JP2012113890A - Light guide body, surface light source device, and image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light guide body for an edge-light-type surface light source device, capable of easily controlling light emitted from a light-emitting surface so as to perform improvements in brightness and brightness balance or reduction in brightness unevenness of the surface light source device, and capable of easily producing a mold member for molding.SOLUTION: At least one of a light-reflecting surface and a light-emitting surface 43 includes a plurality of lens rows 43b extended along a direction perpendicular to a light incident end face 41 and mutually arranged nearly in parallel. Each of a plurality of convex structures 45 arranged on the light-emitting surface 43 has: both ends 451, 452 in a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face 41; a top section 453 which is located between both ends and is higher than the both ends; and a ridge section 454 extended through the top section between the both ends. Further, a portion including the ridge section 454 in a cross-sectioned shape crossing at a right angle the direction perpendicular to the light incident end face 41 is formed so as to overlap with a cross-sectioned shape at a lower position.

Description

  The present invention relates to an edge light type surface light source device, a light guide used in the surface light source device, and an image display device configured using the edge light type surface light source device.

  A liquid crystal display device basically includes a backlight and a liquid crystal display element. As the backlight, an edge light type surface light source device is frequently used from the viewpoint of making the liquid crystal display device compact. In an edge light type surface light source device, at least one end face of a rectangular plate-shaped light guide is used as a light incident end face, and a linear or rod-shaped primary tube such as a straight tube fluorescent lamp is provided along the light incident end face. A point-like primary light source such as a light source or a light-emitting diode (LED) is disposed, and light emitted from the primary light source is introduced into the light guide from the light incident end surface of the light guide, and 2 of the light guide. It is made to radiate | emit from the light-projection surface which is one of the two main surfaces.

  In recent years, opportunities for multimedia viewing use have increased in multi-screen display devices such as notebook computers and PC monitors, TVs, stereoscopic image display devices, or two-screen display devices, and the demand for such devices has also increased. Therefore, high resolution and low power consumption are required for liquid crystal display devices. Furthermore, the demand for lighter and thinner monitors is increasing. Therefore, improvement in luminance performance and reduction in thickness are required for the surface light source device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a surface light source device used in a notebook computer or the like, two prism sheets each having a prism row formed on a surface opposite to the light guide on a flat light guide are provided for each prism. A surface light source device has been used in which the prism rows of the sheet are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal. However, in such a surface light source device, it has been difficult to meet the above-described demand due to the large number of optical sheets used and the loss of light between the sheets.

  In order to reduce the number of members and further improve the luminance performance, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-106022 (Patent Document 1), it is a surface on the opposite side of the light emitting surface roughened in the light guide. A vertical prism array having a cross-sectional shape with high light collection efficiency is formed on the light reflecting surface in a direction crossing the light incident end face. In addition, a prism sheet in which a large number of prism arrays are arranged is guided by the prism array. It is arranged on the light guide light exit surface so as to face the light exit surface of the body, thereby reducing the power consumption of the surface light source device and reducing the distribution of the emitted light while reducing the number of optical sheets. Thus, a technique for improving luminance performance is disclosed.

  On the other hand, the surface light source device has a problem that the ratio (irradiation efficiency) of the amount of light emitted from the light emitting surface to the atmosphere out of the light emitted from the primary light source and introduced into the light guide body is low. This is a case where the amount of light that is internally reflected by the light exit surface of the light guide is large. Therefore, for the purpose of improving the light collection efficiency of the light emitted through the prism sheet and the diffusion sheet, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-49018 (Patent Document 2), the light from the light source is transmitted to the light guide. In a light guide of a type in which light is introduced into the light guide from the light incident end surface, and the light is totally reflected by the convex portion formed on the light reflection surface of the light guide and directed toward the light exit surface of the light guide. The main reflection surface facing the light source side of the part is a plane, and the normal line of the plane is projected on a plane parallel to the light reflection surface, and the normal projection line is at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the light source The convex portion is formed so as to have light, and the light emitted from the side surface of the light guide plate and emitted from the light emission surface is efficiently concentrated in a predetermined direction via the prism sheet and the diffusion plate arranged above. A technology for realizing a light guide plate that can be manufactured by a simple method is disclosed. There.

  Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-54517 (Patent Document 3) discloses that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the light emission main surface of the light guide plate in order to improve the light use efficiency in the surface light source device. Yes. Here, the slope farthest from the light incident end face in each protrusion is formed as a face that breaks the total reflection condition.

  Further, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-159831 (Patent Document 4), a large number of minute pyramid-shaped dots composed of reflecting surfaces having an inclination angle of 50 to 60 degrees are provided on at least one upper and lower surfaces of a light guide plate. It has been proposed to increase the light emission brightness of the backlight.

  Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-222516 (Patent Document 5) proposes to increase the illumination efficiency of the backlight by forming a plurality of cylindrical protrusions on the light output side plane of the light guide plate. .

  Further, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-66880 (Patent Document 6), an arc-shaped light deflection pattern is provided on the back surface of the light guide plate on the side opposite to the light emitting surface in order to prevent uneven luminance in the surface light source device. It is disclosed to form a plurality.

JP 2000-106022 A JP 2006-49018 A JP-A-8-54517 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-159831 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-222516 JP 2007-66880 A

  In the conventional light source for a surface light source device as described above, an optical function for controlling the light emission from the light emitting surface is obtained by forming an uneven structure on the light emitting surface or the light reflecting surface on the opposite side. Yes.

  Incidentally, the light guide is generally manufactured by resin molding using a mold member having a shape transfer surface. The uneven structure for light emission control formed on the light emitting surface or the light reflecting surface of the conventional light source for the surface light source device is very easy to produce the shape transfer surface of the mold member for forming the light guide. There is a difficulty that is difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention can control the light emission from the light emitting surface so as to improve the light irradiation efficiency of the surface light source device (that is, improve the luminance), improve the luminance uniformity, or reduce the luminance unevenness. An object of the present invention is to provide a light guide for an edge light type surface light source device that is easy and can easily form a molding die.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an edge light type surface light source device configured using such a light guide for a surface light source device.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an image display device configured using such an edge light type surface light source device.

According to the present invention, as a solution to at least one of the above problems,
A light incident end surface for guiding light emitted from the primary light source and receiving light emitted from the primary light source, a light emitting surface from which a part of the guided light is emitted, and the opposite side of the light emitting surface A light guide for an edge light type surface light source device having a light reflecting surface of
At least one of the light reflecting surface and the light emitting surface includes a plurality of lens rows, and the plurality of lens rows extend substantially along a direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. ,
The light exit surface is provided with a plurality of convex structures,
Each of the plurality of convex structures is between both end portions with respect to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface, a peak portion located between the both end portions and having a height higher than the both end portions, and the both end portions. And a portion including the ridge line portion having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface has a cross-sectional shape at a position with a smaller height. A light guide for an edge light type surface light source device, characterized by being configured to overlap,
Is provided.

In one aspect of the invention,
The light reflecting surface is provided with a plurality of additional convex structures,
Each of the plurality of additional convex structures includes an additional both ends with respect to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face, and an additional mountain peak positioned between the additional both ends and having a height higher than the additional both ends. And an additional ridge line portion extending through the additional peak between the additional both ends, and having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face The portion including the additional ridge line portion is configured to overlap with the cross-sectional shape at a position where the height is smaller. In this way, by adding a plurality of additional convex structures having a specific shape in the same manner as the convex structure formed on the light exit surface, the luminance and the uniformity thereof are further improved or the luminance unevenness is reduced. Therefore, it is easy to control the light emission from the light emission surface so that the molding die member can be manufactured.

  According to the light guide for the edge light type surface light source device of the present invention, by adding a plurality of convex structures having a specific shape to the light emitting surface, the luminance of the surface light source device and the uniformity thereof can be improved. It becomes easy to control the light emission from the light emitting surface so that unevenness can be reduced, and it becomes easy to produce a molding die member.

It is a typical perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the surface light source device comprised using the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is a typical exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of a surface light source device constituted using a light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention, and in particular a view showing a vicinity of a primary light source. It is a typical perspective view which shows the light-projection surface of one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the convex-shaped structure in one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light-projection surface in one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is a typical top view for demonstrating the convex-shaped structure in one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows some embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention, Especially the presence or absence of a 1st lens row | line | column, the presence or absence of a 2nd lens row | line | column, convex-shaped structure It is a figure which shows the example of the combination of arrangement | positioning and the presence and arrangement | positioning of an additional convex-shaped structure. It is a typical fragmentary sectional view showing one embodiment of an image display device constituted using a surface light source device constituted using a light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by the present invention, and especially a light guide. It is a figure which shows the mode of the optical deflection | deviation of the light which came out from the light-projection surface. It is a typical perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the surface light source device comprised using the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating an example of the lens row | line | column in one Embodiment of the light guide for edge light type surface light source devices by this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a surface light source device configured using a light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the vicinity of the primary light source. It is a perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface light source device according to the present embodiment has a light incident end surface 41 as at least one side end surface and a light emitting surface 43 as one surface substantially orthogonal thereto. The light source 4, the primary light source 2 disposed adjacent to and facing the light incident end surface 41 of the light guide 4 and covered with the reflector 10, and disposed adjacent to the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4. The light deflecting element 6 and the light reflecting element 8 disposed adjacent to the light reflecting surface 44 opposite to the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4 are arranged. As the primary light source 2, a cold cathode tube (CCFL) may be used, or a light emitting diode (LED) that is a point light source may be used. From the viewpoint of reducing the thickness and power saving of the surface light source device, it is preferable to use a plurality of point light sources such as LEDs arranged as the primary light source 2, and in the following description, a plurality of LEDs are used as the primary light sources. An example in which the arrayed light source is used as a primary light source will be described. The plurality of LEDs are preferably arranged so that the directions of the maximum intensity light emitted from them are parallel to each other. The direction of the maximum intensity light emitted from the LED can be, for example, the X direction.

(Light guide)
The light guide 4 is disposed in parallel with the XY plane and has a rectangular plate shape as a whole. The light guide 4 has four side end surfaces, and one of the pair of side end surfaces substantially parallel to the YZ plane is a light incident end surface 41 and faces the light incident end surface. LEDs are arranged adjacent to each other. The other side end surface of the pair of side end surfaces substantially parallel to the YZ plane of the light guide 4 is an opposite end surface 42 opposite to the light incident end surface. The two main surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to the light incident end surface 41 of the light guide 4 are both arranged so as to be approximately orthogonal to the Z direction, and the upper surface that is one of the main surfaces is the light emitting surface 43, and the other. The lower surface which is the main surface is a light reflecting surface 44.

(Lens array on the light reflecting surface and light emitting surface of the light guide)
As shown in FIG. 2, in order to control the directivity in the YZ plane parallel to the LED arrangement direction of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 43, the light reflecting surface 44 and the light emitting surface of the light guide 4 are controlled. A large number of lens rows are formed on at least one of the surfaces 43. In the form shown in FIG. 2, as will be described below, a large number of lens rows (first lens rows) 44 a are formed on the light reflecting surface 44, and a large number of lens rows (first lenses) are formed on the light exit surface 43. 2b) 43b is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  At least one of the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b is preferably present in an effective display area F described later, and may be present on the entire surface. Note that one of the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b may exist in the effective display area F, and the other may exist outside the effective display area. Furthermore, only one of the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b may be formed and the other may not be formed.

  A large number of first lens rows 44a are incident on the light guide 4 in a direction transverse to the light incident end surface 41, for example, a direction substantially perpendicular to the light incident end surface 41 (that is, in a plane along the light emitting surface 43). The X direction (the direction of light directivity) extends substantially parallel to each other. That is, the light reflecting surface 44 includes a first lens array 44a. Each of the first lens rows 44a arranged substantially parallel to each other extends substantially along the direction perpendicular to the boundary between the light reflecting surface 44 and the light incident end surface 41, that is, the X direction. Note that the “light reflecting surface 44” in the “boundary between the light reflecting surface 44 and the light incident end surface 41” herein refers to the one excluding the shape of the first lens array 44a, specifically XY. Parallel to the surface. That is, the “boundary between the light reflecting surface 44 and the light incident end surface 41” here extends substantially along the Y direction.

  Similarly, the plurality of second lens rows 43b are arranged in a direction crossing the light incident end surface 41, for example, a direction substantially perpendicular to the light incident end surface 41 (that is, in the plane along the light emitting surface 43). Are substantially parallel to each other along the X direction). That is, the light emitting surface 43 includes a second lens array 43b. Each of the second lens arrays 43b arranged substantially parallel to each other extends substantially along the direction perpendicular to the boundary between the light emitting surface 43 and the light incident end surface 41, that is, the X direction. Note that the “light emitting surface 43” in the “boundary between the light emitting surface 43 and the light incident end surface 41” herein refers to one excluding the shape of the second lens array 43b, specifically, XY. Parallel to the surface. That is, the “boundary between the light emitting surface 43 and the light incident end surface 41” here extends substantially along the Y direction.

  Both the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b can have the following properties.

  That is, the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b have a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the extending direction of the lens array in an arc shape, a V shape, and a V shape at the tip R according to the arrangement interval of the LEDs. A desired shape such as a shape, a sine curve, a parabolic shape, or a lenticular lens shape can be obtained. As this cross-sectional shape, a wave shape in which a plurality of arcs (an arc S1 having a radius R1, an arc S2 having a radius R2, and an arc S3 having a radius R3 [R1 = R2 = R3 may be used]) as illustrated in FIG. A shape (Wave shape) can be used.

  The first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b have a function of regularly controlling the direction of light passing through or reflecting the first lens array 44a and a function of diffusing light emitted from the point-like primary light source. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape is preferably an arc shape having a large number of angle components, a Wave shape, or a V-shape at the tip R.

  The arrangement pitch of the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b is, for example, 10 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 150 μm, more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm.

  The first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b have an aspect ratio, that is, an arrangement pitch of the lens arrays (P1: only for the first lens array 44a) in a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the extending direction of the lens arrays. The ratio (P1 / H1) between the height and the height (H1: not shown) is, for example, 1 to 20. This is because when the aspect ratio is within this range, the condensed emitted light whose full width at half maximum of the emitted light distribution is 30 ° to 65 ° in the plane perpendicular to the XZ plane including the direction of the peak light in the emitted light distribution. It is because it can be made to emit and the brightness | luminance as a surface light source device can be improved. For example, when the cross-sectional shape is a V shape with a tip R, the aspect ratio can be 1.5 to 4.5. For example, when the cross-sectional shape is a wave shape, the aspect ratio can be 8 to 10.

  The first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b have a radius of curvature of, for example, 10 μm to 200 μm when the cross-sectional shape is an arc shape, a Wave shape, or a V shape at the tip R. The curvature radius R can be set such that the ratio (R / P) to the pitch P is 0.5 to 1.5.

  The surfaces of the first lens array 44a and the second lens array 43b, that is, the lens surfaces constituting the lens array (also referred to as “slopes” of the lens array) may be mirror surfaces or roughened. Good. The rough surface has a function of randomly diffusing light. By roughening the slope of the lens array, the functions of both are mixed, and it becomes possible to more effectively eliminate luminance unevenness. The ratio between the effect of the regular direction control function and the effect of the random diffusion function varies depending on the degree of roughening of the lens array slope, but the degree of roughening of the slope is the average slope described later with the slope as the reference plane. The angle is preferably 0.1 to 10 degrees, and more preferably 0.5 to 3 degrees. When the average inclination angle is 0.5 degrees or more, a diffusion effect due to the rough surface is sufficiently obtained, and when the average inclination angle is 3 degrees or less, a regular direction control effect of the lens array is sufficiently obtained.

  In addition, the area | region where the above lens rows are not formed in the light reflection surface 44 and the light-projection surface 43 can be a mirror surface or an uneven surface (rough surface) within an average inclination angle of 4 degrees.

  Further, in the case where the lens rows as described above are partially formed on the light reflecting surface 44 and the light emitting surface 43, this is caused by the boundary between the region where the lens row is formed and the region where the lens row is not formed. This boundary is preferably outside the effective display area F so that uneven brightness is not visually recognized.

(Effective display area)
The effective display area F is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device in which a display element (display panel) such as a transmissive liquid crystal display device is arranged on the light emitting surface of the surface light source device as shown in FIG. In this case, an area where light used for illumination for effective display of the image display apparatus is actually emitted in the surface light source apparatus (that is, an area of the surface light source apparatus corresponding to an effective display area of the image display apparatus). It is. The effective display area F can also be referred to as an area in the light guide light exit surface 43 and an area in the light guide light reflection surface 44, for example. The effective display area F is often an area that is about 1 to 5 mm diagonally with respect to the light emitting area of the surface light source device. Further, in the light guide light emitting surface 43, the distance from the edge adjacent to the light incident end surface 41 of the light guide 4 to the effective display area F depends on the shape and size of the surface light source device. It is about 2 to 10 mm.

(Average tilt angle)
When the light emitting surface 43 or the light reflecting surface 44 of the light guide 4 is roughened, the average inclination angle θa of the rough surface is determined using a stylus type surface roughness meter in accordance with ISO 4287 / 1-1984. The rough surface shape is measured, and the coordinate in the measurement direction is set to x, and the following equation (1) and equation (2) Δa = (1 / L) ∫ ₀ ^L | (d / dx) f (x) | dx (1)
θa = tan ⁻¹ (Δa) (2)
Can be obtained using Here, L is the measurement length, and Δa is the tangent of the average inclination angle θa. In terms of roughening, it is preferable that the average inclination angle θa according to ISO 4287 / 1-1984 is in the range of 0.1 to 10 degrees from the viewpoint of improving the uniformity of the luminance in the light exit surface 43. The average inclination angle θa is more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 5 degrees.

(Convex structure attached to the light guide surface)
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a light emitting surface of an embodiment of the light guide for the edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention (the light guide 4 described above), and FIG. 4 is a schematic M sectional view thereof. FIG. 5 is a schematic N sectional view (XZ sectional view) of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a convex structure in an embodiment of a light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a light exit surface in an embodiment of a light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, when the second lens array 43 b is present on the light exit surface 43 of the light guide 4, the plurality of convex structures 45 are formed as the second lens. It can be formed so as to be scattered (scattered) at the tip portion (the highest portion: the top) of the row 43b. However, as described later, the formation position and arrangement form of the second lens array 43b are not limited to this.

  The convex structure 45 has a light emission control function. This light emission control function emits light having directivity in the distribution in the XZ plane including both the normal direction (Z direction) of the light emission surface 43 and the X direction orthogonal to the light incident end surface 41. . The angle between the direction of the peak of the emitted light distribution and the light emitting surface is, for example, 10 ° to 40 °, and the full width at half maximum of the emitted light distribution is, for example, 10 ° to 40 °.

  By providing the convex structure 45, it is possible to contribute to improvement of luminance and uniformity of the surface light source device configured using the light guide 4 or reduction of luminance unevenness.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the convex structures 45 includes both end portions 451 and 452 in the X direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface 41, a peak portion 453 having a height higher than the both end portions, and both end portions 451 and 451. And a ridge portion 454 extending through the peak portion 453 between 452.

  Further, each of the convex structures 45 is configured as follows in the shape of the YZ cross section orthogonal to the direction perpendicular to the light incident end face. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the height (Z-direction dimension) of the convex structure 45 in the YZ cross-sectional shape S (x) at a certain position x in the X direction is h, and the position is different from the position x in the X direction. The height (Z direction dimension) of the convex structure 45 in the YZ cross-sectional shape S (x ′) at x ′ is defined as h ′ (here, h ′ <h). In FIG. 6, the convex structure 45 including the reference surfaces having the heights h and h ′ is shown as YZ cross-sectional shapes S (x) and S (x ′). Does not include a portion indicated as a reference plane having heights h ′ and h ′. Here, the portion including the ridge line portion 454 of the cross-sectional shape S (x) at the position x (that is, the upper portion in the Z direction) is the YZ cross-sectional shape S (x at the position x ′, which is a position lower than the position x. Duplicate with '). The convex structure 45 is configured in this way.

  As the shape of the YZ cross section orthogonal to the direction perpendicular to the respective light incident end faces of the convex structure 45, for example, a V shape is exemplified. Furthermore, in the YZ cross section of the convex structure 45, the portion including the ridge line portion 454 may have an arc-shaped region such as an arc shape. As such a YZ cross-sectional shape, for example, the V shape of the tip R is exemplified. By setting it as such a shape, it can prevent that the front-end | tip part of the convex-shaped structure 45 is crushed.

  Further, examples of the shape of the XZ section including both the direction perpendicular to the light incident end face of each convex structure 45 and the direction of the light emitting surface normal line include a triangular wave shape and a sawtooth wave (ramp wave) shape. The Further, the shape of the XZ cross section of the convex structure 45 is such that the change in the height (Z direction dimension) of the ridge line portion 454 gradually increases or decreases, that is, the ridge line portion 454 has a smooth curve (partially height). A straight line corresponding to a portion having no change may be included). Examples of the XZ cross-sectional shape include a sine curve shape and an elliptic arc shape.

  When producing a mold member used to transfer and form the light guide light emitting surface 43 provided with the convex structure 45, a cutting tool such as a diamond cutting tool having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. Cutting using a tool can be used. In other words, a transfer surface structure for transferring a convex structure having a desired dimension at a desired position can be formed by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the cutting depth of a cutting tool having a desired cross-sectional shape during cutting. Thereby, manufacture of the shaping | molding die member becomes easy, and manufacture of the light guide which has the light guide light emission surface 43 to which the convex-shaped structure 45 was attached by extension becomes easy.

  In addition, the plurality of convex structures 45 are 100 times the protruding height of the convex structures 45 around the arbitrary convex structures 45 in the effective display area of the light emitting surface 43 (that is, in the XY plane). It is preferable that two or more convex structures 45 are arranged (see FIG. 7) within the range of a circle having a radius of (see R ′ in FIG. 7) except for the central convex structure 45. Thus, by providing the convex structures 45 so that a predetermined number or more exist within a predetermined range in the light emitting surface 43, a good light emission control function can be obtained.

  If the convex structure 45 has the same size as the wavelength of the light emitted from the primary light source 2, chromatic dispersion is likely to occur. If the convex structure 45 is too large, the structure can be recognized with the naked eye. For this reason, in the cross-sectional shape of the surface parallel to the light incident end face, the width (Y-direction dimension) of the convex structure 45 is set to 3 μm or more and 75 μm or less, preferably 4 μm or more and 50 μm or less, more preferably 7 μm or more and 30 μm or less. It is preferable.

  FIG. 5 shows the cross-sectional shapes of the second lens array 43b and the convex structure 45 on the surface along the extending direction of the second lens array 43b. The shape of the convex structure 45 in this cross section can be selected as appropriate, but as an example of a preferred form, the height increases as the distance from the light incident end face 41 increases along the X direction, which is the extending direction of the second lens array 43b. A configuration including a first region 45a in which the height increases and a second region 45b in which the height gradually decreases as the distance from the light incident end surface thereafter is illustrated. The top portion 453 is located at the boundary between the first region 45a and the second region 45b. When the height changes rapidly in the second region 45b, it becomes difficult to balance the luminance between the vicinity of the light incident end surface 41 of the light guide 4 and the opposite end surface 42, and a uniformly bright surface light source device is provided. Can be difficult. Therefore, it is preferable that the average inclination angle of the second region 45b is not less than 0.5 degrees and not more than 7 degrees. Further, the second region 45b may include a flat region whose height does not change. This flat region is provided, for example, in a portion adjacent to the first region 45a. When the second region 45b includes a flat region, the average inclination angle of the second region 45b indicates an average inclination angle including the flat region. If the convex structure 45 has the same size as the wavelength of the light emitted from the primary light source 2, chromatic dispersion occurs. If the convex structure 45 is too large, the structure can be recognized with the naked eye. Therefore, the length along the extending direction of the second lens row of the convex structure 45 is preferably within 20 μm to 250 μm.

  Further, the plurality of convex structures 45 may be provided at equal intervals along the second lens row 43b, or may be randomly arranged, but by providing the convex structures 45 periodically. From the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of interference patterns with other optical members, it is preferable to arrange them randomly. However, when there is little such a possibility, you may arrange | position the convex structure 45 periodically. Further, not only the arrangement interval (arrangement pitch) of the convex structures 45 but also the size of the convex structures 45 (the length dimension in the extending direction of the second lens array 43b and the extending direction of the second lens array 43b). (Width dimension in a direction orthogonal to) may vary randomly, and both the arrangement interval and the size may vary randomly. Further, the height of the plurality of convex structures 45 (the height of the peak portions 453) may vary randomly.

  When forming a structure in which the height of the convex structure 45 varies randomly, a piezoelectric element is incorporated into the diamond lathe device when manufacturing a mold for transferring the shape (corresponding to a molding member described later). A mold with a shape whose pattern depth changes randomly by installing a vibration device, inputting a non-periodic noise signal to the vibration device, and cutting the mold material while randomly vibrating the diamond tool. A mold member (molding mold member) can be obtained. The vibration direction of the diamond tool may be only the direction corresponding to the Z direction, or may be both the direction corresponding to the Z direction and the direction corresponding to the Y direction.

  Further, when forming a structure in which the length and arrangement interval of the convex structures 45 along the extending direction of the second lens row 43b are randomly changed, the die is processed while randomly changing the feed rate of the diamond tool. May be.

  As a method of generating a noise signal having no periodicity, a known method is used. For example, a noise signal obtained by cutting a band with a desired filter, a waveform obtained by adding a noise component to a basic waveform such as a SIN wave, and a periodicity The operation of a diamond tool or the like can be made random by driving them in a vibration device such as a pseudo random waveform assembled so as not to exist.

  As described above, since the cutting process can be used when forming the convex structure transfer portion of the molding die member, it becomes easy to manufacture the molding die member, and consequently the light guide having the convex structure 45. The manufacture of the body 4 becomes easy and the reproducibility becomes high.

The plurality of convex structures 45 have the following changes (A) to (D):
(A) A change in which the average interval in the extending direction of the second lens array 43b becomes shorter as the distance from the light incident end face 41 increases.
(B) A change in which the length in the extending direction of the second lens array 43b becomes longer as the distance from the light incident end face 41 increases.
(C) a change in which the height increases as the distance from the light incident end surface 41 increases;
(D) A change in which the average inclination angle of the second region 45b increases as the distance from the light incident end surface 41 increases.
Can have at least one of the following: Thereby, the luminance unevenness of the light emitting surface 43 can be reduced, and the occurrence of interference patterns with the periodic structure of other optical members is suppressed.

  In addition, as the light emission function structure of the light guide 4, the light guide 4 is used in combination with the lens array, the convex structure, or the rough surface formed on the light emission surface 43 and / or the light reflection surface 44 as described above. What is formed by mixing and diffusing light diffusing fine particles inside can be used. Further, as the light guide 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall thickness is uniform (the rough surface of the light emitting surface 43, the rough uneven shape and the lens array, and the lens array of the light reflecting surface 44. In addition to a plate-like one having a thickness neglecting the shape and the like, there are various types such as a wedge-like one that gradually decreases in thickness from the light incident end face 41 toward the opposite end face 42 in the X direction. A cross-sectional shape can be used. Furthermore, the effective display area F of the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4 may be a mirror surface, and the surface of the first lens array 44a of the light reflecting surface 44 may be a rough surface. In this case, the surface of the first lens array 44a has an average inclination angle θa in the range of 0.1 to 10 degrees with the slope of the first lens array 44a as a reference surface. This is preferable from the viewpoint of achieving uniformity in luminance. The average inclination angle θa is more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 5 degrees.

  The thickness of the light guide 4 is, for example, 0.3 to 10 mm.

(Additional convex structure attached to the light guide light reflecting surface)
As described above, in addition to the convex structure 45 provided on the light emitting surface 43, a convex structure having the same form (referred to as an additional convex structure) is additionally provided on the light reflecting surface 44. be able to. The mold member for transferring and forming the additional convex structure can also be manufactured by cutting in the same manner as the mold member for transferring and forming the convex structure 45.

  By forming the additional convex structure, it becomes easier to improve the luminance of the surface light source device or reduce the luminance unevenness.

(Continuous convex structure or additional convex structure)
The plurality of convex structures 45 may be continuously formed particularly in the X direction perpendicular to the light incident end face 41. In this case, the heights of both end portions 451 and 452 in the X direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface 41 may not be zero. FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view of the convex structure 45 formed continuously. The additional convex structure can be continuously formed in the same manner.

(Deformation relating to arrangement of first lens array, second lens array, convex structure and additional convex structure)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the convex structure (including an additional convex structure) as described above, and the first lens array and the second lens array. These drawings show the YZ cross section. As shown in FIG. 9A, the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4 is positioned on the upper side, and the light reflecting surface 44 of the light guide 4 is on the lower side. Located in. Whether or not the first lens array 44a is present on the light reflecting surface 44, whether or not the second lens array 43b is present on the light emitting surface 43, and the convex structure 45 is the tip of the second lens array 43b. And the slope and the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other (may be located in plural), presence or absence of an additional convex structure (indicated by reference numeral 45), and addition Depending on the combination of whether the convex-convex structure 45 is located at the tip and slope of the first lens row 44a or at the boundary between the two first lens rows 44a adjacent to each other (may be located in plural) Various forms are possible. In FIGS. 9B to 9J, reference numerals of some members are omitted.

In the form of FIG.
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
There is no second lens array on the light exit surface 43,
The convex structure 45 is located at an appropriate place on the light emitting surface 43, and
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG. 9B,
The first lens array does not exist on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
Convex structure 45 is located at the tip of second lens array 43b,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG.
The first lens array does not exist on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located at the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG. 9D,
The first lens array does not exist on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located on the slope of the second lens array 43b,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG. 9 (e),
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
Convex structure 45 is located at the tip of second lens array 43b,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG.
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located at the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG.
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located on the slope of the second lens array 43b,
There are no additional convex structures.

In the form of FIG. 9 (h),
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
There is no second lens array on the light exit surface 43,
The convex structure 45 is located at an appropriate place on the light emitting surface 43, and
An additional convex structure 45 is located at the tip and slope of the first lens row 44a and at the boundary between the two first lens rows 44a adjacent to each other.

In the form of FIG. 9 (i),
The first lens array does not exist on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located at the tip and slope of the second lens row 43b and the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other,
An additional convex structure 45 is located at an appropriate location on the light reflecting surface 44.

In the form of FIG. 9 (j),
The first lens array 44a exists on the light reflecting surface 44,
A second lens array 43b exists on the light exit surface 43;
The convex structure 45 is located at the tip and slope of the second lens row 43b and the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other,
An additional convex structure 45 is located at the tip and slope of the first lens row 44a and at the boundary between the two first lens rows 44a adjacent to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 9H to 9J, the convex structure 45 includes the tip and slope of the second lens row 43b and the boundary between the two second lens rows 43b adjacent to each other. The additional convex structure 45 may be located at two or more of the tip and slope of the first lens array 44a and the boundary between the two first lens arrays 44a adjacent to each other. May be located.

(Light guide manufacturing method)
In the present embodiment, the method includes molding a translucent resin (composition) using a molding die member having a shape transfer surface for forming the light emitting surface 43 and the light reflecting surface 44, respectively. The light guide 4 for the surface light source device is manufactured.

  When producing a molding die member, an appropriate treatment is performed so that a transfer surface region having a desired required surface shape is obtained with respect to a required region (or the whole) of a mold material.

  As such a process, when the required required surface shape is a lens array such as the first lens array 44a or the second lens array 43b, a cutting process using a cutting tool such as a diamond tool is performed. Can be used.

  Moreover, as said process, when the required surface shape made into the objective is the convex structure (an additional convex structure is included) 45, the cutting process using cutting tools, such as the above diamond tools, is carried out. Can be used.

  Moreover, as said process, when the target required surface shape is a rough surface, a blast process can be used. In this blasting process, it is preferable that the distance between the blast nozzle and the mold material is kept constant from the viewpoint of simplicity of the blasting process. As the blast particles, spherical particles such as glass beads and ceramic beads and polygonal particles such as alumina particles can be used.

  The light deflection element 6 is disposed on the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4. The two main surfaces of the light deflection element 6 are each positioned substantially parallel to the XY plane as a whole. One of the two main surfaces (the main surface facing the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide) is a light incident surface 61, and the other is a light emitting surface 62. The light exit surface 62 is a flat or rough surface parallel to the light exit surface 43 of the light guide 4. The light incident surface 61 is a prism row forming surface in which a large number of prism rows 65 are arranged in parallel to each other.

  The prism rows 65 of the light incident surface 61 extend in the Y direction substantially parallel to the LED arrangement direction, and are formed in parallel to each other (that is, the light incident surface 61 is mutually aligned along the light guide light incident end surface 41). A plurality of prism rows 65 arranged in parallel are formed). The arrangement pitch P2 of the prism rows 65 is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 10 μm to 80 μm, and still more preferably in the range of 20 μm to 70 μm. The apex angle of the prism row 65 is preferably in the range of 30 ° to 80 °, more preferably in the range of 40 ° to 70 °.

  In the light deflecting element 6, a prism array having a desired shape is accurately manufactured to obtain stable optical performance and to suppress wear and deformation of the top of the prism array during assembly work or use as a light source device. The top flat portion or the top curved surface portion may be formed at the top of the prism row. In this case, the width of the top flat part or the top curved surface part is preferably 3 μm or less from the viewpoint of suppressing the reduction in brightness as a surface light source device and the occurrence of uneven brightness patterns due to sticking, and more preferably the top part. The width of the flat part or the top curved part is 2 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less.

  The thickness of the light deflection element 6 is, for example, 30 to 350 μm.

  FIG. 10 shows a state of light deflection by the light deflection element 6. This figure is a schematic partial sectional view showing an embodiment of an image display device configured by using a surface light source device configured by using the light guide 4, and in particular, the light guide in the XZ plane. 4 shows the traveling direction of the peak outgoing light from 4 (light corresponding to the peak of the outgoing light distribution). The light emitted obliquely from the effective display area F of the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4 is incident on the first surface of the prism array 65 and is totally reflected by the second surface, and is emitted from the light guide 4. The light exits in the direction of the normal line of the light exit surface 62 while maintaining the directivity of the incident light. Thereby, in the XZ plane, high luminance can be obtained in the direction of the normal line of the light exit surface 62.

  The light deflection element 6 functions to deflect (change angle) the light emitted from the light guide 4 in a target direction, and is combined with the light guide 4 that emits light having high directivity as described above. In some cases, it is preferable to use a lens sheet having a lens surface in which a large number of lens units are formed in parallel on at least one surface. Various lens shapes are used depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include a prism shape, a lenticular lens shape, a fly-eye lens shape, and a wave shape. Among them, a prism sheet in which a large number of prism rows having a substantially triangular cross section are arranged in parallel is particularly preferable. However, at least one of the two prism surfaces constituting the prism row has a cross section consisting of a plurality of straight lines, one or more curves, or a combination of one or more straight lines and one or more curves. It may be a thing.

  The light guide 4 and the light deflection element 6 can be made of a synthetic resin having a high light transmittance. Examples of such synthetic resins include methacrylic resins, acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, vinyl chloride resins, and cyclic polyolefin resins. In particular, methacrylic resins are optimal because of their high light transmittance, heat resistance, mechanical properties, and molding processability. Such a methacrylic resin is a resin mainly composed of methyl methacrylate, and preferably has a methyl methacrylate content of 80% by weight or more. When forming the rough surface structure of the light guide 4 and the light polarizing element 6 and the surface structure such as a prism array, the transparent synthetic resin plate is formed by hot pressing using a mold member having a desired surface structure. Alternatively, the shape may be imparted simultaneously with molding by screen printing, extrusion molding, injection molding, or the like. The structural surface can also be formed using heat or a photocurable resin. Furthermore, on a transparent substrate such as a polyester film, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, polymethacrylamide resin, or other transparent substrate or rough surface structure made of an active energy ray curable resin. Moreover, a lens array arrangement structure may be formed on the surface, or such a sheet may be bonded and integrated on a separate transparent base material by a method such as adhesion or fusion. As the active energy ray-curable resin, polyfunctional (meth) acrylic compounds, vinyl compounds, (meth) acrylic acid esters, allyl compounds, (meth) acrylic acid metal salts, and the like can be used.

  As the light reflecting element 8, for example, a plastic sheet having a metal vapor deposition reflecting layer on the surface can be used. In the present invention, it is also possible to use a light reflecting layer or the like formed on the light reflecting surface 44 of the light guide 4 by metal deposition or the like instead of the light reflecting element as the light reflecting element 8. In addition, it is preferable to attach a reflection member also to end surfaces other than the end surface utilized as the light-incidence end surface of the light guide 4.

  In order to guide the light emitted from the LED to the light incident end face 41 of the light guide 4 with a small loss, the reflector 10 is provided. As this reflector 10, the plastic film which has a metal vapor deposition reflective layer on the surface can be used, for example. As illustrated, the reflector 10 is wound from the outer surface of the edge of the light reflecting element 8 to the edge of the light emitting surface of the light polarizing element 6 through the outside of the LED. Alternatively, the reflector 10 can be wound around the light emitting surface edge of the light guide 4 from the outer surface of the light reflecting element 8 through the outside of the LED, avoiding the light deflecting element 6. .

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of point-like primary light sources 2 such as LEDs are used. In this case, the plurality of point light sources are preferably arranged so that the directions of the maximum intensity light emitted from them are parallel to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 10, on the light emitting surface (the light exit surface 62 of the light deflecting element 6) of the surface light source device composed of the primary light source 2, the light guide 4, the light deflecting element 6 and the light reflecting element 8 as described above. By disposing a display element (display panel) 11 such as a transmissive liquid crystal display element, an image display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display apparatus is configured. In FIG. 1, the symbol F indicates the effective display area of the surface light source device corresponding to the effective display area of the display element used in combination with the surface light source device.

  In the present embodiment, the reflector 10 is disposed so as to cover the end surface portion of the stacked body of the light deflection element 6, the light guide body 4, and the light reflection element 8 in the area other than the effective display area F, and the LED. As a result, the light emitted from the end face of the laminate and the light leaking from the LED case can be diffused and reflected well in the XY plane and re-entered into the light guide 4, and the light emitted from the light guide Light having a required intensity can be guided to a wide area of the surface 43, which can contribute to an improvement in luminance uniformity.

  An image display device such as a liquid crystal display device is observed by an observer through a display element such as a liquid crystal display element from above in FIG. A sufficiently collimated light with a narrow distribution can be made incident on the liquid crystal display element from the surface light source device, so that an image display with good brightness and hue uniformity can be obtained without gradation inversion on the liquid crystal display element. In addition, light irradiation concentrated in a desired direction can be obtained, and the use efficiency of the light emission amount of the primary light source for illumination in this direction can be enhanced.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the light diffusing element 7 can be disposed adjacent to the light output surface 62 of the light deflecting element 6. The light diffusing element 7 can suppress glare, brightness spots, and the like, which cause deterioration in image display quality, and improve image display quality. The light diffusing element 7 may be a sheet-like material mixed with a light diffusing material, and may be integrated with the light deflecting element 6 by bonding or the like on the light exit surface 62 side of the light deflecting element 6, It may be placed on the light deflection element 6. When placed on the light deflection element 6, in order to prevent sticking with the light deflection element 6, a concavo-convex structure is formed on the surface of the light diffusion element facing the light deflection element 6 (surface on the light incident side). It is preferable to give. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a concavo-convex structure on the light emitting side surface of the light diffusing element 7 in order to prevent sticking with the liquid crystal display element disposed thereon. This concavo-convex structure can have a ten-point average roughness of preferably 0.7 ° or more, more preferably 1.0 ° or more, and more preferably 1.5 ° or more.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the surface light source device configured using the light guide for the edge light type surface light source device according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, members or parts having functions equivalent to those in FIGS. 1 to 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the present embodiment, of the four side end surfaces of the light guide 4, both of a pair of side end surfaces substantially parallel to the YZ plane (that is, side end surfaces opposite to each other) are the light incident end surfaces 41. The LEDs are arranged adjacent to each other so as to face each of the light incident end faces 41, and the LEDs on both sides are covered with reflectors. That is, this embodiment uses a double-end incident type light guide body in which each of two end faces located on opposite sides is the light incident end face. In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. Corresponds to a configuration similar to that of the light incident end face 41 side.

  The both-ends incident type light guide of this embodiment is different from that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 and others in the following points. These differences mainly relate to the configuration of the convex structure 45 including an additional convex structure.

  The first difference is that the first region of the convex structure includes a normal direction of the light emitting surface 43 and a cross section along the extending direction of the second lens row 43b or the first lens row 44a. In this shape, the height of the light guide 4 is defined as a region that increases as the distance from the light incident end face 41 increases. Similarly, the second region of the convex structure is guided in the shape of a cross section including the normal direction of the light emitting surface 43 and along the extending direction of the second lens row 43b or the first lens row 44a. It is defined as a region where the height decreases or does not change as it moves away from each light incident end face 41 toward the center of the light body 4.

The second difference is that
The convex structure has the following changes (A ′) to (D ′):
(A ′) A change in which the average interval in the extending direction of the lens rows becomes shorter toward the center of the light guide 4 as the distance from each light incident end surface 41 increases;
(B ′) a change in which the length of the lens array in the extending direction becomes longer toward the center of the light guide 4 as the distance from each light incident end surface 41 increases;
(C ′) a change in which the height increases toward the center of the light guide 4 as the distance from each light incident end face 41 increases.
(D ′) a change in which the average inclination angle of the second region increases toward the center of the light guide 4 as the distance from each light incident end surface 41 increases;
Can have at least one of the following:

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to examples and comparative examples. About an Example and a comparative example, a summary is shown in Table 1 collectively.

  In addition, about the surface light source device and image display apparatus obtained by the Example and the comparative example, the performance was evaluated with the following method.

<Luminance>
The primary light source of the surface light source device was turned on, and the luminance in the normal direction in the effective display region of the image display device was measured using a luminance meter (BM-7 manufactured by TOPCON). At this time, the measurement was performed at 400 points obtained by dividing the inside of the effective display area F 10 mm into 20 parts each in the X direction and the Y direction, and the average value was calculated. The judgment is compared with that of Comparative Example 1,
A: 140% or higher;
○: 120% or more and less than 140%;
Δ: equal to or more than 120%;
×: Less than equivalent;
It was.

  Further, the luminance half-value angle (horizontal half-value angle [°]) in the YZ plane at the center position of the effective display area F was measured.

<Uniformity>
In the above luminance measurement, the minimum luminance / maximum luminance [%] in the measured values at 400 points was calculated. In the determination, 70% or more was evaluated as ◯.

[Example 1]
A light guide as shown in FIG. 9A was manufactured as follows.

  In order to transfer and form the convex structure 45 on the processed surface of the NiP plating block (molding die material) having an effective part of 285 mm (X direction dimension) × 480 mm (Y direction dimension) and 3 mm thickness with a mirror-finished processed surface Then, cutting was performed using a triangular diamond tool with a YZ cross-sectional shape having a radius of curvature R of 16 μm at the tip and an apex angle of 100 degrees. The convex structure 45 is a triangle having a height of 6 μm, a length (X-direction dimension) of 150 μm, a YZ cross-sectional shape having a radius of curvature R of 16 μm at the tip and an apex angle of 100 degrees, and a width (Y-direction dimension) of 25 μm. The height gradually increases along the X direction, and then the height gradually decreases. Specifically, the average inclination angle of the first region 45a is 4.57 degrees, and the average inclination angle of the second area 45b is 4.57 degrees. In addition, the arrangement interval of the convex structures 45 was set to 170 μm in the X direction and 30 μm in the Y direction. In addition, the area occupancy of the convex structure 45 on the light exit surface was set to 52%. The transfer area of the block has a corresponding inverted shape.

  As described above, a first transfer surface forming mold (molding mold member) was obtained.

  The first lens array 44a is formed on the processing surface of another NiP plating block (molding mold material) having an effective portion of 285 mm (X-direction dimension) × 480 mm (Y-direction dimension) and a thickness of 3 mm. Cutting was performed so that a transfer surface for transfer formation was formed. The first lens array 44a has a width of 50 μm (dimension in the Y direction), a height of 18.4 μm (dimension in the Z direction), and a radius of curvature of the tip portion in the YZ cross section orthogonal to the extending direction of the first lens array 44a. R was 16 μm and a triangular shape with an apex angle of 90 degrees. The transfer area of the block has a corresponding inverted shape.

  As described above, a second transfer surface forming mold (molding mold member) was obtained.

  The first and second transfer surface forming molds were incorporated into a molding apparatus, and press molding was performed to obtain the light guide 4. As the molding material, an acrylic resin (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., L001) was used.

  Next, a light reflecting element (E6SR manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) 8 having the same size as that of the light guide 4 is disposed so as to face the light reflecting surface 44 of the light guide 4, and the thickness of the light guide is 3.5 mm. 56 LEDs (manufactured by Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.) were arranged at equal intervals along the long side, and the reflector 10 was further arranged. Further, a prism sheet (Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.) having a thickness of 155 μm, in which a large number of lens rows having an apex angle of 65 ° and a pitch of 29 μm are formed in parallel so as to face the light emitting surface 43 of the light guide 4. M168YTC3) was arranged so that the lens array forming surface thereof was opposed to the light emitting surface 43, and a surface light source device was manufactured.

  The transmissive liquid crystal display element 11 was disposed so as to face the light emitting surface of the surface light source device, and an image display device was manufactured.

  When the primary light source of the obtained image display apparatus was turned on and the light emission state was observed, the luminance unevenness caused by the LED arrangement was not visually recognized, and the luminance and uniformity were good.

[Examples 2 to 8]
In the same manner as in Example 1, a light guide having a light emitting surface and a light reflecting surface as shown in Table 1 was manufactured. Here, the formation of the transfer surface for transferring and forming the first lens array and the second lens array in the first and second transfer surface forming molds is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the cross-sectional shape. It was the same as the formation of the transfer surface for transferring and forming the first lens array in the transfer surface forming mold. Note that the height of the convex structure is the maximum height from the reference surface (the surface of the lens array, if any).

The light guides of Examples 2 to 8 are the light guides shown in FIG.
(Example 2): FIG. 9 (e)
(Example 3): FIG. 9B
(Example 4): FIG. 9 (e)
(Example 5): FIG. 9C
(Example 6): FIG. 9 (f)
Example 7: FIG. 9C
(Example 8): FIG. 9 (f)
Met.

In Table 1,
The lens array having an aspect ratio of 2.7 is a triangular shape having a width of 50 μm (dimension in the Y direction), a height of 18.4 μm (dimension in the Z direction), a radius of curvature R of the tip portion of 16 μm, and an apex angle of 90 degrees. ;
・ A lens array with an aspect ratio of 9.3 is a combination of three arc shapes with a curvature radius of 34 μm so as to be inscribed in an arc shape with a width of 40 μm (Y direction dimension), a height of 4 μm (Z direction dimension) and a curvature radius of 52 μm. A curved shape (Wave shape) consisting of;
The lens array having an aspect ratio of 3.0 has a triangular shape having a width of 40 μm (dimension in the Y direction), a height of 13.4 μm (dimension in the Z direction), a radius of curvature of the tip portion of R16 μm, and an apex angle of 90 degrees. .

  Using the obtained light guide 4, a surface light source device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, and an image display device was manufactured. When the primary light source of the obtained image display apparatus was turned on and the light emission state was observed, the luminance unevenness caused by the LED arrangement was not visually recognized, and the luminance and uniformity were good.

[Comparative Example 1]
Instead of forming the convex structure 45 on the light emitting surface, the same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that the light emitting surface was roughened and the properties of the lens array were changed.

  In this comparative example, when the first transfer surface forming mold was obtained, the processed surface of the block was blasted with glass beads (J400 manufactured by Potters Barotini). In the blasting process, the glass beads are sprayed at a rate of 19 g / min from a height of 320 mm in multiple strips at a pitch of 1.5 mm, with a speed and pressure of 20 m / min and 0. A rough surface having an average inclination angle θa of 1.18 degrees was formed at 14 MPa.

  Using the obtained light guide 4, a surface light source device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, and an image display device was manufactured.

  When the primary light source of the obtained image display apparatus was turned on and the light emission state was observed, the brightness nonuniformity which originates in arrangement | positioning of LED was visually recognized. The luminance value was lower than that of the example.

2 Primary light source 4 Light guide 41 Light incident end surface 42 Opposite end surface 43 Light exit surface 43b Second lens row 44 Light reflecting surface 44a First lens row 45 Convex structure 45a First region 45b Second region 451 452 End portion 453 Peak portion 454 Edge portion 6 Light deflection element 61 Light incident surface 62 Light exit surface 65 Prism array 7 Light diffusion element 8 Light reflection element 10 Reflector 11 Transmission type liquid crystal display panel F Effective display area

Claims (11)

A light incident end surface for guiding light emitted from the primary light source and receiving light emitted from the primary light source, a light emitting surface from which a part of the guided light is emitted, and the opposite side of the light emitting surface A light guide for an edge light type surface light source device having a light reflecting surface of
At least one of the light reflecting surface and the light emitting surface includes a plurality of lens rows, and the plurality of lens rows extend substantially along a direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. ,
The light exit surface is provided with a plurality of convex structures,
Each of the plurality of convex structures is between both end portions with respect to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface, a peak portion located between the both end portions and having a height higher than the both end portions, and the both end portions. And a portion including the ridge line portion having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface has a cross-sectional shape at a position with a smaller height. A light guide for an edge light type surface light source device, characterized by being configured to overlap.   The light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to claim 1, wherein each of the ridge lines of each of the plurality of convex structures extends smoothly.   The edge light type surface light source device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of convex structures are arranged so as to be continuous with each other in a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face. Light guide. The light reflecting surface is provided with a plurality of additional convex structures,
Each of the plurality of additional convex structures includes an additional both ends with respect to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face, and an additional mountain peak positioned between the additional both ends and having a height higher than the additional both ends. And an additional ridge line portion extending through the additional peak between the additional both ends, and having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to the light incident end face The edge light type surface light source according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion including the additional ridge line portion is configured to overlap with a cross-sectional shape at a position having a smaller height. Light guide for device.   The light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to claim 4, wherein each of the additional ridge lines of each of the plurality of additional convex structures extends smoothly.   6. The edge light system surface according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the plurality of additional convex structures are arranged to be continuous with each other in a direction perpendicular to the light incident end surface. Light guide for light source device. The light guide has one light incident end surface;
Each of the plurality of convex structures or each of the plurality of additional convex structures has a first region that increases in height as it moves away from the light incident end surface, and a height that decreases as it moves away from the light incident end surface. The light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a second region that is or does not change. The light guide has two light incident end faces located on opposite sides of each other,
Each of the plurality of convex structures or each of the plurality of additional convex structures has a first region whose height increases as the distance from the light incident end surface increases toward the center of the light guide. 7. The edge light according to claim 1, further comprising: a second region whose height decreases or does not change as it moves away from the light incident end face toward the center of the light body. Light guide for surface light source device.   The edge light type surface light source device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the plurality of convex structures has an average inclination angle of the ridge line portion in the second region of 7 degrees or less. Light guide. A light guide for an edge light type surface light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Arranged adjacent to the light exit surface of the light guide, extending substantially along a direction parallel to the light incident end surface, and arranged substantially parallel to each other on a light incident surface facing the light exit surface of the light guide. A prism sheet on which a plurality of prism rows are formed;
A primary light source disposed adjacent to the light incident end face of the light guide;
An edge light type surface light source device comprising:   An image display device comprising: the edge light type surface light source device according to claim 10; and a display panel illuminated by light emitted from the edge light type surface light source device.

Images