Multi-faceted display device, and display device

Abstract

A multifaceted display device (1) is provided with a first display panel (2) that performs display in the Y direction, a second display panel (3) that performs display in the minus Y direction, and a foldable third display panel (4) that performs display in the X direction. The third display panel (4) switches between a flat plate-shaped usage state and a storage state in which the third display panel (4) is folded such that the first display panel (2) and the second display panel (3) come closer to each other than in the usage state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-faceted display device and a display device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a display device that uses a plurality of flat display panels and arranges the display panels to form a polygon (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, there is known a display device configured to be able to fold a flexible display (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the display device described in Patent Document 1, the volume of the display unit arranged to form a polygon becomes large, which is inconvenient for storage when not in use.

[0006] The display device described in Patent Document 2 only discloses a state in which the flexible display is closed and in a stacked form and a state in which the flexible display is open and in a flat form, and there is no disclosure or suggestion in Patent Document 2 of arranging the flexible display to form a polygon.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A multi-sided display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first display panel that displays in a first direction, a second display panel that displays in a second direction different from the first direction, and a foldable third display panel that is connected to the first display panel and the second display panel and displays in a third direction different from the first and second directions. The third display panel can be switched between a flat use state and a storage state in which the third display panel is folded so that the first display panel and the second display panel are closer to each other than in the use state.

[0008] A display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first plate-shaped member, a second plate-shaped member connected to the first plate-shaped member, and a foldable display panel connected to the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member. The display panel can be switched between a flat use state and a storage state in which the display panel is folded so that the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are closer to each other than in the use state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a multi-sided display device that is easy to store when not in use and a display device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-faceted display device 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the multi-faceted display device 1. FIGS. 3 to 5 are plan views showing the storage operation of the multi-faceted display device 1.

[0012] The multi-faceted display device 1 includes a first display panel 2 that displays in the Y direction (first direction), a second display panel 3 that displays in the -Y direction (second direction), and a foldable third display panel 4 that is connected to the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 and displays in the X direction (third direction). The third display panel 4 can be switched between a flat plate-shaped use state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a storage state in which the third display panel 4 is folded so that the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 are closer to each other than in the use state, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0013] As a result, in the stored state of the multi-sided display device 1, the third display panel 4 is folded, and the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach each other more than in the used state. For this reason, the multi-sided display device 1 in the stored state becomes more compact than in the used state. As a result, there is a particularly remarkable effect that the storage of the multi-sided display device 1 when not in use becomes easy.

[0014] The multi-sided display device 1 preferably further includes a foldable fourth display panel 5 connected to the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 and configured to display in the -X direction (fourth direction). The fourth display panel 5 is flat in the used state and is folded in the stored state so that the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach each other more than in the used state. In the used state, the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are arranged in a square shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The third and fourth display panels 4 and 5 are folded so as to be convex inward as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 in the stored state.

[0015] As a result, in the stored state of the multi-sided display device 1 in which the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are arranged in a box-shaped square in the used state, the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 are folded so as to be convex inward, and the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach each other more than in the used state. For this reason, the multi-sided display device 1 in which the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are arranged in a square shape in the used state becomes more compact in the stored state. As a result, the storage of the multi-sided display device 1 arranged in a square shape when not in use becomes easy.

[0016] The first and second display panels 2 and 3 are preferably configured to be foldable. And the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are preferably integrally formed. That is, the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are preferably formed by folding a single display panel. For example, on the same flexible substrate, the pixel circuit layer and the light-emitting element layer of the first display panel 2, the pixel circuit layer and the light-emitting element layer of the second display panel 3, the pixel circuit layer and the light-emitting element layer of the third display panel 4, and the pixel circuit layer and the light-emitting element layer of the fourth display panel 5 may be formed with a gap therebetween. Since this gap does not include a pixel circuit layer or the like, it is suitable as a folding portion between the display panels. A material with high shape memory property may be used for the flexible substrate. The light-emitting element layer may include a light-emitting element such as an OLED, and the pixel circuit layer may include a pixel circuit for controlling the light-emitting element. A control substrate (IC substrate) may be provided on the back surface (the surface opposite to the display surface) of each of the first to fourth display panels 2 to 5. Any one of the control substrates may be used as the master and the others as the slaves.

[0017] For the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5, a folding portion may be provided within the display area. In the folding portion within the display area, the inorganic insulating film (such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc.) of the pixel circuit layer may be removed, and the recess thus formed may be filled with an organic layer such as resin to enhance flexibility. From the viewpoints of flexibility and prevention of disconnection, the wiring straddling the folding portion may contain aluminum, may have a laminated structure, or may have a redundant structure (such as double wiring sandwiching an insulating layer). The light-emitting elements located in the folding portion within the display area can be controlled by pixel circuits formed adjacent to the folding portion. Regarding the folding portion, the resolution (the density of the light-emitting elements) may be reduced.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the use state, it is preferable that the first display panel 2 and the third display panel 4 are bent at a right angle, and it is preferable that the first display panel 2 and the fourth display panel 5 are bent at a right angle. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the storage state, it is preferable that the first display panel 2 and the third display panel 4 are bent at an acute angle, and it is preferable that the first display panel 2 and the fourth display panel 5 are bent at an acute angle.

[0019] According to this, in the storage state of the multi-sided display device 1 arranged in a square shape, with a simple configuration in which the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are integrally formed, the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 are folded so as to protrude inward, and the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach each other more than in the use state.

[0020] The first, second, and third display panels 2, 3, and 4 preferably include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs, Organic Light Emitting Diodes).

[0021] The multi-sided display device 1 can be applied to an OLED panel that is very thin and effective for folding. Note that the above display panel may also be a liquid crystal display.

[0022] It is preferable that a mesh-shaped thin metal plate is attached to the third display panel 4.

[0023] This mesh-shaped thin metal plate can be made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0024] Thereby, the foldable and thin third display panel 4 can maintain its posture by itself.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a display device according to a comparative example.

[0026] For example, to enjoy a TV game with four users 14, 15, 16, and 17, as shown in FIG. 6, users 14, 15, 16, and 17 will view the display panel 18 of the monitor at an inclined angle with respect to the display panel 18.

[0027] To eliminate this and enable each of users 14, 15, 16, and 17 to exclusively view the display panel 18 from the front, a multi-sided display device 1 of a four-sided display as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used. And since such a multi-sided display device 1 is bulky when stored, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the flexible panel, the third and fourth display panels 4 and 5 facing each other are made foldable.

[0028] When storing the multi-sided display device 1, first, as shown in FIG. 3, a force in the -X direction is applied to the flat third display panel 4 in the use state, and a force in the X direction is applied to the flat fourth display panel 5 in the use state. Then, both the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 start to bend inward as shown in FIG. 3. And the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach each other more than in the use state as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. After that, the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 bend further, and the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 approach and contact each other more. For this reason, the multi-sided display device 1 in the stored state becomes a compact size for two display panels as shown in FIG. 5.

[0029] Although an example where the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 are folded so as to be convex inward is shown, it is not limited to this, and the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 may be folded so as to be convex outward.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-sided display device 1A according to a modified example. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the multi-sided display device 1A according to the modified example. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the storage operation of the multi-sided display device 1A according to the modified example. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those described above, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0031] The multi-faceted display device 1A may further include a hinge 19 (first hinge) for connecting the first display panel 2 and the third display panel 4, a hinge 20 (second hinge) for connecting the second display panel 3 and the third display panel 4, a hinge 21 (third hinge) for connecting the first display panel 2 and the fourth display panel 5, and a hinge 22 (fourth hinge) for connecting the second display panel 3 and the fourth display panel 5.

[0032] The hinges 19 to 22 may each be Z direction provided in a plurality of spots at specific locations along the Z direction direction, or may be provided in a manner of extending along the

[0033] The hinges 19 to 22 preferably each have a structure like a hinge. For example, the hinge 19 preferably includes one piece provided on the display panel 2 extending along the X direction in the use state and the other piece provided on the display panel 4 extending along the Y direction. The hinge 20 preferably includes one piece provided on the display panel 3 extending along the X direction and the other piece provided on the display panel 4 extending along the Y direction. The hinge 21 preferably includes one piece provided on the display panel 2 extending along the X direction and the other piece provided on the display panel 5 extending along the Y direction. The hinge 22 preferably includes one piece provided on the display panel 3 extending along the X direction and the other piece provided on the display panel 5 extending along the Y direction.

[0034] The hinges 19 to 22 may be made of a material such as glass fiber and may be composed of a material having a shape memory function.

[0035] In the storage state of the multi-faceted display device 1A arranged in a square shape, the operation of folding the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 so as to be convex inward and bringing the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 closer than in the use state can be realized with a high degree of reliability by the hinges 19 to 22.

[0036] Figs. 10 and 11 are plan views showing the housing operation of the multi-faceted display device 1B according to another modification. The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0037] The multi-faceted display device 1B further includes a circuit member 6 disposed on the second display panel 3 for displaying information on the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5. The circuit member 6 is disposed at a position on the second display panel 3 away from the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5, which are folded inward so as to be convex in the housed state.

[0038] This circuit member 6 includes a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the first to fourth display panels 2 to 5 and an electronic circuit for displaying information on the first to fourth display panels 2 to 5.

[0039] Thereby, the circuit member 6 for displaying information on the first to fourth display panels 2 to 5 is housed inside the multi-faceted display device 1A in which the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 are folded and housed. For this reason, the housing of the multi-faceted display device 1A including the circuit member 6 becomes even easier.

[0040] Note that, although the example in which the circuit member 6 is disposed on the second display panel 3 is shown, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the circuit member 6 may be disposed on the first display panel 2.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a plan view of a multi-faceted display device 1C according to still another modification. Fig. 13 is a front view of the multi-faceted display device 1C. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing the housing operation of the multi-faceted display device 1C. The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0042] The multi-faceted display device 1C further includes a pedestal 7 on which the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are placed, and a circuit member 6C provided on the pedestal 7 for displaying information on the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0043] The pedestal 7 is provided with all the terminals and mechanisms necessary for displaying information on the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5. And a circuit member 6C is provided inside the pedestal 7. The first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are electrically connected to the circuit member 6C by fitting with the above terminals of the pedestal 7.

[0044] The stored state of the multi-sided display device 1C is in a two-part state of a compact storage panel portion for two display panels and the pedestal 7.

[0045] Thus, by providing the circuit member 6C for displaying information on the first, second, third, and fourth display panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the pedestal 7, it is possible to easily switch between the flat use state of the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 and the stored state in which the third display panel 4 and the fourth display panel 5 are folded so that the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 are closer to each other than in the use state.

[0046] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 15 is a plan view of a multi-sided display device 1D according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the storage operation of the multi-sided display device 1D. The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0047] In the multi-sided display device 1D, the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 are connected. And in the use state shown in FIG. 15, the first, second, and third display panels 2, 3, and 4 are arranged in a triangular shape.

[0048] The multi-sided display device 1D includes a first display panel 2 that displays in the direction of arrow A1 (the first direction), a second display panel 3 that displays in the direction of arrow A2 (the second direction), and a foldable third display panel 4 that is connected to the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 and displays in the direction of arrow A3 (the third direction).

[0049] The third display panel 4 switches between the flat plate-like usage state shown in FIG. 15 and the storage state shown in FIG. 16 in which the third display panel 4 is folded so that the first display panel 2 and the second display panel 3 are closer to each other than in the usage state shown in FIG. 15.

[0050] As a result, the multi-faceted display device 1D having a triangular shape in the usage state can be easily stored when not in use.

[0051] Although examples of the multi-faceted display device having a square or triangular shape in the usage state have been given, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be a multi-faceted display device having a polygon with five or more sides or an irregular shape in the usage state.

[0052] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the display device 10 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the storage operation of the display device 10. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those described above, and the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] The display device 10 includes a first plate-like member 11, a second plate-like member 12 connected to the first plate-like member 11, and a display panel 13 connected to the first plate-like member 11 and the second plate-like member 12 and foldable. The display panel 13 switches between the flat plate-like usage state shown in FIG. 17 and the storage state shown in FIG. 18 in which the display panel 13 is folded so that the first plate-like member 11 and the second plate-like member 12 are closer to each other than in the usage state.

[0054] The first plate-like member 11 may be a lid portion, and the second plate-like member 12 may be a bottom portion. Although an example in which the display panel 13 is folded so as to be convex inward is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be bent so as to be convex outward.

[0055] As a result, the storage state of the display device 10 including the first plate-like member 11, the second plate-like member 12 connected to the first plate-like member 11, and the display panel 13 connected to the first plate-like member 11 and the second plate-like member 12 when not in use becomes more compact than the usage state. As a result, it becomes easy to store the display device 10 when not in use.

[0056] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, new technical features can be formed.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1 Polyhedral display device 2 First display panel 3 Second display panel 4 Third display panel 5 Fourth display panel 6 Circuit member 7 Mounting base 10 Display device 11 First plate-like member 12 Second plate-like member 13 Display panel 14 User 15 User 16 User 17 User 19 Hinge (first hinge) 20 Hinge (second hinge) 21 Hinge (third hinge) 22 Hinge (fourth hinge)

Claims

1. a first display panel that displays in a first direction; a second display panel that displays in a second direction different from the first direction; a foldable third display panel connected to the first display panel and the second display panel and displaying in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction; The third display panel can be switched between a flat use state and a storage state in which the third display panel is folded so that the first display panel and the second display panel are closer to each other than in the use state. A multi-sided display device.

2. further comprising a foldable fourth display panel connected to the first display panel and the second display panel and displaying in a fourth direction different from the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction; The fourth display panel is flat in the use state and is folded in the storage state so that the first display panel and the second display panel are closer to each other than in the use state. In the use state, the first display panel, the second display panel, the third display panel, and the fourth display panel are arranged in a rectangular shape. The multi-sided display device according to claim 1, wherein the third display panel and the fourth display panel are folded so as to be convex inward in the storage state.

3. The first display panel and the second display panel are configured to be foldable. The first display panel, the second display panel, the third display panel, and the fourth display panel are integrally formed. In the use state, the portion between the first display panel and the third display panel is bent at a right angle, and the portion between the first display panel and the fourth display panel is bent at a right angle. In the storage state, the portion between the first display panel and the third display panel is bent at an acute angle, and the portion between the first display panel and the fourth display panel is bent at an acute angle. The multi-sided display device according to claim 2.

4. a first hinge for connecting the first display panel and the third display panel; a second hinge for connecting the second display panel and the third display panel; a third hinge for connecting the first display panel and the fourth display panel; The multi-faceted display device according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth hinge for connecting the second display panel and the fourth display panel.

5. The multi-faceted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first display panel, the second display panel, and the third display panel include organic light emitting diodes.

6. further comprising a circuit member disposed on the first display panel or the second display panel to display information on the first display panel, the second display panel, the third display panel, and the fourth display panel; The multi-faceted display device according to claim 2, wherein the circuit member is disposed at a position on the first display panel or the second display panel away from the third display panel and the fourth display panel that are folded to be convex inward in the stored state.

7. a pedestal on which the first display panel, the second display panel, and the third display panel are placed; The multi-faceted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a circuit member provided on the pedestal to display information on the first display panel, the second display panel, and the third display panel.

8. the first display panel and the second display panel are connected; The multi-faceted display device according to claim 1, wherein the first display panel, the second display panel, and the third display panel are arranged in a triangular shape in the use state.

9. The multi-faceted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6, and 8, wherein a mesh-like metal thin plate is attached to the third display panel.

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