TW201903444A - Optocoupler - Google Patents

Abstract

A back light unit may include a light guide plate and a light coupler including a plurality of concentric waveguides. Each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may include an inner surface and an outer surface extending from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide along an arcuate path defining a radius of the waveguide. The first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may face an outer edge of the light guide plate. The back light unit may include a light source facing the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The back light unit may also include a second light coupler positioned between the light source and the first light coupler. A light coupler including a plurality of concentric waveguides may also be provided.

Description

Optocoupler

This application claims the priority right of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 488,368 filed on April 21, 2017 in accordance with 35 USC § 119. The content of the above US patent application is relied on by this application and cited by reference This approach is incorporated in its entirety into this application.

This disclosure relates generally to optical couplers, and more specifically to optical couplers including a plurality of concentric waveguides.

It is known to illuminate a display panel of an electronic display with a backlight unit. It is also known to irradiate a light guide plate and a waveguide with a light source.

A brief overview of this disclosure is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary embodiments described in the embodiments.

In some embodiments, the optical coupler may include a plurality of concentric waveguides. Each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may include an inner surface and an outer surface that extend from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide along an arcuate path defining a radius of the waveguide.

In some embodiments, the backlight unit may include an optical coupler, and the first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may face the outer edge of the light guide plate.

In some embodiments, the backlight unit may include a light guide plate and an optical coupler including a plurality of concentric waveguides. Each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may include an inner surface and an outer surface that extend from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide along an arcuate path defining a radius of the waveguide. The first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may face the outer edge of the light guide plate. The backlight unit may include a light source facing the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may extend equidistant from each other along the arc path without divergence or convergence.

In some embodiments, the radius of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be constant.

In some embodiments, the optical coupler may further include a gap defining a distance between adjacent waveguides.

In some embodiments, the gap may include at least one of the following: air and a material having a refractive index that is about 0.2 less than the refractive index of the materials of the adjacent waveguides.

In some embodiments, the gap may extend along the entire arcuate path between adjacent waveguides.

In some embodiments, the distance may be from about 1 micrometer to about 10 micrometers.

In some embodiments, the distance may be constant.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may include a rectangular cross-sectional profile taken perpendicular to the arcuate path.

In some embodiments, the rectangular cross-sectional profile may be constant along the entire arcuate path.

In some embodiments, the central angle defining the arc length between the first edge and the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides is about 90 ° to about 180 °.

In some embodiments, the center angle may be about 180 °.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides defined between the inner surface and the outer surface has a thickness of about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the radius of the innermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the radius of the innermost waveguide may be about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the backlight unit may include a light guide plate and a first optical coupler, the light guide plate includes a first main surface and a second main surface, and the first optical coupler includes a plurality of concentric waveguides. Each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may include an inner surface and an outer surface that extend from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide along an arcuate path defining a radius of the waveguide. The first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides may face the outer edge of the light guide plate. The backlight unit may include a second optical coupler including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being coupled to a second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides, the second surface Coupling to a light source. The height of the light emitting area of the light source may be greater than the thickness of the light guide plate defined between the first main surface of the light guide plate and the second main surface of the light guide plate.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the first optical coupler defined between the inner surface of the innermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides and the outer surface of the outermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be less than the height of the light emitting region of the light source.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the first optical coupler may be approximately equal to the thickness of the light guide plate.

In some embodiments, the electronic display may include a backlight unit oriented to face the main surface of the display panel.

The above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary and may be provided individually or in any manner in combination with any one or more of the embodiments provided in the present specification without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it can be understood that the foregoing general description and subsequent embodiments present various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or architecture to understand the characteristics and features described and claimed in the embodiments. The accompanying drawings included provide further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and are used together with the description to explain the principles and operations of the present disclosure.

Features will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Wherever possible, the same numbering has been used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary electronic display 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the electronic display 100 may include a display panel 110 located within the housing 105. In some embodiments, the housing 105 can protect the display panel 110 and provide a structure through which the user and / or the environment can mount, hold, touch, and contact the electronic display 100, which can be in the environment An electronic display 100 is used. In some embodiments, the housing 105 may include a bezel 115 that defines an opening 116 that laterally defines at least a portion of the first major surface 111 of the display panel 110. The bezel 115 may include a bezel width “W” defined between the opening 116 and the outer surface 106 of the housing 105. In some embodiments, as discussed more fully below, the features of this disclosure may provide a bezel width "W" that is reduced (eg, narrower) compared to, for example, the bezel width of other electronic displays. In addition, in some embodiments, the features of the present disclosure can reduce the bezel width “W” and provide, for example, a bezelless electronic display 100. Similarly, as discussed more fully below, the features of this disclosure may provide a reduced (eg, thinner) case size "D" (eg, Depth, thickness). In some embodiments, consumer and market demand may desire electronic display 100, bezel-less electronic display 100, including bezel 115 with a narrow bezel width "W", and / or including aesthetic, mechanical, and functional aspects One or more reasons for the thin case size "D" of the case 105.

In addition, although the opening 116 is shown as a rectangle, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the opening 116 may include a circular, oval, polygonal, or other cross-section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although the bezel 115 and the outer surface 106 of the housing 105 are shown flat, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the bezel 115 and the outer surface 106 in the bezel 115 and the outer surface 106 are not deviated from the scope of the present disclosure. At least one may include non-planar features and / or non-planar sections. In addition, although the display panel 110 is shown as planar, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the display panel 110 may include non-planar features and / or non-planar (without departing from the scope of the present disclosure) (Eg curved) section. In some embodiments, the bezel width “W” may be constant, and the bezel 115 may extend around the entire periphery of at least a portion of the first major surface 111 of the display panel 110. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the bezel width "W" may be changed and thus may include relatively narrow and wide portions. In some embodiments, the bezel 115 may extend around a portion of a perimeter of at least a portion of the first major surface 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, the case size “D” may be constant for the entire electronic display 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housing size “D” may be changed and thus may include thicker and thinner portions at one or more locations of the electronic display 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic display 100 along a line 2-2 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the electronic display 100 may include a backlight unit 200 that is oriented to face, for example, the second main surface 112 of the display panel 110. In some embodiments, the first main surface 111 of the display panel 110 may face away from the backlight unit 200 and the backlight unit 200 may be illuminated by providing light from the backlight unit 200 to the second main surface 112 of the display panel 110. Display board 110. In some embodiments, the electronic display 100 can be used as a computer monitor, a television monitor, a portable display for a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc., where the display panel 110 can provide electronic images (such as text, pictures, video, etc.) The backlight unit 200 can illuminate the display panel 110, and the display panel 110 includes an electronic image provided on the display panel 110. For example, in some embodiments, the display panel 110 may include an LCD panel. When the LCD panel is illuminated from behind by the backlight unit 200, the LCD panel is oriented to generate an electronic image, and the electronic image may then be faced to the first side of the display panel 110. Viewed by a user of a major surface 111.

In some embodiments, the backlight unit 200 may include a light guide plate 210 including a first main surface 211 and a second main surface 212. The light guide plate 210 may include an outer edge 213 extending from the first main surface 211 to the second main surface 212 and defining the first main surface 211 and the second main surface 212. As discussed more fully below, in some embodiments, the backlight unit 200 may include first light couplers 220, 221 and light sources 225, 226. In some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220, 221 (including one or more features of the first optical coupler 220, 221) may be provided separately and thus may be considered complete. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220, 221 may be provided in combination with one or more features of the present disclosure and may be incorporated, for example, as a component of the backlight unit 200 and the electronic display 100. In addition, in some embodiments, a first optical coupler (such as the first optical coupler 220) and a light source (such as the light source 225) may be provided; however, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure Next, more than one first optical coupler and more than one light source may be provided.

For example, in some embodiments, a single first optical coupler 220 may be provided along one side of the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 without providing an additional optical coupler. In some embodiments, employing a single first photocoupler 220 may reduce the number of components of the backlight unit 200, thereby simplifying the cost and time associated with manufacturing the backlight unit 200, and reducing the size of the backlight unit 200. For example, in some embodiments, the use of a single first optical coupler 220 can reduce the bezel width “W” and the width of the bezel by allowing a reduction in the case size “D” (eg, relative to the position of the first optical coupler 220). At least one of the case sizes "D" because when a single first photocoupler 220 is used, no photocoupler is accommodated in this position. Therefore, it should be understood that the features described with respect to the first optical coupler 220 and the light source 225 can be applied to the first optical coupler 221 and the light source 226 individually or in combination and in the same or similar manner, and can be applied without departure. Other first optical couplers and other light sources are not explicitly disclosed in the scope of this disclosure.

In addition, in some embodiments, the electronic display 100 may include one or more optical components (not shown), including but not limited to reflectors, filters, films, diffusers, and the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the electronic display 100 may include one or more additional electronic components (generally represented as component 230), including, but not limited to, a converter, a circuit, a receiver, a transmitter, and a power supply. , Battery, memory storage, sensor, heat sink, etc., integrated with the electronic display 100 and connected to the electronic display 100 by at least one of a mechanical connection and an electrical connection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the components 230 may provide functions that enable a user to interact with and control one or more features of the electronic display 100. Therefore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the features of the electronic display 100 may be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to the specific applications provided in the present disclosure as exemplary embodiments, and unclear without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Uncover other applications.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a region of the backlight unit 200 identified by reference numeral 3 in FIG. 2. For clarity, the features of the casing 105 and the cross-sectional hatching pattern are removed. In some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220 may include a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. Although three concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c are shown, it should be understood that in some embodiments, two, four, five or more concentric waveguides may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. . In addition, in some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220 may include a single waveguide. In some embodiments, each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c (ie, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, ie, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c) may include The inner surfaces 301a, 301b, and 301c and the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, and 302c. The inner surface 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surface 302a, 302b, 302c may follow the arc path 305a, 305b, 305c of the radius Ra, Rb, Rc defining the waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c from the first of the waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c. One edge 303a, 303b, 303c extends to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. For example, the term "concentric waveguide" is intended to mean that each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c of a plurality of concentric waveguides may share a bend (e.g. curved, circular, partially circular, elliptical) with respect to each of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c Shape, partial ellipse), the same center 311 (such as center point, center axis) defined by the section.

In some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may correspond to radial dimensions from the center 311 to a location on the inner surfaces 301a, 301b, 301c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. Similarly, in some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may correspond to radial dimensions from the center 311 to a location on the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. Further, in some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may correspond to a radial dimension from the center 311 to a radial position defined between the inner surface 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surface 302a, 302b, 302c. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc mean a radial midpoint defined equidistantly from the center 311 to the inner surfaces 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c. The radial dimension of the position, for example, is shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6.

In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c may extend in the same direction (eg, along an arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c) without diverging or converging. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surfaces 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c may extend equidistant from each other along the arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c without diverging or converging. In addition, in some embodiments, relative to each other, the inner surface 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surface 302a, 302b, 302c may be equidistant at all points along the arc path 305a, 305b, 305c (such as relative to The radial positions along the radii Ra, Rb, Rc) and therefore are equidistant over the entire central angle 310. In addition, in some embodiments, the inner surfaces 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c may be parallel to all of all cross-sections of section 2-2 of FIG. 1 over the entire central angle 310 with respect to each other. The points are equidistant (eg relative to the radial position along the radius Ra, Rb, Rc). Further, in some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be constant. For example, in some embodiments, the central angle 310 of the arc length defining the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c and the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c of each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may be about 90 ° to About 180 °. In some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may be constant over the entire center angle 310, where the radii Ra, Rb, Rc are the same value at the entire center angle 310. In some embodiments, the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may be selectively constant (eg, the same value) at all cross sections parallel to the entire central angle 310 at sections 2-2 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the radii Ra, Rb, Rc may vary at one or more locations on the central angle 310, and / or may be parallel to one or more of the sections 2-2 of FIG. 1 or Variations at one or more locations at multiple cross sections. In some embodiments, the center angle 310 may be about 180 °, and thus each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may define a semi-circular profile (such as corresponding to a constant radius Ra, Rb, Rc) or a semi-ellipsoidal profile (such as Corresponding to the changing radii Ra, Rb, Rc). Therefore, unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that, although a plurality of semi-circular concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c are shown, in some embodiments, the first, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, The optical coupler 220 may include a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c defining various cross sections according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As described above, in some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220 may include a constant cross-sectional profile, for example, as viewed along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In a further embodiment, as described above, the cross-sectional profile of the first optical coupler 220 may vary with respect to a position defined along at least one of a width and a length of the light guide plate 210. In some embodiments, if the cross-section of the first optical coupler 220 viewed along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 is constant, the first optical coupler includes a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. 220 may be represented, for example, as a projection of the cross-sectional profile shown in FIG. 3, which is projected in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the plane defining the cross-section. For example, in some embodiments, the axis may be linear, and the first optical coupler 220 may be represented as a constant cross-sectional profile of the first optical coupler 220 projected along the linear axis. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the axis may be non-linear, and the first optical coupler 220 may be represented as a constant cross-sectional profile of the first optical coupler 220 projected along the non-linear axis.

In some embodiments, the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may face the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210. In addition, in some embodiments, the light source 225 may face the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. The light source 225 may be oriented to provide light from the light source 225 to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c. For example, in some embodiments, the light source 225 may provide light from a light emitting area 224 of the light source 225. In some embodiments, the light source 225 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), light rods, light rods, light arrays, one or more light bulbs, and / or one or more optical fibers that define a light emitting area 224 At least part of it. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may thus direct light waves from the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c (such as light from the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225) through along Each of the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c of the arc-shaped path 305a, 305b, and 305c to the first edge 303a, 303b, and 303c is at least partially based on the total internal reflection of the light waves in the respective waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c into the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 .

In some embodiments, the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be coupled to the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210. For example, in some embodiments, the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c of each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may be coupled to the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 at least one of optically and mechanically. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be coupled to the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225. For example, in some embodiments, the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c of each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may be coupled to the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 in at least one of optical and mechanical ways. In some embodiments, the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c may be optically coupled to the outer edge 213 by being positioned in physical contact (eg, abutting) with the outer edge 213. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c may be optically coupled to the light emitting area 224 of the light source 225 by being physically contacted (eg, adjacent) to the light emitting area 224 by being positioned.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c may be spaced apart from the outer edge 213 by a distance, and / or the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c may be spaced apart from the light emitting region 224 by a distance. Alternatively, in some embodiments, an optical medium (such as a transparent adhesive, an optical filter, an optical coupler, etc.) may be positioned on the light emitting area 224 and the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c, and the outer edge 213 and the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c to optically couple the light emitting region 224 to the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c and optically couple the outer edge 213 to the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c. For example, in some embodiments, the backlight unit 200 may include an optically clear adhesive (not shown) that optically and mechanically couples the first edge 303a, 303b, 303c to the outer edge 213, and the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c are optically and mechanically coupled to the light emitting area 224. In some embodiments, the optically transparent adhesive may include a refractive index that matches the refractive index of at least one of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, and the light guide plate 210. In some embodiments, the waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may be optically coupled to at least one of the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 and the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 by providing an optically transparent adhesive including a matched refractive index This reduces or eliminates the reflection of light waves (such as light) entering or leaving the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210, and the light emitting area 224 of the light source 225. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "light" is considered to be visible light having a wavelength of 400 to 700 nm. Similarly, if more than 85% of visible light can pass through the element, the element (such as an adhesive) is considered "transparent."

The light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 is optically coupled to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c, and the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 is optically coupled to the first edges 303a, 303b of the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c. 303c may irradiate the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c based on the coupled light provided from the light source 225 to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c, and may also illuminate the light guide plate 210 based on the coupled light from the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. In some embodiments, based on (eg, from the light source 225) an edge provided to the object (eg, the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c and the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c) Edge 213) illuminating objects (such as waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c and light guide plate 210) may be referred to as "edge-lighting". For example, in some embodiments, based on the “edge lighting”, the light provided by the light emitting area 224 of the light source 125 may be transmitted through the first optical coupler 220 and into the light guide plate 210 in a direction away from the outer edge to The light guide plate 210 is moved through the first main surface 211 and the second main surface 212 to illuminate the light guide plate 210.

In some embodiments, the “edge lighting” of the light guide plate 210 may provide a backlight unit 200 having a smaller size (such as a thinner profile) and a backlight unit 200 having a lower weight. The backlight unit illuminated by the light source behind the unit (not shown) has a smaller size and less weight. The backlight unit illuminated by the light source positioned at the back is oriented to guide light onto the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210 , Called "backlighting." For example, a light source positioned at the back (such as the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210) may illuminate the backlight unit 200. However, in some embodiments, compared to the number of light sources provided when the backlight unit 200 is illuminated by "edge lighting" of the light guide plate 210, it may be possible to illuminate the backlight unit 200 with a light source on the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210. More light sources are needed to provide the same or similar lighting of the backlight unit 200. Similarly, in some embodiments, compared to the thickness of the backlight unit 200 illuminated by the "edge lighting" of the light guide plate 210, illuminating the backlight unit 200 with a light source that faces the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210 may provide a relative comparison Thick backlight unit 200. Therefore, in some embodiments, as a trend towards smaller, lighter, and thinner electronic displays 100 may be pursued, the “edge-lit” backlight unit 200 of the present disclosure may be compared to, for example, borrowing The backlight unit illuminated by a light source positioned behind the light guide plate 210 and facing the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210 provides several advantages, including reducing the case size "D" shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, in some embodiments, "edge lighting" of the light guide plate 210 having a first optical coupler including a curved or curved cross section (as defined by an arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c) may provide a smaller size ( The backlight unit 200, which has a narrower bezel 115) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a backlight unit 200 with less weight, compared to, for example, a light source positioned laterally adjacent units (not shown) The illuminated backlight unit has a smaller size and less weight. The backlight unit illuminated by a light source positioned laterally adjacent to the unit is oriented to direct light from the light source into the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 along a linear path. For example, a light source positioned laterally adjacent to the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 (eg, the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210) and positioned outside the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 may illuminate the backlight unit 200. However, in some embodiments, illuminating the backlight unit 200 with a light source that faces the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 may require a larger housing 105 including a wider bezel 115 to accommodate the light source. Therefore, in some embodiments, by positioning the light source 225 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure within the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 (eg, under the light guide plate 210 and within the housing 105) and using a curved or curved surface The first optical coupler 220 in the section guides light along the arc-shaped paths 305a, 305b, 305c, which can reduce or reduce the width "W" of the bezel 115 and can illuminate the light guide based at least in part on the "edge lighting" of the light guide plate 210光 板 210。 The light plate 210.

Therefore, in some embodiments, compared to the "backlighting" of a light source having a second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210 and / or having a light source 210 that is laterally adjacent to the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 and outside the light guide plate 210 Lighting achieved by "edge lighting" of a light source positioned externally to the edge 213, including the features of this disclosure including a first optical coupler 220 (as defined by an arc path 305a, 305b, 305c) with a curved or curved section The backlight unit 200 and the electronic display 100 may be smaller, lighter, narrower, and thinner than other backlight units and electronic displays. Therefore, in some embodiments, as a trend toward smaller, lighter, narrower, and thinner electronic displays 100 may be pursued, compared to other backlight units, including the disclosures (such as the curved paths 305a, 305b ("305", 305c)) curved or curved profile "edge-lit" backlight units 200 can provide several advantages, including reducing the size of the housing "D" shown in FIG. 2 and reducing or reducing The width of the bezel shown is "W".

In addition, in some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220 may include a corresponding one of inner surfaces and outer surfaces of inner surfaces 301b, 301c of adjacent waveguides (such as adjacent waveguides 300a, 300b and 300b, 300c). The gaps 307, 308 between the respective one of the surfaces 302a, 302b. In some embodiments, the gaps 307, 308 may follow the entire arc-shaped path (such as an arc) between a respective one of the inner surfaces 301b, 301c of the adjacent waveguides and a respective one of the outer surfaces 302a, 302b. (One or more of the shaped paths 305a, 305b, 305c) extend. In some embodiments, rather than, for example, providing the gaps 307, 308 along only a portion of the arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c, providing the gaps 307, 308 along the entire arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c may be possible. A larger number of waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be able to have tighter (eg smaller) bending radii Ra, Rb, Rc.

In some embodiments, the gaps 307, 308 may include at least one of the following: air and a material having a material that is larger than the adjacent waveguides (such as the adjacent waveguides 300a, 300b and the adjacent waveguides 300b, 300c). A material with a refractive index that is less than about 0.2. In addition, in some embodiments, at least one of the following can be provided at the inner surface 301a of the waveguide 300a and the outer surface 302c of the waveguide 300c: air and having a refractive index that is approximately less than the refractive index of the materials of the adjacent waveguides. A material with a refractive index of 0.2. For example, in some embodiments, the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be made of one or more of the following: glass (such as aluminosilicate, alkali metal aluminosilicate, borosilicate, alkali boron Silicate, aluminoborosilicate, alkali metal aluminoborosilicate, chemically strengthened glass, thermally tempered glass, etc.), polymers (such as polymethyl methacrylate) or oriented at least in part on a per waveguide basis Total internal reflection of light waves within 300a, 300b, 300c to guide other materials such as light. Compared to, for example, if the gaps 307, 308 include a material having a refractive index greater than that of the adjacent waveguide materials by about 0.2, by providing air and having a refractive index smaller than that of the adjacent waveguide materials by about 0.2 At least one of the refractive index materials, the light waves in the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c are more likely to remain within the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c and are less likely to diffuse out of the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c. Therefore, in some embodiments, based at least in part on total internal reflection of light waves within each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c, the features of this disclosure may include improved optical transmission properties of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, which provide more An efficient backlight unit 200 and / or an optically bright (such as illuminated) display panel 110.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the first optical coupler 220 taken along line 4-4 taken perpendicular to the arc-shaped paths 305a, 305b, 305c of FIG. 3 is shown. In some embodiments, a plurality of concentric Each of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c of the waveguide may include a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Likewise, in some embodiments, the rectangular cross-sectional profile of each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c may be constant along the entire arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c. For example, in some embodiments, the rectangular cross-section may be projected along the arc-shaped paths 305a, 305b, 305c, and at any position on the center angle 310 of FIG. 3, the waveguide 300a taken perpendicular to the arc-shaped paths 305a, 305b, 305c The views of 300b, 300b, and 300c may have the same (eg, identical) features as those of the rectangular (eg, slab) waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be included at one or more locations along an arcuate path 305a, 305b, 305c without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Polygonal section and / or section. In addition, the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c may include a length "L", and the waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c extend along the length "L". In some embodiments, the length "L" of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may correspond to, for example, the length or width of the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210. For example, in some embodiments, the length "L" of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be selected such that the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be at least one of optical and mechanical The way is coupled to the outer edge 213 of the light guide plate 210 along a corresponding length or width (such as the entire length or width) of the light guide plate 210.

In addition, in some embodiments, the gaps 307, 308 may define a respective one of the inner surfaces 301b, 301c of the adjacent waveguides 300a, 300b and the neighboring waveguides 300b, 300c, and an outer surface of the respective one of the outer surfaces 302a, 302b. The distances d1, d2 between the surfaces. That is, in some embodiments, the gap 307 may define a distance d1 between the inner surface 301b of the waveguide 300b and the outer surface 302a of the waveguide 300a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the gap 308 may define a distance d2 between the inner surface 301c of the waveguide 300c and the outer surface 302b of the waveguide 300b. In some embodiments, the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may be positioned relative to each other supported by a frame (not shown) or an adhesive (not shown). In some embodiments, the distances d1, d2 may be about 1 micrometer to about 10 micrometers; however, in some embodiments, the distances d1, d2 may be less than about 1 micrometer, or without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Greater than about 10 microns. In some embodiments, the distances d1, d2 may be constant. For example, in some embodiments, the distances d1, d2 may be constant over the entire center angle 310 with respect to the radii Ra, Rb, Rc. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the distances d1, d2 may vary over the entire center angle 310 relative to the radii Ra, Rb, Rc, and may therefore include a relatively smaller bounding gap 307, 308 at one or more locations And greater distance.

Providing a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c for the first optical coupler 220 may provide several mechanical advantages. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of relatively thin concentric waveguides (whose effective thickness may be equal to the thickness of a relatively thick single waveguide) may be based at least in part on an equivalent bend compared to a relatively thick single waveguide Radius waveguide bends or curved profiles include relatively small induced stresses. Considering a relatively thick single waveguide including a predetermined bending radius, the waveguide may be induced based at least in part on the bending stiffness of the waveguide and the bending force (such as a moment) applied to bend the waveguide to exhibit the desired bending or curved profile. Compressive stress at the inner surface and tensile stress at the outer surface of the waveguide. For a predetermined bending radius, the tensile stress at the outer surface of a relatively thick single waveguide may therefore be greater than the comparable tensile stress at the outer surface of a relatively thin waveguide having the same bending radius. Thus, in some embodiments, a relatively thin waveguide may be bent to include a relatively small radius, while an equivalent tensile stress is induced at the outer surface of the waveguide induced in a relatively thick single waveguide. Therefore, providing the first optical coupler 220 with a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c may enable the use of waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c including tighter (eg, smaller) radii Ra, Rb, and Rc. In some embodiments, the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c of the present disclosure can therefore provide a reduced or reduced bezel width "W" compared to corresponding bezel widths that accommodate a single curved waveguide. Similarly, in some embodiments, the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c of the present disclosure may therefore provide a reduced case size "D" compared to the corresponding case size to accommodate a single curved waveguide.

Further, in some embodiments, providing the first optical coupler 220 with a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may provide several optical advantages. In some embodiments, although a typical convention may suggest that more light can propagate through a relatively large waveguide than the amount of light that propagates through a relatively small waveguide, the convention is when the waveguide includes a curved or curved profile May not apply. For example, in some embodiments, compared to a relatively thick single waveguide, a plurality of relatively thin concentric waveguides (whose effective thickness may be equal to the thickness of a relatively thick single waveguide) may be within the equivalent bending radius of the waveguide Propagates relatively efficiently (such as less diffusion or loss) within curved or curved sections (such as directing light inside a waveguide based on total internal reflection). Considering a relatively thick single waveguide including a predetermined bending radius, the amount of light from the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 may be provided to the waveguide and guided within the waveguide. Because the thickness of the relatively thicker waveguide is greater than the individual thickness of each of the plurality of concentric waveguide waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, the light can be less confined within a relatively thicker single waveguide and more Confined within each of the relatively thin waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. By confining light more effectively to a plurality of relatively thinner waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c, compared to the loss of light when coupling light to a relatively thicker single waveguide, when comparing light to a plurality The light loss during coupling of the thin concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c (such as light diffusion from the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c) may be less. Therefore, in some embodiments, compared to a single waveguide that includes a fairly curved or curved section, by providing a first optical coupler 220 that includes (as defined by an arc path 305a, 305b, 305c) a curved or curved section The plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c can obtain more optical coupling and guiding efficiency.

Therefore, providing the first optical coupler 220 with a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c may enable the use of waveguides 300a, 300b, and 300c including radii Ra, Rb, and Rc that are closer (eg, smaller) than the radius of a single waveguide. At the same time, it is possible to provide the same, similar or better optical illumination of the light guide plate 210 as provided by a single waveguide. Alternatively or in addition, compared to a single waveguide, providing the first optical coupler 220 with a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c including more optical coupling and guiding efficiency can provide a relatively bright display panel 110, and can Allowing the use of fewer light sources, thereby reducing the cost, weight, and heat generation of the backlight unit 200. In some embodiments, the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c of the present disclosure may be reduced in size relative to the size of a single relatively thicker waveguide, while still providing relatively thicker than a single, based at least on more optical coupling and guidance efficiency The waveguide has the same, similar, or better lighting characteristics. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first optical coupler 220 including a plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c may provide a reduced or reduced bezel width compared to a corresponding bezel width that accommodates a single curved waveguide. " W ". Similarly, in some embodiments, the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c of the present disclosure may therefore provide a reduced case size "D" compared to the corresponding case size to accommodate a single curved waveguide.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the thicknesses “ta”, “tb” of each waveguide 300a, 300b, 300c defined between the inner surface 301a, 301b, 301c and the outer surface 302a, 302b, 302c, "Tc" may be about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the radius (eg, Ra) of the innermost waveguide (eg, waveguide 300a) of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the radius Ra of the innermost waveguide 300a may be about 1 mm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may be defined between the inner surface 301a of the innermost waveguide 300a of the plurality of concentric waveguides and the outer surface 302c of the outermost waveguide 300c of the plurality of concentric waveguides between. Returning to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210 may be defined between the first main surface 211 of the light guide plate 210 and the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210. In some embodiments, the thickness "t" may be from about 1 mm to about 4 mm; however, in some embodiments, the thickness "t" may be less than about 1 mm or greater than about 4 mm without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. . In addition, in some embodiments, the light emitting area 224 of the light source 225 may include a height “h1”. In some embodiments, the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210 may be equal to the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220, and in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may be equal to the light source 225 The height "h1" of the light-emitting area 224 is.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the backlight unit 200 may include a second optical coupler 520. The second optical coupler 520 includes a first surface 521 and a second surface 522. The first surface 521 is coupled to a plurality of concentric surfaces. Each of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c has a second edge 304a, 304b, 304c and a second surface 522 coupled to the light source 525. In some embodiments, the first surface 521 may be coupled to the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c in at least one of optical and mechanical ways. In some embodiments, the light source 525 may be oriented to provide light from the light source 525 to the second surface 522. For example, in some embodiments, the second surface 522 may be coupled to the light emitting region 524 of the light source 525 in at least one of optical and mechanical ways. In some embodiments, the height “h2” of the light emitting area 524 of the light source 525 may be greater than the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210 defined between the first main surface 211 of the light guide plate 210 and the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210. . In some embodiments, the height “h2” of the light emitting region 524 may correspond to the size of the second surface 522 of the second optical coupler 520. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the first optical coupler 220 defined between the inner surface 301a of the innermost waveguide 300a of the plurality of concentric waveguides and the outer surface 302c of the outermost waveguide 300c of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be less than The height "h2" of the light emitting area 524 of the light source 525. In some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may correspond to the size of the first surface 521 of the second optical coupler 520. In addition, in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may be approximately equal to the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210.

Therefore, in some embodiments, as compared to the light source 225 in FIG. 3, for example, a relatively large light source 525 including a relatively large light emitting area 524 may be employed, and thus may provide light from the light emitting area 524 to pass through. The second optical coupler 520 passes through the first optical coupler 220 to the light guide plate 210. In some embodiments, compared to, for example, a relatively small light source (such as light source 225) including a relatively small light emitting region (such as light emitting region 224) having a height "h1", including a relatively large light emitting including a height "h2" The relatively larger light source 525 of the region 524 may provide (eg, emit) at least one of more light and brighter light, where the height "h1" may be less than the height "h2". Therefore, in some embodiments, providing the backlight unit 200 with the second optical coupler 520 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide the backlight unit 200 that is relatively brighter and more efficient in illumination.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, the backlight unit 200 may include a second optical coupler 620. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the second optical coupler 620 along line 7-7 of FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the second optical coupler 620 may include first surfaces 621a, 621b, 621c (see FIG. 7) and second surfaces 622a, 622b, 622c (see FIG. 6), and the first surfaces 621a, 621b, 621c A second edge 304a, 304b, 304c and a second surface 622a, 622b, 622c coupled to each of the plurality of concentric waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c are coupled to the light source 625. In some embodiments, the first surface 621a, 621b, 621c may be optically and mechanically coupled to the second edge 304a, 304b, 304c. In some embodiments, the light source 625 may be oriented to provide light from the light source 625 to the second surfaces 622a, 622b, 622c. For example, in some embodiments, the second surface 622a, 622b, 622c may be optically and mechanically coupled to the light emitting region 624 of the light source 625. In some embodiments, the height “h3” of the light emitting region 624 of the light source 625 may be greater than the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210 defined between the first main surface 211 of the light guide plate 210 and the second main surface 212 of the light guide plate 210. . In some embodiments, the height “h3” of the light emitting region 624 may correspond to the size of the second surfaces 622a, 622b, 622c of the second optical coupler 620. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the first optical coupler 220 defined between the inner surface 301a of the innermost waveguide 300a of the plurality of concentric waveguides and the outer surface 302c of the outermost waveguide 300c of the plurality of concentric waveguides may be less than The height "h3" of the light emitting area 624 of the light source 625. In some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may correspond to the size of the first surfaces 621a, 621b, 621c of the second optical coupler 620. In addition, in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the first optical coupler 220 may be approximately equal to the thickness “t” of the light guide plate 210.

Therefore, in some embodiments, as compared to the light source 225 in FIG. 3, for example, a relatively large light source 625 including a relatively large light emitting area 624 may be employed, and thus light from the light emitting area 624 may be provided through the second The optical coupler 620 passes through the first optical coupler 220 to the light guide plate 210. In some embodiments, compared to, for example, a relatively small light source (such as light source 225) that includes a relatively small light emitting region (such as light emitting region 224) having a height "h1", includes a relatively large light emitting that includes a height "h3" The relatively larger light source 625 of the region 624 may provide (eg, emit) at least one of more light and brighter light, where the height "h1" may be less than the height "h3". Therefore, in some embodiments, providing the backlight unit 200 with the second optical coupler 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide the backlight unit 200 that is relatively brighter and more efficient in illumination.

FIG. 8 shows exemplary graphs of waveguides (such as one or more of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c) including different thicknesses 801, 802, 803. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, computer simulation and analysis techniques are used to generate graphs for an exemplary waveguide 801 including a thickness of 0.2 mm, an exemplary waveguide 802 including a thickness of 0.7 mm, and an exemplary waveguide 803 including a thickness of 2.0 mm. The vertical or "Y" axis represents the optical loss in decibels (dB) and the horizontal or "X" axis represents the radius of the waveguide (eg Ra, Rb, Rc) in millimeters (mm). Therefore, line 811 represents the relationship between the optical loss of the waveguide 801 and the waveguide radius, line 812 represents the relationship between the optical loss of the waveguide 802 and the waveguide radius, and line 813 represents the relationship between the optical loss of the waveguide 803 and the waveguide radius. In some embodiments, optical loss may be defined as a measured, perceived, or calculated difference (such as a ratio) between a reference power and an actual power. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 may provide the light including the reference power (eg, lumens) to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. The light can propagate through the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c and leave the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c at actual power, the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c and the light guide plate The outer edge 213 of 210 is optically coupled. Therefore, the measured, perceived or calculated difference between the reference power and the actual power may define the optical loss. For example, therefore, zero optical loss corresponds to no difference between the reference power and the actual power, and an optical loss value greater than zero corresponds to a reduction in actual power relative to the reference power. The closer the optical loss is to zero, the more efficiently the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c can guide light.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, based on computer simulation and analysis technology, as shown by line 811, for the waveguide 801 (including a thickness of 0.2 mm), near-zero optical loss can be obtained at a bending radius of about 1 mm. Similarly, as shown by line 812, for waveguide 802 (including a thickness of 0.7 mm), near zero optical loss can be obtained at a bending radius of about 3.5 mm. In addition, as shown by line 813, for the waveguide 803 (including a thickness of 2.0 mm), near-zero optical loss can be obtained at a bending radius of about 10 mm. Therefore, based on the graph of FIG. 8, for example, the thickness, bending radius, and number of waveguides can be selected according to the optical loss and thickness “T” acceptable or required by the first optical coupler 220 to achieve the required optical performance. Characteristic of a plurality of waveguides.

FIG. 9 shows exemplary graphs of waveguides (such as one or more of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c) including different thicknesses 901, 902, and 903. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, computer simulation and analysis techniques are used to generate graphs for an exemplary waveguide 901 including a thickness of 0.2 mm, an exemplary waveguide 902 including a thickness of 0.7 mm, and an exemplary waveguide 903 including a thickness of 2.0 mm. The vertical or "Y" axis represents the optical transmission in percentage (%) and the horizontal or "X" axis represents the radius of the waveguide (eg Ra, Rb, Rc) in millimeters (mm). Therefore, line 911 represents the relationship between optical transmission of waveguide 901 and waveguide radius, line 912 represents the relationship between optical transmission of waveguide 902 and waveguide radius, and line 913 represents the relationship between optical transmission of waveguide 903 and waveguide radius . In some embodiments, the optical transmission percentage may be defined as a measured, perceived, or calculated percentage of the actual power relative to the reference power. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the light emitting region 224 of the light source 225 may provide the light including the reference power (eg, lumens) to the second edges 304a, 304b, 304c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c. The light can propagate through the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c and leave the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c at actual power, the first edges 303a, 303b, 303c of the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c and the light guide plate The outer edge 213 of 210 is optically coupled. Therefore, the percentage of the measured, perceived, or calculated actual power relative to the reference power may define an optical transmission percentage. Therefore, for example, an optical transmission percentage of 100 corresponds to no difference between the reference power and the actual power, and an optical transmission percentage value less than 100 corresponds to a decrease in actual power relative to the reference power. The closer the optical transmission percentage is to 100, the more efficiently the waveguides 300a, 300b, 300c guide light.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, based on computer simulation and analysis technology, as shown by line 911, for the waveguide 901 (including a thickness of 0.2 mm), a near 100% optical transmission percentage can be obtained at a bending radius of about 1 mm. Likewise, as shown by line 912, for waveguide 902 (including a thickness of 0.7 mm), a near 100 percent optical transmission percentage can be obtained at a bend radius of about 3.5 mm. In addition, as shown by line 913, for the waveguide 903 (including a thickness of 2.0 mm), an optical transmission percentage close to 100% can be obtained at a bending radius of about 10 mm. Therefore, based on the graph of FIG. 9, for example, the thickness, bending radius, and number of waveguides can be selected according to the optical transmission percentage and thickness “T” acceptable or required by the first optical coupler 220 to achieve the required implementation. Optical characteristics of a plurality of waveguides.

It should be understood that the various embodiments disclosed may include specific features, elements or steps described in connection with this particular embodiment. It should also be understood that although a particular feature, element, or step is described with respect to a particular embodiment, it may be interchanged or combined in various unillustrated combinations or permutations of alternative embodiments.

It is understood that the terms "the" and "a or an" used in this specification mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a "component" includes an embodiment having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The range can be expressed here from a particular value of "about" and / or to another particular value of "about". When such a range is expressed, embodiments include from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a numerical value is expressed as an approximate value, by using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the specific value forms another aspect. It should be further understood that the endpoint of each range is significant relative to the other endpoint and is independent of the other endpoint.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method set forth in this specification is not to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, a method request does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or the request or description does not specifically describe that the steps are limited to a specific order, it is not intended to indicate any specific order.

Although the transitional term "comprising" may be used to disclose various features, elements, or steps of a particular embodiment, it should be understood that it implies that alternative embodiments include the use of the excessive term "consisting" ) "Or" consisting essentially of ". Thus, for example, an alternative embodiment implied for a device including A + B + C includes an embodiment of a device consisting of A + B + C and an embodiment of a device consisting essentially of A + B + C.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, it is obvious that those with ordinary knowledge in the field to which this invention belongs can make various improvements and changes to this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover improvements and changes that fall within the scope of its patent application and its equivalents.

100‧‧‧Electronic display

105‧‧‧shell

106‧‧‧ Outer surface

110‧‧‧ display board

111‧‧‧first major surface

112‧‧‧Second major surface

115‧‧‧Frame

116‧‧‧ opening

200‧‧‧ backlight unit

210‧‧‧light guide

211‧‧‧first major surface

212‧‧‧Second major surface

213‧‧‧Outer edge

220‧‧‧The first optical coupler

221‧‧‧First Optocoupler

224‧‧‧light-emitting area

225‧‧‧light source

226‧‧‧light source

230‧‧‧ parts

300a, 300b, 300c‧‧‧ waveguide

301a, 301b, 301c‧‧‧Inner surface

302a, 302b, 302c‧‧‧ outer surface

303a, 303b, 303c‧‧‧ first edge

304a, 304b, 304c‧‧‧ Second edge

305a, 305b, 305c‧‧‧arc path

307‧‧‧Gap

308‧‧‧Gap

310‧‧‧ center angle

311‧‧‧Center

520‧‧‧Second Optocoupler

521‧‧‧First Surface

522‧‧‧Second Surface

524‧‧‧light-emitting area

525‧‧‧light source

620‧‧‧Second Optocoupler

621a, 621b, 621c‧‧‧First surface

622a, 622b, 622c‧‧‧Second surface

624‧‧‧light-emitting area

625‧‧‧light source

801‧‧‧Wave

802‧‧‧waveguide

803‧‧‧waveguide

811‧‧‧line

812‧‧‧line

813‧‧‧line

901‧‧‧waveguide

902‧‧‧Wave

903‧‧‧Wave

911‧‧‧line

912‧‧‧line

913‧‧‧line

d1, d2‧‧‧ distance

h1‧‧‧ height

h2‧‧‧ height

h3‧‧‧ height

Ra, Rb, Rc‧‧‧ radius

t‧‧‧thickness

T‧‧‧thickness

ta, tb, tc‧‧‧thickness

These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of this disclosure can be better understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic plan view of an exemplary electronic display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic display along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, which includes an exemplary backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

3 is an enlarged view of a region of the backlight unit identified by reference numeral 3 in FIG. 2, which includes a first optical coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first optical coupler including a plurality of concentric waveguides;

4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first optical coupler along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a region of the backlight unit of FIG. 3, which includes a second optical coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second optical coupler being positioned between the first optical coupler and the light source ;

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the area of the backlight unit of FIG. 3, which includes an alternative second optical coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the alternative second optical coupler positioned at the first optical couple Device and light source;

7 illustrates a plan view of an alternative second optical coupler along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary curved views including waveguides of different thicknesses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the vertical or "Y" axis represents optical loss in decibels (dB) and the horizontal or "X" axis represents The radius of the waveguide expressed in millimeters (mm); and

FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary curved views including waveguides of different thicknesses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the vertical or "Y" axis represents optical transmission expressed as a percentage (%) and the horizontal or "X" axis represents millimeter ( mm) The radius of the waveguide expressed in units.

Domestic hosting information (please note in order of hosting institution, date, and number) None

Information on foreign deposits (please note in order of deposit country, institution, date, and number) None

Claims (38)

A backlight unit includes: a light guide plate; an optical coupler including a plurality of concentric waveguides, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface The outer surface extends from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide along an arc-shaped path, the arc-shaped path defining a radius of the waveguide, the first of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides, the first An edge faces an outer edge of the light guide plate; and a light source faces the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides extend equidistantly from each other along the arc-shaped path without divergence or convergence. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein the radius of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides is constant. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical coupler further includes a gap, and the gap defines a distance between adjacent waveguides. The backlight unit according to claim 4, wherein the gap includes at least one of the following: air and a material having a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of a material of the adjacent waveguides by about 0.2. The backlight unit according to claim 4, wherein the gap extends along the entire arc-shaped path between adjacent waveguides. The backlight unit according to claim 4, wherein the distance is about 1 micrometer to about 10 micrometers. The backlight unit according to claim 4, wherein the distance is constant. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of concentric waveguides includes a rectangular cross-sectional section taken perpendicular to the arc-shaped path. The backlight unit according to claim 9, wherein the rectangular cross-sectional section is constant along the entire arc-shaped path. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein a central angle defining an arc length between the first edge and the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides is about 90 ° to about 180 °. The backlight unit according to claim 11, wherein the center angle is about 180 °. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides defined between the inner surface and the outer surface is about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm. The backlight unit according to claim 1, wherein the radius of an innermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides is about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The backlight unit according to claim 14, wherein the radius of the innermost waveguide is about 1 mm. An electronic display including the backlight unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the backlight unit is oriented to face a main surface of a display panel. A backlight unit includes: a light guide plate including a first main surface and a second main surface; a first optical coupler, the first optical coupler includes a plurality of concentric waveguides, and the plurality of concentric waveguides Each of the concentric waveguides includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface extending along a curved path from a first edge of the waveguide to a second edge of the waveguide, the curved path defining A radius of the waveguide, the first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides facing an outer edge of the light guide plate; and a second optical coupler, the second optical coupler including a first surface And a second surface, the first surface is coupled to the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides, the second surface is coupled to a light source, wherein a height of a light emitting area of the light source is greater than the A thickness of the light guide plate defined between the first main surface of the light guide plate and the second main surface of the light guide plate. The backlight unit according to claim 17, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides extend equidistantly from each other along the arc-shaped path without diverging or converging. The backlight unit according to claim 17, wherein the first optical coupler is defined between the inner surface of an innermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides and the outer surface of an outermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides. A thickness of is smaller than the height of the light emitting area of the light source. The backlight unit according to claim 19, wherein the thickness of the first optical coupler is approximately equal to the thickness of the light guide plate. An electronic display including the backlight unit according to claim 17, wherein the backlight unit is oriented to face a main surface of a display panel. An optical coupler includes: a plurality of concentric waveguides, each of the plurality of concentric waveguides includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface follow a curved path from a first An edge extends to a second edge of the waveguide, and the arc path defines a radius of the waveguide. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides extend equidistantly from each other along the arc path without divergence or convergence. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein the radius of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides is constant. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein the optical coupler further includes a gap, the gap defining a distance between adjacent waveguides. The optical coupler of claim 25, wherein the gap includes at least one of: air and a material having a refractive index that is less than a refractive index of about 0.2 of a material of the adjacent waveguides. The optical coupler of claim 25, wherein the gap extends along the entire arcuate path between adjacent waveguides. The optocoupler according to claim 25, wherein the distance is about 1 micrometer to about 10 micrometers. The optocoupler according to claim 25, wherein the distance is constant. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of concentric waveguides includes a rectangular cross-sectional cross section taken perpendicular to the arc-shaped path. The optocoupler of claim 30, wherein the rectangular cross-sectional profile is constant along the entire arcuate path. The optical coupler according to claim 22, wherein a central angle defining an arc length between the first edge and the second edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides is about 90 ° to about 180 °. The optocoupler according to claim 32, wherein the center angle is about 180 °. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides defined between the inner surface and the outer surface is about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm. The optical coupler of claim 22, wherein the radius of an innermost waveguide of the plurality of concentric waveguides is about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The optical coupler according to claim 35, wherein the radius of the innermost waveguide is about 1 mm. A backlight unit including the optical coupler according to any one of claims 22 to 36, wherein the first edge of each of the plurality of concentric waveguides faces an outer edge of a light guide plate. An electronic display including the backlight unit according to claim 37, wherein the backlight unit is oriented to face a main surface of a display panel.