Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that reduces light leakage while ensuring rigidity strength of a display panel.SOLUTION: A display device 1 has: a display panel 2 having a display section IDb on which information is displayed; a light source L2B provided on a back surface 2b side of the display panel 2; and a light shielding body 3 provided between the display panel 2 and the light source L2B. The light shielding body 3 has: an accommodating hole 92 provided at a position intersecting a straight line Ly2 passing through the display section IDb and the light source L2B; and a peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding the accommodating hole 92. And a recess 25 is provided on the back surface 2b of the display panel 2 at a portion facing the light shielding body 3 in the direction of the straight line Ly2, and the recess 25 accommodates the peripheral wall portion 35B of the light shielding body 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display device in which a light-shielding body is disposed between a plurality of adjacent light sources.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the display device of Patent Document 1, the light transmitted through the inside of the display panel is not shielded by the light-shielding body. Therefore, when the display panel is viewed from a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the display panel, the light irradiated from adjacent light sources may be visually recognized as light leakage. For example, if the plate thickness of the display panel is reduced, light leakage can be reduced, but it affects the rigidity strength of the display panel.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for a display device that can reduce light leakage from the display panel while ensuring the rigidity strength of the display panel. In addition to such requirements, the actions and effects derived from each configuration disclosed in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, which are actions and effects that cannot be obtained by the conventional technology, can also be positioned as other objects of the present case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides a display panel having a display portion on which information is displayed, a light source provided on the back side of the display panel, a light guide body that diffuses the light of the light source, The display panel and the light source are provided with a light shield, The light-shielding body has a through-hole provided at a position intersecting the first straight line passing through the display section and the light source, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the through-hole. The light guide is housed within the peripheral wall portion, The back of the display panel is provided with a recess in the portion facing the light-shielding body in the first linear direction. The recess is provided at a position that intersects with the first straight line, Viewed from the first linear direction, the display portion is included in the region where the recess is formed. The recess houses the peripheral wall portion of the light shield and the light guide. 、 The display section and the through-hole are provided in multiple locations along a second straight line perpendicular to the first straight line. The peripheral wall portion is shared between two adjacent through holes on the second straight line. Viewed from the first linear direction, the display panel is strip-shaped, The second linear direction is the direction along the shorter side of the display panel. The display device was configured as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that can reduce light leakage from the display panel while ensuring the rigid strength of the display panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a display device. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of a display device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the display panel. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating a light-shielding device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating a light-shielding device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating a light-shielding device. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the path of light within a display device. [Figure 8] This is a diagram for explaining a display device according to a comparative example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In this embodiment, the display device 1 disposed on the instrument panel of a vehicle will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the display device 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the display device 1 as viewed from the user side. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device 1. In the following description, when explaining the positional relationship of the components of the display device 1, the XYZ directions (see FIG. 1 etc.) are used as a reference. The X direction generally follows the vehicle width direction, the Y direction generally follows the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the Z direction generally follows the vertical direction, but they do not necessarily have to be completely parallel. Also, as necessary, the terms "front side of the vehicle" and "rear side of the vehicle" may be used with reference to the Y direction. Further, with reference to the Z direction, the terms "upper side" or "above" and "lower side" or "below" may be used.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 according to this embodiment has six switches SW (SW1 to SW6). The switches SW are used for the user to operate various in-vehicle devices such as an air conditioner, an audio device, and a car navigation device. The switches SW can be, for example, capacitive touch sensors.

[0011] Marks Mk indicating each function of the in-vehicle device are displayed on the switches SW. Examples of the marks Mk include those indicating the ON / OFF of the air conditioner, outside air introduction, inside air circulation, and seat heater. Also, as shown in switches SW1 and SW6 in FIG. 1, for those that can perform stepwise temperature adjustment (e.g., high temperature, medium temperature, low temperature) such as a seat heater, an indicator ID for displaying the adjustment level is provided.

[0012] In this embodiment, we will explain using an example where the indicator ID has three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc corresponding to the information indicating the adjustment level, namely "high temperature, medium temperature, and low temperature" (see enlarged area in Figure 1). Note that the number of display units is not limited to three. There may be two, or four or more.

[0013] The display device 1 includes a display panel 2 equipped with a switch SW, a light-shielding body 3 connected to the display panel 2 from the front side in the Y direction, and a rear cover 4 connected to the light-shielding body 3 from the front side in the Y direction. The display device 1 is configured such that the display panel 2 is exposed inside the vehicle interior VR, while the light-shielding body 3 and the rear cover 4 are not exposed inside the vehicle interior VR.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the display panel 2, light shield 3, and back cover 4 are assembled in the Y direction by bolts (not shown). The display panel 2 is a strip-shaped member oriented along the X direction. The six switches SW (SW1 to SW6) are spaced apart in the X direction and are located on the surface 2a side of the display panel 2 in the Y direction.

[0015] A sheet-like electrostatic sensor S is attached to the back side 2b of the display panel 2. The electrostatic sensor S is electrically connected to the six switches SW on the display panel 2. The electrostatic sensor S is also electrically connected to the printed circuit board P via wiring Sa.

[0016] The light shield 3 is a rectangular parallelepiped housing with its longitudinal direction aligned with the X direction. The light shield 3 is made of a light-opaque resin material. The light shield 3 has a housing section 8 for housing the first light guide 6 and a housing section 9 for housing the second light guide 7. In this embodiment, six first light guides 6 are provided, corresponding to switches SW1 to SW6.

[0017] The housing section 8 has housing holes 81 to 86, each housing one of the six first light guides 6. The housing holes 81 to 86 are spaced apart in the X direction. The first light guides 6 are inserted into the housing holes 81 to 86 from the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the first light guides 6 overlap with the marks Mk of switches SW1 to SW6.

[0018] The housing section 9 is provided on one side and the other side of the housing section 8 in the X direction. As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 2, in this embodiment, three second light guides 7 are provided on one side and the other side of the housing section 8 in the X direction, corresponding to the indicator ID display sections IDa to IDc (see Figure 1).

[0019] The housing section 9 has housing holes 91, 92, and 93, each housing one of the three second light guides 7. The housing holes 91, 92, and 93 are spaced apart in the Z direction. The second light guides 7 are inserted into the housing holes 91, 92, and 93 from the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the second light guide 7 located on one side in the X direction (left side in the figure) overlaps with the indicator ID of switch SW1. The second light guide 7 located on the other side in the X direction (right side in the figure) overlaps with the indicator ID of switch SW6.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the back cover 4 has a printed circuit board P provided on the portion facing the light shield 3 in the Y direction. The printed circuit board P is a strip-shaped member with its longitudinal direction aligned with the X direction and its thickness direction aligned with the Y direction.

[0021] On the printed circuit board P, a light source L1 is provided on the surface Pa opposite the light shield 3 in the Y direction. Six light sources L1 are provided, spaced apart in the X direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the six light sources L1 each overlap with the marks Mk of switches SW1 to SW6 and the first light guide 6.

[0022] Furthermore, on the opposite surface Pa of the printed circuit board P, three light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C are provided on one side and the other side of the six light sources L1 in the X direction. The light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C are spaced apart in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C located on one side in the X direction (left side in the figure) overlap with the indicator part ID of switch SW1 and the second light guide 7. The light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C located on the other side in the X direction (right side in the figure) overlap with the indicator part ID of switch SW6 and the second light guide 7.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the display panel 2. Figure 3(A) is a front view of the display panel 2 in Figure 2. Figure 3(B) is a rear view of the display panel 2 in Figure 2. Figure 3(C) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-section in Figure 3(A). Note that in Figure 3(C), the thickness of the mask portion 21 and the electrostatic sensor S are exaggerated.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(A), the switches SW1 to SW6 on the surface 2a of the display panel 2 are arranged at intervals along a straight line Lx in the X direction. Switches SW1 and SW6 located at both ends of the display panel 2 in the direction of the straight line Lx are provided with a mark Mk and an indicator ID.

[0025] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(A), in switch SW6, the indicator ID has three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc arranged in the Z direction. The display units IDa, IDb, and IDc are aligned on a straight line Lz (a second straight line) along the Z direction. The three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc in the direction of the straight line Lz are set to a pitch T. By arranging the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc in the straight line Lz direction, which is the shorter direction of the display panel 2, display space other than the indicator ID on the display panel 2 in the longitudinal direction is secured, improving the layout of switches SW1 to SW6.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3(C), the display panel 2 consists of a plate-shaped base 20 (first member) and a mask portion 21 (second member) that masks one surface 20a of the base 20 in the Y direction. The base 20 is located on the back side 2b of the display panel 2, and the mask portion 21 is located on the front side 2a of the display panel 2. The base 20 is made of a light-transmitting resin material. The mask portion 21 is made of a light-impermeable resin material.

[0027] The mask portion 21 has non-masked portions 21a, 21b, and 21c that do not mask the base portion 20 in the region through which three straight lines Ly1, Ly2 (the first straight line), and Ly3, which are aligned in the Y direction, pass. The straight lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3 are parallel to each other with a gap T in the Z direction.

[0028] When the display panel 2 is viewed from the Y direction, one surface 20a of the base portion 20 is exposed in the areas where the unmasked portions 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided. As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(A), the unmasked portions 21a, 21b, and 21c form a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction and are arranged in order from top to bottom on a straight line Lz along the Z direction.

[0029] In switch SW6, the portion of one surface 20a of the base 20 that is exposed from the unmasked portions 21a, 21b, and 21c constitutes the indicator ID display units IDa, IDb, and IDc. That is, the indicator ID display units IDa, IDb, and IDc are displayed in order from top to bottom on the straight line Lz. The pitch T of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc in the Z direction corresponds to the interval T of the straight lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3 (see (C) in Figure 3).

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(A), in the switch SW6, an unmasked portion 21d is provided at a position adjacent to the unmasked portions 21a, 21b, and 21c in the X direction. Viewed from the Y direction, the unmasked portion 21d has a predetermined shape corresponding to the mark Mk of the switch SW6. In the switch SW6, the portion of one surface 20a of the base portion 20 that is exposed from the unmasked portion 21d constitutes the mark Mk.

[0031] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the indicator ID and mark Mk of switch SW1, and the mark Mk of switches SW2 to SW5, have the same configuration as switch SW6.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(B), two recesses 25, 25 are provided on the other surface 20b of the base 20 of the display panel 2. Viewed from the Y direction, the recesses 25, 25 are positioned to overlap with the indicator IDs of the switches SW1 and SW6, and are arranged to surround the indicator IDs.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(C), the recess 25 is recessed in the Y direction by a depth D25 from the other surface 20b of the base 20 toward the one surface 20a. As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(B), the recess 25 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction. The recess 25 has a pair of long sides 251 and 252 located on one side and the other side of the straight line Lz passing through the indicator ID display parts IDa, IDb, and IDc, and short sides 253 and 254 connecting the ends of the long sides 251 and 252.

[0034] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(B), the long sides 251 and 252 are arranged parallel to each other with cutouts along the straight line Lz. The long sides 251 and 252 have a length L25 in the direction of the straight line Lz that can encompass the indicator ID display sections IDa, IDb, and IDc.

[0035] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3(B), the short sides 253 and 254 are arranged parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Lz. The short sides 253 and 254 have a width W25 that can encompass the indicator ID display sections IDa, IDb, and IDc in the direction perpendicular to the straight line Lz. Therefore, when viewed from the Y direction, the display sections IDa, IDb, and IDc are contained within the region formed by the long sides 251 and 252 and the short sides 253 and 254 of the recess 25.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3(C), an electrostatic sensor S is attached to the other surface 20b of the base 20. The electrostatic sensor S has a through hole Sb at a position that overlaps with the recess 25 when viewed from the Y direction (see Figure 2). The through hole Sb can be rectangular in shape and approximately the same size as the recess 25 when viewed from the Y direction. When the electrostatic sensor S is attached to the other surface 20b of the base 20, the recess 25 is exposed through the through hole Sb of the electrostatic sensor S when the other surface 20b of the base 20 is viewed from the Y direction.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the light-shielding body 3. Figure 4(A) is a front view of the light-shielding body 3. Figure 4(B) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-section of Figure 4(A). Figure 4(C) is a schematic diagram of the BB cross-section of Figure 4(A). Note that in Figures 4(B) and 4(C), the rear cover 4 and the printed circuit board P are shown by dashed lines. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the light-shielding body 3. Figure 5(A) is a schematic diagram of the CC cross section of Figure 4(A). Figure 5(B) is a perspective view of Figure 5(A) from the AA direction. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the light shield 3. Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram of the BB cross section of Figure 5(A). Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram of the CC cross section of Figure 5(A). Figure 6(C) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross section of Figure 6(A). In Figure 6(C), the second light guide 7, which is placed in the housing hole 91, is shown with dashed lines.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4(B), the light-shielding body 3 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical housing. The light-shielding body 3 has, as an example, a bottom wall portion 31 perpendicular to the straight line Ly along the Y direction, and a peripheral wall portion 32 surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall portion 31. The peripheral wall portion 32 extends from the other end face 31b of the bottom wall portion 31 in the direction of the straight line Ly. The opening 32a of the peripheral wall portion 32 opposite to the bottom wall portion 31 in the direction of the straight line Ly is sealed by the rear cover 4 (see dashed line in the figure). In this state, the printed circuit board P (see dashed line in the figure) fixed to the rear cover 4 is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion 32. In this embodiment, the case in which the light-shielding body 3 is a bottomed cylindrical housing is illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The light-shielding body 3 only needs to have a portion perpendicular to the straight line Ly.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(A), when viewed from the Y direction, the bottom wall portion 31 is in the shape of a strip extending in the X direction. The housing portions 8 and 9 are provided on the bottom wall portion 31 of the light shielding body 3. The housing holes 81 to 86 of the housing section 8 may have a common shape and are arranged at intervals along a straight line Lx in the X direction. The housing section 9 is provided in close proximity to the housing holes 81 and 86 on one side and the other side of the housing section 8 in the direction of the straight line Lx. The housing sections 9, 9 located on one side and the other side of the housing section 8 in the X direction may have a common shape. In the following explanation, the configuration of each part of the housing section 8 and the housing section 9 will be described using the housing hole 86 and the housing section 9 adjacent to the housing hole 86 as examples.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4(C), the housing hole 86 is a through-hole that penetrates the region of the bottom wall portion 31 of the light shield 3 that intersects with the straight line Ly. The light shield 3 has a cylindrical wall portion 33 surrounding the housing hole 86. The cylindrical wall portion 33 is provided in a direction along the straight line Ly direction. The cylindrical wall portion 33 extends in the straight line Ly direction from the other end face 31b of the bottom wall portion 31.

[0041] In the linear direction Ly, the cylindrical wall portion 33 is connected to the bottom wall portion 31 at one end 33a. The other end 33b of the cylindrical wall portion 33 is closed by the bottom wall portion 34. The housing hole 86 opens to the bottom wall portion 31 on one side in the linear direction Ly, and is closed by the bottom wall portion 34 on the other side.

[0042] A through-hole 34a is provided in the bottom wall portion 34 at a position intersecting the straight line Ly. The through-hole 34a is connected to the housing hole 86. When the printed circuit board P is placed inside the peripheral wall portion 32 of the light shield 3, the light source L1 is positioned within the through-hole 34a of the bottom wall portion 34. As a result, when viewed from the Y direction, the light source L1 is exposed within the housing hole 86. Although not explained here, the housing holes 81 to 85 (see (A) in Figure 4) have a similar configuration.

[0043] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 4(A), the housing section 9 has three housing holes 91, 92, and 93 that are aligned on a straight line Lz along the Z direction. As shown in Figure 5(A), the accommodating holes 91, 92, and 93 are through-holes that penetrate the region in the bottom wall portion 31 of the light shield 3 where the straight lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3 intersect. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the direction along the lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3 will also be simply referred to as the direction of the line Ly.

[0044] A cylindrical wall portion 35 is provided on one end face 31a of the bottom wall portion 31, comprehensively enclosing the housing holes 91, 92, and 93. The cylindrical wall portion 35 protrudes from one end face 31a of the bottom wall portion 31 by a length H35 in the linear Ly direction. The tip surface 35a of the cylindrical wall portion 35 in the linear Ly direction is a flat surface perpendicular to the linear lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3.

[0045] The other end face 31b of the bottom wall portion 31 has a cylindrical wall portion 36 that comprehensively surrounds the housing holes 91, 92, and 93. The cylindrical wall portion 36 protrudes linearly in the Ly direction from the other end face 31b of the bottom wall portion 31. The inner circumferential surface 36b of the cylindrical wall portion 36 is flush with the inner circumferential surface 35b of the cylindrical wall portion 35.

[0046] In the direction of the straight line Ly, the end portion of the cylindrical wall portion 36 on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 31 is blocked by the bottom wall portion 37. Through holes 37a, 37a, 37a are provided at positions intersecting the straight lines Ly1, Ly2, Ly3 on the bottom wall portion 37, respectively. The three through holes 37a communicate with the accommodation holes 91, 92, 93, respectively. When the printed circuit board P is disposed inside the peripheral wall portion 32 of the light shielding body 3, the light sources L2A, L2B, L2C are respectively disposed in the three through holes 37a provided on the bottom wall portion 37.

[0047] Also, on the bottom wall portion 37, there are provided a partition wall portion 38 that passes between the straight lines Ly1 and Ly2 and is connected to the front end surface 35a of the cylindrical wall portion 35, and a partition wall portion 39 that passes between the straight lines Ly2 and Ly3 and is connected to the front end surface 35a of the cylindrical wall portion 35. The accommodation holes 91, 92, 93 are formed by partitioning the internal space surrounded by the cylindrical wall portions 35, 36 into three spaces by the partition wall portions 38, 39.

[0048] As shown in (A) of FIG. 6, the cylindrical wall portion 35 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly. Specifically, the cylindrical wall portion 35 has long wall portions 351, 352 provided along the straight line Lz, and short wall portions 353, 354 that connect the end portions of the long wall portions 351, 352 in the direction of the straight line Lz. The long wall portions 351, 352 are provided on one side and the other side sandwiching the straight line Lz.

[0049] The length L35 of the cylindrical wall portion 35 in the direction of the straight line Lz is slightly smaller than the length L25 of the concave portion 25 in the direction of the straight line Lz (see (B) of FIG. 3) (L35 < L25). Also, the width W35 of the cylindrical wall portion 35 in the direction orthogonal to the straight line Lz is slightly smaller than the width W25 of the concave portion 25 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the straight line Lz (see (B) of FIG. 3) (W35 < W25).

[0050] Also, the partition wall portions 38, 39 extend in the X direction between the short wall portions 353, 354 in the direction of the straight line Lz and are connected to the long wall portions 351, 352.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6(A), when viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly1, the accommodating hole 91 is surrounded by the long wall portions 351 and 352, the short wall portion 353, and the partition wall portion 38 in the cylindrical wall portion 35. That is, the long wall portions 351 and 352, the short wall portion 353, and the partition wall portion 38 constitute the peripheral wall portion 35A surrounding the accommodating hole 91.

[0052] Furthermore, when viewed from the linear direction Ly2, the accommodating hole 92 is surrounded by the elongated wall portions 351 and 352 and the partition wall portions 38 and 39. In other words, the elongated wall portions 351 and 352 and the partition wall portions 38 and 39 constitute the peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding the accommodating hole 92.

[0053] Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly3, the accommodating hole 93 is surrounded by the long wall portions 351 and 352, the partition wall portion 39, and the short wall portion 354. In other words, the long wall portions 351 and 352, the partition wall portion 39, and the short wall portion 354 constitute the peripheral wall portion 35C surrounding the accommodating hole 93.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6(A), when viewed from the directions of the straight lines Ly1, Ly2, and Ly3, the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C are positioned inside the peripheral walls 35A, 35B, and 35C, respectively.

[0055] In adjacent storage holes 91 and 92 in the linear Lz direction, the partition wall portion 38 is shared between the peripheral wall portion 35A surrounding storage hole 91 and the peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding storage hole 92. In addition, in adjacent storage holes 92 and 93 in the linear Lz direction, the partition wall portion 39 is shared between the peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding storage hole 92 and the peripheral wall portion 35C surrounding storage hole 93. This allows the pitch T (see (A) in Figure 5) of the aligned light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C in the linear Lz direction to be reduced.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5(B), the peripheral walls 35A, 35B, and 35C surround the housing holes 91, 92, and 93, respectively, and are continuous walls that protrude locally from the bottom wall 31 by a length H35. Note that the protruding length H35 of the peripheral walls 35A, 35B, and 35C is slightly shorter than the depth D25 in the Y direction of the recess 25 (see Figure 3(C)) (H35 <D25)。

[0057] The cylindrical wall portion 36 may have the same shape as the cylindrical wall portion 35 in a cross-sectional view along the Z direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(B), the cylindrical wall portion 36 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly. Specifically, the cylindrical wall portion 36 has long wall portions 361 and 362 provided in a direction along the straight line Lz, and short wall portions 363 and 364 connecting the ends of the long wall portions 361 and 362 in the direction of the straight line Lz. The long wall portions 361 and 362 are provided on one side and the other side of the straight line Lz.

[0058] The partition walls 38 and 39 extend in the X direction between the short wall sections 363 and 364 in the linear Lz direction and connect to the long wall sections 361 and 362.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6(B), when viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly1, the accommodating hole 91 is surrounded by the long wall portions 361 and 362, the short wall portion 363, and the partition wall portion 38 in the cylindrical wall portion 36. That is, the long wall portions 361 and 362, the short wall portion 363, and the partition wall portion 38 constitute the peripheral wall portion 36A surrounding the accommodating hole 91.

[0060] Furthermore, when viewed from the linear direction Ly2, the accommodating hole 92 is surrounded by the elongated wall portions 361 and 362 and the partition wall portions 38 and 39. In other words, the elongated wall portions 361 and 362 and the partition wall portions 38 and 39 constitute the peripheral wall portion 36B surrounding the accommodating hole 92.

[0061] Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of a straight line Ly3, the accommodating hole 93 is surrounded by long wall portions 361 and 362, a partition wall portion 39, and a short wall portion 364. In other words, the long wall portions 351 and 352, the partition wall portion 39, and the short wall portion 364 constitute the peripheral wall portion 36C surrounding the accommodating hole 93.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6(C), the second light guide 7 is housed in the housing hole 91. The second light guide 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the housing hole 91. The second light guide 7 has a length L7 in the linear Ly1 direction that is equal to the combined length of the peripheral wall portions 35A and 36A. When the second light guide 7 is housed in the housing hole 91, one end face 71 in the linear Ly1 direction is flush with the front end face 35a of the peripheral wall portion 35A, and the other end face 72 abuts against the bottom wall portion 37. The side surface 73 of the second light guide 7 is in contact with the peripheral wall portions 35A and 36B along its entire length in the linear Ly1 direction. The same applies to the second light guide 7 housed in the housing holes 92 and 93, although they are not shown in the illustration.

[0063] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the path of light within the display device 1. Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the area where the indicator ID of switch SW6 in Figure 1 is provided, shown in cross-section along the Z direction. Figure 7(B) is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 7(A). Figure 7(C) is a diagram illustrating the vignetting of the display unit IDa. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of the display device 100. In Figures 7 and 8, the illuminated light sources are indicated with cross-hatching.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7(A), in the display device 1 according to this embodiment, the display panel 2, the light shield 3, the printed circuit board P, and the back cover 4 are superimposed in the Y direction. As a result, the indicator ID display unit IDa, the recess 25, the second light guide 7 housed in the housing hole 91, and the light source L2A are arranged on the line Ly1. Furthermore, the indicator ID display unit IDb, the recess 25, the second light guide 7 housed in the housing hole 92, and the light source L2B are arranged on the line Ly2. Furthermore, the indicator ID display unit IDc, the recess 25, the second light guide 7 housed in the housing hole 93, and the light source L2C are arranged on the line Ly3.

[0065] Here, it is preferable that the pitch T of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc be narrow so that the user U can view the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc as a whole and quickly grasp the information. As shown in Figure 5(A), in this embodiment, the partition walls 38 and 39 are shared between adjacent peripheral wall sections 35A and 35B, and between peripheral wall section 35B and 35C in the linear Lz direction, and the pitch T of the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C aligned in the linear Lz direction is narrowed. As a result, as shown in Figure 3(A), the pitch T of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc, which are aligned in the linear Lz direction, is narrowed.

[0066] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 7(A), the light shielding body 3 has a cylindrical wall portion 35 that protrudes from one end face 31a of the bottom wall portion 31, which crosses the through hole Sb of the electrostatic sensor S in the Y direction and is housed in a recess 25 provided in the base portion 20 of the display panel 2.

[0067] As a result, the distance CL1 in the Y direction between the surface 210 of the mask portion 21 and the cylindrical wall portion 35 is narrower than the distance CL2 between the surface 210 of the mask portion 21 and the light-shielding body 3 in the area where the recess 25 and the cylindrical wall portion 35 are not provided (CL1 <CL2)。

[0068] Here, the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C can be switched on or off selectively in response to the operation of switch SW6 (see Figure 1). For example, by operating switch SW6, the temperature of the seat heater can be switched between "high temperature," "medium temperature," and "low temperature." In this embodiment, it is displayed as follows. (a) When the seat heater temperature is set to "high," all three light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C will light up. In other words, in the indicator ID, all of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc will light up to indicate the adjustment level. (b) When the seat heater temperature is set to "medium temperature", only the two lower light sources L2B and L2C out of the three light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C will be lit. In other words, in the indicator IDs, only display units IDb and IDc will be lit to indicate the adjustment level. (c) When the seat heater temperature is set to "low temperature", only the lowest light source L2C among the three light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C will be lit. In other words, in the indicator ID, only display unit IDc will be lit as information indicating the adjustment level. (d) If the seat heater is not used, the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C will all be turned off. That is, in the case of indicator ID, all three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc will be turned off. In the following explanation, the effects and benefits of this invention will be described using the case where the seat heater temperature is set to "medium temperature" as shown in (b) above as an example.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(A), when the seat heater temperature is set to "medium temperature," light sources L2B and L2C corresponding to display IDb and IDc are lit, while light source L2A corresponding to display IDa is off.

[0070] Light emitted from light sources L2B and L2C (thick arrows in the figure) is diffused by the second light guides 7, 7 housed in the housing holes 92 and 93. As a result, the second light guides 7 emit light as a whole. The light inside the second light guides 7 emits surface light at one end face 71 that is not surrounded by the cylindrical wall portion 36 and the partition walls 38, 39 (peripheral wall portions 36B, 36C: see (B) in Figure 6). Light irradiated from one end face 71 of the second light guides 7 toward the display panel 2 passes through the base portion 20 of the display panel 2 and finally reaches the display units IDb and IDc (white arrows in the figure). As a result, when user U views display panel 2 from the Y direction, they can see that both indicator IDs, IDb and IDc, are lit, and they can determine that the seat heater temperature is set to "medium."

[0071] Here, user U may view the indicator ID from above the display unit IDa, at an angle downwards. In this case, the direction along user U's line of sight will intersect the straight line Ly2 (the direction of the dashed arrow in Figure 7(A)).

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the comparative example display device 100 differs from the display device 1 of the present invention in that the display panel 200 and the light shield 300 do not have a recess 25 and a cylindrical wall portion 35, respectively.

[0073] In the comparative example display device 100, the distance between the surface 210 of the mask portion 21 and the light shield 3 remains CL2 even in the region that overlaps with the indicator ID in the Y direction. In this case, when the indicator ID is viewed from above the display portion IDa and diagonally downward, the second light guide 7 corresponding to the display portion IDb is located on the extension of the line of sight connecting the user U and the display portion IDa.

[0074] Therefore, one end surface 71 of the second light guide 7, which emits surface light from the light source L2B, is visible from the display unit IDa through the base 20' (light leakage). As a result, user U may perceive that all of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc are lit, even though the light source L2A is off. Consequently, user U may conclude that the seat heater temperature is set to "high."

[0075] In the comparative example display device 100, the following measures can be considered to reduce light leakage. (1) The overall thickness of the base 20' is reduced to decrease the gap between the surface 210 of the mask portion 21 and the light shield 3. (2) The pitch T of the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C in the Z direction is widened so that the second light guide 7 corresponding to the display unit IDb is not located on the extension of the line of sight connecting the user U and the display unit IDa.

[0076] However, in (1) above, reducing the overall thickness of the base 20' affects the rigid strength of the display panel 200. In (2) above, widening the pitch T also widens the pitch T of the indicator ID display units IDa, IDb, and IDc, making it difficult to see the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc as a whole, and making it difficult for the user U to quickly grasp the information (adjustment level).

[0077] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7(A), a local recess 25 is provided in the base 20 of the display panel 2, and the cylindrical wall portion 35 is housed within the recess 25. As a result, a portion of the light-shielding body 3 extends into the display panel 2.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7(B), in the area where the display unit IDb is provided, the peripheral wall portion 35B is housed within the recess 25. In this state, when user U views the indicator ID from above and diagonally downward from above the display unit IDa, the partition wall portion 38 is located on the extension of the line of sight connecting user U and the display unit IDa. Therefore, user U cannot see one end face 71 of the second light guide 7, which emits surface light from the light source L2B, from the display unit IDa.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 7(A), when user U views indicator ID from below and diagonally upward from below display unit IDc, the partition wall 39 is located on the extension of the line of sight (not shown) connecting user U and display unit IDc. Therefore, user U cannot see one end face 71 of the second light guide 7, which emits surface light from the light source L2B, from the display unit IDc.

[0080] In this way, by housing the peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding the light source L2B within the recess 25, the light from the light source L2B does not leak into areas other than the display unit IDb.

[0081] Although not shown in the diagram, the peripheral wall portions 35A and 35C (see (A) in Figure 5) are also housed in the recess 25. Therefore, the light from light sources L2A and L2C does not leak into areas other than the display units IDa and IDc.

[0082] As a result, the display device 1 according to this embodiment reduces light leakage while ensuring the rigid strength of the display panel 2. Since there is no need to widen the pitch T of the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C, the user U can quickly grasp the information (adjustment level) displayed on the indicator ID display units IDa, IDb, and IDc.

[0083] Here, as shown in Figure 7(C), when the display unit IDa is viewed from diagonally above, one end face 71 of the second light guide 7, which emits surface light from the light source L2A, is located on the extension of the line of sight connecting the user U and the display unit IDa. In this case, the user U will see the light from the end face 71 of the second light guide 7 at the intersection point Ep with the line of sight.

[0084] If the intersection point Ep is located near the boundary (side surface 73) between the peripheral wall portion 35A and the second light guide 7, shadows (vignetting) may occur around the periphery of the display portion IDa as seen by the user U. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7(C), the peripheral wall portion 35A is housed in the recess 25, thereby moving the intersection point Ep between the user U's line of sight and one end face 71 of the second light guide 7 away from the boundary (side surface 73) between the peripheral wall portion 35A and the second light guide 7 by a distance Q. This reduces the occurrence of shadows (vignetting) around the periphery of the display unit IDa.

[0085] As described above, the display device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. (1) The display panel 2 of the display device 1 has a display unit IDb on which the adjustment level (information) of the indicator ID is displayed. A light source L2B is provided on the back side 2b of the display panel 2. A light-shielding body 3 is provided between the display panel 2 and the light source L2B. The light-shielding body 3 has a housing hole 92 (through hole) provided at a position that intersects with the straight line Ly2 (first straight line) passing through the display unit IDb and the light source L2B, and a peripheral wall portion 35B surrounding the housing hole 92. The peripheral wall portion 35B is provided in the direction of the straight line Ly2, on the side of the light-shielding body 3 facing the display panel 2. The back surface 2b of the display panel 2 is provided with a recess 25 in the direction of the light shield 3 in the linear Ly2 direction. The peripheral wall portion 35B of the light-shielding body 3 is housed in the recess 25.

[0086] With this configuration, the peripheral wall portion 35B, which is part of the light shield 3, extends into the display panel 2. Therefore, even when viewing the display panel 2 from an area other than the display section IDb in a direction intersecting the straight line Ly2 (diagonal direction), the visibility of the light from the light source L2B can be reduced. Furthermore, by providing a local recess 25 in the display panel 2 at a position opposite the light source L2B, and by extending the peripheral wall portion 35B into the recess 25, it is not necessary to reduce the overall thickness of the display panel 2, thus ensuring the rigid strength of the display panel 2.

[0087] The display device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. In (1) above, (2) Multiple display units IDa, IDb, IDc, multiple housing holes 91, 92, 93, and multiple light sources L2A, L2B, L2C are provided along a straight line Lz (second straight line) perpendicular to the straight line Ly2. The housing holes 91, 92, and 93 are surrounded by peripheral walls 35A, 35B, and 35C, respectively. In the peripheral wall section 35A and the peripheral wall section 35B, the partition wall section 38 (wall section) located between one accommodation hole 91 and the other accommodation hole 92 that are adjacent on a straight line Lz is shared. In the peripheral wall section 35B and the peripheral wall section 35C, the partition wall section 39 (wall section) located between one adjacent accommodation hole 92 and the other accommodation hole 93 on a straight line Lz is shared.

[0088] With this configuration, the spacing between adjacent housing holes 91, 92, and 93 in the linear Lz direction can be narrowed, thereby narrowing the pitch T of the light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C. This allows the pitch T of the display units IDa, IDb, and IDc to be narrowed, enabling the user U to quickly grasp the information.

[0089] The display device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. In (1) or (2) above, (3) When viewed from the direction of the straight line Ly2, the display panel 2 has a strip-like shape. The linear Lz direction is the direction aligned with the shorter side of display panel 2.

[0090] This configuration allows for securing display space other than the indicator ID on the display panel 2 in the longitudinal direction, thereby improving the layout of other display units (e.g., switches SW1 to SW6).

[0091] The display device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. In any one of the above (1) to (3), (4) The display panel 2 has a light-transmitting base portion 20 (first member) and a light-impermeable mask portion 21 (second member). The base portion 20 and the mask portion 21 are provided on the back side 2b and the front side 2a of the display panel 2, respectively. The mask portion 21 is provided over the entire surface of the base portion 20 and has a non-mask portion 21b (opening) in the region through which the straight line Ly2 passes. The display unit IDb is the region exposed from the unmasked portion 21b of the base portion 20. The mask portion 21 has non-mask portions 21a and 21c (openings) in the regions through which the straight lines Ly1 and Ly3, which are parallel to the straight line Ly2, pass. Display areas IDa and IDc are regions exposed from the non-masked areas 21a and 21c of the base 20.

[0092] This configuration reduces the leakage of light transmitted through the base 20 to areas other than the display sections IDa, IDb, and IDC.

[0093] The display device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. In any of the above (1) to (4), (5) The display panel 2 is equipped with a switch SW6 (touch sensor). Switch SW6 is electrically connected to the electrostatic sensor S. Light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C can be selectively selected depending on the operation of switch SW6.

[0094] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce light leakage from light sources L2A, L2B, and L2C in the display panel 2 which has a touch sensor function.

[0095] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc are aligned in the Z direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the three display units IDa, IDb, and IDc may be aligned in the X direction. In this case, the recess 25 and the peripheral wall portions 35A, 35B, and 35C should be provided in an orientation along the X direction.

[0096] Furthermore, the light shielding body 3 may be provided with a peripheral wall surrounding the housing holes 81-86 (see Figure 4(A)) for housing the first light guide 6, and a recess may be provided on the other surface 20b of the base portion 20 at a position opposite to the housing holes 81-86 (see Figure 3(B)). This reduces light leakage between switches SW1-SW6 aligned in the X direction and contributes to narrowing the pitch of switches SW1-SW6 in the X direction.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1 Display device 2 Display Panel 3. Light-shielding material 4. Back cover 6. First light guide 7. Second light guide 8. Storage area 9. Storage area 2b Back 20 Base (first member) 21 Mask section (second component) 21a Non-masked area (opening) 21b Non-masked area (opening) 21c Non-mask area (opening) 25 recesses 35 Cylinder wall 35A, 35B, 35C peripheral wall 38 Partition wall section 39 Partition wall section 71 One end face 91 Inlet 92 Intake holes 93 Intake ID Indicator IDa display IDb display section ID3 display section L2A light source L2B light source L2C light source Ly1 straight line Ly2 Straight line (First straight line) Ly3 Straight Line Lz straight line (second straight line) P Printed Circuit Board S electrostatic sensor SW1~SW6 Switches T pitch X direction Y direction Z direction

Claims

1. A display panel having a display section that displays information, A light source provided on the back side of the aforementioned display panel, A light guide that diffuses the light from the aforementioned light source, The display panel and the light source are provided with a light shield, The light-shielding body has a through-hole provided at a position intersecting the first straight line passing through the display section and the light source, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the through-hole. The light guide is housed within the peripheral wall portion, The back of the display panel is provided with a recess in the portion facing the light-shielding body in the first linear direction. The recess is provided at a position that intersects with the first straight line, Viewed from the first linear direction, the display portion is included in the region where the recess is formed. The recess houses the peripheral wall portion of the light shield and the light guide. The display section and the through-hole are provided in multiple locations along a second straight line perpendicular to the first straight line. The aforementioned peripheral wall portion is shared between two adjacent through holes on the second straight line. Viewed from the first linear direction, the display panel is strip-shaped, The display device is characterized in that the second linear direction is a direction along the shorter side of the display panel.

2. In claim 1, The display panel comprises a first member that is light-transmitting and a second member that is light-impermeable. The first member and the second member are provided on the back side and the front side of the display panel, respectively. The second member is provided over the entire surface of the first member, and has an opening in the region through which the first straight line passes. The display device is characterized in that the display portion is an area exposed from the opening in the first member.

3. In claim 1 or 2, A touch sensor is electrically connected to the aforementioned display panel. The display device is characterized in that the light source can be selectively selected in response to the operation of the touch sensor.

Images