Automotive display and backlight module thereof

Abstract

A backlight module includes a housing, a diffuser plate, a light source and an elastic retainer. The housing includes a backplate and a sidewall having a recess. The diffuser plate is disposed in the housing. The diffuser plate includes a main body and a projection structure located at a periphery of the main body and positioned corresponding to the recess of the sidewall. The light source is disposed in the housing. The elastic retainer is fit over the projection structure of the diffuser plate and has a groove mating with an inner edge of the recess of the sidewall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an automotive display and its backlight module. Prior Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of automotive displays in modern vehicles, their applications now encompass navigation systems, entertainment systems, and vehicle information displays. However, during vehicle operation, these displays frequently experience various forms of vibration due to uneven road surfaces or external shocks. This vibration not only affects the stability of the displayed content but can also cause internal noise, negatively impacting the user's driving experience. To address this issue, the industry has proposed several technical solutions to reduce the impact of vibration on automotive displays.

[0003] In the past, some solutions focused on improving the display's casing structure. For example, some technologies used more robust casing materials, hoping to reduce the impact of vibration by increasing overall rigidity. However, while such designs can reduce the amplitude of vibration transmitted to the display's interior to some extent, vibration can still cause friction or impact between components due to design gaps and assembly tolerances between the backlight module and optical elements, resulting in noise. This noise not only affects the quietness of the vehicle interior but can also lead to long-term wear and tear on optical components, further shortening the display's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, one purpose of this disclosure is to propose an improved automotive display device and backlight module to solve the above problems.

[0005] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a backlight module includes a housing, a diffuser plate, a light source, and an elastic limiting member. The housing includes a back plate and a sidewall, the sidewall having a groove. The diffuser plate is disposed within the housing and includes a main body and a protruding structure, the protruding structure being disposed on the outer edge of the main body and corresponding to the groove of the sidewall. The light source is disposed within the housing. The elastic limiting member is sleeved on the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and has a groove, the groove engaging with the inner edge of the groove of the sidewall.

[0006] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, an elastic limiting member surrounds a protruding structure of a diffuser plate and has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the opening penetrates the elastic limiting member.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall further has a recess that is recessed relative to the outer wall surface of the sidewall, and a groove is formed in the recess.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the outer wall surface of the sidewall rests on a reference plane, and the groove of the sidewall and the elastic limiting member are located inside the reference plane.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a first segment that connects to and is substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sidewall. A groove of the resilient retainer engages with the first segment.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall has a leading edge, and the inner edge of the groove includes a second segment located between the leading edge of the sidewall and the back plate, and substantially parallel to the leading edge of the sidewall. A groove of the resilient retainer engages with the second segment.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the light source is disposed on the back panel. The backlight module further includes a support member disposed inside the elastic limiting member and abutting against the light source, the sidewall, and the diffuser plate.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the support member has a bearing surface that abuts against the diffuser plate. The elastic limiting member also has an opening into which a protruding structure is inserted, the inner surface portion of which is aligned with the bearing surface of the support member.

[0014] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, an automotive display includes the aforementioned backlight module and display panel, with the backlight module disposed on the back of the display panel facing away from it.

[0015] In summary, the backlight module disclosed herein includes a housing, a diffuser plate, and an elastic retaining member. The elastic retaining member is fitted onto a protruding structure on the edge of the diffuser plate and embedded in a groove on the side wall of the housing. This securely fixes the diffuser plate, preventing it from shifting position due to backlight module movement or colliding with other components to generate noise. Furthermore, the elastic retaining member is resistant to compression; even if the components of the backlight module expand in high-temperature environments, the elastic retaining member will not easily fail. Therefore, the backlight module disclosed herein has high reliability and can be used in high-temperature and high-vibration environments (e.g., vehicles). Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0016] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the backlight module of the display device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in Figure 1 at the mark of line segment 3-3'. Figures 4 through 6 are enlarged views of some components of the backlight module shown in Figure 2. Implementation

[0017] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings and the various embodiments described below. The elements in the drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Many practical details are described below to provide a comprehensive understanding of this disclosure; however, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these practical details, and therefore, these details should not be used to limit this disclosure.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device 15 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The display device 15 includes a display panel 16 (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel) and a backlight module 19. The display panel 16 has opposing first surfaces 17 and second surfaces 18 (see Figure 2), wherein the first surface 17 faces outward to display an image, that is, the first surface 17 is the display surface of the display panel 16. The second surface 18 is the back surface of the display panel 16, and the backlight module 19 is disposed facing the second surface 18 of the display panel 16. The backlight module 19 is configured to provide illumination to the display panel 16 so that the display panel 16 can display an image. The display device 15 disclosed herein may be an automotive display, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the first surface 17 of the display panel 16 faces the first direction D1; in other words, the first direction D1 is the normal direction of the first surface 17 of the display panel 16. The display device 15 also has two edges extending along the second direction D2 and two other edges extending along the third direction D3. In some embodiments, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0020] It should be noted that the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are coordinate systems attached to the display device 15 and the backlight module 19. Therefore, as the orientation of the display device 15 and the backlight module 19 changes (for example, changing to the flat position shown in Figure 2), this coordinate system turns accordingly.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the backlight module 19 of the display device 15 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 15 shown in Figure 1 at line segment 3-3'. As shown, the backlight module 19 includes a housing 20, a diffuser plate 30, and a light source 40. The housing 20 has an accommodating space 28 and a light outlet 29 communicating with the accommodating space 28. The display panel 16 is disposed facing the light outlet 29 of the housing 20. The diffuser plate 30 and the light source 40 are disposed in the accommodating space 28 of the housing 20, and the light source 40 faces the diffuser plate 30. The light source 40 is configured to emit light, and the light emitted by the light source 40 passes through the diffuser plate 30 and then shines through the light outlet 29 onto the outside of the housing 20 and onto the display panel 16.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light source 40 may include at least one lamp panel or lamp strip, which may include a circuit board 47 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 48 disposed on the circuit board 47. The light-emitting elements 48 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or mini LEDs. The backlight module 19 may also include a reflective sheet 45, which covers the circuit board 47 of the light source 40. The reflective sheet 45 may include a plurality of holes (not shown), through which the light-emitting elements 48 are exposed.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 20 includes a back plate 21 and a side wall 22. The back plate 21 faces the light outlet 29, while the side wall 22 connects to the back plate 21 and is bent relative to the back plate 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 40 is disposed on the back plate 21 and faces the light outlet 29 of the housing 20 (i.e., the direction facing the light source 40 is the first direction D1), and the diffuser plate 30 is located between the light source 40 and the light outlet 29 of the housing 20. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the backlight module 19 is a direct-lit backlight module.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diffuser plate 30 includes a main body 35 and at least one protruding structure 37. The main body 35 is generally rectangular and faces the light source 40. The protruding structure 37 connects to the main body 35 and is disposed on the outer edge of the main body 35. The main body 35 has a third surface facing the light source 40, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a fifth surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface. The protruding structure 37 protrudes from the fifth surface of the main body 35. The backlight module 19 also includes at least one elastic limiting member 50, which is disposed on the side wall 22 of the housing 20 and sleeved on the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30, thereby fixing the diffuser plate 30. The elastic limiting member 50 may contain an elastomeric material, such as rubber. The elastic limiting member 50 may be embedded in a groove on the side wall 22 of the housing 20, the details of which will be described below.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sidewall 22 may be formed by connecting one or more wall portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 22 includes four wall portions and surrounds the backplate 21 on all four sides. In some embodiments, the backlight module 19 may include a plurality of elastic limiting members 50, which are disposed on at least two wall portions of the sidewall 22. Correspondingly, the diffuser plate 30 may include a plurality of protruding structures 37, which are disposed on at least two edges of the diffuser plate 30, and each protruding structure 37 is connected to a corresponding elastic limiting member 50. In some embodiments, one wall portion of the sidewall 22 may be provided with a plurality of elastic limiting members 50, and correspondingly, one edge of the diffuser plate 30 may have a plurality of protruding structures 37, and each protruding structure 37 is connected to a corresponding elastic limiting member 50.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes at least one optical film 70, which is disposed on the side of the diffuser plate 30 away from the light source 40; in other words, the diffuser plate 30 is disposed between the light source 40 and the optical film 70. The light source 40, the diffuser plate 30, and the optical film 70 are arranged in a first direction D1. The optical film 70 may include a diffuser, a prism, a brightness enhancement film, or other functional optical films. In some embodiments, the backlight module 19 includes a plurality of optical films 70, which are stacked with the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the optical films 70 and the diffuser plate 30 can be fixed together by adhesive. In some embodiments, the plurality of optical films 70 can be fixed together by adhesive.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes a frame 60 disposed on the housing 20 and configured to support the display panel 16. The frame 60 may have a light outlet 65 to allow light emitted from the light source 40 to illuminate the display panel 16. In some embodiments, the frame 60 includes a first portion 61 and a second portion 62 connected together. The first portion 61 of the frame 60 covers the peripheral area of ​​the diffuser plate 30 and the optical film 70, and the display panel 16 is disposed on the first portion 61. In addition, the first portion 61 of the frame 60 may press against the edge of the sidewall 22 and the resilient retainer 50 away from the back plate 21 to prevent the resilient retainer 50 from detaching from the sidewall 22. The second portion 62 of the frame 60 is bent relative to the first portion 61 and extends to the outside of the sidewall 22 of the housing 20 and the resilient retainer 50 (i.e., the side of the sidewall 22 and the resilient retainer 50 away from the receiving space 28). The second portion 62 of the frame 60 can be secured to the side wall 22 of the housing 20 by snap-fit, adhesive, or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the first portion 61 of the frame 60 is substantially perpendicular to the second portion 62.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 4 as well. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of some components of the backlight module 19 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sidewall 22 of the housing 20 has at least one groove 27. The protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 is provided corresponding to the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. The elastic limiting member 50 is sleeved on the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 and embedded in the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. Specifically, the elastic limiting member 50 has a groove 57, which is provided along the outer edge of the elastic limiting member 50 and engages with the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22. In other words, at least a portion of the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is inserted into the groove 57 of the elastic limiting member 50. In other words, at least a portion of the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is held by the elastic limiting member 50.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the resilient retaining member 50 is a closed annular structure surrounding the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 and has an opening 56 into which the protruding structure 37 is inserted. In some embodiments, the opening 56 extends through the resilient retaining member 50 to facilitate assembly. Specifically, the opening 56 extends from the surface of the resilient retaining member 50 facing the receiving space 28 to the surface of the resilient retaining member 50 away from the receiving space 28. In other words, the opening 56 is a through hole.

[0030] In some embodiments, the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is slightly smaller than the size of the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30, such that when the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30 is inserted into the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50, the elastic limiting member 50 can tightly engage with the protruding structure 37 of the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the width of the protruding structure 37 is at least 10 mm in the direction parallel to the edge of the diffuser plate 30 to prevent the protruding structure 37 from easily breaking. Correspondingly, the width of the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is at least 10 mm.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sidewall 22 has a leading edge 26, which is the edge of the sidewall 22 away from the back plate 21. In some embodiments, a groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is recessed from the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 toward the back plate 21. In other words, the groove 27 is a notch on the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 includes at least a first segment 271, which connects to the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 and is substantially perpendicular to the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22. A groove 57 of the resilient retainer 50 is provided on at least one edge facing the first segment 271 and engages with the first segment 271.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the inner edge of the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 includes a second segment 272 located between the front edge 26 of the sidewall 22 and the back plate 21, and substantially parallel to the front edge 26 of the sidewall 22. The groove 57 of the resilient limiting member 50 is provided on the edge facing the second segment 272 and engages with the second segment 272.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the elastic limiting member 50 is located on the side of the diffuser plate 30 away from the light source 40, and a limiting groove 71 is formed between the first part 61 of the frame 60, the elastic limiting member 50, and the diffuser plate 30. The peripheral area of ​​the optical film 70 is disposed in the limiting groove 71. In some embodiments, the elastic limiting member 50 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the side wall 22 to prevent the optical film 70 from impacting the side wall 22 when it shifts.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the backlight module 19 further includes a support member 80, which is disposed inside the elastic limiting member 50 and abuts against the light source 40, the sidewall 22, and the diffuser plate 30. In some embodiments, the support member 80 has a bearing surface 81 that abuts against the third surface of the diffuser plate 30 facing the light source 40. The inner surface portion of the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 is aligned with the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80; for example, the side of the inner surface of the opening 56 adjacent to the back plate 21 may be aligned with the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80. In this way, the elastic limiting member 50 and the support member 80 can stably support the diffuser plate 30 together. In some embodiments, in the first direction D1, the minimum distance between the opening 56 of the elastic limiting member 50 and the back plate 21 is substantially equal to the distance from the bearing surface 81 of the support member 80 to the back plate 21.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, when the resilient retainer 50 is assembled onto the sidewall 22, the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 is substantially aligned with the surface of the resilient retainer 50 away from the backplate 21 (see also Figure 5), allowing the frame 60 to be stably mounted on the sidewall 22. The distance between the leading edge 26 of the sidewall 22 and the backplate 21 defines the thickness of the optical cavity of the backlight module 19. In the first direction D1, the height of the resilient retainer 50 is less than the thickness of the optical cavity, while the height of the portion of the sidewall 22 corresponding to the groove 27 is at least 2.5 mm to facilitate assembly.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged views of some components of the backlight module 19 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the sidewall 22 has an outer wall surface 24, which is the wall surface of the sidewall 22 away from the receiving space 28. In some embodiments, the sidewall 22 also has a recess 23, which is recessed relative to the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22, and a groove 27 of the sidewall 22 is formed in the recess 23. In some embodiments, the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22 is located on a reference plane PL, and the groove 27 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50 are located inside the reference plane PL and do not extend beyond the reference plane PL. With the above configuration, the width of the housing 20 will not increase when the elastic limiting member 50 is provided on the sidewall 22, that is, the elastic limiting member 50 will not protrude relative to the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22, allowing the frame 60 to be stably abutted against the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the resilient retainer 50 (i.e., the surface of the resilient retainer 50 away from the receiving space 28) is substantially aligned with the outer wall surface 24 of the sidewall 22.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in some embodiments, the support member 80 extends continuously along the sidewall 22. In some embodiments, the support member 80 also has at least one groove 83, which corresponds to the recess 23 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50, and the recess 23 of the sidewall 22 and the elastic limiting member 50 are received in the groove 83.

[0038] In summary, the backlight module disclosed herein includes a housing, a diffuser plate, and an elastic retaining member. The elastic retaining member is fitted onto a protruding structure on the edge of the diffuser plate and embedded in a groove on the side wall of the housing. This securely fixes the diffuser plate, preventing it from shifting position due to backlight module movement or colliding with other components to generate noise. Furthermore, the elastic retaining member is resistant to compression; even if the components of the backlight module expand in high-temperature environments, the elastic retaining member will not easily fail. Therefore, the backlight module disclosed herein has high reliability and can be used in high-temperature and high-vibration environments (e.g., vehicles).

[0039] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Anyone skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0040] 15: Display device 16: Display panel 17: First Surface 18: Second Surface 19: Backlight Module 20: Shell 21: Back panel 22: Sidewall 23: concave part 24:Outer wall surface 26: Forefront 27: Groove 271: First Section 272: Second Section 28: Storage space 29:Light exit 30: Diffuser plate 35: Main Body 37: Emphasize Structure 40: Light source 45: Reflective sheet 47: Circuit Board 48: Light-emitting element 50: Elastic limiting component 56: Opening 57: Trench 60: Frame 61: Part One 62: Part Two 65:Light exit 70: Optical film 71: Limiting groove 80: Support component 81: Bearing surface 83: Groove D1: First Direction D2: Second Direction D3: Third direction PL: Reference plane

[0041] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. A backlight module, comprising: a housing including a back plate and a side wall having a groove; a diffuser plate disposed in the housing and including a main body and a protruding structure disposed on an outer edge of the main body and corresponding to the groove of the side wall; a light source disposed in the housing; and an elastic limiting member sleeved on the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and having a groove that engages with an inner edge of the groove of the side wall.

2. The backlight module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient retainer surrounds the protruding structure of the diffuser plate and has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted.

3. The backlight module as described in claim 2, wherein the opening extends through the resilient retainer.

4. The backlight module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewall further has a recess that is recessed relative to an outer wall surface of the sidewall, and the groove is formed in the recess.

5. The backlight module as described in claim 4, wherein the outer wall surface of the sidewall is situated on a reference plane, and the groove of the sidewall and the elastic limiting member are located inside the reference plane.

6. The backlight module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewall has a leading edge, the inner edge of the groove includes a first segment connected to the leading edge of the sidewall and substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sidewall, and the groove of the resilient retainer engages with the first segment.

7. The backlight module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewall has a leading edge, the inner edge of the groove includes a second segment located between the leading edge of the sidewall and the back plate and substantially parallel to the leading edge of the sidewall, and the groove of the resilient retainer engages with the second segment.

8. The backlight module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed on the back panel, and wherein the backlight module further includes a support member disposed inside the elastic limiting member and abutting against the light source, the sidewall and the diffuser plate.

9. The backlight module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support member has a bearing surface abutting against the diffuser plate, wherein the resilient limiting member further has an opening into which the protruding structure is inserted, and an inner surface portion of the opening is aligned with the bearing surface of the support member.

10. An automotive display comprising: a display panel; and a backlight module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, disposed on a rear side facing the display panel.

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