DISPLAY APPARATUS

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a display apparatus includes a flat type display panel and a housing which houses the panel. The panel has two opposite edges and two supporting portions integrally mounted on the two edges. Each supporting portion is mounted on each edge over 70% of the length thereof. The housing has two fixing portions each of which supports and fixes the whole of each supporting portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-361999, filed Dec. 15, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

One embodiment of this invention relates to a display apparatus comprising a flat type display panel and a housing which houses the display panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Such display apparatuses are widely used in portable type information terminals. The portable type information terminal has a possibility that it is dropped by a user. When the information terminal is dropped, large impact is applied to the terminal.

If the size of an image display surface on the display panel of the terminal is small, the surface bears such impact. However, the size of the surface on the display panel of the terminal becomes lager, a bend of the display surface in a direction which crosses the display surface, caused by the impact applied on the display surface in the direction, becomes larger, and the display surface tends to be broken more easily by this bend.

As the portable type information terminal comprising the flat type display panel having such a large outer size, for example a note book type personal computer is well known.

JP-A 2001-183634 (KOKAI) discloses a display apparatus in which a flat type display panel is supported by a housing with a cushion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention, a display apparatus comprises a flat type display panel including an image display surface, two opposite edges, and two supporting portions integrally mounted on the two edges, each supporting portion being mounted on each edge over 70% of the length thereof; and a housing including two fixing portions, each fixing portion supporting the whole of each supporting portion in a display surface looking direction and fixing the each supporting portion thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an exemplary display apparatus according to a first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a flat type display panel of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a main body of a housing of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a back surface of a mask of the housing of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view with a vertical section, schematically showing a state in which the whole of one supporting portion of the display panel is supported and fixed by one first fixing portion of the housing main body and one second fixing portion of the mask, in the apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view with a vertical section, schematically showing a part of an exemplary display apparatus according to a second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view with a vertical section, schematically showing a part of an exemplary display apparatus according to a third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view with a vertical section, schematically showing a part of an exemplary display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view with a vertical section, schematically showing a part of an exemplary display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplary display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplary display apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary flat type display panel used in each of the exemplary display apparatuses of this invention, in which a length L1 of one of two edges of the display panel and a length L2 of a supporting portion mounted on the one edge are shown;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a combination of a conventional flat type display panel and a conventional housing main body;

FIG. 15 is a chart showing a result of an analysis, in which a change of a stress generated in each of the two supporting portions of the convention display panel shown in FIG. 14 in accordance with a lapse of time when a predetermined impact is applied on the display surface of the conventional display panel in a direction perpendicular to the display surface is analyzed by a finite element method; and

FIG. 16 is a chart showing a result of an analysis, in which a maximum principal component of stress generated in each of the two supporting portions of the conventional display surface when the predetermined impact is applied on the conventional display surface in the direction perpendicular to the display surface is analyzed by the finite element method in each of cases where a ratio of L2 to L1 shown in FIG. 13 is set to 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

At first, an exemplary display apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an appearance of the display apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a flat type display panel 12 and a housing 14. The display panel 12 includes an image display surface 12a, a back surface opposing to the display surface 12a, and a periphery connecting the back surface and the display surface 12a with each other. And, the housing 14 covers the display panel 12 excluding a picture encircled by a predetermined circumferential portion on the display surface 12a.

As the flat type display panel 12, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, and the like are well known. And, the display panel 12 has a square shape in a plan view, and the display surface 12a is mainly formed of glass.

The housing 14 includes a housing main body 14a and a mask 14b. The housing main body 14a covers the back surface and periphery of the display panel 12. And, the mask 14b covers the predetermined circumferential portion on the display surface 12a.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an appearance of the display panel 12. The periphery of the display panel 12 includes two edges 12b, 12c crossing a display surface looking direction to which the display surface 12a looks and looking to opposite directions. A supporting portion 12d is integrally mounted on each of the edges 12b, 12c, and the supporting portion 12d extends continuously over the whole of each of the edges 12b, 12c.

The supporting portion 12d is formed of metal or hard synthetic resin, and is fixed by a well known fixing means such as an adhesive to a region neighboring to each of the two edges 12b, 12c on the peripheral portion of the display surface 12a. The supporting portion 12d expands outward from each of the edges 12b, 12c between the display surface 12a and the back surface and in parallel to the display surface 12a.

In this embodiment, a positioning/fixing hole 12e is formed in each of the both end regions of the supporting portion 12d in an extending direction of the edge 12b or 12c corresponding thereto.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an appearance of the housing main body 14a. The housing main body 14a includes a bottom surface 14c which faces the back surface of the display panel 12, and two first fixing portions 14d which are integrally mounted on the bottom surface 14c. Each first fixing portion 14d extends in a direction in which each supporting portion 12d extends. A top surface of each first fixing portion 14d is flat and faces a back surface of the supporting portion 12d on each of the edges 12b, 12c, the back surface looking to a direction to which the back surface of the display panel 12 looks.

In this embodiment, each first fixing portion 14d is integrally formed with the housing main body 14a with the same material as that of the housing main body 14a, and the material is hard synthetic resin or light metal such as a magnesium alloy.

A positioning/fixing hole 14e is formed in each of the both end regions of the top surface of the first fixing portion 14d in an extending direction of the supporting portion 12d on the edge 12b or 12c corresponding thereto.

FIG. 4 schematically shows an appearance of the back surface 14f of the mask 14b. The back surface 14f covers the predetermined circumferential portion on the display surface 12a of the display panel 12, and two second fixing portions 14g are integrally mounted on the back surface 14f. Each second fixing portion 14g extends in a direction in which each supporting portion 12d extends. A top surface of each second fixing portion 14g is flat and faces a front surface of the supporting portion 12d on each of the edges 12b, 12c, the front surface looking to a direction to which the display surface 12a looks.

In this embodiment, each second fixing portion 14g is integrally formed with the mask 14b with the same material as that of the mask 14b, and the material is hard synthetic resin or light metal such as a magnesium alloy.

Next, an assembling of the display apparatus 10 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The back surfaces of the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 are placed on the flat top surfaces of the two first fixing portions 14d on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a. Next, positioning/fixing screws 16 are inserted into the positioning/fixing holes 12e of the both end regions of each supporting portion 12d on each of the edges 12b, 12c, and further the positioning/fixing screws 16 are screwed into the positioning/fixing holes 14e of the both end regions of each flat top surface of each of the first fixing portions 14d. As a result, the whole of the back surface of each supporting portion 12d is in contact with the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14f closely, so that each supporting portion 12d is supported and fixed on each first fixing portion 14f in the direction to which the display surface 12a looks.

Further, the mask 14b is placed on the predetermined circumferential portion of the display surface 12a of the display panel 12. At this time, the flat top surface of each second fixing portion 14g on the back surface of the mask 14b is in contact with the whole of the front surface of each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12.

In order to make these contacts being more closely, two indents are formed in the both end regions of the flat top surface of each second fixing portion 14g on the back surface of the mask 14b to receive the heads of the two positioning/fixing screws 16 inserted into the two positioning/fixing holes 12e in the both end regions of each supporting portion 12d.

In order to obtain the same technical advantage as described above, in place of forming the indents, spot facings may be formed around the positioning/fixing holes 12e in the both end regions of each supporting portion 12d to receive the heads of the two positioning/fixing screws 16 inserted into the two positioning/fixing holes 12e in the both end regions of each supporting portion 12d and not to make the heads project outward from the front surface of each supporting portion 12d.

Next, the mask 14b is detachably fixed to the housing main body 14a by well known fixing means (not shown) such as, for example a fixing screw or a snap connection using an elasticity of the material forming one or both of the mask 14b and the housing main body 14a.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14d of the housing main body 14a and the flat top surface of each second fixing portion 14g of the mask 14b are closely in contact with the wholes of the front and back surfaces of each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 to sandwich and support them.

Since the display apparatus 10 is structured as described above, even if the display apparatus 10 is dropped and large impact force is applied to the apparatus 10 in a direction crossing the display surface 12a of the display panel 12, a vending of the display surface 12a caused by the large impact force in the direction is effectively restrained so that the possibility of breakage of the display surface 12a by its vending is lowered largely. Further, since each supporting portion 12a on the display panel 12, each first fixing portion 14d on the housing main body 14a, and each second fixing portion 14g on the mask 14b are simple in construction, a material cost and assembling cost of the display apparatus 10 are not raised largely.

In this embodiment, the mask 14b includes the second fixing portions 14g. However, in place of mounting the second fixing portions 14g on the mask 14b, it is possible to form further plural positioning/fixing holes 14e in the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14d on the housing main body 14a between the two positioning/fixing holes 14e at the both end regions thereof and to form further plural positioning/fixing holes 12e in each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12 between the two positioning/fixing holes 12e at the both end regions thereof. In this case, each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12 is fixed to each first fixing portion 14d on the housing main body 14a by inserting the positioning/fixing screws 16 into all of the positioning/fixing holes 12e in each supporting portion 12d and screwing them into all of the positioning/fixing holes 14e of each first fixing portion 14d.

And, the whole of each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12 is supported and fixed on the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14d on the housing main body 14a in the direction to which the display surface 12a looks.

Further, each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12 may be fixed on the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14d on the housing main body 14a by an adhesive. If the adhesive is used for the fixing, it is preferable that the adhesive is easily release the fixing by using releasing agent.

Further, each of the two second fixing portions 14g on the mask 14b may be divided into three or more by forming slits at a plurality of positions in each second fixing portion 14g in the extending direction of each supporting portion 12d on the display panel 12.

According to an aspect of this invention, as shown by two-dots chain lines in FIG. 2, further one supporting portion 12d or further two supporting portions 12d may be integrally mounted on one or both of the remaining two edges 12f, 12g in the periphery of the display panel 12, as the two supporting portions 12d are integrally mounted on the two edges 12b, 12c. The further one or two supporting portions 12d crosses or cross the display surface looking direction and the two edges 12b, 12c.

In this case, as shown by two-dots chain lines in FIG. 3, further one first fixing portion 14d or further two first fixing portions 14d may be integrally mounted on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a to correspond to the further one supporting portion 12d or the further two supporting portions 12d on the one or both of the remaining two edges 12f, 12g, as the two first fixing portions 14d are integrally mounted on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a to correspond to the two supporting portions 12d.

Further, as shown by two-dots chain lines in FIG. 4, further one second fixing portion 14g or further two second fixing portions 14g may be integrally mounted on the back surface 14f of the mask 14b to correspond to the further one supporting portion 12d or the further two supporting portions 12d on the one or both of the remaining two edges 12f, 12g, as the two second fixing portions 14g are integrally mounted on the back surface 14f of the mask 14b to correspond to the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c.

In assembling of the display apparatus 10 with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the further one supporting portion 12d or the further two supporting portions 12d on the one or both of the remaining two edges 12f, 12g is or are fixed to the further one first fixing portion 14d or the further two first fixing portions 14d on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a in the same manner, as the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 are fixed to the two first fixing portions 14d on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a Next, the further one second fixing portion 14g or the further two second fixing portions 14g on the back surface of the mask 14b is or are came into contact with the further one supporting portion 12d or the further two supporting portions 12d on the one or both of the further two edges 12f, 12g, as the two second fixing portions 14g on the back surface of the mask 14b are came into contact with the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c.

The top surface of the further one second fixing portion 14g or that of each of the further two second fixing portions 14g on the back surface of the mask 14b may be provided with indentations to receive the heads of the positioning/fixing screws 16 at the both end regions of the further one supporting portion 12d or at the both end regions of each of the further two supporting portions 12d on the display panel 12. Alternatively, spot facings may be formed around the positioning/fixing holes 12e at the both end regions of the further one supporting portion 12d or at the both end regions of each of the further two supporting portions 12d to receive the heads of the positioning/fixing screws 16.

Further, a plurality of further positioning/fixing holes 12e may be formed in the further one supporting portion 12d or each of the further two supporting portions 12d between the two positioning/fixing holes 12e at its both end regions, and a plurality of further positioning/fixing holes 14e may be formed in the further one first fixing portion 14d or each of the further two first fixing portions 14d between the two positioning/fixing holes 14e at its both end regions.

In this case, the whole of the further one supporting portion 12d or the whole of each of the further two supporting portions 12d of the display panel 12 is or are supported on the flat top surface of the further one first fixing portion 14d or each of the further two first fixing portions 14d on the housing main body 14a in the direction to which the display surface 12a looks, and is or are fixed to the flat top surface by inserting the positioning/fixing screws 16 into the plurality of further positioning/fixing holes 12e and the both ended two positioning/fixing holes 12e and by screwing them into the plurality of further positioning/fixing holes 14e and the both ended two positioning/fixing holes 14e.

The further one supporting portion 12d or the further two supporting portions 12d may be fixed to the further one first fixing portion 14d or the further two first fixing portions 14d by an adhesive.

The further one second fixing portion 14g or each of the further two second fixing portions 14g may be divided into three or more pieces by forming a plurality of slits at a plurality of positions in the extending direction of the further one supporting portion 12d or each of the further two supporting portions 12d.

Second Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 20 according to a second embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 20 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the structural elements of the display apparatus 20 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 20 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that at least one of the edge 12b and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto is supported by the first or second fixing portion 14d or 14g corresponding thereto with a cushion 22, and that at least one of the edge 12c and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto is supported by the first or second fixing portion 14d or 14g corresponding thereto with the cushion 22. The cushion 22 is formed of a material which absorbs impact force, such as elastomer.

When impact force is applied to the display apparatus 20 in a direction along the display surface 12a, such the cushion 22 prevents the at least one of the edge 12b and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto and the at least one of the edge 12c and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto in the display panel 12 from being damaged by the impact force directly transmitted to the at least one of the edge 12b and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto and the at least one of the edge 12c and the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto.

Also, in the second embodiment, the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, the further one first fixing portion 14d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a to correspond to the further one supporting portion 12d, and the further one second fixing portion 14g may be mounted on the mask 14b to correspond to the further one supporting portion 12d.

Even in this case, the cushion 22 may be interposed between at least one of the further one edge 12f or 12g and further one supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto and at least one of the first and second fixing portions 14d and 14g corresponding thereto.

Further, in the second embodiment, the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, the further two first fixing portions 14d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a to correspond to the further two supporting portions 12d, and the further two second fixing portions 14g may be mounted on the mask 14b to correspond to the further two supporting portions 12d.

In this case, the cushion 22 may be interposed between at least one of the further edge 12f and further supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto and at least one of the first and second fixing portions 14d and 14g corresponding thereto, and the cushion 22 may be interposed between at least one of the further edge 12g and further supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto and at least one of the first and second fixing portions 14d and 14g corresponding thereto.

Third Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 30 according to a third embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 8.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 30 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 8, the structural elements of the display apparatus 30 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 30 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that the mask 14b does not have the second fixing portions 14b and each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 includes a flange 12h. The flange 12h extends over the whole of each supporting portion 12d in its extending direction and projects in a direction to which the display surface 12a looks or in a direction to which the back surface of the display panel 12 looks.

In this embodiment, the flange 12h is integrally formed with the supporting portion 12d corresponding thereto with the same material as that of the corresponding supporting portion 12d, and projects from the distal end of the corresponding supporting portion 12d in the back surface looking direction.

The flange 12h increases the stiffness of the corresponding supporting portion 12d in the display surface looking direction and in the back surface looking direction. And, when large impact force is applied to the display apparatus 30 in a direction which crosses the display surface 12a, a vending of the display surface 12a caused by the large impact force in the direction is effectively restrained so that the possibility of breakage of the display surface 12a caused by its vending is lowered largely.

Also, in the third embodiment, further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further one first fixing portion 14d for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further one second fixing portion 14g for the further one supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

Even in this case, the flange 12h may be mounted on the further one supporting portion 12d.

Further, in the third embodiment, further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further two first fixing portions 14d for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further two second fixing portions 14g for the further two supporting portions 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, the flange 12h may be mounted on at least one of the further two supporting portions 12d.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 40 according to a fourth embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 9.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 40 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the structural elements of the display apparatus 40 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 40 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that no first fixing portion 14d is mounted on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a, no second fixing portion 14g is mounted on the back surface of the mask 14b, but two shelf type fixing portions 14h are mounted on two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14a, the two inner side surfaces facing the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12. Each fixing portion 14h projects from each of the inner side surfaces to be in parallel to the bottom surface 14c and extends along each of the two edges 12b, 12c for the same length as that of each of the two edges 12b, 12c.

A supporting portion receiving groove 14i is formed in the fixing portion 14h. The receiving groove 14i has the same height as the thickness of each of the two supporting portions 12d and extends in the extending direction of each of the two edges 12b, 12c Further, in this embodiment, at least one of remaining two side walls of the housing main body 14a is configured to be detachable to the other part of the housing main body 14a excluding the at least one of the remaining two side walls, the remaining two side walls facing the remaining two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12.

In order to fix the supporting portions 12d of the display panel 12 to the fixing portions 14h of the housing main body 14a, the detachable at least one of the remaining two side walls of the housing main body 14a is first detached from the other part of the housing main body 14a. And then, one longitudinal end of each supporting portion 12d is inserted into one longitudinal end of the receiving groove 14i of each fixing portion 14h corresponding thereto, and each supporting portion 12d is moved in the receiving groove 14i by reaching the one longitudinal end of each supporting portion 12d at the other longitudinal end of the corresponding receiving groove 14i. Finally, the detachable at least one of the remaining two side walls of the housing main body 14a is returned to its initial position and is detachably fixed to the other part of the housing main body 14a.

As a result, the whole of each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 is supported and fixed by the receiving groove 14i of each shelf type fixing portion 14h of the housing main body 14a in the display surface looking direction.

Also, in this embodiment, each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 may be positioned and fixed to each shelf type fixing portion 14h of the housing main body 14a by at least one not shown conventional detachable fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw.

In this embodiment, further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further one first fixing portion 14d for the further one supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further one second fixing portion 14g for the further one supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, the shelf type fixing portion 14h may be mounted on one of the further two side surfaces of the housing main body 14a, the one of the further two side surfaces facing the further one supporting portion 12d mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12.

In this embodiment, further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further two first fixing portions 14d for the further two supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further two second fixing portions 14g for the further two supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, the shelf type fixing portion 14h may be mounted on at least one of the further two side surfaces of the housing main body 14a, the further two side surfaces facing the further two supporting portions 12d mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12.

Also in these cases, the further one supporting portion 12d or each of the further two supporting portions 12d may be positioned and fixed to the further one shelf type fixing portion 14h or each of the further two shelf type fixing portions 14h by a not shown conventional detachable fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 50 according to a fifth embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 50 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 10, the structural elements of the display apparatus 50 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 50 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that no second fixing portion 14g is mounted on the mask 14b and an angle fixing member 14j is mounted on each of two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14, the two inner side surfaces facing the two supporting portions 12d. Each angle fixing member 14j is in contact with the front surface of each supporting portion 12d to make the back surface thereof being pressed on the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14g of the housing main body 14d.

The angle fixing portion 14j is detachably fixed to each of the two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14a by not shown conventional fixing means such as a fixing screw, or the angle fixing portion 14j, together with each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 corresponding thereto, is positioned and fixed to the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14g by not shown conventional positioning/fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw.

The angle fixing portion 14j may be detachably fixed to each of the two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14a by not shown conventional fixing means such as a fixing screw, and at the same time the angle fixing portion 14j, together with each supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12 corresponding thereto, may be positioned and fixed to the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14g by not shown conventional positioning/fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw.

Also, in this embodiment, further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further one first fixing portion 14d for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further one second fixing portion 14g for the further one supporting portion 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, further one angle fixing portion 14j may be mounted on further one inner side surface of the housing main body 14a, the further one inner side surface facing the further one supporting portion 12d.

Further, in this embodiment, further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further two first fixing portions 14d for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further two second fixing portions 14g for the further two supporting portions 12d does not be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, at least one angle fixing portion 14j may be mounted on at least one of further two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14a, the further two inner side surfaces facing the further two supporting portions 12d.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 60 according to a sixth embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 60 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the structural elements of the display apparatus 60 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 60 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that each of the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 is divided into three or more pieces in the direction in which each of the two edges 12b, 12c corresponding thereto extends.

Two pieces of each supporting portion 12d positioned at the both end portions of each edge 12b or 12c in the extending direction thereof are positioned and fixed to the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14g of the housing main body 14d by a conventional positioning/fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw 16.

However, any number of pieces of each supporting portion 12d arranged between the both ended two pieces may be positioned and fixed to the flat top surface of each first fixing portion 14g of the housing main body 14d by the conventional positioning/fixing means such as the positioning/fixing screw 16.

In either case, the whole of each supporting portion 12d divided into the plurality of pieces is positioned and fixed to each first fixing portion 14g of the housing main body 14a.

Also, in this embodiment, further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further one first fixing portion 14d for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further one second fixing portion 14g for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, the further one supporting portion 12d may be divided into three or more pieces in the direction along the one of the further two edges 12f, 12g corresponding thereto, as shown by a two-dots chain line in FIG. 11.

Any number of the divided pieces of the further one supporting portion 12d may be fixed to the further one first fixing portion 14d of the housing main body 14a, as any number of the divided pieces of each of the two supporting portions 12d may be fixed to each of the two first fixing portions 14d of the housing main body 14a.

Further, in this embodiment, further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further two first fixing portions 14d for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further two second fixing portions 14g for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, each of the further two supporting portions 12d may be divided into three or more pieces in the direction along each of the further two edges 12f, 12g corresponding thereto, as shown by a two-dots chain line in FIG. 11.

Also, in this case, any number of the divided pieces of each of the further two supporting portions 12d may be fixed to each of the further two first fixing portions 14d of the housing main body 14a, as any number of the divided pieces of each of the two supporting portions 12d may be fixed to each of the two first fixing portions 14d of the housing main body 14a.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, an exemplary display apparatus 70 according to a seventh embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.

Most part of structural elements of the display apparatus 70 is the same as that of the display apparatus 10. Therefore, in FIG. 12, the structural elements of the display apparatus 70 which are the same as those of the display apparatus 10 are designated by the same reference numerals which designate the structural elements of the display apparatus 10 corresponding thereto, and detailed explanations about these elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus 70 is different from the display apparatus 10 in that each of the two first fixing portions 14d on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a is divided into three or more pieces in the direction along each of the two edges 12b, 12c corresponding thereto.

In this embodiment, each supporting portion 12d may be positioned and fixed to the flat top surfaces of two pieces of each first fixing portion 14d corresponding thereto and positioned at the both end portions of each first fixing portion 14d in the extending direction thereof by a conventional positioning/fixing means such as a positioning/fixing screw 16.

Further, each supporting portion 12d may be positioned and fixed to the flat top surfaces of any number of pieces of each first fixing portion 14d, these pieces being arranged between the both ended two pieces, by the conventional positioning/fixing means such as the positioning/fixing screw 16.

In either case, the whole of each supporting portion 12d is positioned and fixed to the flat top surfaces of the divided pieces of each first fixing portion 14g on the housing main body 14a.

Also, in this embodiment, further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on one of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further one first fixing portion 14d for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further one second fixing portion 14g for the further one supporting portion 12d may be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, the further one first fixing portion 14d may be divided into three or more pieces in the direction along the one of the further two edges 12f, 12g corresponding thereto, as shown by a two-dots chain line in FIG. 12.

Further, in this embodiment, further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12. In this case, further two first fixing portions 14d for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the housing main body 14a, and further two second fixing portions 14g for the further two supporting portions 12d may be mounted on the mask 14b.

In this case, each of the further two first fixing portions 14d may be divided into three or more pieces in the direction along each of the further two edges 12f, 12g corresponding thereto, as shown by a two-dots chain line in FIG. 12.

The further one supporting portion 12d or each of the further two supporting portions 12d of the display panel 12 may be positioned and fixed to the divided pieces of the further one first fixing portion 14d or each of the two first fixing portions 14d, as each of the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 is positioned and fixed to the divided pieces of each of the two first fixing portions 14d of the housing main body 14a.

Eighth Embodiment

Eighth embodiment is not shown in the attached drawings. However, in this embodiment, the three or more divided pieces of each of the two supporting portions 12d on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12, which are shown in FIG. 11, are positioned and fixed to the flat top surfaces of the three or more divided pieces of each of the two first fixing portions 14d, which are shown in FIG. 12, by the conventional positioning/fixing means such as the positioning/fixing screw 16.

Naturally, the three or more divided pieces of the further one supporting portion 12d or each of the further two supporting portions 12d on the one or both of the further two edges 12f, 12g of the display panel 12, which are shown by the two-dots chain lines in FIG. 11, may be positioned and fixed to the flat top surfaces of the three or more divided pieces of the further one first fixing portion 14d or each of the further two first fixing portions 14d on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14b, which are shown by the two-dots chain lines in FIG. 12, by the conventional positioning/fixing means such as the positioning/fixing screw 16.

[Consideration about a Vending of a Prior Art and that of Each of Cases in which a Ratio of the Length of Each Supporting Portion 12d to that of Each of the Two Edges 12b, 12c of the Display Panel 12 is Changed]

Inventors of this application consider a change of a value of stress in the supporting portion 12d by a finite element method in each of a prior art and various cases.

In the prior art, each of the two supporting portions 12d mounted on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 has two pieces SP at the both ends of each of the two edges corresponding thereto, and L1/L2 is set at 0.2, where L1 is the length of each of the two edges 12b, 12c and is set to 228 mm (the actual length thereof in a flat type display panel) and where L2 is an amount of the length LSP of one piece SP in the extending direction of the edge 12 b or 12c corresponding thereto and that of the other piece SP.

In the various cases, each of the two supporting portions 12d mounted on the two edges 12b, 12c is continuous and is not divided into plural pieces, and L1/L2 is set at 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4.

And, a predetermined impact force is applied to the display surface 12a of the display panel in a direction crossing at right angles to the display panel 12a. Concretely, after the initial velocity of 4.4 m/sec is applied to the whole of the display panel 12, the sinusoidal wave acceleration of 1 m sec is applied to each supporting portion 12d in a direction which is opposite to the initial velocity direction so that the maximum value of 800 G is obtained.

FIG. 15 shows the change of a stress, generated in the two pieces SP of each supporting portion 12d in accordance with a lapse of time when the above described predetermined impact force is applied to the prior art shown in FIG. 14 in which the L1/L2 is set at 0.2, and analyzed by the finite element method. In this case, the maximum principal component of stress is about 2.7 kgf/mm².

FIG. 16 shows the maximum principal component of stress generated in each supporting portion 12d when the above described predetermined impact force is applied to the various cases in which L1/L2 is set at 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4.

In these cases, the value of the maximum principal component of stress is lower than about 2.7 kgf/mm² which is that in the prior art, when L1/L2 is lower than 0.7. This means that, when L1/L2 is set to lower than 0.7, the possibility of breakage of the display panel 12 becomes lower than that in prior art when the same impact force is applied at right angles to each of the display panels of the prior art and various cases.

In order to understand this invention easily, in the above described first to eighth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, some combinations are explained. In one combination, the two supporting portions 12d integrally mounted on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 and the two first fixing portions 14d mounted on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a are basically used, and the two second fixing portions 14g mounted on the back surface of the mask 14b, the cushions 22, or the angle fixing members 14j are additionally used. And, in the other combination, the two supporting portions 12d integrally mounted on the two edges 12b, 12c of the display panel 12 and the two shelf type fixing portions 14h of the housing main body 14a are used.

However, according to the other aspects of this invention, various modifications described in the followings can be provided.

The supporting portion 12d can be continuously mounted on each of the two edges 12b, 12c for over 70% of the whole length of each of the two edges, and it can be mounted on each of the two edges 12b, 12c with it being divided into three or more pieces in the extending direction of each edge corresponding thereto.

The shelf type fixing portion 14h can be divided into three or more pieces in the extending direction of each edge corresponding thereto.

Further, the same structure as that of each of the first to eighth embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 or the modification of each of the supporting portion 12d and shelf type fixing portion 14h can be naturally mounted on the one or both of the remaining further two edges of the display panel 12, which crosses the display surface looking direction and the two edges 12b, 12c, and on the one region or two regions on the bottom surface 14c of the housing main body 14a corresponding to the one or both of the remaining further two edges or on the one inner side surface or two inner side surfaces of the housing main body 14a corresponding to the one or both of the remaining further two edges.

The above described modification of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the above described modifications of the sixth and seventh embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are shown by the two-dots chain lines in these figures, and these modifications are additionally and roughly described in the description about the first embodiment referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 and in the descriptions about the sixth and seventh embodiments referring to FIGS. 11 and 12.

More further, in a case in which a flat type display panel comprises a polygonal shape having five or more edges crossing the display surface looking direction and looking to directions which are different from each other, the same structure as that of each of the first to eighth embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 or the modification of each of the supporting portion 12d and shelf type fixing portion 14h can be naturally mounted on at least two of the five or more edges. And, the above described same structure or the above described modification can be naturally mounted on at least two regions on the bottom surface of the housing main body corresponding to the at least two of the five or more edges. Further, the above described same structure or the above described modification can be naturally mounted on at least two inner side surfaces of the housing main body corresponding to the at least two of the five or more edges.

The second fixing portion 14g can be mounted on the mask 14b to correspond to the supporting portion 12d of the display panel 12.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. In deed, the apparatuses described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the apparatuses described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising

a flat type display panel including an image display surface, two opposite edges, and two supporting portions integrally mounted on the two edges, each supporting portion being mounted on each edge over 70% of the length thereof; and

a housing including two fixing portions, each fixing portion supporting the whole of each supporting portion in a display surface looking direction and fixing the each supporting portion thereon.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each supporting portion is integrally mounted on the whole of each edge.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

at least one of the supporting portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

at least one of the fixing portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

at least one of the supporting portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

each fixing portion continues in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

each supporting portion continues in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

at least one of the fixing portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion has one surface looking to one of an image display surface looking direction and a back surface looking direction, and

each fixing portion supports the whole of the one surface of each supporting portion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion has two surfaces, one of the two surfaces looking to a display surface looking direction and the other of the two surfaces looking to a back surface looking direction, and

each fixing portion supports the whole of each of the two surfaces of the supporting portion corresponding thereto.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion expands outward from the edge corresponding thereto between the image display surface and the back surface on the display panel.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

a cushion is interposed between at least one of the fixing portions of the housing and at least one of the edges and supporting portions of the display pane corresponding thereto, and

the cushion absorbs an impact force applied to the housing in a direction in which the display surface extends.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the flat type display panel further includes at least one edge, and at least one supporting portion integrally mounted on the further at least one edge, and

the housing further includes at least one fixing portion supporting the whole of the further at least one supporting portion in the direction, to which the image display surface looks, and fixing the further at least one supporting portion thereon.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each supporting portion is integrally mounted on the whole of each edge.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

at least one of the supporting portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

at least one of the fixing portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

at least one of the supporting portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

each fixing portion continues in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

each supporting portion continues in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends, and

at least one of the fixing portions is divided into at least three pieces in a direction in which the edge corresponding thereto extends.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion has one surface looking to one of an image display surface looking direction and a back surface looking direction, and

each fixing portion supports the whole of the one surface of each supporting portion.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion has two surfaces, one of the two surfaces looking to a display surface looking direction and the other of the two surfaces looking to a back surface looking direction, and

each fixing portion supports the whole of each of the two surfaces of the supporting portion corresponding thereto.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

the display panel has a back surface opposing to the display surface,

each supporting portion expands outward from the edge corresponding thereto between the image display surface and the back surface on the display panel.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein

a cushion is interposed between at least one of the fixing portions of the housing and at least one of the edges and supporting portions of the display panel corresponding to the at least one fixing portion.