Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can achieve a good appearance and can be manufactured easily. [Solution] A display device comprising: a display panel; a housing that houses the display panel and has a bezel positioned around the display panel in a plan view; a front panel positioned on the observer side of the display panel and having at least a portion overlapping the bezel; and an adhesive member attached to the front panel, wherein the front panel has a flat portion that does not overlap the bezel and an end portion that overlaps the bezel, and when the observer-side surface of the display panel is virtually widened and used as a reference plane, the distance between the observer-side surface of the end portion and the reference plane is shorter than the distance between the observer-side surface of the flat portion and the reference plane, and at least a portion of the adhesive member overlaps the end portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been research into improving the design of display devices that show a desired image when the display screen is lit, by making the display panel less conspicuous and harmonizing with surrounding components and casings when the display device is not lit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical laminate having, in this order, a polarizing plate including a polarizer, a printed layer provided along the outer periphery of the polarizing plate, and a first adhesive layer including a colorant; and an image display device having a display element and the optical laminate in this order facing the viewing side, wherein the optical laminate is positioned so that the printed layer is on the viewing side of the polarizing plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-72971 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a display device that can achieve a good appearance and can be easily manufactured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device comprising: a display panel; a housing that houses the display panel and has a bezel positioned around the display panel in a plan view; a front panel positioned on the observer side of the display panel and having at least a portion overlapping the bezel; and an adhesive member attached to the front panel, wherein the front panel has a flat portion that does not overlap the bezel and an end portion that overlaps the bezel, and when the observer side surface of the display panel is virtually widened and used as a reference plane, the distance between the observer side surface of the end portion and the reference plane is shorter than the distance between the observer side surface of the flat portion and the reference plane, and at least a portion of the adhesive member overlaps the end portion.

[0007] (2) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1) above, the observer-side surface of the end is inclined with respect to the reference surface.

[0008] (3) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the distance between the observer-side surface of the end and the reference surface increases as it approaches the flat portion.

[0009] (4) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), or (3) above, the front panel does not have a light-shielding portion.

[0010] (5) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3) or (4) above, when the display device is not lit, the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel measured from the observer's side is x1 and the y value is y1, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the bezel measured from the observer's side is x2 and the y value is y2, the absolute value of the difference between x1 and x2, and the absolute value of the difference between y1 and y2 are both 0.02 or less.

[0011] (6) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) above, the reflectivity of the bezel is 50% or less, and the reflectivity of the display panel when the display device is not lit is 50% or less.

[0012] (7) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device that, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) above, further has the same member between the bezel and the front panel as the member located closest to the observer in the display panel.

[0013] (8) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) above, the adhesive member is a display device disposed on the back surface of the end portion.

[0014] (9) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) above, the adhesive member is a display device disposed on the observer-facing surface of the end.

[0015] (10) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9) above, the end portion is a lens portion.

[0016] (11) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device that, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) above, further comprises an opposing member positioned on the observer side of the end and superimposed on the end.

[0017] (12)In a certain embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (11) above, when the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel measured from the observer side when the display device is not lit is x1, the y value is y1, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the opposing member measured from the observer side is x3, the y value is y3, then the absolute value of the difference between x1 and x3, and the absolute value of the difference between y1 and y3 are both 0.02 or less. This is a display device.

[0018] (13)In a certain embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (11) or (12) above, further comprising a storage portion for storing the housing, and the opposing member is a part of the storage portion. This is a display device.

[0019] (14)In a certain embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (13) above, when the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the storage portion measured from the observer side is x4, the y value is y4, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the front panel measured from the observer side is x5, the y value is y5, then the absolute value of the difference between x4 and x5, and the absolute value of the difference between y4 and y5 are both 0.02 or less. This is a display device.

[0020] <​​​​​​​​(17) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), or (16) above, the back surface of the end is located further back than the back surface of the flat portion.

[0023] (18) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), or (17) above, the front panel is a display device including a design layer.

[0024] (19) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device that, in addition to the configurations of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), or (18) above, is capable of local dimming drive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that can achieve a good appearance and can be manufactured easily. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line X1-X2. [Figure 3] This diagram is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment in which the front panel includes a design layer. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a schematic plan view of a conventional display device, specifically a configuration in which the front panel includes a design layer. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment capable of local dimming drive. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, which describes an embodiment in which the same member as the observer-side member of the display panel is located between the bezel and the front panel. [Figure 7] This diagram is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment in which the bezel and the front panel have the same member as the observer-side member of the display panel. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a display device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a display device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 17] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 3 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 19] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 1. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to Comparative Embodiment 1. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Figure 22] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. [Figure 23] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Figure 25] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. [Figure 26] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments are listed below, and the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used in common across different drawings for the same parts or parts having similar functions, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Each aspect of the present invention may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0028] In this specification, two directions (planes) are considered orthogonal if the angle between them is preferably within the range of 90°±3°, more preferably within the range of 90°±1°, and even more preferably within the range of 90°±0.5°. Furthermore, two directions (planes) are considered parallel if the angle between them is preferably within the range of 0°±3°, more preferably within the range of 0°±1°, and even more preferably within the range of 0°±0.5°.

[0029] In this specification, "observer side" means the side closer to the screen (display surface) of the display device, and "back side" means the side further away from the screen (display surface) of the display device. Also, in this specification, "planar view" means the view as seen from the observer side.

[0030] In this specification, "the display device is lit" means that light is emitted from the observer side of the display device. If the display panel is a liquid crystal panel, this means that the backlight located on the back side of the liquid crystal panel is lit and the liquid crystal panel transmits light (white display state). If the display panel is a self-emissive panel such as an OLED, this means that the display panel is lit. In this specification, "the display device is not lit" means that no light is emitted from the observer side of the display device. Specifically, "the display device is not lit" means that if the display panel is a liquid crystal panel, the backlight is off, and in the case of a display device equipped with a locally dimmable backlight, the backlight corresponding to the area of ​​the display panel that does not display an image (black display area) is off. If the display panel is a self-emissive panel such as an OLED, this means that the display panel is off. The state in which the display device is lit is also simply referred to as "when lit" or "lit state". The state in which the display device is not lit is also simply referred to as "when not lit" or "not lit state".

[0031] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line X1-X2 in Figure 1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display device 1 of this embodiment comprises a display panel 100, a housing 300 having a bezel (frame member) 310 that houses the display panel 100 and is positioned around the display panel 100 in a plan view, a front plate 110 positioned on the observer side of the display panel 100 and at least a portion of which overlaps with the bezel 310, and an adhesive member 301 attached to the front plate 110. The front plate 110 has a flat portion 110A that does not overlap with the bezel 310 and an end portion 110B that overlaps with the bezel 310. When the observer-side surface of the display panel 100 is virtually widened and the reference surface 100X is defined as such, the distance between the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B and the reference surface 100X is shorter than the distance between the observer-side surface 110X of the flat portion 110A and the reference surface 100X. At least a portion of the adhesive member 301 overlaps the end portion 110B. As shown in Figure 1, a display device 1 in this configuration can make the adhesive member 301 difficult to see, thus achieving a good appearance. Furthermore, while conventional display devices sometimes have a printed area on the frame of the front panel to prevent the adhesive member from being seen, the display device 1 of this embodiment can make the adhesive member 301 difficult to see without providing such a printed area, and can therefore be manufactured more simply than conventional devices. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced. In this specification, "overlapping" refers to overlapping in a plan view.

[0033] (Display panel) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display panel 100 has, in a plan view, a display area 1AA and a frame area 1NA arranged around the display area 1AA. The frame area 1NA is the area that overlaps with the bezel 310 in a plan view and is not involved in the display of images or the like by the display device. The display area 1AA is the area that overlaps with the display panel 100 in a plan view. Specifically, the display area 1AA is an area that includes multiple pixels and is the area where a desired image or the like is displayed when the display device 1 is lit.

[0034] Examples of the display panel 100 include liquid crystal panels and self-emissive panels. A liquid crystal panel, for example, may comprise a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates and containing liquid crystal molecules. The pair of substrates may be a TFT substrate having multiple switching elements such as thin-film transistors (TFTs) and a counter substrate. The TFT substrate or the counter substrate may have color filters such as red, green, and blue that overlap with the pixels described later.

[0035] The TFT substrate has gate wiring and source wiring that intersects the gate wiring on a support substrate, with the TFT placed near the intersection of the gate wiring and source wiring, and pixel electrodes electrically connected to the TFT placed thereon. The region enclosed by the gate wiring and source wiring is a pixel, and the color filter is placed so as to overlap each pixel.

[0036] A common electrode is placed on the TFT substrate or the opposing substrate. The display device 1 can generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer by applying a predetermined voltage between the pixel electrode and the opposing electrode, thereby controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and adjusting the amount of light transmitted from the backlight 200 to the liquid crystal panel, and achieving a lit state.

[0037] The liquid crystal panel has a pair of polarizers, which consist of a polarizer located on the observer side and a polarizer located on the back side of the liquid crystal panel. The pair of polarizers may be absorption-type linear polarizers having a transmission axis that transmits only light in a specific polarization direction and an absorption axis perpendicular to the transmission axis. The pair of polarizers are arranged, for example, in a crossed nicol configuration so that their transmission axes are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, an alignment film that controls the orientation of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied may be placed between the TFT substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and between the opposing substrate and the liquid crystal layer.

[0038] Examples of the self-illuminating panels mentioned above include OLED panels containing multiple organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). These self-illuminating panels are panels that can emit light themselves, equipped with light-emitting elements such as OLEDs inside the panel, and can emit light towards the observer without requiring an external light source such as a backlight.

[0039] The configuration of the organic light-emitting diode described above is not particularly limited, and examples include a cathode, a light-emitting layer, and an anode stacked in this order. The light-emitting layer may contain fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials, etc. as light-emitting materials. An electron transport layer may be placed between the cathode and the light-emitting layer, and a hole transport layer may be placed between the light-emitting layer and the anode.

[0040] Light-emitting elements such as OLEDs may be arranged in a matrix on a substrate on which gate wiring, source wiring, TFTs, etc., are formed, with each TFT (each pixel) being arranged in a matrix. In an OLED panel, the area where multiple light-emitting elements are arranged becomes the display area. The multiple light-emitting elements may include red light-emitting elements, green light-emitting elements, and blue light-emitting elements. From the viewpoint of reducing internal reflectivity, a self-emissive panel may have a circular polarizer on the observer side (front panel side, front side).

[0041] The display panel 100 may further include an anti-reflective film on the observer side of the polarizing plates, such as the linear polarizer and circular polarizer, located on the observer side of the display panel 100. Examples of known anti-reflective films include AR film (Anti-Reflection Film) and AG film (Anti-Glare Film). For example, an AR film manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation can be used as an AR film. For example, an AG film manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation can be used as an AG film.

[0042] (Front plate) The front panel 110 is a component positioned on the observer side of the display panel 100 and transmits at least a portion of the light incident from the display panel 100. Preferably, the front panel 110 includes a transparent substrate 111.

[0043] As the transparent substrate 111, for example, a resin sheet such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a glass sheet can be used. The transparent substrate 111 may be flat or curved.

[0044] From the viewpoint of maintaining high brightness of the display device 1, the transparent substrate 111 preferably has high transmittance, for example, a transmittance of 90% or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing blurring of the displayed image, the transparent substrate 111 preferably has a haze of 10% or less. In this specification, transmittance refers to total light transmittance and is measured by a method in accordance with JIS K 7361-1:1997. The above total light transmittance is the total light transmittance in the visible light region (for example, wavelength 380 nm to 780 nm). The above haze is measured by a method in accordance with JIS K 7136:2000. The above total light transmittance can be measured using, for example, a turbidimeter "HazeMeter NDH2000" manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. The above haze can be measured using, for example, a turbidimeter "HazeMeter NDH2000" manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.

[0045] The transmittance of the area of ​​the front panel 110 that overlaps with the display area 1AA is preferably 50% or more. By adopting this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve a lit state while maintaining high brightness. If the transmittance of the area of ​​the front panel 110 that overlaps with the display area 1AA is less than 50%, the brightness of the display device 1 will decrease, and the displayed image may become difficult to see in bright environments. The transmittance of the area of ​​the front panel 110 that overlaps with the display area 1AA is more preferably 70% or more. The upper limit of the transmittance of the front panel 110 is, for example, 90%.

[0046] The front panel 110 has a flat portion 110A and an end portion 110B. In this embodiment, the flat portion 110A and the end portion 110B are adjacent to each other in a plan view. Figure 2 shows the shape and arrangement of the flat portion 110A in this embodiment. The thickness of the front panel 110 in the flat portion 110A is constant, but it may include areas with different thicknesses. The flat portion 110A includes at least an area that does not overlap the bezel 310, and may include an area that overlaps the bezel 310. The area that does not overlap the bezel 310 may be the "area that overlaps with the display area 1AA" described above.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the shape and arrangement of the end portion 110B of this embodiment. That is, the end portion 110B is the region located at the edge of the front panel 110 in a plan view. The end portion 110B includes at least a region that overlaps with the bezel 310, and the entire end portion 110B is located within the region that overlaps with the bezel 310. The thickness of the front panel 110 at the end portion 110B is smaller than the thickness of the front panel 110 at the flat portion 110A. In Figure 2, the thickness of the front panel 110 at the end portion 110B is not constant, and the thickness decreases from the boundary with the flat portion 110A toward the edge of the front panel 110.

[0048] In this embodiment, the reference plane is a virtually extended surface of the observer-facing side of the display panel 100. That is, the reference plane can be generated by planarly extending the observer-facing side of the display panel 100 to an area where the display panel 100 does not exist (for example, the area where the bezel 310 exists). The reference plane can be used as a reference when representing the distance in the cross-sectional direction of the display device (for example, the distance in the direction from the observer side to the back side).

[0049] The distance 110BH between the observer-side surface 110X of end portion 110B and the reference surface 100X is shorter than the distance 110AH between the observer-side surface 110X of flat portion 110A and the reference surface 100X. The distance 110BH between the observer-side surface 110X of end portion 110B and the reference surface 100X may be constant or not. For example, the distance 110BH is 0.3 μm or more shorter than the distance 110AH. In a plan view, the width of end portion 110B is, for example, 0.1 cm or more and 1.5 cm or less.

[0050] The distance 110AH between the observer-side surface 110X of the flat portion 110A and the reference surface 100X is constant. The distance 110AH can be, for example, the distance between the observer-side surface 110X and the reference surface 100X at the center of the flat portion 110A. The distance 110AH is preferably 50 μm or more and 10 mm or less. By using a front plate 110 with such a thin thickness, it is possible to suppress blurring of the image of the display panel 100 that is viewed through the front plate 110.

[0051] The observer-facing surface 110X of the end portion 110B is preferably inclined with respect to the reference surface 100X. A display device 1 in this configuration can make the adhesive member 301 more difficult to see, thus achieving a better appearance. Furthermore, an end portion 110B with gradually decreasing film thickness is easier to manufacture and can achieve higher strength than an end portion 110B with a uniformly thin film thickness.

[0052] Preferably, the distance 110BH between the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B and the reference surface 100X increases as it approaches the flat portion 110A. A display device 1 in this configuration can make the adhesive member 301 even more difficult to see, thus achieving an even better appearance. Furthermore, an end portion 110B with gradually decreasing film thickness is easier to manufacture and can achieve higher strength than an end portion 110B with a uniformly thin film thickness.

[0053] The rear surface 110Y of the flat section 110A is parallel to the reference plane 100X. The rear surface 110Y of the end section 110B is parallel to the reference plane 100X. The rear surface 110Y of the end section 110B is coplanar with the rear surface 110Y of the flat section 110A. A display device of this type can be easily manufactured because the shape of the front panel 110 is simple.

[0054] It is preferable that the front panel 110 does not have a light-shielding portion. In the manufacturing process of the display device 1 in this embodiment, the step of providing a light-shielding portion to the front panel 110 is unnecessary, and therefore the display device 1 can be manufactured more simply.

[0055] The light-shielding portion has the function of blocking light. The light-shielding portion only needs to have a light absorption rate of 50% or more. Preferably, it should have a light absorption rate of 80% or more, and more preferably 95% or more. The light absorption rate of the light-shielding portion is measured by performing a general reflectance measurement and a general transmittance measurement, and the value obtained by subtracting the reflectance and transmittance from 100% is the light absorption rate.

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment in which the front panel includes a design layer. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device, illustrating an embodiment in which the front panel includes a design layer. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the case where the design layer has a marble pattern.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the front panel 110 includes a design layer 120. Specifically, it is preferable that the front panel 110 includes a design layer 120 that overlaps with the display area 1AA of the display panel 100 in a plan view. In such a configuration of the display device 1, when the display device 1 is lit, light emitted from the observer side of the display panel 100 passes through the front panel 110 having the design layer 120 and is emitted towards the observer, so that the display device 1 can make the observer see the color and pattern of the design layer 120. Furthermore, in addition to when the display device 1 is lit, the display device 1 can also make the observer see the color and pattern of the design layer 120 when the display device 1 is not lit, by reflection of light (external light) incident on the display device 1 from the observer side.

[0058] Because the front panel 110 has a design layer 120, when the display device 1 is not illuminated, it looks like nothing more than a marble-patterned decorative panel, and it is not apparent that there is a display panel 100 on the back side of the front panel 110. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the display device 1 is illuminated, it looks as if an image (in Figure 3, the string of letters ABCDE) is floating on the decorative panel, resulting in a very high level of design appeal. By partially reducing the brightness of the display device 1 to the extent that the pattern of the design layer is visible to the observer due to reflected light, it is possible to make the color of the front panel 110 and the color and pattern of the design layer 120 visible to the observer while also making the image displayed on the display panel visible. Even if a design layer is not provided, the color of the front panel 110 can be made visible to the observer by coloring the front panel 110.

[0059] In this case, if the front panel 110R of a conventional display device 1R having a display panel 100R has a design layer, the appearance of the pattern on the display device 1R when it is not lit will vary depending on the location, resulting in poor design. Specifically, the appearance of the area where the adhesive material (double-sided tape 301TR) is placed will differ from the appearance of other areas. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the appearance of the pattern on the display device 1R will similarly vary depending on the location when it is lit, resulting in poor design.

[0060] However, in this embodiment, the front panel 110 has a flat portion 110A that does not overlap the bezel 310, and an end portion 110B that overlaps the bezel 310 and where the distance between the observer-side surface 110X and the reference surface 100X is shorter than that of the flat portion 110A. Since at least a part of the adhesive member 301 overlaps the end portion 110B, the display device 1 can make the adhesive member 301 difficult to see both when it is not lit and when it is lit, thereby achieving a good appearance.

[0061] The design layer 120 is a layer that expresses a specific pattern, etc., and the pattern, etc., is visible to the observer through external light reflection, etc. The specific pattern is not particularly limited, but examples include a stylistic geometric pattern, carbon fiber pattern, marble pattern, wood grain pattern, marble pattern, specific string of characters, a company logo, etc.

[0062] From the viewpoint of making the boundary between the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA difficult to see, it is preferable that the design layer 120 be arranged so as to overlap the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA of the display panel 100 in a plan view. The design layer 120 may be arranged only on a part of the front panel 110 in a plan view, but it is preferable that it be arranged on the entire surface.

[0063] The design layer 120 is, for example, a semi-transparent picture or pattern. The above-mentioned specific pattern is placed on the front panel 110 as the design layer 120 using semi-transparent printing or the like. For reference, if the above-mentioned pattern is a wood grain pattern, the transmittance of the design layer 120 is approximately 60-80%.

[0064] The design layer 120 can be configured as described in Japanese Patent No. 4184711, etc. Preferably, the design layer 120 contains a reflective pigment. The reflective pigment is a pigment that reflects light of a specific wavelength of ambient light towards the observer, and can make a specific color visible to the observer depending on the reflected wavelength. The specific wavelength is light in the visible light region (380 nm to 780 nm). The design layer 120 may contain multiple reflective pigments, and a desired color can be made visible to the observer by additive color mixing of the reflected light of multiple reflective pigments.

[0065] Because the design layer 120 contains reflective pigments, the front panel 110 can reflect at least a portion of the light incident from the observer's side. Because the design layer 120 has gaps in the pigments, the front panel 110 can transmit at least a portion of the light incident from the display panel 100 to the observer's side.

[0066] The design layer 120 may be printed on the surface of the transparent substrate 111, for example, by a printing method such as gravure printing, screen printing, or inkjet printing. Figure 2 illustrates the case where the design layer 120 is placed on the front side of the transparent substrate 111, but the design layer 120 may also be placed on the back side of the transparent substrate 111.

[0067] When the design layer 120 is placed on the back side of the transparent substrate 111, it is possible to prevent the design layer 120 from being scratched. When the transparent substrate 111 is placed on the observer side, a sense of depth and gloss is created, but depending on the pattern of the design layer 120, the sense of depth and gloss may make the texture appear inferior. From the viewpoint of expressing the texture of the design layer 120 more vividly, it is preferable to place the design layer 120 on the front side of the transparent substrate 111. On the other hand, when the design layer 120 is placed on the front side of the transparent substrate 111, the design layer 120 is prone to scratches, so a hard coat layer (not shown) may be provided on the front side of the design layer 120.

[0068] The adhesive member 301 is attached to the front panel 110. In this embodiment, the adhesive member 301 is placed between the front panel 110 and the bezel 310, and adheres the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 to each other.

[0069] At least a portion of the adhesive member 301 overlaps the end portion 110B. The adhesive member 301 is arranged, for example, along the outer circumference of the front panel 110. Preferably, the entire adhesive member 301 overlaps the end portion 110B. A display device 1 in this configuration can achieve a better appearance because the adhesive member 301 can be made less visible.

[0070] The adhesive member 301 is preferably positioned on the back surface 110Y of the end portion 110B. In this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve a better appearance because the adhesive member 301 can be made less visible. Specifically, the adhesive member 301 is positioned between the end portion 110B and the bezel 310.

[0071] In a plan view, the width of the adhesive member 301 is, for example, 300 μm or more and 1.0 cm or less.

[0072] The adhesive member 301 is preferably transparent, black, or dark gray. Specifically, the reflectance of the adhesive member 301 measured from the observer's side is preferably 30% or less. If the adhesive member 301 is transparent, the transmittance of the adhesive member 301 is preferably 70% or more. In this specification, reflectance refers to the reflectance in the visible light region (e.g., wavelength 380 nm to 780 nm) and can be measured by a method compliant with JIS R3106:2019. A spectrophotometer (e.g., Konica Minolta CM-700d) can be used as the measuring device.

[0073] The adhesive member 301 may comprise a base material and an adhesive layer provided on the surface of the base material. The base material and the adhesive layer are preferably transparent, black, or dark gray. Specifically, the reflectance of the base material and the adhesive layer is preferably 30% or less. If the base material and the adhesive layer are transparent, the transmittance of the base material and the adhesive layer is preferably 70% or more.

[0074] (Backlight) As shown in Figure 2, the backlight 200 may be placed on the back side of the display panel 100, and it is particularly preferable that the display device 1 be equipped with a backlight 200 when the display panel 100 is a liquid crystal panel.

[0075] As the backlight 200, known types can be used, such as edge-lit backlights in which light-emitting elements are arranged on the edge of a light guide plate, and direct-lit backlights in which a large number of light-emitting elements are arranged in a plane and uniformity is improved with a diffuser plate or the like. As the light-emitting elements, known types in the field of backlights can be used, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, etc.

[0076] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment capable of local dimming drive. It is preferable that the display device 1 is capable of local dimming drive. Local dimming drive, also known as partial dimming drive, is a display method that divides the display area 1AA into multiple areas (dimming areas) and adjusts the brightness (luminescence intensity) for each area.

[0077] If the display panel 100 is a liquid crystal panel, the display device 1 capable of local dimming preferably includes a locally dimmable backlight 200 located on the back side of the display panel 100. In this case, the backlight 200 is preferably a direct-lit backlight. The display device 1 further preferably includes a brightness adjustment mechanism for adjusting the brightness of the backlight 200. The brightness adjustment mechanism preferably adjusts the light emission intensity of multiple light-emitting elements for each divided region according to the display image on the display panel 100.

[0078] If the display panel 100 is a self-emissive panel, it is preferable that the display device 1, which is capable of local dimming drive, includes a self-emissive brightness adjustment mechanism for adjusting the brightness of the self-emissive panel. The self-emissive brightness adjustment mechanism preferably adjusts the light emission intensity of a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged inside the display panel 100. When a self-emissive panel such as an organic EL panel is used as the display panel, pixels that are not lit will be displayed in black, so the same appearance as when a backlight arranged on the back side of a liquid crystal panel is locally dimmed can be obtained.

[0079] By implementing local dimming, a highly designed display device 1 can be realized, as shown in Figure 5, in which an image (the string "ABCDE" in Figure 5) appears to float on a black background. Local dimming changes the brightness (luminance) of the backlight according to the brightness of each dimming area of ​​the display panel. In dimming areas where bright images are displayed, the luminance of the backlight is increased, and in dimming areas where dark images are displayed, the luminance of the backlight is decreased. In dimming areas that display only black, the luminance of the backlight is further reduced or the backlight is turned off. The portion of the display area 1AA that is set to black can achieve the same level of black as when the backlight 200 is off, resulting in a good appearance. Note that in Figure 5, the difference in appearance between the display panel 100 and the bezel 310 is omitted.

[0080] (Enclosure) As shown in Figure 2, the display device 1 includes a housing 300 that houses the display panel 100 and the front panel 110. The housing 300 includes a bottom portion 320 and a bezel 310 that is provided around the bottom portion 320 and protrudes toward the observer. In a plan view, the bottom portion 320 overlaps with the display panel 100, and the bezel 310 is positioned around the display panel 100. For example, by placing an adhesive member 301 on the back side of the front panel 110 that overlaps with the frame area 1NA, and attaching the adhesive member 301 to the bezel 310, the front panel 110 can be fixed to the housing 300.

[0081] The housing 300 may house a circuit board (not shown) on which a drive circuit for driving the display panel 100 and the backlight 200 is formed. The housing 300 is not particularly limited as long as it can house the display panel 100 and the front panel 110, and may be made of metal or resin. The shape of the housing 300 is not limited to a box shape with an open top as shown in Figure 2. Also, the bottom 320 and the bezel 310 may be integrally molded.

[0082] Preferably, the bezel 310 has the same appearance as the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated. Specifically, if the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel 100 measured from the observer's side when the display device 1 is not illuminated is x1 and the y-value is y1, and the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the bezel 310 measured from the observer's side is x2 and the y-value is y2, then preferably the absolute value of the difference between x1 and x2, and the absolute value of the difference between y1 and y2, are both 0.02 or less. A display device 1 in this configuration can achieve a better appearance because the boundary between the bezel 310 and the display panel 100 can be made less visible.

[0083] The reflectivity of the bezel 310 is preferably 50% or less, and the reflectivity of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated is also preferably 50% or less. A display device 1 in this configuration can avoid an overly ornate appearance and achieve a calm and understated appearance. The reflectivity of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated is the reflectivity of the observation surface of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated.

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment in which the same member as the observer-side member of the display panel is located between the bezel and the front panel. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 1, illustrating an embodiment in which the same member as the observer-side member of the display panel is located between the bezel and the front panel.

[0085] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the display device 1 has the same material between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 as the observer-side component of the display panel 100. In the frame region 1NA, in the non-adhesive portion where no adhesive material is placed, the surface of the bezel 310 and the display region 1AA of the display panel 100 are visible to the observer. The appearance of the non-adhesive portion is affected not only by the interfacial reflection with the air layer but also by the appearance of the bezel surface. Therefore, if the material of the surface of the display panel 100 and the material of the surface of the bezel 310 are different, the appearance of the frame region 1NA and the display region 1AA will differ. In this embodiment, by making the lower part of the front panel 110 from the same material, the appearance of the frame region 1NA and the display region 1AA of the display device 1 can be made even closer, improving the overall appearance.

[0086] If the display panel 100 is a liquid crystal panel, a polarizing plate 420 may be placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel as the display panel 100, as shown in Figure 6. When a polarizing plate 420 is placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel, it is preferable that a polarizing plate 420 is also placed between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. Polarizing plates 420 may be placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel and between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, or a single polarizing plate 420 may be placed so as to cover both the bezel 310 and the display panel 100. When polarizing plates 420 are placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel and between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, it is preferable that the polarizing plate 420 placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel and the polarizing plate 420 placed between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 have the same in-plane polarization direction, such as the transmission axis and absorption axis.

[0087] Furthermore, an AR film or AG film may be placed on the observer side of the polarizing plate 420 arranged on the liquid crystal panel. In this case, it is preferable to place a laminate of the polarizing plate 420 and the AR film, or a laminate of the polarizing plate 420 and the AG film, between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. An AR film or AG film may be placed on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel and between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, respectively, or a single AR film or AG film may be placed so as to cover both the bezel 310 and the display panel 100.

[0088] When the display panel is a self-emissive panel such as an OLED, the observer-side component of the display panel is, for example, a glass plate (glass substrate). In this case, it is preferable to also place a glass plate between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110.

[0089] In Figure 6, A represents the surface reflectance of the polarizing plate 420 positioned between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, B represents the surface reflectance of the polarizing plate 420 positioned on the observer side of the liquid crystal panel, C represents the interface reflectance between the front panel 110 and the air layer 400a in the display area 1AA, and D represents the interface reflectance between the front panel 110 and the air layer 400a in the frame area 1NA. C and D are the same interface reflectance between the same front panel 110 and the air layer 400a, and therefore are identical. A and B are identical. That is, A + D = B + C, so as shown in Figure 7, the boundary between the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA becomes even less visible than in the display device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, resulting in a better appearance.

[0090] <Display method> When the display device 1 is lit, light emitted from the display panel (display light) passes through the front panel and is emitted towards the observer, performing a transmissive display that allows the observer to view any image displayed on the display panel. If the display panel is a liquid crystal panel, transmissive display can be achieved by turning on the backlight when the liquid crystal panel is in a white display state. By orienting the liquid crystal molecules to form an angle with the transmission axis of the polarizing plate, a white display state is achieved in which light emitted from the backlight is transmitted towards the observer, and the transmittance is maximized when the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules forms a 45° angle with the transmission axis of the polarizing plate. By orienting the liquid crystal molecules to be substantially parallel to the transmission axis of the polarizing plate, the liquid crystal layer blocks the light transmitted towards the observer even when the backlight is on, resulting in a black display state.

[0091] <Modified form of Embodiment 1> FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 8, an end portion 110B of this modification is a lens portion 110BL. In the display device 1 in such a manner, it is possible to make the adhesive member 301 less visible due to the refraction of light by the lens portion 110BL, and a better appearance can be realized.

[0092] As the lens portion 110BL, the lens portion described in International Publication No. 2010 / 140537 can be used. The shape of a surface 110X on the observer side of the lens portion 110BL will be described. For example, the intersection line of the surface 110X on the observer side of the lens portion 110BL and a plane perpendicular to the display surface (reference plane 100X) of the display panel 100 is an arc. Further, the intersection line of the surface 110X on the observer side of the lens portion 110BL and a plane perpendicular to the display surface (reference plane 100X) may be a curve that is not an arc. In particular, it is preferably a curve defined by an aspherical function described in International Publication No. 2009 / 157150. For reference, the disclosure content of International Publication No. 2009 / 157150 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] The lens portion 110BL is formed by compressing an image formed in a peripheral display area within a display area 1AA adjacent to a frame area 1NA, for example, by an image compression rate a as compared with an image formed in a central display area located at the center of the display area 1AA, and is a lens portion that enlarges and displays an image formed in the peripheral display area 1 / a times on the surface 110X on the observer side of the lens portion 110BL. The shape of the surface 110X on the observer side of such a lens portion 110BL can be obtained as follows. As the aspherical function f(x), the following function is used. f(x)=h - cx 6 ( / (1 + (1 - (1 + k)c 2 x 2 )) 1 / 2 ) + A4x 4 + A6x 6 + A8x 8 + A 10 x 10 + ··· Here, c: Curvature of the lens portion 110BL (reciprocal of the radius of curvature) h: Thickness of the flat section 110A (i.e., distance 110AH) k: Conic constant (also called "conic constant" or "conic constant"). This is the case. x represents the position of each point on the observer-side surface 110X of the lens unit 110BL in the horizontal direction of the screen, with the central display area being zero (0) and the value increasing towards the frame area 1NA. for example, Width of peripheral display area L1: 12mm Frame area 1NA width L2: 3mm Image compression ratio a: 0.8 Thickness h of flat section 110A: 13 mm Radius of curvature (reciprocal of the curvature c of lens section 110BL, 1 / c): 23mm The refractive index n of lens part 110BL is 1.49 (acrylic resin). So, k=1.15 A4 = -7.86 × 10 -7 A6 = 1.89 × 10 -8 A8 = -1.62 × 10 -10 A 10 = 4.95 × 10 -13 This is the result. Furthermore, the value of k is given by the following formula. k = 89.918a 4 -194.57a 3 +159.82a 2 -57.099a+7.1865

[0094] Furthermore, if the image compression ratio is small (for example, a < 0.7), the value of 1 / a becomes large, and each pixel is greatly enlarged. As a result, the black matrix between pixels may become more noticeable, often leading to display problems. Also, if the image compression ratio is large (for example, a > 0.9), a large lens section is required relative to the width of the frame area, which is undesirable. For example, when the image compression ratio a = 0.95, a = L1 / (L1 + L2) = 0.95, so the width of the lens section (L1 + L2) becomes 20 times the width of the frame area L2. If the width of the frame area L2 is 3 mm as in the example above, the width of the lens section L1 + L2 becomes 60 mm. For example, in display devices for mobile phones, the width of the device is often 60 mm or less, so it is not possible to place a lens component with a lens section width L1 + L2 of 60 mm. Therefore, an image compression ratio a of around 0.7 to 0.9 is preferable. From the above formula, the cone constant k for image compression ratios a = 0.7 and 0.9 is calculated to be approximately k ≈ 0.38 and 2.4, respectively. Therefore, the preferred range for the cone constant k is between 0.38 and 2.4.

[0095] By using the above value of k to determine the above aspherical function f(x), and by using a lens portion 110BL having the observer-side surface 110X represented by f(x), effective refraction of light from the lens portion 110BL occurs, making it possible for the display device 1 to effectively make the adhesive member 301 difficult to see, thereby achieving a better appearance.

[0096] Furthermore, when the design layer 120 is positioned on the back surface of the front panel 110, the pattern of the design layer 120 is refracted by the lens section 110BL, so the pattern at the edges of the design layer 120 becomes invisible. However, this only changes the visible range of the pattern of the design layer 120, so the sense of incongruity is minimal.

[0097] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the features specific to this embodiment, and will omit descriptions of content that overlaps with the above embodiments and modifications. The display device of this embodiment is substantially the same as the display device of Embodiment 1, except that it is provided with opposing members that cover the ends of the front panel.

[0098] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 9, the display device 1 of this embodiment includes an opposing member 350 positioned on the observer side of the end 110B and superimposed on the end 110B. In this configuration, the display device 1 can make the adhesive member 301 more difficult to see due to the opposing member 350, thereby achieving a better appearance. Furthermore, in this configuration, a good appearance can be achieved even if the end 110B is not lens-shaped, thus eliminating the mechanical constraints (thickness of the front panel, curved shape, etc.) that arise in order to produce a lens effect.

[0099] The opposing member 350 may be part of the bezel 310.

[0100] The opposing member 350 only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the end portion 110B. Preferably, the opposing member 350 overlaps with the entire end portion 110B. In this configuration, the display device 1 can make the adhesive member 301 even more difficult to see due to the opposing member 350, and can achieve an even better appearance.

[0101] Preferably, the opposing member 350 comprises an upper surface 350X located on the same plane as the observer-side surface 110X of the flat portion 110A of the front plate 110, and an opposing surface 350Y provided along the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B. In this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve a better appearance because the adhesive member 301 can be made less visible by the opposing member 350 positioned on the observer side of the adhesive member 301.

[0102] In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B and the opposing surface 350Y of the opposing member 350 are inclined with respect to the reference surface 100X. In this way, the end portion 110B, which gradually thins in thickness, is easier to manufacture and can achieve higher strength than the end portion 110B, which has a uniformly thin film thickness.

[0103] The observation surface of the opposing member 350 is preferably similar in appearance to the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated. Specifically, if the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel 100 measured from the observer's side when the display device 1 is not illuminated is x1 and the y-value is y1, and the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the opposing member 350 measured from the observer's side is x3 and the y-value is y3, then it is preferable that the absolute values ​​of the difference between x1 and x3, and the absolute values ​​of the difference between y1 and y3, are both 0.02 or less. A display device 1 in this configuration can achieve a better appearance.

[0104] Examples of the opposite member 350 having the same appearance as the display panel 100 when not illuminated include the following: For example, if the display panel 100 (video display unit) has a wood-grain decorative print, or if a wood-grain sheet (front panel) is attached to the display panel 100, then the opposite member 350 may also have a wood-grain print on its observation surface, or a wood-grain sheet (front panel) may be attached to its observation surface, or the material constituting the opposite member 350 may be wood.

[0105] The opposing member 350 is preferably opaque. A display device 1 in this configuration can make the adhesive member 301 less visible, thus achieving a better appearance. In this specification, opaque means that the total light transmittance is 0% or more and 30% or less, preferably 0% or more and 20% or less, and more preferably 0% or more and 10% or less.

[0106] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic perspective views showing an example of a display device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, it is preferable that the opposing member 350 has the same appearance as the front panel 110. Specifically, it is preferable that the opposing member 350 is black or has the same design pattern as the front panel 110. With a display device 1 of this form, it is possible to realize a display that does not appear to be a display at first glance. For example, if a marble-like design pattern is provided on the front panel 110 and the opposing member 350, a display can be obtained that looks like a marble board at first glance, and the image appears to float on the marble board.

[0107] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the gap 1X between the opposing member 350 and the front panel 110 is visible, but by making the gap 1X very narrow, the gap 1X can be made less visible.

[0108] As shown in Figure 10, the opposing member 350 may be part of the member that houses the housing 300. That is, the display device 1 includes a storage section 351 that houses the housing 300, and the opposing member 350 is part of the storage section 351.

[0109] It is preferable that the observer-facing side of the storage unit 351 has the same appearance as the front panel 110. That is, if the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the storage unit 351 measured from the observer's side is x4 and the y value is y4, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the front panel 110 measured from the observer's side is x5 and the y value is y5, it is preferable that the absolute value of the difference between x4 and x5, and the absolute value of the difference between y4 and y5, are both 0.02 or less.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the opposing member 350 may be part of a large decorative panel (for example, a wall surface 500). That is, the display device 1 is embedded in the wall surface 500, and the opposing member 350 is part of the wall surface 500.

[0111] For example, the wall surface 500 having the opposing member 350 may be given the same design as the front panel 110, and the display panel 100 housed in the housing 300 may be embedded in the wall surface 500. It is preferable that the wall surface 500 has the same appearance as the front panel 110. That is, if the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the front panel 110 measured from the observer's side is x5 and the y value is y5, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the wall surface 500 measured from the observer's side is x6 and the y value is y6, it is preferable that the absolute value of the difference between x5 and x6, and the absolute value of the difference between y5 and y6, are both 0.02 or less.

[0112] To achieve a similar appearance to Figure 11, it is conceivable to enlarge the front panel 110, but since the front panel 110 is semi-transparent, color adjustment of the material on the back of the front panel 110 would also be necessary. In contrast, if the display panel 100 housed in the housing 300 is embedded in the wall surface 500, the opposing member 350 (wall surface 500) can be obtained by printing a design onto an opaque material (e.g., resin), making it easy to manufacture.

[0113] <Modification 1 of Embodiment 2> Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the adhesive member 301 is placed on the back surface 110Y of the end portion 110B, but the location where the adhesive member 301 is placed is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 12, the adhesive member 301 may be placed on the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B. Even in this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve the same effects as the display device of Embodiment 2.

[0114] In this modified example, the adhesive member 301 is specifically positioned between the end portion 110B and the opposing member 350. In this modified example, the display device 1 does not directly bond the front panel 110 to the bezel 310. Therefore, by preparing multiple sets of opposing members 350 to which the front panel 110 is attached, various front panels 110 with different designs can be swapped and combined with the display panel 100. The opposing member 350 and the housing 300 are mechanically connected by screws, claws, etc.

[0115] If the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B has an inclined surface 110BX that is inclined with respect to the reference surface 100X, it is preferable that the adhesive member 301 of this modified example be placed on the inclined surface 110BX. In particular, this type of display device 1 can suppress the visibility of the adhesive member 301 from an oblique direction.

[0116] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 2> Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B and the opposing surface 350Y of the opposing member 350 are inclined with respect to the reference plane 100X. On the other hand, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 13, the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B and the opposing surface 350Y of the opposing member 350 are parallel to the reference plane 100X. Even in this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve the same effects as the display device of Embodiment 2.

[0117] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the features specific to this embodiment, and will omit explanations of content that overlaps with the above embodiments and modifications. The display device of this embodiment is substantially the same as the display device of Embodiment 2, except that the shape of the front panel 110 is different.

[0118] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 14, the rear surface 110Y of the end portion 110B in this embodiment is located further back than the rear surface 110Y of the flat portion 110A. In this configuration, the thickness of the front panel 110 can be reduced, thus achieving a better appearance.

[0119] The effect of making the adhesive member 301 difficult to see depends on the thickness of the front panel 110. The thicker the front panel 110, the greater this effect, but the further the image is from the surface of the display device 1, the worsening of the design. Also, if the front panel 110 has a design layer 120, increasing the thickness of the front panel 110 may increase the blurring of the image and degrade the image quality.

[0120] In this embodiment, the back surface 110Y of the end portion 110B is located further back than the back surface 110Y of the flat portion 110A. This allows the display device 1 to reduce the thickness of the front panel 110 superimposed on the video display area (display area 1AA) while making the adhesive member 301 less visible. Because the display device 1 of this embodiment can reduce the thickness of the front panel 110, the video is close to the surface of the display device 1, resulting in a good design and good image quality with less blurring of the video.

[0121] More specifically, the rear surface 110Y of the front panel 110 in this embodiment includes a first surface 110Y1 that overlaps at least a portion of the flat portion 110A and is parallel to the reference surface 100X, a second surface 110Y2 that overlaps at least a portion of the end portion 110B, is parallel to the reference surface 100X and is located on the rear side of the first surface 110Y1, and a third surface 110Y3 that is located between the first surface 110Y1 and the second surface 110Y2 and is not parallel to the reference surface 100X. Since a display device 1 in this configuration can be realized by providing a bent portion 110V in the front panel 110 which has a substantially constant thickness, it is possible to more easily reduce the thickness of the front panel 110 that overlaps the video display area (display area 1AA) while making the adhesive member 301 less visible.

[0122] The rear surface 110Y of the front panel 110 in this embodiment is composed of a first surface 110Y1, a second surface 110Y2, and a third surface 110Y3.

[0123] The angle between the third surface 110Y3 and the reference surface 100X is preferably 20° or more and 70° or less, more preferably 30° or more and 60° or less, and even more preferably 35° or more and 55° or less.

[0124] The bezel 310 has a protrusion 310A that extends toward the observer in the area overlapping with the flat portion 110A. In this configuration, the display device 1 can be folded at the protrusion 310A, so that the rear surface 110Y of the end portion 110B is located further back than the rear surface 110Y of the flat portion 110A, thereby making it easier to reduce the thickness of the front plate 110 that overlaps the image display area (display area 1AA) while making the adhesive member 301 less visible.

[0125] The edge 110BZ of the end 110B opposite to the display panel 100 overlaps the edge 310Z of the bezel 310 opposite to the display panel 100. In this configuration, the display device 1 can secure a wider second surface 110Y2 on which the adhesive member 301 is placed, thereby allowing the front panel 110 and the bezel 310 to be bonded more firmly.

[0126] <Modification 1 of Embodiment 3> Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modification 1 of Embodiment 3. The rear surface 110Y of the front panel 110 of Embodiment 3 is composed of a first surface 110Y1, a second surface 110Y2, and a third surface 110Y3. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, the rear surface 110Y of the front panel 110 of this modification comprises a first surface 110Y1, a second surface 110Y2, a third surface 110Y3, and a fourth surface 110Y4 located between the second surface 110Y2 and the third surface 110Y3 and not parallel to the reference surface 100X. Even with this configuration, the thickness of the front panel 110 of the display device 1 can be reduced, so the image is close to the surface of the display device 1, resulting in a good design and good image quality with less blurring of the image.

[0127] The angle between the fourth surface 110Y4 and the reference surface 100X is greater than the angle between the third surface 110Y3 and the reference surface 100X. The angle between the fourth surface 110Y4 and the reference surface 100X is preferably 50° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 60° or more and 90° or less, and even more preferably 70° or more and 90° or less.

[0128] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 3> Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the edge 110BZ of the end 110B opposite to the display panel 100 overlaps the edge 310Z of the bezel 310 opposite to the display panel 100. On the other hand, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 16, the edge 110BZ of the end 110B opposite to the display panel 100 is located closer to the display panel 100 than the edge 310Z of the bezel 310 opposite to the display panel 100. In this form of display device 1, the second surface 110Y2 on which the adhesive member 301 is placed can be narrowed, thereby reducing the area on which the adhesive member 301 is placed, and thus achieving a better appearance.

[0129] <Modification 3 of Embodiment 3> Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modification 3 of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the adhesive member 301 is placed on the back surface 110Y of the end portion 110B, but the location where the adhesive member 301 is placed is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 17, the adhesive member 301 may be placed on the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B. Even in this configuration, the display device 1 can achieve the same effects as the display device of Embodiment 3.

[0130] In this modified example, the adhesive member 301 is specifically positioned between the end portion 110B and the opposing member 350. In this modified example, the display device 1 does not directly bond the front panel 110 to the bezel 310. Therefore, by preparing multiple sets of opposing members 350 to which the front panel 110 is attached, various front panels 110 with different designs can be swapped and combined with the display panel 100. The opposing member 350 and the housing 300 are mechanically connected by screws, claws, etc.

[0131] If the observer-side surface 110X of the end portion 110B has an inclined surface 110BX that is inclined with respect to the reference surface 100X, it is preferable that the adhesive member 301 of this modified example be placed on the inclined surface 110BX. In particular, this type of display device 1 can suppress the visibility of the adhesive member 301 from an oblique direction.

[0132] <Embodiment 4> In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the features specific to this embodiment, and will omit descriptions of content that overlaps with the above embodiments and modifications. The display device of this embodiment is substantially the same as the display devices of Embodiments 2 and 3, except that it comprises a light source disposed between the front panel and the bezel, and a reflective layer disposed along the observer-side surface of the edge.

[0133] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 18, the display device 1 of this embodiment includes a light source 600 positioned between the front panel 110 and the bezel 310, and a reflective layer 700 positioned along the observer-side surface 110X of the end 110B. In this embodiment, the display device 1 reflects light from the light source 600 with the reflective layer 700 (angled surface) and guides the light to the front panel 110. If the front panel 110 has a design layer 120, the light is scattered slightly each time it hits the design layer 120, and some of the light is extracted. In this way, the front panel 110 can act as a light guide plate and function as a front light.

[0134] In a plan view, it is preferable that the light source 600 is superimposed on the end portion 110B and positioned further from the flat portion 110A than the adhesive member 301. In a display device 1 of this configuration, the front panel 110 can function more effectively as a front light. The light source 600 is, for example, an LED-FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) in which a plurality of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) are arranged facing upward (to emit light toward the front panel 110).

[0135] The reflective layer 700 is preferably a total reflective layer. In a display device 1 of this type, the front panel 110 can more effectively function as a front light. The reflective layer 700 is made of, for example, a polyester-based or PET-based white resin sheet such as ESR (Enhanced Specular Reflector), or a substrate coated with white paint.

[0136] In this embodiment, the display panel 100 is preferably a reflective display panel. In such a display device 1, the front light function is more effectively utilized. Examples of reflective display panels include reflective liquid crystal panels and E-ink.

[0137] The following describes the conventional display devices according to comparative forms 1 to 3 with reference to the drawings. Unlike the embodiments described above, the front panels of the display devices in comparative forms 1 to 3 do not have edges where the distance between the observer-facing surface and the reference surface is shorter than the flat portion. Note that the display panel 100R and backlight 200R in comparative forms 1 to 3 can be the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0138] (Comparison Form 1) The display device 1R according to Comparative Embodiment 1 is an example of a conventional display device, and is a display device in which the display panel 100R and the front panel 110R are fully bonded together with an optical transparent adhesive sheet (hereinafter also referred to as an OCA sheet) 301AR. Figure 19 is a schematic plan view of the conventional display device according to Comparative Embodiment 1. Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conventional display device according to Comparative Embodiment 1. Figure 21 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the external light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 20.

[0139] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the display device 1R according to comparative form 1 houses a display panel 100R with a backlight 200R on the rear side in a housing 300R having a bezel 310R and a bottom 320R. A frame printing section 110PR is provided in the frame area 1NA of the front panel 110R using black ink or the like. The display panel 100R and the front panel 110R are bonded together with an OCA sheet 301AR. Examples of OCA sheets 301AR include LUCIACS (registered trademark, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation).

[0140] As shown in Figure 20, in the display device 1R of comparative form 1, the display panel 100R and the front panel 110R are fully bonded together with an OCA sheet 301AR, and there is no air layer between the display panel 100R and the front panel 110R. Therefore, no interfacial reflection occurs between the front panel 110R and the air layer.

[0141] In the display device 1R of comparative form 1, the frame area 1NA can be made less noticeable by bringing the reflective characteristics of the frame printing area 110PR closer to the reflective characteristics of the surface of the display area 1AA when it is not lit. In Figure 21, the surface reflectance of the frame printing area 110PR is shown by A, and the surface reflectance of the display panel 100R is shown by B. By adjusting the reflectance of the frame printing area 110PR so that the surface reflectance A of the frame printing area 110PR = the surface reflectance B of the display panel 100R, the appearance can be improved.

[0142] The display device 1R of comparative form 1 can lower the reflectivity of the display area 1AA compared to the display device of comparative form 2 (see Figure 22), as described later. As a result, the display area 1AA can be made darker, as shown in Figure 19, making it more difficult to see the boundary between the frame printing area 110PR and the display panel 100. On the other hand, the OCA sheet 301AR itself is expensive, and the process of bonding the front panel 110R and the display panel 100R with the OCA sheet 301AR is usually performed under vacuum, requiring expensive vacuum bonding equipment and taking a considerable amount of time, thus increasing the manufacturing cost of the display device. In addition, there is a risk of air bubbles or dust getting trapped when bonding with the OCA sheet 301AR. Furthermore, there is a risk that the display panel 100R to which the front panel 110R is bonded may warp due to temperature changes. These concerns are particularly pronounced in large display devices (e.g., 32 inches or larger).

[0143] (Comparison Form 2) Figure 22 is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. Figure 24 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 23.

[0144] As shown in Figure 23, the display device 1R according to comparative form 2 has a frame printing section 110PR on the front panel 110R, and the front panel 110R and the display panel 100R are bonded together by double-sided tape 301TR provided in the frame area 1NA. In the display device 1R of comparative form 2, the double-sided tape 301TR is located on the back side of the frame printing section 110PR, so the bonded area where the double-sided tape 301TR is placed is not visible to the observer. Examples of the double-sided tape include the LCD component fixing double-sided tape #3800 series manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0145] In comparative form 2, the display device 1R has an air layer 400a between the front panel 110R and the display panel 100R, so interfacial reflection occurs between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a. In comparative form 2, even if the reflective characteristics of the frame printing section 110PR are made to be closer to the reflective characteristics of the surface of the display area 1AA when it is not displayed, the air layer 400a is located in a position that overlaps with the display area 1AA, so the frame printing section 110PR is more conspicuous than in comparative form 1.

[0146] In Figure 24, the surface reflectance of the frame printing section 110PR is shown by A, the surface reflectance of the display panel 100R is shown by B, and the interface reflectance between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a is shown by C. In principle, if the surface reflectance of the frame printing section 110PR can be adjusted so that the surface reflectance A = (surface reflectance B of the display panel 100R) + (interface reflectance C between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a), it should be possible to make the boundary between the frame printing section 110PR and the display area 1AA difficult to see. However, the surface reflection of the frame printing section 110PR is, for example, light scattering reflection due to the ink printed on the surface of the frame printing section 110PR, while the interface reflection between the front plate 110R and the air layer 400a is specular reflection. Therefore, including the angular characteristics, it is extremely difficult to bring the surface reflectance A closer to the surface reflectance B + interface reflectance C, and the frame region 1NA where the frame printing section 110PR is located becomes conspicuous.

[0147] (Comparative form 3) Figure 25 is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. Figure 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. Figure 27 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 26.

[0148] As shown in Figure 26, the display device 1R according to comparative form 3 does not have a frame printing section 110PR on the front panel 110R, and the front panel 110R and the bezel 310R are bonded together with an adhesive member 301R. As the adhesive member 301R, the OCA sheet 301AR exemplified in comparative form 1, the double-sided tape 301TR exemplified in comparative form 2, etc., can be used. The display device 1R of comparative form 3 has an air layer 400a between the front panel 110R and the display panel 100R, so interfacial reflection occurs between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a.

[0149] In the display device 1R of comparison form 3, if the color of the bezel 310R in the non-bonded area where double-sided tape 301TR etc. is not placed is the same as the color of the display area 1AA when it is not lit, the difference in appearance between the display area 1AA and the bezel 310R will be less noticeable than in comparison form 1. This is because both the non-bonded area of ​​the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA have an air layer on the back side of the front panel 110R, causing interfacial reflection between the front panel 110R and the air layer. However, in the display device 1R of comparison form 3, the surface of the display panel 100R and the surface of the bezel 310R are also visible to the observer, so it is difficult to make the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA look the same.

[0150] When an opaque material is used as the adhesive material 301R, reflection occurs at the surface of the opaque material at the bonding area. On the other hand, when a transparent material is used as the adhesive material 301R, reflection occurs at the surface of the frame (bezel 310R) at the bonding area, but in either case, no interfacial reflection with the air layer occurs. Thus, differences in reflection characteristics occur between the bonded and unbonded areas, resulting in differences in appearance.

[0151] In Figure 27, the surface reflectance of the double-sided tape 301TR is shown by A, the surface reflectance of the display panel 100R is shown by B, and the interface reflectance between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a is shown by C. In principle, by adjusting the reflectance of the double-sided tape 301TR (substrate and adhesive layer) so that the surface reflectance A = (surface reflectance B of the display panel 100R) + (interface reflectance C between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a), it should be possible to make the boundary between the display area 1AA and the frame area 1NA difficult to see. However, the surface of the double-sided tape 301TR is normally light scattering reflect, and the interface reflection between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a is specular reflect. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to bring the surface reflectance A closer to the surface reflectance B + interface reflectance C, including the angular characteristics, and the frame area 1NA becomes conspicuous.

[0152] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Each embodiment can also be combined.

[0153] Furthermore, the drawings schematically show each component in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the convenience of drawing creation. Also, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1, 1R: Display device 1AA:Display area 1NA: Frame area 1X: Gap 100, 100R: Display panel 100X: Reference plane 110, 110R: Front plate 110A: Flat part 110AH, 110BH: Distance 110B: End 110BL: Lens part 110BX: Inclined surface 110BZ:Edge 110PR: Picture Frame Printing Department 110X, 110Y, 110Y1, 110Y2, 110Y3, 110Y4: Surface 110V: Folding section 111: Transparent base material 120: Design layer 200, 200R: Backlight 300, 300R: Cabinet 301, 301R: Adhesive material 301AR: Optical transparent adhesive sheet (OCA sheet) 301TR: Double-sided tape 310, 310R: Bezel (movement part) 310A: Convex part 320, 320R: Bottom 350: Opposing member 350X:Top surface 350Y: Opposite surface 351: Storage Unit 400a: Air layer 420: Polarizing plate 500: Wall surface 600: Light source 700: Reflective layer

Claims

1. Display panel and A housing that houses the display panel and has a bezel positioned around the display panel in a plan view, A front panel positioned on the observer side of the display panel, at least a portion of which overlaps with the bezel, The front panel is fitted with an adhesive member, The front panel has a flat portion that does not overlap the bezel and an end portion that overlaps the bezel. When the observer-side surface of the display panel is virtually widened and used as the reference surface, the distance between the observer-side surface of the end and the reference surface is shorter than the distance between the observer-side surface of the flat portion and the reference surface. At least a portion of the adhesive member is a display device superimposed on the end.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the observer-side surface of the end is inclined with respect to the reference surface.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the observer-side surface of the end and the reference surface increases as it approaches the flat portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the front panel does not have a light-shielding portion.

5. When the display device is not illuminated, let x1 be the x-value and y1 be the y-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel measured from the observer's side, and let x2 be the x-value and y2 be the y-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the bezel measured from the observer's side. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the difference between x1 and x2, and the absolute value of the difference between y1 and y2, are both 0.02 or less.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the reflectivity of the bezel is 50% or less, and the reflectivity of the display panel when the display device is not illuminated is 50% or less.

7. Furthermore, the display device according to claim 1, wherein the bezel and the front panel have the same member as the member located closest to the observer in the display panel.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member is arranged on the back surface of the end.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member is arranged on the observer-facing side of the end.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the aforementioned end portion is a lens portion.

11. Furthermore, the display device according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an opposing member positioned on the observer side of the end and superimposed on the end.

12. When the display device is not illuminated, let x1 be the x-value and y1 be the y-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display panel measured from the observer's side, and let x3 be the x-value and y3 be the y-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the opposing member measured from the observer's side. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the absolute value of the difference between x1 and x3, and the absolute value of the difference between y1 and y3, are both 0.02 or less.

13. Furthermore, it includes a storage section for storing the aforementioned housing, The display device according to claim 11, wherein the opposing member is part of the storage section.

14. If we let the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the storage unit measured from the observer's side be x4 and the y-value be y4, and the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the front panel measured from the observer's side be x5 and the y-value be y5, The display device according to claim 13, wherein the absolute value of the difference between x4 and x5, and the absolute value of the difference between y4 and y5 are both 0.02 or less.

15. The display device is embedded in the wall, The display device according to claim 11, wherein the opposing member is a part of the wall surface.

16. If we set the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the front panel measured from the observer's side to x5 and the y-value to y5, and the x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the wall surface measured from the observer's side to x6 and the y-value to y6, The display device according to claim 15, wherein the absolute value of the difference between x5 and x6, and the absolute value of the difference between y5 and y6, are both 0.02 or less.

17. The display device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rear surface of the end portion is located further back than the rear surface of the flat portion.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the front panel includes a design layer.

19. The display device according to claim 1, which is capable of local dimming drive.

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