Light source module

A light source module including a substrate, a plurality of light source, and a first three-dimensional optical control structure is provided. The substrate includes a periphery region and a middle region. The plurality of light sources is disposed on the substrate. The first three-dimensional optical control structure is located in the periphery region of the substrate and located above the plurality of light sources. The first three-dimensional optical control structure covers one of the plurality of light sources. The light generated by the light sources passes through the first three-dimensional optical control structure and is emitted out. The first three-dimensional optical control structure has an asymmetrical shape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Taiwan Patent Application No. 104141650 filed in the Taiwan Patent Office on Dec. 11, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a light source module, and more particularly to a light source module having a three-dimensional optical control structure with an asymmetrical shape.

An LCD display usually comprises an LCD panel and a light source module which mainly functions to provide a surface light source required for the LCD panel to display. Generally, depending on the position of the light source, the light source modules can be divided into a direct type and an edge-lit type. The light source of a direct type light source module is disposed directly below the light source module, usually for an LCD display of large size, and the light source of an edge-lit type light source module is disposed at a side of the light source module, usually for an LCD display of small size.

In order prevent non-uniform brightness of the LCD display, a full optical film is generally used to homogenize and maintain the brightness of the entire display without compromising the light source brightness. However, for the prior art, the problem of non-uniform brightness distribution of optical films still exists, and an additional spacer is also required to provide sufficient support for the optical film. Thus, how to change the design of the optical film for achieving good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer is an issue to be addressed at present.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a light source module that can achieve good brightness distribution without a spacer.

The light source module of the present disclosure comprises a substrate, a plurality of light sources, and a first three-dimensional optical control structure. The substrate comprises a periphery region and a middle region. The plurality of light sources is disposed above the substrate. The first three-dimensional optical control structure is located in the periphery region of the substrate and located above the plurality of light sources and covers one of the plurality of light sources. Light generated by the light sources passes through the first three-dimensional optical control structure to be emitted out. The first three-dimensional optical control structure has an asymmetrical shape.

Based on the forgoing, the light source module of the present disclosure comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure in the periphery region of the substrate, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure has an asymmetrical shape. Further, a second three-dimensional optical control structure is located in the middle region of the substrate, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure has a symmetrical shape. Since the first three-dimensional optical control structure and the second three-dimensional optical control structure are three-dimensional structures, no spacer is required to provide the support for each three-dimensional optical control structure, thus omitting the provision of the spacer. In addition, the structure of the asymmetrical shape of the first three-dimensional optical control structure and the symmetrical shape of the second three-dimensional optical control structure can be used to solve the problem of non-uniform brightness distribution.

To make the above characteristics and advantages of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, the following embodiments are described in detail in conjunction with accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE. INVENTION

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view of a light source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2Ais a cross-sectional schematic view taken along a line A-A′ inFIG. 1.FIG. 2Bis an enlarged schematic view of a region RG inFIG. 2A. Referring toFIG. 1,FIG. 2A, andFIG. 2B, a light source module100A comprises a substrate110, a plurality of light sources LS, a first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1, a second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2, and a frame120. In particular, the substrate110comprises a periphery region PR and a middle region MR. The substrate110and the frame120are, for example, formed simultaneously and are of the same material. The frame120is disposed at a periphery of the substrate110. The light sources LS are a plurality of strip-shaped light sources or formed by arranging a plurality of point light sources in a straight line, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the arrangement of the light sources LS on the substrate110may be changed according to the requirements. It is to be noted that, the light source module100A ofFIG. 1is only shown with an arrangement of two first three-dimensional optical control structures OCS1, two second three-dimensional optical control structures OCS2, and the light sources LS. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that, in practice, the light source module100A is formed by a plurality of first three-dimensional optical control structures OCS1, a plurality of second three-dimensional optical control structures OCS2, and the light sources LS.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of light sources LS is disposed above the substrate110. The first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1is located in the periphery region PR of the substrate110and located above the light sources LS, and covers one of the plurality of light sources LS. Light generated by the light sources LS passes through the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1to be emitted out. The first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape.

Referring toFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1comprises a first top portion TS1, a first side portion SD1, and a second side portion SD2. The first side portion SD1and the second side portion SD2are connected to the first top portion TS1respectively, to support the first top portion TS1. In the present embodiment, the first side portion SD1and the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1define a first interior angle θ1, and the second side portion SD2and the first top portion TS1define a second interior angle θ2, where θ1≠θ2. In particular, the first side portion SD1is closer to an edge of the substrate110than the second side portion SD2, namely, disposed closer to the frame120. In addition, the first interior angle θ1and the second interior angle θ2meet: 30°≤θ2<θ1≤150°.

In the present embodiment, the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has a first vertical axis VA1, and the first top portion TS1comprises a first inclined surface SS1and a second inclined surface SS2. The first inclined surface SS1and the first vertical axis VA1define a first surface angle ϕ1, and the second inclined surface SS2and the first vertical axis VA1define a second surface angle ϕ2, where ϕ1≠ϕ2. In addition, the first inclined surface SS1is closer to the edge of the substrate110than the second inclined surface SS2, namely, disposed closer to the frame120. In addition, the first surface angle ϕ1and the second surface angle ϕ2meet: 90°≤ϕ2<ϕ1≤150°.

The first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has a first top light-transmission pattern TLT1. The size of the first top light-transmission pattern TLT1at the first top portion TS1gradually increases with the distance from the light sources LS. In other words, inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, if the light sources LS correspond to the middle of the first top portion TS1as shown, the size of the first top light-transmission pattern TLT1close to the light sources LS is small, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the light sources LS may be disposed not corresponding to the middle of the first top portion TS1. In addition, the first side portion SD1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1may further comprise a plurality of first side light-transmission patterns SLT1such that the first side portion SD1has a transmissivity A1, and the second side portion SD2has a plurality of second side light-transmission patterns SLT2such that the second side portion SD2has a transmissivity A2, where A1≠A2.

In the present embodiment, the first side portion SD1is closer to the edge of the substrate110than the second side portion SD2, and 0%≤A1<A2≤60%. In other words, the transmissivity of the first side portion SD1is different from the transmissivity of the second side portion SD2. In addition, the first top light-transmission pattern TLT1, the first side light-transmission patterns SLT1, and the second side light-transmission patterns SLT2are, for example, opening patterns, but are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first top light-transmission pattern TLT1, the first side light-transmission patterns SLT1, and the second side light-transmission patterns SLT2may be, for example, light-transmitting material patterns, but are not limited thereto.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, the light source module100A further comprises a second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2in the middle region MR of the substrate110and located above the light sources LS. The second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2covers one of the plurality of light sources LS. The light generated by the light sources LS passes through the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2to be emitted out. The second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape.

The second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2comprises a second top portion TS2, a third side portion SD3, and a fourth side portion SD4. The third side portion SD3and the fourth side portion SD4are connected to the second top portion TS2respectively, to support the second top portion TS2. In the present embodiment, the third side portion SD3and the second top portion TS1of the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2define a third interior angle θ3, and the fourth side portion SD4and the second top portion TS2define a fourth interior angle θ4, where θ3=θ4.

In addition, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a second vertical axis VA2, and the second top portion TS2comprises a third inclined surface SS3and a fourth inclined surface SS4. The third inclined surface SS3and the second central axis VA2define a third surface angle ϕ3, and the fourth inclined surface SS4and the second central axis VA2define a fourth surface angle ϕ4, where ϕ3=ϕ4. In addition, the third surface angle ϕ3and the fourth surface angle ϕ4meet: 90°≤ϕ3=ϕ4=ϕ2<ϕ1≤150°.

The second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a second top light-transmission pattern TLT2. The size of the second top light-transmission pattern TLT2at the second top portion TS2gradually increases with the distance from the light sources LS. In other words, inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, if the light sources LS correspond to the middle of the second top portion TS2as shown, the size of the second top light-transmission pattern TLT2close to the light sources LS is small, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the light sources LS may be disposed not corresponding to the middle of the second top portion TS2. In addition, the third side portion SD3of the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a plurality of third side light-transmission patterns SLT3such that the third side portion SD3has a transmissivity A3, and the fourth side portion SD4has a plurality of fourth side light-transmission patterns SLT4such that the fourth side portion SD4has a transmissivity A4, where A3=A4. In other words, the transmissivity of the third side portion SD3of the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is the same as the transmissivity of the fourth side portion SD4. In addition, the second top light-transmission pattern TLT2, the third side light-transmission patterns SLT3, and the fourth side light-transmission patterns SLT4are, for example, open patterns, but are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second top light-transmission pattern TLT2, the third side light-transmission patterns SLT3, and the fourth side light-transmission patterns SLT4may be, for example, light-transmitting material patterns, but are not limited thereto.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a distance between the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1and the edge of the substrate110is P1, and a distance between the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1and an adjacent second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is P2, where P1<0.5×P2.

Based on this, the light source module100A comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, when the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2meet the above conditions, the light source module100A can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100B of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 3, the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1of the light source module100B does not comprise the first inclined surface SS1and the second inclined surface SS2. In particular, the first top portion TS1does not comprise the first surface angle ϕ1and the second surface angle ϕ2, and the first top portion TS1is a single inclined surface. In the present embodiment, the first side portion SD1and the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1define a first interior angle θ1, and the second side portion SD2and the first top portion TS1define a second interior angle θ2, where θ1≠θ2. In additional embodiments, the first interior angle θ1and the second interior angle θ2may be further configured to meet: 30°≤θ2<θ1≤150°.

Similarly, the light source module100B ofFIG. 3comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100B can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100C of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 4, the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1of the light source module100C does not comprise the first inclined surface SS1and the second inclined surface SS2. In particular, the first top portion TS1does not comprise the first surface angle ϕ1and the second surface angle ϕ2, and the first top portion TS1has a horizontal plane. In the present embodiment, the first side portion SD1and the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1define a first interior angle θ1, and the second side portion SD2and the first top portion TS1define a second interior angle θ2, where θ1≠θ2. In additional embodiments, the first interior angle θ1and the second interior angle θ2may be further configured to meet: 30°≤θ2<θ1≤150°.

Similarly, the light source module100C ofFIG. 4comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100C can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100D of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 5, the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1of the light source module100D does not specifically define the first interior angle θ1and the second interior angle θ2. In the present embodiment, the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has a first vertical axis VA1, and the first top portion TS1comprises a first inclined surface SS1and a second inclined surface SS2. The first inclined surface SS1and the first vertical axis VA1define a first surface angle ϕ1, and the second inclined surface SS2and the first vertical axis VA1define a second surface angle ϕ2, where ϕ1≠ϕ2. In additional embodiments, the first surface angle ϕ1and the second surface angle ϕ2may be further configured to meet: 90°≤ϕ2<ϕ1≤150°.

Similarly, the light source module100D ofFIG. 5comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100D can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100E of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 6, the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OM of the light source module100E comprises a first top curved surface CS1and a second top curved surface CS2, and a curvature of the first top curved surface CS1is different from a curvature of the second top curved surface CS2. In addition, in the present embodiment, a length of the second side portion SD2of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1is greater than a length of the first side portion SD1. The second top portion TS2of the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2of the light source module100E comprises a third top curved surface CS3and a fourth top curved surface CS4, and a curvature of the third top curved surface CS3is the same as a curvature of the fourth top curved surface CS4.

Similarly, the light source module100E ofFIG. 6comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100E can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100F of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 7, the first side portion SD1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1of the light source module100F comprises a first side curved surface SC1, and the second side portion SD2comprises a second side curved surface SC2, and a curvature of the first side curved surface is different from a curvature of the second side curved surface SC2. In the present embodiment, the first side curved surface SC1is closer to the edge of the substrate110than the second side curved surface SC2, namely, disposed closer to the frame120. In addition, a length of the second side curved surface SC2is greater than a length of the first side curved surface SC1. The third side portion SD3of the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2of the light source module100C comprises a third side curved surface SC3, and the fourth side portion SD4comprises a fourth side curved surface SC4, and a curvature of the third side curved surface SC3is the same as a curvature of the fourth side curved surface SC4.

Similarly, the light source module100F ofFIG. 7comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100F can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional schematic view of a light source module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source module100G of this embodiment is similar to the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, so identical elements are indicated by identical symbols and are not repeatedly described. The differences are further described below. As shown inFIG. 8, the first top portion TS1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1of the light source module100G comprises a first top curved surface CS1and a second top curved surface CS2, and a curvature of the first top curved surface CS1is different from a curvature of the second top curved surface CS2. The first side portion SD1of the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1comprises a first side curved surface SC1, and the second side portion SD2comprises a second side curved surface SC2, and a curvature of the first side curved surface is different from a curvature of the second side curved surface SC2. In the present embodiment, the first side curved surface SC1is closer to the edge of the substrate110than the second side curved surface SC2, namely, disposed closer to the frame120. In addition, a length of the second side curved surface SC2is greater than a length of the first side curved surface SC1. The second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2of the light source module100G is the same as the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2of the light source module100A ofFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B.

Based on this, the light source module100G ofFIG. 8comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate110, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Thus, the light source module100G can achieve good brightness distribution while omitting the provision of the spacer.

It is to be noted that, the light source module of the present disclosure can select any combination of the first three-dimensional optical control structures OCS1having an asymmetrical shape and the second three-dimensional optical control structures OCS2having a symmetrical shape described in the embodiments inFIG. 2A,FIG. 2BtoFIG. 8, and is not limited to the light source modules described in the embodiments above. Further, the optical control structures described herein may be internally reflective on their opaque portions to maximize light transmissivity through the corresponding light transmission patterns.

In sum, the light source module of the present disclosure comprises the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1in the periphery region PR of the substrate, and the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape. Further, the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2is located in the middle region MR of the substrate110, and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2has a symmetrical shape. Since the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1and the second three-dimensional optical control structure OCS2are three-dimensional structures, each three-dimensional optical control structure of the present disclosure has the supporting effect in itself, thus omitting the provision of the spacer. In addition, compared to the conventional full optical film, the three-dimensional optical control structures of the present disclosure has greatly reduced the area of the film, thus reducing the costs of related materials and assembling processes. Since the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1has an asymmetrical shape and the second three-dimensional optical control structures OCS2has a symmetrical shape, when the light generated by the light sources LS passes through the first three-dimensional optical control structure OCS1or the second three-dimensional optical control structures OCS2to be emitted out, the light source module can achieve good brightness distribution.

Even though the present invention has been disclosed as the abovementioned embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Any person of ordinary skill in the art may make some changes and adjustments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined in view of the appended claims.