Display device and housing

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of improving the designability.SOLUTION: A display device in an embodiment includes: a display panel including a mount region having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and including a terminal, in which a background on the second surface side can be seen from the first surface side and a background on the first surface side can be seen from the second surface side; and a housing that supports the display panel. The housing includes a main body part that covers the mount region, and a transparent frame part connected to the main body part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a housing.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, display devices having a display panel with a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer (PDLC), a light source, etc. have been proposed. The polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer can switch between a scattering state that scatters light and a transparent state that transmits light.

[0003] The display device can display an image in the scattering state. When the display panel is switched to the transparent state, the user can visually recognize the background through the display panel. Thus, in a display panel that allows visual recognition of the background, a housing for supporting the display panel without impairing the design is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a display device and a housing capable of improving the design.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a mounting area including terminals, and a display panel that allows the background on the second surface side to be visible from the first surface side and the background on the first surface side to be visible from the second surface side, and a housing that supports the display panel. The housing has a main body portion that covers the mounting area and a transparent frame portion connected to the main body portion.

[0007] A housing according to an embodiment has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a mounting area including terminals, and supports a display panel that allows the background on the second surface side to be visible from the first surface side and the background on the first surface side to be visible from the second surface side. The housing has a main body portion that covers the mounting area and a transparent frame portion connected to the main body portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can easily conceive appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention, which are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. Also, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Further, in this specification and each figure, components that exhibit the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previously shown figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Note that in the drawings, for the purpose of facilitating understanding as necessary, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other are described. The direction along the X-axis is called the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is called the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is called the third direction Z.

[0011] In the present embodiment, as an example of the display device, a highly light-transmissive liquid crystal display device (so-called transparent display) applying polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is disclosed. However, the configuration disclosed in the present embodiment is also applicable to other types of display devices.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a display device DSP according to the present embodiment. The display device DSP includes a display panel PNL and a housing CAS. The display device DSP further includes a light source unit and the like, which will be described later.

[0013] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the display device DSP is configured to be self-standing on an installation surface such as a table. Thus, the display device DSP can be used as a monitor. The display device DSP can also be arranged, for example, between facing users.

[0014] The housing CAS supports the display panel PNL. The housing CAS has a main body part MP, leg parts LPA and LPB connected to the main body part MP, and a frame part FP connected to the main body part MP.

[0015] The housing CAS is configured to be self-standing by the leg parts LPA and LPB. The leg parts LPA and LPB are respectively arranged at both ends in the width direction of the main body part MP. Details of the housing CAS will be described later.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the display device DSP according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the housing CAS and the like are omitted. In FIG. 2, the display device DSP is viewed in a direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0017] The display device DSP includes the above-described display panel PNL, a light source unit LU, and a light guide LG. In FIG. 2, a broken line is attached to the light source unit LU and the light guide LG to omit a part of them.

[0018] The display panel PNL includes an array substrate AR and a counter substrate CT stacked in the third direction Z. The counter substrate CT faces the array substrate AR. In FIG. 2, the shapes of both the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are rectangular shapes that are long in the first direction X. However, the shapes of the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are not limited to this example.

[0019] The width of the array substrate AR in the second direction Y is larger than the width of the opposing substrate CT in the second direction Y. As a result, the array substrate AR has a mounting area MA provided in a portion that does not overlap with the opposing substrate CT. A flexible circuit board or the like, which will be described later, is mounted on the mounting area MA.

[0020] The display panel PNL has a display area DA for displaying an image and a frame-shaped peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA. Both the display area DA and the peripheral area SA are formed in a portion where the array substrate AR and the opposing substrate CT overlap. The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0021] The display panel PNL further has a liquid crystal layer LC sealed between the array substrate AR and the opposing substrate CT. As schematically shown in an enlarged view below FIG. 2, the liquid crystal layer LC is composed of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer 31 and liquid crystal molecules 32.

[0022] In one example, the polymer 31 is a liquid crystalline polymer. The polymer 31 is formed in a streak shape extending along the first direction X and is arranged side by side in the second direction Y. The liquid crystal molecules 32 are dispersed in the gaps of the polymer 31 and are oriented such that their major axes are along the first direction X.

[0023] Each of the polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 has optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The responsiveness of the polymer 31 to an electric field is lower than that of the liquid crystal molecules 32 to an electric field. In one example, the orientation direction of the polymer 31 hardly changes regardless of the presence or absence of an electric field. In contrast, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 changes according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0024] In a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 are parallel to each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is transmitted with almost no scattering in the liquid crystal layer LC (transparent state).

[0025] When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 intersect each other, and the light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is scattered within the liquid crystal layer LC (scattering state).

[0026] As shown in an enlarged view above FIG. 2, a plurality of scanning lines G and a plurality of signal lines S are arranged in the display area DA. The plurality of scanning lines G extend in the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y. The plurality of signal lines S extend in the second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X.

[0027] Each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, and a capacitor CS. The switching element SW is constituted by, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT) and is electrically connected to the scanning line G and the signal line S. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW.

[0028] The liquid crystal layer LC (particularly, the liquid crystal molecules 32) is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitor CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

[0029] The light source unit LU and the light guide LG are arranged along the mounting area MA. The light source unit LU includes a plurality of light sources LS arranged in the first direction X. Each light source LS irradiates light toward the display panel PNL along the second direction Y through the light guide LG. As the light guide LG, for example, a lens such as a prism lens can be used.

[0030] For example, the plurality of light sources LS include a light emitting element that emits red light, a light emitting element that emits green light, and a light emitting element that emits blue light. These light emitting elements may be arranged in the first direction X or may be stacked in the third direction Z. As the light emitting element, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the structure of the display panel PNL and the like is schematically shown, and elements such as the scanning line G, the signal line S, and the switching element SW are omitted.

[0032] The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are bonded together by a sealing material SE. The sealing material SE has a shape surrounding the display area DA. The liquid crystal layer LC is sealed in the space surrounded by the sealing material SE.

[0033] The array substrate AR includes the pixel electrode PE described above. The counter substrate CT includes the common electrode CE described above. The pixel electrode PE faces the common electrode CE through the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0034] The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are respectively formed on the transparent insulating substrates provided in the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. These insulating substrates are formed of, for example, glass, but may also be formed of plastic.

[0035] In one example, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are respectively covered by alignment films formed on the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. Note that the arrangement of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE is not limited to this example. As another example, the array substrate AR may include both the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

[0036] The display panel PNL further includes a cover member CM1 and a cover member CM2. In the present embodiment, the cover member CM1 corresponds to the second cover member, and the cover member CM2 corresponds to the first cover member. These cover members CM1 and CM2 are both transparent and are, in one example, cover glasses formed of glass.

[0037] As another example, the cover members CM1 and CM2 may be formed of plastic. The cover members CM1 and CM2 are sufficiently thicker than the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. In one example, the cover members CM1 and CM2 have a thickness that is two times or more that of the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT.

[0038] The array substrate AR has a main surface F1, a main surface F2 on the side opposite to the main surface F1, and side surfaces E1a and E1b that connect the main surfaces F1 and F2. The cover member CM1 has a main surface F3 facing the main surface F1, a main surface F4 on the side opposite to the main surface F3, and side surfaces E2a and E2b that connect the main surfaces F3 and F4. In the present embodiment, the main surface F4 corresponds to the second surface.

[0039] The main surfaces F1 and F3 are adhered by a transparent first adhesive layer AD1. As the first adhesive layer AD1, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) can be used.

[0040] The counter substrate CT has a main surface F5 facing the main surface F2 via the liquid crystal layer LC, a main surface F6 on the side opposite to the main surface F5, and side surfaces E3a and E3b that connect the main surfaces F5 and F6. The cover member CM2 has a main surface F7 facing the main surface F6, a main surface F8 on the side opposite to the main surface F7, and side surfaces E4a and E4b that connect the main surfaces F7 and F8. In the present embodiment, the main surface F8 corresponds to the first surface. The main surface F4 is located on the side opposite to the main surface F8.

[0041] The main surfaces F6 and F7 are adhered by a transparent second adhesive layer AD2. As the second adhesive layer AD2, OCA can be used in the same manner as the first adhesive layer AD1.

[0042] The side surfaces E1a, E2a, E3a, and E4a are all located on the light source LS side (light incident side). The side surfaces E1b, E2b, E3b, and E4b are all located on the side opposite to the light source LS (opposite light incident side). The mounting region MA is formed in a portion of the array substrate AR that protrudes more than the side surface E3a in the direction opposite to the second direction Y.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the side surfaces E2a, E4a, E2b, and E4b are planes parallel to the first direction X and the third direction Z. However, the cross-sectional shapes of the side surfaces E2a, E4a, E2b, and E4b are not limited to this example.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a reflective material RF is disposed in the vicinity of the side surfaces E1b, E2b, E3b, and E4b. The reflective material RF is, for example, a reflective tape attached to the side surfaces E1b, E2b, E3b, and E4b. As another example, the reflective material RF may be a reflective film formed on the side surfaces E1b, E2b, E3b, and E4b.

[0045] The light source LS faces the side surface E4a. The light guide LG is disposed between the side surface E4a and the light source LS. FIG. 3 shows an example of the path of the light L emitted from the light source LS. The light L emitted from the light source LS enters the side surface E4a through the light guide LG.

[0046] This light L travels toward the light-receiving side while repeatedly undergoing total internal reflection between the main surface F8 and the main surface F4. The light L that reaches the side surfaces E1b, E2b, E3b, and E4b is reflected by the reflective material RF and travels toward the light-incident side while repeatedly undergoing total internal reflection between the main surface F8 and the main surface F4.

[0047] In the vicinity of the pixel PX in the transparent state, the light L is hardly scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC. Therefore, almost no light L leaks outside the cover members CM1 and CM2.

[0048] On the other hand, in the vicinity of the pixel PX in the scattered state, the light L is scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC. This scattered light SL is emitted from the cover members CM1 and CM2 and visually recognized by the user as a display image. It is also possible to realize gradation expression of the scattering degree (luminance) by stepwise defining the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE within a predetermined range.

[0049] In the vicinity of the pixel PX in the transparent state, external light incident on the cover members CM1 and CM2 passes through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering. That is, when viewing the display panel PNL from the cover member CM1 side (main surface F4 side), the background on the cover member CM2 side (main surface F8 side) is visible, and when viewing the display panel PNL from the cover member CM2 side (main surface F8 side), the background on the cover member CM1 side (main surface F4 side) is visible.

[0050] Viewing the display device DSP from the cover member CM1 side means viewing the display device DSP in the third direction Z, and viewing the display device DSP from the cover member CM2 side means viewing the display device DSP in the direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0051] For example, as an image display method by the display device DSP, a field sequential method can be used in which a first sub-frame for displaying a red image by lighting a red light-emitting element among a plurality of light sources LS, a second sub-frame for displaying a green image by lighting a green light-emitting element, and a third sub-frame for displaying a blue image by lighting a blue light-emitting element are repeated.

[0052] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of a configuration applicable in the vicinity of the mounting region MA. In Figure 5, a state in which the display panel PNL is housed in the housing CAS is shown. In Figures 4 and 5, the display panel PNL is being viewed in the direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the display device DSP includes a holding member 1 that holds the light source unit LU and the light guide LG. The holding member 1 has a long shape in the first direction X and covers the mounting region MA.

[0054] For example, the holding member 1 has a first portion 11, a second portion 12, and a rib 13 located between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. The first portion 11 is located below the rib 13 in the drawing (on the side opposite to the display region DA). The second portion 12 is located between the rib 13 and the display region DA.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the planar shapes of the counter substrate CT and the cover member CM2 match. The cover member CM1 has a width in the first direction X that is larger than each of the array substrate AR, the counter substrate CT, and the cover member CM2. As a result, both ends of the cover member CM1 in the first direction X protrude beyond the array substrate AR, the counter substrate CT, and the cover member CM2.

[0056] Specifically, the cover member CM1 has protruding portions PT1 and PT2 at both ends in the first direction X. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion PT1 corresponds to the first protruding portion, and the protruding portion PT2 corresponds to the second protruding portion.

[0057] The protruding portion PT1 protrudes in the direction opposite to the first direction X from the cover member CM2, and the protruding portion PT2 protrudes in the first direction X from the cover member CM2. The display area DA is located between the protruding portion PT1 and the protruding portion PT2 in the first direction X. The protruding portions PT1 and PT2 have a shape that is long in the second direction Y.

[0058] The display device DSP further includes a plurality of flexible circuit boards 2 and a circuit board 3. The rigidity of the flexible circuit board 2 is smaller than the rigidity of the circuit board 3. One end of each of the plurality of flexible circuit boards 2 is connected to the mounting area MA. The other ends of these flexible circuit boards 2 are connected to the circuit board 3, which is a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the circuit board 3 overlaps the mounting area MA. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the flexible circuit board 2 is bent toward the cover member CM2 side. In other words, the flexible circuit board 2 has a sufficient length to be bent.

[0060] Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, distances D1 and D2 are respectively defined as the distances between the side surface E2a of the cover member CM1 and the ends of the member that protrude the most in the direction opposite to the second direction Y from the side surface E2a of the cover member CM1.

[0061] In FIG. 4, the end of the member that most protrudes in the direction opposite to the second direction Y from the side surface E2a is the end of the circuit board 3. In FIG. 5, the end of the member that most protrudes in the direction opposite to the second direction Y from the side surface E2a is the curved portion 21 of the bent flexible circuit board 2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the distance D2 is smaller than the distance D1 (D2 < D1). In one example, the distance D1 is about 131.5 mm and the distance D2 is about 47 mm.

[0062] In this way, by bending the flexible circuit board 2 and overlaying the circuit board 3 on the mounting area MA, the area of the portion protruding in the direction opposite to the second direction Y from the side surface E2a can be reduced. As a result, the area of the frame portion on the installation surface side in the display device DSP can be reduced.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a view showing the vicinity of the mounting area MA of the display panel PNL with the holding member 1, the light source unit LU, and the light guide LG removed. A plurality of terminals T are provided in the mounting area MA. The flexible circuit board 2 is connected to the terminals T via a conductive adhesive. Further, a plurality of integrated circuits 4 are mounted in the mounting area MA. In the example shown in FIG. 4, each integrated circuit 4 is arranged side by side with the terminals T in the second direction Y.

[0064] The drive signal of the array substrate AR is input to the terminals T via the circuit board 3 and the flexible circuit board 2. For example, the integrated circuit 4 includes a driver that supplies signals to the scanning lines G and signal lines S shown in FIG. 1 based on the drive signal input to the terminals T.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP along the line VII-VII in FIG. 4. In FIG. 7, the adhesive layers AD1, AD2, the sealing material SE, the liquid crystal layer LC, etc. are omitted.

[0066] As described above, the array substrate AR protrudes from the side surface E3a of the counter substrate CT, and the cover member CM1 protrudes from the side surface E1a of the array substrate AR. The cover member CM1 protrudes from the side surface E4a of the cover member CM2.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the position of the side surface E3a of the counter substrate CT and the position of the side surface E4a of the cover member CM2 are aligned. The mounting region MA is formed in a portion of the array substrate AR that protrudes from the side surfaces E3a and E4a.

[0068] A heat dissipation sheet 20 may be attached to the flexible circuit board 2 and the integrated circuit 4 mounted in the mounting region MA. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the integrated circuit 4 due to the heat generated during display driving.

[0069] The first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the rib 13 of the holding member 1 are integrally formed of, for example, a metal material. The first portion 11 and the second portion 12 are flat plates parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the position of the first portion 11 and the position of the second portion 12 are displaced in the third direction Z. Specifically, the distance between the first portion 11 and the cover member CM1 is smaller than the distance between the second portion 12 and the cover member CM1.

[0071] The rib 13 protrudes in the third direction Z from the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. The rib 13 is provided at a position overlapping the side surface E1a of the array substrate AR in the third direction Z. The first portion 11 is attached to the main surface F3 of the cover member CM1 by an adhesive member 5.

[0072] The light source unit LU includes a light source substrate 6 on which a light source LS is mounted. The light source substrate 6 is fixed to the holding member 1. Although the method of this fixing is not particularly limited, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the light source substrate 6 is attached to the inner surface of the rib 13 by an adhesive layer 60.

[0073] The light guide LG is disposed in a space surrounded by the display panel PNL and the holding member 1. The light guide LG is located between the holding member 1 and the mounting area MA in the third direction Z. For example, the light guide LG is attached to the second portion 12 by an adhesive layer 7 having light reflectivity. Further, a reflective sheet 8 is attached to the surface of the light guide LG facing the mounting area MA. These adhesive layer 7 and reflective sheet 8 suppress the emission of light from the light guide LG.

[0074] Subsequently, the housing CAS included in the display device DSP will be described.

[0075] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the housing CAS in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of the housing CAS in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of the housing CAS in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a top view of the housing CAS in the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, the housing CAS is viewed in the direction opposite to the third direction Z, in FIG. 10 in the first direction X, and in FIG. 11 in the direction opposite to the second direction Y. In FIGS. 8 to 11, the legs LPA, LPB (shown in FIG. 1) are omitted.

[0076] The housing CAS includes a main body portion MP and a frame portion FP. The main body portion MP covers at least a part of the display panel PNL. Specifically, the main body portion MP covers the mounting area MA and the light source unit LU (a plurality of light sources LS).

[0077] In a state where the display device DSP stands alone, the mounting area MA and the main body portion MP are located on the installation surface side. As shown in FIG. 8, the main body portion MP has a first member 51, a second member 52, and support members 53A, 53B.

[0078] The first member 51 and the second member 52 have a rectangular shape that is long in the first direction X. The support members 53A, 53B are provided between the first member 51 and the second member 52.

[0079] The support members 53A and 53B are respectively provided at both ends of the main body portion MP in the first direction X. The first member 51, the second member 52, and the frame portion FP are respectively connected by the support members 53A and 53B and the fixing member 57 (shown in FIG. 9). The fixing member is, for example, a screw. The fixing member 57 is connected not only in the direction opposite to the third direction Z but also from the third direction Z.

[0080] In the main body portion MP, a space SP is defined by the first member 51, the second member 52, and the support members 53A and 53B. A portion including the mounting region MA of the display panel PNL is arranged in the space SP. As shown in FIG. 11, a first opening AP1 communicating with the space SP is formed between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The display panel PNL is passed through the first opening AP1.

[0081] The first opening AP1 has a shape elongated in the first direction X. The width of the first opening AP1 in the first direction X is larger than the width of the cover member CM2 in the first direction X. The width of the first opening AP1 in the third direction Z is larger than the thickness of the display panel PNL in the third direction Z. Here, the thickness of the display panel PNL in the third direction Z corresponds to the distance from the main surface F4 (shown in FIG. 3) of the cover member CM1 to the main surface F8 (shown in FIG. 3) of the cover member CM2.

[0082] The main body portion MP further includes a substrate cover 54. The substrate cover 54 is overlapped with the second member 52 from the third direction Z. The substrate cover 54 is connected to the second member 52 by, for example, a fixing member.

[0083] Next, the frame portion FP will be described.

[0084] The frame portion FP has a first frame 61 and a second frame 62. The first frame 61 and the second frame 62 extend along the second direction Y from both ends of the main body portion MP in the first direction X.

[0085] The first frame 61 and the second frame 62 are formed of a transparent material. Here, "transparent" means, for example, colorless and transparent. However, "transparent" may include translucent and colored transparent. The material forming the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 is, for example, acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, or the like.

[0086] The first frame 61 and the second frame 62 are formed of, for example, a single member. Thereby, the transparency of the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 can be improved. However, the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 may be formed of a plurality of members.

[0087] In the housing CAS, the background is visible in the first frame 61 and the second frame 62. Specifically, in the first frame 61 and the second frame 62, when the frame portion FP is viewed from the cover member CM1 side, the background on the cover member CM2 side (main surface F8 side) is visible, and when the frame portion FP is viewed from the cover member CM2 side, the background on the cover member CM1 side (main surface F4 side) is visible.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first frame 61 has a first slit 610. As shown in FIG. 9, the second frame 62 has a second slit 620. The first slit 610 and the second slit 620 are formed along the second direction Y.

[0089] The first slit 610 and the second slit 620 do not penetrate the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 in the second direction Y. Specifically, the first frame 61 has a stopper portion 611, and the second frame 62 has a stopper portion 621. The stopper portions 611, 621 are located on the opposite side of the main body portion MP.

[0090] Subsequently, the arrangement mode of the main body portion MP of the housing CAS and the mounting region MA of the display panel PNL will be described.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 1. In FIG. 12, the display device DSP is viewed in a direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0092] The display panel PNL is passed through the first opening AP1. The mounting area MA is arranged in the space SP as shown in FIG. 12. In other words, the first member 51 overlaps the mounting area MA from the direction opposite to the third direction Z (the counter substrate CT side), and the second member 52 overlaps the mounting area MA from the third direction Z (the array substrate AR side).

[0093] The first member 51 has an inner surface 511 facing the mounting area MA. The inner surface 511 corresponds to a part of the surface defining the space SP. The inner surface 511 has a recess 513. The recess 513 is recessed in the third direction Z (the direction away from the light source unit LU). The recess 513 is formed along the first direction X. The distance between the first member 51 and the second member 52 is the largest at the recess 513. Thereby, at the recess 513, a sufficient distance D3 between the first member 51 and the second member 52 can be ensured.

[0094] The recess 513 faces the rib 13 of the holding member 1 and the light source unit LU. A gap is formed between the recess 513 and the light source unit LU. Thereby, even when a force is applied from the outside of the housing CAS, it is difficult for the force to be applied to the light source unit LU.

[0095] The force from the outside may damage the light guide LG, deform the holding member 1, or shift the optical axis. These problems may cause a decrease in the display quality. In the present embodiment, by forming the recess 513, it is difficult for the force from the outside to be applied to the light source unit LU, so that a decrease in the display quality in the display device DSP can be suppressed.

[0096] As described with reference to FIG. 5, the flexible circuit board 2 is bent, and the circuit board 3 overlaps the mounting area MA in the third direction Z. Thereby, the width of the main body portion MP in the second direction Y can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 12, the circuit board 3 overlaps the mounting area MA with the second member 52 interposed therebetween.

[0097] The circuit board 3 is arranged side by side with the second member 52 at intervals in the third direction Z. The circuit board 3 is arranged on the second member 52 via, for example, a spacer 55. The circuit board 3 is located between the second member 52 and the substrate cover 54.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 12, the substrate cover 54 has a substantially U-shaped configuration. The substrate cover 54 covers the circuit board 3. As shown in FIG. 12, the substrate cover 54 has a second opening AP2 and a third opening AP3. The second opening AP2 and the third opening AP3 penetrate the substrate cover 54 in the second direction Y. The circuit board 3 is arranged between the second opening AP2 and the third opening AP3.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the second opening AP2 and the third opening AP3 have a shape that is long in the first direction X. An air flow can be generated between the second opening AP2 and the third opening AP3 in the second direction Y. The second opening AP2 and the third opening AP3 function as heat dissipation ports.

[0100] The bent flexible circuit board 2 is passed through the second opening AP2. From another perspective, the second member 52 is located between the bent flexible circuit boards 2.

[0101] The substrate cover 54, the circuit board 3, the second member 52, the mounting area MA of the display panel PNL, and the first member 51 are arranged in this order in the third direction Z. The cover member CM1 is located between the array substrate AR and the circuit board 3, and the second member 52 is located between the cover member CM1 and the circuit board 3.

[0102] Next, the arrangement of the frame portion FP of the housing CAS and the cover member CM1 of the display panel PNL will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the vicinity of the first frame 61 will be described, but the second frame 62 is configured in the same manner.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 13, the first slit 610 opens in the first direction X. Although not shown, the second slit 620 opens in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0104] The first frame 61 is provided on the protruding portion PT1. Although not shown, the second frame 62 is provided on the protruding portion PT2. Specifically, the protruding portion PT1 passes through the first slit 610 along the second direction Y. Although not shown, the protruding portion PT2 passes through the second slit 620. Since the cover member CM1 is transparent, the background is visible in the frame portion FP even when the protruding portion PT1 passes through the first slit 610 and the protruding portion PT2 passes through the second slit 620.

[0105] The widths of the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 in the third direction Z are larger than the width of the cover member CM1 in the third direction Z. As a result, the cover member CM1 can be passed through the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 along the second direction Y.

[0106] When the protruding portions PT1 and PT2 pass through the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 along the second direction Y, the side surfaces E2b of the cover member CM1 come into contact with the stopper portions 611 and 621 (shown in FIG. 9), respectively.

[0107] The movement of the display panel PNL in the third direction Z and the direction opposite to the third direction Z is restricted by the first slit 610 and the second slit 620. Further, the housing CAS supports the load from the display panel PNL in the third direction Z and the direction opposite to the third direction Z by the first frame 61 and the second frame 62.

[0108] The width of the protruding portion PT1 of the cover member CM1 in the first direction X is larger than the width of the first slit 610 in the first direction X. Although not shown, the width of the protruding portion PT2 of the cover member CM1 in the first direction X is larger than the width of the second slit 620 in the first direction X.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 13, a gap GA is formed between the first frame 61 and the cover member CM2 in the first direction X. Although not shown, a gap is formed between the second frame 62 and the cover member CM2 in the first direction X.

[0110] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the first frame 61 and the support member 53A. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the first frame 61, the support member 53A, and the cover member CM1. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the first frame 61 and the support member 53A are viewed from the side of the second member 52.

[0111] In FIG. 14, the first frame 61 is shown transparently. In FIG. 15, the cover member CM1 is shown by a dashed line. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the second member 52, the substrate cover 54, etc. are shown omitted.

[0112] The first frame 61 has an end portion 61a. The end portion 61a corresponds to a portion of the first frame 61 that is disposed between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The end portion 61a includes a portion that extends in a direction opposite to the second direction Y from the first slit 610.

[0113] The width of the end portion 61a in the first direction X is smaller than the width of the other portion of the first frame 61 in the first direction X. The end portion 61a is connected to the support member 53A as shown in FIG. 14. The inner surface of the second member 52 is recessed at a portion overlapping the end portion 61a as shown in FIG. 8.

[0114] The first frame 61 has surfaces 613 and 615. The surfaces 613 and 615 face in a direction opposite to the second direction Y. The support member 53A has surfaces 531A and 533A. The surfaces 531A and 533A face in the second direction Y. The surfaces 531A and 533A are formed by a part of the surface of the support member 53A facing the end 61a protruding in a direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0115] The surface 531A faces the surface 613, and the surface 533A faces the surface 615. In FIG. 15, a gap is formed between the first frame 61 and the support member 53A, but the gap may not be formed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the end 61a of the first frame 61 is located between the surface 531A and the surface 533A in the first direction X.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 14, the first slit 610 opens in a direction opposite to the second direction Y on the surface 613. The surface 531A faces the opening of the first slit 610. In FIG. 15, for the convenience of the drawing, a gap is provided between the surface 531A and the side surface E2a, but the surface 531A is in contact with the side surface E2a of the cover member CM1.

[0117] Thereby, the support member 53A supports the cover member CM1. Similarly, the support member 53B supports the cover member CM1. As a result, the support members 53A and 53B can support the entire display panel PNL.

[0118] In the display device DSP, the movement of the display panel PNL in the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y is restricted by the support members 53A and 53B and the stopper portions 611 and 621.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of through holes H1 and H2 to which fixing members such as screws can be attached are formed in the support member 53A and the end 61a. The connection structure between the main body portion MP and the frame portion FP described above is an example, and other structures can be applied.

[0120] In the case of the display device DSP configured as described above, the designability can be improved. Specifically, the transparent frame portions FP (the first frame 61 and the second frame 62) provided in the housing CAS allow the background to be visible. As a result, not only the display panel PNL but also the frame portion FP allows the background to be visible, so that the designability of the display device DSP can be improved. Furthermore, since the display panel PNL and the frame portion FP blend in with the surrounding scenery, it is difficult to impair the aesthetic appearance by the display device DSP.

[0121] In the present embodiment, when the circuit board 3 is housed in the main body portion MP, the flexible circuit board 2 is bent and the circuit board 3 overlaps the mounting region MA. As a result, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the area of the frame portion on the installation surface side in the display device DSP can be reduced. As a result, the designability of the display device DSP can be further improved.

[0122] The cover member CM1 is passed through the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 with respect to the display panel PNL and the first frame 61 and the second frame 62. In other words, the display panel PNL is not fixed to the frame portion FP by a fixing member such as a screw.

[0123] As a result, the structures of the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 can be simplified. Specifically, the width in the first direction X of the first frame 61 and the second frame 62 can be reduced. As a result, the designability of the display device DSP can be further improved.

[0124] If an adhesive member such as double-sided tape is provided in a specific region A (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4) of the peripheral region SA, the light emitted from the light source LS may escape or be reflected by the adhesive member. As a result, the luminance gradient in the display panel PNL may change and the display quality may deteriorate.

[0125] In this embodiment, since the display panel PNL is supported by passing the protrusions PT1 and PT2 through the first slit 610 and the second slit 620, it is not necessary to provide a double-sided tape in the region A. As a result, in the case of the display device DSP, an undesired change is less likely to occur in the luminance gradient in the display panel PNL, and a decrease in display quality can be suppressed.

[0126] As described above, based on the display device and the housing described as embodiments of the present invention, all display devices and housings that can be appropriately designed and modified by those skilled in the art also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0127] Within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive various modifications, and those modifications are also understood to belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, for the above-described embodiments, those obtained by appropriately adding, deleting, or changing the design of components by those skilled in the art, or those obtained by adding, omitting, or changing conditions of processes also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0128] In addition, with regard to other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the above-described embodiments, those that are obvious from the description of this specification or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0129] 2... Flexible circuit board, 3... Circuit board, 51... First member, 52... Second member, 53A, 53B... Support members, 54... Substrate cover, 61... First frame, 62... Second frame, 511... Inner surface, 513... Recess, 610... First slit, 620... Second slit, AP1... First opening, AP2... Second opening, AP3... Third opening, AR... Array substrate, CAS... Housing, CM1, CM2... Cover members, CT... Opposing substrate, DA... Display area, DSP... Display device, FP... Frame portion, LC... Liquid crystal layer, LU... Light source unit, MA... Mounting area, MP... Main body portion, PE... Pixel electrode, PNL... Display panel, PT1, PT2... Protrusions.

Claims

1. A display panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a mounting area including terminals, wherein the background on the second surface side is visible from the first surface side and the background on the first surface side is visible from the second surface side; A housing for supporting the display panel; The housing has a main body portion covering the mounting area and a transparent frame portion connected to the main body portion. A display device.

2. The display panel has an array substrate having pixel electrodes, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the counter substrate, the liquid crystal layer being a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. The mounting area is provided in a portion where the array substrate and the counter substrate do not overlap. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The display device further includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a first direction and irradiating light toward the display panel along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The mounting area is formed in a portion of the array substrate that protrudes more than the counter substrate in a direction opposite to the second direction. The main body portion further covers the plurality of light sources. The frame portion extends along the second direction. The display device according to claim 2.

4. The display panel has a first surface, a transparent first cover member facing the counter substrate, a second surface, a transparent second cover member facing the array substrate and having a width in the first direction larger than that of the first cover member. The second cover member has a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion protruding in a direction opposite to the first protruding portion. The frame portion has a first frame provided on the first protruding portion and a second frame provided on the second protruding portion. The display device according to claim 3.

5. The first frame is formed along the second direction and has a first slit through which the first protruding portion passes. The second frame is formed along the second direction and has a second slit through which the second protruding portion passes. The display device according to claim 4.

6. The first frame and the second frame are each formed by a single member. The display device according to claim 4.

7. The main body portion has a recess facing the plurality of light sources and recessed in a direction away from the plurality of light sources. The display device according to claim 3.

8. A circuit board overlapping the mounting area; Further comprising a flexible circuit board that is connected to the terminal and the circuit board and is bent. The display device according to claim 4.

9. The second cover member is located between the array substrate and the circuit board. The display device according to claim 8.

10. The main body portion has a first member that overlaps the mounting region from the first surface side and a second member that overlaps the mounting region from the second surface side. A first opening through which the display panel is passed is formed between the first member and the second member. The display device according to claim 9.

11. The second member is located between the second cover member and the circuit board. The display device according to claim 10.

12. The housing further has a substrate cover that covers the circuit board. The circuit board is located between the second member and the substrate cover. The substrate cover has a second opening through which the flexible circuit board is passed. The display device according to claim 11.

13. A housing for supporting a display panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a mounting region including terminals, wherein the background on the second surface side can be visually recognized from the first surface side, and the background on the first surface side can be visually recognized from the second surface side, the housing comprising: A main body portion that covers the mounting region; A transparent frame portion connected to the main body portion. Housing.

14. The main body portion has a recess that faces the mounting region and is recessed in a direction away from the mounting region. The housing according to claim 13.

15. The display panel further includes an array substrate having pixel electrodes, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the counter substrate and being a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, a transparent first cover member having the first surface and facing the counter substrate, and a transparent second cover member having the second surface, facing the array substrate, and having a larger width in a first direction than the first cover member. The second cover member has a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion protruding in a direction opposite to the first protruding portion. The frame portion has a first frame provided on the first protruding portion and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second frame provided on the second protruding portion and extending in the second direction. The housing according to claim 13.

16. The first frame is formed along the second direction and has a first slit through which the first protrusion passes. The second frame is formed along the second direction and has a second slit through which the second protrusion passes. The housing according to claim 15.

17. The main body portion includes a first member overlapping the mounting region from the first surface side and a second member overlapping the mounting region from the second surface side. An opening through which the display panel passes is formed between the first member and the second member. The housing according to claim 15.

18. The housing further includes a substrate cover covering a circuit board overlapping the mounting region. The substrate cover is connected to the mounting region and the circuit board and has an opening through which a bent flexible circuit board passes. The housing according to claim 17.

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