JP4162449B2 - Flexible liquid crystal panel device and electronic watch or portable electronic device using the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a flexible liquid crystal panel device and an electronic timepiece or portable electronic device using the same, and more particularly to a flexible liquid crystal panel device having a curved display surface and a portable electronic device using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Flexible having a flexible liquid crystal panel main body and a panel frame structure that holds the flexible liquid crystal panel main body in a curved state in which a major axis extends in a direction intersecting with a cross section where the curvature of the display surface is maximized A liquid crystal panel device has been proposed in which a panel frame structure is composed of upper and lower panel frame members sandwiching the panel main body between them, and an approximately elliptical flexible liquid crystal panel main body has a long diameter ( It has also been proposed to bend along a part of the cylindrical surface so that the direction inclined with respect to the major axis becomes a circumferential direction (a section with the maximum curvature and a constant polarity). . In this type of flexible liquid crystal panel device, an eaves-like protrusion is formed on the peripheral wall portion of the lower panel frame member so that a guide groove is formed between the bottom wall portion of the lower panel frame member, When attaching, the flexible liquid crystal panel body is locked in the guide groove of the lower panel frame member, and the upper panel frame member is placed on and engaged with the lower panel frame member, thereby allowing flexible operation. An attempt is made to hold the liquid crystal panel body in a curved state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if eaves-like protrusions are formed at a plurality of locations so that guide grooves are formed at a plurality of locations, a part of the flexible liquid crystal panel body that is locked to the lower panel frame member may extend the guide grooves. Easily misaligned (rotated in the circumferential direction) along the existing direction (the size of the inner periphery of the receiving recess of the lower panel frame member and the size of the outer periphery of the liquid crystal panel to prevent such misalignment) If the two are closely matched, there is a risk that an excessive stress is applied to the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel when the liquid crystal panel is mounted, and display unevenness of the liquid crystal panel is likely to occur. Therefore, when the liquid crystal panel is mounted, the upper panel frame member is moved to the lower side in a state where a part of the flexible liquid crystal panel is not sufficiently curved along the lower panel frame member due to the positional deviation of the liquid crystal panel. In many cases, it is necessary to assemble the panel frame member. As a result, when the upper panel frame member is assembled at a predetermined position with respect to the lower panel frame member, the upper panel frame member abuts against the lower panel frame member at a predetermined position over the entire area. Since the flexible liquid crystal panel main body locked to the lower panel frame member contacts the portion that has been projected due to insufficient curvature before being squeezed, the projected portion that is insufficiently curved is not attached to the upper panel frame member. The liquid crystal panel itself may be further displaced in the circumferential direction when it is bent (curved) as it progresses. As a result, the flexible liquid crystal panel body itself is displaced from a predetermined position, and the upper and lower panels. There is a possibility that the frame member is not sandwiched at a predetermined position.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible liquid crystal panel device in which almost the entire area of the flexible liquid crystal panel can be temporarily fixed along the curved surface of the panel frame main body, and the same. The object is to provide a portable electronic device using.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, the flexible liquid crystal panel device of the present invention has a long axis extending in a direction intersecting the flexible liquid crystal panel main body and the cross section where the curvature of the display surface is maximized. A flexible liquid crystal panel device having a panel frame structure to be held in such a curved state, the panel frame structure being an outer frame-shaped peripheral wall portion that defines a peripheral surface of a recess into which the panel body is substantially fitted And a bottom wall portion that supports the bottom surface of the panel main body that is fitted in the concave portion in cooperation with the peripheral wall portion, and the liquid crystal panel main body has one outer peripheral edge. The panel frame main body portion is provided with a protrusion protruding along the extending surface on one end side in the bending direction, and the panel frame main body portion is recessed when the liquid crystal panel main body is placed on the bottom wall in the concave portion. Get out of An eaves-like protrusion that abuts the top surface of the liquid crystal panel main body on the other end side in the curving direction, and a top surface of the liquid crystal panel body abuts the eaves-like protrusion portion on the other end In order to restrict displacement of the projection portion including the projection portion of the liquid crystal panel main body in the circumferential direction of the concave portion or the direction of coming out of the concave portion when in the state, the circumference engaged with the projection portion portion on the one end side in the bending direction The peripheral wall portion has direction and removal direction displacement restricting means.
[0006]
In the flexible liquid crystal panel device of the present invention, the outer frame-shaped peripheral wall part that defines the peripheral surface of the concave part into which the panel body is substantially fitted and the peripheral wall part cooperate to define the concave part and be fitted into the concave part. The panel frame structure has a panel frame body with a bottom wall that supports the bottom of the panel body, so that the panel body is placed on the bottom wall of the panel frame body of the panel frame structure at the bottom. And in a supported state, it can be fitted into the recess of the panel frame body. Further, in the flexible liquid crystal panel device of the present invention, “the liquid crystal panel main body includes a protruding portion protruding along the extending surface on a part of the outer peripheral edge on one end side in the bending direction” and “the panel frame main body portion When the liquid crystal panel main body is placed on the bottom wall in the recess, the liquid crystal panel main body abuts on the top surface of the liquid crystal panel main body on the other end side in the bending direction so as to prevent the liquid crystal panel main body from being displaced in the direction of coming out of the recess. When the eaves-like projecting portion and the top surface of the liquid crystal panel main body are in contact with the eaves-like projecting portion at the other end, the projecting portion including the projecting portion of the liquid crystal panel body comes out of the circumferential direction of the recessed portion or the recessed portion. The peripheral wall portion has a circumferential direction and a pull-out direction displacement restricting means engaged with the protruding portion at the one end side in the bending direction so as to restrict displacement in the direction, so that it extends to a part of the outer peripheral edge. Projections protruding along the surface The liquid crystal panel main body provided with a portion and supported on the bottom surface by the bottom wall portion and fitted into the recess of the panel frame main body portion is not removed from the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion, the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion of the panel frame main body portion The displacement in the circumferential direction relative to the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion is not limited by the removal direction displacement restricting means and the eaves-like protruding portion of the panel frame main body portion. Since it is regulated by the direction displacement regulating means, the liquid crystal panel body can be temporarily fixed to the panel frame body. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the liquid crystal panel main body, there is little possibility that the liquid crystal panel main body is subjected to displacement such that the liquid crystal panel main body is moved in the removal direction or rotated in the circumferential direction as a whole.
[0007]
As a result, for example, even when the panel frame structure has a lid-side panel frame member that covers the peripheral wall of the panel frame main body so as to sandwich the liquid crystal panel main body in cooperation with the panel frame main body. When the lid-side panel frame member is assembled to the panel frame main body part so that the side panel frame member covers the peripheral wall of the panel frame main body part, there is a possibility that a displacement of the flexible liquid crystal panel main body locked to the panel frame main body part may occur. The flexible liquid crystal panel main body is less likely to be reliably incorporated at a predetermined position.
[0008]
In the flexible liquid crystal panel device of the present invention, the panel frame main body can be temporarily fixed so that the panel frame main body itself substantially follows the curved shape of the concave portion of the concave portion of the panel frame main body. A body may consist only of a panel frame main-body part, without providing a lid side panel frame member separately. However, the panel frame structure preferably sandwiches the liquid crystal panel body in cooperation with the panel frame body part in addition to the panel frame body part so that the liquid crystal panel body can be stably held in a curved state. Therefore, it has a lid side panel frame member that covers the peripheral wall of the panel frame main body.
[0009]
The bottom wall portion of the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion is typically curved in a convex shape on the surface side, and the liquid crystal panel main body is temporarily fixed and held in a convex curved shape in the concave portion. . That is, when the display surface of the liquid crystal panel main body has a convexly curved surface, the panel frame main body portion is composed of a panel frame member positioned on the lower side of the liquid crystal panel main body. However, even when the display surface of the liquid crystal panel main body has a convexly curved surface, for example, the surface side (upper) panel frame member may be a panel frame main body portion. In that case, the bottom wall portion of the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion serving as the upper panel frame member is curved in a concave shape on the surface side of the concave portion (in fact, the side facing the liquid crystal display surface and the back side). The liquid crystal panel main body is assembled in the concavely curved concave portion. In this case, the bottom wall of the recess is typically an opening except for the peripheral portion, although there is little risk of misalignment such as rotation due to the end of the liquid crystal panel floating above the peripheral wall of the recess. Since the liquid crystal panel body does not act as a support for the liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel body tends to twist more or less. The positional deviation control effect by the directional displacement control means is only once.
[0010]
In addition, the display surface of the liquid crystal panel body may have a concavely curved surface. In that case, for example, the lower panel frame member is configured as the panel frame main body in the case of the convex display surface as described above by configuring the panel frame member on the upper side, that is, the front side as the panel frame main body. Work similarly. Even when the lower panel frame member is configured as the panel frame main body portion with respect to the concave display surface, the upper panel frame member is paneled with respect to the convex display surface except that the bottom wall portion can support the panel main body in a wide range. This is the same as the case where the frame body is configured.
[0011]
It is preferable that the bottom wall portion of the recess extends so as to be able to support most parts such as the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom surface of the liquid crystal panel body. However, since the liquid crystal panel main body has a relatively high rigidity, the bottom wall portion of the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion does not need to extend over the entire area as long as the panel frame main body portion can maintain a desired rigidity. There may be a dent or an opening. Further, in order to avoid the support surface deviating from the curved surface so that the liquid crystal panel main body can be maintained in a curved state, there may be a depression or an opening in the bottom wall portion.
[0012]
Here, the eaves-like projecting portion forms a guide groove extending in the circumferential direction of the concave portion in cooperation with the surface portion of the bottom wall portion located opposite to the bottom surface of the projecting portion, The corresponding portion of the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel body is fitted into the guide groove. Therefore, as long as the eaves-like protruding portion extends inward of the concave portion to such an extent that the liquid crystal panel main body having a certain degree of flexibility can be prevented from coming off from the guide groove by slightly bending, the liquid crystal panel main body It is preferable that the length of the liquid crystal panel body is relatively short so that the related parts can be easily attached and detached, and the natural bending state of the liquid crystal panel body is allowed and the display area of the liquid crystal panel body can be kept to the maximum.
[0013]
The circumferential direction and disconnection direction displacement restricting means are typically formed in the peripheral wall portion so as to open on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion on the one end side, and include a lateral hole into which the protrusion portion of the liquid crystal panel body is fitted. However, when the top surface of the liquid crystal panel main body is in contact with the eaves-like protrusion at the other end, the protruding portion including the protruding portion of the liquid crystal panel main body is displaced in the circumferential direction of the concave portion or in the direction of coming out of the concave portion. Any structure or shape may be used as long as it is engaged with the protruding portion at one end in the curving direction so as to regulate, for example, a peripheral wall instead of a so-called hole portion having a wall portion on the entire circumference. A ridge formed on the upper surface of the liquid crystal panel, and an eave-like protrusion that can abut on both sides of the protrusion of the liquid crystal panel body in the circumferential direction on both sides of the dent (the same structure as the above-described eaves-like protrusion may be used. But avoid confusion May be engaging portion consisting of a called eaves protrusion) is the one that cooperates therewith adjacent the recessed portion in this specification. Here, the eaves-like protrusions that form the circumferential direction and the removal direction displacement restricting means in cooperation with the recesses are located adjacent to or close to each other in the circumferential direction. The eaves-like protrusions positioned so as to be able to bend in the middle of the liquid crystal panel body are not considered to form the circumferential and removal direction displacement regulating means in cooperation with the depressions.
[0014]
Here, with respect to the liquid crystal panel body, the “projection part” means a part including the projection part of the liquid crystal panel body. In the case where the circumferential direction and pull-out direction displacement restricting means is formed of a horizontal hole, the liquid crystal panel main body refers to a portion that is located on both sides of the protrusion and is in contact with the opposing surface of the eave-like protrusion. .
[0015]
In any case, the protrusions of the liquid crystal panel body are fitted into the circumferential direction and the removal direction displacement restricting means to substantially define the position and orientation of the protrusions of the liquid crystal panel body, thereby Of these, the position and orientation of the vicinity of the protrusion are defined. Here, the position refers to the circumferential position of the recess, the back direction of the recess, and the position of the recess. The direction typically refers to the direction in the circumferential direction (rotation state in a plane substantially along the extending direction of the recess). That is, the protrusions of the liquid crystal panel main body are fitted into the horizontal holes or the recesses of the panel frame main body, whereby the position and orientation of the portion or part where the protrusion of the liquid crystal panel main body is formed are defined.
[0016]
In the above, the position regulation of the protrusions of the liquid crystal panel body does not have to be excessively strict, but rather, it is easy to attach and detach the liquid crystal panel body or avoid applying excessive stress to the liquid crystal panel body locally. It is preferable to provide a certain amount of play in the fitting. That is, it is preferable that the width of the horizontal hole or the recess in the circumferential direction is slightly larger than the width of the protrusion of the liquid crystal panel body, and the height of the horizontal hole (recessed portion compared with the thickness of the protrusion of the liquid crystal panel body). The length in the depth direction) and the depth of the recess are preferably slightly larger.
[0017]
The number and arrangement of circumferential direction and pull-out direction displacement regulating means such as horizontal holes and eaves-like protrusions depend on the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel body (corresponding approximately to the planar shape) and the curved state (curved shape). Are appropriately selected.
[0018]
The curved surface defined by the surface of the bottom wall portion of the concave portion of the panel frame main body portion may be convex when viewed in two directions, if desired, but is typically any arbitrary parallel to one axis. When the straight line intersects the curved surface, the straight line is curved in one direction so as to be included in the surface. In other words, typically, when an arbitrary straight line parallel to one axis intersects the curved surface, the liquid crystal panel body is curved in one direction so as to include the straight line within the surface. In addition, the flexible liquid crystal panel body has an elongated display area regardless of whether the display area of the flexible liquid crystal panel body is an ellipse, an oval shape such as an egg shape or a track shape, a rectangular shape such as a rectangle, or a polygonal shape. The one axis extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction (long axis or long diameter) of the elongated display region of the flexible liquid crystal panel body.
[0019]
In the case of such a shape and curvature of the liquid crystal panel body, if excessive stress or the like is locally applied to the liquid crystal panel body, there is a high risk of unevenness in the display by the liquid crystal panel body. The pull-out direction displacement restricting means and the eaves-like protrusion are typically formed at a relatively small number and spaced from each other, and preferably one circumferential direction and a pull-out direction displacement restricting means (typically a lateral hole). ) And two liquid crystal panel main bodies are positioned and supported at three locations consisting of two eaves-like protrusions. In that case, the flexible liquid crystal panel main body is typically configured to be positioned by the eaves-like protrusion or the lateral hole at a position where a vertex of a triangle including the center of the flexible liquid crystal panel main body is formed. In the case of three-point support, two circumferential direction and removal direction displacement regulating means such as a horizontal hole and one eaves-like protrusion may be provided. The positioning of the protrusions on the liquid crystal panel body is limited because the position and orientation of the liquid crystal panel body are restricted, and the fitting is limited when the protrusions can be fitted to the circumferential and pull-out direction displacement restricting means such as lateral holes. Since there is a high possibility that local distortion will be caused to the curved liquid crystal panel body even if the fitting is loosely fitted, typically, there will be one circumferential and pull-out direction displacement regulating means such as a horizontal hole. It is usually preferable to provide two eaves-like protrusions.
[0020]
If desired, one eaves-like protrusion is provided and one circumferential direction and pull-out direction displacement regulating means such as a horizontal hole is provided, and the liquid crystal panel body is temporarily fixed in a curved state by these two position regulating means. You may make it hold | maintain. In this case, typically, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the curved axis, both ends of the liquid crystal panel main body or the vicinity thereof are respectively locked by circumferential and pull-out direction displacement regulating means such as eaves-like protrusions and lateral holes. In addition, circumferential direction and pull-out direction displacement restricting means such as eaves-like protrusions and horizontal holes are arranged near both ends and in the vicinity of the end portion in the bending direction. In this case, since the center (intermediate) portion of the curved liquid crystal panel body is curved and easily protrudes, an eave-like protrusion is provided on one side of the intermediate portion so that the intermediate portion can be pressed. Is often preferred. However, in that case, it is better to shift the eaves-like protrusions and the holes at both ends to the side opposite to the side where the eaves-like protrusions are present in the middle portion, and in this way, The resulting arrangement will substantially match the triangle arrangement described above.
[0021]
The flexible liquid crystal panel device of the present invention is typically incorporated into an electronic timepiece in the form of a watch, for example. Of course, the flexible liquid crystal panel device may be incorporated in another wristwatch-type portable electronic device instead of the watch-type electronic watch, or may be incorporated in a portable electronic device other than the wristwatch-type electronic device. It may be used as a display device for devices other than electronic devices.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
【Example】
1 to 8 show a portable information device 1 as a portable electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable information device 1 is a wearable electronic device that is worn on the wrist W like a wristwatch, and has a time display function as an arm-mounted watch, that is, a wristwatch, and other information processing functions as desired. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the portable information device 1 is regarded as a watch having a timekeeping function, and the information device 1 is also referred to as a clock. However, the information device 1 may have other information processing functions as desired.
[0024]
As shown in the development view (exploded view) of FIG. 2, the portable information device 1 includes a case 10, a module fixing plate 20, a circuit block structure 30, a film liquid crystal panel 40 as a flexible liquid crystal panel, and a panel frame. And a flexible liquid crystal panel device 90 including a holding mechanism 50 as a structure. The case 10 is covered with a lid 3 having a glass plate 2.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information device 1 has a display area D having an approximately oval shape extending obliquely with respect to the extending direction L1 of the wrist W of the left hand. The display area D is further curved obliquely. Although this curved shape may be given only to the film liquid crystal panel 40 and its holding mechanism (panel frame structure) 50 and the bottom of the case 10, in this portable information device 1, the film liquid crystal panel 40 and its holding mechanism. 50 and the bottom of the case 10 that supports the holding mechanism 50, the glass plate 2 of the lid 3 of the case 10 has a similarly curved shape.
[0026]
Therefore, in the following, the curved shape will be described in detail by taking the glass plate 2 as an example. However, the description of the curved shape of the glass plate 2 applies substantially to the film liquid crystal panel 40, for example. In the following, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system XYZ having the origin at the center of the surface of the glass plate 2 is employed for the sake of simplicity. Here, the X-axis is the direction toward the hand along the extending direction L1 of the wrist W, the Y-axis is directed forward when the wrist W of the left hand is disposed in parallel and horizontally with the front surface of the body, and the Z-axis , When the XY plane is horizontal, it coincides vertically upward. The XY plane is assumed to be a tangent plane of the glass plate 2 at the origin of the coordinate system.
[0027]
In the illustrated example, the glass plate 2 of the portable information device 1 extends obliquely with respect to both the X axis and the Y axis in the direction connecting the second image limit and the fourth image limit, as can be seen from FIG. It has a major axis R01 and a minor axis R02 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the major axis R01. More specifically, the outer edge portion or the peripheral edge portion 4 of the glass plate 2 having a substantially oval planar shape has a long-diameter end portion where the curvature of the portion near the long-diameter end portion R01a located in the second image limit is located in the fourth image limit. It is pointed so as to be larger than the curvature in the vicinity of R01b, and has a contour shape like a distorted spoon as a whole. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1D, when the wrist W is disposed obliquely and horizontally with respect to the front of the body, the long axis R01 extends to the left and right substantially parallel to the front of the body. The glass plate 2 has a substantially oval shape elongated in an oblique direction so that the short axis R02 extends back and forth substantially perpendicularly to the front surface of the body.
[0028]
When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the X axis, the glass plate 2 has, for example, a curved surface with a curvature radius C1, as shown in FIG. Here, although the thickness of the timepiece 1 is considered to be small and negligible compared to the radius of curvature, when the curved surfaces of each part of the timepiece 1 are concentric, depending on the position of the timepiece 1 in the thickness direction. You may make it consider that a curvature radius fluctuates. The curvature radius C1 is constant, for example, independent of the position on the X axis. That is, in this example, the glass plate 2 has a shape obtained by obliquely cutting out a part of a cylinder having a radius C1 in which the generatrix extends in a direction parallel to the X axis. Therefore, the edge 4 of the glass plate 2 has a complicated shape curved in the three-dimensional space.
[0029]
In addition, the shape of the glass plate 2 illustrated here is an example, Comprising: As long as there exists an advantage, such as a user's viewability and a preferable design, for example, the curvature of the glass plate 2 seen in the surface perpendicular | vertical to an X-axis. The radius may not be constant, for example, the radius of curvature may gradually increase as it approaches the ends in the Y direction from the center, or may gradually decrease, and in the + Y direction (forward) Other shapes, such as the radius of curvature gradually increasing or conversely decreasing, may be used. Here, the glass plate 2 refers to a transparent plate, and the material may be glass or ceramic or resin not generally called glass.
[0030]
Similarly, the shape in the extending surface of the glass plate 2 may be any other shape such as an ellipse or an egg instead of a spoon-like oval.
[0031]
In any case, when the bending direction of the film liquid crystal panel 40 (the direction of the cross section where the curvature is maximum (the curvature radius is minimum)) intersects the imaginary line extending in the extending direction of the long axis, the film liquid crystal panel 40 The warped oval edge does not rest on the horizontal plane and may have a complex three-dimensional shape.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 2, the case 10 includes a case main body portion 14 having a bottom wall 12 and a peripheral wall 13 that define the housing recess 11, and band portions 5 and 6 extending from the case main body portion 14 (FIG. )). The accommodating recess 11 is also roughly oval, and more specifically has a shape in which one end 11a of the oval is slightly sharpened. The bottom surface 15 of the bottom wall 12 of the housing recess 11 has a curved shape similar to that of the glass plate 2 as shown in FIG. The band portions 5 and 6 have base end portions 5a and 6a at positions shifted in the X direction, and can be engaged with the distal end portions of the other band portions 6 and 5 on the opposite side of the wrist W. As described above, they extend slightly inclined in the −X and + X directions, respectively.
[0033]
Therefore, for example, in the state where the wrist W is attached to the wrist W of the left hand, as shown in FIG. 1D, when the wrist W is inclined, the major axis of the ellipse of the recess 11 extends to the left and right and the minor axis is Take a position that extends from the front toward the back. Here, the orientation of the major axis and the minor axis of the recess 11 substantially coincides with the orientation of the major axis R01 and the minor axis R02 of the glass plate 2. That is, the display of the portable information device 1 is performed in such a direction that the top and bottom coincide with each other in the state shown in FIG.
[0034]
A pedestal 16 is formed at the corner where the peripheral wall 13 and the bottom wall 12 of the housing recess 11 of the case body 14 intersect. The cradle 16 is engaged with an unevenness on the bottom surface of the holding mechanism 50 of the film liquid crystal panel 40, and an engaging portion (not shown) or module formed on the upper surface to support the holding mechanism 50 as a panel frame structure. An engagement recess (not shown) into which the engagement protrusion of the fixed plate 20 is fitted is included.
[0035]
The module fixing plate 20 is formed of a bent metal thin plate, and is bent with respect to the main body portion 21 at a plurality of locations such as a flat bottom portion forming the fixing plate main body portion 21 and an edge portion of the main body portion 21. It consists of protruding locking edges 22, 22,. Each of the locking edges 22, 22,... Is an engagement hole that engages with a locked projection of the engaged portion 78 of the lower panel frame member or holding member 60 as a panel frame body, as will be described later. It has parts 23, 23,.
[0036]
The module fixing plate 20 is placed in the recess 11 of the case 10 so that the locking edges 22, 22,... Are accommodated in the corresponding notches or recesses of the receiving base 16 of the recess 11 of the case 10. The The module fixing plate 20 is engaged with the thin plate-like main body portion 21 and the engagement along the inner surface of the recess 11 so as to secure a wide accommodation space in the accommodation recess 11 having the bottom wall 12 having the curved back surface 15. Although it has the edge 22, it can stably support the circuit block structure 30 for various processes of the electronic device 1 including the film liquid crystal panel 40 and its drive / control while securing a wide storage space as much as possible in the storage recess 11. As long as the shape and structure are different, the shape and structure may be different depending on circumstances. The bottom surface portion of the concave portion 11 on which the main body portion 21 of the module fixing plate 20 is placed is typically a flat surface. However, in some cases, even if there are irregularities, for example, a curved surface having a curvature radius of approximately C1. There may be.
[0037]
The module fixing plate 20 further has a shield terminal 24 that protrudes from the surface of the planar main body 21 and extends obliquely upward. An opening 25 is formed in the main body 21 of the module fixing plate 20 as desired. In the case of the illustrated example, the module fixing plate 20 is formed by punching a sheet metal.
[0038]
The circuit block structure 30 includes a flat circuit board or printed wiring board 31 and a circuit block 32 composed of a large number of circuit elements (not shown) mounted on the board 31, and a substantially flat board shape holding the circuit block 32. Circuit holding frame 33. The circuit board 31 of the circuit block 32 has a plurality of concavo-convex portions on the periphery thereof, and the concavo-convex portions are engaged with corresponding convex portions or concave portions of the complementary shape of the circuit holding frame 33 and fixed to the circuit holding frame 33. Is done.
[0039]
The circuit block structure 30 also has grooves 34, 34,... That are locked to the locking edges 22, 22,. . The circuit holding frame 33 may have any shape and structure as long as it can be stably placed in the receiving recess 11 in the state where the circuit block 32 is held. In this example, the side edge portion is a corner of the receiving recess 11. It has a shape that is substantially complementary to the inner edge of the pedestal 26 and is located along the inner edge.
[0040]
The circuit board 31 of the circuit block 32 may be a flexible board instead of the rigid board. In this case, the circuit holding frame 33 has a shape and a structure suitable for stably supporting the flexible board in the housing recess 11 while holding the flexible board. It will be. Of course, as long as the circuit block 32 including the rigid or flexible substrate 31 can be stably supported in the accommodating recess 11, the circuit holding frame 33 that supports the substrate 31 may not be provided.
[0041]
Film as a flexible liquid crystal panel Typically, the liquid crystal panel 40 is a transparent electrode carrying film such as a liquid crystal layer and a polycarbonate film which is located on both sides (up and down) of the liquid crystal layer and has electrodes. It has an integral laminate including a layer 40a and polarizing plate layers 40b and 40c disposed on both sides of the film layer 40a (FIG. 7), and can be bent under the action of an external force. Note that an EL panel is typically disposed as a backlight on the back side of the lower polarizing plate. Therefore, it is assumed here that the film liquid crystal panel 40 includes an EL panel. However, in some cases, the EL panel may not be provided, and in that case, the lower surface (back surface) of the lower polarizing plate 40c is a reflective surface.
[0042]
Each polarizing plate layer of the film liquid crystal panel 40 includes a polarizing filter layer such as a stretched film of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and a protective layer that protects the polarizing filter layer by sandwiching the polarizing filter layer from both sides. When the polarizing filter layer is made of a stretched film having a thickness of about 25 μm, the protective layer is made of a relatively hard film such as a TAC (triacetyl cellulose) film and thicker than the polarizing filter layer (for example, about 80 μm). As a result, the film liquid crystal panel 40 has a relatively high bending rigidity, and when it is deformed along the curved surface defined by the holding mechanism 50 as the panel frame structure, it tries to return to the original planar shape. It is difficult to ignore the properties, and it is necessary to maintain the curved state relatively firmly.
[0043]
As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 4, the film liquid crystal panel 40 has an oval shape substantially the same as that of the glass plate 2 or the like, and has a protruding portion 43 on one side 42 of the outer peripheral edge portion 41. The protrusion 43 may have any shape as long as the width of the tip 44 is equal to or smaller than the width of the base 45 so that the insertion can be easily performed. In this example, the film liquid crystal panel 40 has a similar protruding portion 46 along the side portion 42 in addition to the protruding portion 43.
[0044]
The film liquid crystal panel holding mechanism 50 as a panel frame structure includes a receiving recess 61 that accommodates the film liquid crystal panel 40, and a lower panel as a panel frame body that temporarily holds the film liquid crystal panel 40 by temporarily fixing it. A frame member or holding member 60, and an upper cover frame member that covers the lower holding member 60 and holds the film liquid crystal panel 40 in a curved state so as to be surely along the lower holding member 60. It comprises a holding member or a lid member 80.
[0045]
The panel frame main body, that is, the lower holding member 60 is made of, for example, an integrally molded product of a thermoplastic resin, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, the outer shape is substantially oval, and the bottom wall 12 of the case 10 is It has a curved surface shape that is curved in substantially the same manner as the lower surface 15. More specifically, the panel frame main body 60 has a certain curvature when the recess 61 is seen in a plane perpendicular to the X axis extending in an oblique direction with respect to both the major axis R21 and the minor axis R22 of the ellipse. It has a shape that extends along a curved surface that is curved in the above. That is, the curved surface defined as a whole by the surface of the bottom wall 63 of the panel frame main body 60 includes the straight line in the plane when an arbitrary straight line parallel to one axis X intersects the curved surface. It is curved in one direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the panel frame main body 60 cooperates with the thick peripheral wall 62 extending along the peripheral edge of the panel frame main body 60 and the peripheral wall 62. A bottom wall 63 defining a receiving recess 61 is provided on the upper surface side.
[0046]
Although the peripheral wall 62 may be formed over the entire periphery of the bottom wall 63, in this example, the peripheral wall 62 includes three continuously extending peripheral walls as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 8. A notch or recess 67a, 67b having a bottom surface flush with the bottom wall 63 is defined between the adjacent peripheral wall portions 64, 65 or 65, 66 or 66, 64. , 67c (represented by reference numeral 67 when collectively referred to or when not distinguished from each other). In the example described below, the cutout portion 67a between the peripheral wall portions 64 and 65 and the cutout portion 67c between the peripheral wall portions 66 and 64 may be omitted.
[0047]
In FIG. 3, the peripheral wall portion 64 extends almost over the entire range from the first quadrant to the second quadrant including the vertex R21a located at one end of the long diameter R21, and stands upright from the top surface in the vicinity of the vertex R21a. It has a columnar engagement protrusion 68 and a hook-like or eaves-like protrusion 69, and in other words, in the vicinity of one end R22a of the ellipse short diameter R22, a pair of substantially long straight lines facing each other. An eaves-like projecting portion 70 similar to the projecting portion 69 is provided at an approximately middle portion of one long side S1 of the sides S1 and S2. Therefore, guide grooves or gaps 71 and 71 corresponding to the height of the peripheral wall portion 64 are formed between the lower surfaces of the eaves-like protrusions 69 and 70 and the opposing surface portion of the bottom wall 63. The width (height) of the guide grooves, that is, the gaps 71, 71 is slightly larger than the thickness of the film liquid crystal panel 40.
[0048]
In FIG. 3, the peripheral wall portion 66 extends almost over the entire range from the third quadrant to the fourth quadrant, including the vertex R21b located at the other end of the long diameter R21, and stands upright from the top surface in the vicinity of the vertex R22a. In other words, in the vicinity of the other end R22b of the ellipse short diameter R22, the other long side S2 of the pair of long sides S1 and S2 opposed to the ellipse. A small eaves-like projecting portion 73 similar to the projecting portions 69 and 70 is provided at substantially the middle portion of the above. A gap 71 corresponding to the height of the peripheral wall portion 64 is also formed between the lower surface of the eaves-like protrusion 73 and the opposing surface portion of the bottom wall 63. However, in this example, the protruding portion 73 may not be provided. The peripheral wall portion 66 further has a slot or a tunnel-like lateral hole 74 penetrating the peripheral wall portion 66 in the lateral direction at a portion of the long side S2 that is close to the end portion R21b. This lateral hole 74 as a lateral hole cooperates with the two eaves-like protrusions 69, 70 so as to form a triangle T including the center O of the recess 61 of the panel frame body 60, ie such a triangle T It is formed at the position of the vertex. Here, the center O typically corresponds to the intersection of the X axis and the Y axis in FIG. Further, when the shape of the ellipse is a relatively regular shape, the center of gravity of the figure corresponding to the intersection of the major axis R21 and the minor axis R22 and having an outline substantially matching the outline of the recess 61 is obtained. Corresponds to the position. However, strictly speaking, the shape of the ellipse can be quite irregular, so that the intersection of the X axis and the Y axis is the intersection of the major axis R21 and the minor axis R22 as in the example shown in FIG. In such a case, the center O may be a position substantially corresponding to the center of gravity, and may not be exact.
[0049]
The bottom wall portion 63 has large openings 76 on both sides of the central portion 75 along the X axis. The openings 76 and 76 are used as a passage through which wiring such as a flexible cable is passed or a passage through which related parts are passed during assembly. The bottom wall 63 further has a cylindrical protrusion 77 at a notch 67 between the peripheral wall portions 65 and 66. The cylindrical projection 77 guides a coil spring that serves as a current-carrying terminal for the EL panel that serves as a backlight for the main body of the liquid crystal panel 40.
[0050]
An engaged portion 78 including a concave portion and a convex portion is formed on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 62, and the engaged portion 78 is engaged with the engaging protrusion 22 of the module fixing plate 20, so that the panel frame main body is engaged. 60 is supported by the module fixing plate 20.
[0051]
The inner surface or inner peripheral surface 79 of the peripheral wall portions 64, 65, 66 constituting the peripheral wall portion 62 defines the peripheral surface of the concave portion 61 as a whole (the skipped portion of the surface 79 forms an envelope surface as a whole. The outer peripheral edge 41 of the liquid crystal panel 40 has almost the same contour shape. The liquid crystal panel 40 is assembled in the recess 61 defined by the peripheral wall portion 62 and the bottom wall portion 63.
[0052]
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the liquid crystal panel 40 includes a groove portion 71 defined by the lower surface of the protruding portion 69 of the panel frame body 60 and the surface of the bottom wall 63, and the protruding portion 70. A lateral surface in which the groove portion 71 defined by the lower surface and the surface of the bottom wall 63 is disposed in the recess 61 so that the corresponding peripheral edge portions 47 and 48 are sandwiched, and the protruding portion 43 is opened at the inner peripheral surface 79. It is inserted into the hole 74 (see also FIGS. 5 and 6) and attached to the panel frame main body 60 so that the protruding portion 46 fits into the notch between the peripheral walls 65 and 66. Here, the insertion of the peripheral edge portions 47 and 48 into the groove or gap 71 and the insertion of the protruding portion 43 into the lateral hole 74 may be performed first. In the mounted state, the liquid crystal panel 40 to be curved and arranged along the direction parallel to the X-axis is lifted from the panel frame main body 60 (displaced in a direction to escape from the recess 61). 70 restricts the surface of the corresponding portions 47 and 48 by the lower surface and the upper wall surface of the lateral hole 74 presses the upper surface of the protruding portion 43, thereby restricting and practically prohibiting. Further, by inserting the protruding portion 43 of the liquid crystal panel 40 into the horizontal hole 74 of the panel frame main body 60, an eave-like protrusion 69 of the panel frame main body 60 of the liquid crystal panel 40 with respect to the bending direction Y of the liquid crystal panel 40. Since the portion 49 away from (distant from) 70 is displaced in the direction along the surface of the liquid crystal panel 40 by the side surfaces 74a and 74b of the horizontal hole 74, the liquid crystal panel 40 rotates in the circumferential direction within the surface. There is practically no risk of misalignment. As a result, the liquid crystal panel 40 can be temporarily fixed and held in a curved state along the panel frame body 60, as shown in FIG.
[0053]
Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in order to completely fix the liquid crystal panel 40 mounted along the curved shape on the lower panel frame member, that is, the panel frame main body 60, the panel frame main body 60 and the panel frame main body 60 are substantially fixed. In other words, the panel frame member 80 on the upper side, that is, the lid side having a complementary shape may simply be put on the panel frame main body 60 holding the liquid crystal panel 40. That is, the lids are formed so that the projections 68 and 72 and the eaves-like projections 69 and 73 of the panel frame main body 60 fit into the holes 81, 82 and 83 and 84, and the eaves-like projection 70 fits into the recess 85. The side panel frame member 80 may be stacked on the panel frame main body 60. When the lid-side panel frame member 80 is disposed, interference such as the liquid crystal panel 40 held in a curved state by the panel frame body 60 coming into contact with the lid-side panel frame member 80 does not actually occur. It can be reliably held at a predetermined position between the upper and lower panel frame members 80, 60, and there is practically no risk of such displacement. Further, since the liquid crystal panel 40 can be held at a predetermined position, there is little possibility that the liquid crystal panel 40 is damaged.
[0054]
In the case where the panel frame main body lacks the horizontal hole 74 for fitting / position regulation of the projecting portion 43, that is, the horizontal hole 74 as the circumferential and removal direction position regulating means (such a panel frame main body and a liquid crystal panel are installed). Here, as shown in FIG. 10, in the liquid crystal panel 40A, the portion 49A far from the eaves-like protrusions 69 and 70 of the panel frame main body 60A may become insufficient as shown in FIG. In addition to this, the liquid crystal panel 40A is rotated in the clockwise direction (position misalignment) in FIG. 9 due to the portion 49A returning to the original flat state, as shown in FIG. In addition, there is a possibility that the peripheral edge of the portion 49A may shift in the circumferential direction beyond the peripheral surface 79 on the side S2 of the peripheral wall portion 66 of the panel frame main body 60A.
[0055]
As described above, when the positional deviation as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 occurs in the liquid crystal panel 40, there is a possibility that it is difficult to incorporate the liquid crystal panel 40 into a predetermined position. In other words, the fitting between the lateral hole 74 and the protruding portion 43 prohibits such a positional shift and enables the liquid crystal panel 40 to be assembled at a predetermined position.
[0056]
In the state where the liquid crystal panel 40A is locked to the lower panel frame member 60A in the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in particular, the upper panel frame member which is curved similarly to the lower panel frame member 60A is used as the liquid crystal panel 40A. 9A, the center portion of the curved upper panel frame member (the center portion in the vertical direction in FIG. 9 or the center portion in the left-right direction in FIG. 10) is Before overlapping the central portion of the side panel frame member 60A, the corresponding end portion of the curved upper panel frame member abuts on the end portion 49A of the liquid crystal panel 40A that protrudes in a non-curved state or a state with little curvature. Therefore, as the upper panel frame member is further pushed down, the end portion 49A of the liquid crystal panel 40A and the central portion thereof are curved. However, since the deformation of the liquid crystal panel 40A due to this bending is not strictly regulated by the upper panel frame member, the position of the liquid crystal panel 40A may be further shifted as the liquid crystal panel 40A rotates in the circumferential direction within the recess 61A. There is a possibility that various misalignments may occur, such as the center portion or the like being displaced in the circumferential direction and coming off from the eaves-like protrusion 73 or the like, and the lid-side panel frame member can be attached to the lower panel frame member 60A. However, there is a possibility that the liquid crystal panel 40A may be pinched in a misaligned state.
[0057]
Therefore, the lateral hole 74 according to the embodiment of the present invention avoids the occurrence of positional deviation as described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10, in other words, the lower panel frame is insufficiently curved like the portion 49A. In order to avoid the occurrence of an end portion that floats from the member, the eaves-like protrusions 69, 70 with respect to the bending direction Y in cooperation with eaves-like protrusions 69, 70 that form guide grooves for the liquid crystal panel. It acts to regulate the position of the end portion (corresponding to the portion 49A) on the side away from 70 or the vicinity thereof in the circumferential direction as well as the removal direction. In addition, when the protrusion 43 of the liquid crystal panel 40 is regulated by the horizontal hole 74 of the lower panel frame member 60, the end of the recess 61 of the lower panel frame member 60 in the −Y direction of the liquid crystal panel 40. Even if a portion that is not completely curved in the vicinity remains, the portion 43 is held at a predetermined position with the circumferential hole 74 being prohibited from being displaced in the circumferential direction. Since the end portion can be bent along the curved surfaces of the upper and lower panel frame members 80 and 60 with the installation, the horizontal hole 74 does not need to be positioned at the end portion in the −Y direction. According to the degree of play in the circumferential rotation of the liquid crystal panel 40 caused by the loose fit between the projection 43 and the projection 43, it may be formed at a location that is not excessively separated from the end.
[0058]
1 to 8, when the liquid crystal panel 40 is held by the panel frame structure 50 including the upper and lower frame members 80 and 60 and the liquid crystal panel device 90 is formed, The device 90 is engaged with and fixed to the module fixing plate 20 on the circuit block structure 30, and the lid 3 is put on the device 90 to complete the assembly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a portable electronic device equipped with a flexible liquid crystal panel device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective explanatory view of the appearance of the electronic device mounted on an arm; b) is a top explanatory view of the outline of the electronic device of (a), and (c) is a side explanatory view showing the curved state of the apparatus in a state where the flexible liquid crystal panel apparatus is incorporated (not only the glass plate but also the bottom wall of the case, etc.) And (d) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a normal visual recognition state of the display of the electronic device of (a).
FIG. 2 is an exploded (disassembled) perspective explanatory view of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 1;
3 is an explanatory plan view of a lower panel frame member as a panel frame main body portion of the liquid crystal panel device of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 1;
4 is an explanatory plan view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state in which a flexible liquid crystal panel is mounted on the lower panel frame member of FIG. 3;
5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a state in which the protruding portion of the flexible liquid crystal panel is loosely fitted in the horizontal hole in the mounted state of FIG. 4;
6 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which the protrusions of the flexible liquid crystal panel are loosely fitted in the horizontal holes in the mounted state of FIG. 4 as in FIG.
7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in the mounted state of FIG.
8 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state before the cover side (upper) panel frame member is further covered in the mounted state of FIG. 4;
9 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing a state in which the liquid crystal panel main body is mounted on the lower panel frame member when the liquid crystal panel main body lacks a protrusion and the lower panel frame member lacks a horizontal hole. Figure.
10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along the line XX in the mounted state of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Portable information devices (portable electronic devices)
2 Glass plate
3 lid
5,6 Band part
10 cases
20 Module fixing plate
30 Circuit block structure
40 Flexible LCD panel
43 Projection
50 Panel holding mechanism (panel frame structure)
60 Lower panel frame member (panel frame body)
62 Perimeter wall
63 Bottom wall
69, 70, 73 Eaves protrusion
74 Horizontal hole (Horizontal hole)
80 Upper panel frame member (lid member)
90 Flexible LCD panel device
C1 radius of curvature
D Display area
L1 Wrist extension direction
O center
R01, R21 Major diameter (major axis)
R02, R22 short diameter (short axis)
W wrist (arm)
YZ plane Cross section with maximum curvature or plane parallel to it

Claims (6)

A flexible LCD panel,
A flexible liquid crystal panel device having a panel frame structure for holding the flexible liquid crystal panel body in a curved state in which a major axis extends in a direction intersecting with a cross section where the curvature of the display surface is maximum. ,
The panel frame structure includes an outer frame-shaped peripheral wall portion that defines a peripheral surface of a concave portion into which the panel body is substantially fitted, and the peripheral wall portion defines the concave portion and is fitted into the concave portion. It has a panel frame body with a bottom wall that supports the bottom of the panel body,
The liquid crystal panel main body is provided with a protrusion protruding along the extending surface at a part of the outer peripheral edge on one end side in a bending direction parallel to the cross section where the curvature of the display surface is maximum ,
Maximum the panel frame body portion, the order to prohibit the liquid crystal panel body when the liquid crystal panel body is placed on the bottom wall portion in the recess is displaced in a direction escaping from the recess, the display surface curvature of An eaves-like protrusion that contacts the top surface of the liquid crystal panel main body at the other end in the bending direction parallel to the cross-section
When the top surface of the liquid crystal panel body is in contact with the eaves-like protrusion at the other end, the protrusion portion including the protrusion of the liquid crystal panel body is displaced in the circumferential direction of the recess and in the direction of coming out of the recess. In order to restrict the movement, the peripheral wall portion has a circumferential direction and a slipping direction displacement regulating means engaged with the protruding portion portion on the one end side in the bending direction parallel to the cross section where the curvature of the display surface is maximum ,
The circumferential direction and the disconnection direction displacement restricting means are formed on the peripheral wall portion so as to open on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion on the one end side, and include a lateral hole into which the protrusion portion of the liquid crystal panel body is fitted,
The flexible liquid crystal panel device in which the panel frame main body has the eaves-like protrusions in at least two places . The curved surface defined as a whole by the surface of the bottom wall of the panel frame main body portion is the straight line when an arbitrary straight line parallel to an axis perpendicular to the cross section where the curvature of the curved surface is maximum intersects the curved surface. The flexible liquid crystal panel main body has a long and narrow display area, and the axis perpendicular to the cross section where the curvature of the curved surface is maximum is the long and narrow display of the flexible liquid crystal panel main body. Extending in an oblique direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the region,
2. The structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible liquid crystal panel main body is positioned by the eaves-like protrusions or lateral holes formed at three locations at a position where a triangular apex including the center of the flexible liquid crystal panel main body is formed. The flexible liquid crystal panel device described. Flexible liquid crystal panel device according to claim 1 or 2 surface of the bottom wall of the recess of the panel frame body portion is convex. Said panel frame structure, one of the Claims 1 to 3 having a lid side panel frame member for covering the peripheral wall of the panel frame body portion to cooperate with the panel frame body portion sandwiching the liquid crystal panel body The flexible liquid crystal panel device according to any one of the items . An electronic timepiece comprising the flexible liquid crystal panel device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The portable electronic device provided with the flexible liquid crystal panel apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1- Claim 4 .

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