Sensor unit driving device and display device

Abstract

A sensor unit driving device is provided, which can accommodate the sensor unit while reducing the width of the bezel and preventing the bezel from protruding forward towards the display surface. Furthermore, it can smoothly move from the retracted state to measure the display surface. According to the present invention, a sensor unit driving device includes a sensor unit with a sensor and a driving mechanism. The sensor unit is disposed on the side of the display panel in a retracted position, and faces the display surface in a detection position. After the driving mechanism drives the sensor unit, the sensor unit moves, and the retracted position and detection position can be switched. The sensor unit can be moved to the detection position by a rotational operation of rotating around a rotation axis that is not perpendicular to the display surface from the retracted position and a bending operation of bending towards the display surface by means of a hinge structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor unit driving device and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] One proposed image display device has the function of measuring optical properties such as the luminance of the display surface and calibrating based on the measurement results. Patent document 1 discloses a sensor unit operating mechanism that can move a sensor unit with a light sensor between a storage position within a bezel surrounding the display surface and a measurement position on the display surface. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5202654 Summary of the Invention (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0004] In the sensor unit operating mechanism of Patent Document 1, the sensor unit is rotated between a storage position and a measurement position in front of the display surface. In this structure, to provide space within the bezel for housing the sensor unit, the bezel needs to protrude forward of the display surface by at least a portion forming that space, exceeding the thickness of the sensor unit, to ensure that the width of the bezel is greater than or equal to the width of the sensor unit. However, this constrains the bezel design. Especially when using a relatively large sensor unit capable of measuring a position near the center of the display surface, the protrusion and width of the bezel increase, potentially detracting from the aesthetics of the image display device.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a sensor unit driving device that does not require the bezel to protrude in front of the display surface, and can accommodate the sensor unit while reducing the bezel width. In addition, it can move smoothly from the folded state to measure the display surface. (Technical solution used to solve the problem)

[0006] According to the present invention, a sensor unit driving device is provided, comprising a sensor unit having a sensor; and a driving mechanism connected to and driving the sensor unit, wherein the sensor measures the optical characteristics of a display panel having a display surface for displaying images, the sensor unit being disposed on a side of the display panel in a retracted position and disposed facing the display surface in a detection position, the sensor unit being moved by the driving mechanism after being driven, thereby switching between the retracted position and the detection position, and the sensor unit being moved to the detection position by a rotational operation of rotating around a rotation axis not perpendicular to the display surface from the retracted position and a bending operation of bending towards the display surface by means of a hinge structure. (Invention Effects)

[0007] In the sensor unit driving device of this invention, the sensor unit is positioned on the side of the display panel in the retracted position, and faces the display surface in the detection position. The sensor unit in the retracted position moves to the detection position through rotation and bending operations. In this structure, it is not necessary to have the bezel protrude forward, and the bezel width can be reduced. Even relatively large sensor units, especially those that can reach near the center of the display, can be stored in the retracted position, while also allowing the sensor unit to be smoothly moved to the detection position.

[0008] The following describes various embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments can be combined with each other. Preferably, the side edge of the display panel is provided with a frame, and the sensor unit is configured to protrude from the frame through the rotation operation and then bend. Preferably, the driving mechanism is disposed on the side of the display panel, or across the side and back of the display panel. Preferably, the sensor unit is configured to initiate the bending operation midway through the rotation operation. Preferably, the hinge structure is disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit, and the sensor is disposed on the front end side of the sensor unit. Preferably, a sliding member is provided, which is connected to the hinge structure and disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit, and the sensor is disposed on the front end side of the sensor unit. Preferably, the sliding member has a first part connected to the hinge structure and a second part connected to the first part, the first part being rotatable relative to the second part. Preferably, the sliding member has a rotating operating pin at the end opposite to the side connected to the hinge structure. Preferably, the sensor unit has a bending operation pin, which is disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit with its two ends protruding from a pair of opposite sides of the sensor unit. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and an actuator. The first cam has a first groove and a second groove continuously formed with the first groove. The second cam has a third groove. The sensor unit performs the rotation operation by moving the rotation operation pin along the first groove. The sensor unit performs the bending operation by moving the rotation operation pin along the second groove and the bending operation pin along the third groove. Preferably, the hinge structure has a first inclined surface disposed on the drive mechanism side and a second inclined surface disposed on the sensor unit side, and the sensor unit performs the bending operation by sliding the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface against each other. Preferably, the sensor unit is retractable along its long side. Preferably, a display device is provided, which includes the above-described sensor unit driving device and the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device 1 equipped with the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the first embodiment, wherein, Figure 1 A indicates that sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position. Figure 1 B indicates that sensor unit 3 is in the detection position. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the sensor unit drive device 2 as seen from the upper rear side of the display panel 11 when the sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position. Figure 3 From Figure 2 A perspective view of the state of the sensor unit drive device 2 after the first cam 41 is removed. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the first embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the first embodiment, viewed from below. Figure 6 This is a top view of the first cam 41 of the sensor unit drive device 2 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is a side view of the second cam 42 of the sensor unit drive device 2 according to the first embodiment. exist Figure 8 middle, Figure 8 A is a schematic representation Figure 1The diagram shows the operation of the sensor unit drive device 2 in part A of section A, indicating the state of the sensor unit 3 in the retracted position. Figure 8 B indicates from Figure 8 A diagram showing the state after removing the first cam 41. exist Figure 9 middle, Figure 9 A indicates that sensor unit 3 is from Figure 8 A diagram showing the state of position A after a rotation operation. Figure 9 B indicates from Figure 9 A diagram showing the state after removing the first cam 41. exist Figure 10 middle, Figure 10 A indicates that sensor unit 3 is from Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of A after further rotation and bending operations. Figure 10 B indicates from Figure 10 A diagram showing the state after removing the first cam 41. exist Figure 11 middle, Figure 11 A indicates that sensor unit 3 is from Figure 10 A diagram showing the state of A after it moves to the detection position. Figure 11 B indicates from Figure 11 A diagram showing the state after removing the first cam 41. Figure 12 This diagram schematically illustrates the movement of the sliding member 7 and the bending operation pin 33 during the bending operation of the sensor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 A is Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of line BB of A. Figure 12 B is Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of line CC of A Figure 12 C is Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of line DD of A Figure 12 D is Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the EE line of A. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the sliding member 7 of the modified example 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the sliding member 7 of the modified example 2 of the first embodiment. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the second embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 15 A is a diagram showing the sensor unit 3 in the retracted position. Figure 15 B is a diagram showing the state of sensor unit 3 after it has rotated from the retracted position. Figure 15C is a diagram representing the state of sensor unit 3 at the detection position. Figure 16 This is a structural diagram showing the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the third embodiment in the retracted position, wherein, Figure 16 A is a top view of the sensor unit drive device 2. Figure 16 B is a side view. Figure 16 C is the view from below. Figure 17 This is a structural diagram of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the third embodiment during the rotation operation, wherein, Figure 17 A is a top view of the sensor unit drive device 2. Figure 17 B is the view from below. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fourth embodiment, wherein, Figure 18 A is a diagram showing the sensor unit 3 in the retracted position. Figure 18 B is a diagram representing the state of sensor unit 3 as it moves from the retreat position to the detection position. Figure 18 C is a diagram representing the state of sensor unit 3 at the detection position. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fifth embodiment, wherein, Figure 19 Figure A shows the state where the sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position and the sensor head 36 is housed within the frame 35. Figure 19 B is a diagram showing the state of sensor unit 3 in the detection position and sensor head 36 protruding from frame 35. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 in a modified example of the fifth embodiment, wherein, Figure 20 Figure A shows the state where the sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position and the sensor head 36 is housed within the frame 35. Figure 20 B is a diagram showing the state of sensor unit 3 in the detection position and sensor head 36 protruding from frame 35. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature independently constitutes the present invention.

[0011] 1. First Implementation Method 1.1. Basic Form Figure 1 A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of a display device 1 equipped with the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the vertical, front-back, and left-right directions of the display device 1 are as follows: Figure 1 As shown in Figure A. That is, the vertical direction is considered as the up-down direction, the directions facing left and right when facing the display surface 11a are considered as the left direction and right direction, respectively, and the directions facing front and rear when facing the display surface 11a are considered as the front direction and rear direction, respectively. The display device 1 includes a display panel 11, which has a display surface 11a for displaying images on its front side. The display device 1 also includes a housing 12, which at least partially covers the side and back (rear) surfaces of the display panel 11. Furthermore, a frame 13 is provided on the periphery of the side surface of the display panel 11 (specifically, on the periphery of the upper side surface). Here, the side surface of the display panel 11 refers to any one of the four surfaces connecting the front and rear surfaces of the display panel 11.

[0012] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the sensor unit driving device 2 includes a sensor unit 3 having a sensor 31 and a driving mechanism 4 connected to and driving the sensor unit 3. The sensor 31 is used to measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11 (such as physical quantities such as the luminance or chromaticity of the display surface 11a).

[0013] When sensor unit 3 is in such a state Figure 1 When in the retracted position shown in A, it is positioned on the side of the display panel 11, and when in such a position... Figure 1 At the detection position shown in B, the sensor 31 of the sensor unit 3 is configured to face the display surface 11a. When the drive mechanism 4 drives the sensor unit 3, the sensor unit 3 moves and switches between a retracted position and a detection position. In this embodiment, when the sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position, it is disposed on the upper side of the display panel 11 and housed within the housing 12. Figure 1 As shown in Figure B, an opening 14 is formed on the front of the frame 13, through which the sensor unit 3 can enter and exit. Although in Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B is omitted from viewpoint of visibility, but an openable and closable cover can also be provided at the opening 14 via a hinge structure. When the sensor unit 3 is in the retracted position, the opening 14 is closed by the cover, and a spring (not shown) applies force to it in the direction that closes the cover. When the sensor unit 3 begins to move from the retracted position to the detection position, the front end of the sensor unit 3 overcomes the force of the spring and pushes the cover open, protruding from the opening 14. When the sensor unit 3 moves from the detection position to the retracted position and is housed within the housing 12, the cover automatically closes due to the force of the spring. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to housing the sensor unit inside the housing; the sensor unit can also be disposed outside the housing, in which case it is not necessary to provide the opening 14 on the frame.

[0014] The sensor unit 3 is a plate-shaped component. In the retracted position, a sensor 31 is provided on the front end side of its lower surface, and a hinge structure 32 is provided on the base end side connected to the drive mechanism 4. A bending operation pin 33 is provided on the base end side of the sensor unit 3, with both ends of the bending operation pin 33 protruding from a pair of opposite sides of the sensor unit 3.

[0015] A rectangular light-shielding component (buffer component) 30 is bonded and fixed to the lower surface of the sensor unit 3 using adhesive methods such as double-sided tape or adhesive. A quadrangular light-receiving window 30a is cut out (cut out) at approximately the center of the light-shielding component 30, surrounding the sensor 31 and allowing the sensor 31 to receive light from the display surface 11a. When the sensor unit 3 is in the detection position, the light-receiving window 30a of the light-shielding component 30 is parallel and close to the display surface 11a. Materials for the light-shielding component 30 include, for example, paper, resin sheet, flocked paper, flocked sheet, felt, sponge, rubber, elastomer, etc. Flocked paper or flocked sheet is preferred because it has excellent light absorption and buffering properties, effectively blocking light while suppressing the load applied to the display surface 11a.

[0016] The sensor unit driving device 2 of this embodiment includes a sliding member 7, which is connected to the hinge structure 32 and disposed at the base end of the sensor unit 3. The sliding member 7 has a connecting portion 71 connected to the hinge structure 32 and a rotating operating pin 72 protruding upward at the end opposite to the connecting portion 71. A slit-shaped through hole 73 is formed between the connecting portion 71 and the rotating operating pin 72 along the long side direction of the sliding member 7. One end of the protrusion 46a is fixed to the first base 46, and the other end is inserted into the slit-shaped through hole 73. The outer diameter of the protrusion 46a is designed to be slightly smaller than the width of the slit-shaped through hole 73 so that the sliding member 7 can move relative to the protrusion 46a along the long side direction.

[0017] The drive mechanism 4 spans the side (in this embodiment, the upper side) and the back side of the display panel 11 where the sensor unit 3 is positioned in the retracted position. The drive mechanism 4 includes a first cam 41, a second cam 42, and an actuator 43. The drive mechanism 4 also includes: a pinion component 44 and a gear component 45 for transmitting power generated by the actuator 43; a first base 46 for mounting the drive mechanism 4 to the display device 1; a second base 47 with the gear component 45 and the second cam 42 disposed thereon; a washer 48 disposed between the first base 46 and the second base 47; and a bracket 49 for mounting the actuator 43 to the first base 46. These components are connected to each other by screws or protrusions. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the above-described structural components are manufactured as independent units and then connected together, it is also possible to manufacture a portion of the above-described structural components as a single integral component. For example, the gear component 45, the second cam 42, and the second base 47 can be made into a single integrated component.

[0018] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first cam 41 is a flat plate component, having a first groove 51 and a second groove 52 continuously formed with the first groove 51. A first screw hole 53 is formed near the end of the second groove 52, and a second screw hole 54 and a third screw hole 55 are formed near the first groove 51. The first cam 41 is fixed to the first base 46 by screws and protrusions screwed into each screw hole. The first groove 51 is arc-shaped from its beginning 51a to its end 51b, with the center of the arc approximately coinciding with the center P of the first screw hole 53, and the central angle of the arc is approximately 45°. The second groove 52 is formed such that, from the end 51b of the first groove 51 as its beginning 52a to the end 52b of the second groove 52 formed near the first screw hole 53, it is a straight line in the direction from the beginning 52a toward approximately the first screw hole 53. The rotating operating pin 72 of the sliding member 7 is inserted into the first groove 51 and the second groove 52, and the rotating operating pin 72 can move along each groove.

[0019] like Figures 2 to 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the second cam 42 is a pair of generally cuboid components, configured across the sensor unit 3, with its bottom surface fixed to the second base 47 by screws. A third groove 56 is formed on the side of each second cam 42 relative to the sensor unit 3. The third groove 56 is generally L-shaped and includes a first portion 57 and a second portion 58. The first portion 57 extends from the starting end 57a in a direction along the front end of the sensor unit 3 in the retracted position to the terminal 57b. The second portion 58 starts at the terminal 57b of the first portion 57 and extends perpendicularly from the starting end 58a to the terminal 58b relative to the first portion. In this embodiment, the first portion 57 extends horizontally from the starting end 57a to the terminal 57b, and the second portion 58 extends vertically downward from the starting end 58a to the terminal 58b. The two ends of the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 are respectively inserted into the third groove 56, and the bending operation pin 33 can move along the third groove 56.

[0020] In this embodiment, the actuator 43 is a motor that converts electrical energy into rotational motion and transmits it to the gear component 45 via a pinion component 44. The gear component 45 is disposed below the first cam 41, and its bottom surface is fixed to the second base 47 by screws. The gear component 45 has a gear portion 45a, which is generally semi-circular in plan view, and a pair of protrusions 45b protruding upward from the gear portion 45a. The sliding member 7 is mounted in the mounting groove 45c between the pair of protrusions 45b in a manner that allows it to slide along the mounting groove 45c. The gear portion 45a has teeth arranged along a semi-circular arc. An insertion hole 45d is formed at the center of the semi-circle, and the gear component 45 is rotatable about a protrusion 46a inserted into the insertion hole 45d as a rotation axis. After the rotational motion of the actuator 43 is transmitted to the gear component 45, the gear component 45 rotates, thereby allowing the sliding member 7 placed in the mounting groove 45c, the second base 47 on which the gear component 45 is fixed, and the pair of second cams 42 fixed on the second base 47 to rotate together.

[0021] The insertion hole 45d of the gear component 45, the slit-shaped through hole 73 of the sliding member 7 mounted in the mounting groove 45c, and the first screw hole 53 of the first cam 41 are arranged continuously in the vertical direction. A screw 53a, which is screwed into the first screw hole 53, is installed on the protrusion 46a that is inserted into the insertion hole 45d and the slit-shaped through hole 73. The pinion component 44 includes: a cylindrical portion 44a having a cylindrical shape and connected to the actuator 43; and a gear portion 44b provided on the end face of the cylindrical portion 44a. Gear teeth that mesh with the gear teeth of the gear component 45 are formed on the side of the gear portion 44b.

[0022] Next, refer to Figure 8 A to Figure 12 D. The operation of the sensor unit drive device 2 is explained. Figure 8A to Figure 11 B schematically represents Figure 1 The operations in part A of A are shown in the figure, omitting the outer shell 12 and the border 13. Figure 12 A to Figure 12 D schematically represents Figure 8 A, Figure 9 A, Figure 10 A, Figure 11 The cross-section of the surface containing the third groove 56 of the second cam 42 in state A. Specifically, Figure 12 A schematic representation Figure 8 The cross section of line BB in A. Figure 12 B indicates Figure 9 The cross section of line CC in A, Figure 12 C represents Figure 10 The cross section of line DD in A, Figure 12 D represents Figure 11 The cross section of line EE in section A. It should be noted that... Figure 12 A to Figure 12 From a visibility perspective, components other than sensor unit 3, sliding member 7, second cam 42, protrusion 46a, and first base 46 are omitted or simplified in figure B. Furthermore, the dashed lines in the figure indicate the height of the upper side of display panel 11.

[0023] exist Figure 8 A and Figure 8 At the retracted position shown in B, the sensor unit 3 is disposed on the upper side of the display panel 11. In this state, the rotation operation pin 72 of the sliding member 7 is located at the beginning end 51a of the first groove 51, and the protrusion 46a is located at the end of the connecting portion 71 of the slit-shaped through hole 73. Figure 12 As shown in Figure A, the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 is located at the beginning 57a of the first part 57 of the third groove 56. When the drive mechanism 4 drives the sensor unit 3, the gear component 45 rotates about the protrusion 46a as the axis of rotation. As the gear component 45 rotates, the rotating operation pin 72 moves along the first groove 51 of the first cam 41, thereby causing the sliding member 7 mounted in the mounting groove 45c to rotate about the protrusion 46a as the axis of rotation. In this way, the sensor unit 3 connected to the sliding member 7 rotates and becomes... Figure 9 A and Figure 9State B. At this time, the sensor unit 3 becomes protruding from the frame 13 due to the rotation operation. It should be noted that the so-called "rotation" in this invention refers to the rotation operation in which the sensor unit 3 rotates from the retracted position around a rotation axis that is not perpendicular to the display surface 11a along the side of the display panel 11 on which the sensor unit 3 is positioned when it is in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 3 rotates counterclockwise around a rotation axis parallel to the display surface 11a (specifically, around the protrusion 46a) along the upper side of the display panel 11 when viewed from above.

[0024] exist Figure 9 A and Figure 9 In state B, the rotating operating pin 72 is located at the end 51b of the first groove 51. In this embodiment, the central angle of the arc of the first groove 51 is designed to be approximately 45°, so the sensor unit 3 will be in a state where it rotates approximately 45° around the rotation axis. It should be noted that the central angle of the arc of the first groove 51 is not limited to this embodiment, and the design can be appropriately modified. In this state, the protrusion 46a remains at the end on the side of the connection portion 71 of the slit-shaped through hole 73. Furthermore, as Figure 12 As shown in B, the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 is held at the beginning 57a of the first part 57 of the third groove 56.

[0025] Gear component 45 from Figure 9 A and Figure 9 After state B is further rotated, the rotation operation pin 72 moves from the end 51b of the first groove 51 along the direction of the second groove 52. At the same time, the sliding member 7 moves relative to the protrusion 46a along its long side. That is, the sliding member 7 moves along the mounting groove 45c toward the sensor unit 3. As the sliding member 7 moves, the sensor unit 3 rotates while moving along the third groove 56 via the bending operation pin 33, allowing it to bend toward the display surface 11a via the hinge structure 32. That is, the sensor unit 3 begins the bending operation during the rotation operation starting from the retracted position. Specifically, by moving the first part 57 of the third groove 56 from the beginning 57a to the end 57b via the bending operation pin 33, the sensor unit 3 moves from a pair of second cams 42 in the direction of being pushed out. When it comes into contact with the end 57b of the first part 57, the bending operation pin 33 moves along the second part 58, and the sensor unit 3 bends toward the display surface 11a.

[0026] Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B is a diagram showing sensor unit 3 during the bending operation. In this state, the rotating operating pin 72 is located in the middle of the second groove 52, and the protrusion is located in the middle of the long side of the slit-shaped through hole 73. Figure 12As shown in Figure C, the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 is located at the terminal 58b of the second part 58 of the third slot 56. Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B indicates that sensor unit 3 is from Figure 10 A and Figure 10 State B is further rotated and bent, and then positioned at the detection position. In this state, the rotating pin 72 is located at the end 52b of the second groove 52, and the protrusion 46a is located at the end of the rotating pin 72 side of the slit-shaped through hole 73. Figure 12 As shown in Figure D, the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 is located at the beginning 58a of the second part 58 of the third groove 56. The sensor unit 3 rotates 90° from its retracted position along the upper side of the display panel 11 to form a 90° bent state. As a result, the sensor 31 can face the display surface 11a and measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11. Furthermore, by performing the above series of operations in reverse order, the sensor unit 3 can be moved from the detection position to the retracted position and stored in the housing 12.

[0027] like Figure 12 A to Figure 12 As shown in Figure D, when the sensor unit 3 bends 90°, the sliding member 7 moves horizontally along its long side, while the vertical positions of the connecting part 71 and the rotating operating pin 72 remain unchanged. After the bending operating pin 33 moves from the beginning 57a of the first part 57 of the third groove 56 to the end 57b, it moves along the second part 58 to the end 58b, and further moves from the end 58b of the second part 58 to the beginning 58a. The sensor unit 3 bends by means of the hinge structure 32, using the bending operating pin 33 moving along the third groove 56 as a rotation axis. In this structure, where the bending operating pin 33, serving as the rotation axis for bending, can move along the third groove 56, the vertical position of the sliding member 7 does not change when the sensor unit 3 performs a bending operation. Therefore, the sliding member 7 can slide stably along the mounting groove 45c, and the rotating operating pin 72 can move stably within the second groove 52 of the first cam 41.

[0028] In the aforementioned sensor unit driving device 2 structure, the sensor unit 3 is positioned on the side of the display panel 11 in the retracted position. When driven by the driving mechanism 4, it moves towards the detection position through rotation and bending operations. In this structure, it is not necessary for the frame 13 to protrude forward, meaning the width of the frame 13 can be made as small as the thickness of the sensor unit 3. This allows even relatively large sensor units 3 capable of measuring near the center of the display surface 11a to be housed in the retracted position and to move smoothly between the retracted and detection positions.

[0029] By using the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 to form the drive mechanism 4, and moving the rotation operation pin 72 of the sliding member 7 along the first groove 51 and the second groove 52, and moving the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 along the third groove 56, it is possible to drive the rotation operation and bending operation of the sensor unit 3 with one actuator 43.

[0030] 1.2. Variation Example 1 Although the first embodiment describes a bending operation pin 33, which serves as the rotation axis for bending operations, as being able to move along the third groove 56, it is possible to make it so that the bending operation pin 33 does not move relative to the second cam 42 during bending operations. In this case, the vertical position of the sliding member 7 does not change when the sensor unit 3 performs a bending operation. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the height of the mounting groove 45c and the protruding length of the rotation operation pin 72. Alternatively, a device made of... Figure 13 The sliding member 7 shown consists of two components. While the sliding member 7 in this modified example is connected to the hinge structure 32 of the sensor unit 3 and disposed at the base end of the sensor unit 3 in the same manner as the sliding member 7 in the first embodiment, it differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a first component 7a connected to the hinge structure 32 and a second component 7b connected to the first component 7a, and the first component 7a is rotatable relative to the second component 7b. The connecting portion 7c between the first component 7a and the second component 7b has a hinge structure. Furthermore, a rotational operating pin 72 is provided at the end of the second component 7b on the side opposite to the connecting portion 7c.

[0031] In this modified example, the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 does not move relative to the second cam 42 and is inserted in a rotatable manner. While the sensor unit 3 bends 90°, the first component 7a rotates upwards and then downwards around the connecting portion 7c from a state parallel to the second component 7b, eventually returning to a state parallel to the second component 7b. The second component 7b moves horizontally along its long side, but its position in the vertical direction of the rotation operation pin 72 does not change. In this structure, the first component 7a absorbs the vertical positional change of the sliding member 7, while the vertical position of the second component 7b remains unchanged. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the height of the mounting groove 45c or the protruding length of the rotation operation pin 72 to correspond to vertical positional changes.

[0032] 1.3. Variation Example 2 Figure 14This illustrates another example of a sliding member 7 consisting of two parts. In contrast to the sliding member 7 of Modified Example 1, where the first part 7a can rotate relative to the second part 7b, the sliding member 7 of this modified example is configured such that the first part 7a can move relative to the second part 7b in one axial direction (vertical direction in this example). The first part 7a is provided with protrusions 7a1 projecting from a pair of opposing side surfaces. The protrusions 7a1 are inserted into an elongated hole 7b1 provided on the second part 7b and can move vertically within the elongated hole 7b1 along its long side.

[0033] As sensor unit 3 bends 90°, protrusion 7a1 moves along elongated hole 7b1, causing first component 7a to move upward relative to second component 7b and then downward, eventually returning to its original position. Figure 14 The state shown is such that the second component 7b moves horizontally along its long side, but the vertical position of the rotating operating pin 72 does not change. In this structure, the vertical position of the second component 7b does not change, so it is not necessary to adjust the height of the mounting groove 45c or the protruding length of the rotating operating pin 72 to correspond to changes in vertical position.

[0034] 1.4. Variation Example 3 In the first embodiment, although the drive mechanism 4 is provided across the side and back sides of the display panel 11, it is also possible to provide the drive mechanism 4 on the side side of the display panel 11. Specifically, the pinion gear member 44 and actuator 43, which are provided on the back side of the display panel 11 in the first embodiment, can be provided on the side side of the display panel 11. For example, in the first embodiment, although the gear portion 45a of the gear member 45 and the gear portion 44b of the pinion gear member 44 are formed in the shape of spur gears, it is also possible to form a worm gear mechanism in which the gear portion 45a of the gear member 45 is formed in the shape of a worm gear and the gear portion 44b of the pinion gear member 44 is formed in the shape of a worm. In this case, the rotation axis of the gear portion 44b of the pinion gear member 44 is parallel to the side side of the display panel 11 (the upper side in the first embodiment), and the pinion gear member 44 and actuator 43 can be provided on the side side of the display panel 11.

[0035] 1.5. Variation Example 4 In the first embodiment, although the rotation and bending operations of the sensor unit 3 are driven by a single actuator 43, two actuators 43 can also be provided on the drive mechanism 4, with one actuator 43 driving the rotation operation and the other driving the bending operation. In this case, although the number of actuators 43 increases compared to the drive mechanism 4 of the first embodiment, the first cam 41, the second cam 42, and the sliding member 7 are not required. It should be noted that the structure can be configured such that the power generated by the two actuators 43 directly drives the sensor unit 3, or it can be configured such that a power transmission component such as a gear is arranged between any one or both of the actuators 43 and the sensor unit 3 for indirect drive. Furthermore, the drive for the rotation operation performed by one actuator 43 and the drive for the bending operation performed by the other actuator 43 can be started simultaneously, the drive for the bending operation can be started during the rotation operation, or the bending operation can be started after the rotation operation has ended.

[0036] 2. Second Implementation Method Next, the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The difference in the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the second embodiment lies in the structure of the driving mechanism 4.

[0037] Figure 15 A to Figure 15 C is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the second embodiment, schematically showing the operation mode when viewed from directly above the sensor unit driving device 2. In such... Figure 15 At the retracted position shown in Figure A, the sensor unit 3, indicated by dashed lines, is positioned on the upper side of the display panel 11. The sensor unit 3 is provided with a hinge structure 32, around which it can be bent. Furthermore, a force-applying component (not shown) is mounted on the hinge structure 32, which can apply force in the direction that causes the sensor unit 3 to bend towards the display surface 11a. The force-applying component is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The sensor unit 3 is connected to the drive mechanism 4 via a connecting component 8.

[0038] The drive mechanism 4 includes a first cam 41, a second cam 42, a first rack and pinion mechanism 61, a second rack and pinion mechanism 62, a first force-applying member 63, a second force-applying member 64, and an actuator 43 (not shown) rotatably driving the first cam 41 and the second cam 42. The first cam 41 and the second cam 42 can rotate about the same axis. From a top view, the sides of the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 have a first arcuate surface 41a and a second arcuate surface 42a formed as arcs centered on the rotation axis, and a first curved surface 41b and a second curved surface 42b whose distance from the rotation axis varies. The first rack and pinion mechanism 61 includes a first rack 61a and a first pinion 61b. The front end of the first rack 61a abuts against the first cam 41, and by means of the first force-applying member 63 disposed on the base end side, it can be driven in the direction toward the first cam 41. Figure 15 A force is applied to the right (in the direction of A). The first force-applying component 63 is, for example, a compression spring. The teeth of the first pinion 61b engage with the first rack 61a, and the rotation axis is connected to the connecting component 8. With this structure, when the first pinion 61b rotates, the sensor unit 3 rotates around the rotation axis of the first pinion 61b.

[0039] The second rack and pinion mechanism 62 includes a second rack 62a and a second pinion 62b. The front end of the second rack 62a abuts against the second cam 42, and can be directed toward the second cam 42 by means of the second force-applying member 64 disposed on the base end side. Figure 15 The second force-applying component 64 is, for example, a compression spring. The teeth of the second pinion 62b engage with the second rack 62a. Furthermore, a wire spool (not shown) for storing the wire 65 is mounted on the second pinion 62b. When the second pinion 62b is in one direction (…),… Figure 15 When A rotates counterclockwise, metal wire 65 is continuously pulled out from the wire tube. When it rotates in the other direction (…), the metal wire 65 is continuously pulled out from the wire tube. Figure 15 When A rotates clockwise, the metal wire 65 is wound around the metal wire tube.

[0040] One end of the metal wire 65 is connected to the sensor unit 3. (The rest of the text appears to be incomplete and requires further context.) Figure 15 At the retracted position shown in A, the metal wire 65, under tension, spans between the sensor unit 3 and the wire tube. Due to the tension of the metal wire 65, the sensor unit 3 can be positioned horizontally without bending, overcoming the force exerted by the force-applying components mounted on the hinge structure 32.

[0041] Next, the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 in this embodiment will be described. When the actuator 43 is from Figure 15In state A, the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 rotate clockwise. Through the force applied by the first force-applying component 63, the front end of the first rack 61a abuts against the first curved surface 41b of the first cam 41 and moves to the right. As the first rack 61a moves, the first pinion 61b rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the sensor unit 3 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the display surface 11a along the upper side of the display panel 11, forming a projection from the frame 13... Figure 15 As shown in Figure B, while the sensor unit 3 rotates, the second rack 62a abuts against the second arc surface 42a of the second cam 42, thus it does not move in the left-right direction, and the second pinion 62b does not rotate. The tension of the wire 65 maintains the sensor unit 3 from bending.

[0042] When from such Figure 15 As shown in Figure B, after the sensor unit 3 has rotated 90° from its retracted position, the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 rotate further clockwise, causing the sensor unit 3 to begin bending towards the display surface 11a. Specifically, the front end of the second rack 62a abuts against the second curved surface 42b of the second cam 42, thereby resisting the force applied by the second force-applying component 64 and moving to the right. As the second rack 62a moves, the second pinion 62b rotates counterclockwise, thereby pulling the wire 65 out of the wire tube. As the wire 65 relaxes and the tension decreases, the force applied by the force-applying component mounted on the hinge structure 32 causes the sensor unit 3 to bend around the hinge structure 32. Figure 15 Figure C shows the state of the sensor unit 3 after it is bent 90° toward the display surface 11a and positioned in the detection position. During the bending operation of the sensor unit 3, the first rack 61a abuts against the first arc surface 41a of the first cam 41 and does not move in the left-right direction, and the first pinion 61b does not rotate. Therefore, the sensor unit 3 does not rotate during the bending operation. Furthermore, by performing the above series of operations in the reverse order, the sensor unit 3 can be moved from the detection position to the retracted position and housed within the housing 12.

[0043] Similarly, in the structure of the second embodiment, the sensor unit 3 can be positioned on the side of the display panel 11 when in the retracted position, and can be smoothly moved between the retracted position and the detection position through rotation and bending operations. Furthermore, by using the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 to form the drive mechanism 4, the rotation and bending operations of the sensor unit 3 can be driven by a single actuator 43.

[0044] It should be noted that although in the above structure, the bending operation begins only after the sensor unit 3 has rotated 90°, the timing of the rotation and bending operations is not limited to this. The bending operation can also be started during the rotation operation or the rotation and bending operations can be started simultaneously by changing the shape of the first cam 41 and the second cam 42.

[0045] 3. Third Implementation Method Next, the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The differences in the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the third embodiment are: the structure of the hinge structure 32 of the sensor unit 3 and the structure of the driving mechanism 4.

[0046] Figure 16 A to Figure 16 C is a structural diagram of the sensor unit driving device 2 in the retracted position according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 A is a top view of the sensor unit drive device 2. Figure 16 B is a side view. Figure 16 C is a view from below. The sensor unit drive device 2 includes a body frame 90 arranged along the side of the display panel 11, a sensor unit 3 housing a sensor 31, and a drive mechanism 4 for driving the sensor unit 3. In this embodiment, the sensor unit drive device 2 is arranged on the upper side of the display panel 11, and the rectangular plate-shaped body frame 90 is arranged along the long side (left-right direction) of the upper side. The sensor unit 3 and the body frame 90 are connected by a spindle 91.

[0047] A guide member 92 is integrally provided at the end of the sensor unit 3 side of the main frame 90, and a sliding member 34 that slides along the guide member 92 is integrally provided at the end of the main frame 90 side of the sensor unit 3. In this embodiment, the guide member 92 and the sliding member 34 constitute a hinge structure 32 for realizing the bending operation of the sensor unit 3. A notch shape is formed on the main frame 90 side of the sensor unit 3 to avoid contact with the guide member 92 during rotation operation. A first inclined surface 92a is formed on the guide member 92, and a second inclined surface 34a is formed on the sliding member 34. The first inclined surface 92a and the second inclined surface 34a are configured to slide relative to each other.

[0048] The leaf spring 34b is mounted on the surface opposite to the second inclined surface 34a of the sliding member 34, facing the main frame 90. The leaf spring 34b is integrally formed by stamping a metal plate and is fixed by screws or other fastening methods. A flexible flat cable 93 extends from the sensor unit 3 and is used to connect to the control board (not shown) of the display device 1. The leaf spring 34b moves with the sensor unit 3 but does not contact the flexible flat cable 93. It should be noted that the present invention can also be configured with the leaf spring 34b mounted on the main frame 90, and the sliding member 34 contacting the guide member 92. Furthermore, other springs such as disc springs, torsion springs, and coil springs, or other elastic components such as rubber, can be used instead of the leaf spring 34b.

[0049] At the retracted position, a predetermined gap S1 is provided between the first inclined surface 92a of the guide member 92 and the second inclined surface 34a of the sliding member 34. By adjusting the size of the gap S1, the timing of the bending operation starting after the rotation operation of the sensor unit 3 can be changed. In this embodiment, the size of the gap S1 is set such that the bending operation starts midway through the rotation operation of the sensor unit 3. It should be noted that the bending operation can start simultaneously with the rotation operation, or it can start midway through the rotation operation, or it can start after the rotation operation has ended. In order to prevent the sensor unit 3 from contacting the frame 13 during the rotation operation, it is preferable to set the size of the gap S1 such that the bending operation starts midway through or after the rotation operation.

[0050] An arm 94 for operating the spindle 91 is mounted on the main frame 90. The arm 94 includes a first arm 94a, a second arm 94b, and a slider 94c connecting the first arm 94a and the second arm 94b. The first arm 94a is rotatably mounted on the main frame 90 via an integrally formed rotating shaft. The second arm 94b is mounted on the main frame 90 by a screw 94b1 and is rotatable about the screw 94b1. Furthermore, one end of the second arm 94b is connected to the spindle 91.

[0051] The first shape memory alloy wire 96 and the second shape memory alloy wire 97, which are electrically connected to the electrode wire 95, are connected to the first arm 94a by a fixing screw 98. When the first shape memory alloy wire 96 and the second shape memory alloy wire 97 are energized, they extend and retract, thereby rotating the first arm 94a and the second arm 94b. Consequently, the mandrel 91 also rotates around the screw 94b1 as its axis of rotation. It should be noted that the rotation drive mechanism of the first arm 94a is not limited to shape memory alloy wires; other devices such as motors or solenoids can also be used.

[0052] Next, the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 A to Figure 16 At the retraction position shown in C, a gap S1 exists between the first inclined surface 92a of the guide component 92 and the second inclined surface 34a of the sliding component 34. When the second shape memory alloy wire 97 is energized and contracts, as... Figure 17 A and Figure 17 As shown in Figure B, the first arm 94a and the second arm 94b rotate in one direction, and the spindle 91 rotates. As a result, the sensor unit 3 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the display surface 11 along the upper side of the display panel 11 and protrudes from the frame 13. During this rotation, the first inclined surface 92a and the second inclined surface 34a approach each other, and the gap S1 gradually decreases.

[0053] As the second shape memory alloy wire 97 further contracts, the first inclined surface 92a contacts and begins to slide against the second inclined surface 34a. Simultaneously, the sensor unit 3 rotates while bending towards the display surface 11a. Specifically, the first inclined surface 92a is pressed by the second inclined surface 34a, thus pressing the sensor unit 3 in a direction close to the display surface 11a. It should be noted that the second inclined surface 34a is subjected to a force from a leaf spring 34b applied in a direction close to the first inclined surface 92a to a degree that does not impede the bending operation. In this way, the first inclined surface 92a and the second inclined surface 34a can be kept in contact and allowed to slide. When the sensor unit 3 is bent 90° towards the display surface 11a and positioned in the detection position, the power supply to the second shape memory alloy wire 97 is stopped. This allows the sensor 31 to face the display surface 11a and measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11.

[0054] When the sensor unit 3 is moved from the detection position to the retraction position, the first shape memory alloy wire 96 is energized. The first shape memory alloy wire 96 retracts, and the first arm 94a rotates in the other direction. By performing the above series of operations in the reverse order, the sensor unit 3 can be moved from the detection position to the retraction position and stored in the housing 12.

[0055] 4. Fourth Implementation Method Next, the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The difference in the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fourth embodiment lies in the structure of the driving mechanism 4.

[0056] In such Figure 18At the retracted position shown in Figure A, the sensor unit 3 is disposed on the upper side of the display panel 11. A hinge structure 32 is provided on the base end side of the sensor unit 3, and the sensor unit 3 can be bent around the hinge structure 32. A bending operation pin 33 is provided on the base end side of the sensor unit 3, and the two ends of the bending operation pin 33 protrude from a pair of opposite sides of the sensor unit 3.

[0057] The drive mechanism 4, connected to the sensor unit 3, is arranged across the upper and rear sides. The drive mechanism 4 includes a support member 50, an actuator 43, a pinion member 44, and a gear member 45. The support member 50 is a pair of generally cuboid components, disposed across the sensor unit 3, and its bottom surface is fixed to the second base 47. The two ends of the bending operation pin 33 are inserted into the sides of each support member 50 opposite to the sensor unit 3 in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to the support member 50.

[0058] The gear component 45 is mounted on the second base 47 with a screw 47a and is rotatable about the screw 47a as a rotation axis. The rotational motion of the actuator 43 is transmitted to the gear component 45 through the pinion component 44, causing the gear component 45 to rotate. As a result, the second base 47, on which the gear component 45 is fixed, a pair of indicator components fixed on the second base 47, and the sensor unit 3, on which the bent operating pin 33 is inserted into the support component, rotate about the screw 47a as a rotation axis.

[0059] Next, the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 in this embodiment will be explained. When the actuator 43 is from Figure 18 When operating in state A, the gear component 45 rotates, and the sensor unit 3 begins to rotate. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 3 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the display surface 11a. Specifically, it rotates counterclockwise along the upper side of the display panel 11 with the screw 47a as the rotation axis, and performs a rotational operation that is viewed from above.

[0060] like Figure 18 As shown in Figure B, the sensor unit 3 rotates while simultaneously bending about the bending operation pin 33 as a rotation axis and bending towards the display surface 11a. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 3 is configured such that its lower surface contacts the upper side of the display panel 11 in the retracted position. When the rotation operation begins from the retracted position and the sensor unit 3 protrudes from the frame 13, the lower surface of the sensor unit 3 contacts a portion of the leading edge of the display panel 11, and simultaneously bends towards the display surface 11a by falling under its own weight via the hinge structure 32.

[0061] Figure 18 C represents sensor unit 3 from Figure 18The diagram shows the state after further performing rotation and bending operations in state B, and then positioning the sensor unit 3 in the detection position. The sensor unit 3 rotates 90° from its horizontal position along the upper side of the display panel 11 in the retracted position, forming a 90° bent state. This allows the sensor 31 to face the display surface 11a and measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11. When the sensor unit 3 is moved from the detection position to the retracted position, the above series of actions are performed in reverse order. At this time, as the sensor unit 3 rotates, its lower surface contacts a portion of the leading edge of the display panel 11 and is lifted by the leading edge, allowing it to rotate about the bending operation pin 33 as the rotation axis away from the display surface 11a and ultimately form a horizontal state.

[0062] It should be noted that the present invention can also be configured such that a force-applying component (not shown) is mounted on the hinge structure 32, so that the sensor unit 3 applies force in the direction in which it bends toward the display surface 11a around the hinge structure 32. The force-applying component is, for example, a torsion coil spring. Thus, at the detection position, the sensor unit 3 can be pressed closer to the display surface 11a. Furthermore, even when the sensor unit 3 is positioned on a side other than the upper side of the display panel 11 in the retracted position, the sensor unit 3 can still bend toward the display surface 11a.

[0063] 5. Fifth Implementation Method Next, the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The difference between the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment is that the sensor unit 3 can extend and retract in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] 5.1. Basic Form Figure 19 A and Figure 19 B is a perspective view showing the operation of the sensor unit driving device 2 according to the fifth embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 19 A and Figure 19 In B, for visibility reasons, the first cam 41 is omitted. The sensor unit 3 in this embodiment includes a frame 35 (shown by dashed lines) and a sensor head 36.

[0065] The sensor head 36 is a plate-shaped component, as in... Figure 19At the retraction position shown in Figure A, a sensor 31 is mounted on the lower surface. The sensor head 36 is configured to be able to enter and exit through the frame 35. In this embodiment, an opening 37 is formed on the end face of the front end of the sensor unit 3, through which the sensor head 36 enters and exits. The sensor head 36 and the inner wall 38 of the frame 35 are connected by a force-applying member 39, which applies force to the sensor head 36 from the opening 37 in the pushing direction. The force-applying member 39 is, for example, a compression spring. A base pin 46b is provided on the first base 46, and the base pin 46b is connected to one end of a wire 66. A wire guide 45e is provided on the top of the gear component 45, and the height of the wire guide 45e is such that it does not interfere with the first cam 41 disposed above the gear component 45. The wire 66 extends to the sensor head 36 via the wire guide 45e, and the other end is connected to the sensor head 36.

[0066] In such Figure 19 At the retracted position shown in Figure A, the metal wire 66 is stretched from the base pin 46b to the sensor head 36 under tension. Due to the tension of the metal wire 66 resisting the force applied by the force-applying component 39, the sensor head 36 is pulled into the frame 35 and housed therein. When the drive mechanism 4 drives the sensor unit 3, through the same rotation and bending operations as in the first embodiment, the sensor unit 3 moves to the position shown in Figure A. Figure 19 The detection position is shown in B. Specifically, as the gear component 45 rotates, the distance between the wire guide 45e and the base pin 46b decreases, and the tension of the wire decreases. The force applied by the force-applying component 39 causes at least a portion of the sensor head 36 to protrude from the opening 37. As a result, the sensor 31 can face the display surface 11a and measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11. It should be noted that the protrusion length of the sensor head 36 from the frame 35 can be adjusted by appropriately setting the distance between the rotation center of the gear component 45 and the wire guide 45e. Furthermore, by performing the above series of operations in reverse order, the sensor unit 3 can be moved from the detection position to the retracted position while the sensor head 36 is housed in the frame 35.

[0067] In the structure of the sensor unit driving device 2 of this embodiment, the sensor unit 3 is extendable and retractable along its long side. Therefore, at the detection position, the sensor head 36 can protrude from the frame 35 and reach a position closer to the center of the display. Furthermore, at the retracted position, the sensor head 36 can be stored inside the frame 35, thereby allowing it to be compactly stored.

[0068] It should be noted that although in this embodiment one end of the wire 66 is connected to the base pin 46b fixed on the first base 46, the connection method of the wire is not limited to this. For example, one end of the wire 66 can also be connected to a wire spool (not shown) mounted on the spindle of an actuator such as a motor (not shown), so that the wire 66 can be continuously pulled out or wound up from the wire spool. In this structure, the tension can be increased or decreased by winding and pulling out the wire 66, so that the protrusion length of the sensor head 36 from the frame 35 can be freely adjusted.

[0069] Furthermore, the telescopic structure of the sensor unit 3 in this embodiment can be any sensor unit driving device 2 structure, as long as it can be equipped with a metal wire guide 45e for adjusting the base pin 46b and the distance to the base pin 46b. For example, this telescopic structure can be applied to the sensor unit driving device 2 in embodiments 2 to 4. 5.2. Variation Example Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B indicates a variation of the fifth embodiment. In this variation, the sensor head 36 and the inner wall 38 of the frame 35 are connected by a force-applying member 39, which applies force in the direction of pulling the sensor head 36 into the frame 35. The force-applying member 39 is, for example, a tension spring. Furthermore, two metal wires 66 are used, one end of which is connected to the side of a pair of second cams 42. A pair of pulleys 40 are provided on the inner wall of the sensor unit 3, separated from the sensor head 36. The metal wires 66 pass through the pulleys 40 and are connected as a second end to the side of the drive mechanism 4 of the sensor head 36.

[0070] In such Figure 20 At the retracted position shown in Figure A, the rotation operation pin 72 of the sliding member 7 is located at the beginning end 51a of the first groove 51, and the bending operation pin 33 of the sensor unit 3 is located at the beginning end 57a of the first part 57 of the third groove 56. In this state, the sensor head 36 is pulled in and housed in the frame 35 by the force applied by the force application member 39. After the drive mechanism 4 drives the sensor unit 3, the sensor unit 3 moves to the position shown in Figure A through the same rotation and bending operations as in the first embodiment. Figure 20The detection position is shown in B. Specifically, the sliding member 7 moves towards the sensor unit 3 along the mounting groove 45c of the gear member 45, and the bending operation pin 33 moves along the first part 57 of the third groove 56, thereby moving the sensor unit 3 in the direction of being pushed out from the pair of second cams 42. With this movement of the sensor unit 3, the distance between one end of the wire 66 connected to the second cam 42 and the pulley 40 increases, thereby pulling the sensor head 36 connected to the other end of the wire 66 towards the pulley 40. Due to the tension of the wire 66, the sensor head 36 protrudes from the opening 37 against the force applied by the force-applying member 39. After the bending operation pin 33 reaches the end 57b of the first part 57 of the third groove 56, as it moves along the second part 58, the distance between one end of the wire 66 connected to the second cam 42 and the pulley 40 remains constant, so the sensor head 36 can remain in a protruding state. Thus, the sensor 31 can face the display surface 11a and measure the optical characteristics of the display panel 11.

[0071] 6. Other implementation methods The above descriptions of various embodiments are merely examples, and the sensor unit driving device 2 of the present invention is not limited to the structure of these embodiments.

[0072] The placement position of the frame 13 and the arrangement position of the sensor unit 3 at the retracted position are not limited to the upper side of the display panel 11. The placement position of the frame 13 and the arrangement position of the sensor unit 3 at the retracted position in the structure of the sensor unit driving device 2 in the first to fifth embodiments and their modifications can also be applied to the lower side, left side, and right side of the display panel 11.

[0073] Although the drive mechanism 4 in embodiments 1, 2, 4, and 5 uses a pinion member 44 and a gear member 45 to transmit the rotational motion generated by the actuator 43, the structure of the drive mechanism 4 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the pinion member 44 and the gear member 45, a wound and unwound metal wire and a force-applying member may be used to transmit the rotational motion using the tension of the metal wire, while the bending operation is achieved using the force applied by the force-applying member. Alternatively, a shape memory alloy metal wire may be used, and the rotational motion is generated by the expansion and contraction of the metal wire. (Symbol Explanation)

[0074] 1: Display device; 2: Sensor unit drive device; 3: Sensor unit; 4: Drive mechanism; 7: Sliding component; 7a: First component; 7a1: Protrusion; 7b: Second component; 7b1: Elongated hole; 7c: Connecting part; 8: Connecting component; 11: Display panel; 11a: Display surface; 12: Housing; 13: Frame; 14: Opening; 30: Light-shielding component; 30a: Light-transmitting window; 31: Sensor; 32: Hinge structure; 33: Bending operating pin; 34: Sliding component; 34a: Second inclined surface; 34b: Leaf spring; 35: Frame; 36: Sensor head; 37: Opening; 38: Inner wall; 39: Force-applying component; 40: Pulley; 41: First cam; 41a: First arc surface; 41b: First curved surface; 4 2: Second cam; 42a: Second arc surface; 42b: Second curved surface; 43: Actuator; 44: Pinion assembly; 44a: Cylindrical part; 44b: Gear part; 45: Gear assembly; 45a: Gear part; 45b: Protrusion; 45c: Mounting groove; 45d: Insertion hole; 45e: Wire guide; 46: First base; 46a: Protrusion; 46b: Base pin; 47: Second base; 47a: Screw; 48: Washer; 49: Bracket; 50: Support component; 51: First groove; 51a: Beginning end; 51b: End; 52: Second groove; 52a: Beginning end; 52b: End; 53: First screw hole; 53a: Screw; 54: Second screw hole; 55: Third screw hole; 56: Third groove; 57: Part 1. 57a: Beginning end, 57b: End end, 58: Part 2, 58a: Beginning end, 58b: End end, 61: First gear and rack mechanism, 61a: First rack, 61b: First pinion, 62: Second gear and rack mechanism, 62a: Second rack, 62b: Second pinion, 63: First force-applying component, 64: Second force-applying component, 65: Metal wire, 66: Metal wire, 71: Connecting part, 72: Rotary operating pin, 73: Slit-shaped through hole, 90: Body frame, 91: Mandrel, 92: Guide component, 92a: First inclined surface, 93: Flexible flat cable, 94: Arm, 94a: First arm, 94b: Second arm, 94b1: Screw, 94c: Slider, 95: Electrode metal wire, 96: First shape memory alloy metal wire, 97: Second shape memory alloy metal wire, 98: Fixing screw.

Claims

1. A sensor unit driving device, comprising: A sensor unit with a sensor; and The drive mechanism is connected to and drives the sensor unit. The sensor measures the optical characteristics of the display panel having a display surface for displaying images. The sensor unit is positioned on the side of the display panel in the retracted position, and is positioned facing the display surface in the detection position. After the driving mechanism drives the sensor unit, the sensor unit moves, thereby switching positions between the retraction position and the detection position. When the drive mechanism drives the sensor unit, the sensor unit moves to the detection position by rotating from the retracted position around a rotation axis that is not perpendicular to the display surface and bending towards the display surface by means of the hinge structure.

2. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel has a border around its side edge. The sensor unit is configured to protrude from the frame and then bend during the rotation operation.

3. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The driving mechanism is disposed on the side of the display panel, or across the side and back of the display panel.

4. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor unit is configured to initiate the bending operation midway through the rotation operation.

5. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hinge structure is disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit. The sensor is disposed on the front end of the sensor unit.

6. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, Equipped with sliding components, The sliding member is connected to the hinge structure and is disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit. The sensor is disposed on the front end of the sensor unit.

7. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 6, wherein, The sliding member includes a first component connected to the hinge structure and a second component connected to the first component. The first component can rotate relative to the second component.

8. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 6, wherein, The sliding member has a rotating operating pin at its end opposite to the side connected to the hinge structure.

9. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 8, Equipped with a bending operating pin, The bending operation pin is disposed on the base end side of the sensor unit such that its two ends protrude from a pair of opposite sides of the sensor unit.

10. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 9, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and an actuator. The first cam has a first groove and a second groove continuously formed therefrom. The second cam has a third groove. The sensor unit performs the rotation operation by moving the rotating operating pin along the first groove, and the bending operating pin performs the bending operation by moving the rotating operating pin along the second groove simultaneously with moving the bending operating pin along the third groove.

11. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, The hinge structure includes a first inclined surface disposed on the drive mechanism side and a second inclined surface disposed on the sensor unit side. The bending operation of the sensor unit is performed by sliding the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane against each other.

12. The sensor unit driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor unit is retractable along its long side.

13. A display device comprising a sensor unit driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the display panel.

Images