JP4807947B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display device, and is particularly suitable for use in a display device that can be folded and can be stored compactly in a storage body.

  Conventionally, as an in-vehicle display device used for a navigation device or the like, there is one that is configured to be housed in a housing body when not in use. In this type of display device, a storage space slightly larger than the size of the display device is provided in the storage unit body, and the display device is stored therein. However, since the storage unit body must be provided in a limited space such as a dashboard, the size of the storage space that can be installed is limited. Therefore, the size of the display device is limited to a size smaller than the storage space.

  In order to increase the size of the display device even if it has only a limited storage space, it is conceivable to fold the display device during storage. Recently, flexible display devices having flexibility (such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) display) have been provided. By using such a flexible display device, a large-sized display device can be stored compactly in the storage unit body by winding the display device around a winding shaft during storage.

However, in a flexible display device, the display device itself cannot be made independent due to its flexibility in a state of being pulled out from the housing body during use. In view of such inconvenience, a configuration is adopted in which a flexible display device drawn out from the inside of the storage unit body is supported via a curved elastic metal thin plate by attaching an elastic metal thin plate to the back surface of the flexible display device. Have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-118151 A

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the flexible display device cannot be supported unless the elastic force is increased to some extent. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a strong force that is not defeated by the elastic force at the time of storage, and there is a problem that a large driving force is required. Moreover, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, since the elastic force of the elastic metal thin plate is used, the flexible display device can be wound and stored, but there is also a problem that it cannot be folded and stored. there were.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to enable a display device main body to be stored compactly in a storage body with a relatively small driving force.
Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to fold and store the display device main body in the storage portion main body, and to make folds and wrinkles unobtrusive when the display device main body is unfolded.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the display device of the present invention is provided with a heater for applying heat to the shape memory alloy material while attaching the shape memory alloy material to the back surface of the foldable display device body. ing. The storage direction end of the display device main body is folded and stored inside the storage unit main body provided with a guide having a bent portion. The position detection sensor detects how much the display device body is exposed from the storage unit body. Based on the detection signal of the position detection sensor, the control unit performs control to turn on the heater at the timing when the storage direction end portion passes the bent portion when the display device body is pulled out.

According to the present invention configured as described above, when heat is applied to the shape memory alloy material by the heater, the shape memory alloy material acts to return to the shape stored in itself, thereby the shape memory alloy. The display device main body to which the material is attached is also restored to a predetermined shape from the shape bent at the time of storage. It is necessary to heat the shape memory alloy material in order to return the display device body to its original shape, and the elastic force of the alloy material itself is not required, so a large driving force that does not lose the elastic force when storing the display device body It is not necessary to add. In addition, any shape memory alloy material can be deformed into any shape by applying heat, so the display device itself can be folded and stored , and folds and wrinkles can be extended. You can avoid these concerns.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an overall schematic configuration of a display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A is a state when the display device body is stored, and FIG. 1B is a state when the display device body is transported. Is shown. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the basic structure of the display device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a view of the display device body viewed from the back, and FIG. 2B is a view of the display device body viewed from the side. Indicates the state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the storage unit main body included in the display device of the present embodiment and a partial configuration example of the display device main body.

  1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a display device body that can be wound or bent, and is constituted by a flexible display such as an organic EL display. Reference numeral 2 denotes a shape memory alloy material, which is attached to the back surface of the display device body 1. In the example of FIG. 2, three shape memory alloy materials 2 having a rectangular shape are attached to the back surface of the display device body 1 at equal intervals. This shape memory alloy material 2 can be deformed into an arbitrary shape without applying a great force, and has the property of returning to its original shape stored by heating. . In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy material 2 stores a completely flat planar shape.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a storage unit main body for folding and storing the display device main body 1, and a guide 11 is provided along the storage space of the display device main body 1. The guide 11 of the present embodiment is arranged inside the storage unit main body 3 from the vicinity of an opening 12 (a position where the lid 13 provided on a part of the storage unit main body 3 is present) for inserting and removing the display device main body 1 into and out of the storage unit main body 3. And has a bent portion 11a at a part thereof. As a result, when the display device body 1 is completely stored along the guide 11 of the storage body 3, a fold 1 a is generated in a part of the display device body 1. The shape memory alloy material 2 described above is preferably provided in a direction perpendicular to the crease 1a generated in the display device body 1.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a heater (heater) for applying heat to the shape memory alloy material 2. In the present embodiment, one heater 4 is disposed on the back surface of the three shape memory alloy materials 2. As shown in FIG. 2B, a cover 17 is hung on the back side of the shape memory alloy material 2 and the heater 4 so that they are not exposed on the surface. 2A shows a state where the cover 17 is removed.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a roller, which is disposed in the vicinity of the opening 12 of the storage unit body 3. The roller 14 is driven and rotated by a servo system (provided inside the storage unit main body 3) (not shown) to convey the display device main body 1. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the display device main body 1 is completely stored in the storage unit main body 3, and FIG. 1B shows that the display device main body 1 is being conveyed by the rollers 14 (the storage unit main body 3 is It shows the state during deployment to the outside or storage in the interior). For example, when the display device body 1 is unfolded, the lid 13 is opened, and the display device body 1 is gradually conveyed from the opening 12 to the outside. A stopper 16 is provided at the end of the display device main body 1 so that the display device main body 1 does not completely come out of the storage unit main body 3.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the stopper 1 is provided integrally with the auxiliary plate 18, and the auxiliary plate 18 and the display device main body 1 are connected via a rotating portion 19. Yes. The rotating unit 19 is configured to be rotatable by a motor (not shown). When the display device main body 1 is stored and transported, the auxiliary plate 18 and the display device main body 1 are kept in a substantially parallel state. On the other hand, during the use of the display device, the rotating portion 19 rotates to keep the auxiliary plate 18 and the display device body 1 at a predetermined angle (for example, vertical). Note that the angle of the display device body 1 during use of the display device can be arbitrarily changed according to the operation of the operation unit (not shown) by the user.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes a position detection sensor, which detects how far the display device main body 1 is exposed from the storage unit main body 3. This is necessary for controlling at what timing the shape memory alloy material 2 is heated by the heater 4. The timing of applying heat to the shape memory alloy material 2 by the heater 4 is preferably after at least the end of the display device body 1 on the stopper 16 side passes through the bent portion 11a. Therefore, for example, when the end of the display device body 1 has just passed through the bent portion 11a, a certain mark is provided at a predetermined position of the display device body 1 facing the position detection sensor 15, and this is detected by the position detection sensor 15. Like that. As this position detection sensor 15, any type of sensor such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a mechanical sensor can be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the heater 4 and an electric system that controls the heater 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the three heaters 4 are commonly connected to one heater power wire 20. The heater power wire 20 is connected to a switch 21 for turning on / off the power of the heater 4. On / off of the switch 21 is controlled by the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 keeps the switch 21 off when the display device body 1 is stored. Further, during the conveyance of the display device main body 1, the switch 21 is turned on / off according to the detection signal from the position detection sensor 15. That is, when the display device main body 1 is being deployed outside the storage unit main body 3, the switch 21 remains off until the end of the display device main body 1 passes through the bent portion 11a, and the end of the display device main body 1 is After the passage of the bent portion 11a is recognized by the detection signal from the position detection sensor 15, the switch 21 is turned on.

  During use of the display device after the display device body 1 has been unfolded, the switch 21 may remain on or may be turned off once. If the switch 21 is kept on, heat will continue to be applied to the shape memory alloy material 2, and even if a considerable external force is applied to the display device body 1, it will be stored in the shape memory alloy material 2. The flat planar shape can be maintained relatively firmly.

  On the other hand, if the switch 21 is turned off, the power consumption during that time can be reduced. The flexible display device main body 1 does not exist by itself, but the shape memory alloy material 2 having a certain degree of rigidity and the heater 4 are attached, so that the switch 21 is turned off to store the shape memory. Even if some external force is applied to the display device main body 1 in a state where heating to the alloy material 2 is stopped, the flat planar shape of the display device main body 1 can be maintained to some extent. Note that the switch 21 may be turned on again when a large external force is applied and the display device body 1 is deformed.

  Further, when the display device main body 1 is being stored in the storage unit main body 3, the control method of the switch 21 by the control unit 22 differs depending on whether the switch 21 is turned on or off during use of the display device. When the switch 21 is turned off during use of the display device, the control unit 22 maintains the off state even while the display device body 1 is housed. Even after the display device main body 1 is completely stored, the switch 21 is kept off. On the other hand, when the switch 21 is turned on while the display device is in use, the control unit 22 switches the switch 21 off, for example, at the start of storage. In this case, the switch 21 is turned off at any timing, but at least the switch 21 is turned off before the display device body 1 begins to bend after the end of the display device body 1 passes through the bent portion 11a. It is preferable.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the shape memory alloy material 2 is attached to the back surface of the display device body 1 that can be wound or bent, and heat is applied to the shape memory alloy material 2. Since the heater 4 is provided, the display device main body 1 is attached to the shape memory alloy material 2 by using the force that the shape memory alloy material 2 returns to the shape stored in itself by applying heat to the shape memory alloy material 2 by the heater 4. It can be restored to a flat planar shape.

  In this embodiment, since the shape memory alloy material 2 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the crease 1a generated in the display device body 1, the restoring force of the shape memory alloy material 2 works in the direction of extending the crease 1a. Therefore, the fold 1a can be made inconspicuous when the display device body 1 is restored to a planar shape. In addition, it is necessary to heat the shape memory alloy material 2 in order to return the display device body 1 to its original shape, and since the elastic force of the alloy material itself is not required, a large driving force not to lose the elastic force is applied. The display device main body 1 can be stored in the storage unit main body 3 even without this. Further, the shape memory alloy material 2 can be surely returned to its original shape when heat is applied, so that the display device main body 1 can be accommodated in any shape. That is, as shown in the above embodiment, the display device body 1 can be folded and stored.

  In addition, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which bends and accommodates the display apparatus main body 1 in the inside of the accommodating part main body 3, it is not limited to this. For example, the display device body 1 may be stored so as to be wound around a winding shaft.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which makes the shape memory alloy material 2 memorize | store a flat plane shape, and restores the display apparatus main body 1 to a flat plane shape, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the display device main body 1 may be restored to a curved shape by storing a curved shape in the shape memory alloy material 2.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which arrange | positions the shape memory alloy material 2 in the direction perpendicular | vertical with respect to the crease | fold 1a, it is not limited to this. For example, the shape memory alloy material 2 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the crease 1a, and as shown in FIG. 6, the shape memory alloy is perpendicular to the crease 1a and in the horizontal direction. Materials 2 and 31 may be provided.

In the case of the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the shape memory alloy material 2 disposed in the direction perpendicular to the fold 1a stores the shape in the direction in which the fold 1a extends, and stores, for example, the longitudinal curved shape. In addition, the shape memory alloy materials 31 _-1 and 31 _-2 arranged in the horizontal direction store, for example, a curved shape in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, it is possible to create a curved surface curved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the display device body 1.

  In the above embodiment, the three heaters 4 are commonly connected to one switch 21 via one heater power wire 20 to turn on / off the power supply to the three heaters 4 (whether heating is performed). However, it is also possible to individually provide switches for the three heaters 4 to individually control the presence / absence and timing of heating.

For example, in the configuration of FIG. 6, three heaters 4 attached to the shape memory alloy material 2 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the crease 1 a are connected to one switch 21 in common and whether or not heating is performed. And control the timing collectively. On the other hand, regarding the two heaters 32 _-1 and 32 _-2 attached to the shape memory alloy materials 31 _-1 and 31 _-2 disposed in the horizontal direction with respect to the crease 1a, separate switches 33 are used. _-1, connected to 33 _-2, the existence and timing of heat so as to individually control.

  For example, when the display device main body 1 is being deployed outside the storage unit main body 3, the control unit 22 keeps the switch 21 off until the end of the display device main body 1 passes through the bent portion 11a. After recognizing from the detection signal from the position detection sensor 15 that the end of the main body 1 has passed the bent portion 11a, the switch 21 is turned on. This operation is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

The control unit 22 is, for example, before one of the shape memory alloy member 31 _-1 passes by roller 14 is kept off the switch 33 _-1, past one of the shape memory alloy member 31 _-1 roller 14 Is recognized by the detection signal from the position detection sensor 15, the switch _33-1 is turned on. Furthermore, until before the other of the shape memory alloy member 31 _-2 past the roller 14 is kept off the switch 33 _-2 position detecting sensor 15 that the other of the shape memory alloy member 31 _-2 past the roller 14 After being recognized by the detection signal from, the switch 33 _-2 is turned on. In order to realize such an operation, the display device main body 1 is provided with a mark for detecting that the shape memory alloy materials 31 _-1 and 31 _-2 have passed the roller 14.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which memorize | stores the shape at the time of using a display apparatus in the shape memory alloy material 2 (equivalent to the 1st shape memory alloy material of this invention), as shown in FIG. In addition, another shape memory alloy material 41 (corresponding to the second shape memory alloy material of the present invention) is provided, and the shape when the display device main body 1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion main body 3 is the shape memory alloy material 41 You may make it memorize | store.

  In this case, a first heater 4 that applies heat to the first shape memory alloy material 2 when the display device main body 1 is pulled out from the storage portion main body 3 and used, and the display device main body 1 in the storage portion main body 3. And a second heater 42 for applying heat to the second shape memory alloy material 41 when the shape memory alloy material is stored. Then, the first heater 4 is connected to the first switch 21, and the second heater 42 is connected to the second switch 43. The control unit 22 individually controls on / off of the first heater 4 and the second heater 45 by means of switches 21 and 42 that are separately connected to the respective heaters. In this way, it is possible not only to use the display device body 1 in a more stable state, but also to store the display device body 1 in the storage unit body 3 in a more stable state.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which sticks the heater 4 to the back surface of the shape memory alloy material 2, it is not limited to this. For example, of the pair of rollers 14 shown in FIG. 1, the roller that contacts the back surface of the display device body 1 (the surface on which the shape memory alloy material 2 is affixed) is coiled as shown in FIG. 8. The heater 52 may be built in. The coiled heater 51 is connected to the control unit 22 via a heater power wire 52 and a switch 53. In this case, for example, the control unit 22 turns off the switch 21 when the display device main body 1 is stored in the storage unit main body 3 and transfers the display device main body 1 to the outside of the storage unit main body 3. Switch 21 is turned on.

  In the case where the heater is incorporated in the roller 14, two pairs of rollers are provided. When the display device main body 1 is used by pulling out the display device main body 1 from the inside 3 of the storage portion main body to the two rollers in contact with the back surface of the display device main body 1. A first heater for applying heat to the first shape memory alloy material and a second heater for applying heat to the second shape memory alloy material when the display device main body 1 is stored in the storage unit main body 3 are incorporated. You may make it do.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. Moreover, the shape and structure of each part shown in the said embodiment are only what showed an example of actualization in implementing this invention. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  The display device of the present invention can be wound or bent, and is configured to be compactly storable in the storage unit body. For example, the display device is installed in a place where the storage space is limited, such as in a car, Useful for electronic equipment.

It is a figure which shows the example of whole schematic structure of the display apparatus by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the basic structural example of the display apparatus by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic structural example of the accommodating part main body with which the display apparatus of this embodiment is provided, and the partial structural example of a display apparatus main body. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the electric system containing the heater of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification regarding the shape which restores the display apparatus main body of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification regarding the arrangement | positioning of the shape memory alloy material of this embodiment, and the control method of a heater. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification regarding the shape memory alloy material of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification regarding the heater of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus main body 2 Shape memory alloy material 3 Storage part main body 4 Heater (heater)
21 switch 22 control unit

Claims (4)

A display device body made of a flexible material that can be bent ;
A shape memory alloy material affixed to the back surface of the display device body;
A storage unit body for folding and storing the display device body;
A heater for applying heat to the shape memory alloy material;
A guide that is provided inside the storage unit body and guides the insertion and removal of the display device body;
A position detection sensor for detecting how much the display device main body is exposed from the housing main body;
A controller for controlling on / off of the heater ,
The guide has a bent portion, and due to the presence of the bent portion, the display device body is folded and stored inside the storage portion body.
The control unit performs control to turn on the heater based on a detection signal of the position detection sensor at a timing when an end portion in a storage direction passes through the bent portion when the display device body is pulled out. Display device. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is disposed on a surface of the shape memory alloy material. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is built in a conveyance roller of the display device main body. The shape memory alloy member includes a first shape memory alloy member for storing a shape when using pull the display apparatus main body from the inner portion of the storage body, the display device on the inner portion of the storage body Including a second shape memory alloy material storing a shape when the main body is folded and stored,
Said heater includes a first heater for applying heat to the first shape memory alloy member when using pull the display apparatus main body from the inner portion of the storage body, the inner portion of the storage body A second heater for applying heat to the second shape memory alloy material when the display device body is folded and housed,
The control unit controls on / off of the first heater and the second heater, and the first end of the storage device is pulled out when the first end of the storage device passes through the bent portion. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is turned on .

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