Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of reducing contours.SOLUTION: A display device according to the present disclosure comprises: an optical member; a transmissive member; an electro-optical member; and a housing. The optical member has translucency. The transmissive member is formed at a peripheral edge of a rear surface opposite to a surface corresponding to the observation side of the optical member, and has a transmittance of 5% or more. The electro-optical member is located on the rear surface side of the optical member and the optical characteristics thereof change according to an applied voltage. The housing covers an end portion of the electro-optical member and has a protruding portion projecting toward the rear surface of the optical member. An end portion of the transmissive member is disposed between the end portion of the optical member and the protruding portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] A display device such as a digital mirror has a display area inside a frame area on a surface. In a display mode, the display device displays an image in the display area on the surface, and in a mirror mode, the display area on the surface functions as a mirror. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4418483 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a display device, from the viewpoint of appearance, it is desirable to reduce the outline that exists at the boundary between the frame region and the display region.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a display device that can reduce contours. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display device according to the present disclosure includes an optical element, a transparent element, an electro-optic element, and a housing. The optical element is light-transmitting. The transparent element is formed on the periphery of the rear surface of the optical element opposite the front surface corresponding to the observation side, and has a transmittance of 5% or more. The electro-optic element is located on the rear surface side of the optical element, and its optical properties change in response to an applied voltage. The housing covers an end of the electro-optic element and has a protrusion that protrudes toward the rear surface of the optical element. The end of the transparent element is disposed between the end of the optical element and the protrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the display device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce contours. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle equipped with an electronic mirror system including a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a vapor deposition layer according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a table illustrating the transmittance of a vapor deposition layer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing an example of the relationship between the transmittance of a vapor deposition layer and appearance according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a display device according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a display device according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a display device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment) The display device according to the embodiment is, for example, an electronic mirror. The display device according to the embodiment has a frame area at the edge of the surface and a display area on the surface, and is designed to reduce the width of the outline at the boundary between the frame area and the display area. For example, the electronic mirror system 3 may be mounted on a vehicle 5, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 5 on which the electronic mirror system 3 according to the embodiment is mounted. The electronic mirror system 3 has an imaging device 1 and a display device 2.

[0011] The imaging device 1 is an in-vehicle camera mounted on the vehicle 5, and is installed outside or inside the vehicle body 6. The imaging device 1 may be installed on the rear side of the vehicle body 6 to capture images of the rear of the vehicle 5, or may be installed near the door of the vehicle body 6 to capture images of the side of the vehicle 5, or may be installed on the front side of the vehicle body 6 to capture images of the front of the vehicle 5.

[0012] The display device 2 is disposed inside the vehicle interior 7. The display device 2 is, for example, an electronic mirror, has a surface 2a, and is capable of displaying an image captured by the imaging device 1 on the surface 2a. The display device 2 is configured to be switchable between a display mode and a mirror mode. The display mode is a mode in which the display device 2 functions as a display that displays an image captured by the imaging device 1. The mirror mode is a mode in which the display device 2 functions as a mirror.

[0013] When the display device 2 is an electronic mirror for rearview, it may be implemented in the form of a rearview mirror, with the surface 2a facing the vehicle interior 7 and the shape of the surface 2a being the same as the mirror surface of a rearview mirror. When the display device 2 is an electronic mirror for sideview, it may be implemented in the form of a door mirror (for example, door mirror 61), with the surface 2a facing the rear of the vehicle body 6 and the shape of the surface 2a being the same as the mirror surface of a door mirror.

[0014] When the display device 2 is an electronic mirror for forward visibility, it may be implemented in the form of an in-vehicle display device (e.g., display device 71), with the surface 2a facing the vehicle interior 7 and the shape of the surface 2a being the shape of the display portion of the display device.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the imaging device 1 is installed at a rear end 6a of a vehicle body 6, and the display device 2 is applied to an electronic mirror for rearward visibility. The electronic mirror for rearward visibility is also called an electronic rearview mirror. The imaging device 1 captures an image of the area behind the vehicle body. The display device 2 can display the image of the area behind the vehicle body captured by the imaging device 1.

[0016] When viewed from the surface 2a side, the display device 2 is as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the display device 2 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the surface 2a is defined as the Z direction, and the two orthogonal directions within the surface 2a are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0017] The surface 2a has, in the XY plane view, for example, a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The surface 2a has a frame region 2a1 and a display region 2a2. The frame region 2a1 is the portion that forms the edge of the surface 2a. The display region 2a2 is the portion inside the frame region 2a1 on the surface 2a.

[0018] In the display mode, the display device 2 displays an image on the display region 2a2 of the surface 2a, and in the mirror mode, the display region 2a2 on the surface 2a functions as a mirror.

[0019] The display device 2 may have a VRM (Variable Reflectance Mirror) function. When the display device 2 has the VRM function, in the mirror mode, the reflectance of the display region 2a2 may be changed according to the illuminance etc. near the surface 2a. For example, in the mirror mode, when the illuminance near the surface 2a is less than a predetermined value, the display device 2 may maintain the reflectance of the display region 2a2 at RR1. When the illuminance near the surface 2a is equal to or higher than a predetermined luminance, the display device 2 may lower the reflectance of the display region 2a2 to RR2 (<RR1).

[0020] The case where the illuminance near the surface 2a is equal to or higher than a predetermined luminance is, for example, when the headlight of a vehicle behind is reflected with a luminance equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or when sunlight is reflected with a luminance equal to or higher than a predetermined value in the image behind. Thereby, the display device 2 can achieve automatic anti-glare by the VRM in the mirror mode. Also, in the display mode, the display device 2 may lower the reflectance of the display region 2a2 to RR3 (<<RR2). Thereby, when the display device 2 displays the image of the electro-optical member 27 (see FIG. 3) by transmitting it through the surface 2a in the display mode, the image can be made easier for the user to visually recognize.

[0021] On the surface 2a, the frame region 2a1 has a width W1 in the portion extending in the Y direction and a width W2 in the portion extending in the X direction. The width W1 and the width W2 may be equal or different.

[0022] In the display device 2, as shown in FIG. 3, a transparent member 26 is formed and the light transmittance of the transparent member 26 is set to 5% or more, thereby reducing the width of the outline at the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2 on the surface 2a.

[0023] Fig. 3 is an XZ cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the display device 2 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the XZ cross-section taken along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 illustrates the structure of the XZ cross-section corresponding to the portion of the frame region 2a1 extending in the Y direction, but the concept of this embodiment can also be applied to the structure of the YZ cross-section corresponding to the portion of the frame region 2a1 extending in the X direction.

[0024] 3, the display device 2 includes an optical member 21, an electro-optical member 22, a housing 23, an adhesive layer 24, a half mirror film 25, a transparent member 26, an electro-optical member 27, an adhesive layer 28, a frame member 29, a frame member 30, an optical member 31, and a case 32. The VRM function is mainly realized by the electro-optical member 22 and the half mirror film 25.

[0025] The optical member 21 extends like a plate in the X and Y directions and has a substantially rectangular shape with the X direction as its longitudinal direction. The optical member 21 is light-transmitting. The optical member 21 may be made of inorganic glass containing SiO2, or may be made of organic glass containing transparent resin such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin) or PC (polycarbonate). The optical member 21 is also called a cover panel, and can protect the display device 2 from external impacts and the like.

[0026] The optical member 21 has a surface 2a on the +Z side and a back surface 21a on the -Z side. The surface 2a has a frame region 2a1 and a display region 2a2. The frame region 2a1 is the edge of the surface 2a and extends in a striped pattern in the Y or X direction along the outer contour of the surface 2a (see FIG. 2). The display region 2a2 extends planarly in the X and Y directions inside the frame region 2a1.

[0027] The back surface 21a has a first region 21a1 and a second region 21a2. The second region 21a2 is located outside the first region 21a1 in the X and Y directions. The first region 21a1 corresponds to the display region 2a2 and overlaps with the display region 2a2 when viewed from the Z direction. The second region 21a2 corresponds to the frame region 2a1 and overlaps with the frame region 2a1 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0028] The transparent member 26 is formed on the periphery of the rear surface of the optical member 21, opposite to the front surface corresponding to the observation side, and has a transmittance of 5% or more. The transparent member 26 is, for example, printed or adhered to the rear surface 21a of the optical member 21. For example, the transparent member 26 is formed in the second region 21a2. The transparent member 26 is formed, for example, by laminating an insulating film layer and a metal film layer in this order on the rear surface 21a of the optical member 21. The insulating film layer covers the end of the metal film layer. The insulating film layer and the metal film layer may be formed by vapor deposition. Here, the layer structure of the transparent member 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transparent member 26 according to the embodiment.

[0029] In this embodiment, the transmitting member 26 is composed of an insulating film layer and a metal film layer. The insulating film layer is, for example, a silicon dioxide film layer 261 made of silicon dioxide. The metal film layer is, for example, a chromium film layer 262 made of chromium. The silicon dioxide film layer 261 covers the edge of the chromium film layer 262 and contacts the edge of the optical member 21. The chromium film layer 262 is disposed between the optical member 21 and the silicon dioxide film layer 261.

[0030] In addition, the thickness of the silicon dioxide film layer 261 in this embodiment is set to be between 130 nm and 600 nm, for example, the thickness of the silicon dioxide film layer 261 is set based on the static electricity protection performance of the display device 2 and the degree of influence on the appearance color.

[0031] When the thickness of the silicon dioxide film layer 261 is 130 nm or more, the silicon dioxide film layer 261 covers the side surfaces of the metal film such as the chromium film layer 261, and this can sufficiently prevent electricity from flowing through the metal film when, for example, the display device 2 is subjected to static electricity.

[0032] This reduces the possibility that the electricity flowing through the metal film will flow to the electro-optical member 22 or the electro-optical member 27, causing a malfunction in the electro-optical member 22 or the electro-optical member 27. Therefore, the withstand voltage of the display device 2 can be improved.

[0033] Furthermore, by having the silicon dioxide film layer 261 cover the side surfaces of the metal film such as the chromium film layer 261, it is possible to sufficiently prevent electricity from flowing through the metal film when, for example, the display device 2 is subjected to static electricity.

[0034] Furthermore, by setting the film thickness of the silicon dioxide film layer 261 to 600 nm or less, the display device 2 can prevent the color of the silicon dioxide film layer 261 from affecting the appearance of the image or mirror image displayed on the display device 2.

[0035] Next, the light transmittance of the transparent member 26 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a table for explaining the film thickness and transmittance of the transparent member 26 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a table T1 showing the thickness and transmittance of the chromium film layer 262 when the transparent member 26 according to the embodiment is configured with the chromium film layer 262.

[0036] 5, when the thickness of the chrome film layer 262 is 20 [nm], the light transmittance is 15.6 [%]. When the thickness of the chrome film layer 262 is 25 [nm], the light transmittance is 11.1 [%]. When the thickness of the chrome film layer 262 is 30 [nm], the light transmittance is 8.0 [%]. When the thickness of the chrome film layer 262 is 35 [nm], the light transmittance is 5.8 [%].

[0037] As a result, by setting the film thickness of the chrome film layer 262 to, for example, 35 nm or less, it is possible to realize a transparent member 26 with a transmittance of 5% or more. The film thickness of the chrome film layer 262 may be, for example, 20 nm or more. This allows the transmittance of the transparent member 26 to be 16% or less, making it difficult for the user to see components located behind the transparent member 26.

[0038] 3, the transparent member 26 is disposed between the optical member 21 and the electro-optical member 22 in the Z direction. The transparent member 26 is disposed between the second region 21a2 and the electro-optical member 22 in the Z direction. An end of the transparent member 26 is disposed between an end of the optical member 21 and a protrusion 231 of the housing 23, which will be described later.

[0039] The transparent member 26 has a substantially rectangular outer contour with its longitudinal direction in the X direction. The transparent member 26 has an opening corresponding to the display region 2a2. The transparent member 26 contacts the rear surface 21a of the optical member 21 on the +Z side and covers the second region 21a2. The transparent member 26 covers the surface of the electro-optical member 22 on the +Z side.

[0040] The electro-optical member 22 is located on the back surface side (-Z side) of the optical member 21. The electro-optical member 22 is disposed on the back surface side (-Z side) of the transmissive member 26. The optical characteristics of the electro-optical member 22 can change in response to an applied voltage. The electro-optical member 22 has a liquid crystal region 221 and a peripheral region 222. The boundary between the liquid crystal region 221 and the peripheral region 222 in the electro-optical member 22 defines the boundary between the display region 2a2 and the frame region 2a1 on the front surface 2a. The peripheral region 222 may be adhered to the back surface of the transmissive member 26 with a transparent adhesive such as OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive).

[0041] The electro-optical member 22 has a front surface 22b on the +Z side and a back surface 22a on the -Z side. The front surface 22b has regions 22b1 and 22b2. Region 22b2 is located outside region 22b1 in the X and Y directions. Region 22b1 corresponds to the display region 2a2 and overlaps with the display region 2a2 when viewed from the Z direction. Region 22b2 corresponds to the frame region 2a1 and overlaps with the frame region 2a1 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0042] The back surface 22a has an area 22a1 and an area 22a2. The area 22a2 is located outside the area 22a1 in the X and Y directions. The area 22a2 corresponds to the frame area 2a1 and overlaps with the frame area 2a1 when viewed from the Z direction. The area 22a1 corresponds to the display area 2a2 and overlaps with the display area 2a2 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0043] The transparent member 26 covers the region 22b2. The region 22b2 corresponds to the peripheral region 222 of the electro-optical member 22. By setting the transmittance of the transparent member 26 to a predetermined value or less, the transparent member 26 can shield elements, wiring, terminals, etc. arranged in the peripheral region 222 of the electro-optical member 22. This makes it difficult for a user to see the elements, wiring, terminals, etc. arranged in the peripheral region 222 of the electro-optical member 22, thereby improving the appearance of the display device 2.

[0044] On the front surface 22b of the electro-optical member 22, which is the surface facing the optical member 21, a polarizing plate 41, an adhesive member 42, and a PET film 43 made of a resin material are laminated in this order.

[0045] The polarizing plate 41 extends in the XY directions. The polarizing plate 41 is disposed on the back side (-Z side) of the optical member 21. The polarizing plate 41 is disposed on the back side (-Z side) of the adhesive member 42. The polarizing plate 41 is disposed between the electro-optical member 22 and the PET film 43. The polarizing plate 41 is adhered to the electro-optical member 22 by an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer contains a transparent adhesive such as OCA.

[0046] The adhesive member 42 extends in the XY directions. The adhesive member 42 is disposed on the back surface side (-Z side) of the optical member 21. The adhesive member 42 is disposed on the back surface side (-Z side) of the PET film 43. The adhesive member 42 is an adhesive member that bonds the polarizing plate 41 and the PET film 43 together.

[0047] The PET film 43 is a sheet member formed of a resin material containing polyethylene terephthalate. The PET film 43 is an example of a retardation film in the present disclosure. The PET film 43 has a retardation value in the range of 2000 nm to 4000 nm. The retardation value is a value that represents the magnitude of the phase difference between the polarized component along the fast axis of the PET film 43 and the polarized component along the slow axis.

[0048] For example, a retardation value of 2000 nm indicates that there is a phase difference of 2000 nm between the polarized component along the fast axis and the polarized component along the slow axis. The thickness of the PET film 43 is, for example, 100 μm.

[0049] The PET film 43 extends in the X and Y directions. The PET film 43 is disposed on the back surface side (-Z side) of the optical member 21. The PET film 43 is adhered to the back surface 21 a of the optical member 21 and the transparent member 26 by an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer includes a transparent adhesive such as OCA.

[0050] The liquid crystal region 221 corresponds to the display region 2a2 and extends in the X and Y directions. The liquid crystal region 221 is, for example, a TN-type liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel has a configuration in which a TN-type liquid crystal material is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates 44 that are spaced apart in the Z direction and extend in the X and Y directions, respectively.

[0051] The peripheral region 222 corresponds to the frame region 2a1 and extends to surround the periphery of the liquid crystal region 221 in the XY plane view. In the peripheral region 222, ends of the pair of transparent substrates 44 are arranged, and a member for sealing the liquid crystal material is also arranged. Of the pair of transparent substrates 44, the +Z side surface of the end of the +Z side transparent substrate 44 may be bonded to the back surface of the transmissive member 26 with a transparent adhesive such as OCA. The -Z side surface of the end of the -Z side transparent substrate 44 may be bonded to the housing 23 with a transparent adhesive such as OCA. A transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) may be arranged on each of the pair of transparent substrates 44.

[0052] Additionally, a control circuit or the like connected to the pair of transparent electrodes may be disposed in the peripheral region 222. The control circuit can change the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules by changing the voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes, thereby changing the optical properties (e.g., transmittance and reflectance) of the electro-optical member 22. The VRM function is mainly realized by changes in the optical properties of the electro-optical member 22 and the corresponding operation of reflecting and transmitting light by the half mirror film 25.

[0053] The housing 23 is disposed on the rear surface side (-Z side) of the optical member 21 and disposed outside the electro-optical member 22 in the X and Y directions. The housing 23 has a protrusion 231 and a side wall 232. The protrusion 231 protrudes from the side wall 232 in a direction along the rear surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22. The protrusion 231 extends along the rear surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22. The protrusion 231 covers an end of the electro-optical member 27 and protrudes toward the rear surface of the optical member 21. The side wall 232 covers the XY direction end surface 22c of the electro-optical member 22 from the outside in the X and Y directions, on the outside of the electro-optical member 22 in the X and Y directions. The side wall 232 extends in the Y and Z directions or the Z and X directions (see FIG. 2 ) and forms an outer surface 23a of the housing 23. The housing 23 may be formed of a light-blocking material.

[0054] The adhesive layer 24 is disposed between the rear surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22 and the protruding portion 231. The adhesive layer 24 may be a member in which adhesive is applied to the +Z side surface and the -Z side surface of a double-sided tape or the like. The adhesive layer 24 is disposed between the region 22a2 and the protruding portion 231, and adheres the peripheral region 222 of the electro-optical member 22 to the protruding portion 231.

[0055] That is, the optical member 21 is adhered to the electro-optical member 22 via a transparent adhesive such as OCA and a PET film 43. The adhesive layer 24 adheres the rear surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22 to the housing 23. This allows the optical member 21 to be fixed to the housing 23 via the electro-optical member 22. Therefore, in the display device 2, the X-direction width of the adhesive layer 24 can be ensured in accordance with the X-direction width of the peripheral region 222, and a wide adhesive area of ​​the adhesive layer 24 can be ensured, so that adhesive strength (for example, vibration robustness) can be easily ensured.

[0056] The adhesive layer 24 is disposed between the rear surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22 and the protruding portion 231, and fixes the optical member 21 to the housing 23 via the electro-optical member 22. This ensures that the X-direction width of the adhesive layer 24 corresponds to the X-direction width of the peripheral region 222, while positioning the X-direction end 22ci of the electro-optical member 22 further outward in the X direction. That is, the X-direction end 22ci of the electro-optical member 22 can be brought closer to the outer surface 23a of the housing 23. Accordingly, the boundary between the liquid crystal region 221 and the peripheral region 222 in the electro-optical member 22 can be positioned further outward in the X direction.

[0057] The half mirror film 25 is disposed between the electro-optical member 22 and the electro-optical member 27 in the Z direction. The transmissive member 26 is disposed between the region 22a1 and the electro-optical member 27 in the Z direction. The half mirror film 25 has a substantially rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the X direction corresponding to the display region 2a2 (see FIG. 2). The half mirror film 25 contacts the back surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22 on the +Z side and covers the region 22a1. The half mirror film 25 may be adhered to the back surface 22a of the electro-optical member 22 with a transparent adhesive such as OCA. The half mirror film 25 is spaced apart from the electro-optical member 27 on the -Z side. The half mirror film 25 may be a polarized reflective layer.

[0058] For example, when the display device 2 is observed from the +Z side in the mirror mode, the frame region 2a1 appears to have the same color as the transparent member 26, and the display region 2a2 appears to have the same color as the half mirror film 25. In this case, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, a black line may be visible at the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2.

[0059] The black line is thought to occur as follows: A portion of the light incident from the +Z side of the surface 2a is reflected by the surface of the half mirror film 25 and travels toward the back surface of the transparent member 26. The light is blocked by the transparent member 26, and the black line is thought to occur because the light is perceived as a shadow of the transparent member 26. The width of the perceived black line can be, for example, approximately twice the width of the area where the light reflected by the half mirror film 25 can be blocked by the transparent member 26. In other words, the larger the area where the light reflected by the half mirror film 25 is blocked by the transparent member 26, the more noticeable the black line becomes. The transparent member 26 of this embodiment has a transmittance of 5% or more, and therefore does not easily block the light reflected by the half mirror film 25. This reduces the width of the black line, making it less noticeable.

[0060] The frame member 29 is disposed between the housing 23 and the electro-optical member 27 in the XY directions. The frame member 29 extends along the YZ direction or the ZX direction. The end of the frame member 29 on the +Z side is bent inward in the XY directions so as to cover the electro-optical member 27 from the +Z side. The frame member 29 may be formed from a material that can be processed into sheet metal, such as metal. The frame member 29 may be fixed to the housing 23.

[0061] The electro-optical member 27 is disposed on the back surface 22a side (-Z side) of the electro-optical member 22. The electro-optical member 27 is disposed between the electro-optical member 22 and the optical member 31 in the Z direction. The electro-optical member 27 is disposed between the frame members 29 and 30 in the Z direction. The optical characteristics of the electro-optical member 27 can be changed by applying a voltage. The electro-optical member 27 has a liquid crystal region 271 and a peripheral region 272. The electro-optical member 27 may be, for example, a display panel for displaying images.

[0062] The liquid crystal region 271 corresponds to the display region 2a2 and extends in the X and Y directions. The liquid crystal region 271 includes, for example, a TFT-type liquid crystal panel 271a and a polarizing plate 271b disposed on the +Z side thereof. The liquid crystal panel 271a has a configuration in which a TFT-type liquid crystal material is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates disposed apart in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The liquid crystal region 271 may further include a polarizing plate disposed on the -Z side of the liquid crystal panel 271a.

[0063] The peripheral region 272 corresponds to the frame region 2a1 and extends to surround the periphery of the liquid crystal region 271 in the XY plane view. In the peripheral region 272, the ends of the pair of transparent substrates are arranged, and a member for sealing the liquid crystal material is also arranged. Of the pair of transparent substrates, the -Z side surface of the end of the transparent substrate on the -Z side may be adhered to the frame member 30 with a transparent adhesive such as OCA. A transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO may be arranged on each of the pair of transparent substrates.

[0064] Additionally, a control circuit or the like connected to the pair of transparent electrodes may be disposed in the peripheral region 272. The control circuit can change the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules by changing the voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes, thereby changing the optical properties (e.g., transmittance) of the electro-optical member 27. The image display function is mainly realized by changing the optical properties of the electro-optical member 27.

[0065] The frame member 30 is disposed between the frame member 29 and the case 32 and optical member 31 in the XY directions. The frame member 30 extends along the YZ direction or the ZX direction. The frame member 30 has a bent portion 30a bent inward in the XY directions so that the end on the +Z side covers the case 32 and optical member 31 from the +Z side. The frame member 30 can be formed from a material that can be processed into sheet metal, such as metal. The frame member 30 can be fixed to the housing 23 directly or via the frame member 29.

[0066] The adhesive layer 28 is disposed between the back surface of the electro-optical member 27 and the bent portion 30a of the frame member 30. The adhesive layer 28 may be a member in which adhesive is applied to the +Z side surface and the -Z side surface of a double-sided tape or the like. The adhesive layer 28 is disposed between the outer region on the back surface of the electro-optical member 27 and the bent portion 30a of the frame member 30, and bonds the peripheral region 272 of the electro-optical member 27 to the bent portion 30a of the frame member 30.

[0067] That is, the adhesive layer 28 adheres the back surface of the electro-optical member 27 to the frame member 30. This fixes the electro-optical member 27 to the housing 23 via the frame member 30. This allows the X-direction width of the adhesive layer 28 to be secured according to the X-direction width of the peripheral region 272, while positioning the X-direction end 22ci of the electro-optical member 27 relatively outward in the X direction. As a result, a wide display area can be secured while a wide adhesive area of ​​the adhesive layer 28 can be secured, and therefore adhesive strength can be easily secured.

[0068] The optical member 31 is disposed on the back side (-Z side) of the electro-optical member 27. The optical member 31 extends like a plate in the XY directions and has a substantially rectangular shape with the X direction as its longitudinal direction. The optical member 31 is configured to be able to illuminate the electro-optical member 27 from the back side. The optical member 31 is, for example, a backlight.

[0069] Case 32 is disposed on the rear surface side (-Z side) of electro-optical member 27, and on the -Z side of optical member 31. Case 32 has a box shape with an open +X side, and can house optical member 31. Case 32 may be fixed to housing 23 directly or via frame member 30 and / or frame member 29.

[0070] Next, the transparent member 26 according to this embodiment and the appearance of the display device 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a table showing an example of the relationship between the transmittance of the transparent member 26 according to this embodiment and the appearance. Here, the appearance refers to whether the user can see through the display device 2 and whether the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2 appears black to the user. Fig. 6 shows the results of evaluating the appearance when the transmittance of the transparent member 26 is 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%.

[0071] In table T2 shown in FIG. 6, the appearance items are, for example, "transparency of structures," "transparency of electro-optical components," and "boundary outline." "Transparency of structures" is an item indicating whether or not a structure inside the display device 2 can be seen through by a user when the display device 2 is observed from the surface. "Transparency of electro-optical components" is an item indicating whether or not the electro-optical components 22 inside the display device 2 can be seen through by a user. "boundary outline" is an item indicating whether or not the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2 can be seen by a user. Here, the structure is, for example, the transparent substrate 44. Note that the appearance items are not limited to these.

[0072] 6 also shows the evaluation results with the symbols ◎, ○, and △. The symbol ◎ indicates that the evaluation result is in a good condition even when, for example, the display device 2 is used in the external environment of the vehicle 5 or when the display device 2 is exposed to light that is stronger than that which is normally irradiated in the vehicle 5. Here, a good condition refers to a state in which the internal structure of the display device 2, the electro-optical member 22, and the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2 are not visible to the user.

[0073] The symbol ○ indicates that the evaluation result shows that the display device 2 is in good condition in any environment when used in a vehicle 5, for example. The symbol △ indicates that the evaluation result shows that the display device 2 is in good condition in a normal environment when used in a vehicle 5, but that objects may be visible to the user in some environments. An example of such an environment is when the display device 2 is exposed to afternoon sun. The objects are, for example, the internal structure of the display device 2, the electro-optical member 22, and the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2.

[0074] 6, by setting the transmittance of the transparent member 26 to 5% or more, more specifically, between 5% and 20%, it is possible to reduce, for example, the transparency of the structure or the electro-optical member 22 and the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2. The transmittance of the transparent member 26 may be set to 10% or more.

[0075] This makes it possible to make the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2 less visible to the user. Also, the transmittance of the transparent member 26 may be set to 15% or less. This makes it possible to make the electro-optical member 22 less visible to the user.

[0076] As described above, the embodiment includes the optical member 21 having translucency, the transparent member 26 formed on the periphery of the rear surface of the optical member 21 opposite to the front surface corresponding to the observation side and having a transmittance of 5% or more, the electro-optical member 22 located on the rear surface side of the optical member 21 and whose optical properties change in response to an applied voltage, and the housing 23 covering the end of the electro-optical member 22 and having the protrusion 231 protruding toward the rear surface of the optical member 21, the end of the transparent member 26 being disposed between the end of the optical member 21 and the protrusion 231. This makes it possible to reduce the contour of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2.

[0077] In the description of the present disclosure, components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described above with respect to the previously-mentioned drawings may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, even when the same or substantially the same parts are shown, the dimensions and proportions may be different depending on the drawing. Furthermore, for example, in order to ensure the visibility of the drawings, reference numerals may be given to only the main components in the description of each drawing, and reference numerals may not be given to components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described above with respect to the previously-mentioned drawings.

[0078] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the end of the transparent member 26 is disposed between the end of the optical member 21 and the protruding portion 231, but this is not limiting. For example, the end of the PET film 43 may be disposed between the end of the transparent member 26 and the protruding portion 231. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the display device 2 according to the first modified example.

[0079] 7 and 3, the adhesive member 42 and the PET film 43 shown in Fig. 7 extend in the negative direction of the X-axis, and the end of the PET film 43 is disposed between the end of the transmissive member 26 and the protruding portion 231. This makes it possible to reduce the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2.

[0080] (Second Modification) In the above-described first modified example, the edge of the PET film 43 is disposed between the edge of the transmissive member 26 and the protruding portion 231, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the edge of the polarizing plate 41 may be disposed between the edge of the PET film 43 and the protruding portion 231. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the display device 2 according to the second modified example.

[0081] 8 and 7, the polarizing plate 41 shown in Fig. 8 extends in the negative direction of the X-axis, and the edge of the polarizing plate 41 is disposed between the edge of the PET film 43 and the protrusion 231. This reduces the outline of the boundary between the frame region 2a1 and the display region 2a2.

[0082] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Imaging device 2 Display device 3 Electronic mirror system 21 Optical Components 22 Electro-optical components 23 Case 26 Transparent member 41 Polarizing plate 42 Adhesive material 43 PET film 231 Protrusion 261 Silicon dioxide film layer 262 Chromium film layer

Claims

1. a light-transmitting optical member; a transparent member having a transmittance of 5% or more, the transparent member being formed on a peripheral edge of a back surface of the optical member opposite to a surface corresponding to an observation side; an electro-optical member located on the rear surface side of the optical member, the optical characteristics of which change in response to an applied voltage; a housing covering an end of the electro-optical member and having a protrusion protruding toward a rear surface of the optical member; Equipped with an end of the transparent member is disposed between an end of the optical member and the protrusion; Display device.

2. The electro-optical member has a first surface facing the optical member and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a polarizing plate is disposed on the first surface, and a retardation film formed of a resin material is disposed on the polarizing plate. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. An end of the retardation film is disposed between an end of the transparent member and the protrusion. The display device according to claim 2 .

4. An end of the polarizing plate is disposed between an end of the retardation film and the protrusion. The display device according to claim 3 .

5. the transparent member includes an insulating film layer and a metal film layer stacked on the rear surface of the optical member, the insulating film layer covers an end portion of the metal film layer; The display device according to claim 1 .

6. The thickness of the metal film layer is 20 nm or more and 35 nm or less, The insulating film layer has a thickness of 130 nm or more and 600 nm or less. The display device according to claim 5 .

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