JP3468078B2 - Display device and electronic clock - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device for displaying a watermark picture when a light source emits light, and an electronic timepiece having the display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A light emitting device (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-305295) has been invented in which a liquid crystal display device, a white printing layer, a semitransparent layer, a printing layer and an electroluminescence layer are arranged in this order.
According to the present invention, the pattern, logo, etc. printed on the printed layer is shown as a watermark through the light emitted by the electroluminescent element, and when the electroluminescent element is not emitting light, the pattern, logo, etc. printed on the printed layer To make it hard to see.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] When a character is used as a design, it must meet the detailed rules for the copyright of the character, the coloring developed by the person who holds and enforces the right of use, the appearance of fine lines, etc. There must be. There are also strict rules for logos as well. However, JP-A-8-
Since the 305295 uses a white printing layer, the light emitted by the electroluminescent element is colored in the printing color when it passes through the printing layer. After passing through the half mirror, when it passes through the white printing layer, it becomes a blue paint and a white paint. It becomes cloudy when mixed with. In other words, the color does not look exactly like what was originally printed on the print layer, but it appears whitish.

Further, the amount of light emitted from the electroluminescence element is at least halved when passing through the conventional liquid crystal display device after passing through the half mirror. This is because the polarizing plate on the side of the white printing layer transmits linearly polarized light which is directed in a certain direction and absorbs, disperses and does not transmit other polarized light. Therefore, at least half of the light emitted by the electroluminescent element is wasted and becomes dark.

To solve the above problems, the watermark emitted by the light source is efficiently used to provide a brighter watermark picture. In addition, when the light source is an electroluminescent element, it is intended to prevent the printed color from appearing whitish when the light source emits light, and to make the printed color visible when the light source emits when the light source is white. And

[0006]

(First Structure) In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to the present invention comprises:
A first polarization splitting means that transmits linearly polarized light that is directed in a certain direction and does not transmit other linearly polarized light, and a transmission polarization axis that can select either a state in which the polarization axis of the transmitted polarization is changed or a state in which it is not changed. Variable means , a second polarized light separating means for transmitting linearly polarized light in one direction and reflecting other linearly polarized light, a half mirror having different light transmittances on the front and back sides, and a surface of the half mirror having a non-glossy surface. and the light scattering layer for a, a picture, characters, and the light-transmitting film such as has been printed marks and a light source, a first polarization separator, the transmission axis varying means, the second polarized light separating means, light scattering layer, a half mirror, it is arranged to overlap the light-transmitting film, in the order of the light source
The light-transmitting film sandwiched between the light source and the half mirror
At least one is formed smaller than the half mirror,
It is characterized in that it can be moved within the device .

In each of the above structures, the first polarized light separating means can be composed of a conventional polarizing plate. A conventional polarizing plate is a film-shaped member having a function of emitting linearly polarized light in one direction with respect to the incidence of natural light.
It can be formed by sandwiching the polarizing layer with a protective layer of TAC (cellulose triacetate).

The transmission polarization axis varying means can be constructed using, for example, a liquid crystal panel. As liquid crystal, TN (Twis
ted Nematic) liquid crystal, STN (Super-Twisted Nematic)
Liquid crystal, ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringen)
ce) Various liquid crystals such as liquid crystal can be used. In addition, in STN liquid crystal, F-STN (Film Compensat
STN liquid crystals using an optically anisotropic body for color compensation such as ed super-twisted nematic liquid crystals are also included.

The second polarized light separating means is an internationally published international application (International Publication No. WO95 / 17692 or W).
O95 / 27919), a polarization separation film having a structure in which a plurality of thin films are laminated, a polarization separation plate having a structure in which a (1/4) λ plate is arranged on both sides or one side of a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a brew A polarization separating member (S having a structure for separating reflected polarized light and transmitted polarized light by utilizing the angle of a star) (S
ID 92 DIGEST pages 427 to 429
Page), or a polarization separating member using a hologram or the like.

The characteristic features of the display device according to the present invention having the above-described structure are that (A) a light-scattering layer is used instead of the white printing layer, and (B) a rear side of the transmission polarization axis varying means. Instead of the conventional polarizing plate, the second polarized light separating means described in the above structural requirements is provided.

As in the above constituent requirement (A), since the white printing layer is not used, the light emitted from the light source passes through the translucent film on which a picture, a character mark or the like is printed and is colored, and then a blue paint is applied. When mixed with white paint, it does not become whitish as it becomes light blue.

When the second polarized light separating means having the above-mentioned constitution is used instead of the conventional polarizing plate or the like as in the constitutional requirement (B), the light which is conventionally absorbed or dispersed by the polarizing plate is absorbed. The reflection can contribute to the display.

While a general polarizing plate has a function of transmitting linearly polarized light which is directed in a certain direction and not transmitting other polarized light by absorption or the like, the second polarized light separating means used in the present invention is It has a function of transmitting linearly polarized light in one direction and reflecting other linearly polarized light, and in particular, totally reflecting linearly polarized light in a direction orthogonal to the transmission polarization axis. Moreover, the function does not choose front and back. In other words, the same function is achieved regardless of whether the light exits from the surface having the second polarized light separating means to the opposite surface, or vice versa.

In particular, when the half mirror is arranged on the back side of the second polarized light separating means, the second mirror can be formed as in the above-mentioned structural requirement (B).
When the polarization separating means is composed of a conventional polarizing plate, half of the light from the light source that passes through the half mirror is absorbed by the polarizing plate, and therefore, a sufficient amount of light is formed on the translucent film for the viewer. I couldn't see the pictures and letters. On the other hand, if the second polarization splitting means of the present invention uses a polarization splitting element of the type that reflects the linearly polarized light component other than the linearly polarized light in the predetermined direction, instead of absorbing it, as in the above configuration requirement (3), , The transmitted light from the lower surface of the half mirror to the upper surface (in the direction from the light source to the first polarized light separating means) is the second light until it matches the transmission polarization axis of the second polarized light separating means.
Repeated reflection between the polarized light separating means and the half mirror,
Finally, when the polarization axis coincides with the polarization axis of the second polarization separating means, it passes therethrough to reach the viewer. In other words, it becomes possible to provide the viewer with the light amount of the light source that was conventionally wasted by absorption, and as a result,
It is possible to make the illustrations, characters, etc. provided on the translucent film appear bright with a sufficient amount of light as they are formed.

The following various configurations can be considered for the display device having the above configuration.

(Second Structure) Further , the display device of the present invention is a linearly polarized light which is directed in one direction.
The first polarized light that transmits the light and does not transmit the other linearly polarized light.
Light splitting means and state that changes the polarization axis of the transmitted polarized light
Transmission polarized light that can be selected from either
Axis-changing means and linear polarization in one direction are transmitted,
Other than the second polarized light separating means that reflects linearly polarized light other than
Half mirror with different light transmittance, and the above half mirror
The light scattering layer to make the surface of the
Multiple translucent films with letters and marks printed,
A first polarized light separating means, a transmission axis changing means,
2 polarized light separation means, light scattering layer, half mirror, multiple light transmissions
The film and the light source are stacked in this order,
At least one translucent film sandwiched between half mirrors
The sheet is formed smaller than the half mirror and can be moved within the display device.
It is characterized by being movable. It is also conceivable to stack a plurality of translucent films on which patterns, characters, marks, etc. are printed to make a more complicated illustration.

(Third Configuration) Furthermore, the display device of the present invention is a linearly polarized display that is oriented in one direction.
The first that allows light to pass through but does not allow other linearly polarized light to pass through
Polarization splitting means and a state that changes the polarization axis of the transmitted polarized light
The transmission polarization that can be selected from the state and the state that does not change
Optical axis changing means and linear polarized light in one direction are transmitted, and
Second polarized light separating means for reflecting other linearly polarized light,
The second transparent printed with visible patterns, letters, marks, etc.
Half mirror with different light transmittance on the front and back sides
And for making the surface of the above half mirror non-glossy
The light scattering layer, the light source, and the picture displayed when the light source emits light.
First translucent film on which patterns, letters, marks, etc. are printed
And a first polarized light separating means, a transmission axis varying means, and a second polarized light.
Light separating means, second translucent film, light scattering layer, half mirror
The first transparent film and the light source are stacked in this order.
It is characterized by that. When a second translucent film on which a pattern, a character, a mark, etc. is printed is inserted between the second polarized light separating means and the half mirror, they are always visible on the background.
When the light source is not turned on, the pattern, characters, marks, etc. printed on the second translucent film can attract the viewer's heart.

When the light source is further turned on, the picture, characters, marks, etc. printed on the second translucent film become the pictures, characters, marks etc. printed on the first translucent film directly above the light source. They are displayed overlapping and the display can be changed dramatically. Further, by devising a combination of patterns, characters, marks and the like to be printed on the first translucent film and the second translucent film, it is possible to make the display change more enjoyable and attractive. Instead of additionally inserting the second light-transmissive film, the light-scattering layer may be directly printed.

(Fourth Structure) In the above third structure, a part or all of the translucent film sandwiched between the half mirror and the light source is formed smaller than the half mirror so that it can be moved within the display device. It is also possible to do it.

(Fifth Structure) It is conceivable that at least one translucent film sandwiched between the half mirror and the light source is replaceable.

(Sixth Configuration) In the present invention, the second polarized light separating means, the light scattering layer and the half mirror are in close contact with each other.

(Seventh Structure) In the present invention, instead of the half mirror in the display device, a third polarized light separating means, which transmits linear polarized light in one direction and reflects other linear polarized light, is the same as the third polarized light separating means. It is possible to use change separation means. By adjusting the angle θ formed by the transmission polarization axes of the second polarized light separation means and the third modified separation means, the third modified separation means functions like a half mirror.

(Eighth Structure) In the present invention, the angle θ is 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less.

(Ninth Structure) In the present invention, the picture, characters and marks provided on the translucent film are words or phrases consisting of one or several words having a coherent meaning such as company name and product name. That is, a so-called logo, a mark such as a trademark or a mark, a person, an animal, and other appropriate characters can be considered.

(Tenth Structure) In the present invention, the light source may be an electroluminescence element.

(Eleventh Structure) In the present invention, the light source may be a light emitting diode which emits white light.

(Twelfth Structure) In the present invention, the transmission polarization axis varying means may be a liquid crystal panel.

(Thirteenth Structure) In the present invention, the second polarized light separating means can be composed of various polarized light separating elements as described above, but it is desirable that the internationally published international application (International Publication No. WO95). / 17692 or WO
95/27919), and the second polarized light separating means is constituted by using the polarized light separating film having the structure disclosed in JP-A-95 / 27919). The polarization separation film has a multi-layer structure formed by alternately laminating two types of layers A and B, as shown in FIG.
In the two layers adjacent to each other in the stacking direction among the plurality of layers A and B, the refractive index in a certain direction is set to be the same between the two layers, and the refractive index in the direction perpendicular thereto is set to be different between the two layers. Moreover, the layer thickness of each layer is changed.

In FIG. 2, when considering the XYZ orthogonal triaxial directions, the two layers A and B are formed in a multi-layer state by, for example, extrusion molding, and further, one direction (for example, the X direction).
Along one of the other directions (ie Y direction)
Is not stretched to. That is, the X-axis direction is the stretching direction, and the Y-axis direction is the lateral direction. The B material has an index of refraction n _B (eg n _B = 1.64), which is substantially unchanged by the stretching process. On the other hand, the material A has a characteristic that the refractive index changes due to the stretching treatment.
For example, when a sheet made of the material A is stretched in a uniaxial direction, one refractive index n _{AX in the} stretching direction (that is, the X direction).
(For example, n _AX = 1.88) and have different refractive indices n _AY (for example, n _AY = 1.64) in the lateral direction (Y direction).

When the laminated structure of FIGS. 2A and 2B made of materials A and B is stretched in the X direction, a large refractive index difference Δn = 1.88-1.64 = 0.24 occurs in the stretching direction. On the other hand, in the Y direction perpendicular to that, the refractive index difference Δn = 1.64 to 1.64 = 0 between the A and B layers, and there is no difference in refractive index. Due to such optical characteristics, when light is incident on the polarization separation film 12, the polarization component (a) in the transmission axis E direction of the incident light is transmitted through the polarization separation film 12. On the other hand, the polarization component (b) of the incident light in the direction of the absorption axis F faces the refractive index difference Δn and is therefore reflected at that portion.

Furthermore, the layer thicknesses t1, t2, t between the A and B layers
The dimensions of 3, ......... are changed little by little, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to reflect lights (b-1), (b-2) ... with different wavelengths at the boundary surface of each layer. It is like this. That is, it is possible to efficiently reflect light including all kinds of wavelengths by the two-layer structure of A and B having different layer thicknesses. White light can be reflected by setting the combination of the layer thicknesses of the respective layers so as to reflect all wavelengths.

(Fourteenth Structure) In the display device according to at least one of the first to thirteenth structures, the transmission polarization axis of the first polarization separation means and the second polarization separation means A display device having a horizontal transmission polarization axis.

(Fifteenth Structure) An electronic timepiece using at least one display device described in the first to fourteenth structures is also conceivable.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a sectional structure of an embodiment of an electronic wrist watch using a display device according to the present invention as a display unit. This wristwatch comprises, for example, a casing 1 made of plastic, a movement 2 stored inside the casing 1, and a glass plate 3 fixed to the casing 1 and located on the movement 2.
And a back cover 4 for fixing the movement 2. Reference numeral 6 indicates an arm band.

As shown in FIG. 6, the movement 2 includes a panel frame 7, a liquid crystal panel 8 as a transmission polarization axis varying means supported by the panel frame 7, and an outer surface of the liquid crystal panel 8 (upper side in the figure). Polarizing plate 1 as a first polarized light separating means adhered to the front surface) and polarizing plate 1 with liquid crystal panel 8 interposed therebetween.
1, a polarization splitting film 12 as a second polarization splitting means arranged on the side opposite to 1, a light scattering layer 19, and a half mirror 1.
6, a transparent film 17 as a translucent film, a backlight 18 as a light source disposed on the bottom surface side of the transparent film 17, and a battery 9. A logo, characters, etc. can be printed on the transparent film 17.

The polarizing plate 11 is formed of a conventional polarizing plate, and acts so as to transmit linearly polarized light which is directed in a certain direction, and to absorb and disperse other polarized light so as not to be transmitted. Further, the polarization separation film 12 is constituted by a polarization separation film having a structure in which a number of thin films are laminated as shown in FIG. As described above, this polarization separation film 12
Acts so as to transmit a linearly polarized light in a certain direction and reflect the other linearly polarized light instead of absorbing it or the like, and particularly to totally reflect the linearly polarized light in the direction orthogonal to the transmission polarization axis.

The polarized light separating film 12 of the present embodiment.
The layer thicknesses t1, t2, t3, ... (See FIG. 2) of each layer are set so that light of all wavelengths in the visible light range can be reflected. The surface of the polarization separation film 12 facing the liquid crystal panel 8 may be a smooth surface that specularly reflects light, or a light scattering layer, that is, a light diffusion layer. When the surface is smooth, the polarization separation film 1
The reflection image from 2 becomes a specular reflection image. Further, when the light diffusion layer is used, the reflection image from the polarization separation film 12 has no pattern and has a single color (usually white) background color. If a color layer is provided on the surface of the polarization separation film 12, an appropriate color can be added.

The half mirror 16 in FIG. 6 has different light transmittances on the front and back sides, and is formed on the upper surface of the transparent film by vapor deposition or the like. The half mirror 16 has a characteristic that the amount of light passing from the lower side to the upper side is larger than the amount of light passing from the upper side (the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 6) to the lower side. Therefore, the upper surface looks like a mirror with a metallic luster, and the lower surface looks at the tip of the half mirror. The transparent film 17 may have an appropriate logo, a mark such as a trademark, an appropriate character, and various other pictures and characters. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The letter "T" shall be written.

For the transparent film 17, an OHP (overhead projector) sheet dedicated to EPSON Mach jet printer can be used, and if the EPSON inkjet printer PM series is used, logos, marks, characters, characters, etc. can be printed with quality close to that of a photograph. . Also,
What was printed on a transparent film using a color laser printer, a color copying machine, etc. may be used. The backlight 18 is composed of, for example, an EL which is a plane light emitting element.

In FIG. 6, the liquid crystal panel 8 has a pair of transparent glass substrates 13a and 13b facing each other,
A liquid crystal, for example, a TN liquid crystal L is sealed in a so-called cell gap formed between those glass substrates.
As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of transparent segment electrodes 14 for displaying information such as numbers and letters are formed on the glass substrates 13a and 13b. In this embodiment, a transparent segment electrode divided into 7 segments is used as the transparent segment electrode for displaying a one-digit number.

A predetermined voltage can be applied between the pair of transparent segment electrodes 14 formed on each of the pair of glass substrates 13a and 13b and facing each other. , Or no voltage is applied (OFF), the orientation of the liquid crystal L can be set to one of two states. The liquid crystal of the present embodiment does not change the polarization axis of linearly polarized light that passes through the liquid crystal when it is in the ON state, while the polarization axis of linearly polarized light that passes through the liquid crystal when it is in the OFF state is 90%. It is set to twist only by °.

When it is desired to display the background on the display surface of the wristwatch, the liquid crystal panel 8 in that area is turned off, and when information such as numbers is displayed on the display surface, the liquid crystal panel 8 in that area is turned on. To do.

The operation of the electronic wrist watch having the above-described configuration when the backlight 18 is not lit and when the backlight 18 is lit will be described below. This wristwatch is shown in FIG. 1 when the backlight 18 is not turned on.
Although only the display of the clock is visible as shown in FIG. 3, when the backlight 18 is turned on, pictures and characters such as logos, characters and trademarks printed on the transparent film 17 are projected brightly as shown in FIG. In this case, the portion where the time is displayed, that is, the portion where the segment of the liquid crystal panel 8 is in the ON state does not pass the light emitted by the backlight 18, and thus appears dark. Therefore, a black time is displayed on the background of the bright watermark picture.

The clock display when the backlight 18 is off and the display when the backlight 18 is on will be individually described below with reference to FIG. Arrow P, arrow Q
Represents the optical path of light relating to the display of a normal clock, and is indicated by arrow C,
The arrow D represents the optical path of the light emitted by the backlight 18.

(When only clock information is displayed using external light) When display is performed using external light (sunlight, indoor / outdoor illumination light), a non-glossy white background is displayed. Only clock information such as numbers can be displayed in glossy silver metallic metallic style. The principle will be described below.

When the segment electrode 14 is off, the background is displayed. Of the external light, as indicated by the arrow P in FIG.
The linearly polarized light in the horizontal direction with respect to the paper surface is transmitted through the polarizing plate 11, and the liquid crystal panel 8 in the OFF state twists the polarization direction by 90 ° to become linearly polarized light in the vertical direction with respect to the paper surface. The linearly polarized light is transmitted through the polarization separation film 12 and then reflected by the half mirror 16.

At this time, since the light scattering layer 19 is provided on the upper surface of the half mirror, the reflected light is diffusely reflected. Since the reflected light is diffusely reflected, the background becomes non-glossy and generally white. When the light scattering layer 19 is not provided, the background has a glossy mirror surface. Since the time information described later is displayed in a glossy silver metallic tone, the visibility is not good because the glossy silvery time is displayed on the glossy mirror surface without the light scattering layer 19.

The light reflected by the half mirror 16 passes through the polarization separation film 12, the liquid crystal panel 8 and the polarizing plate 11 and is recognized by the viewer.

The light diffusely reflected by the light-scattering layer 19 contains a component whose polarization axis is deviated, and the light component is reflected by the polarization separation film 12 and returns to the light-scattering layer 19 again. After repeating the reflection until the polarization axis of the separation film 12 is aligned, the light exits upward. In contrast,
In the conventional structure using the conventional polarizing plate instead of the polarization separation film 12, the light component whose polarization axis is deviated is absorbed by the polarizing plate and does not escape upward. That is, according to the present embodiment using the polarization separation film 12, the light scattering layer 1
The light reflected at 9 can be efficiently guided to the outside. In other words, the rate of external light being reflected by the polarization separation film 12 and returning to the outside of the display device is increased. Therefore, the patterns, characters, marks, etc. printed on the translucent film 17 under the half mirror 16 are completely invisible. At the same time, a bright and easy-to-see background can be obtained.

Next, when displaying information such as numbers using external light, the segment electrodes 14 are turned on.
Then, as shown by the arrow Q, the linearly polarized light in the horizontal direction of the paper surface is extracted from the external light by the polarizing plate 11, and the linearly polarized light is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 8. At this time, since the segment electrode 14 is in the ON state, the polarization direction of the linearly polarized light is maintained in the horizontal direction on the paper surface without being twisted. Therefore, the linearly polarized light is reflected between the respective layer surfaces in the polarization separation film 12 according to the wavelength. The reflected light is displayed outside after being sequentially transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 8 and the polarizing plate 11.
As a result, of the transparent segment electrodes 14 shown in FIG. 11, the segment portions in the ON state are displayed in a glossy silver metallic metallic tone as shown in FIG.

(When the backlight 18 is turned on so that a picture or a character is raised to the background) The backlight 18 of FIG.
When is turned on, a picture or a character printed on the transparent layer 17 appears in the portion where the segment electrode 14 is in the OFF state and the portion where the segment electrode 14 is not present (arrow C). On the other hand, when the segment electrode 14 is in the ON state, the light emitted by the backlight cannot pass through the polarizing plate 11 and is absorbed, so that it looks dark (arrow D).

The optical path of arrow C will be described in detail. The light emitted by the backlight 18 is colored when a picture or a character passes through the transparent film 17 printed with a translucent ink. At this time, the light becomes a color in which the color of the backlight and the color of the ink are mixed. If the backlight is white, the color of the ink becomes the color of light as it is. The light colored by the transparent film 17 passes through the half mirror 16 and the light scattering layer 1
After passing through 9, the polarized light separating film 12 extracts linearly polarized light in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and the other light is reflected back to the light scattering layer 19.

The light diffusely reflected by the light scattering layer 19 includes a component whose polarization axis is deviated, and the light is reflected by the polarization separation film 12 and returns to the light scattering layer 19 again to return to the polarization separation film. After repeating the reflection until it matches the 12 polarization axes, it goes out upward. On the other hand, in the conventional structure using the conventional polarizing plate instead of the polarization separation film 12, the light component whose polarization axis is deviated is absorbed by the polarizing plate and does not escape upward. That is, according to the present embodiment using the polarization separation film 12, the backlight 18
The light emitted by can be efficiently guided to the outside.
You can get a clear and bright watermark picture.

The linearly polarized light in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface passing through the polarization separation film 12 is converted into the linearly polarized light in the horizontal direction on the paper surface by twisting the polarization direction of the linearly polarized light by 90 ° by the liquid crystal having the segment electrodes in the OFF state. This linearly polarized light passes through the polarizing plate 11 and is emitted to the outside, and it looks as it is printed on the transparent layer 17. In other words, the picture and the characters as they are printed on the transparent film 17 are mixed with the emission color of the backlight, but after that, the color tone does not change and it brightly appears on the background. Further, since the EL emission color is light, a color close to the color printed on the transparent film 17 can be seen.

Although not shown in FIG. 1 in close contact, if the light scattering layer 19, the half mirror 16 and the polarization separation film 12 are in close contact, a picture printed on the transparent film 17 due to diffuse reflection by the light scattering layer 19 and The outline of the image of the character is hardly blurred. Further, since the light scattering layer 19 is not colored, the color tone does not change.

Next, the optical path of the arrow D will be described in detail. The light emitted by the backlight is the same as the light of arrow C up to the point where the linearly polarized light in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is extracted by the polarization separation film 12.

The linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface is transmitted by the liquid crystal in which the segment electrodes 14 are in the ON state without changing the polarization direction. Since the polarization axis of this linearly polarized light is perpendicular to the paper surface, it is absorbed or dispersed by the polarizing plate 11 and is prevented from exiting to the outside. Therefore, this portion is recognized as black from the outside.

As described above, when the display is made by using the light emitted from the backlight 18 when it is dark and the external light does not enter, the picture or character printed on the transparent film 17 is highlighted by the light emitted by the backlight 18. Information such as numbers is displayed in a dark black color on the background.

In this embodiment, an electroluminescent element is used as the light source 18, but if a white light source is used, the color printed on the transparent film 17 can be seen. As a white light source, an LED element in which the three primary colors of light are collected in one housing is sufficiently small and can be incorporated in a wristwatch. The light emitted from the LED element can be uniformly emitted to the display surface by using the light guide plate.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the display device and the electronic timepiece according to the invention. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that transparent films are overlapped to enable more complicated expression, that the transparent film 17b is movable, and the transparent film 17 is used.
This is that the movable range of the transparent film b is fixed by c. The transparent film b is thinner than the transparent film 17c and can move in the space secured by the transparent film 17c. The transparent film may be PET, which is a material for PET bottles.

FIG. 15 shows the transparent film 17a, which is arranged below the transparent film 17b.
It is possible to print patterns, illustrations, characters, etc. that make the character 7b stand out psychologically and sensibly.

FIG. 16 shows the transparent film 17b, which has a disk-shaped outer shape, so that when the clock is shaken, the transparent film 17b also shakes, rotates, or moves. Therefore, the user of the timepiece can actively change the display, which makes the timepiece more enjoyable. The combination of patterns, illustrations, and characters printed on the transparent film 17a increases the degree of freedom of expression and interest. The dotted line represents the outer shape of 17a, and shows the size and positional relationship with 17b.

FIG. 17 shows a transparent film 17c, which is a plain transparent film whose position is fixed by the panel frame 7 of FIG. The transparent film 17c is arranged on the same plane as the transparent film 17b.
The movable range of is limited to the box. The dotted line represents the outer shape of the transparent film 17a.
The size and positional relationship with c are shown. In this embodiment, since the transparent film 17b is prevented from coming to the place where the hour and minute digits of the time are displayed, the backlight 18
When is turned on, the character and the hour and minute, which are the important digits of the time, are not overlapped so that the time can be easily read.

FIG. 18 shows a display example when the backlight 18 is turned on. Moveable and rotatable transparent film 17
The character printed on b appears with the pattern printed on the transparent film 17a. A black time is displayed on it. You can make the character dance and play by shaking the clock.

The number of movable transparent films is not limited to one, and the movable range may have a complicated shape.
Also, any number of transparent films on which illustrations are printed may be stacked.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a developmental embodiment of the first embodiment, which is always visible between the polarization separation film 12 and the light scattering layer 19 with respect to the timepiece of the first embodiment. Transparent film 17 as the second translucent film to be
d is inserted.

FIG. 19 shows a transparent film 17 which is always visible.
Indicates d. FIG. 20 shows a transparent film 17e as the first translucent film. The pictures and characters printed on the transparent film 17d are always visible as a background in a display mode using external light, and the pictures printed on the transparent film 17e when the backlight 18 is turned on. And it overlaps with the illustration and emerges as shown in Fig. 21.

For example, when the transparent film 17d is colored yellow, glossy silver-colored time information is displayed on a yellow background in a display mode using external light. In addition, if the picture printed on the transparent film 17d and the picture printed on the transparent film 17e are related to each other, the display when the backlight 18 is off and the display when the backlight 18 is on are related. Can be made. On the contrary, it is possible to make a dramatic change in the display when the backlight 18 is off and the display when the backlight 18 is on.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is an application of the present invention to a table clock and is a vertical sectional view of the table clock. The clock display surface is on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. The feature of this embodiment is that the transparent film 17 on which pictures, characters, etc. are printed can be easily replaced by the user of the timepiece according to his / her mood.

The transparent film 17 is only sandwiched between the knob members 34. The knob member 34 has a structure in which it can be separated from the housing 35 only by pulling it up in the drawing. Therefore, the transparent film 17 can be easily replaced. You can print logos, trademarks, illustrations, photos, etc. for corporate advertising on the transparent film 17 to make a commemorative clock, or you can print personal illustrations, photos, etc.
It can also be the user's original clock.

As a personal original clock, it is conceivable to print a photograph of the user's family, children, lover, pet or the like. At night, when the room is darkened and the backlight of the clock is turned on, those pictures emerge.

Other parts will be described. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view, and the clock display surface is on the left side of the drawing. The knob 34 can be separated from the housing 35. Similar to FIG. 1, a polarizing plate 11 (first polarized light separating means), a liquid crystal panel 8, a polarized light separating film 12 (second polarized light separating means), a light scattering layer 19, a half mirror 16 and a transparent film 17 are arranged from the left side of the drawing. The backlight is composed of a light guide plate 23 and LEDs (light emitting diodes) 24. The light emitting surface of the LED 24 faces the light guide plate 23, and the light emitted by the LED 24 enters the light guide plate 24. The light guide plate 23 has a function of radiating the light emitted by the LED 24 to the display surface almost uniformly.

If the LED 24 is a white LED, the color as printed on the transparent film 17 is displayed. Of multiple colors
By selecting an LED of a certain color from the LEDs so that the LED can emit light, a picture, a photograph, a character, etc. printed on the transparent film 17 can be colored with the emission color of the LED according to the mood. Further, it is also possible to cause LEDs of a plurality of colors to emit light at the same time to color pictures, photographs, characters, etc. printed on the transparent film 17 with light of an intermediate color.

The arrow P indicates the external light optical path where the segment electrode is OFF, and the arrow Q indicates the external light optical path where the segment electrode is ON. The arrow C shows the backlight optical path in the part where the segment electrode is OFF, and the arrow Q shows the backlight optical path in the part where the segment electrode is ON. The operating principle is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

The substrate 20 has a clock counting and display, and an LED 24.
CPU21 which controls the light emission of is mounted. Although not particularly shown, the power is supplied by a known configuration such as a battery and a household AC power supply. Of course, it can be applied to a wristwatch as long as it is waterproof.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure in the case of functioning as a half mirror by adjusting the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film, which is a feature of the present invention. Polarization separation film 12 as second polarization separation means
The upper part is the same as that in FIG. 1 and is omitted. The polarization separation film 25 is a third polarization separation means, and can be made of the same material as the polarization separation film 12, but the transmission polarization axis (E2) of the polarization separation film 25 is the same as the transmission polarization axis (E1) of the polarization separation film 12 and FIG. Forms an angle θ.

FIG. 9a is a diagram showing the transmission polarization axis (E1) of the polarization separation film 12 by an arrow. The component of the light that matches the direction of the arrow in the diagram is transmitted, and the other components are totally reflected. FIG. 9b is a diagram showing the transmission polarization axis (E2) of the polarization separation film 25 (which functions as a half mirror),
The component of the light that matches the direction of the arrow in the figure is transmitted, and the other components are totally reflected.

The arrow P in FIG. 8 indicates the optical path of external light and indicates the optical path of the background portion. The optical path of the part (information display part such as numbers) where the segment electrodes are turned on in the liquid crystal panel is the same as in FIG. The arrow G in FIG. 8 indicates the optical path of the light emitted by the backlight 18. The optical paths after passing through the polarization separation film 12 are the same as the arrows C and D described in FIG.

In the light indicated by the arrow P, the vector component perpendicular to the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 25 is reflected by the polarization separation film 25 (arrow P1), and the polarization separation film 2 is shown.
The vector component horizontal to the transmission polarization axis of 5 is transmitted through the polarization separation film 25 (arrow P2).

By changing the angle θ of the transmission polarization axis shown in FIG. 9b, the ratio between the reflected light (arrow P1) and the transmitted light (arrow P2) can be changed. When θ is 90 degrees, reflected light (arrow P1): transmitted light (arrow P2) =
Since it becomes 100: 0 and all the incident light is reflected, the transmission polarizing film 25 becomes a perfect mirror. Conversely, when θ is set to 0 degrees, reflected light (arrow P1): transmitted light (arrow P2) =
Since it becomes 0: 100 and all incident light is transmitted, the transmission polarizing film 2
5 is simply a transparent film.

As described above, by changing the angle θ of the transmission polarization axis shown in FIG. 9b, the polarization separation film 12
The reflectance of the polarized light separating film 25 of the external light passing through can be adjusted to 0% to 100%.

The arrow G in FIG. 8 indicates the optical path of the light emitted by the backlight 18. The optical paths after passing through the polarization separation film 12 are the same as the arrows C and D described in FIG.

The optical path indicated by the arrow G is the backlight 1
8 is emitted, the vector component perpendicular to the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 25 is reflected by the polarization separation film 25 (arrow G1), and the vector component horizontal to the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 25 is the polarization separation film 25. Through (arrow G2). The light (arrow G1) reflected by the polarization separation film 25 is diffusely reflected by the surface of the backlight 18, and the component whose polarization axis coincides with the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 25 passes through the polarization separation film 25.

In the light passing through the polarization separation film 25, the vector component perpendicular to the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 12 is reflected by the polarization separation film 12 (arrow G3) and is horizontal to the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 12. The vector component passes through the polarization separation film 12 (arrow G4). The optical path of the light after that is the same as that of the description of FIG.

On the other hand, the light reflected by the polarization separation fill 12 (arrow G3) is diffusely reflected by the light scattering layer 19, and the component whose polarization axis coincides with the transmission polarization axis of the polarization separation film 12 passes through the polarization separation film 12. To go.

As described above, by changing the angle θ of the transmission polarization axis shown in FIG. 9b, the reflectance of the external incident light on the polarization separation film 25 can be adjusted to 0% to 100%. At the same time, the rate at which the light emitted by the backlight 18 passes through the polarization separation film 12 also increases or decreases. If the reflectance of the externally incident light on the polarization separation film 25 is increased, the rate at which the light emitted by the backlight 18 passes through the polarization separation film 12 is reduced.

Therefore, by changing the angle θ of the transmission polarization axis shown in FIG. 9b, the pictures, illustrations, characters, etc. printed on the light transmission film 17 cannot be seen through without the backlight 18 being turned on. , Backlight 1
It becomes possible to adjust so that the brightest display can be obtained with 8 being lit.

FIG. 22 shows the angle θ and the polarization separation film 2
5 is a table showing the reflectance of external light at No. 5 and the transmittance of light emitted by the backlight at the polarization separation film 25. For simplification, since the light on the optical paths G1 and G3 in FIG. 8 is not considered, the theoretical value is sin θ for the reflectance and cos θ for the transmittance. As shown in FIG. 22, θ as a function of the half mirror is 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less, preferably 70 degrees.
The optimum value is not less than 80 degrees and not more than 80 degrees.

(Other Embodiments) Although the display device of the present invention is applied to the display portion of an electronic wrist watch, the display device of the present invention can be applied to all kinds of electronic equipment. It is particularly effective for electronic devices used personally. For example, mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handy Phone System),
There are a remote controller of a portable music reproducing device and a display device using a backlight such as its main body.

[0090]

According to the display device of the first aspect, since the second polarized light separating means for transmitting the linearly polarized light in a certain direction and reflecting the other linearly polarized light is used, the second polarized light separating means is additionally provided when the light source emits light. Designs, letters, printed on a translucent film,
Marks and the like stand out much brighter on the display. Also,
When the backlight is turned off, the above-mentioned pictures, characters, marks, etc. are completely invisible and do not disturb the display.

According to the display device of claim 2, a pattern,
Since a plurality of translucent films on which characters and marks are printed are stacked, more complicated pictures, characters and marks can be provided.

According to the display device of the third aspect, the second light-transmissive film on which a picture, a character, a mark and the like which are always visible are printed, and a picture, a character, a mark and the like which are displayed when the light source emits light are printed. Since the first translucent film thus prepared is used, when the light source is turned off, the viewer can be attracted by the picture, characters, and marks printed on the second translucent film.

When the light source is further turned on, the picture, characters, marks, etc. printed on the first translucent film emerge, and they are displayed overlapping the pictures, characters, marks etc. printed on the second translucent film. , The display can be changed dramatically. Further, by devising a combination of patterns, characters, marks and the like to be printed on the first and second translucent films, it is possible to make display changes more enjoyable and attractive.

According to the display device of the fourth aspect, at least one of the light-transmitting films sandwiched between the light source and the half mirror.
Since the sheet is formed smaller than the half mirror and is movable in the display device, the user can actively shake the display device when the light source is turned on to change the display and play. In particular, if you print the character on a movable translucent film, you can play around by moving the character on the display screen when the light source is on. It can be irresistible to small children.

According to the display device of the fifth aspect, at least one of the light-transmitting films sandwiched between the light source and the half mirror.
Since the sheets can be replaced, it is possible to change the pattern, letters, photographs, etc. printed on the translucent film depending on the time and the case. This is particularly effective when printing a personal photograph on a transparent film.

According to the display device of the sixth aspect, since the second changing / separating means, the light scattering layer and the half mirror are in close contact with each other, the pattern printed on the translucent film by diffuse reflection by the light scattering layer, The outlines of images such as characters and marks are hardly blurred.

According to the display device of the seventh aspect, the second polarized light separating means for transmitting the linearly polarized light of a certain one direction and reflecting the other linearly polarized light and the linearly polarized light of a certain one direction are transmitted, Since the third polarization separating means for reflecting linearly polarized light other than the above is used and the transmission polarization axis of the second polarization separating means and the transmission polarization axis of the third polarization separating means form an angle θ, the angle θ should be adjusted. This makes it possible to optimally adjust the reflectance of external light at the third polarized light separating means and the transmittance of light emitted from the light source.

According to the display device of claim 8, the angle θ of claim 7 is 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less, preferably 7 degrees or less.
It can be optimally adjusted from 0 degrees to 80 degrees.

According to the display device of the ninth aspect, the pattern and characters provided on the translucent film are characters and logos. Therefore, if the trademark, logo, or advertising phrase of the company is printed on the translucent film. It can be applied as a souvenir for corporate advertising.

According to the display device of the tenth aspect, since the light source is the electroluminescent element, the thickness of the entire display device can be reduced.

According to the display device of the eleventh aspect, since the light source is a light emitting diode that emits white light, a picture, an illustration, a character, etc. printed on the translucent film is shown in the original color tone when the light source emits light. be able to.

According to the display device of the twelfth aspect, since the transmission polarization axis varying means is a liquid crystal panel, the second polarization separating means can be applied to a general liquid crystal display device as in the present invention. it can.

According to the display device of claim 13, the second
The polarized light separating means has a multi-layer structure formed by alternately laminating two types of layers, and in two layers adjacent to each other in the laminating direction among the plural layers, the refractive index in one direction has the two layers. , And the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to that is different between the two layers, and the layer thickness in the laminating direction of each layer of the above-mentioned plurality of layers is different from each other. Therefore, the polarization separation film of this structure has an extremely thin thickness. Since it can be formed by, the overall thickness of the display device can be reduced.

According to the electronic timepiece described in claim 15, the display device of the present invention is applied to the electronic timepiece. Electronic timepieces are roughly divided into wristwatches and table clocks, but wristwatches are personal property, and even table clocks are mostly used for personal use. In order to give originality to an electronic watch with a strong personal color, the conventional method is to differentiate by the design of the case and display of the watch, but it takes a lot of cost and man-hours to produce a small lot or one originality. It was unsuitable for taking too much. However, if the present invention is applied to an electronic timepiece, it is possible to easily bring out the originality simply by changing the pattern, characters, marks, etc. printed on the translucent film.

The dramatic change in the display when the backlight is off and when the backlight is on is effective for an electronic wristwatch in which a unique element is strongly required. For example, a high-quality digital wristwatch that is normally housed in a metal case (with the backlight off) can easily create a gap in the display change such that the character emerges when the backlight is turned on. Instead of a character, a photo of a lover or a favorite talent can be used to give a strong personality. The same effect can be obtained with a table clock as with a wristwatch.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an internal structure of a polarization separation film used as a main part of the structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the action of the polarization separation film shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a sectional structure of the electronic wristwatch according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a sectional structure of a table clock according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the sectional structure of the movement of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a sectional structure of a display unit of an electronic wristwatch according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between second polarized light separating means and third polarized light separating means of the display device of the fifth exemplary embodiment.

9A is a diagram schematically showing a transmission polarization axis (E1) of the polarization separation film 12 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9B is a view showing an angle θ formed by the transmission polarization axis (E1) of the polarization separation film 12 and the transmission polarization axis (E2) of the polarization separation film 25 shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a sectional structure of a display unit of an electronic wrist watch according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a segment electrode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the translucent film 17 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example when the backlight 18 is off in the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example when the backlight 18 is turned on in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a transparent film 17a according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a transparent film 17b in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a transparent film 17c in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example when the backlight 18 is turned on in the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a transparent film 17d in the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a transparent film 17e in the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example when the backlight 18 is turned on in the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an angle θ formed by the transmission polarization axis of the second polarization separation unit and the transmission polarization axis of the third polarization separation unit in the fifth embodiment, the reflectance of external light on the polarization separation film, and the polarization separation film. It is a table which shows the transmittance | permeability of the light which a backlight emits, respectively.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 casing 2 movement 3 glass plate 4 back lid 6 arm band 7 panel frame 8 liquid crystal panel (transmissive polarization axis changing means) 9 battery 11 polarizing plate (first polarized light separating means) 12 polarized light separating film (second polarized light separating means) 13a, 13b Glass substrate 14 Segment electrode 16 Half mirror 17 Transparent film (translucent film) 17a Transparent film 17b Transparent film 17c Transparent film 17d Transparent film (second translucent film) 17e Transparent film (first translucent film) 18 Backlight 19 Light scattering layer 20 Electronic circuit board 21 CPU 23 Light guide plate 24 LED 25 Polarization separation film (third polarization separation means) used as a half mirror 34 Knob 35 Housing A, B Different kinds of thin film layers C, D, G Backlight optical path E Polarization transmission axis F Polarization absorption axis L Liquid crystal P, Q Outside Light optical path

Claims (15)

(57) [Claims] 1. A linearly polarized light directed in one direction is transmitted,
Other first polarized light separating means that does not transmit linearly polarized light, transmission polarization axis varying means that can select either a state in which the polarization axis of transmitted polarized light is changed or a state in which it is not changed, and linear polarization in one direction Second polarized light separating means for transmitting and reflecting other linearly polarized light, a half mirror having different light transmittances on the front and back sides, a light scattering layer for making the surface of the half mirror a non-glossy surface, a pattern, A light-transmissive film on which characters, marks, etc. are printed, and a light source, and a first polarized light separating means, a transmission axis varying means, a second polarized light separating means, a light scattering layer, a half mirror, a transparent film, a light source. the result is placed one on top, at least one light source and of the light transmitting sandwiched half mirror film is smaller than a half mirror, a display device which is characterized in that the movable within the display device. 2. A linearly polarized light directed in one direction is transmitted,
Other first polarized light separating means that does not transmit linearly polarized light, transmission polarization axis varying means that can select either a state in which the polarization axis of transmitted polarized light is changed or a state in which it is not changed, and linear polarization in one direction Second polarized light separating means for transmitting and reflecting other linearly polarized light, a half mirror having different light transmittances on the front and back sides, a light scattering layer for making the surface of the half mirror a non-glossy surface, a pattern, A plurality of translucent films on which characters, marks, etc. are printed, and a light source, and a first polarized light separating means, a transmission axis varying means, a second polarized light separating means, a light scattering layer, a half mirror, and a plurality of transparent films. Sex film,
They are arranged one on top of the light source becomes, the light source and at least one light-transmitting film sandwiched half mirror is smaller than half mirror, a display device which is characterized in that the movable within the display device. 3. A linearly polarized light directed in one direction is transmitted,
Other first polarized light separating means that does not transmit linearly polarized light, transmission polarization axis varying means that can select either a state in which the polarization axis of transmitted polarized light is changed or a state in which it is not changed, and linear polarization in one direction A second polarized light separating means for transmitting and reflecting other linearly polarized light, a second translucent film on which a pattern, a character, a mark, etc. which are always visible are printed, and a half mirror having different light transmittances on the front and back sides. A light-scattering layer for making the surface of the half mirror a non-glossy surface, a light source, and a first light-transmissive film on which patterns, characters, marks, etc. displayed when the light source emits light are printed. A first polarized light separating means, a transmission axis varying means, a second polarized light separating means, a second light transmissive film, a light scattering layer, a half mirror, a first light transmissive film, and a light source. Display device The display device according to claim 3, the light source and at least one sandwiched translucent film to the half mirror is formed smaller than a half mirror, characterized in that the moveable within the display device And display device. 5. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
In the display device, at least one translucent film sandwiched between the light source and the half mirror is replaceable. 6. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
In the display device , the second polarized light separating means, the light scattering layer, and the half mirror are in close contact with each other. 7. A linearly polarized light directed in one direction is transmitted,
Other first polarized light separating means that does not transmit linearly polarized light, transmission polarization axis varying means that can select either a state in which the polarization axis of transmitted polarized light is changed or a state in which it is not changed, and linear polarization in one direction A second polarized light separating means for transmitting linearly polarized light other than that, a third polarized light separating means for transmitting linear polarized light of a certain direction and reflecting other linear polarized light, and a third polarized light separating means It has a light-scattering layer for making the surface a non-glossy surface, a translucent film on which patterns, characters, marks, etc. are printed, and a light source. The first polarized light separating means, the transmission axis varying means, the second polarized light The separating means, the light scattering layer, the third polarized light separating means, the transparent film, and the light source are arranged in this order, and the transmission polarization axis of the second polarization separating means and the transmission polarization axis of the third polarization separating means form an angle θ. Display device characterized by having Place 8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the angle θ is 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less. 9. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
In the display device, the display and the character provided on the translucent film are characters and logos. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
In the display device, the light source is an electroluminescence element. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
In the display device, the light source is a light emitting diode that emits white light. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
2. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission polarization axis changing means is a liquid crystal panel. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
In the display device described above, the second polarized light separating means has a multi-layered structure formed by alternately laminating two kinds of layers, and the two layers adjacent to each other in the laminating direction among the plural layers.
Among the layers, the refractive index in one direction is the same between the two layers, the refractive index in the direction perpendicular thereto is different between the two layers, and the layer thickness in the stacking direction of each of the plurality of layers is different between the layers. And display device. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
2. The display device according to 1 above, wherein the polarization transmission axis of the first polarization separation means and the polarization transmission axis of the second polarization separation means are horizontal. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
An electronic timepiece characterized by using the display device of.