Illumination device and liquid crystal display apparatus including same

摘要

An illumination device includes: a linear light source; first reflection means disposed opposite to and with a spacing from the linear light source; a light guide means disposed between the linear light source and the first reflection means; and a second reflection means disposed behind the light guide means so that light issued from the linear light source is transmitted through the light guide means and reflected by the first and second reflection means to be emitted in a direction forward from the light guide means. Further, a luminance distribution-adjusting means for reflecting light transmitted through the light guide means is disposed along the light guide means in a distribution density which varies at a changing rate free from discontinuity so as to adjust the luminance distribution of the light emitted in the direction forward from the light guide means. The illumination device may suitably be used as a backlight unit for a liquid crystal panel to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus having improved display qualities. <IMAGE>