Assembly device suitable for assembling a screen with a partially transparent element and head-up display comprising such a device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly device (20) suitable for assembling a screen (12) comprising a central mobile portion (12a) and a partially transparent element (18), and for pressing a contact surface of the screen (12) against a contact surface of the partially transparent element (18). Furthermore, according to the invention, the assembly device (20) is characterized in that it comprises a support frame (201) provided with a central opening (2011) suitable for positioning the central mobile portion (12a) of the screen (12), the support frame (201) comprising means (202) for fixing the screen (12) and means for fixing the partially transparent element (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for assembling a screen and partially transparent elements, particularly for vehicle head-up displays.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly apparatus suitable for assembling screens and partially transparent elements. The invention also relates to an image generation apparatus, and a head-up display, for example, for a motor vehicle, including such an assembly apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] The principle of a head-up display is to project images, especially those useful for driving, directly into the driver's field of vision.

[0004] For this purpose, head-up displays typically include an image generation device for generating images and a device for projecting the generated images onto a transparent panel placed in the driver's field of vision, so that the driver can see the images and any information contained therein without having to change his line of sight.

[0005] These partially transparent panels are typically formed from the vehicle's windshield or from a special assembly placed between the windshield and the driver's eyes.

[0006] Most image generation devices currently in use include a light source that illuminates a screen (e.g., a TFT-LCD screen) from behind, and the image is then conveyed to an optical system that typically includes at least one magnifying glass before reaching the transparent section.

[0007] Typically, head-up displays include a housing (usually opaque) that houses the image generating unit and optical system to protect these components from potential external damage (dust, liquids, etc.).

[0008] However, the screen in question absorbs some of the light illuminating it from behind, causing it to get hot.

[0009] Excessive screen temperature is detrimental to its normal operation and may damage the screen.

[0010] In addition, some types of head-up displays, especially those with wide viewing angles and virtual images projected from very far distances, particularly those head-up displays located on the windshield of the vehicle they are equipped with, also suffer from solar loads concentrated on the screen due to the magnifying glass effect of the magnifying glass.

[0011] Note that in this respect, the concentration of solar radiation flux is proportional to the magnification of the head-up display's optical system. Specifically, the greater the magnification, the better the system can focus sunlight onto the screen.

[0012] The thermal effect corresponding to this solar load is also detrimental to the integrity of the screen or its normal function.

[0013] In attempting to limit screen heat generation, a known approach is to use a partially transparent element with a thermal conductivity greater than that of glass, pressed directly against the screen to dissipate its heat toward a cooling source. This partially transparent element can be made of a ceramic plate; for example, using monocrystalline (especially sapphire).

[0014] However, due to industrial limitations, it is difficult to cut the ceramic plate to the same size as the screen, making the assembly of the individual layers relatively difficult. Furthermore, the ceramic plate must always be in full contact with the heat sink for heat dissipation, which further complicates the assembly process.

[0015] Furthermore, centering the screen relative to various surrounding optical elements (ceramics, reflectors, light sources, etc.) is not easy to achieve. In fact, any deviation in the screen position will affect the shape of the virtual image; the virtual image may lose its rectangular shape and produce a distortion effect associated with double images known as "ghosting".

[0016] Therefore, it is of interest to propose solutions for optimizing the assembly between the screen and the associated partially transparent elements. Summary of the Invention

[0017] To address this, the present invention provides an assembly apparatus suitable for assembling a screen comprising a central movable portion and a partially transparent element, wherein the contact surface of the screen presses against the contact surface of the partially transparent element. The assembly apparatus is characterized by comprising a support frame having a central opening adapted to the position of the central movable portion of the screen, and the support frame including attachment means for the screen and attachment means for the partially transparent element.

[0018] This assembly device allows for the simple assembly of the screen and partially transparent components with minimal stress on the screen. It also facilitates attaching the screen and partially transparent components to a support structure (e.g., in the case of a head-up display) and makes screen centering simpler and more precise.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support frame includes:

[0020] - A screen receiving surface having a screen support plane, wherein the contact surface of the screen is used to abut against the screen support plane, and

[0021] - A partially transparent element receiving surface opposite the screen receiving surface, wherein the partially transparent element receiving surface is provided with a partially transparent element support plane, and the contact surface of the partially transparent element is used to abut against the partially transparent element support plane.

[0022] - The transparent element support plane is located in the same plane as the screen support plane.

[0023] The screen receiving surface may include the attachment means for the screen, and the partially transparent element receiving surface may include the attachment means for the partially transparent element.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the screen support plane is defined by two opposing planar portions arranged along a first axis, and the partially transparent element support plane is defined by two opposing planar portions arranged along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

[0025] According to yet another feature, the support frame may include: (a) a mounting shell for the partially transparent element, the profile of which corresponds to the profile of the partially transparent element and allows for gaps, and (b) a mounting shell for the screen, the profile of which corresponds to the profile of the screen and allows for gaps.

[0026] The attachment device for the screen and the attachment device for the partially transparent element can be composed of a resilient interlocking device, which is of the type having a snap-fit ​​protrusion with a locking lug.

[0027] The support frame may include at least two centering posts protruding from the receiving surface of the partially transparent element, the centering posts being adapted to interact with mounting holes formed in the support structure.

[0028] In addition, the support frame may include at least two attachment holes, each suitable for allowing clamping screws to pass through, to attach the support frame to the support structure.

[0029] The present invention also proposes an image generating apparatus comprising a light source for generating a light beam and a screen through which the light beam passes and the screen is designed to modify the light beam in a manner that forms an image. The image generating apparatus further comprises a partially transparent element through which the light beam passes and the partially transparent element is arranged to limit heat generation of the screen. The image generating apparatus further comprises a support structure having a window defined by a window frame, to which an assembly device as described above is attached, the assembly device supporting the screen and the partially transparent element.

[0030] The support structure may have a window defined by a window frame including mounting holes, in which the centering column of the support frame is mounted.

[0031] The support structure may also be provided with a window defined by a window frame including an attachment hole for attaching the support frame by clamping screws.

[0032] According to yet another feature, the support structure may be composed of a heat sink, or thermally connected to a heat sink.

[0033] In one embodiment, the support structure includes an upstream surface facing the light source and a downstream surface facing away from the light source, the assembly device supporting the screen and the partially transparent element is attached to the downstream surface of the support structure, and the partially transparent element faces the light source.

[0034] In another embodiment, the support structure includes an upstream surface facing the light source and a downstream surface facing away from the light source, the assembly device supporting the screen and the partially transparent element is attached to the upstream surface of the support structure, and the partially transparent element faces a direction opposite to the light source.

[0035] The present invention also proposes, for example, a head-up display for equipping motor vehicles, comprising an image generating apparatus and an optical system as described above, the optical system being adapted to transmit an image generated by the image generating apparatus in the direction of a partially transparent plate.

[0036] In one embodiment, the head-up display includes a protective housing that includes the support structure having a window defined by a window frame to which the assembly device supporting the screen and the partially transparent elements is attached.

[0037] Of course, various features, variations and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Furthermore, various other features of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 The main components of the head-up display according to the present invention are schematically shown;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the assembly device according to the present invention, showing one side of its surface for receiving the screen;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the assembly device depicted shows one side of its surface used to receive partially transparent elements;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and 3The schematic perspective view of the assembly device shown shows that some transparent elements and screens are assembled, with one side showing the partially transparent elements mounted here;

[0043] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the assembled device shown, with the side where the screen is mounted shown.

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view depicting an assembly device equipped with a screen and partially transparent components mounted on a supporting structure;

[0045] Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts a possibility of mounting an assembly containing a screen and partially transparent elements onto a protective casing of a head-up display; and

[0046] Figure 8 The illustration schematically depicts another possibility of mounting an assembly equipped with a screen and partially transparent elements onto a protective casing of a head-up display. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 The head-up display 2 shown includes an image generating device 4 and an optical system 6. The image generating device 4 generates an upstream beam Fi, the optical system 6 receives the upstream beam Fi as input, and projects a downstream beam Ff onto a partially transparent plate 7 as output. In this case, the partially transparent plate 7 is the windshield of a vehicle (typically a motor vehicle) equipped with the head-up display 2.

[0048] Therefore, the downstream beam Ff is incident on the portion of the transparent plate 7, and along the driver's eye (in the transparent plate 7). Figure 1 The direction of the reflection is partially shown (indicated by reference numeral O in the attached figure).

[0049] The light beam (generated by the image generating device 4 and transmitted to the driver's eyes O as described above) displays the image to be shown, so the driver will see the surrounding environment (exterior of the vehicle) in front of him outside the partially transparent panel 7 without having to change his line of sight. The virtual image seen by the driver is indicated by reference numeral I.

[0050] The image generating apparatus 4 includes a light source 11 and a screen 12. Here, the image generating apparatus 4 also includes a reflector 13 and a diffuser 14 between the light source 11 and the screen 12.

[0051] In this case, the optical system 6 is formed by two mirrors 15 and 16.

[0052] Specifically, the optical system 6 used here includes a first mirror (in this case a plane mirror) 15 arranged facing the image generating device 4, and a second mirror 16 (in this case a curved mirror, the shape of which is defined, for example, to obtain a sharp virtual image I).

[0053] As a variation, the optical system 6 may include a single mirror, or multiple other types of mirrors and / or other optical elements, such as one or more lenses.

[0054] Therefore, the upstream beam Fi is reflected at the first reflecting mirror 15 along the direction of the second reflecting mirror 16, and then reflected at the second reflecting mirror 16 along the direction of the partially transparent plate 7, as shown. Figure 1 It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0055] The head-up display 2 also includes a housing 8 (usually opaque) that houses the image generating device 4 and the optical system 6, in particular to protect these components from possible external damage (dust, liquids, etc.).

[0056] The shell 8 includes an opening 10 through which a light beam projected by the optical system 6 along the direction of the partially transparent plate 7 (that is, in this case, a light beam reflected by the second mirror 16) passes.

[0057] The opening 10 in the shell 8 is closed by a window 17 (sometimes referred to as a “cover window”), which is formed, for example, by a plastic sheet with a thickness between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, such as polycarbonate.

[0058] According to a variant embodiment, the partially transparent plate 7 may be a combiner specifically designed for the head-up display 2, placed between the vehicle's windshield and the driver's eyes, in the optical path of the downstream beam Ff.

[0059] The light source 11 consists of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0060] The light source 11 illuminates the screen 12 from the back, and the light transmission from the light source 11 to the screen 12 has already... Figure 1 The direction arrow L is used to indicate this.

[0061] In this case, screen 12 is a liquid crystal screen (or LCD, an abbreviation for "liquid crystal display"), for example, having thin film transistors (TFT).

[0062] This LCD screen 12 includes a plate-shaped element (or plate) assembly, specifically including, in the optical path direction of light L: an incident polarizer, a liquid crystal matrix array, and an outgoing polarizer.

[0063] In such a screen 12, because the outgoing polarizer is as close as possible to the liquid crystal matrix array, the image is very clear and the contrast is optimized.

[0064] The incident polarizer and the outgoing polarizer of screen 12 can be filters that cause polarization through absorption (causing a lot of heat to these polarizers).

[0065] The incident polarizer and the exit polarizer of screen 12 have a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular to each other (in the case of normal black or in the case of NB technology). It should be remembered that the axis of the polarizer is the linear polarization direction of the light beam after passing through the polarizer.

[0066] Therefore, if there are no active elements in the liquid crystal matrix array, the light beam between the incident polarizer and the output polarizer will be polarized along the first axis (the axis of the incident polarizer), so no light is emitted as output from the output polarizer.

[0067] By appropriately activating the elements of the liquid crystal matrix array (via a control module not shown), the polarization of certain portions of the light beam is modified within the liquid crystal matrix array, such that the light is emitted as an output from the outgoing polarizer in the region corresponding to said portion of the light beam.

[0068] Typically, the plates that make up the incident polarizer, the liquid crystal matrix array, and the output polarizer can be associated with other plates, such as glass plates, color element matrices, etc.

[0069] The screen 12, composed of various related panels, takes the form of a rectangular panel. The length of the rectangular panel can be greater than 40 mm, the width can be greater than 30 mm, and the thickness can be greater than 1 mm. The rectangular panel has two opposing flat surfaces.

[0070] Screen 12 includes a central active portion 12a, corresponding to the position of the liquid crystal matrix array, defined by a peripheral edge 12b. Screen 12 also includes a connector (also referred to as an "LCD ribbon connector" or "TFT cable"), which is manufactured herein in the form of a ribbon cable and is not included in the design. Figure 1 As shown, it is suitable for providing power and control signals to screen 12.

[0071] Figure 1 Also shown is the solar luminous flux Fs (hereinafter referred to as "solar luminous flux Fs"), which can enter the shell 8 and be concentrated on the screen 12 due to the magnifying effect of the mirrors 15 and 16 of the optical system 6, thus posing a risk of causing the screen 12 to heat up.

[0072] To avoid or at least limit the heating of the screen 12 caused by the light source 11 and / or solar flux Fs, the image generating device 4 of the head-up display 2 includes a partially transparent element 18 associated with the screen 12.

[0073] More specifically, the transparent element 18 is in the form of a plate, with one side of it positioned to contact one side of the screen 12. The transparent element 18 is thus adapted to limit or even prevent the screen 12 from heating up and / or dissipate at least a portion of the heat generated in the screen 12.

[0074] The partially transparent element 18 used is preferably a transparent ceramic, such as a single crystal, like sapphire.

[0075] Sintered or unsintered transparent ceramics can be used, such as those based on simple oxides (MgO, Al2O3, ZrO2, Y2O3, Sc2O3, or Lu2O3) or those based on composite oxides (Y3Al5O3). 12 MgAl2O4 or ZNAl2O4 or actually Lu2TiO3, Lu2Zr2O7, Lu3NbO7, LaGdZr2O7, La 9,33 Si6O 26 Sr2Y8(SiO4)6O2, Sr3Al2O6, BaAl4O7) or even based on non-oxides (AlON or AlN).

[0076] The transparent element 18 is used in the form of a plate with two opposing flat surfaces, and its thickness can be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm (e.g., between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm). The plate can have a rectangular shape with a length greater than or equal to 25 mm and a width greater than or equal to 25 mm.

[0077] Typically, the transparent element 18 is selected from materials with a thermal conductivity greater than 5 W / mK, and preferably greater than 40 W / mK, in order to achieve good heat dissipation.

[0078] The partially transparent nature of the partially transparent element 18 (advantageously having a transmittance between 80% and 90%) enables it to absorb some sunlight (approximately 5% to 15% of sunlight in the visible spectrum), thereby protecting the screen 12.

[0079] Alternatively, a partially transparent element 18 can be selected to absorb infrared radiation, thereby helping to reduce the thermal load in this region of the solar spectrum (e.g., sapphire allows for the filtering of infrared radiation beyond 5 μm).

[0080] exist Figure 1In the head-up display 2 shown, a screen 12 and a partially transparent element 18 are assembled by an assembly device 20. The contact surface of the screen 12 presses against the contact surface of the partially transparent element 18, and the head-up display 2 includes a support structure 22 to which the assembly device 20 is attached.

[0081] The support structure 22 is a component of the image generating device 4. The support structure 22 may form part of the housing 8 of the head-up display 2, or be integrated into the housing 8.

[0082] One possible embodiment of the assembly device 20 is in Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the image. Figure 2 and 3 Two sides of the assembly device 20 without the screen 12 and partially transparent elements 18 are shown. As for... Figure 4 and 5 They show two sides of the assembly device 20 when equipped, one side with a screen 12 and the other side with a partially transparent element 18.

[0083] The corresponding assembly device 20 includes a support frame 201, an attachment device 202 for attaching the screen 12, and an attachment device 203 for attaching the partially transparent element 18.

[0084] The support frame 201 has a generally flat shape and is provided with a central opening 2011, which is rectangular in this case and is adapted to the position of the central movable portion 12a of the screen 12.

[0085] The support frame 201 is defined by an outer edge 2012, an inner edge 2013 (which defines a central opening 2011), a screen receiving surface 2014, and a partially transparent element receiving surface 2015 (on the opposite side of the screen receiving surface 2014).

[0086] Screen receiving surface 2014 of support frame 201 Figure 2 This includes a mounting housing 204 arranged to receive the screen 12.

[0087] The mounting housing 204 for the screen 12 is defined by a contour 205 and a screen support plane 206, the contact surface of the screen 12 being used to abut against the screen support plane 206.

[0088] The outline 205 of the mounting housing 204 corresponds to the outline of the screen 12, and gaps are allowed. In this case, both outlines have a roughly rectangular shape.

[0089] The screen support plane 206 is defined by two opposing planar portions 206a and 206b, which are arranged along a first axis X on both sides of the central opening 2011. In the illustrated embodiment, the two planar portions 206a and 206b extend along the two long sides of the rectangular central opening 2011.

[0090] The screen receiving surface 2014 includes the aforementioned attachment devices 202 for the screen 12. These attachment devices 202 for the screen 12 are composed of elastic interlocking devices of the type having snap-fit ​​protrusions 2021 with locking lugs 2022.

[0091] In this configuration, four such snap-fit ​​protrusions 2021 are distributed around the periphery of the contour 205 of the mounting housing 204. Each snap-fit ​​protrusion is sandwiched between two transverse grooves 2023 formed in the support frame 201, thereby enhancing their elasticity.

[0092] On one side of the support frame 201, there is a notch 207 for the connector of the screen 12 to pass through. The notch 207 allows the flat portion 206b of the screen support plane 206 to extend all the way to the outer edge 2012 of the support frame 201.

[0093] Partial transparent element receiving surface 2015 of support frame 201 Figure 3 It includes a mounting housing 208, which is arranged to receive a portion of the transparent element 18.

[0094] The mounting housing 208 for the partially transparent element 18 is defined by a profile 208a and a partially transparent element support plane 209, the contact surface of the partially transparent element 18 being used to abut against the partially transparent element support plane 209.

[0095] The outline 208a of the mounting housing 208 corresponds to the outline of the partially transparent element 18, and a gap is allowed. In this case, both outlines have a generally rectangular shape.

[0096] The partially transparent element support plane 209 is defined by two opposing planar portions 209a and 209b, which are arranged along a second axis Y on both sides of the central opening 2011. In the illustrated embodiment, the two planar portions 209a and 209b extend along the two short sides of the rectangular central opening 2011.

[0097] The partially transparent element receiving surface 2015 includes the aforementioned attachment device 203 for the partially transparent element 18. These attachment devices 203 for the partially transparent element 18 are similar to the attachment device 202 for the screen 12. These attachment devices 203 are composed of a resilient interlocking device of the type having a snap-fit ​​protrusion 2031 with a locking lug 2032.

[0098] In this case, there are two snap-fit ​​protrusions 2031 arranged opposite to each other at the edges of the planar portions 209a and 209b. In this case, they are located approximately on the central axis of the long side of the central opening 2011, that is, at the width center or approximately the center of the short side of the central opening 2011.

[0099] The partially transparent element support plane 209 is located in the same plane as the screen support plane 206.

[0100] The dimensions of the mounting housing 204 for the screen 12 and the mounting housing 208 for the partially transparent element 18 are independent of each other and are adapted to the dimensions of the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18, respectively. The surface of the partially transparent element / plate 18 is much larger than the central opening 2011 in the support frame 201.

[0101] Therefore, the support frame 201 allows the screen 12 to be attached to its screen receiving surface 2014 and a portion of the transparent element 18 to be attached to its portion of the transparent element receiving surface 2015, wherein the contact surface of the screen 12 presses against the contact surface of the portion of the transparent element 18.

[0102] The surface of the transparent element 18 that is used to contact the surface of the screen 12 can be either of its two opposing flat surfaces.

[0103] Furthermore, the surface of the screen 12 used for contacting the surface of the partially transparent element 18 can be either of its two opposing surfaces.

[0104] In any case, the contact surfaces of screen 12 and partially transparent element 18 are contact surfaces that abut against planar portions 206a and 206b on one hand and against planar portions 209a and 209b on the other.

[0105] The support frame 201 also includes a centering post 2016 projecting from the partially transparent element receiving surface 2015, which is adapted to interact with the mounting holes formed in the support structure 22 of the head-up display 2.

[0106] In this case, there are two such centering columns 2016, but there can be more. In the illustrated embodiment, these centering columns are arranged on the short side of the rectangular support frame 201.

[0107] In addition, the support frame 201 also includes attachment holes 2017, each attachment hole 2017 being adapted to allow clamping screws to pass through for attaching the assembly 20 to the support structure 22 of the head-up display 2.

[0108] In this case, there are two such attachment holes 2017, but there could be more. In the illustrated embodiment, these attachment holes are arranged on the short side of the rectangular support frame 201.

[0109] Equipping the assembly device 20 includes positioning the partially transparent element 18 and the screen 12 within their respective mounting housings 208 and 204, and on the corresponding surfaces 2015 and 2014 of the support frame 201, as follows: Figure 4 and 5 As shown.

[0110] Therefore, by applying a force that causes the two locking lugs 2032 of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2031 to move away from each other, the portion of the transparent component plate 18 is assembled or snapped into its mounting housing 208.

[0111] Its two sides, which are for contacting the screen 12, abut against the planar portions 209a and 209b of the support plane 209; and due to the elasticity of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2031, its locking lug 2032 is positioned facing the opposite side of the transparent element 18 to clamp the transparent element. Figure 4 ).

[0112] The contour 208a of the mounting housing 208, corresponding to the contour of the partially transparent element 18, ensures that the partially transparent element 18 is locked onto the assembly device 20 without any possibility of movement. Therefore, when in place, the partially transparent element 18 is prevented from sliding under the influence of vibration.

[0113] In itself, the screen 12 is also fitted or engaged into its mounting housing 204 by applying a force that displaces the four locking lugs 2022 of the snap-fit ​​protrusions 2021 from each other. Alternatively, the side of the screen 12 opposite to the connector 12c can be inserted under the lugs 2022 of the opposite snap-fit ​​protrusions 2021, and then a force is applied to the opposite edge of the screen 12 to ensure that it is fully fitted into its mounting housing 204.

[0114] The two sides of the surface of the screen 12 that are in contact with the partially transparent element 18 abut against the planar portions 206a and 206b of the support plane 206; and due to the elasticity of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2021, its locking lug 2022 is positioned facing the opposite side of the screen 12 to clamp the screen 12. Figure 5 ).

[0115] The contour 205 of the mounting housing 204, corresponding to the contour of the screen 12, ensures that the screen 12 is locked onto the assembly device 20 without any possibility of movement. Therefore, when in place, it prevents the screen 12 from sliding under the influence of vibration.

[0116] from Figure 5 As can be seen, when the screen 12 is correctly positioned in its mounting housing 204, a portion of its connector 12c passes through the notch 207 in the support frame 201.

[0117] Support planes 206 and 209 are located in the same plane and are therefore designed in such a way that when screen 12 and partially transparent element 18 are positioned on assembly device 20, the contact between them is direct and complete (that is, their opposite surfaces are in complete contact with each other).

[0118] The attachment devices 202 and 203 are designed to effectively clamp the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18.

[0119] Therefore, a compact sub-assembly is obtained, which is formed by an assembly device 20 equipped with a screen 12 and a partially transparent element 18, and the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18 are in close and firm contact.

[0120] Note that other types of films or plates may also be associated with screen 12 and partially transparent elements 18, such as polarizing films (reflective polarizers are mounted on the back of screen 12 on the same side as the light source 11 to reuse light from back illumination) or infrared films (reflective infrared films are placed on the surface of screen 12 on the same side as the optical system 6 so that infrared radiation from the sun entering the head-up display is reflected back).

[0121] In this case, attachment devices 202 and 203 will be adjusted accordingly to achieve optimal clamping of the various components of the stack.

[0122] Assembly device 20 equipped with screen 12 and partially transparent elements 18 Figure 6 It is attached to the support structure 22 of the head-up display 2 in the manner shown.

[0123] As described above, the support structure 22 is a component of the image generating device 4; the support structure 22 may form part of the housing 8 of the head-up display 2, or be integrated into the housing 8.

[0124] Preferably, the support structure 22 is made of a heat sink, or is thermally connected to a dedicated heat sink, thereby ensuring the function of heat dissipation from the center of the screen 12.

[0125] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the support structure 22 is formed by the wall of the shell 8.

[0126] The support structure 22 includes a window 23 defined by a window frame 24, to which the assembly device 20 is attached.

[0127] The window frame 24 includes mounting holes 24a in which the centering post 2016 of the support frame 201 is fitted. The window frame 24 also includes attachment holes 24b for attaching the support frame 201 by means of clamping screws 25. These attachment holes 24b may be threaded holes to avoid the use of lock nuts.

[0128] If needed, depending on the requirements, the clamping screw 25 can be of sufficient length to allow the reflector 13 to also be assembled from the outside of the housing 8.

[0129] To ensure good heat dissipation, the shell 8 (and therefore the support structure 22) is preferably made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 15 W / mK. For good rigidity, the shell 8 can be made of metal (aluminum, magnesium, steel, etc.).

[0130] Once the assembly device 20 is correctly positioned, the active part 12a of the screen 12 is located opposite the window 23.

[0131] Therefore, the assembly device 20 allows the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18 to be centered relative to their surroundings. This also allows the screen 12, the partially transparent element 18, and any additional films to be assembled, ensuring good contact between them.

[0132] The assembly device 20 is attached to the support structure 22 according to the thermal stress that needs to be controlled.

[0133] In the first case, in order to manage the thermal stress from the light source 11, it is proposed to place a partially transparent element 18 between the light source 11 and the screen 12.

[0134] Generally speaking, if the support structure 22 includes an upstream surface facing the light source 11 and a downstream surface facing away from the light source 11, then as... Figure 7 As shown, the assembly device 20 supporting the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18 can be attached to the downstream surface of the support structure 22, and the partially transparent element 18 is in contact with the support structure 22 and faces the light source 11.

[0135] In this configuration, the assembly device 20 is attached to the inside of the housing 8, and a portion of the transparent element 18 is placed on the same side as the back of the screen 12, such that the portion of the transparent element 18 faces the light source 11.

[0136] In the second case, in order to facilitate thermal management of stress caused by sunlight focused on screen 12 (thermal management of solar flux), it is proposed to place the partially transparent element 18 on the same side as the optical system 6.

[0137] Then, as Figure 8 As shown, the assembly device 20 supporting the screen 12 and the partially transparent element 18 can be attached to the upstream surface of the support structure 22, and the partially transparent element 18 is in contact with the support structure 22 and away from the light source 11.

[0138] In this configuration, the assembly device 20 is attached to the outside of the housing 8, and a portion of the transparent element 18 is placed on the same side as the front of the screen 12, such that the portion of the transparent element 18 faces the sunlight.

Claims

1. An assembly apparatus (20) suitable for assembling a screen (12) including a central movable portion (12a) and a partially transparent element (18), wherein the contact surface of the screen (12) presses against the contact surface of the partially transparent element (18). Its features are, The assembly device (20) includes a support frame (201) having a central opening (2011) adapted to the position of the central movable portion (12a) of the screen (12). The support frame (201) includes an attachment device (202) for the screen (12) and an attachment device (203) for the partially transparent element (18). The support frame (201) includes: A screen receiving surface (2014) is provided with a screen support plane (206), and the contact surface of the screen (12) is used to abut against the screen support plane (206), and A partially transparent element receiving surface (2015) opposite to the screen receiving surface (2014) is provided with a partially transparent element support plane (209), and the contact surface of the partially transparent element (18) is used to abut against the partially transparent element support plane (209). The partially transparent element support plane (209) is located in the same plane as the screen support plane (206).

2. The assembly apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screen receiving surface (2014) includes the attachment device (202) for the screen (12), and the partially transparent element receiving surface (2015) includes the attachment device (203) for the partially transparent element (18).

3. The assembly apparatus (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The screen support plane (206) is defined by two opposing planar portions (206a, 206b) arranged along a first axis (X), and the partially transparent element support plane (209) is defined by two opposing planar portions (209a, 209b) arranged along a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X).

4. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support frame (201) includes: (a) A mounting housing (208) for the partially transparent element (18), the profile (208a) of the mounting housing (208) corresponding to the profile of the partially transparent element (18), and allowing for gaps, and (b) A mounting housing (204) for the screen (12), the outline (205) of the mounting housing (204) corresponding to the outline of the screen (12) and allowing for gaps.

5. The assembly apparatus (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The attachment device (202) for the screen (12) and the attachment device (203) for the partially transparent element (18) are composed of elastic interlocking devices of the type with snap-fit ​​protrusions (2021, 2031) having locking lugs (2022, 2023).

6. The assembly apparatus (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support frame (201) includes at least two centering posts (2016) protruding from the partially transparent element receiving surface (2015), the centering posts (2016) being adapted to interact with mounting holes (24a) formed in the support structure (22).

7. The assembly apparatus (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support frame (201) includes at least two attachment holes (2017), each attachment hole (2017) being adapted to allow a clamping screw (25) to pass through in order to attach the support frame (201) to the support structure (22).

8. An image generating apparatus (4) comprising a light source (11) for generating a light beam (L) and a screen (12) through which the light beam (L) passes, the screen (12) being designed to modify the light beam (L) in a manner that forms an image, the image generating apparatus (4) further comprising a partially transparent element (18) through which the light beam (L) passes, the partially transparent element (18) being arranged to limit heat generation of the screen (12), and the image generating apparatus (4) further comprising a support structure (22) having a window (23) defined by a window frame (24), an assembly device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 being attached to the window frame (24), the assembly device (20) supporting the screen (12) and the partially transparent element (18).

9. The image generating apparatus (4) according to claim 8, comprising the support frame (201) according to claim 6 and the support structure (22), the support structure (22) being provided with a window (23) defined by a window frame (24) including a mounting hole (24a), the centering column (2016) of the support frame (201) being mounted in the mounting hole (24a).

10. The image generating apparatus (4) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising the support frame (201) according to claim 7 and the support structure (22), the support structure (22) being provided with a window (23) defined by a window frame (24), the window frame including an attachment hole (24b) for attaching the support frame (201) by a clamping screw (25).

11. The image generating apparatus (4) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The support structure (22) is composed of a heat sink or is thermally connected to a heat sink.

12. The image generating apparatus (4) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The support structure (22) includes an upstream surface facing the light source (11) and a downstream surface away from the light source (11). The assembly device (20) supporting the screen (12) and the partially transparent element (18) is attached to the downstream surface of the support structure (22), and the partially transparent element (18) faces the light source (11).

13. The image generating apparatus (4) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The support structure (22) includes an upstream surface facing the light source (11) and a downstream surface away from the light source (11). The assembly device (20) supporting the screen (12) and the partially transparent element (18) is attached to the upstream surface of the support structure (22), and the partially transparent element (18) faces a direction opposite to the light source (11).

14. A head-up display (2) comprising an image generating apparatus (4) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, and an optical system (6) adapted to transmit an image generated by the image generating apparatus (4) in the direction of a partially transparent plate (7).

15. The head-up display (2) according to claim 14, comprising a protective housing (8), the protective housing (8) comprising the support structure (22), the support structure (22) having a window (23) defined by a window frame (24), the assembly device (20) for supporting the screen (12) and the partially transparent element (18) attached to the window frame (24).

Images