Display device and display auxiliary member

A display device includes: a display having two display panels each having a display-side inclined surface near an outer edge of a display surface, the display being configured to allow parallel arrangement of the two display panels such that the respective inclined surfaces face each other at a joint of the two display panels to form a gap between the inclined surfaces; and at least one translucent part protruding from the display-side inclined surface toward the adjacent display panel in the gap, wherein the translucent part includes in the gap a translucent-side inclined surface that is inclined from one side of the display panel to the other while extending in a direction where the adjacent display panel parts are arrayed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2021/001981, filed on Jan. 21, 2021, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-062556, filed on Mar. 31, 2020. The entire disclosures of the above applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display device for displaying images and a display auxiliary member used in the display device.

Related Art

In recent years, various proposals have been made for a tiling display that is achieved by lining up a plurality of display panels. For example, a display device has been proposed to make a joint between adjacent display panels less noticeable. This display device includes inclined surfaces that serves as a lens that are provided in the vicinity of outer edges of cover bodies (plate-shaped parts) provided on the surfaces of the respective display panels (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6649317). In the display device, the inclined surfaces are located at the joint between the display panels so that an image in the vicinity of the outer edge of one display panel is shifted to a joint-side portion of the adjacent display panel. As a result, for an observer of the display device, an image in the vicinity of the outer edge of the display panel appears to be displayed on the joint between the display panels.

In the above-mentioned display device, the inclined surfaces serving as a lens are provided above the surfaces of the display panels. Therefore, when the thickness of the cover body (plate-shaped part) provided on the surface of each display panel is reduced, the thickness of the lens portion is similarly reduced. Naturally, in this case, the degree of image shift by the lens is reduced accordingly, causing difficulty in displaying the shifted image on the joint of the display panels. On the other hand, when the thickness of the cover body (plate-shaped part) is increased, the thickness of the lens portion is similarly increased. In this case, a sufficient degree of image shift can be secured, though the thickness of the display device itself increases.

In view of these circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device and a display auxiliary member that are capable of making the joint of adjacent display panels less noticeable by using a gap region at this joint of the adjacent display panels.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems. A display device of the present invention includes: a display part having at least two display panel parts each having a display-side inclined surface part in a vicinity of an outer edge of a display surface, the display part being configured to allow parallel arrangement of the at least two adjacent display panel parts such that the respective display-side inclined surface parts face each other at a joint of the two adjacent display panel parts to form a gap region between the respective display-side inclined surface parts; and at least one translucent part configured with a material having translucency so as to protrude from the display-side inclined surface part as a starting point toward the adjacent display panel part in the gap region, wherein the display-side inclined surface parts are each inclined from the display surface side to an opposite surface side of the display surface while extending toward the outer edge of the display surface, and the translucent part includes in the gap region a translucent-side inclined surface that is inclined from one side to the other side of the display panel part in a thickness direction while extending in an array direction where the adjacent display panel parts are arrayed, and an observer-side surface directed to an observer side of the display panel part.

In the display device of the present invention, when a cross section of the display part and the translucent part, cut in the thickness direction of the display panel parts along the array direction, is sectionally viewed in a direction along the joint of the two display panel parts, the translucent part may have a partial region protruding portion that protrudes from a partial region of the display-side inclined surface part, and the translucent-side inclined surface may be inclined toward the observer side of the display panel parts in the thickness direction while extending from one display panel part, out of the adjacent display panel parts, to the other display panel part along the array direction in the partial region protruding portion.

In the display device of the present invention, when a cross section of the display part and the translucent part, cut in the thickness direction of the display panel parts along the array direction, is sectionally viewed in a direction along the joint of the two display panel parts, the translucent part may have an entire region protruding portion that protrudes from an entire region of the display-side inclined surface part, and the translucent-side inclined surface may be inclined toward the observer side of the display panel parts in the thickness direction while extending from one display panel part, out of the adjacent display panel parts, to the other display panel part along the array direction in the entire region protruding portion.

In the display device of the present invention, the translucent part may be provided for each of the display panel parts, and the two translucent parts, corresponding to the two adjacent display panel parts respectively, may be arranged so as to face each other in the array direction in the gap region.

In the display device of the present invention, the number of the translucent parts arranged in the array direction in the gap region may be one.

In the display device of the present invention, the display surfaces of the display panel parts may each have a flat-shaped display-side flat surface that is directed to the observer side of the corresponding display panel part and is continuous with the corresponding display-side inclined surface part, and the observer-side surface may be flush with or lower than the display-side flat surfaces of the display panel parts in the thickness direction of the display panel parts.

A display auxiliary member of the present invention is a display auxiliary member for use in a display device, the display device including a display part having at least two display panel parts each having a display-side inclined surface part in a vicinity of an outer edge of a display surface, the display-side inclined surface part being inclined from the display surface side toward an opposite surface side of the display surface, while extending to the outer edge of the display surface, the display part being configured to allow parallel arrangement of the at least two adjacent display panel parts such that the respective display-side inclined surface parts face each other at a joint of the two adjacent display panel parts to form a gap region between the display-side inclined surface parts, the display auxiliary member including at least one translucent part configured with a material having translucency so as to protrude from the display-side inclined surface part as a starting point toward the adjacent display panel part in the gap region, wherein the translucent part includes in the gap region a translucent-side inclined surface that is inclined from one side to the other side of the display panel parts in a thickness direction while extending in an array direction where the adjacent display panel parts are arrayed, and an observer-side surface directed to an observer side of the display panel parts. In the display auxiliary member of the present invention, when a cross section of the display part and the translucent part, cut in the thickness direction of the display panel parts along the array direction, is sectionally viewed in a direction along the joint of the two display panel parts, the translucent part may have a partial region protruding portion that protrudes from a partial region of the display-side inclined surface part, and the translucent-side inclined surface may be inclined toward the observer side of the display panel parts in the thickness direction while extending from one display panel part, out of the adjacent display panel parts, to the other display panel part along the array direction in the partial region protruding portion.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The display device and the display auxiliary member of the present invention can demonstrate an excellent effect of being able to make the joint of adjacent display panels less noticeable by using a gap region at this joint of the adjacent display panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIGS.1to8are examples of the embodiments of the invention, in which component members denoted by the same signs as those inFIGS.1A and1Brepresent the same component members.

First Embodiment

A display device1in a first embodiment of the present invention includes a display part2, translucent parts3, and a control part (not shown) that controls the display part2(display panel parts20).

Display Part

The display part2includes at least two display panel parts20as shown inFIGS.1A and1B. The display panel parts20each displays an image under the control of the control part. Examples of the display panel parts20include liquid crystal panels and organic electroluminescent (EL) panels. The display panel parts20each include a display body part20A and a plate-shaped cover part21provided on the surface of the display body part20A. The display body part20A displays an image. For example, in the case of a liquid crystal panel, the display body part20A is constituted of a color filter, a liquid crystal layer, a polarization plate, a drive circuit, and the like. For example, in the case of an organic EL panel, the display body part20A is constituted of an organic EL layer, a glass substrate, a drive circuit, and the like. The cover part21covers the surface of the display body part20A. The cover part21is formed into a plate shape by a translucent material having translucency. Examples of the translucent material include transparent resins and glass. The cover part21may have a thickness that is uniform over the entire region or may have different thickness depending on the locations. The display panel parts20are assumed to be in square shapes in a plan view viewed from the side that faces a display surface24. However, the shape of the display panel parts20are not limited thereto, and the display panel parts20may be in other shapes.

The display panel parts20each include a display region22and a non-display region23. In the display region22, an image is displayed through the display surface24. The display surface24corresponds to the surface of the cover part21. In the non-display region23, no image is displayed. The non-display region23is adjacent to the display region22. Specifically, the non-display region23is provided at the positions adjacent to display-side inclined surface part26described below. In the non-display region23, a frame (bezel) of the display panel part20is provided, for example.

The display surface24of the display panel part20(the cover part21) includes, as shown inFIG.1A, a display-side flat surface part25and the display-side inclined surface part26. The display-side flat surface part25is a flat portion that occupies most of the display surface24. The display-side inclined surface part26constitutes at least part of an outer edge of the display surface24. The display-side inclined surface part26is continuous with the display-side flat surface part25, and is provided in a band-shaped region that extends along an outer edge24A of the display surface24in the vicinity of the outer edge24A. The display-side inclined surface part26is inclined from the display-side flat surface part25toward an opposite surface27(the back surface of the display panel part20), which is provided opposite to the display-side flat surface part25, while extending toward the outer edge24A of the display surface24. Specifically, the display-side inclined surface part26is inclined toward the opposite surface27(the back surface of the display panel part20) opposite side to the display-side flat surface part25in a thickness direction B of the display panel part20, while extending from a boundary K with the display-side flat surface part25as a starting point toward the side away from the display-side flat surface part25(the side closer to the non-display region23). Hereinafter, the thickness direction B of the display panel part20is referred to as a display panel thickness direction B.

When the two display panel parts20, as shown inFIG.1B, are moved by a display panel part moving mechanism (not shown) such that the non-display regions23are closer to each other, the display panel parts20are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in parallel, with the respective non-display regions23interposed between the respective display regions22. In this state, the respective non-display regions23are interposed between the respective display regions22, and longitudinal side surfaces23C of the non-display regions23in the two display panel parts20face each other and are in contact with each other. The contact portion forms a boundary23B between the adjacent non-display regions23. As a result, in a joint G of the display panel parts20, the display-side inclined surface parts26of the two display panel parts20face each other in an array direction A of the display panel parts20. Between the respective display-side inclined surface parts26, a gap region28is formed. The gap region28, as shown as a region encircled with a dotted line inFIG.2A, indicates a region surrounded with the display-side inclined surface parts26including virtual display-side inclined surface parts26C (see a dotted line portion) continuous with the translucent parts3, surfaces23A of the non-display regions23, and virtual extension surface parts25A obtained by virtually extending the display-side flat surface parts25. In the present embodiment, the translucent parts3are arranged entirely in the gap region28. However, the arrangement is not limited to this configuration. The translucent parts3may be arranged at least partially in the gap region28. For example, the translucent parts3may partially protrude from the gap region28toward an observer side. Hereinafter, the array direction A of the display panel parts20is referred to as display panel array direction A.

In the thus-configured display part2having two adjacent display panel parts20, the display region22on one side may display one side of a continuous image, and the display region22on the other side may display the other side of the continuous image. Since the non-display regions23are located between the display regions22, which correspond to the adjacent display panel parts20, the continuous image is naturally displayed in a separated state. The translucent parts3, which are described later, function as display auxiliary members so that the separated continuous image can be connected and displayed as a single continuous image.

Translucent Part

The translucent part3is configured with a translucent material having translucency. Examples of the translucent material include transparent resins and glass. In the present embodiment, the translucent part3is provided for each display panel part20as shown inFIGS.1A and1B. The translucent parts3in the present embodiment are formed and integrated with the cover parts21.

The translucent parts3are each configured so as to protrude from the display-side inclined surface part26as a starting point in the gap region28toward the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A as shown inFIGS.1B and2A. The translucent parts3in the present embodiment are each configured to include a partial region protruding portion that protrudes from a partial region26A (a virtual display-side inclined surface part26C) of the display-side inclined surface part26as a starting point. Note that in the present embodiment, the partial region26A (virtual display-side inclined surface part26C) of the display-side inclined surface part26is continuous with the display-side flat surface part25. In the present embodiment, the two translucent parts3, which correspond to the respective adjacent display panel parts20are adjacent to each other and in parallel with the display panel array direction A in the gap region28, and face each other in the display panel array direction A. Note that the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26may be not continuous with the display-side flat surface part25, and may be a region away from the display-side flat surface part25toward a depth side (the side of the opposite surface27) in the display panel thickness direction B. In that case, the translucent parts3protrude from a deeper side than the display-side flat surface part25in the display panel thickness direction B (the side of the opposite surface27), as a starting point, and therefore a step is formed between the translucent part3and the display-side flat surface part25. When the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26is continuous with the display-side flat surface part25, the above-mentioned step is not formed, and as a result, an observer can see the display screen without any discomfort.

The translucent parts3are each configured to include, as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, a segment where a cross section, cut in the display panel thickness direction B along the display panel array direction A, has a smaller area, or the cross section in the display panel thickness direction B has a smaller width of the cross section as it approaches the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A. One end of each segment constitutes a distal end of each of the translucent parts3in the protruding direction (display panel array direction A). Such translucent parts3each include a continuous part40, an observer-side surface41, and a non-observer-side surface42. The continuous part40is part of the translucent part3which is continuous with the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26(the cover part21). When the cross section of the display device1, cut in the display panel thickness direction B along the display panel array direction A, is sectionally viewed from the joint extending direction C along the joint of the two display panel parts20, the continuous parts40in the present embodiment are continuous with the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26as shown inFIG.2A. The partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26in the present embodiment are regions extending to the middle of the display-side inclined surface parts26from each boundary K between the display-side inclined surface part26and the display-side flat surface part25, as a starting point. The partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26may each be a middle region of the corresponding display-side inclined surface part26, the middle region extending from a middle position of the display-side inclined surface part26that is deeper in the display panel thickness direction B than the boundary K as a starting point toward another midway position of the display-side inclined surface part26that is further deeper in the display panel thickness direction B. Since the translucent parts3are formed and integrated with the cover parts21in the present embodiment, the translucent parts3and the cover parts21are inseparable. However, the translucent parts3and the cover parts21may be configured as separable individual members as will be described later in <Second Embodiment>. In that case, the translucent parts3and the cover parts21are in contact with each other and are separably continuous.

Here, for the convenience of the following description, based on the positional relation in the case where an observer100sees the display device1from a surface-perpendicular direction H perpendicular to the display-side flat surface parts25of the display panel parts20, the side approached from the display device1to the observer100in the surface-perpendicular direction H is defined as an observer side, and the side approached from the observer100to the display device1, i.e., the side opposite to the observer side, is defined as a non-observer side. In the following description, the surface-perpendicular direction H perpendicular to the display-side flat surface parts25of the display panel parts20is simply referred to as display surface-perpendicular direction H. Since the display surface-perpendicular direction H in the present embodiment is parallel to the display panel thickness direction B, the definition of the observer side and the non-observer side are similarly applied to the display panel thickness direction B. The display surface-perpendicular direction H may also be read as the display panel thickness direction B as appropriate.

The observer-side surfaces41are the surfaces directed to the observer side and face the observer100in the display surface-perpendicular direction H. In the present embodiment, the observer-side surfaces41each extend toward the display panel part20(the translucent part3) that is adjacent to the display panel part20corresponding to each of them from the boundary K between the display-side inclined surface part26and the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24as a starting point.

The observer-side surfaces41in the present embodiment each include a parallel surface part410and an inclined surface part411, as shown inFIG.2A. The parallel surface parts410each extend toward the display panel part20(the translucent part3) that is adjacent to the display panel part20corresponding to each of them so as to be continuous with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24and in parallel with the display-side flat surface part25. As a result, the parallel surface parts410are flush with the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24. Note that the parallel surface parts410may be located on the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B than the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24. In other words, the observer-side surfaces41may be located on the same position as the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24or located on the non-observer side than the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel thickness direction B.

The inclined surface parts411are each constituted of a curved surface that is continuous with the parallel surface part410and that is inclined with respect to the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24or the parallel surface part410. When the cross section of the display device1, cut in the display panel thickness direction B along the display panel array direction A, is sectionally viewed as shown inFIG.2A, the inclined surface parts411of the two adjacent observer-side surfaces41in the present embodiment are inclined so as to be directed to the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B while extending from the corresponding display panel part20to the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A.

The non-observer-side surfaces42are directed to the non-observer side in the display surface-perpendicular direction H. The non-observer-side surfaces42extend toward the display panel part20(the translucent part3) that is adjacent to each display panel part20corresponding to each of them, from respective edges40A of the continuous parts40, which are distal from the observer100in the display surface-perpendicular direction H, as starting points. When the cross section of the display device1, cut in the display panel thickness direction B along the display panel array direction A, is sectionally viewed, the two adjacent non-observer-side surfaces42in the present embodiment are inclined, as shown inFIG.2A, so as to be directed to the observer side in the display panel thickness direction B (the display surface-perpendicular direction H) while extending from the corresponding display panel part20to the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A. The non-observer-side surfaces42in the present embodiment are each constituted of a protruding curved surface protruding to the outside. However, the non-observer-side surfaces42are not limited thereto, and may each be constituted of a recessed curved surface that is recessed toward the inside, or a flat surface. Moreover, the non-observer-side surfaces42each have, as shown inFIG.2B, an overlap region Q that faces and overlaps with the entire non-display region23in the display panel thickness direction B (the display surface-perpendicular direction H). This can hide at least part of the non-display regions23from the observer100.

The inclined surface parts411of the observer-side surfaces41and at least part of the non-observer-side surfaces42are inclined as described above. These inclined surfaces, which are the inclined surfaces in the translucent parts3(hereinafter, referred to as translucent-side inclined surfaces as appropriate), can each refract or reflect light from an image displayed on one display-side inclined surface part26corresponding thereto so as to shift the image to the other adjacent display-side inclined surface part26side (non-display region23side). When the translucent-side inclined surfaces include a protruding curved surface in particular, the translucent-side inclined surfaces serve as a magnifying and shifting lens. In other words, when the observer100sees the observer-side surfaces41in the display surface-perpendicular direction H at a position facing the translucent parts3, an image displayed on one display-side inclined surface part26appears as if being shifted to the adjacent other display-side inclined surface part26side. In the case where the degree of shift is very small, the image displayed on one display-side inclined surface part26may appear as if the image is floating in the display surface-perpendicular direction H without being shifted and is displayed on the observer-side surface41, when the observer100sees in a plan view the display surfaces24in the display surface-perpendicular direction H.

While the translucent-side inclined surfaces are at least partially arranged in the gap region28, it is preferable that the translucent-side inclined surfaces be arranged in the gap region28in its entirety in particular. In addition, the translucent-side inclined surfaces serving as the non-observer-side surfaces42may each preferably include an overlap region Q that faces and overlaps with a region of the display-side inclined surface part26located on the non-observer side than the continuous part40(the edge40A) in the display panel thickness direction B, or the non-observer-side surface23.

The two adjacent translucent parts3in the present embodiment have, as shown inFIG.2B, an overlap region29where the two adjacent translucent parts3overlap as viewed from the display surface-perpendicular direction H (display panel thickness direction B). Therefore, the observer-side surface41of one translucent part3extends so as to enter the lower side of the non-observer-side surface42of the other translucent part3(on the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B). At the time, a portion41A of the observer-side surface41of one translucent part3is located on the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B than a portion42A of the non-observer-side surface42of the other translucent part3, and has an overlap region (corresponding to the overlap region29) that faces and overlaps with the portion42A of the non-observer-side surface42of the other translucent part3in the display panel thickness direction B (the display surface-perpendicular direction H). This allows an area that is located on the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B than the translucent parts3to be invisible to the observer100. Note that it is naturally preferable that the two adjacent translucent parts3not be in contact with each other. This absence of contact serves to prevent the translucent parts3from being damaged.

The overlap region29also overlaps with the non-display regions23as seen in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B) as shown inFIG.2B. In other words, as seen in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B), the non-observer-side surfaces42each have a region overlapped with the non-display region23. Hence, the two non-display regions23are not seen through a gap between the two adjacent translucent parts3in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B). Furthermore, the overlap region29extends over a boundary23B between the adjacent non-display regions23, as seen in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B). Note that the overlap region29may be configured so as not to extend over the boundary23B.

Modifications of Translucent Parts

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the translucent parts3may be configured to contain aspects different from that described above, in which the observer-side surfaces41and the non-observer-side surfaces42are constituted of curved surfaces, flat surfaces, or a mixture of curved surfaces and flat surfaces. In such cases, the translucent parts3are also each configured to include a segment where a cross section, cut in the display panel thickness direction B along the joint extending direction C extending along the joint between the two display panel parts20, has a smaller area, or the cross section in the display panel thickness direction B has a smaller width as it approaches the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A. One end of each segment is a distal end of each of the translucent parts3in the protruding direction (display panel array direction A).

In the above-described translucent parts3, as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the observer-side surfaces41are each constituted of a flat surface (the parallel surface part410) and a curved surface in a protruding curved shape (the inclined surface part411). However, as shown in the translucent part3on the left side inFIG.3Aand the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.3B, for example, the observer-side surface41may be constituted of only the parallel surface part410continuous with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24in the display panel part20. Moreover, as shown in the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.4A, the observer-side surfaces41may each be constituted of only the inclined surface part411that is continuous with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24in the display panel part20. Moreover, as shown in the translucent part3on the right side inFIG.3Aand the translucent part3on the right side inFIG.3C, the observer-side surface41may be constituted of the parallel surface part410continuous with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24in the display panel part20and the flat-shaped inclined surface part411continuous with the parallel surface part410. The inclined surface part411of the observer-side surface41, shown in the translucent part3on the right side inFIG.3Aand in the translucent part3on the right side inFIG.3C, is inclined so as to be directed to the non-observer side in the display panel thickness direction B, while extending from the corresponding display panel part20to the adjacent display panel part20along the display panel array direction A. Such inclined surface parts411in the translucent parts3are also included in the scope of the present invention. Note that the translucent parts3on the right and left sides inFIG.4B are each constituted of a flat surface (the parallel surface part410), and an inclined surface in a protruding curved shape (the inclined surface part411in the protruding curved shape) like the translucent parts3shown inFIGS.2A and2B.

In the above description, as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the non-observer-side surfaces42are each constituted of an inclined surface in a protruding curved shape that is continuous with the continuous part40. However, as shown in the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.3A, for example, the non-observer-side surfaces42may each be constituted of only a flat-shaped inclined surface (the inclined surface part421) that is continuous with the continuous part40. Moreover, as shown in the translucent part3on the right side inFIG.3C, the non-observer-side surface42may be constituted of only a flat surface (the parallel surface part420) that is continuous with the continuous part40and extends from the corresponding display panel part20toward the adjacent display panel part20and in parallel with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24in the display panel part20. Moreover, as shown in the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.3B, the translucent part3on the left side inFIG.3C, and the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.4A, the non-observer-side surfaces42may each be constituted of a flat surface (the parallel surface part420) that is continuous with the continuous part40and extends from the corresponding display panel part20toward the adjacent display panel part20and in parallel with the display-side flat surface part25of the display surface24in the display panel part20, and an inclined surface (the inclined surface part421) in a flat shape or a protruding curved shape continuous with the flat surface. As shown in the translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.4B, the non-observer-side surfaces42may each be constituted of a flat-shaped inclined surface in a flat shape (a flat-shaped inclined surface part421A) continuous with the continuous part40and a recessed curved surface-shaped inclined surface in a recessed curved surface shape (a recessed curved surface-shaped inclined surface part421B) continuous with the flat-shaped inclined surface (the flat-shaped inclined surface part421A). The protruding curved surfaces described above are curved surfaces protruding to the outside of the translucent parts3, and the recessed curved surfaces are curved surfaces recessed toward the inside of the translucent parts3. The translucent parts3on both the right and left sides inFIG.4Beach have a lens31in a segment including the distal end of the translucent part3in the protruding direction (the display panel array direction A). The lens31has an inclined surface in the protruding curved surface shape on the observer side (one surface side) and an inclined surface in the recessed curved surface shape orthogonal to the inclined surface in the protruding curved surface shape at the distal end of the translucent part3on the non-observer side (an opposite surface side opposite to the one surface). According to the lens, parallax can be reduced, and the thickness of the lens can be reduced while increasing the magnification factor toward the distal end.

The two adjacent translucent parts3shown inFIGS.3A,3C and4Bhave an overlap region29where the two adjacent translucent parts3overlap with each other in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (display panel thickness direction B). When the overlap region29is provided, it is naturally preferable that the two adjacent translucent parts3be not in contact with each other. On the other hand, the two adjacent translucent parts3shown inFIGS.3B and4Ado not have the overlap region29where the two adjacent translucent parts3overlap with each other. Such aspects are also included in the scope of the present invention. When the two adjacent translucent parts3do not have the overlap region29, the two adjacent translucent parts3may be configured to be in contact with each other at their distal ends so as to hide the non-display regions23. However, in view of reducing the risk of damage, the two adjacent translucent parts3may be configured to avoid contact with each other.

In addition, all of the above-described combinations of the observer-side surface41and the non-observer-side surface42are included in the scope of the present invention. The translucent parts3move an image displayed on the display-side inclined surface parts26corresponding to one of them so that the image floats up to the observer-side surfaces41. At the time, the translucent-side inclined surfaces shift the image partially displayed on one display-side inclined surface part26to the other display-side inclined surface part26side (the non-display region23side). The degree of shift distance depends on the positional relation between the display-side inclined surface parts26and the translucent-side inclined surfaces, the relative inclination angle, the size, and the like. According to the aspect of the translucent-side inclined surfaces of the translucent parts3, the translucent parts3may each be configured as a convex lens that magnifies and shifts at least part of an image and moves the image so as to float up to the observer-side surfaces41. The translucent parts3may also each be configured as a prism that simply shifts part of an image and moves the image so as to float up to the observer-side surfaces41, or configured as a member that moves at least part of an image so as to float up to the observer-side surfaces41without hardly shifting the image. As a result, images displayed on the display-side inclined surface parts26, which are hardly visible to the observer100in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B), can be converted to images visible to the observer100at the joint of the two adjacent display panel parts20corresponding to the non-display regions23.

When the translucent parts3function as a convex lens or a prism in particular, one translucent part3can shift one side of a continuous image displayed on the corresponding display-side inclined surface part26to the other display-side inclined surface part26side (the non-display region23side). The other translucent part3can shift the other side of the continuous image displayed on the corresponding display-side inclined surface part26to the one display-side inclined surface part26(the non-display region23). This allows a continuous image separated by the non-display regions23to be displayed to the observer100as a connected continuous image due to the translucent parts3shifting the image to the non-display regions23.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B,FIGS.3A to3C, andFIGS.4A and4B, the observer-side surfaces41are preferably located at the same position as that of the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel parts20in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B), or at the position on the non-observer side than the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel parts20. As a result, the translucent parts3have no portion protruding toward the observer side from the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel parts20. However, the translucent parts3is not limited to the above configuration, and the observer-side surfaces41may be located at the position on the observer side than the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel parts20. In this case, it is preferable that the translucent parts3have a portion protruding from the display-side flat surface parts25of the display surfaces24in the display panel parts20toward the observer side, with the protruding portion being minimized. With such configuration of the translucent parts3, the observer100recognizes that the display region22is extended to the gap region28of the display part2, and the non-display regions23are reduced or disappear. As a result, for the observer100, the joint between the two display panel parts20becomes almost unnoticeable, and the display part2is allowed to be seen as if being constituted of a single display panel part20.

Second Embodiment

As shown inFIGS.5A and5B, the display device1in a second embodiment of the present invention includes the display part2, the translucent parts3, and the control part (not shown) as in the case of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cover parts21and the translucent parts3are configured as separate members.

The translucent parts3in the present embodiment are mounted on the display-side inclined surface parts26of the display panel parts20(the cover parts21). The continuous parts40of the translucent parts3in the present embodiment have a shape along the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26, and are configured as continuous surfaces40B as shown inFIG.6. Therefore, when the translucent parts3are mounted on the display-side inclined surface parts26, the continuous surfaces40B (the continuous parts40) entirely come into contact with the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26, and continue to the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the continuous surfaces40B (the continuous parts40) may come into contact with further part of the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26, and may not come into contact with other parts of the partial regions26A. Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the continuous surfaces40B (the continuous parts40) and the partial regions26A of the display-side inclined surface parts26.

The two adjacent translucent parts3in the present embodiment may be coupled by coupling parts44in the state of being in a relative posture and a relative position so as to have an overlap region29where the two adjacent translucent parts3overlap in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B) as shown in FIG.6. In this case, it is preferable that the two adjacent translucent parts3are not in contact with each other. The coupling parts44are each constituted of, for example, a coupling body in a plate shape or a rod shape or the like, and a fixing part that fixes the two translucent parts3and the coupling body (e.g., screws, adhesives, and thermal fusing). The coupling body and the adjacent two translucent parts3are coupled preferably at end parts of the two adjacent translucent parts3in a longitudinal direction or in the vicinity thereof as shown inFIG.5A. With such a configuration, the two adjacent translucent parts3are retained in the gap region28between the adjacent display panel parts20, as in the case of the first embodiment. The positions where the coupling bodies are fixed to the two translucent parts3are not limited to the above-mentioned positions, and the coupling bodies may be fixed at any position.

In the present embodiment, the translucent parts3are separate members from the cover parts21. Therefore, the effect described in the first embodiment can be obtained by simply installing, for the display device1having the gap region28between the adjacent display panel parts20, the translucent parts3in the gap region28.

In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the translucent parts3as described in <Modifications of Translucent Parts> can also be applied. Such modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Third Embodiment

The display device1in a third embodiment of the present invention includes the display part2, the translucent part3, and the control part (not shown) as in the case of the first and second embodiments. In the second embodiment, the translucent part3is provided for each of the two adjacent display panel parts20. As a result, two translucent parts3are provided in the display panel array direction A. In the present embodiment, there is one translucent part3provided between the two adjacent display panel parts20in the display panel array direction A, as shown inFIGS.7A and7B. Note that two or more translucent parts3may be arranged in the joint extending direction C.

As shown inFIG.8, the translucent part3in the present embodiment is an aspect formed by extending the translucent part3, corresponding to one display panel part20in the first and second embodiments, toward the other display panel part20along the display panel array direction A. The non-observer-side surface42is inclined to have an inclination angle α with respect to the observer-side surface41(the parallel surface part410). The translucent part3in the present embodiment extends up to the position overlapped with the display-side inclined surface part26of the other display panel part20as seen from the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B). This is for hiding at least part of the non-display regions23from the observer100. In this case, the translucent part3has a region that faces and overlaps with the display-side inclined surface part26of the other display panel part20in the display surface-perpendicular direction H (the display panel thickness direction B). Note that the translucent part3preferably extends to a boundary K between the display-side flat surface part25and the display-side inclined surface part26of the other display panel part20or to the vicinity thereof as shown by an alternate long and short dash line N inFIG.9A. In order to prevent damage to the translucent part3and the display panel parts20, it is preferable that the translucent part3and the display-side inclined surface parts26be not in contact with each other. However, the configuration where the translucent part3and the display-side inclined surface parts26are in contact with each other is also included in the present invention. In the present embodiment, the translucent part3is provided as a separate member from the cover part21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the translucent part3may be formed and integrated with the cover part21.

As shown inFIGS.9A to9C, the non-observer-side surfaces42having various inclinations are assumed. When the non-observer-side surface42having an inclination angle α is virtually defined as a virtual non-observer-side surface42B, based on the observer-side surface41formed of the parallel surface part410that extends up to the position overlapped with the display-side inclined surface part26of the other display panel part20, the non-observer-side surface42may have an inclination angle θ1that is smaller than the inclination angle α as shown inFIG.9A. As shown inFIG.9B, the non-observer-side surface42may also have an inclination angle θ2that is larger than the inclination angle α. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.9C, the non-observer-side surface42may have an inclination angle θ3that is larger than the inclination angle θ2.

As described in the foregoing, when the non-observer-side surface42has an inclination angles θ1and θ2, the translucent part3protrudes from the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26as a starting point, as shown inFIGS.9A and9B. When the non-observer-side surface42has an inclination angle θ3, the translucent part3protrudes from the entire region of the display-side inclined surface part26as a starting point, as shown inFIG.9C. The portion of the entire region is referred to as an entire region protruding portion in contrast to the partial region protruding portion.

Incidentally, light from the side of an image, displayed on the display-side inclined surface part26, refracts, reflects, or travels straight, depending on the angle of incidence on the translucent part3that is different in refractive index, and propagates to the observer side. At this point, the light passing through the observer-side surface41and traveling in the display surface-perpendicular direction H is recognized by the observer100as an image. As shown inFIGS.9A and9B, when, for example, there is a remaining region26B other than the partial region26A in the display-side inclined surface part26, a space is present between the remaining region26B and the translucent part3. Light from the remaining region26B is incident on the translucent-side inclined surface (the non-observer-side surface42) from the outside of the translucent part3through the space, and the light refracts and propagates to the observer side. At this point, the light passing through the observer-side surface41and traveling in the display surface-perpendicular direction H is recognized by the observer100as an image. The light from the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26is reflected by the translucent-side inclined surface (the non-observer-side surface42) from the inside of the translucent part3. The reflected light then passes through the observer-side surface41and travels in the display surface-perpendicular direction H, or travels straight to the observer-side surface41, passes through the observer-side surface41, and travels in the display surface-perpendicular direction H. When the light from the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26is reflected, and the reflected light passes through the observer-side surface41and travels in the display surface-perpendicular direction H, an image displayed on the partial region26A of the corresponding display-side inclined surface part26is recognized by the observer100as an inverted image. As shown inFIG.9C, when, for example, the entire region of the display-side inclined surface part26is a starting point of the translucent part3, the light from the entire region of the display-side inclined surface part26is reflected by the translucent-side inclined surface (the non-observer-side surface42) from the inside of the translucent part3. The light then passes through the observer-side surface41and travels in the display surface-perpendicular direction H, or travels straight to the observer-side surface41, passes through the observer-side surface41, and travels in the display surface-perpendicular direction H.

To ensure that all the images displayed on the display-side inclined surface part26appear to the observer100as if they were displayed on the observer-side surface41, the translucent part3may be configured such that the light corresponding to all the images displayed on the display-side inclined surface part26passes through the observer-side surface41in the display surface-perpendicular direction H. As the translucent part3, the translucent part3that protrudes from the partial region26A of the display-side inclined surface part26as a protruding start point or the translucent part3that protrudes from the entire region of the display-side inclined surface part26as the protruding start point is present. In both cases, the aspect of the translucent part3is determined in consideration of the correlation between the inclination angle, the size, and the like, of the display-side inclined surface part26and the inclination angle, the size, and the like, of the translucent-side inclined surface (the non-observer-side surface42) with respect to the observer-side surface41(the parallel surface part410). These configurational aspects are also true for <First Embodiment> and <Second Embodiment>.

When an inverted image is displayed on the observer-side surface41, a control part5that controls the display part2(the display panel parts20), may be provided with an inverting part50that inverts an original image portion corresponding to the inverted image and displays the inverted image from the beginning in the display-side inclined surface part26, as shown inFIG.9C. As a result, for the observer100who sees in the display surface-perpendicular direction H, the original image appears on the observer-side surface41. It is also possible to apply or vapor-deposit a prescribed material (e.g. aluminum) on the non-observer-side surface42to prevent light from passing from the non-observer-side surface42to the adjacent display panel part20.

It should be noted that the translucent parts3described in <First Embodiment> to <Third Embodiment> as above functions as a display auxiliary member configured to assist the display in the display part2. Thus, when the translucent parts3are used as the display auxiliary member in known display devices, the effects as described above can be obtained.

The respective elements of the display devices1described in <First Embodiment> to <Third Embodiment> as above can be appropriately combined with one another to form display devices1and display auxiliary members, which are included in the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the display device and the display auxiliary member of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.