Indication device

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device in which the bezel and front panel are bonded together with an adhesive material, and the bonded joint is not noticeable. [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 observation surface side of the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the display panel and the bezel in a plan view; and an adhesive member positioned between the bezel and the front panel, wherein the adhesive member is in contact with at least a portion of the front panel and has a gap between it and the front panel, or has a first adhesive layer containing air bubbles inside.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, regarding a display device that displays a desired image when the display screen is lit, when the display device is turned off, it has been studied to enhance the designability by harmonizing with surrounding members, the housing, etc. and making the display panel less conspicuous.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a base film, a first color pattern layer formed of a plurality of first color dots provided on the base film, and a second color pattern layer formed of a plurality of second color dots provided on the first color pattern layer, and a third color pattern layer formed of a plurality of third color dots provided on the second color pattern layer, each of the first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed inside the first color binder, each of the second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed inside the second color binder provided on the base film, each of the third color dots includes a third color binder and a plurality of third color pigment chips dispersed inside the third color binder, each of the first color pigment chips, second color pigment chips, and third color pigment chips is any one of a red interference pigment, a green interference pigment, and a blue interference pigment that develops color as interference light on the reflection light side, and a printed matter that performs additive color mixing of the interference light is disclosed, and it is disclosed that the above printed matter can be used for a display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The printed material in Patent Document 1 has a translucent smoke printing layer, which may result in low transmittance when bonded to a display device. Furthermore, conventionally, when the front panel and the housing bezel are bonded together with an adhesive layer, the appearance differs between the bonded area with the adhesive layer and the unbonded area without the adhesive layer, making the bonded area stand out.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a display device in which the joint between the bezel and the front panel, where they are bonded together with an adhesive material, is not noticeable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (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 plate positioned on the observation surface side of the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the display panel and the bezel in a plan view; and an adhesive member positioned between the bezel and the front plate, wherein the adhesive member is in contact with at least a portion of the front plate and has a gap between it and the front plate, or has a first adhesive layer containing air bubbles inside.

[0008] (2) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1) above, the adhesive member further comprises a substrate disposed on the bezel side of the first adhesive layer, and is a display device.

[0009] (3) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the adhesive member further has a second adhesive layer on the bezel side of the substrate, which is a display device.

[0010] (4) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (3) above, the second adhesive layer is an adhesive layer that is in contact with the substrate in part and has a gap between it and the substrate, in addition to the configuration of (3) above, in a display device.

[0011] (5) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the adhesive member is a display device having a region in which the void penetrates in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer.

[0012] (6) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (3) or (4) above, the adhesive member is a display device having a region in which the void penetrates in the thickness direction of the second adhesive layer.

[0013] (7) In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (6) above, the first adhesive layer has a plurality of recesses or protrusions on the bezel-side surface, which is a display device.

[0014] (8) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to any of the configurations of (3), (4), or (6) above, the first adhesive layer has the void provided on the surface of the front panel side in a first direction, and the second adhesive layer has the void provided on the surface of the front panel side in a direction different from the first direction in a plan view.

[0015] (9) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to any of the configurations of (3), (4), (6), or (8) above, the second adhesive layer has a region that does not overlap with the first adhesive layer in a plan view.

[0016] (10) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (9) above, the front panel has a total light transmittance of 5% or more.

[0017] (11) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (10) above, the front panel has a design layer.

[0018] (12) One embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which, in addition to any of the configurations of (1) to (11) above, the reflectivity of the bezel 310 is 50% or less.

[0019] (13)One embodiment of the present invention is a display device which, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (12) above, has the same member as the member on the observation surface side of the display panel between the bezel and the front panel.

[0020] (14)One embodiment of the present invention is a display device which, in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (13) above, is capable of local dimming driving.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device in which a bonded portion where the bezel and the front panel are bonded together by an adhesive member is not conspicuous.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X2 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] In FIG. 2, it is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a bonded portion between a bezel and a front panel surrounded by a dotted line. [Figure 4] In FIG. 3, it is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of an adhesive member surrounded by a dotted line, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 in which a void 401a does not penetrate in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401. [Figure 5] In FIG. 3, it is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of an adhesive member surrounded by a dotted line, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a region where a void 401a penetrates in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401. [Figure 6] It is a schematic plan view showing a first plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a schematic plan view showing a second plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a schematic plan view showing a third plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10]This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example 3 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of Embodiment 1, where the spherical particles are glass beads 501. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of Embodiment 1, illustrating the case where the spherical particles are hollow beads 502. [Figure 14] This is a schematic plan view showing a modified example 5 of Embodiment 1, illustrating the case where an image is displayed on a display device capable of local dimming. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area around the adhesive portion between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 of the display device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] This is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a second adhesive layer 403. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a second adhesive layer 403 and a second substrate 404. [Figure 19] This is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a lamination method for the first adhesive layer 401 and the second adhesive layer 403 shown in Figure 17 or Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 of the display device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the adhesive member 400 of the display device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 22] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 23] This is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 24] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 1. [Figure 25] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to Comparative Embodiment 1. [Figure 26]Figure 25 is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Figure 27] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. [Figure 28] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. [Figure 29] Figure 28 is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Figure 30] This is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. [Figure 31] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. [Figure 32] Figure 31 is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line. [Figure 33] This is a schematic plan view illustrating a conventional display device in which the front panel includes a design layer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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°.

[0025] In this specification, the "observation side" refers to the side of the object closer to the observer when the object is positioned facing the observer, and the "back side" refers to the side of the object further away from the observer. In this specification, "plan view" refers to the view from the observation side.

[0026] In this specification, "the display device is lit" means that light is emitted from the observation surface 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. "The display device is not lit" means that no light is emitted from the observation surface side of the display device. If the display panel is a liquid crystal panel, this means that the backlight is off, and in the case of a display device equipped with a locally dimmable backlight, this means that 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.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line X1-X2 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the bonding portion between the bezel and the front panel enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 2. The display device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a display panel 100, a housing 300 that houses the display panel and has a bezel 310 arranged around the display panel 100 in a plan view, a front panel 110 arranged on the observation surface side of the display panel 100 and overlapping at least a portion of the display panel 100 and the bezel 310 in a plan view, and an adhesive member 400 arranged between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110.

[0028] (Enclosure) As shown in Figure 2, the display device 1 includes a housing 300 that houses the display panel 100. The housing 300 includes a bottom portion 320 and a bezel 310 that is provided around the bottom portion 320 and protrudes toward the observation surface. 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 400 on the back side of the front panel 110 that overlaps with the frame area 1NA, and attaching the adhesive member 400 to the bezel 310, the front panel 110 can be fixed to the housing 300. Preferably, the surface of the bezel 310 toward the observation surface is horizontal, and the front panel 110 is attached to this horizontal surface by the adhesive member 400.

[0029] 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.

[0030] (Display panel) As shown in Figure 1, the display panel 100 has a display area 1AA and a frame area 1NA arranged around the display area 1AA in a plan view. 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 contains multiple pixels and is the area where the desired image or the like is displayed during transparent display.

[0031] Examples of the display panel 100 include self-emissive panels such as liquid crystal panels and OLED panels. An example of a liquid crystal panel is a configuration comprising a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules, sandwiched between the pair of substrates. 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] A common electrode is placed on the TFT substrate or the opposing substrate. By applying a predetermined voltage between the pixel electrode and the opposing electrode, an electric field is generated in the liquid crystal layer, controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules to adjust the amount of light transmitted from the backlight 200 to the liquid crystal panel, thereby enabling transmitted display.

[0034] The liquid crystal panel has a pair of polarizers on the observation side and the back side. 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. In addition, an alignment film may be placed between the TFT substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and between the liquid crystal layer of the opposing substrate, to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied.

[0035] 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 observation surface without requiring an external light source such as a backlight.

[0036] The configuration of the organic light-emitting diode described above is not particularly limited, and examples include a cathode, light-emitting layer, and anode stacked in that 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.

[0037] 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 front panel side (front side).

[0038] On the front side of the display panel 100, an anti-reflective film may be placed in front of the polarizing plates, such as the linear polarizing plate and circular polarizing plate mentioned above. 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.

[0039] (Front plate) The front panel 110 is a component positioned on the front side (observation 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 (transparent substrate 111, described later).

[0040] As the transparent substrate mentioned above, for example, resin sheets such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or glass sheets can be used. The transparent substrate may be flat or curved.

[0041] From the viewpoint of maintaining high brightness of the display device, the transparent substrate described above 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 described above 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 total light transmittance described above is the total light transmittance in the visible light region (for example, wavelength 380 nm to 780 nm). The haze described above is measured by a method in accordance with JIS K 7136:2000. The total light transmittance described above can be measured using, for example, a turbidimeter "HazeMeter NDH2000" manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. The haze described above can be measured using, for example, a turbidimeter "HazeMeter NDH2000" manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.

[0042] 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 perform transparent display 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%.

[0043] The front panel 110 preferably has a total light transmittance of 5% or more. As will be described later, the front panel 110 may include regions with different transmittances in the in-plane direction, but it is preferable that the total light transmittance of the region with the lowest transmittance of the front panel 110, including the region overlapping with the frame region 1NA and the region overlapping with the display region 1AA, be 5% or more. In other words, it is preferable that the front panel 110 does not have a frame printing section or structure that completely blocks light from the frame region 1NA of the display panel in a plan view. The frame printing section mentioned above is, for example, a light-shielding layer formed with black ink. As will be described later, a transparent design layer may be provided, but even if a design layer is provided, it is preferable that the total light transmittance of the region with the lowest transmittance of the front panel 110 be 5% or more.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, an adhesive member 400 is placed between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. In Embodiment 1, the adhesive member 400 has a first adhesive layer 401 that is in contact with the front panel 110 in part and has a gap 401a between it and the front panel 110. In Embodiment 1, since only a part of the adhesive member 400 is in contact with the front panel 110, the area in contact with the front panel 110 can be reduced compared to the case where the entire surface of the adhesive member 400 is in contact with the front panel 110, making the bonded portion of the adhesive member 400 less noticeable.

[0045] The bezel 310 and the front panel 110 may be directly bonded together by the adhesive member 400, or they may be bonded together via the adhesive member 400 and another adhesive layer, double-sided tape, etc. When directly bonded together by the adhesive member 400, it is preferable that the adhesive member 400 has an additional adhesive layer on its back side. In this case, it is preferable that the back side of the adhesive member 400 is in contact with the bezel 310. The front panel 110 has a larger area than the display panel 100 in a plan view, and is bonded to the bezel 310 at the portion that extends beyond the display panel in a plan view.

[0046] In Figure 3, the surface reflectance of the first substrate 402 is shown by A, the surface reflectance of the display panel 100 is shown by B, the interface reflectance between the front plate 110 and the air layer 400a in the display area 1AA is shown by C, and the interface reflectance between the front plate 110 and the air layer 400a in the bonded portion where the adhesive member is placed in the frame area 1NA is shown by D. C and D are the same because they represent the interface reflectance between the same front plate 110 and the air layer 400a. Therefore, in principle, by adjusting the surface reflectance A of the first substrate 402 so that A+D=B+C, or A=B, the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded portion can be made less visible. In the display device 1 according to Embodiment 1, interface reflection also occurs at the interface between the air gap 401a and the first adhesive layer 401, so the appearance becomes similar to the display area 1AA, and the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded portion can be made less visible.

[0047] The thickness of the first adhesive layer 401 is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less, even more preferably 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and particularly preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the first adhesive layer 401 is the distance from the observation surface side of the first substrate 402 to the surface in contact with the front plate 110, when the adhesive member 400 has a first substrate 402.

[0048] The first adhesive layer 401 can be an acrylic adhesive or the like. The first adhesive layer 401 is preferably transparent, and its total light transmittance is preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0049] The adhesive member 400 should be positioned so as not to protrude from the bezel 310 in a plan view. For example, it may be positioned to surround the display panel 100, or it may be divided into multiple pieces and positioned on the bezel 310.

[0050] The width of the adhesive member 400 may be narrower than the width of the bezel 310. In a plan view, the width of the adhesive member 400 is, for example, 300 μm or more and 2.0 cm or less.

[0051] The thickness of the adhesive member 400 is preferably 50 μm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The thickness of the adhesive member 400 is the distance from the surface on which the components constituting the adhesive member 400 contact the bezel 310 to the surface on which the first adhesive layer 401 contacts the front plate 110.

[0052] The adhesive member 400 preferably further has a base material 402 (hereinafter also referred to as the first base material) disposed on the bezel 310 side of the first adhesive layer 401. The first base material 402 is preferably a transparent base material, and for example, a resin base material such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polycarbonate can be used. The total light transmittance of the first base material 402 is preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0053] The thickness of the first substrate 402 is preferably 25 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and more preferably 25 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0054] The adhesive member 400 may further have a second adhesive layer 403 on the bezel side of the first substrate 402. In other words, the adhesive member 400 may be a double-sided tape in which the first adhesive layer 401, the first substrate 402, and the second adhesive layer 403 are laminated in this order from the observation surface side. The second adhesive layer 403 can be the same as the first adhesive layer 401. Embodiment 1 illustrates a case where the entire surface of the second adhesive layer 403 is in contact with the first substrate 402 without any gaps 403a, but as will be described later, the second adhesive layer 403 may be in contact with the first substrate 402 in part and have a gap 403a between it and the first substrate 402.

[0055] The thickness of the second adhesive layer 403 is preferably 50 μm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The thickness of the second adhesive layer 403 is the distance from the observation surface side of the bezel 310 to the surface in contact with the first substrate 402 when at least a portion of the second adhesive layer 403 is in contact with the bezel 310, and when the adhesive member 400 has a second substrate 404 described later, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 403 is the distance from the observation surface side of the second substrate 404 to the surface in contact with the first substrate 402 when at least a portion of the second adhesive layer 403 is in contact with the first substrate 402.

[0056] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adhesive member enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 3, and shows an example of an adhesive member 400 in which the void 401a does not penetrate in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401. As shown in Figure 4, the void 401a does not have to penetrate in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401, and the first adhesive layer 401 may have a plurality of recesses or protrusions on the surface on the bezel 310 side.

[0057] Multiple recesses or protrusions may be arranged along a first direction D1, or further along a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is different from the first direction D1 and forms an angle with respect to the first direction D1, for example, between 15° and 165°.

[0058] Examples of planar shapes for recesses or protrusions include circles (dot patterns), ellipses, rectangles, rhombuses, and other polygons. The first adhesive layer 401 may also have linear recesses or protrusions extending along the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2. Examples of such linear recesses or protrusions include semicylinders and triangular prisms. These recesses or protrusions can be obtained, for example, by pattern printing the adhesive composition onto the surface of the first substrate 402.

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adhesive member enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 3, showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a region in which the void 401a penetrates the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction. The first adhesive layer 401 may be divided. In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the void 401a may have a region in which it penetrates the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction. The first adhesive layer 401 includes a plurality of adhesive portions divided by regions that penetrate the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction. Focusing only on the adhesive member 400, the first base material 402 is exposed in the region in which the void 401a penetrates the first adhesive layer 401.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view showing the first plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in Figure 5. The first adhesive layer 401 has a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along the first direction D1, and may further have a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along the second direction D2. Figure 6 illustrates the case where the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is not limited to the case in Figure 6, but is preferably at an angle of 15° or more and 165° or less with respect to the first direction D1.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a case where the planar shape of the multiple adhesive portions contained in the first adhesive layer 401 is square. In Figure 6, in a plan view, the voids 401a are arranged in a grid pattern along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The planar shape of the adhesive portions is not particularly limited and may be a square, rectangle, rhombus or other polygon, circle, ellipse, etc.

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing a second plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in Figure 5. In Figure 7, the voids 401a are provided along a first direction D1, and further along a third direction D3 rotated counterclockwise with respect to the first direction D1, and a fourth direction D4 rotated clockwise with respect to the first direction D1, with multiple adhesive portions arranged between each void 401a. It can also be said that the multiple adhesive portions are arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, which is one of the extension directions of the voids 401a.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing a third plan view of the adhesive member 400 shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 illustrates a case where the planar shape of the multiple adhesive portions, which are divided by a region penetrating the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction, is circular. In Figure 8, the multiple circular adhesive portions are arranged along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that forms an angle with the first direction D1. It can also be said that the multiple adhesive portions are arranged along a third direction D3, which is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the first direction D1, and a fourth direction D4, which is rotated clockwise with respect to the first direction D1.

[0064] If the period (pitch P) of the arrangement of the adhesive parts is too large, there is a risk that the arrangement pattern of multiple adhesive parts will be visible to the observer. Therefore, from the viewpoint of making the arrangement pattern less conspicuous, the pitch P is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The pitch P is preferably 50 μm or more, and more preferably 100 μm or more. The pitch P refers to the unit distance of the repeating period between the adhesive part and the gap in the arrangement direction of the multiple adhesive parts. Referring to Figure 6, if the sum of the width of one adhesive part 401 and the width of one gap 401a in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the pitch P1 and the pitch P2, respectively, then it is preferable that at least one of the pitches P1 and P2 is within the above numerical range, and it is more preferable that both P1 and P2 are within the above numerical range. In Figures 7 and 8, if the sum of the width of one adhesive portion 401 and the width of one gap 401a in the first direction D1, second direction D2, third direction D3, and fourth direction D4 is denoted as pitch P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively, then it is preferable that at least one of the pitches P1 to P4 is within the above numerical range, and it is more preferable that all of the pitches P1 to P4 are within the above numerical range.

[0065] Furthermore, the region where the adhesive portion is arranged as shown in Figures 6 to 8 may be opposite to the region where the void 401a penetrates the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction. For example, referring to Figure 6, the adhesive portion may be arranged in a grid pattern, and the planar shape of the void 401a (the portion where the first substrate 402 is exposed) may be square.

[0066] As described above, in the region where the first adhesive layer 401 does not come into contact with the front panel 110, interfacial reflection occurs between the air layer and the first adhesive layer 401. Therefore, a larger area of ​​the region where the first adhesive layer 401 does not come into contact with the front panel 110 brings the interfacial reflectance C and interfacial reflectance D, as explained in Figure 3, closer together, making the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded portion less visible. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of increasing the adhesive strength between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, a larger area of ​​the region where the first adhesive layer 401 comes into contact with the front panel 110 is preferable. For these reasons, the ratio of the area of ​​the first adhesive layer 401 in contact with the front panel 110 to the total area of ​​the bonded portion where the adhesive member 400 is placed is preferably 20% or more and 80% or less, and more preferably 20% or more and 50% or less. The above-mentioned bonded portion refers to the region where the first base material 402 is placed in a plan view, when the adhesive member 400 has a first base material 402.

[0067] (Backlight) As shown in Figure 2, the backlight 200 may be placed on the back side of the display panel 100. In particular, if the display panel 100 is a liquid crystal panel, it is preferable that the display device 1 is equipped with a backlight 200.

[0068] 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.

[0069] <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 to the observation surface, 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 to the observation surface. 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 to the observation surface even when the backlight is on, resulting in a black display state.

[0070] Preferably, the bezel 310 has the same appearance as the display panel 100 when it is not illuminated. Specifically, the area overlapping with the display panel 100 in a plan view is defined as the display area 1AA, and the area overlapping with the bezel 310 is defined as the frame area 1NA, and the x value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the display area 1AA measured from the observation surface side when the display device 1 is not illuminated is defined as x α-1 , the value of y α-1 The x-value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the frame region 1NA measured from the observation surface side is x β-1 , the value of y β-1 Therefore, the above x α-1 and the above x β-1 The absolute value of the difference between and the above y α-1 and the above y β-1 Preferably, the absolute values ​​of the difference between the two values ​​are 0.02 or less. A display device 1 in this configuration can make the boundary between the bezel 310 and the display panel 100 less visible, thus achieving a better appearance.

[0071] The reflectivity of the bezel 310 is preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 30% or less. Furthermore, the reflectivity of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated is preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 30% or less. This configuration of the display device 1 suppresses excessive ornamentation and achieves a more subdued appearance. Note that the reflectivity of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated refers to the reflectivity of the observation surface of the display panel 100 when the display device 1 is not illuminated. The reflectivity of the bezel and display panel is the reflectivity in the visible light region (e.g., wavelength 380nm to 780nm) and can be measured using a method compliant with JIS R3106:2019. A spectrophotometer (e.g., Konica Minolta CM-700d) can be used as the measuring device.

[0072] (Variation 1) Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of Embodiment 1. The adhesive member 400 may further have a second adhesive layer 403, a third adhesive layer 503, and a third adhesive layer 405 on the back side of the first substrate 402, in order from the observation surface side. If we consider the first adhesive layer 401 and the first substrate 402 as a single-sided adhesive tape, and the second adhesive layer 403, the third substrate 503, and the third adhesive layer 405 as a double-sided tape 410, then the single-sided adhesive tape with the first adhesive layer 401 and the bezel 310 can be said to be bonded together by the double-sided tape 410. As a double-sided tape with adhesive layers arranged on both sides of the substrate, for example, the LCD component fixing double-sided tape #3800 series manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0073] The third substrate 503 is preferably black or gray. If the first adhesive layer 401, the first substrate 402, and the second adhesive layer 403 are transparent or semi-transparent, the appearance of the third substrate 503 will affect the overall appearance. If the third substrate 503 is dark, the appearance of the bonded area can be made to resemble the appearance of the display area 1AA. In the modified example 1, the second adhesive layer 403 and / or the third adhesive layer 405 may be transparent, but like the third substrate 503, they may be black or gray, and it is preferable that their reflectivity is 50% or less. The reflectivity of the adhesive layer can be measured in the same way as the bezel. If the first adhesive layer 401, the first substrate 402, and the second adhesive layer 403 are transparent, it is preferable that the side of the bezel 310 facing the adhesive member 400 be a dark color such as black or gray.

[0074] (Modification 2) Since the first adhesive layer 401 is soft, a structure may be provided between the front plate 110 and the bezel 310 to maintain the thickness of the adhesive member 400 in order to prevent the gap 401a from narrowing over time. Examples of structures that maintain the thickness of the adhesive member 400 are described below as Modifications 2 to 4 with reference to the drawings.

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1. Figure 10 and Figures 12 and 13, described later, are schematic cross-sectional views showing enlarged views of the area around the adhesive portion between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. As shown in Figure 10, in Modified Example 2, the housing (bezel 310) has a column 311. The column 311 may be made of the same material as the bezel 310, for example, and may be made of metal or resin. The height of the column 311 is preferably the same as the adhesive member 400 (in Figure 10, the sum of the thickness of the first adhesive layer 401, the thickness of the first base material 402, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer 403). The column 311 may be positioned inside the adhesive member 400 (between the adhesive member 400 and the display panel 100) in a plan view, or outside the adhesive member 400 in a plan view. The column 311 may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. in a plan view. They may also be positioned along one side of the bezel, or they may be positioned to surround the display panel 100.

[0076] (Variation 3) Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example 3 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 11, Modified Example 3 has a spacer 312 between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. The spacer 312 may be, for example, a columnar spacer, and its planar shape may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The spacer 312 may be made of resin, and materials commonly used for spacers in the field of display panels can be used. An adhesive layer 313 may be placed between the spacer 312 and the bezel, and it is preferable that the sum of the thickness of the spacer 312 and the thickness of the adhesive layer 313 is about the same as the thickness of the adhesive member 400 (in Figure 11, the sum of the thickness of the first adhesive layer 401, the thickness of the first base material 402, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer 403).

[0077] (Modification 4) The first adhesive layer 401 may contain spherical particles. By including spherical particles in the first adhesive layer 401, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 401 can be maintained. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing modification 4 of Embodiment 1, illustrating the case where the spherical particles are glass beads 501. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing modification 4 of Embodiment 1, illustrating the case where the spherical particles are hollow beads 502.

[0078] Examples of the spherical particles mentioned above include resin particles such as acrylic resin and olefin resin, and inorganic particles such as silica and glass. Furthermore, the spherical particles may be hollow particles with a hollow interior, or core-shell particles having a core and a shell layer covering the core. Hollow particles, such as hollow beads, can further reduce the visibility of the bonded area because the air inside the particle also causes interfacial reflection.

[0079] The average particle size of the above-mentioned particulate matter is preferably about the same as the thickness of the first adhesive layer 401, preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less. The above-mentioned average particle size refers to the 50% particle size in the cumulative particle size distribution curve and can be measured by the laser diffraction scattering method.

[0080] (Variation 5) Modification 5 describes a case where the display device 1 is capable of local dimming. Figure 14 is a schematic plan view showing Modification 5 of Embodiment 1, illustrating the case where an image is displayed on a display device capable of local dimming. Note that in Figure 14, the difference in appearance between the display panel 100 and the bezel 310 is omitted.

[0081] Local dimming, also known as partial dimming, is a display method that divides the display area 1AA into multiple areas (dimming areas) and adjusts the brightness (luminescence intensity) for each area. An example of a display device 1 capable of local dimming is a display panel 100 that is further equipped with a backlight 200 that is capable of local dimming, located on the back side of the display panel 100.

[0082] The backlight 200 is preferably a direct-lit backlight. Alternatively, an OLED panel may be used as the light-emitting element for the backlight 200. The display device 1 further 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 of the liquid crystal panel. When an organic EL display is used as the display panel, unlit pixels are displayed in black, resulting in an appearance similar to that obtained when a backlight positioned on the back of the liquid crystal display is locally dimmed.

[0083] By implementing local dimming, a highly designed display device 1 can be realized, as shown in Figure 14, in which an image (the string "ABCDE" in Figure 14) 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. In the display area 1AA, which is in a black state, the backlight 200 is turned off to achieve a good appearance.

[0084] (Embodiment 2) Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area around the adhesive portion between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 of the display device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of the display device according to Embodiment 2. The display device 1 according to Embodiment 2 has the same material between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110 as the material on the observation surface side of the display panel 100. In the frame region 1NA, in the non-adhered portion where the adhesive material 400 is not 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-adhered 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 Embodiment 2, 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.

[0085] If the display panel 100 is a liquid crystal panel, a polarizing plate may be placed on the observation surface side of the liquid crystal panel. When a polarizing plate is placed on the observation surface side of the liquid crystal panel, it is preferable that a polarizing plate is also placed between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. Polarizing plates may be placed on the observation surface side of the liquid crystal panel and between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, or a single polarizing plate may be placed so as to cover both the bezel 310 and the display panel 100. When polarizing plates are placed on the observation surface side of the liquid crystal panel and between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, it is preferable that the polarizing plate placed on the observation surface side of the liquid crystal panel and the polarizing plate 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.

[0086] Furthermore, an AR film or AG film may be placed on the observation surface side of the polarizing plate. In this case, it is preferable to place a laminate of the polarizing plate and the AR film, or a laminate of the polarizing plate and the AG film, between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. An AR film or AG film may be placed on the observation surface 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.

[0087] When the display panel is a self-emissive panel such as an OLED, the component on the observation side 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.

[0088] In Figure 15, A represents the surface reflectance of the polarizing plate placed between the bezel 310 and the front panel 110, B represents the surface reflectance of the polarizing plate placed on the observation surface 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 bonded portion where the adhesive member is placed 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 16, the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded portion becomes even less visible than in Embodiment 1, resulting in a better appearance.

[0089] (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 1, an example was given in which the adhesive member 400 has one adhesive layer having voids, but the first adhesive layer 401 may also have a second adhesive layer 403 having voids on its back side. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a second adhesive layer 403. As shown in Figure 17, the adhesive member 400 has a first base material 402 on the back side of the first adhesive layer 401, and a second adhesive layer 403 on the back side of the first adhesive layer 401. The second adhesive layer 403 is an adhesive layer that is in contact with the base material (first base material 402) in part and has a void 403a between it and the first base material 402. In the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3, interfacial reflection occurs at the interface between the void 403a and the second adhesive layer 403, making the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded portion less visible.

[0090] The second adhesive layer 403 may be divided. In other words, as shown in Figure 17, the adhesive member 400 may have a region in which the void 403a penetrates the second adhesive layer 403 in the thickness direction. The second adhesive layer 403 includes a plurality of adhesive portions divided by the region that penetrates the second adhesive layer 403 in the thickness direction. Focusing only on the adhesive member 400, the second substrate 404 is exposed in the region in which the void 403a penetrates the second adhesive layer 403.

[0091] The planar shape of the second adhesive layer 403 can be the same as the planar shape of the first adhesive layer 401 illustrated in Embodiment 1. Although not shown, the void 403a does not have to penetrate in the thickness direction of the second adhesive layer 403, and the second adhesive layer 403 may have recesses or protrusions on the surface facing the first substrate 402. The recesses or protrusions can be the same as the shapes illustrated in Embodiment 1.

[0092] Preferably, the second adhesive layer 403 has a region that does not overlap with the first adhesive layer 401 in a plan view. Preferably, the regions in which the adhesive layers are arranged are offset from those of the first adhesive layer 401 and the second adhesive layer 403. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the first adhesive layer 401 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the air gap 403a. Because there is a region in which the first adhesive layer 401 and the second adhesive layer 403 do not overlap in a plan view, interfacial reflection with the air layer occurs across the entire surface of the bonded portion where the adhesive member 400 is arranged, so that the appearance of the display area 1AA and the bonded portion becomes closer. It is desirable that the region in which the first adhesive layer 401 is arranged and the region in which the second adhesive layer 403 is arranged do not overlap at all in a plan view, but the effect can be obtained even if there is some overlap.

[0093] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an adhesive member 400 having a second adhesive layer 403 and a second substrate 404. As shown in Figure 18, the adhesive member 400 may further have a second substrate 404 on the back side of the second adhesive layer 403. The second substrate 404 can be the same as the first substrate 402 in terms of material, total light transmittance, thickness, etc. The adhesive member 400 can also be described as a laminate of a first single-sided adhesive tape 400A in which the first adhesive layer 401 is formed on the first adhesive layer 401, and a second single-sided adhesive tape 400B in which the second adhesive layer 403 is formed on the second substrate 404.

[0094] Figure 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a lamination method for the first adhesive layer 401 and the second adhesive layer 403 shown in Figure 17 or Figure 18. The first adhesive layer 401 includes a plurality of adhesive portions divided by regions that penetrate the first adhesive layer 401 in the thickness direction. The first adhesive layer 401 has a gap 401a along the first direction D1 on the surface facing the front plate 110. The second adhesive layer 403 has a gap 403a along a direction different from the first direction D1 in a plan view on the surface facing the front plate 110.

[0095] As shown in Figure 19(a), the first adhesive layer 401 may have a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along the first direction, and further a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along the second direction D2. In Figure 19(a), the voids 401a are arranged in a grid pattern along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Figure 19(a) is the same as Figure 6 described in Embodiment 1, and the arrangement of the adhesive portions, the planar shape, etc. are the same as in Embodiment 1, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0096] As shown in Figure 19(b), the second adhesive layer 403 includes a plurality of adhesive portions divided by regions that penetrate the second adhesive layer 403 in the thickness direction. The second adhesive layer 403 may have a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along a third direction D3, and further a plurality of adhesive portions arranged along a fourth direction D4. In Figure 19(b), the voids 403a are arranged in a grid pattern along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4.

[0097] The fourth direction D4 is a different direction from the third direction D3, and Figure 19(b) illustrates the case where it is perpendicular to the third direction D3. The fourth direction D4 is not limited to the case in Figure 19(b), but preferably forms an angle of 15° or more and 165° or less with respect to any of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, or the third direction D3.

[0098] Figures 19(a) and (b) illustrate the case where the planar shapes of the multiple adhesive portions included in the first adhesive layer 401 and the multiple adhesive portions included in the second adhesive layer 403 are squares. However, the case is not particularly limited, and the shapes may be squares, rectangles, polygons such as rhombuses, circles, ellipses, etc.

[0099] Figure 19(c) is a plan view showing the first adhesive layer 401 and the second adhesive layer 403 stacked together. The third direction D3 is a different direction from the first direction D1, and Figure 19(c) illustrates the case where the third direction D3 forms an angle of 30° with respect to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is not limited to the case shown in Figure 19(c), and it is preferable that it forms an angle of 15° to 165° with respect to the first direction D1.

[0100] As shown in Figure 19(c), the first single-sided adhesive tape 400A and the second single-sided adhesive tape 400B may be single-sided adhesive tapes having the same planar shape and arrangement pattern of multiple adhesive parts, and one of them may be rotated and laminated. Alternatively, the first single-sided adhesive tape 400A and the second single-sided adhesive tape 400B may be single-sided adhesive tapes with different planar shapes and / or arrangement patterns of multiple adhesive parts. By adopting this configuration, the positions of both air gaps are offset, preventing them from perfectly coinciding, and thus, in a plan view, the area without interfacial reflection with the air layer can be divided into finer segments.

[0101] Furthermore, as in Embodiment 2, if the material of the surface component of the display panel 100 and the material of the component placed on the surface of the bezel 310 are made of the same material, the overall appearance of the display device 1 will be further improved.

[0102] (Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 4, the adhesive member 400 has a first adhesive layer 401 that is in contact with the front panel 110 in at least a portion thereof and contains air bubbles inside. Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the adhesive member 400 of the display device according to Embodiment 4. Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the adhesive member 400 of the display device according to Embodiment 4. Interfacial reflection occurs at the interface between the air layer in the multiple air bubbles 401b and the adhesive, so the appearance of the display area 1AA and the bonded portion becomes similar.

[0103] As shown in Figure 20, the display device of Embodiment 4 does not need to have a gap between the first adhesive layer 401 and the front plate 110, and the entire surface of the first adhesive layer 401 may be in contact with the front plate 110. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21, the first adhesive layer 401 may be in contact with the front plate 110 in part, and may have a gap 401a between it and the front plate 110. In this case, similar to Embodiment 1, the gap 401a may have a region that penetrates in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401, or, although not shown, the gap 401a may not penetrate in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer 401, and the surface of the first adhesive layer 401 on the bezel 310 side may have a recess or a protrusion.

[0104] An adhesive layer having multiple air bubbles 401b inside can be prepared by known methods, for example, by adding a foaming agent to an adhesive composition and causing the foaming agent to foam.

[0105] (Embodiment 5) The display device of Embodiment 5 has a front panel 110 with a design layer 120. Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device of Embodiment 5. Figure 23 is a schematic plan view of the display device of Embodiment 5. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the case where the design layer 120 has a marble pattern.

[0106] In the display device 1 according to Embodiment 5, in transmissive display mode, light emitted from the observation surface side of the display panel 100 passes through the front panel 110 and the design layer 120 and is emitted to the observation surface side. In addition to transmissive display, the display device according to Embodiment 5 can make the color and pattern of the design layer 120 visible to the observer by reflecting light (external light) incident on the display device from the observation surface side.

[0107] Because the front panel 110 has a design layer 120, when not illuminated, the display device 1 appears only as 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, when illuminated, the display device 1 appears as if an image (in Figure 23, the string of letters ABCDE) is floating on the decorative panel, as shown in Figure 23, resulting in a highly aesthetic design. Furthermore, 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, or the color and pattern of the design layer 120, appear to overlap with the image of the display panel. Note that even when a design layer is not provided, as in Embodiment 1, the color of the front panel 110 can be made visible to the observer by coloring the front panel 110.

[0108] The design layer 120 is a layer that expresses a specific pattern, etc., and the pattern, etc. is visible to the observer due to the reflection of external light. 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.

[0109] 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 on the entire surface of the front panel 110 or on only a part of it in a plan view. The design layer 120 is, for example, a semi-transparent picture or pattern. The above-mentioned specific pattern is arranged on the front panel 110 as the design layer 120 by 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 about 60-80%.

[0110] As the design layer 120, the configuration described in Japanese Patent No. 4184711, etc., can be used. For example, the design layer 120 can be printed using an ink containing a luminous pigment.

[0111] 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 22 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.

[0112] The following describes the conventional display devices according to comparative embodiments 1 to 4 with reference to the drawings. In comparative embodiments 1 to 4, the adhesive member 400 shown in the above embodiment is not used. Note that the display panel 100R, front panel 110R, backlight 200R, and bezel 310R in comparative embodiments 1 to 4 can be the same as those described in the display panel 100, front panel 110, backlight 200, and bezel 310 in embodiment 1, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0113] (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 a display panel 100R and a front plate 110R are fully bonded together with an optical transparent adhesive 301AR. Figure 24 is a schematic plan view of the conventional display device according to Comparative Embodiment 1. Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conventional display device according to Comparative Embodiment 1. Figure 26 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the external light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 25.

[0114] 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 optical transparent adhesive sheet (hereinafter also referred to as an OCA sheet) 301AR. Therefore, there is no air layer between the display panel 100R and the front panel 110R, and no interfacial reflection occurs between the front panel 110R and the air layer. Examples of OCA sheets 301AR include LUCIACS (registered trademark) manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation.

[0115] 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 section 110PR closer to the reflective characteristics of the surface of the display area 1AA when it is not displayed. In Figure 26, the surface reflectance of the frame printing section 110PR is shown as A, and the surface reflectance of the display panel 100R is shown as B. By adjusting the reflectance of the frame printing section 110PR so that the surface reflectance A of the frame printing section 110PR = the surface reflectance B of the display panel 100R, the appearance can be improved. Since the display device 1R of comparative form 1 can lower the reflectance of the display area 1AA than the display device relating to comparative form 2 (see Figure 27) described later, the display area 1AA can be made darker as shown in Figure 24, making it more difficult to see the boundary between the frame printing section 110PR and the display panel 100.

[0116] On the other hand, in addition to the high cost of the OCA sheet 301AR itself, 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. Furthermore, there is a risk of air bubbles or dust getting trapped during the bonding process with the OCA sheet 301AR. Moreover, there is a risk that the display panel 100R to which the front panel 110R has been bonded may warp due to temperature changes. These concerns are particularly likely to occur in large display devices (e.g., 32 inches or larger).

[0117] In this embodiment, the display device is constructed such that the front panel 110 and the display panel 100R are not fully bonded together with an OCA sheet 301AR. This eliminates the risk of air bubbles entering or the display panel warping due to temperature changes, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0118] (Comparison Form 2) Figure 27 is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 2. Figure 29 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 28.

[0119] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the display device 1R according to comparative embodiment 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. The double-sided tape 301TR is a general-purpose double-sided tape and, unlike the adhesive member 400 of embodiment 1, does not have a gap between it and the front panel 110 and does not contain air bubbles. In the display device 1R of comparative embodiment 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 from the observation surface side. Examples of the double-sided tape include the LCD component fixing double-sided tape #3800 series manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0120] In Comparative Example 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 Example 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 Example 1.

[0121] In Figure 29, 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 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 panel 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 bonded area where the frame printing section 110PR is placed becomes noticeable.

[0122] (Comparative form 3) Figure 30 is a schematic plan view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional display device relating to comparative form 3. Figure 32 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ambient light reflection in the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 31.

[0123] As shown in Figures 31 and 32, 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 301TR. As the adhesive member 301TR, the OCA sheet 301AR exemplified in comparative form 1, the double-sided tape 301TR exemplified in comparative form 2, etc., can be used. Since the display device 1R of comparative form 3 has an air layer 400a between the front panel 110R and the display panel 100R, interfacial reflection occurs between the front panel 110R and the air layer 400a.

[0124] 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.

[0125] When an opaque material is used as the adhesive material 301TR, 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 301TR, 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.

[0126] In Figure 32, 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 plate 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 of the double-sided tape 301TR = (surface reflectance B of the display panel 100R) + (interface reflectance C between the front plate 110R and the air layer 400a), it should be possible to make the boundary between the display area 1AA and the bonded area where the double-sided tape 301TR is placed less visible. However, since the surface of the double-sided tape 301TR is normally light scattering reflect, and the interface reflection between the front plate 110R and the air layer 400a is specular reflect, 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 bonded area becomes noticeable.

[0127] (Comparison Form 4) Figure 33 is a schematic plan view illustrating a conventional display device in which the front panel includes a design layer. When the front panel 110R of a conventional display device 1R includes a design layer, the appearance of the pattern changes depending on the location on the display device 1R when the lights are off, resulting in poor design. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33, the appearance of the bonded area where the double-sided tape 301TR is placed on the bezel differs from the appearance of the non-bonded area where the double-sided tape 301TR is not placed, and the appearance of the display area.

[0128] In contrast to comparative embodiments 2 to 4, the display device according to the embodiment uses an adhesive member 400 that has a gap between it and the front panel or contains air bubbles in the adhesive layer to bond the bezel 310 and the front panel 110. As a result, the reflectivity at the bonded portion where the adhesive member 400 is placed is increased, and in a display device having an air layer 400a between the display panel 100 and the front panel 110, the appearance of the display area 1AA and the bonded portion can be made similar.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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]

[0131] 1, 1R: Display device 1AA:Display area 1NA: Frame area 100, 100R: Display panel 110, 110R: Front plate 110PR: Picture Frame Printing Department 120: Design layer 200, 200R: Backlight 300, 300R: Cabinet 301AR: Optical transparent adhesive (OCA sheet) 301TR: Adhesive material (double-sided tape) 310, 310R: Bezel 311: Pillar 312: Spacer 313: Adhesive layer 320, 320R: Bottom 400: Adhesive material 400A: First single-sided adhesive tape 400B: Second type of single-sided adhesive tape 400a: Air layer 401: First adhesive layer 401a, 403a: void 401b: Air bubbles 402: First base material 403: Second adhesive layer 404: Second base material 405: Third adhesive layer 410: Double-sided tape 501: Glass Beads 503: Third base material

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 is positioned on the observation surface side of the display panel and overlaps with at least a portion of the display panel and the bezel in a plan view, The system includes an adhesive member disposed between the bezel and the front panel, A display device wherein the adhesive member is in contact with the front plate in at least a portion thereof and has a gap between it and the front plate, or has a first adhesive layer containing air bubbles inside.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member further comprises a substrate disposed on the bezel side of the first adhesive layer.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive member further has a second adhesive layer on the bezel side of the substrate.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second adhesive layer is an adhesive layer that is in contact with the substrate in part and has a gap between it and the substrate.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member has a region in which the void penetrates in the thickness direction of the first adhesive layer.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive member has a region in which the void penetrates in the thickness direction of the second adhesive layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer has a plurality of recesses or protrusions on the bezel-side surface.

8. The first adhesive layer has the gap provided on the front plate side surface along the first direction, The display device according to claim 4, wherein the second adhesive layer has the void provided on the surface of the front panel side in a plan view, along a direction different from the first direction.

9. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second adhesive layer has a region that does not overlap with the first adhesive layer in a plan view.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the front panel has a total light transmittance of 5% or more.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the front panel has a design layer.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reflectance of the bezel 310 is 50% or less.

13. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bezel and the front panel have the same member as the member on the observation surface side of the display panel.

14. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is capable of local dimming drive.

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