourth side; a second pattern layer is formed on the second light guide plate; a second light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the third surface, the third side, and a portion of the fourth surface of the second light guide plate; and a third light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the first surface, the second side, and a portion of the first surface of the first light guide plate.
20. The optical module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A second light guide plate is located between the first light guide plate and the substrate, the second light guide plate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the fourth surface facing the substrate; wherein, the two sides of the second light guide plate extending in the first direction and a second direction are respectively defined as a third side and an adjacent fourth side, the third side being substantially flush with the first side; at least one second light-emitting element is located on the substrate, the light-emitting surface of the at least one second light-emitting element facing the fourth side; a second pattern layer is formed on the second light guide plate; a second light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the third surface, a fifth side opposite to the fourth side, and a portion of the fourth surface of the second light guide plate; and a third light-shielding structure at least covers a portion of the first surface, the second side, and a portion of the first surface of the first light guide plate.
21. The optical module as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, The first pattern layer is a gray or white ink pattern layer, and the second pattern layer is a white ink pattern layer.
22. The optical module as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, The at least one second light-emitting element is a plurality of elements, and the plurality of second light-emitting elements are arranged at intervals along a direction parallel to the fourth side portion. The second light-emitting elements and the first light-emitting elements have the same or different wavelength ranges.
23. An electronic device comprising: A shell; And an optical module as described in any one of claims 1, 6, 19 and 20, disposed within the housing.