Vehicle display device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle display device that ensures waterproofing and dustproofing. [Solution] The present invention provides a vehicle display device comprising a front cover 1, a liquid crystal display panel 2, a backlight unit, and a case 4, wherein the rear surface of the backlight unit and the front surface of the back of the case 4 are in surface contact and fixed together, the case 4 comprises an opening region 41 located at the end portion of the back of the case 4, and a stepped structure 42 on the inside of the case 4 that extends from the edge of the opening region 41 toward the outer circumference of the case 4 toward the front cover 1, and the backlight unit comprises a member having a maze structure forming portion 32c that forms a maze structure L along the stepped structure 42.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle display device acquires various vehicle information, navigation information, etc. from an external device and displays the acquired information to a viewer.

[0003] As a conventional vehicle display device, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a display panel whose display panel itself is not self-emissive, for example, a light source, for example, an LED, is spread in a matrix behind a TFT panel, and the illumination luminance of the display panel is adjusted partially. Also, in the vehicle display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is mounted on a circuit board, and various vehicle information, navigation information, etc. are acquired from an external device via an angle-type external connection connector having a connection port in a direction parallel to the plane direction of the circuit board, a wiring member connecting the external connection connector and the external device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a gap near the external connection connector. If no countermeasure is taken, the waterproof and dustproof performance of the vehicle display device may be lacking due to such a gap. Therefore, in order to ensure the waterproof and dustproof performance, for example, it was necessary to provide an additional member (for example, packing) for filling such a gap.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device with ensured waterproof and dustproof performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following vehicle display device.

[0008] [1] Front cover and A liquid crystal display panel located on the rear side of the front cover, A backlight unit disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel and illuminating the liquid crystal display panel, comprising a light source substrate, one or more light sources mounted on the light source substrate, and an optical member disposed on the front side of the light source substrate, A case housing the aforementioned liquid crystal display panel and the aforementioned backlight unit A vehicle display device equipped with, The rear surface of the backlight unit and the front surface of the back of the case are in surface contact and fixed together. The case comprises an opening region located at the end portion of the back of the case, and a stepped structure on the inside of the case that extends from the edge of the opening region toward the outer circumference of the case toward the front cover. A vehicle display device comprising a backlight unit having a component that forms a maze structure along the stepped structure.

[0009] [2] The light source substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, The vehicle display device [1] wherein the rear surface of the backlight unit, which is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case, is the rear surface of the light source substrate.

[0010] [3] The backlight unit is equipped with an external connector, The vehicle display device of [1], wherein the external connection connector connects to an external device through the opening region.

[0011] [4] The light source substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, The external connection connector is mounted at an end of the light source substrate on the rear surface of the light source substrate. The vehicle display device according to [3], comprising a connection port through which a wiring member can be inserted and removed in a direction parallel to the planar direction of the light source substrate.

[0012] [5] The vehicle display device according to [1], wherein the optical member is a member including the maze structure forming portion.

[0013] [6] The backlight unit is a direct-type backlight unit, the light source substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, [7] The one or more light sources are a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources are mounted on the light source substrate, [8] The vehicle display device according to [5], wherein the optical member is a reflector that surrounds each of the plurality of light sources and reflects the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources toward the liquid crystal display panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a vehicle display device with ensured waterproof and dustproof properties is provided. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the vehicle display device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 2 (FIG. 3a shows all configurations, and FIGS. 3b and 3c show some configurations (each excluding the rear cover and the case, respectively)). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reflector according to the above embodiment from the rear side. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back side of the backlight unit in the above embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] In the drawings, for ease of understanding, the scale, the aspect ratio in the vertical and horizontal directions, etc. are appropriately changed, and the detailed structure and some components (for example, a light source, a circuit, a connecting means, and a fixing means) are omitted. Further, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, the reference numerals attached in one drawing may be omitted in other drawings.

[0018] In addition, in this specification, terms (for example, "flat plate", "plane", "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equivalent") that specify the shape, geometric conditions, and their degrees, numerical values, directions, etc. are not bound by a strict meaning, and are interpreted to include a range that can expect a similar function. Further, the main surface refers to the surface having the largest area among the members on the flat plate, and usually, there are a pair for the members on the flat plate.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle display device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the vehicle display device 100 in the above embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the A region in FIG. 2 (3a shows all the configurations, and 3b and 3c show some configurations (excluding the back cover and only the case, respectively)). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back side of the reflector in the above embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back side of the backlight unit in the above embodiment.

[0020] The vehicle display device 100 is mounted on vehicles such as motorcycles, automobiles, agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, and trains. The vehicle display device 100 displays various vehicle information (e.g., driving speed, mileage, and engine speed), navigation information, etc., and is installed so that the display can be viewed by vehicle users (viewers) through the front cover 1. In this specification, the side of the vehicle display device 100 that is visible to the viewer (the side with the front cover 1 of the vehicle display device 100) is referred to as the "front," and the opposite side is referred to as the "rear (back)."

[0021] The vehicle display device 100 in this embodiment comprises a front cover 1, a liquid crystal display panel 2, a backlight unit 3, a case 4, and a rear cover 5. The backlight unit 3 comprises a light source substrate 31, a plurality of light sources (not shown) mounted on the light source substrate 31, optical elements (reflector 32 and optical sheet group 33), and an external connection connector 34.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the front cover 1 is a flat plate-shaped component. The front cover 1 has a display area (light-transmitting area) on its main surface that is visible to the viewer, and is made of a transparent synthetic resin material or inorganic glass. The front cover 1 protects the surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2 from impact and prevents water, dust, etc. from entering the vehicle display device 100. The front surface of the front cover 1 may be coated with a coating or film that has functions such as anti-reflective, anti-fouling, anti-static, and infrared cut. A display frame that restricts the display area is printed on the rear surface of the front cover 1. The front cover 1 is attached and fixed to the outer periphery of the case 4 by double-sided adhesive sheets placed on the outer periphery.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid crystal display panel 2 is positioned on the rear side of the front cover 1, facing the front cover 1, and displays images shown by the vehicle display device 100. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is bonded to the rear surface of the front cover 1 by optical bonding using a translucent adhesive.

[0024] The translucent adhesive is, for example, a colorless and transparent adhesive. The thickness of the optical bonding layer formed by bonding the front cover 1 and the liquid crystal display panel 2 is, for example, about 20 μm to 1000 μm. The translucent adhesive has a refractive index equivalent to that of the front cover 1, for example, a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.55. As the translucent adhesive, a liquid adhesive that hardens upon bonding or an adhesive sheet adhesive that is pre-formed into a sheet shape can be used.

[0025] The liquid crystal display panel 2 is, for example, a color liquid crystal module and is composed of a dot matrix type TFT (Thin Film Transistor) module. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is illuminated from behind by light from multiple light sources mounted on the light source substrate 31 to display an image. The liquid crystal display panel 2 comprises a liquid crystal cell having a pair of transparent substrates and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the two substrates, and polarizing filters facing each other with the liquid crystal cell in between. Transparent electrodes are formed on the transparent substrates using ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is connected to the light source substrate 31, for example, via an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), and is connected to a circuit board provided outside the vehicle display device 100 via an external connection connector 34 mounted on the light source substrate 31. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is controlled by a driver, control unit, etc. for the liquid crystal display panel 2 mounted on the circuit board. Specifically, under the control of the control unit, when a driving voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer via a transparent electrode, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is controlled, and each of the multiple pixels of the liquid crystal display panel 2 switches between a transparent and an opaque state. Through such combinations of pixels, the liquid crystal display panel 2 displays a predetermined image. The control unit mounted on the circuit board acquires vehicle information from, for example, the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and displays the acquired information as an image on the liquid crystal display panel 2. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is a combination meter that displays multiple information such as a vehicle's speedometer, tachometer, and warning indicators.

[0026] The backlight unit 3 is positioned behind the liquid crystal display panel 2 and illuminates the liquid crystal display panel 2. The backlight unit 3 comprises a light source substrate 31, a plurality of light sources mounted on the light source substrate 31, optical components, and an external connection connector 34. In this embodiment, the backlight unit 3 is a direct-lit backlight unit.

[0027] The light source substrate 31 is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with a wiring pattern formed on a plate-shaped substrate, such as an insulating plate-shaped substrate made of glass epoxy resin (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics). The light source substrate 31 is positioned approximately parallel to the liquid crystal display panel 2, and multiple light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) are mounted on the front surface of the light source substrate 31, arranged in a matrix in both vertical and horizontal directions when viewed from the front. Here, the positioning of the light source substrate 31 approximately parallel to the liquid crystal display panel 2 means that the main surface of the light source substrate 31 and the main surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2 are positioned approximately parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 6, two external connection connectors 34 are mounted on the rear surface of the light source substrate 31.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, in this embodiment, the light source substrate 31 is a component located at the rearmost part of the backlight unit 3, and the rear surface of the light source substrate 31 is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4 and is fixed by fixing means (e.g., double-sided adhesive sheet) not shown. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a gap G is inevitably formed between the side of the light source substrate 31 and the case 4. Since water and dust may enter the interior of the vehicle display device 100 through the gap G, it is preferable to reduce the gap G.

[0029] The multiple light sources mounted on the light source substrate 31 are, for example, multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The multiple light sources are controlled by drivers, control units, etc., for the multiple light sources. Some or all of the drivers, control units, etc., for the multiple light sources may be mounted on the light source substrate 31, for example, on the rear surface of the light source substrate 31. Alternatively, the drivers, control units, etc., for the multiple light sources may be mounted on a circuit board located outside the vehicle display device 100, in which case the multiple light sources and the drivers, control units, etc., for the multiple light sources are connected via an external connection connector 34.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the optical components are arranged on the front side of the light source substrate 31 and the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel 2, and consist of a reflector 32 and an optical sheet group 33, etc., arranged from the rear to the front.

[0031] The reflector 32 is formed in white, for example, by resin. As shown in Figure 5, the reflector 32 comprises a main reflector part 32a, a connecting part 32b, and a maze structure forming part 32c, with the main reflector part 32a and the maze structure forming part 32c being connected by the connecting part 32b.

[0032] The main part of the reflector 32a surrounds and partitions each of the multiple light sources mounted on the light source substrate 31 in a grid pattern with light-shielding walls, and reflects the light emitted from each of the multiple light sources toward the liquid crystal display panel 2.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the maze structure forming section 32c has a shape that corresponds to the stepped structure 42, following part or all of the outer shape of the stepped structure 42 of the case 4, which will be described later. Specifically, the maze structure forming section 32c has a surface that is approximately parallel to the side of the stepped structure 42 and to the stepped portion consisting of a plane that forms the step of the stepped structure 42 and a surface that is approximately perpendicular to said plane, at a short distance, and has a shape that surrounds the stepped structure 42 with these surfaces. As a result, a maze structure L is formed between the maze structure forming section 32c and the stepped structure 42. The maze structure L prevents water, dust, etc. from entering the interior of the vehicle display device 100 through the gap G formed between the light source substrate 31 and the case 4. By providing the maze structure forming section 32c on an existing member, the maze structure L can be formed without providing any additional members, and the waterproof and dustproof properties of the vehicle display device 100 can be ensured.

[0034] The optical sheet group 33 includes, for example, a combination of a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet. The diffusion sheet has the function of dispersing the light emitted from multiple light sources mounted on the light source substrate 31 in the planar direction of the main surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2, thereby eliminating unevenness in the brightness of each pixel in the liquid crystal display panel 2. The prism sheet reflects and does not transmit light incident perpendicular to the sheet surface from the rear side of the sheet surface, but refracts light incident from a specific direction perpendicular to the sheet surface and transmits it to the front side of the sheet surface.

[0035] As described above, the external connector 34 is provided to connect the internal components of the vehicle display device 100 to external devices of the vehicle display device 100. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the external connector 34 is mounted on the rear surface of the light source substrate 31, at the end of the light source substrate 31. The connection port 34a of the external connector 34 is provided so that wiring members can be inserted and removed in a direction parallel to the planar direction of the main surface of the light source substrate 31, and the connection port 34a faces outward in the planar direction of the main surface of the light source substrate 31.

[0036] The number of external connection connectors 34 is not limited and may be one or more. In this embodiment, two external connection connectors 34 are provided, and the external devices to which they are connected are, for example, externally located circuit boards or external power supplies.

[0037] In another embodiment, the backlight unit 3 may include a frame that holds a light source substrate 31, a plurality of light sources, a reflector 32, and an optical sheet group 33. The frame is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin, such as AES (acrylonitrile ethylene styrene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PP (polypropylene), etc. In this embodiment, the component of the backlight unit 3 that is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4 may be the frame, that is, the frame may have a shape that includes a rear surface that is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4. Alternatively, the frame may not have a rear surface that is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4, and may have a shape that allows the light source substrate 31 to be in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4. Furthermore, the shape of the frame may be such that the reflector 32 is provided with the labyrinth structure forming portion 32c as described above, or the labyrinth structure forming portion may be provided on the frame instead of the reflector 32.

[0038] In another embodiment, the backlight unit 3 may be an edge-lit type backlight unit equipped with a light guide plate as an optical element. In this case, the arrangement of the light source substrate 31 is not limited to an arrangement substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel 2, and the components of the backlight unit 3 that are in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case 4 may be a frame, a light guide plate, a reflector plate positioned behind the light guide plate, etc., instead of the light source substrate 31. Furthermore, the labyrinth structure forming section may be provided on such a frame or light guide plate.

[0039] Case 4 houses the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the backlight unit 3. Case 4 is a light-shielding resin molded part, and is made of a thermoplastic resin such as AES (acrylonitrile ethylene styrene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PP (polypropylene), etc. As shown in Figure 1, Case 4 has an opening area 41 for an external connection connector 34 and a stepped structure 42.

[0040] The front of the back of case 4 is in surface contact with and fixed to the rear surface of the component located at the rearmost end of the backlight unit 3, i.e., the rear surface of the light source substrate 31. The base material area (the area where no mounted components are present) of the rear surface of the light source substrate 31 and the front of the back of case 4 are bonded together, for example, by a double-sided adhesive sheet (not shown). If components are mounted on the rear surface of the light source substrate 31, a recess or hole for the mounted component may be formed in the area of ​​case 4 corresponding to the area of ​​the rear surface of the light source substrate 31 where the mounted component is located.

[0041] An opening region 41 is provided at the rear end of case 4. As shown in Figure 3, the opening region 41 is provided so that the external connection connector 34 can expose its connection port 34a to the outside of the vehicle display device 100. In this embodiment, two opening regions 41 are provided, corresponding to the number of external connection connectors 34. As shown in Figures 3b and 4, most of the opening region 41 is blocked by the light source substrate 31, but a gap G is inevitably formed. As described above, water, dust, etc. may enter the inside of the vehicle display device 100 through this gap G. Therefore, it is preferable to make the gap G small.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the inside of the case 4 is provided with a stepped structure 42 of a constant width that slopes downward in a stepped manner toward the front as it moves from the edge of the opening region 41 toward the outer circumference of the case 4. As described above, the stepped structure 42, together with the labyrinth structure forming portion 32c of the reflector 32, forms a labyrinth structure L. This labyrinth structure L prevents water, dust, and the like from entering the interior of the vehicle display device 100, thereby ensuring the waterproof and dustproof properties of the vehicle display device 100.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the portion on the outside of case 4 that corresponds to the stepped structure 42 on the inside of case 4 has a stepped structure with a shape corresponding to the inner stepped structure 42. This stepped structure is located in front of the connection port 34a of the external connection connector 34 and contributes to improving workability when inserting and removing wiring members from the connection port 34a.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle display device 100 in this embodiment further includes a rear cover 5 on the rear side of the case 4. The rear cover 5 covers the back of the case 4 and has an opening for an external connection connector 34. The opening is provided in the outer periphery and a portion of the back of the rear cover 5 where parts are missing. The rear cover 5 is fixed to the case 4 by fastening means such as screws. The rear cover 5 may hold additional members between itself and the case 4. The rear cover 5 is made of, for example, a heat-conductive material made of metal to provide impact resistance to the vehicle display device 100.

[0045] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings described above. Modifications (including the deletion of components) can be made as appropriate, without altering the essence of the invention. In this description, explanations of known technical matters have been omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 100... Vehicle display device 1. Front cover 2. LCD display panel 3. Backlight Unit 31...Light source substrate 32...Reflector 32a...Reflector main part 32b...Connection part 32c...Maze structure forming part 33. Optical Sheet Group 34. External connection connector 34a...Connection port 4 cases 41...Aperture area 42...Step-like structure 5. Back cover G...Gap L...Maze structure

Claims

1. Front cover and A liquid crystal display panel located on the rear side of the front cover, A backlight unit disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel and illuminating the liquid crystal display panel, comprising a light source substrate, one or more light sources mounted on the light source substrate, and an optical member disposed on the front side of the light source substrate, A case housing the aforementioned liquid crystal display panel and the aforementioned backlight unit A vehicle display device equipped with, The rear surface of the backlight unit and the front surface of the back of the case are in surface contact and fixed together. The case comprises an opening region located at the end portion of the back of the case, and a stepped structure on the inside of the case that extends from the edge of the opening region toward the outer circumference of the case toward the front cover. A vehicle display device comprising a backlight unit having a component that forms a maze structure along the stepped structure.

2. The light source substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface of the backlight unit, which is in surface contact with the front surface of the back of the case, is the rear surface of the light source substrate.

3. The backlight unit is equipped with an external connection connector, The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the external connection connector connects to an external device through the opening region.

4. The light source substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, The external connection connector is mounted on the rear surface of the light source substrate, at the end of the light source substrate. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, further comprising a connection port from which a wiring member can be inserted and removed in a direction parallel to the planar direction of the light source substrate.

5. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the optical member is a member comprising the labyrinth structure forming portion.

6. The aforementioned backlight unit is a direct-lit backlight unit, The light source substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the liquid crystal display panel, The one or more light sources are multiple light sources, The aforementioned multiple light sources are mounted on the light source substrate, The vehicle display device according to claim 5, wherein the optical member is a reflector that surrounds each of the plurality of light sources and reflects the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources toward the liquid crystal display panel.

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