Office Action 2: Final Rejection (2025-08-07)
Rejection types: Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
LISTING OF CLAIMS:

Reply to Office Action of March 14, 2025The following Listing of Claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application.

1\. (Currently Amended) A planar light source comprising:
one or more light sources each having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the one or more light sources within a perimeter of the one face of the one or more light sources in a plan view;
a light guide member covering the one or more light sources while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member;
an insulating base having a first face and a second face, the second face opposite the first face and opposite the one or more light sources;
a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the second face of the insulating base;
a light reflective member interposed between the light guide member and the insulating base and defining, for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view; and
for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer.

2\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the light reflective member is a first light reflective member, and
the planar light source further comprises a second light reflective member defining, for each of the one or more light sources, a second through hole at a position overlapping the first through holes in a plan view with the light source being disposed in the second through hole in the plan view.

3\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein for each of the one or more light sources:
a face of the wiring layer on a light reflective member side includes a pair of contact portions each facing a corresponding one of the first through holes; and
each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact portions.

4\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein for each of the one or more light sources:
the wiring layer defines a pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis; and
each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the third through holes.

5\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 4, wherein for each of the one or more light sources, each of the conducting members further establishes the electrical contact with the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite a face facing the light reflective member.

6\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein for each of the one or more light sources, each of the conducting members includes a first conducting member disposed in a corresponding one of the first through holes and a second conducting member disposed between the first conducting member and the wiring layer.

7\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising for each of the one or more light sources, a light adjusting member disposed on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member.

8\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising for each of the one or more light sources, a light reflecting member surrounding the light source.

9\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the one face of each of the one or more light sources has a region located between the pair of electrodes and facing the light reflective member.

10-21. (Canceled)1120

22\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising a light reflecting member that sections the light guide member such that each of the one or more light sources are surrounded by the light reflecting member.

23\. (Currently Amended) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the wiring layer disposed on the second face of the insulating base is covered by a cover layer.

24\. (Currently Amended) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein an opening of each of the first through holes \[\[of\]\]for each of the one or more light sources extends within an outline of the light source in the plan view.

25\. (Currently Amended) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein an opening of each of the first through holes \[\[of\]\]for each of the one or more light sources has a shape that either substantially matches a shape of a corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view, or extends within an outline of the corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view.

Amendment dated June 12, 2025 Reply to Office Action of March 14, 2025

26\. (Previously Presented) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the light guide member has an upper face on which protrusions and/or indentations are formed.

27\. (New) The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the light guide member has a lower face facing the light reflecting member except one or more light source positioning parts where respective ones of the one or more light sources are disposed.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-9, 22-27 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-19 of U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 in view of Chen (US. Pat: 6,531,328 A) of record.
Instant application # 18/888,086
U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2
Chen (US. Pat: 6,531,328 A)
Claim 1 recites “A planar light source comprising: one or more light sources each having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the one or more light sources within a perimeter of the one face of the one or more light sources in a plan view; a light guide member covering the one or more light sources while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; an insulating base having a first face and a second face, the second face opposite the first face and opposite the one or more light sources; a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the second face of the insulating base; a light reflective member interposed between the light guide member and the insulating base and defining, for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view; and for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer.”
See claims 1 and 8;
Claim 2 recites “the light reflective member is a first light reflective member, and the planar light source further comprises a second light reflective member defining, for each of the one or more light sources, a second through hole at a position overlapping the first through holes in a plan view with the light source being disposed in the second through hole in the plan view.”
See claims 1 and 2;
Claim 3 recites “for each of the one or more light sources: a face of the wiring layer on a light reflective member side includes a pair of contact portions each facing a corresponding one of the first through holes; and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact portions.”
See claims 3 and 4;
Claim 4 recites “for each of the one or more light sources: the wiring layer defines a pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis; and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the third through holes.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20) for each of the one or more light sources (3); the wiring layer defines a pair of third through holes (see fig. 20) communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis (see fig. 20); and each of the conducting members (see fig. 20; i.e. the conducting members are formed in the through hole) establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the third through holes (see fig. 20).
Claim 5 recites “for each of the one or more light sources, each of the conducting members further establishes the electrical contact with the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite a face facing the light reflective member.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20) for each of the one or more light sources (3), each of the conducting members (see fig. 20) further establishes the electrical contact with the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite a face facing the light reflective member (see fig. 20).
Claim 6 recites “for each of the one or more light sources, each of the conducting members includes a first conducting member disposed in a corresponding one of the first through holes and a second conducting member disposed between the first conducting member and the wiring layer.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20) for each of the one or more light sources (3), each of the conducting members includes a first conducting member disposed in a corresponding one of the first through holes (see fig. 20) and a second conducting member disposed between the first conducting member and the wiring layer (see fig. 20).
Claim 7 recites “for each of the one or more light sources, a light adjusting member disposed on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member.”
See claim 5;
Claim 8 recites “for each of the one or more light sources, a light reflecting member surrounding the light source.”
See claim 6;
Claim 9 recites “the one face of each of the one or more light sources has a region located between the pair of electrodes and facing the light reflective member.”
See claim 7;
Claim 22 recites “a light reflecting member that sections the light guide member such that each of the one or more light sources are surrounded by the light reflecting member.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20) a light reflecting member (16) that sections the light guide member (5) such that each of the one or more light sources (3) are surrounded by the light reflecting member (16).
Claim 23 recites “the wiring layer disposed on the second face of the insulating base is covered by a cover layer.”
U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 as modified by Chen discloses all the claimed limitations except for the wiring layer disposed on the insulating base is covered by a cover layer.
However, it is well-known in the art to form planar light source comprised of, in part, a wiring layer (38) disposed on the insulating base (37) that is covered by a cover layer (39) as evident by Watanabe et al. (US. Pub: 2020/0089056 A1) of record at least fig. 1.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use the wiring layer teaching of Watanabe et al. in the device of U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 and Chen in order to provide to suitable protection to the wiring layer.
Claim 24 recites “an opening of each of the first through holes for each of the one or more light sources extends within an outline of the light source in the plan view.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20) an opening of each of the first through holes of each of the one or more light sources (3) extends within an outline of the light source in the plan view (see fig. 20).
Claim 25 recites “an opening of each of the first through holes for each of the one or more light sources has a shape that either substantially matches a shape of a corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view, or extends within an outline of the corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view.”
Chen discloses (in at least fig. 20 Chen) an opening of each of the first through holes of each of the one or more light sources (3) has a shape that either substantially matches a shape of a corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view (see fig. 20), or extends within an outline of the corresponding one of the electrodes of the light source in the plan view (see fig. 20).
Claim 26 recites “the light guide member has an upper face on which protrusions and/or indentations are formed.”
U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 as modified by Chen discloses all the claimed limitations except for the light guide member has an upper face on which protrusions and/or indentations are formed.
However, it is well-known in the art to form planar light source comprised of, in part, a light guide member that has an upper face on which protrusions and/or indentations are formed in order to improve the brightness of the planar light source as evident by Watanabe et al. (US. Pub: 2019/0227382 A1) of record (at least fig. 14).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify the planar light source of U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 and Chen with the light guide teaching of Watanabe et al. for the benefit of improving the brightness of the planar light source.
Claim 27 recites “the light guide member has a lower face facing the light reflecting member except one or more light source positioning parts where respective ones of the one or more light sources are disposed.”
U.S. Patent No. 12,111,024 B2 as modified by Chen discloses “the light guide member has a lower face facing the light reflecting member except one or more light source positioning parts where respective ones of the one or more light sources are disposed.”
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-9, 22-27 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSIn the March 14, 2025 Office Action, claims 1-9 and 22-26 stand rejected in view of prior art. No other objections or rejections were made in the Office Action.Status of Claims andAmendments In response to the March 14, 2025 Office Action, Applicant has amended claims 1 and 23-25, and added new claim 27 as indicated above. Thus, claims 1-9 and 22-26 are pending, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. Reexamination and reconsideration of the pending claims are respectfully requested in view of above amendments and the following comments.Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 102 On page 2 of the Office Action, claim 1 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. §102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0278618 Al to Nakayama (hereinafter "Nakayama et al. publication"). In response, Applicant has amended independent claim 1 to clearly define the present invention over the prior art of record.In particular, independent claim 1 now recites "one or more light sources each having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the one or more light sources within a perimeter of the one face of the one or more light sources in a plan view." This amendment is clearly supported by the original disclosure, for example, in FIGS. 2, 3B, 3C, 10, 13, and 21 of the present application. Moreover, independent claim 1 further recites "an insulating base having a first face and a second face, the secondface opposite thefirstface and opposite the one or more light sources," and "a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the second face of the insulating base." This amendment is clearly supported by the original disclosure, for example, in FIG. 2 of the present application.Furthermore, independent claim 1 recites "a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view." This amendment is clearly supported by the original disclosure, for example, in paragraph [0021] of the specification as filed. Clearly, this unique structure, now recited in independent claim 1, is not disclosed or suggested by the Nakayama et al. publication or any other prior art of record.The Office Action asserts that the light-emitting element 11 of the Nayakaya et al.publication allegedly corresponds to the claimed one or more light sources, and the connection terminals 3 disclosed in the Nakayama et al. publication allegedly correspond to the claimed electrodes. However, as clearly shown in FIG. 4 of the Nakayama et al.publication, the connection terminals 3 are spaced apart from the light-emitting element 11 in a region outside of the light-emitting element 11 in a plan view. In other words, the connection terminals 3 of the Nakayama et al. publication do not extend on one face of the light-emitting element 11 within aperimeter of the one face of the light-emitting element 11 in a plan view. Accordingly, the Nakayama et al. publication clearly fails to disclose or suggest "one or more light sources each having a pair of electrodes extending on oneface of the one or more light sources within a perimeter of the oneface of the one or more light sources in aplan view" as now recited in independent claim 1.Moreover, the Office Action asserts that the substrate main body 2 of the Nakayama et al. publication allegedly corresponds to the claimed insulating base, and the bonding wire 12 of the Nakayama et al. publication allegedly corresponds to the claimed wiring layer.However, the bonding wire 12 of the Nakayama et al. publication is directly connected to the upper faces of the light-emitting element 11 and the connection terminals 3 as clearly shown in its FIG. 4. The bonding wire 12 is not disposed on the substrate main body 2 in the Nayakaya et al. publication. Therefore, the Nakayama et al. publication furtherfails to disclose or suggest "an insulating base having a first face and a secondface, the secondface opposite thefirst face and opposite the one or more light sources," and "a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the secondface ofthe insulating base" as now recited in independent claim 1.Furthermore, the Office Action refers to FIG. 4 of the Nakayama et al. publication and asserts this reference discloses the claimed first through holes. However, the through holes defined in the substrate main body 2 of the Nakayama et al. publication (through which the conductors 5 are formed) are arranged at positions spaced apart from the light-emitting element 11 in a region outside of the light-emitting element 11. Therefore, the Nakayama et al. publication clearly fails to disclose or suggest "a pair of first through holes atpositions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view" as now recited in independent claim 1.It is well settled under U.S. patent law that for a reference to anticipate a claim, the reference must disclose each and every element of the claim within the reference. Therefore, Applicant respectfully submits that claim 1, as now amended, is not anticipated by the prior art of record. Withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 103 On pages 3 to 6 of the Office Action, claims 2-9 and 22-26 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. §103 as being unpatentable over the Nakayama et al. publication in view of U.S.Patent No. 6,531,328 A to Chen (hereinafter "Chen patent"). In response, Applicant has amended independent claim 1 as mentioned above.More specifically, independent claim 1 now clearly recites "one or more light sources each having a pair of electrodes extending on oneface of the one or more light sources within a perimeter of the one face of the one or more light sources in a plan view." Moreover, independent claim 1 further recites "an insulating base having a first face and a second face, the second face opposite the first face and opposite the one or more light sources," and "a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the secondface of the insulating base." Furthermore, independent claim 1 recites "a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view." Clearly, this arrangement is not disclosed or suggested by the Nakayama et al.publication, the Chen patent, or any other prior art of record.As discussed above, the Nakayama et al. publication clearly fails to disclose or suggest at least the above limitations now recited in independent claim 1. In fact, the structure of the light-emitting device disclosed in the Nakayama et al. publication is completely different from the claimed arrangement in that, in the Nakayama et al. publication, the connection terminals 3 are spaced apart from the light-emitting element 11 in a region outside of the light-emitting element 11 in a plan view, the bonding wire 12 is not disposed on the substrate main body 2, and the through holes defined in the substrate mvain body 2 (through which the conductors 5 are formed) are arranged in positions spaced apart from the light-emitting element 11 in a region outside of the light-emitting element 11.Applicant respectfully asserts the Chen patentfails to provide any apparent reason to modify the light-emitting device of the Nakayama et al. publication in the fashion claimed.Applicant believes, since the structure disclosed in the Nakayama et al. publication is very different from the claimed invention, modifying the light-emitting device of the Nakayama et al. publication to meet the claims of the present invention would require a complete reconstruction of the light-emitting device of the Nakayama et al. publication, which would destroy the teaching of the Nakayama et al. publication. Thus, Applicant respectfully asserts one having ordinary skill in the art would not have considered it obvious to modify the light- emitting device of the Nakayama et al. publication in view of the Chen patent or any other prior art of record in the fashion claimed.Under U.S. patent law, the mere fact that the prior art can be modified does not make the modification obvious, unless an apparent reason exists based on evidence in the record or scientific reasoning for one of ordinary skill in the art to make the modification. See, KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 127 S.Ct. 1727, 1741 (2007). The current record lacks any apparent reason, suggestion or expectation of success for combining the patents to create Applicant's unique arrangement of the planar light source as now recited in independent claim 1.Moreover, Applicant believes that dependent claims 2-9 and 22-26 are also allowable over the prior art of record in that they depend from independent claim 1, and therefore are allowable for the reasons stated above. Also, dependent claims 2-9 and 22-26 are further allowable because they include additional limitations. Thus, Applicant believes that since the prior art of record does not disclose or suggest the invention as set forth in independent claim 1, the prior art of record alsofails to disclose or suggest the inventions as set forth in the dependent claims.Therefore, Applicant respectfully requests that this rejection be withdrawn in view of the above comments and amendments.New Claims Applicant has added new claim 27 by the current Amendment.The limitation recited in new claim 27 is supported by the original disclosure, for example, in paragraph [0018] of the specification as filed.Applicant believes that dependent claim 27 is also allowable over the prior art of record in that it depends from independent claim 1, and therefore is allowable for the reasons stated above. Also, dependent claim 27 is further allowable because it includes an additional limitation.\* \* \*In view of the foregoing amendment and comments, Applicant respectfully asserts that claims 1-9 and 22-27 are now in condition for allowance. Reexamination and reconsideration of the pending claims are respectfully requested.Respectfully submitted, /Nomugi Tomovori/ Nomugi Tomoyori Reg. No. 59,784 GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP1233 Twentieth Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 (202)-293-0444 Dated: June 12, 2025 \\\\gip-file1\\Network Shares\\Workspace\\06-JUN25-NT\\NC-US215062B Amendment.doc

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-9 and 22-27 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record fails to teach or suggest a planar light source comprised of, in part, a light guide member covering the one or more light sources while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; an insulating base having a first face and a second face, the second face opposite the first face and opposite the one or more light sources; a wiring layer electrically connected to the electrodes and disposed on the second face of the insulating base; a light reflective member interposed between the light guide member and the insulating base and defining, for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view; and for each of the one or more light sources, a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer. Claims 2-9 and 22-27 are allowed due to their dependency upon claim 1.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US12111024B2: Claims:
What is claimed is: 1. A planar light source comprising: a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view; a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; a wiring substrate having a wiring layer; a light reflecting sheet interposed between the light guide member and the wiring substrate and defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis in the plan view, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view, the light reflecting sheet covering an entire upper face of the wiring substrate; and a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer, wherein the light reflecting sheet includes a first light reflecting sheet defining the first through holes, and a second light reflecting sheet interposed between the first light reflecting sheet and the light guide member and defining a second through hole enclosing an entirety of the outline of the light source in the plan view. 2. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the wiring substrate defines a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the through holes of the wiring layer. 3. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein a face of the wiring layer includes a pair of contact portions each facing a corresponding one of the first through holes, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact portions. 4. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein each of the conducting members includes a first conducting member disposed in a corresponding one of the first through holes and a second conducting member disposed between the first conducting member and the wiring layer. 5. The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising a light adjusting member disposed on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member. 6. The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising a light reflecting member surrounding the light source. 7. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein a region on the one face of the light source between the electrodes faces the light reflecting sheet. 8. The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising an additional light source disposed on the wiring substrate. 9. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the light reflecting sheet is in contact with the light guide member and the wiring substrate, and the light reflecting sheet is in contact with a part of the one face of the light source. 10. A planar light source comprising: a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view; a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; a wiring substrate having a wiring layer; a light reflecting sheet interposed between the light guide member and the wiring substrate and defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view, the light reflecting sheet covering an entire upper face of the wiring substrate; and a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer, wherein the wiring substrate defines a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis such that each of the pair of third through holes and a corresponding one of the pair of first through holes together define a hole having a corresponding one of the third through holes as an inlet and a corresponding one of the pair of electrodes as a bottom, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the pair of through holes of the wiring layer. 11. The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein the light reflecting sheet includes a first light reflecting sheet defining the first through holes, and a second light reflecting sheet interposed between the first light reflecting sheet and the light guide member and defining a second through hole enclosing an entirety of the outline of the light source in the plan view. 12. The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein each of the conducting members further establishes the electrical contact with the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite the upper face facing the light reflecting sheet. 13. The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein the light reflecting sheet is in contact with the light guide member and the wiring substrate, and the light reflecting sheet is in contact with a part of the one face of the light source. 14. A method of manufacturing a planar light source, the method comprising: preparing a light emitting module including a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view, a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member, and a first light reflecting sheet defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis in the plan view, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view; preparing a wiring substrate having a wiring layer, the wiring substrate defining a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer; bonding the light emitting module to the wiring substrate so that the light reflecting sheet covers an entire upper face of the wiring substrate and the first through holes and the third through holes are aligned to communicate with each other on a one-to-one basis; and electrically connecting the electrodes and the wiring layer by injecting a pair of conducting members respectively into the pair of third through holes and the pair of first through holes communicating with each other so that each of the pair of conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the pair of through holes of the wiring layer pair. 15. The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the electrically connecting of the electrodes and the wiring layer includes establishing electrical contact between each of the conducting members and the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite a side on which the first light reflecting sheet is disposed. 16. The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes further disposing a light adjusting member on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member. 17. The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes further disposing a light reflecting member that surrounds the light source. 18. The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes providing the first light reflecting sheet so that a region on the one face of the light source between the electrodes faces the first light reflecting sheet. 19. The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the bonding of the light emitting module to the wiring substrate includes bonding an additional light emitting module to the wiring substrate.
A planar light source comprising: a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view; a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; a wiring substrate having a wiring layer; a light reflecting sheet interposed between the light guide member and the wiring substrate and defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis in the plan view, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view, the light reflecting sheet covering an entire upper face of the wiring substrate; and a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer, wherein the light reflecting sheet includes a first light reflecting sheet defining the first through holes, and a second light reflecting sheet interposed between the first light reflecting sheet and the light guide member and defining a second through hole enclosing an entirety of the outline of the light source in the plan view.
The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the wiring substrate defines a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the through holes of the wiring layer.
The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein a face of the wiring layer includes a pair of contact portions each facing a corresponding one of the first through holes, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact portions.
The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein each of the conducting members includes a first conducting member disposed in a corresponding one of the first through holes and a second conducting member disposed between the first conducting member and the wiring layer.
The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising a light adjusting member disposed on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member.
The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising a light reflecting member surrounding the light source.
The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein a region on the one face of the light source between the electrodes faces the light reflecting sheet.
The planar light source according to claim 1, further comprising an additional light source disposed on the wiring substrate.
The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the light reflecting sheet is in contact with the light guide member and the wiring substrate, and the light reflecting sheet is in contact with a part of the one face of the light source.
A planar light source comprising: a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view; a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member; a wiring substrate having a wiring layer; a light reflecting sheet interposed between the light guide member and the wiring substrate and defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view, the light reflecting sheet covering an entire upper face of the wiring substrate; and a pair of conducting members respectively disposed in the first through holes and electrically connecting the electrodes to the wiring layer, wherein the wiring substrate defines a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes communicating with the first through holes on a one-to-one basis such that each of the pair of third through holes and a corresponding one of the pair of first through holes together define a hole having a corresponding one of the third through holes as an inlet and a corresponding one of the pair of electrodes as a bottom, and each of the conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the pair of through holes of the wiring layer.
The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein the light reflecting sheet includes a first light reflecting sheet defining the first through holes, and a second light reflecting sheet interposed between the first light reflecting sheet and the light guide member and defining a second through hole enclosing an entirety of the outline of the light source in the plan view.
The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein each of the conducting members further establishes the electrical contact with the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite the upper face facing the light reflecting sheet.
The planar light source according to claim 10, wherein the light reflecting sheet is in contact with the light guide member and the wiring substrate, and the light reflecting sheet is in contact with a part of the one face of the light source.
A method of manufacturing a planar light source, the method comprising: preparing a light emitting module including a light source having a pair of electrodes extending on one face of the light source within a perimeter of the one face of the light source in a plan view, a light guide member covering the light source while the electrodes are exposed from the light guide member, and a first light reflecting sheet defining a pair of first through holes at positions aligned with the electrodes on a one-to-one basis in the plan view, an opening of each of the first through holes not running over an outline of the light source in the plan view; preparing a wiring substrate having a wiring layer, the wiring substrate defining a pair of third through holes passing through the wiring layer, the pair of third through holes respectively defining a pair of through holes of the wiring layer; bonding the light emitting module to the wiring substrate so that the light reflecting sheet covers an entire upper face of the wiring substrate and the first through holes and the third through holes are aligned to communicate with each other on a one-to-one basis; and electrically connecting the electrodes and the wiring layer by injecting a pair of conducting members respectively into the pair of third through holes and the pair of first through holes communicating with each other so that each of the pair of conducting members establishes electrical contact with the wiring layer at least on an inside of a corresponding one of the pair of through holes of the wiring layer pair.
The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the electrically connecting of the electrodes and the wiring layer includes establishing electrical contact between each of the conducting members and the wiring layer on a face of the wiring layer opposite a side on which the first light reflecting sheet is disposed.
The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes further disposing a light adjusting member on the light guide member so as to oppose the light source via the light guide member.
The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes further disposing a light reflecting member that surrounds the light source.
The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the preparing of the light emitting module includes providing the first light reflecting sheet so that a region on the one face of the light source between the electrodes faces the first light reflecting sheet.
The method of manufacturing a planar light source according to claim 14, wherein the bonding of the light emitting module to the wiring substrate includes bonding an additional light emitting module to the wiring substrate.