Information display device

Abstract

The present application realizes an information display device which can be lightened and in which main components are firmly fixed to each other. The information display device (1) includes a pair of fixing parts (50) each having a band part (51) and a pair of branch parts (52), both ends of each band part (51) are screwed to a front case (10), thereby a display panel (30) is fixed, and a circuit substrate (40) is fixed by being screwed to the two pairs of branch parts (52), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information display device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, an information display device is known, which includes a display panel, a fixing part (fixing metal member), and a circuit board sequentially from the front housing side inside a frame comprising a front housing and a rear housing. The fixing part is connected to the front housing, thereby clamping and fixing the display panel disposed between the fixing part and the front housing. In this type of information display device, a structure is known in which the display panel can be securely fixed to the front housing by screwing the fixing part to a protrusion provided on the front housing (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, there is a known structure in which the circuit board is securely fixed to the fixing part by screwing the circuit board to the fixing part (Patent Document 2).

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-215061

[0007] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-190585 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, the fixing parts used in conventional information display devices are plate-shaped metal parts that cover the display panel, which makes the information display device heavier.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its object is to realize an information display device that is lightweight and whose main components are firmly fixed together.

[0011] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0012] To address the aforementioned problem, an information display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a front housing; a rear housing connected to the front housing; and a display panel, a pair of fixing portions, and a circuit board disposed within a frame comprising the front housing and the rear housing. The display panel is disposed behind the front housing, the fixing portions are disposed behind the display panel, and the circuit board is disposed behind the fixing portions. Each fixing portion has: a straight strip-shaped portion; and a pair of branch portions branching from the long side of the strip-shaped portion in a direction intersecting the long side of the strip-shaped portion, and forming an end with a step difference between it and the strip-shaped portion. Both ends of each strip-shaped portion are respectively screwed to the front housing. Thus, the display panel is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions and the front housing and fixed thereto. By being respectively screwed to the two pairs of branch portions, the circuit board is fixed to the pair of fixing portions.

[0013] According to the structure described, the fixing part is a pair of strip-shaped metal pieces, each having a straight strip-shaped portion and a pair of branch portions. Therefore, compared with the plate-shaped metal pieces used in conventional information display devices that cover the display panel, the fixing part can achieve weight reduction. Moreover, since the strip-shaped portions of the pair of fixing parts are screwed to the front housing, the display panel can be fixed between the front housing and the fixing parts. Furthermore, the circuit board is directly screwed at four locations in contact with the branch portions of the fixing parts fixed to the front housing, so the circuit board can be indirectly fixed relative to the front housing. Therefore, an information display device that achieves weight reduction and whose main components (front housing, display panel, fixing part, and circuit board) are fixed to each other can be realized.

[0014] Furthermore, both ends of the strip-shaped portion can be screwed toward the front housing. According to this structure, the strip-shaped portions of the pair of fixing parts are screwed toward the front housing respectively, thus effectively pressing the display panel and securing it firmly. Moreover, by contacting the branches of the fixing parts that are securely fixed to the front housing, the circuit board is directly screwed at four locations, thus indirectly and securely fixing the circuit board relative to the front housing. Therefore, a lightweight information display device can be achieved where the main components (front housing, display panel, fixing parts, circuit board) are securely fixed to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the front housing may also have at least two pairs of protrusions, with each end of the strip portion screwed to a pair of protrusions. According to this structure, the display panel can be securely fixed between the fixing part and the front housing through this simple structure of protrusions on the front housing.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing part can also be constructed by bending a plate-shaped member. According to the structure described above, by performing bending or other processing on the plate-shaped member, a strip-shaped fixing part with a pair of branches can be easily manufactured.

[0017] [The effects of the invention]

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an information display device that is lightweight and in which the main components are firmly fixed to each other can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an information display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the information display device.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of the fixing part of the information display device.

[0022] Figure 4 It is the information display device, in Figure 1 The arrow section view shown on section line A.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the information display device.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a comparative example information display device on a section orthogonal to the left and right direction.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of the fixed part of the information display device in the comparative example.

[0026] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 1: Information display device

[0028] 10: Front housing

[0029] 13: Protrusion for fixing the display panel (protrusion)

[0030] 20: Rear housing

[0031] 30: Display panel

[0032] 40: Circuit board

[0033] 50: Fixing part

[0034] 51: Band-like portion

[0035] 52: Branch Office Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects. Various modifications or variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, in the implementation of the present invention, specific structures corresponding to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted.

[0037] [Implementation Method 1]

[0038] §1 Applicable Examples

[0039] Figure 1 This is a front view of the information display device 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the information display device 1. Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of the fixing part 50 of the information display device 1. (For example...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the information display device 1, inside a frame including a front housing 10 and a rear housing 20, sequentially includes a display panel 30, a pair of fixing parts 50, and a circuit board 40 from the front housing 10 side. The front housing 10 has at least two pairs of protrusions 13 (protrusions) for fixing the display panel.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the fixing portions 50 has: a straight strip-shaped portion 51; and a pair of branch portions 52 that branch from the long side 511 of the strip-shaped portion 51 in a direction intersecting the long side of the strip-shaped portion 51. Each branch portion 52 has an end with a step difference between it and the strip-shaped portion 51.

[0041] Both ends of each strip 51 are screwed to a pair of display panel fixing protrusions 13. Thus, the display panel 30 is sandwiched between the pair of fixing parts 50 and the front housing 10 and fixed in place. Furthermore, the circuit board 40 is screwed to two pairs of branch parts 52. Thus, the circuit board 40 is fixed to the pair of fixing parts 50.

[0042] According to this applicable example, an information display device can be realized that is lightweight and the main components (front housing 10, display panel 30, fixing part 50, circuit board 40) are firmly fixed to each other.

[0043] §2 Structural Examples

[0044] (Structure of information display device 1)

[0045] The information display device 1 of this embodiment is suitable for use as a Human Machine Interface (HMI) in a factory automation (FA) system. The HMI is used to confirm the operation and settings of each device within the FA system and to input various settings to each device. Hereinafter, as an example of such an HMI, the information display device 1 will be described, in which a display panel 30 displays images showing the operation and settings of each device, and a touch panel 60 handles touch operations from the user.

[0046] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the information display device 1 includes a front housing 10, a rear housing 20, a display panel 30, a circuit board 40, a pair of fixing parts 50, a touch panel 60, and a front sheet 70. Hereinafter, the side where the front housing 10 is located in the information display device 1 will be designated as the front, the side where the rear housing 20 is located will be designated as the rear, the left side when facing the rear will be designated as the left, and the right side will be designated as the right.

[0047] The front housing 10 has a frame portion 11 formed to surround a rectangular opening, and a rising portion 12 that rises rearward from the outer edge of the frame portion 11. A recess for embedding the touch panel 60 (described later) is formed on the front surface of the frame portion 11. Furthermore, two pairs of display panel fixing protrusions 13a to 13d protruding rearward are provided on the back side of the frame portion 11. Specifically, a pair of display panel fixing protrusions 13a and 13c are respectively located at the top and bottom of the frame portion 11, slightly to the left of the center. A pair of display panel fixing protrusions 13b and 13d are respectively located at the top and bottom of the frame portion 11, slightly to the right of the center. A screw hole for inserting a screw 81 is formed on the display panel fixing protrusion 13, extending forward from its protruding end. In this specification, unless it is necessary to specifically distinguish between the two pairs of display panel fixing protrusions 13a to 13d, they are simply referred to as display panel fixing protrusions 13. The same applies to other paired components.

[0048] The rear housing 20 has: a bottom 21; rising portions 22, which stand upright from the outer edges of the upper and lower ends of the bottom 21, respectively; and end portions 23, which extend upward and downward from the front ends of each rising portion 22, respectively. The front housing 10 and rear housing 20 refer to the components constituting the frame of the information display device 1. The front housing 10 and rear housing 20 are connected, for example, by screwing a hole (not shown) provided at the end portion 23 to a protrusion (not shown) provided on the back of the frame portion 11, such that the end portion 23 abuts against the inner surface of the rising portion 12.

[0049] The display panel 30 is disposed behind the front housing 10 within a frame that includes the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. The display panel 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display panel.

[0050] A pair of fixing parts 50 are disposed inside the frame including the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 behind the display panel 30. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, each of the pair of fixing portions 50 has: a straight strip-shaped portion 51; and a pair of branch portions 52, which branch from the long side 511 of the strip-shaped portion 51 in a direction intersecting the long side of the strip-shaped portion 51. The pair of branch portions 52 are formed with an end portion having a stepped difference between them and the strip-shaped portion 51. For example, the branch portion 52 has a first extension portion 521, a second extension portion 522 (step difference), and a third extension portion 523 (end portion) (see reference). Figure 3 The first extension 521 extends approximately parallel to the main surface of the strip-shaped portion 51 from its long side 511. The second extension 522 extends rearward from the front end of the first extension 521. The third extension 523 extends approximately parallel to the main surface of the strip-shaped portion 51 from the front end of the second extension 522. Furthermore, strip-shaped portion side holes 53 are provided at both ends of the strip-shaped portion 51. Additionally, branch portion side holes 54 are provided at a pair of branch portions 52 (the third extension 523). The fixing portion 50 may also be constructed by bending a plate-shaped member (e.g., a metal plate member).

[0051] Both ends of the strip 51 are screwed to the display panel fixing protrusion 13 by screws 81. Thus, the display panel 30 is clamped between the pair of fixing parts 50 and the front housing 10 and fixed in place. Additionally, a buffer material for filling the gap between the display panel 30 and the front housing 10 may be installed on the front surface of the display panel 30 and / or the back of the frame 11. This suppresses pressure on the display panel 30 from the pair of fixing parts 50. Furthermore, it reduces the shaking of the display panel 30 caused by the gap, thereby securing the display panel 30 firmly.

[0052] Figure 2In one example shown, a pair of fixing parts 50 includes a fixing part 50a disposed on the left and a fixing part 50b disposed on the right. At the upper and lower ends of the strip-shaped portion 51a in the fixing part 50a, strip-shaped side holes 53a and 53c, respectively, are provided for screwing into the display panel fixing protrusion 13a and the display panel fixing protrusion 13c. At the upper and lower ends of the strip-shaped portion 51b in the fixing part 50b, strip-shaped side holes 53b and 53d, respectively, are provided for screwing into the display panel fixing protrusion 13b and the display panel fixing protrusion 13d. Screws 81a to 81d are fastened to the screw holes of the two pairs of display panel fixing protrusions 13a to 13d through the strip-shaped side holes 53a to 53d, respectively.

[0053] The circuit board 40 is disposed inside the frame including the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20, behind the pair of fixing parts 50 described later. The circuit board 40 is rectangular and includes electronic components on its front surface. Four circuit board fixing holes 44a to 44d are provided at the four corners of the circuit board 40. Specifically, circuit board fixing holes 44a and 44b are respectively provided at the upper left and right ends of the circuit board 40. Furthermore, circuit board fixing holes 44c and 44d are respectively provided at the lower left and right ends of the circuit board 40.

[0054] The circuit board mounting hole 44 is screwed into the branch portion 52 by screws 82. Thus, the circuit board 40 is fixed to the mounting portion 50. Figure 2 In one example shown, circuit board mounting holes 44a and 44c are respectively screwed into branch-side holes 54a and 54c, which are provided on a pair of branch portions 52a and 52c branching from the upper and lower ends of the fixing portion 50a. Furthermore, circuit board mounting holes 44b and 44d are respectively screwed into branch-side holes 54b and 54d, which are provided on a pair of branch portions 52b and 52d branching from the upper and lower ends of the fixing portion 50b. Screws 82a to 82d are inserted into circuit board mounting holes 44a to 44d and branch-side holes 54a to 54d, respectively, and are tightened using a known method.

[0055] The touch panel 60 is embedded in a recess formed on the front surface of the frame portion 11. Furthermore, the front sheet 70 is mounted on the front surface of the frame portion 11 to protect the touch panel 60.

[0056] (Comparative Example)

[0057] The following is for reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 7The structure of the information display device 101 of the comparative example will be explained. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the information display device 101, which is a comparative example, on a section orthogonal to the left and right direction. Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion 150 of the comparative example information display device 101. Figure 6 As shown, the information display device 101, inside a frame including a front housing 110 and a rear housing 120, sequentially includes a display panel 130, a fixing part 150, and a circuit board 140 from the front housing 110 side. The display panel fixing protrusion 113 provided in the front housing 110 and the display panel fixing hole 153 provided in the fixing part 150 are screwed together (see also...). Figure 7 Thus, the display panel 130 is fixed between the fixing part 150 and the front housing 110. Furthermore, the circuit board fixing protrusion 116 provided on the front housing 110 and the circuit board fixing hole 146 provided on the circuit board 140 are screwed together. Therefore, in the comparative example information display device 101, a structure can be provided in which the circuit board 140 is directly and firmly fixed to the front housing 110.

[0058] Here, the circuit board mounting protrusion 116 is provided protruding towards the circuit board 140 from a side further outward than the display panel 130. That is, the screw-in portion between the front housing 110 and the circuit board 140 ( Figure 6 The area A) enclosed by the dotted line must be located on the outer periphery of the display panel 130. Therefore, there is a problem that in order to cover the screwed part, the rear housing 120 must be set in a box shape that cannot achieve a slim feel, thereby detracting from the appearance of the information display device 101.

[0059] (The function and effect of information display device 1)

[0060] Figure 4 It is the information display device 1, in Figure 1 The arrow section view shown on section line A. Figure 5 This is a rear view of the information display device 1. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the information display device 1 of this embodiment replaces the circuit board fixing protrusion 116 of the comparative example (see reference). Figure 6 The fixing part 50 is provided with a branch part 52 for fixing the circuit board 40. That is, by inserting the screw 82 into the circuit board fixing hole 44 and the branch side hole 54 and tightening it, the circuit board 40 is fixed to the fixing part 50.

[0061] Here, the screw-in portion of the fixing part 50 and the circuit board 40 does not need to take into account the position of the display panel 30, so it is located further inside the frame in the vertical direction than the screw-in portion of the fixing part 50 and the front housing 10 (the position of the display panel fixing protrusion 13). Therefore, the vertical width of the bottom 21 of the rear housing 20, which covers the circuit board 40 from the rear, can be reduced relative to the vertical width of the frame portion 11 of the front housing 10 having the display panel fixing protrusion 13. This means that compared with the box-shaped rear housing 120 of the comparative example (see...), the vertical width of the rear housing 120 is smaller. Figure 6 In comparison, the rear housing 20 of this embodiment can make its upper and lower ends (only) Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The area enclosed by the dotted line shown (B) is thinned. That is, by applying the function of the fixed circuit board 40 to the fixing part 50, the frame of the information display device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0062] Furthermore, the fixing part 50 in this embodiment is a pair of strip metal pieces, each having a straight strip portion 51 and a pair of branch portions 52. Therefore, compared with the plate-shaped metal pieces used in conventional information display devices that cover the display panel, the fixing part 50 can achieve weight reduction. Moreover, since the strip portions 51 of the pair of fixing parts 50 are screwed to the display panel fixing protrusions 13 provided on the upper and lower parts of the front housing 10, the display panel 30 can be effectively pressed and firmly fixed. Furthermore, the circuit board 40 is directly screwed at four locations in contact with the third extension portion 523 of the fixing part 50, which is firmly fixed to the front housing 10, so the circuit board 40 can be indirectly and firmly fixed relative to the front housing 10. Therefore, an information display device 1 that achieves weight reduction and whose main components (front housing 10, display panel 30, fixing part 50, circuit board 40) are firmly fixed to each other can be realized.

[0063] Furthermore, since a step is formed at the branch 52, the third extension 523 is located further back than the strip 51. Therefore, by screwing the fixing part 50 to the front housing 10 and the circuit board 40, space can be easily ensured between the display panel 30 and the circuit board 40, taking into account the height of the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 40 and the effects of heat generated by the electronic components.

[0064] (Notes)

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the fixing part 50 has four strip-shaped side holes 53a to 53d and four branch side holes 54a to 54d, but the number of strip-shaped side holes 53 and branch side holes 54 is not limited to this. Moreover, corresponding to the number of strip-shaped side holes 53 and branch side holes 54, the number of the display panel fixing protrusion 13 and the circuit board fixing hole 44 can also be changed respectively.

[0066] This invention is not limited to the various embodiments described, but various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical components disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An information display device, comprising: Front housing; The rear housing is connected to the front housing; as well as A display panel, a pair of fixing parts, and a circuit board are disposed inside a frame comprising the front housing and the rear housing. The display panel is disposed behind the front housing, the fixing parts are disposed behind the display panel, and the circuit board is disposed behind the fixing parts. Each of the fixing parts has: A straight, band-like portion; and A pair of branches branch from the long side of the strip-shaped portion in a direction intersecting the long side of the strip-shaped portion, and each branch has an end with a stepped extension relative to the rear of the strip-shaped portion. The branch portion has a first extension, a second extension forming a step, and a third extension serving as the end portion. The first extension extends parallel to the main surface of the strip portion from its long side, the second extension extends rearward from the front end of the first extension, and the third extension extends parallel to the main surface of the strip portion from the front end of the second extension. The ends are formed on the inner side of both ends of the strip-shaped portion in the direction of the long side. Each of the two ends of the strip-shaped portion is screwed to the front housing, thereby fixing the display panel between the pair of fixing portions and the front housing. The circuit board is fixed to a pair of fixing portions by being screwed to the ends of the two pairs of branches respectively.

2. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein... The two ends of the strip are screwed toward the front housing.

3. The information display device according to claim 2, wherein... The front housing has at least two pairs of protrusions. Each of the strip-shaped portions has its two ends screwed to a pair of protrusions.

4. The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The fixing part is formed by bending a plate-shaped component.

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