Variable Display Device

Abstract

To alter the curvature of a display plane by a simple structure.SOLUTION: A variable type display device 10 comprises: a display panel 20 that is capable of displaying information and is flexible, changes its shape to a curved shape upon receiving an external force, and is capable of restoring to the state before the deformation upon releasing the external force; a holding member 30 for connecting a portion of a reverse side of the display panel and holding the display panel; and a drive mechanism 40 which is capable of pushing a portion of the reverse side of the display panel that is not connected to the holding member out toward a front side of the display panel so as to deform the display panel to a curved shape and releasing the push-out action to thereby restore the display panel to the state before deformed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a variable display device capable of changing the curvature of a display panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, so-called variable-type curved display devices that can change the curvature of the display surface have been proposed. However, conventional devices often have relatively complex drive mechanisms for changing the curvature of the display surface. This complexity not only increases costs but also increases the possibility of malfunctions due to malfunctions in the drive mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-210521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a variable display device that can change the curvature of its display surface with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of a variable display device (10) comprises a display panel (20) that is capable of displaying information, is flexible, deforms into a curved shape when subjected to an external force, and can return to its pre-deformed state when the external force is released, a holding member (30) that connects a part of the back surface of the display panel to hold the display panel, and a drive mechanism (40) that can deform the display panel into a curved shape by pushing the part of the back surface of the display panel that is not connected to the holding member toward the front surface of the display panel, and can return the display panel to its pre-deformed state by releasing the push-out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment, taken along line X4-X4 in FIG. 1, illustrating a state before deformation. [Figure 5] 5 is an enlarged view of the schematic configuration of an example of a variable type display device according to an embodiment, showing the portion of line X5 in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 , showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable type display device according to an embodiment, taken along line X4-X4 of FIG. 1 , and showing a state in which both sides of a connection region of a display panel are deformed. [Figure 7] 1 , showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable type display device according to an embodiment, taken along line X4-X4 of FIG. 1 , and showing a state in which only one side of the connection region of the display panel is deformed. [Figure 8] 5 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment in a state before deformation, as seen from the direction of line X8 in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 7 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a variable display device according to an embodiment after deformation, as viewed in the direction of line X9 in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The variable display device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is electrically connected to a control device such as a computer, and has the function of displaying various information such as images and changing the curvature of the display surface based on control from the control device. The variable display device 10 can be used, for example, in a vehicle, or can be installed on a wall of a house, facility, etc. The variable display device 10 can also be used as a stationary device in combination with a display stand, for example.

[0008] The variable display device 10 of this embodiment includes a display panel 20, a holding member 30, and a drive mechanism 40, and is capable of bending the display panel 20. In the following description, the user side of the variable display device 10 is referred to as the front side or obverse side, and the side opposite the user side of the variable display device 10 is referred to as the reverse side or reverse side. In this embodiment, a direction along the plane of the display panel 20 is referred to as a first direction A1, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction A1 is referred to as a second direction A2. For example, when the variable display device 10 is installed so that the surface of the display panel 20 faces vertically, the first direction A1 can be referred to as the up-down direction, and the second direction A2 can be referred to as the left-right direction as seen from the user.

[0009] The display panel 20 is capable of displaying information such as images under control of or power supply from, for example, an external control device or power supply, and constitutes the display surface of the variable display device 10. The display panel 20 is also called a flexible display or flexible panel. The display panel 20 is flexible and can be deformed into a curved shape when subjected to an external force. The display panel 20 also has elasticity, and when the external force is released, the elastic force allows the display panel 20 to return from a deformed state to its pre-deformed state.

[0010] In this embodiment, the initial state refers to a state in which no external force is acting on the display panel 20. The initial state of the display panel 20 can be, for example, a flat state in which the display panel 20 is not curved as a whole, or a state in which the display panel 20 is curved in advance. In this embodiment, the state before the display panel 20 is deformed by the drive mechanism 40 is sometimes referred to as the pre-deformation state, and the state after the display panel 20 is deformed by the drive mechanism 40 is sometimes referred to as the post-deformation state.

[0011] The display panel 20 is configured as a thin plate and can be, for example, a horizontally or vertically elongated rectangle. Note that the specific shape of the display panel 20 is not limited to a horizontally or vertically elongated rectangle. As shown in FIG. 5, the display panel 20 can be configured to include a panel main body 21, a surface member 22, and a bonding member 23. The panel main body 21 is a member having a function of displaying images, etc., and can be configured using, for example, an organic EL panel. In this case, although not shown in detail, the panel main body 21 can be configured by sandwiching an organic EL layer, etc., between a substrate and a polarizing plate. Note that, in this specification, EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence.

[0012] The surface member 22 can be made of, for example, transparent glass or resin, and can be configured as a thin plate-like or sheet-like member. The surface member 22 forms the outer surface of the display panel 20 closest to the user, and is the surface that the user directly touches. The surface member 22 has the function of protecting the panel main body 21, for example.

[0013] The joining member 23 is provided between the panel main body 21 and the surface member 22, and functions to join the panel main body 21 and the surface member 22 to each other. In the present embodiment, the entire surface of the panel main body 21 and the entire surface of the surface member 22 are bonded to each other via the joining member 23. The joining member 23 can be formed of, for example, a transparent optical adhesive sheet called OCA, which is transparent and has adhesive properties on both sides. In this specification, OCA is an abbreviation for Optical Clear Adhesive.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the holding member 30 fixes a portion of the back surface of the display panel 20 and has the function of holding the display panel 20. The holding member 30 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular frame that is smaller than the display panel 20 and is made of a rigid material such as resin or metal. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and other figures, the holding member 30 can be formed to have, for example, a housing section 31 and a front section 32. The housing section 31 is located on the back surface side of the display panel 20 and is a space that can house the drive mechanism 40.

[0015] The front surface portion 32 is a portion that constitutes the front surface of the holding member 30, i.e., the surface on the display panel 20 side. The front surface portion 32 can be formed as a curved surface that curves, for example, toward the front side, i.e., the display panel 20 side, as it extends outward in the second direction A2. In this case, the curvature of the front surface portion 32 is set to be larger than the curvature of the display panel 20 in its initial state.

[0016] 1 and 3, the front surface 32 is configured to have a connection region 321 and a non-connection region 322. The connection region 321 is a portion of the front surface 32, and is a portion that connects the back surface of the display panel 20. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a portion of the back surface of the display panel 20 is fixed to the connection region 321 via an adhesive member 11 such as an adhesive or double-sided tape. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the connection region 321 is set in the region surrounded by a two-dot chain line. The connection region 321 is a portion that serves as a fulcrum when the display panel 20 is bent.

[0017] The connection area 321 is set, for example, in the center of the front surface 32 in the second direction A2. The connection area 321 can be set to have an elongated rectangular shape with the first direction A1 as the longitudinal direction and the second direction A2 as the short side, or width direction. In this case, the width dimension of the connection area 321 can be set, for example, within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm regardless of the size of the display panel 20, i.e., the dimension in the second direction A2. Furthermore, the longitudinal dimension of the connection area 321 can be made to match the dimension of the display panel 20 in the first direction A1.

[0018] The non-connection region 322 is a region of the front surface portion 32 other than the connection region 321. The non-connection region 322 is not connected to the display panel 20. Therefore, when the display panel 20 receives a forward force from the drive mechanism 40, it can move away from the non-connection region 322. The display panel 20 is elastic, and its curvature in its initial state is smaller than the curvature of the front surface portion 32. Therefore, an elastic force that tries to return the display panel 20 to its initial state, that is, a force that tries to contact the front surface portion 32, acts on the display panel 20. Therefore, when the display panel 20 does not receive a forward force from the drive mechanism 40, the back surface of the display panel 20 is in contact with the non-connection region 322. As a result, before deformation of the display panel 20, the curvature of the display panel 20 substantially matches the curvature of the front surface portion 32. In other words, the curvature of the display panel 20 before deformation is determined by the front surface portion 32.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the drive mechanism 40 is located on the back side of the display panel 20, is housed in the housing 31, and is attached to the holding member 30. The drive mechanism 40 has a function of deforming the display panel 20. The drive mechanism 40 is connected to, for example, an external control device (details not shown) and is driven and controlled. The drive mechanism 40 has a function of deforming the display panel 20 into a curved shape as shown in FIG. 6 by pushing out the portion of the back side of the display panel that is not connected to the holding member 30, i.e., the portion that is not adhered to the connection region 321, toward the front side of the display panel 20. The drive mechanism 40 also has a function of returning the display panel 20 to its pre-deformation state by releasing the pushing.

[0020] 1 and 3, the drive mechanism 40 can be configured to include, for example, a drive source 41 and a push-out member 42. The drive source 41 has a function of driving the push-out member 42 in a direction to push it forward and in a direction to return it to the rear. When the push-out member 42 is pushed forward by the drive force from the drive source 41, it comes into contact with the rear surface of the display panel 20 and pushes the display panel 20 forward. When the display panel 20 is pushed out by the push-out member 42, it bends around the connection portion with the connection region 321 as a fulcrum.

[0021] In this case, the push-out member 42 may or may not be connected to the rear surface of the display panel 20. For example, if the push-out member 42 is not connected to the rear surface of the display panel 20, the display panel 20 will return to its pre-deformation state by its own elastic force when the push-out by the push-out member 42 is released. Also, for example, if the push-out member 42 is connected to the rear surface of the display panel 20, the display panel 20 will be pulled back by the push-out member 42 and will return to its pre-deformation state when the push-out by the push-out member 42 is released.

[0022] The types of drive source 41 and push-out member 42 are not limited to a specific one as long as they can push out the display panel 20. The drive source 41 can be configured with, for example, a rotary or direct-acting actuator such as a motor, a cylinder, or a solenoid. When the drive source 41 is configured with a rotary actuator such as a motor, the push-out member 42 can be configured with, for example, a cam mechanism. When the drive source 41 is configured with a direct-acting actuator such as a cylinder or a solenoid, the push-out member 42 can be configured with, for example, a plunger.

[0023] 4 and 6, when pushing the display panel 20 forward, the push-out member 42 can come into contact with the rear surface of the display panel 20, for example, in a line along the first direction A1, i.e., in a line along the longitudinal direction of the connection area 321. The push-out member 42 can be configured, for example, as a long, rod-shaped cam that is long along the first direction A1. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the push-out member 42 cut along the radial direction has a shape that has a vertex P, as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0024] When the push-out member 42 is rotationally driven by the drive source 41, for example, in the forward direction, the apex P protrudes from the front surface portion 32 toward the display panel 20, as shown in FIG. 6 or 7. As a result, the display panel 20 is pushed out by the push-out member 42 and deformed into a curved shape. When the push-out member 42 is rotationally driven by the drive source 41, for example, in the reverse direction, the apex P is retracted into the front surface portion 32, as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the display panel 20 returns to its pre-deformation shape. In this case, the forward direction refers to the rotation direction in which the apex P protrudes from the front surface portion 32 toward the display panel 20. The reverse direction refers to the rotation direction in which the apex P is retracted into the front surface portion 32.

[0025] The variable display device 10 can be provided with a plurality of drive mechanisms 40 that can be driven and controlled independently. In the present embodiment, the variable display device 10 is provided with two drive mechanisms 40. The two drive mechanisms 40 are provided on both sides of the connection area 321, i.e., on both sides of the second direction A2 centered on the connection area 321. In this case, the two push-out members 42 provided on both sides of the connection area 321 can rotate in different directions, i.e., forward and reverse directions.

[0026] That is, the two push members 42 can be set to have opposite forward and reverse directions. For example, the push member 42 provided on the left side of the connection area 321 in FIG. 4 can be set to have counterclockwise rotation as its forward direction and clockwise rotation as its reverse direction. In contrast, the push member 42 provided on the right side of the connection area 321 can be set to have clockwise rotation as its forward direction and counterclockwise rotation as its reverse direction. In this case, by rotating both of the two push members 42 in the forward direction, the apex P of the push member 42 moves from the outside to the inside in the second direction A2 relative to the display panel 20, pushing out the display panel 20. Note that the push member 42 may be configured to rotate in only one direction.

[0027] The drive mechanisms 40 provided on both sides of the connection region 321 are configured to be independently drivable. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when both of the two drive mechanisms 40 are driven, portions of the display panel 20 on both sides of the connection region 321 are deformed. In other words, in this case, the display panel 20 is deformed in a direction that increases the overall curvature of the display panel 20. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when only one of the two drive mechanisms 40 is driven, only the portion of the display panel 20 that corresponds to the driven drive mechanism 40 is deformed. In other words, in this case, the display panel 20 is deformed in a direction that increases the curvature of one side of the display panel 20.

[0028] 2, 4, and 6 to 9, the display panel 20 further includes a cover portion 24. The cover portion 24 has the function of covering a gap that is formed between the display panel 20 and the holding member 30 when the display panel 20 is deformed in a direction that increases the curvature of the display panel 20. The cover portion 24 is provided on the back surface side of the display panel 20, and can be formed, for example, in a shape that protrudes from the display panel 20 toward the holding member 30.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , the cover portion 24 can be provided on the outer periphery of the holding member 30 along a portion of the periphery of the holding member 30. In this case, the cover portion 24 can be disposed, for example, on a portion of the outer periphery of the holding member 30 other than the central portion in the second direction A2. This prevents the cover portion 24 from interfering with deformation of the display panel 20. In this embodiment, the cover portion 24 is provided on both ends of the holding member 30 in the second direction A2 and is formed in an elongated shape along the first direction A1. The cover portion 24 can also be formed integrally with the panel main body 21 of the display panel 20 using the same material. Alternatively, the cover portion 24 can be formed separately from the panel main body 21 using a material different from that of the panel main body 21 and fixed to the panel main body 21 by adhesive or the like.

[0030] According to the embodiment described above, the variable display device 10 includes a display panel 20, a holding member 30, and a drive mechanism 40. The display panel 20 is flexible and capable of displaying information, and is configured to be deformed into a curved shape when subjected to an external force and to return to its pre-deformed state when the external force is released. The holding member 30 has a function of connecting a portion of the back surface of the display panel 20 to hold the display panel 20. The drive mechanism 40 has a function of deforming the display panel 20 into a curved shape by pushing the portion of the back surface of the display panel 20 that is not connected to the holding member 30 toward the front surface of the display panel 20, and returning the display panel 20 to its pre-deformed state by releasing the push-out.

[0031] This allows the curvature of the display panel 20 to be changed with a relatively simple configuration, in which the drive mechanism 40 simply pushes out the display panel 20. This simplifies the configuration of the drive mechanism 40, reduces the cost for changing the curvature of the display panel 20, and minimizes the occurrence of problems with the drive mechanism 40. Furthermore, because the drive mechanism 40 can be configured as simply as possible, it is easy to reduce the size of the drive mechanism 40. As a result, the thickness of the entire variable display device 10 can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, the display panel 20 has elasticity. After the display panel 20 is pushed out and deformed by the drive mechanism 40, when the pushing by the drive mechanism 40 is released, the display panel 20 can return to its pre-deformation state due to the elastic force of the display panel 20. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for returning the display panel 20 to its original shape, allowing the drive mechanism 40 to have a simple configuration.

[0033] The drive mechanism 40 also includes a push-out member 42. The push-out member 42 is configured to be able to make linear contact with the rear surface of the display panel 20 when pushing the display panel 20 toward the front surface of the display panel 20. As a result, the push-out member 42 makes linear contact with the rear surface of the display panel 20, which makes it possible to push out the display panel 20 more reliably than in the case of point contact. Furthermore, as the push-out member 42 makes linear contact with the rear surface of the display panel 20, it is possible to suppress bending of the display panel 20 compared to the case of point contact, thereby improving the design of the display panel 20.

[0034] The display panel 20 also has a cover portion 24. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 9, the cover portion 24 has the function of covering a gap formed between the display panel 20 and the holding member 30 when the display panel 20 is pushed forward by the drive mechanism 40 and deformed in a direction that increases the curvature of the display panel 20. This prevents a user's fingers, dust, or other foreign matter from accidentally entering the gap that is formed when the display panel 20 is deformed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a finger or foreign matter from interfering with the deformation of the display panel 20 and causing problems with the deformation of the display panel 20.

[0035] Furthermore, a connection area 321 where the holding member 30 and the display panel 20 are connected is provided in the center of the display panel 20. The drive mechanisms 40 are provided on both sides of the connection area 321 and are configured to be able to drive each independently. Therefore, for example, by simultaneously deforming both sides of the connection area 321 of the display panel 20 or by deforming only one side, the display panel 20 can be deformed in a variety of ways. As a result, the display panel 20 can express various movements, or deformations, depending on the content displayed on the display panel 20, which makes it easier to coordinate with the content.

[0036] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but can be arbitrarily modified, combined, or expanded without departing from the spirit of the invention. The numerical values and the like shown in the above embodiment are examples and are not limited to these. Furthermore, the direction in which the display panel 20 deforms is not limited to the above. That is, in the above embodiment, the first direction A1 is the up-down direction, the second direction A2 is the left-right direction, and an example has been described in which both left and right side edges of the display panel 20 deform in the front-rear direction, but the deformation mode of the display panel 20 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the first direction A1 is the left-right direction, the second direction A2 is the up-down direction, and both upper and lower side edges of the display panel 20 deform in the front-rear direction may also be used.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the connection area 321 is provided in the center of the display panel 20 in the longitudinal direction, and both sides of the connection area 321 of the display panel 20 are deformed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection area 321 may be provided near one end of the display panel 20, and only one side of the display panel 20 may be deformed.

[0038] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10...variable display device, 20...display panel, 24...covering portion, 30...holding member, 321...connection region, 40...driving mechanism, 42...pushing member

Claims

1. a display panel (20) capable of displaying information, having flexibility, deforming into a curved shape when subjected to an external force, and returning to its original state when the external force is released; a holding member (30) that connects a part of the rear surface of the display panel to hold the display panel; a drive mechanism (40) having a function of deforming the display panel into a curved shape by pushing a portion of the rear surface of the display panel that is not connected to the holding member toward the front surface of the display panel, and returning the display panel to its pre-deformed state by releasing the pushing; Equipped with the display panel has elasticity, and when the driving mechanism releases the pushing of the display panel after the display panel is pushed and deformed, the display panel returns to its original state due to the elastic force of the display panel; The holding member is a connection area (321) provided in a central portion of the display panel in a long shape in one direction on the front surface portion on the display panel side, the connection area (321) being a fulcrum when bending the display panel by adhesively fixing the back surface side of the display panel to the central portion via an adhesive member (11); a non-connection area (322) of the front surface other than the connection area, to which the display panel is not connected; The drive mechanism includes: provided on both sides of the connection area, A drive source (41) configured as a rotary actuator; a push-out member (42) that is formed of a long, rod-like cam along the connection area and that, when rotated by the drive source, makes linear contact with the rear surface of the display panel along the connection area to push out the display panel; Variable display device.

2. The display panel further includes a cover portion (24) that covers a gap formed between the display panel and the holding member when the display panel is deformed in a direction in which the curvature of the display panel increases. The variable display device according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the drive mechanisms is configured to be independently drivable. The variable display device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images