Indication device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a display device that can be made with a narrow bezel. [Solution] The display device according to the present disclosure comprises a middle frame that supports a front frame constituting a bezel portion on the display panel side of the backlight, and a rear frame that supports the backlight on the opposite side from the display panel, wherein the ends of the middle frame and the ends of the rear frame in the width direction of the bezel formed by the front frame are arranged so as not to overlap in the width direction of the bezel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Display devices such as electronic mirrors have a display area inside a frame region on the surface thereof. The display device displays an image on the display area on the surface in a display mode, and causes the display area on the surface to function as a mirror in a mirror mode.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] From the perspectives of improving design properties and securing forward visibility, it is necessary to aim for further narrowing of the frame of electronic mirrors. In display devices, narrow framing that reduces the width of the frame region is desired from the viewpoints of downsizing and / or weight reduction.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a display device that can achieve a narrow frame.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] A display device according to the present disclosure includes: a middle frame that supports a front frame constituting a frame portion on a display panel side relative to a backlight; and a rear frame that supports the backlight on a side opposite to the display panel, wherein an end portion of the middle frame and an end portion of the rear frame in a width direction of the frame constituted by the front frame are arranged so as not to overlap in the width direction of the frame.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The display device described herein allows for a narrower bezel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle equipped with an electronic mirror system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the display device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates other principles of narrowing the bezel. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2 of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the display device according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Incidentally, in an electronic mirror used as a display device, it is conceivable that the cross-section of the frame be configured in the following order: rear frame of the backlight / middle frame / metal (liquid crystal) bezel / mirror front frame. In this configuration, there were many frames, and there were limitations to further narrowing the bezel. Furthermore, reducing the area of ​​the backlight that is concealed by the frame made the uneven brightness of the LEDs placed at the edges visible, requiring countermeasures.

[0010] (Embodiment) The display device according to this embodiment is, for example, an electronic mirror. The display device according to this embodiment has a frame region at the edge of its surface, but measures are taken to narrow the width of the frame region. Narrowing the width of the frame region is sometimes called narrowing the frame.

[0011] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle equipped with an electronic mirror system. The electronic mirror system 3 includes an imaging device 1 and a display device 2.

[0012] The imaging device 1 is an in-vehicle camera mounted on the vehicle 5, and is installed inside or outside the vehicle body 6. The imaging device 1 may be installed at the rear end of the vehicle body 6 and applied to a rear electronic mirror, may be installed at an end near the door of the vehicle body 6 and applied to a side electronic mirror, or may be installed at the front end of the vehicle body 6 and applied to a front electronic mirror.

[0013] The display device 2 is, for example, arranged in the cabin 7 of the vehicle 5. The display device 2 is, for example, an electronic mirror, has a surface 2a, and is capable of displaying an image acquired by the imaging device 1 on the surface 2a.

[0014] The display device 2 is configured to be switchable between a display mode and a mirror mode. The display mode is a mode in which the display device 2 functions as a display that displays an image captured by the imaging device 1. The mirror mode is a mode in which the display device 2 functions as a mirror.

[0015] When the display device 2 is configured as an electronic mirror for rear visibility, it may be implemented in the form of a rearview mirror, the surface 2a may face the cabin 7, and the shape of the surface 2a may be the shape of the mirror surface of the rearview mirror. Furthermore, when the display device 2 is configured as an electronic mirror for side visibility, it may be implemented in the form of a door mirror (for example, door mirror 61), the surface 2a may face the rear of the vehicle body 6, and the shape of the surface 2a may be the shape of the mirror surface of the door mirror. Furthermore, when the display device 2 is configured as an electronic mirror for front visibility, it may be implemented in the form of an in-vehicle display device, the surface 2a may face the cabin 7, and the shape of the surface 2a may be the shape of the display portion of the display device.

[0016] In Figure 1, a configuration is exemplified in which the imaging device 1 is installed at a rear end portion 6a of the vehicle body 6, and the display device 2 is applied to an electronic mirror for rearward visual recognition. The electronic mirror for rearward visual recognition is also referred to as an electronic rearview mirror. The imaging device 1 acquires an image of the rear of the vehicle body. The display device 2 is capable of displaying the image of the rear of the vehicle body captured by the imaging device 1.

[0017] Figure 2 is a front view of the display device. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the surface 2a of the display device 2 is defined as the Z direction, and two mutually orthogonal directions within the surface 2a are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0018] The display device 2 includes a display device main body 2MB and a holder 2HD. The holder 2HD is for mounting the display device 2 inside the vehicle cabin 7, and supports the display device main body 2A such that its orientation can be changed. The surface 2a of the display device main body 2MB has, for example, a rectangular shape with rounded corners in XY plan view. The surface 2a has a frame region 2a1 and a display region 2a2. The frame region 2a1 serves as an edge on the surface 2a, and is a portion so-called a bezel. The display region 2a2 is a portion inside the frame region 2a1 on the surface 2a.

[0019] The display device 2 displays an image on the display region 2a2 on the surface 2a in a display mode, and causes the display region 2a2 on the surface 2a to function as a mirror in a mirror mode.

[0020] In this case, the display device 2 can also be configured to have a VRM (Variable Reflectance Mirror) function. When the display device 2 has the VRM function, in the mirror mode, the reflectance of the display region 2a2 may be changed according to the luminance or the like of the reflected image. For example, in the mirror mode, when the luminance of the reflected image is less than a predetermined value, if the reflectance of the display region 2a2 is maintained at the first reflectance RR1, it is possible to reduce the reflectance of the display region 2a2 to the second reflectance RR2 (<RR1) when the luminance of the reflected image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0021] More specifically, the case where the luminance of the reflected image is equal to or higher than a predetermined luminance includes a case where the headlight of a following vehicle is reflected at a luminance equal to or higher than the predetermined luminance, a case where sunlight is reflected in the rear image at a luminance equal to or higher than the predetermined luminance, and the like. Thereby, the display device 2 can realize automatic anti-glare by the VRM in the mirror mode.

[0022] On the surface 2a, the frame region 2a1 has a generally width W1 in the portion extending in the Y direction, and has a generally width W2 in the portion extending in the X direction. The width W1 and the width W2 may be equal or different from each other.

[0023] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the display device 2 includes a front light-transmitting panel 21, a front frame 22, a rear case 23, a middle frame 24, a rear frame 25, a light guide plate 26, a liquid crystal display panel 27, and an LED 28. The light guide plate 26 and the LED 28 may be collectively referred to as a light guide unit. Here, the liquid crystal display panel 27 functions as a display panel.

[0024] The surface-transmitting panel 21 extends in a plate-like manner in the XY direction and has a substantially rectangular shape with the X direction as its longitudinal direction. The surface-transmitting panel 21 may be formed of inorganic glass containing SiO2, or of organic glass containing a transparent resin such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin) or PC (polycarbonate). The surface-transmitting panel 21 is also called a cover panel and protects the display device 2 from external impacts, etc. A mirror panel (not shown) is provided on the -Z side of the surface light-transmitting panel 21. The mirror panel constitutes a so-called half-mirror and covers the entire display surface of the liquid crystal display panel 27, which will be described later. Therefore, when backlight light is not incident on the liquid crystal display panel 27 from the light guide plate 26, which will be described later, the display device 2 functions as a normal mirror. Since the mirror panel is not bonded to the liquid crystal display panel 27, if the mirror function deteriorates for any reason, it does not need to be replaced together with the liquid crystal display panel 27, and can be easily replaced.

[0025] The front frame 22 is made of resin, and the surface translucent panel 21 is attached to it with adhesive 31 such as double-sided tape, thereby supporting the surface translucent panel 21. The rear case 23 is made of resin and forms an interlocking structure with the front frame 22, and together with the front frame 22, it forms the housing of the display device 2.

[0026] In this case, the recess 22A constituting the spigot structure is provided at the -Z end of the front frame 22, as shown in Figure 3, and is inserted into the rear case 23 and engages with the protrusion 23A provided on the rear case 23 to form a single unit.

[0027] Since the recessed portion 22A and the protruding portion 23A that constitute this spigot structure are positioned so as not to affect the dimensions of the frame, it is easy to achieve a narrower frame.

[0028] The middle frame 24 supports the front frame 22 by receiving it from the back side (-Z direction side) via a pad 32. In this case, the pad 32 is provided around the entire circumference of the front frame 22 along its periphery, and by receiving it with the pad 32, it provides a sealing function to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter. Furthermore, by receiving it via the pad 32, it absorbs the temperature of the front frame 22 or deformation caused by manual operation by the user, thereby suppressing the generation of creaking noises.

[0029] The middle frame 24 is made of white resin to increase reflectivity and light scattering efficiency.

[0030] In this case, the backlight is diffused by the middle frame 24 through diffuse reflection, contributing to the uniformity of the backlight.

[0031] The rear frame 25 supports the light guide plate 26 from its back side (-Z direction side). As a result, backlight light leaking from the back side (-Z direction side) of the light guide plate 26 is reflected by the rear frame 25 and guided to the front side (+Z direction side) of the light guide plate 26, reaching the liquid crystal display panel 27 and providing brighter illumination. Furthermore, the rear frame 25 is supported from the underside (-Z direction) of the front frame 22.

[0032] The light guide plate 26 is positioned opposite the multiple LEDs 28 arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) mounted on the rear frame 25. The LEDs 28 are located on the +Y side of the rear frame 25. Backlight light is transmitted through the light guide plate 26, illuminating the liquid crystal display panel 27 from the rear. In this case, since the thickness of the light guide plate 26 is made thinner than in the conventional method, the effective length of the optical path within the light guide plate 26 is shortened, resulting in less attenuation and making it possible to obtain a bright display screen.

[0033] In this case, the LEDs 28 for illumination are arranged in close proximity to each other. By using the backlight from adjacent LEDs to compensate for areas near each LED that would otherwise be dark due to the lack of backlight emission, uneven illumination caused by the backlight becomes less likely, and it also contributes to suppressing the width (widths W1, W2) of the frame area 2a1.

[0034] The liquid crystal display panel 27 is a transmissive liquid crystal display panel having a configuration in which an IPS-type liquid crystal material is enclosed between a pair of transparent substrates that are spaced apart in the Z direction and extend in the XY direction, and an image is displayed in a visible state when backlight light is incident from the back side (-Z direction side). Furthermore, in order to achieve a narrow bezel, the liquid crystal display panel 27 of this embodiment uses a liquid crystal display unit without a metal bezel. When a liquid crystal display unit with a metal bezel is used, the metal bezel surrounds all four sides of the rear frame and also supports the front frame. In this embodiment, a narrow bezel is achieved by not using a metal bezel. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. In Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, a connector terminal 27T for supplying control signals and drive power to the liquid crystal display panel 27 is connected to the upper end of the display device 2.

[0035] A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 41 is connected to connector terminal 27T. This flexible printed circuit board 41 is positioned on the back side (-Z axis side) of the rear frame 25, through the gap between the middle frame 24 and the rear frame 25 and the front frame 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the rear frame 25 employs a COF (Chip On Film) configuration, with a driver IC 42 for controlling the liquid crystal display panel 27 positioned on its back side (-Z axis side). This reduces the area of ​​the non-display screen portion of the liquid crystal display panel 27 compared to conventional technology where the driver IC 42 is placed on the glass substrate constituting the liquid crystal display panel 27, and consequently reduces the width W2 of the bezel, resulting in a narrower bezel.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates other principles of narrowing the bezel. Note that in Figure 5, the flexible printed circuit board 41 is omitted from the illustration for ease of understanding.

[0038] Furthermore, in addition to adopting the above-mentioned COF configuration, as shown in Figure 4, at the +X direction end TF of the middle frame 24 and the rear frame 25, the +X direction end face of the middle frame 24 and the +X direction end face of the rear frame 25 are positioned at approximately the same location. As shown in Figure 5(A), the configuration involves supporting the L-shaped middle frame 24 in the +Z direction of the I-shaped rear frame 25. In Figure 5(A), the LED 28 is located on the upper surface of the rear frame 25, along the X direction, on the side located in the +Y direction (corresponding to the first side).

[0039] With this configuration, the +X-direction end face of the middle frame 24 does not come into contact with the rear frame 25, and the +X-direction end face of the rear frame 25 does not come into contact with the middle frame 24. Compared to the case where they come into contact, the position of the +X-direction end TF can be set to the +X-direction front position in Figure 5(A). In other words, the right end face of part 24 of the middle frame in Figure 5(A) and the right end face of part 25 of the rear frame in Figure 5(A) are considered to be in the same position.

[0040] On the other hand, compared to conventional technology in which one end face abuts the other, the mechanical strength is reduced. Therefore, to strengthen the structure, reinforcing tape 43 is applied to cover the +X direction end faces of the middle frame 24 and the rear frame 25, as well as a portion of the -Z direction end face of the rear frame 25.

[0041] In other words, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 5(A), unlike conventional technology, the middle frame 24 and rear frame 25 do not overlap along the +X direction and are reinforced with reinforcing tape, making it possible to reduce the width W2 of the frame portion and create a narrower frame while maintaining strength.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(B), the I-shaped middle frame 24 is supported at the +Z end face of the L-shaped rear frame 25. In Figure 5(B), the LED 28 is located on the left end face (corresponding to the first side) of the portion of the rear frame 25 that is erected in the +Z direction.

[0043] With this configuration, the +X-direction end face of the middle frame 24 does not come into contact with the rear frame 25, and the +X-direction end face of the rear frame 25 does not come into contact with the middle frame 24. Compared to the case where they come into contact, the position of the +X-direction end TF can be set to the +X-direction front position in Figure 5(B). In other words, the right end face of the middle frame 24 in Figure 5(B) and the right end face of the middle frame 24 in Figure 5(B) are considered to be in the same position.

[0044] Therefore, even with the configuration shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 5(B), unlike the conventional technology, the middle frame 24 and rear frame 25 do not overlap along the +X direction, and are reinforced with reinforcing tape, making it possible to reduce the width W2 of the frame portion and create a narrower frame while maintaining strength.

[0045] In other words, in all configurations, the edges of the sides on the rear frame 25 where the LEDs 28 are located do not overlap with the corresponding edges of the middle frame 24.

[0046] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2 of the second embodiment. In Figure 6, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 6, a connector terminal 27T for supplying control signals and drive power to the liquid crystal display panel 27 is connected to the upper end of the display device 2.

[0047] A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 41 is connected to connector terminal 27T. This flexible printed circuit board 41 is positioned on the back side (-Z axis side) of the rear frame 25, through the gap between the middle frame 24 and the rear frame 25 and the front frame 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the rear frame 25 employs a COF (Chip On Film) configuration, with a driver IC 42 for controlling the liquid crystal display panel 27 located on the back side (-Z axis side). Compared to conventional technology in which the driver IC 42 is placed on the glass substrate constituting the liquid crystal display panel 27, this reduces the area of ​​the non-display screen portion of the liquid crystal display panel 27, and consequently reduces the width W2 of the bezel portion, resulting in a narrower bezel.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5(B), the I-shaped middle frame 24A is configured to abut the L-shaped rear frame 25A in the +Z direction.

[0050] With this configuration, the +X-direction end face of the middle frame 24 does not come into contact with the rear frame 25, and the +X-direction end face of the rear frame 25 does not come into contact with the middle frame 24, allowing the position of the +X-direction end TF to be the +X-direction front position in Figure 5(B).

[0051] With this configuration, the +X-direction end face of the middle frame 24 does not come into contact with the rear frame 25, and the +X-direction end face of the rear frame 25 does not come into contact with the middle frame 24, allowing the position of the +X-direction end TF to be the +X-direction front position in Figure 5(B).

[0052] On the other hand, compared to conventional technology in which one end face abuts the other, in order to avoid a decrease in mechanical strength, reinforcing tape 43 is applied to cover the +X direction end faces of the middle frame 24 and the rear frame 25, and a portion of the +Z direction end face of the middle frame 24, thereby strengthening the structure.

[0053] In other words, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 5(B), unlike conventional technology, the middle frame 24 and rear frame 25 do not overlap along the +X direction and are reinforced with reinforcing tape, making it possible to reduce the width W2 of the frame portion and create a narrower frame while maintaining strength.

[0054] As described above, according to the embodiment, reducing the area of ​​the frame portion does not affect the display, so the widths W1 and W2 of the frame portion can be narrowed to achieve a narrower frame.

[0055] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 1st reflectance RR 1. Imaging device 2 Display device 2a surface 2A Display device body 2a1 Frame area 2a2 display area 3. Electronic mirror system 5 vehicles 6. Car body 7 Cabin 21. Surface-transmitting panel 22 Front Frame 22A Recess 23 Rear Case 23A Convex part 24 Middle Frame 25 Rear frame 26 Light guide plate 27 LCD display panel 27T Connector Terminal 28 LED 31 Adhesive 32 pads 41 Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPC) 42 Driver ICs 43 Reinforcement tape W1, W2 width

Claims

1. On the display panel side, rather than the backlight, there is a middle frame that supports the front frame which makes up the bezel, The rear frame supports the backlight on the side opposite to the display panel, The ends of the middle frame and the ends of the rear frame in the width direction of the frame formed by the front frame are arranged so as not to overlap in the width direction of the frame. Display device.

2. The aforementioned backlight is equipped with multiple LEDs, The plurality of LEDs are provided on the first side of the rear frame, The end of the first side of the rear frame and the end of the side of the middle frame corresponding to the first side are arranged so as not to overlap in the width direction of the frame. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The end faces of the middle frame and the rear frame in the width direction of the frame are reinforced with tape so that the middle frame and the rear frame are integrated together. The display device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned backlight is equipped with multiple LEDs, The plurality of LEDs are provided on the first side of the rear frame, The reinforcing tape is attached to the end face of the first side of the rear frame and to the end face of the side corresponding to the first side of the middle frame. The display device according to claim 3.

5. A flexible printed circuit board is connected to the aforementioned display panel. The flexible printed circuit board is routed to the back side of the light guide unit that transmits the backlight, and the driver IC for the display panel is provided in a chip-on-film configuration on the portion of the flexible printed circuit board that is on the back side of the light guide unit. The display device according to claim 1.

6. The middle frame is formed of white resin to reflect the light of the backlight. The display device according to claim 1.

7. The light guide unit includes a light guide plate and A plurality of LEDs are arranged so as to face the end face in the width direction of the light guide plate, The display device according to claim 5, comprising:

8. It includes a rear case that, when combined with the aforementioned front frame, constitutes the housing. The front frame and the rear case are integrated by an interlocking structure. The display device according to claim 1.

9. As the aforementioned display panel, a display panel without a metal bezel is used. The display device according to claim 1.

Images