Display device for vehicle

Abstract

A display device (1) for a vehicle includes: an image display device configured to have an upper display region (30u) disposed opposite an eye point of the vehicle; a compositor (5); a housing portion that houses a lower display region of the image display device and has an opening portion; and a reflection member that reflects the lower display region toward the compositor. In a case of viewing from the eye point, a first image (63) of the image on the compositor as the opening portion overlaps the upper display region, and a gap (G1, G2) having a first width (Wd1) is present between a boundary line of the first image and the upper display region. In the case of viewing from the eye point, the first image overlaps a second image (36) of the image on the compositor as the lower display region, and a gap (G3, G4) having a second width (Wd2) is present between a boundary line of the first image and the second image. The shape of the upper display region and the shape of the lower display region are shapes that make the first width and the second width the same.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a display device for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, there is a display device for a vehicle having a combiner. A display device for a vehicle is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, which has a display device main body that emits display light, and a combiner that is fixed to an upper portion of the display device main body, for projecting the display light emitted from the display device main body. In the display device for a vehicle of Patent Literature 1, the display light is emitted to the outside of the housing via the surface glass of the opening portion of the housing, and is irradiated to the display region of the combiner.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5961372 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In a case where the display light is projected from the display device toward the combiner via the opening portion formed in the wall surface of the instrument panel or the like, the image display region of the display device and the opening portion surrounding the image display region are reflected in the combiner. Here, if the shape of the opening portion reflected in the combiner does not match the shape of the image display region, the designability is degraded.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a display device for a vehicle that can improve the designability.

[0009] MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] The vehicle display device of the present application is characterized by comprising: an image display device having an upper display area and a lower display area that display an image, and configured to have the upper display area disposed opposite an eye point of a vehicle; a combiner disposed on the eye point side with respect to the upper display area; a housing portion that houses the lower display area and has an opening portion toward the upper side, the opening portion being located on the eye point side with respect to the image display device; a cover portion that covers the upper display area from the upper side; and a reflection member disposed inside the housing portion and opposing the combiner via the opening portion, the reflection member reflecting the lower display area toward the combiner, the combiner reflecting the lower display area reflected by the reflection member and the opening portion toward the eye point, respectively, in a case where viewed from the eye point, a first image that is an image of the opening portion in the combiner overlaps the upper display area, and a boundary line of the first image and the upper display area have a first width of a gap in an image lateral direction, in a case where viewed from the eye point, the first image overlaps a second image that is an image of the lower display area in the combiner, and a boundary line of the first image and the second image have a second width of a gap in the image lateral direction, the shape of the upper display area and the shape of the lower display area are shapes that make the first width and the second width the same.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In the vehicle display device of the present application, a first image that is an image of an opening portion in a combiner overlaps an upper display area of an image display device, and overlaps a second image that is an image of a lower display area. A boundary line of the first image has a first width of a gap between the first image and the upper display area, and has a second width of a gap between the first image and the second image. The shape of the upper display area and the shape of the lower display area are shapes that make the first width and the second width the same. According to the vehicle display device of the present application, the shape of the upper display area and the second image can be coordinated with the shape of the first image, and designability can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view of the vehicle display device of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a front view of the mask member of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image display device of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of the mask member of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a plan view of the cover portion and the housing portion of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a front view of the vehicle display device of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an optical path of virtual image display of the vehicle display device of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an image projected in the combiner of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an image projected in the combiner of the first modification of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 is a front view of the mask member of the first modification of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 is a plan view of the cover portion and the housing portion of the second modification of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the vehicle display device of the second modification of the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an image projected on the combiner of the second modification of the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the cover portion and the housing portion of the second modification of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing portion of the third modification of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 is a sectional view of the housing portion of the third modification of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an image projected in the combiner of the third modification of the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 is a front view of the combiner of the fourth modification of the embodiment.

[0031] Symbol explanation

[0032] 1: vehicle display device

[0033] 2: box, 3: image display device, 4: reflecting member, 5: combiner

[0034] 6: housing, 7: cover

[0035] 30: display surface, 30d: lower display area, 30u: upper display area

[0036] 31: mask member, 32: sheet

[0037] 33: print layer, 33d: lower transparent area, 33u: upper transparent area

[0038] 33b: light-shielding area, 33g: gradual change area

[0039] 34a: first side edge, 34b: second side edge, 34d: lower edge, 34u: upper edge

[0040] 35a: first side edge, 35b: second side edge, 35d: lower edge, 35e: first oblique edge

[0041] 35f: second oblique edge, 35g: third oblique edge, 35h: fourth oblique edge, 35u: upper edge

[0042] 36: second image, 36a: first side edge, 36b: second side edge

[0043] 36d: lower edge, 36e: first oblique edge, 36f: second oblique edge, 36g: third oblique edge

[0044] 36h: fourth oblique edge, 36u: upper edge

[0045] 40: speed image

[0046] 50: instrument display area, 51: peripheral area, 52: decoration area

[0047] 60: instrument panel surface, 60v: visual area

[0048] 61: opening, 61a: first oblique edge, 61b: second oblique edge

[0049] 61d: bottom edge, 61u: top edge

[0050] 62: cover, 63: first image, 63a: first oblique edge, 63b: second oblique edge

[0051] 63d: bottom edge, 63u: top edge

[0052] 64: decoration member, 64a: first oblique edge portion, 64b: second oblique edge portion, 64u: top edge portion

[0053] 65: third image, 65a: first oblique edge portion, 65b: second oblique edge portion, 65u: top edge portion

[0054] 66: instrument display region, 67: peripheral region, 68: main body, 69: cover member

[0055] 70: fourth image, 71: pointer, 72: boundary line

[0056] 100: vehicle, 110: windshield, 120: instrument panel

[0057] EP: eye point

[0058] GH: image horizontal direction, GV: image vertical direction

[0059] X: vehicle front-rear direction, XI: front side, X2: rear side

[0060] Z: vehicle up-down direction, Zl: upper side, Z2: lower side DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Hereinafter, a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present application is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, among the structural elements of the following embodiment, elements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art or substantially the same elements are included.

[0062] [EMBODIMENT]

[0063] Reference Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment will be described. The present embodiment relates to a vehicle display device. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view of a vehicle display device according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is a front view of a mask member according to the embodiment, Figure 3 is a sectional view of an image display device according to the embodiment, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a mask member according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a plan view of a cover and a housing according to the embodiment, Figure 6 is a front view of a vehicle display device according to the embodiment, Figure 7 is a view showing an optical path of virtual image display of a vehicle display device according to the embodiment, Figure 8 is a view showing an image on a combiner according to the embodiment. Figure 3 represents Figure 2 III-III cross section of

[0064] As Figure 1As shown, the vehicle display device 1 has a housing 2, an image display device 3, a reflection member 4, and a combiner 5. The vehicle display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100 such as an automobile. The vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment is a virtual image display device that displays a virtual image in front of a driver through the combiner 5. The example vehicle display device 1 is disposed on an instrument panel 120. The vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to display a real image and a virtual image to an eye point EP in the vehicle 100. More specifically, the vehicle display device 1 causes the driver to visually recognize an image displayed on an upper portion of the image display device 3 as a real image, and causes the driver to visually recognize an image displayed on a lower portion of the image display device 3 as a virtual image. Further, the eye point EP is a position that is assumed to be a position of the driver's eyes in advance, or a position of the driver's actual eyes.

[0065] The housing 2 has a housing portion 6 and a cover portion 7. The housing portion 6 and the cover portion 7 can be integral, or can be separate members. The housing portion 6 is housed in the instrument panel 120. The housing portion 6 has a box shape, and has light shielding properties. The housing portion 6 has an instrument panel surface 60 on which an opening portion 61 is formed. The instrument panel surface 60 and the opening portion 61 are located on an upper portion of the housing portion 6, and face upward. A transparent cover 62 is disposed on the opening portion 61. The cover 62 has a curved shape that curves toward the inside of the housing portion 6. The cover 62 is formed to reflect external light toward a light shielding wall. For example, the cover 62 reflects external light that has passed through the windshield 110 toward a wall surface of the cover portion 7 or a direction other than the eye point.

[0066] In the following description, the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction X is referred to as "front side X1", and the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction X is referred to as "rear side X2". In addition, the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction Z is referred to as "upper side Z1", and the lower side in the vehicle up-down direction Z is referred to as "lower side Z2". An image longitudinal direction GV of an image displayed by the vehicle display device 1 corresponds to the vehicle up-down direction Z.

[0067] The image display device 3 is a device that displays an image, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device such as a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display). The image display device 3 has a backlight unit, and displays light using light output from the backlight unit. The image display device 3 has an upper display region 30u and a lower display region 30d. The upper display region 30u and the lower display region 30d are light emitting regions that output display light. The upper display region 30u is located on the upper side Z1 of a display surface 30 of the image display device 3. The lower display region 30d is located on the lower side Z2 of the display surface 30.

[0068] The image display device 3 is disposed in opposition to the eye point EP with the upper display region 30u. The image display device 3 is, for example, fixed to the housing 2, and is held by the housing 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the image display device 3 is disposed in opposition to the eye point EP with the upper display region 30u.Figure 1 As shown, the receiving portion 6 accommodates the lower display area 30d and holds the image display device 3. The image display device 3 is disposed at the end of the front side X1 of the receiving portion 6, with the display surface 30 facing the rear side X2. The upper display area 30u protrudes upward from the receiving portion 6.

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a mask component 31 is disposed in front of the image display device 3. The mask component 31 is disposed on the display surface 30, covering the entire display surface 30. The mask component 31 forms an upper display area 30u and a lower display area 30d on the display surface 30. Figure 3 As shown, the mask component 31 has a transparent sheet 32 ​​and a printed layer 33. The sheet 32 ​​is molded from a resin such as polycarbonate. The printed layer 33 is formed by printing on the sheet 32. The printed layer 33 has: an upper transparent region 33u, a lower transparent region 33d, a light-blocking region 33b, and a gradient region 33g.

[0070] The upper transparent area 33u and the lower transparent area 33d are areas through which display light of the image displayed on the display surface 30 passes. In the example, the two transparent areas 33u and 33d are formed with brown ink. Alternatively, the transparent areas 33u and 33d can also be colorless and transparent. In this case, for example, a printing layer 33 is formed in areas other than the transparent areas 33u and 33d.

[0071] The light-blocking area 33b is formed of a light-blocking ink. The light-blocking area 33b is, for example, a black or dark area that blocks display light. A gradient area 33g is formed at the boundary between the transmissive areas 33u, 33d and the light-blocking area 33b. The gradient area 33g is formed such that the transmittance of display light gradually increases as it approaches the transmissive areas 33u, 33d from the light-blocking area 33b. The gradient area 33g is, for example, as... Figure 4 As shown, it is formed by using halftone printing with multiple dots.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper display area 30u is trapezoidal in shape. The shape of the upper display area 30u is determined based on the shape of the first image 63, which will be described later. The first image 63 is the image projected onto the opening 61 in the synthesizer 5. In the upper display area 30u, the length of the image horizontal direction GH decreases as it moves upward towards the upper side Z1. The image horizontal direction GH is the horizontal direction of the image displayed in the upper display area 30u and the lower display area 30d. The image horizontal direction GH is, for example, along the vehicle width direction. The upper display area 30u has: a first side 34a, a second side 34b, an upper side 34u, and a lower side 34d.

[0073] The upper edge 34u is the boundary line of the upper Z1 in the upper display area 30u. The lower edge 34d is the boundary line of the lower Z2 in the upper display area 30u. In the example, the upper edge 34u and the lower edge 34d extend in a straight line along the horizontal direction GH of the image.

[0074] The first side 34a is the left boundary line of the upper display area 30u when viewed from the eye point EP. The second side 34b is the right boundary line of the upper display area 30u when viewed from the eye point EP. The first side 34a and the second side 34b are inclined relative to the vertical direction Z of the vehicle. More specifically, the first side 34a and the second side 34b are inclined in a manner that they approach each other as they move upward towards the upper Z1. In the example, the first side 34a and the second side 34b extend in a straight line.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower display area 30d is trapezoidal in shape. The shape of the lower display area 30d is determined based on the shape of the first image 63. In the lower display area 30d, the length of the horizontal direction GH of the image decreases as it moves upward towards the upper side Z1. The lower display area 30d has: a first side 35a, a second side 35b, a top side 35u, and a bottom side 35d.

[0076] The upper edge 35u is the boundary line of the upper Z1 in the lower display area 30d. The lower edge 35d is the boundary line of the lower Z2 in the lower display area 30d. In the example, the upper edge 35u and the lower edge 35d extend in a straight line along the horizontal direction GH of the image.

[0077] The first side edge 35a is the left boundary line of the lower display area 30d when viewed from the eye point EP. The second side edge 35b is the right boundary line of the lower display area 30d when viewed from the eye point EP. The first side edge 35a and the second side edge 35b are tilted relative to the image longitudinal direction GV. More specifically, the first side edge 35a and the second side edge 35b are tilted in a manner that they approach each other as they move upward towards the upper side Z1. In the example, the first side edge 35a and the second side edge 35b extend in a straight line. A gap is provided between the upper display area 30u and the lower display area 30d.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, the opening 61 in this embodiment is trapezoidal in shape. The width of the opening 61 in the horizontal direction GH of the image narrows towards the rear X2. The opening 61 has a top edge 61u, a bottom edge 61d, a first inclined edge 61a, and a second inclined edge 61b. The top edge 61u is the boundary line of the rear X2 side of the opening 61. The bottom edge 61d is the boundary line of the front X1 side of the opening 61.

[0079] The first slanted edge 61a and the second slanted edge 61b are boundary lines of the image lateral direction GH in the opening portion 61. The first slanted edge 61a and the second slanted edge 61b are opposed to each other in the image lateral direction GH. The first slanted edge 61a and the second slanted edge 61b are inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction X. More specifically, the first slanted edge 61a and the second slanted edge 61b are inclined in such a manner that they approach each other as they go toward the rear side X2.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the cover portion 7 is disposed on the upper side Zl with respect to the housing portion 6. The shape of the cover portion 7 in the front view is a trapezoid. The length of the cover portion 7 in the image lateral direction GH becomes smaller as it goes toward the upper side Zl. The upper display region 30u protrudes from the housing portion 6 toward the upper side Zl, and is covered by the cover portion 7 from the upper side Zl. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6, the combiner 5 is disposed on the eye point EP side with respect to the upper display region 30u. The example combiner 5 is held by a housing member not shown. The combiner 5 is composed of, for example, a half mirror. The combiner 5 is capable of transmitting the display light of the image displayed on the upper display region 30u toward the eye point EP side. The combiner 5 has a reflection surface 5a opposed to the eye point EP. The shape of the combiner 5 in the front view is a trapezoid identical to the shape of the cover portion 7. The combiner 5 reflects the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61 of the housing portion 6 toward the eye point EP. That is, since the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61 are reflected in the combiner 5, the driver is able to visually recognize the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61.

[0081] Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 6, the combiner 5 is disposed on the eye point EP side with respect to the upper display region 30u. The example combiner 5 is held by a housing member not shown. The combiner 5 is composed of, for example, a half mirror. The combiner 5 is capable of transmitting the display light of the image displayed on the upper display region 30u toward the eye point EP side. The combiner 5 has a reflection surface 5a opposed to the eye point EP. The shape of the combiner 5 in the front view is a trapezoid identical to the shape of the cover portion 7. The combiner 5 reflects the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61 of the housing portion 6 toward the eye point EP. That is, since the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61 are reflected in the combiner 5, the driver is able to visually recognize the dashboard surface 60 and the opening portion 61.

[0082] The first image 63 as the image of the opening portion 61 reflected on the combiner 5 is shown in FIG. 6. The first image 63 has a first slanted edge 63a, a second slanted edge 63b, a top edge 63u, and a bottom edge 63d. The first slanted edge 63a, the second slanted edge 63b, the top edge 63u, and the bottom edge 63d are images of the first slanted edge 61a, the second slanted edge 61b, the top edge 61u, and the bottom edge 61d of the opening portion 61. The first slanted edge 63a is a boundary line of the left side when viewed from the eye point EP in the first image 63. The second slanted edge 63b is a boundary line of the right side when viewed from the eye point EP in the first image 63. The first slanted edge 63a and the second slanted edge 63b of the first image 63 are inclined with respect to the image vertical direction GV in such a manner that they approach each other as they go toward the upper side Zl. Figure 6 The upper display region 30u is visually recognized overlapping the first image 63. In other words, the shape of the upper display region 30u is determined so that the first image 63 overlaps the upper display region 30u. The example first image 63 overlaps the entire upper display region 30u. That is, the position and size of the opening portion 61 are determined so that the upper display region 30u and the light-shield region 33b around the upper display region 30u overlap the first image 63.

[0083]

[0084] ​​The shape of the first image 63 is a shape similar to or analogous to the shape of the cover portion 7. An indicator 71 is displayed on the side of the first image 63. The indicator 71 can be displayed as a real image on the cover portion 7 or as a virtual image.

[0085] As Figure 6 indicated, the upper display region 30u overlaps with the lower portion of the first image 63 when viewed from the front. The shape of the upper display region 30u of the present embodiment is a shape in which the first side edge 34a is parallel to the first oblique edge 63a of the first image 63 and the second side edge 34b is parallel to the second oblique edge 63b of the first image 63. Further, the upper edge 34u is parallel to the top edge 63u of the first image 63 and the lower edge 34d is parallel to the bottom edge 63d of the first image 63.

[0086] On the image lateral direction GH, there is a gap G1, G2 of the first width Wd1 between the boundary line of the first image 63 and the upper display region 30u. The gap G1 is a gap of the image lateral direction GH between the first oblique edge 63a and the first side edge 34a. The gap G2 is a gap of the image lateral direction GH between the second oblique edge 63b and the second side edge 34b. That is, in the case of viewing from the eye point EP, the gap G1 is located on the left side of the upper display region 30u and the gap G2 is located on the right side of the upper display region 30u. The position and shape of the upper display region 30u are determined so that the left and right gaps G1, G2 are equal. Further, the first width Wd1 of the gap G1 is equal to the first width Wd1 of the gap G2, for example, in the case where the eye point EP is located in the center of the eye range.

[0087] As Figure 7 indicated, the reflection member 4 is disposed inside the housing portion 6 and opposes the reflection surface 5a of the synthesizer 5 via the opening portion 61. The reflection member 4 is disposed at the end of the rear side X2 of the housing portion 6 and opposes the lower display region 30d. The reflection member 4 reflects the lower display region 30d toward the synthesizer 5. The reflection member 4 is disposed on the rear side X2 further than a position at which the end of the cover portion 7 and the top edge 61u of the opening portion 61 are connected by a straight line, and is configured so that sunlight incident from the opening portion 61 does not directly contact the reflection member 4. The reflection surface 5a of the synthesizer 5 reflects an image of the lower display region 30d toward the eye point EP. A virtual image Vi that is visually recognized at the eye point EP is imaged at a position on the front side X1 of the reflection surface 5a. The virtual image Vi is a virtual image of the lower display region 30d and contains an image displayed in the lower display region 30d.

[0088] As Figure 8 indicated, the cover portion 7 is located on the upper side than the steering wheel 130 when viewed from the eye point EP. Figure 8A second image 36, which is an image of the lower display region 30d, is shown as being projected on the combiner 5. The driver visually recognizes the second image 36 as a virtual image Vi. The second image 36 has a first side edge 36a, a second side edge 36b, an upper edge 36u, and a lower edge 36d. The first side edge 36a, the second side edge 36b, the upper edge 36u, and the lower edge 36d are images of the first side edge 35a, the second side edge 35b, the upper edge 35u, and the lower edge 35d of the lower display region 30d.

[0089] The first side edge 36a is a boundary line of the left side in the second image 36 when viewed from the eye point EP. The second side edge 36b is a boundary line of the right side in the second image 36 when viewed from the eye point EP. The upper edge 36u is a boundary line of the upper side Z1 in the second image 36. The lower edge 36d is a boundary line of the lower side Z2 in the second image 36. The first side edge 36a and the second side edge 36b are inclined with respect to the image longitudinal direction GV in such a manner that they approach each other as they go toward the upper side Z1.

[0090] The lower display region 30d is a light-emitting region that outputs display light. In the lower display region 30d, light of the backlight unit slightly transmits even in a black portion in which no image is displayed. Therefore, the second image 36 is brighter than the surroundings. That is, the user can visually recognize the outline of the second image 36. Likewise, in the upper display region 30u, light of the backlight unit slightly transmits even in a black portion in which no image is displayed. Therefore, the upper display region 30u is brighter than the surroundings. That is, the user can visually recognize the outline of the upper display region 30u.

[0091] The first image 63 overlaps the second image 36 when viewed from the eye point EP. The second image 36 as a whole overlaps the first image 63 when viewed from the eye point EP. The first side edge 36a of the second image 36 is parallel to the first oblique edge 63a of the first image 63. The second side edge 36b is parallel to the second oblique edge 63b. In addition, the upper edge 36u and the lower edge 36d are respectively parallel to the top edge 63u and the bottom edge 63d.

[0092] In the image horizontal direction GH, there is a gap G3, G4 having a second width Wd2 between the boundary lines of the first image 63 and the second image 36. The gap G3 is a gap in the image horizontal direction GH between the first oblique edge 63a of the first image 63 and the first side edge 36a of the second image 36. The gap G4 is a gap in the image horizontal direction GH between the second oblique edge 63b and the second side edge 36b. That is, the gap G3 is located on the left side of the second image 36 and the gap G4 is located on the right side of the second image 36 when viewed from the eye point EP. The vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the gaps G3, G4 on the left and right of the second image 36 are equal. Further, the width Wd2 of the gap G3 and the width Wd2 of the gap G4 are equal means, for example, a case where the eye point EP is located in the center of the eye range.

[0093] AsFigure 8 As shown, the second image 36 is located on the upper side Zl with respect to the upper display region 30u. A part of the lower side Z2 of the example second image 36 overlaps the upper display region 30u. That is, a part of the virtual image Vi is overlaid on the real image of the upper display region 30u. The second image 36 includes a speed image 40 that represents a running speed of the vehicle 100.

[0094] In the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment, the first width Wdl and the second width Wd2 have the same value. For example, the widths of the images of the gaps Gl and G3 located on the left side when viewed from the eye point EP are equal. That is, from the upper end of the second image 36 to the lower end of the upper display region 30u, the gaps G3 and Gl are formed to be equal in width and continuous. In addition, the widths of the images of the gaps G2 and G4 located on the right side are equal. That is, from the upper end of the second image 36 to the lower end of the upper display region 30u, the gaps G4 and G2 are formed to be equal in width and continuous. As described below, the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment can improve the design property.

[0095] As a comparative example, a structure in which the opening portion, the upper display region, and the lower display region are all rectangular and the widths of the upper display region and the lower display region are the same is studied. In the comparative example, the width of the virtual image of the lower display region is smaller with respect to the real image of the upper display region. In this case, the shapes of the three when viewed from the eye point EP are not harmonious, and the user can feel discomfort. For example, the widths of the gaps Gl, G2, G3, and G4 are not the same, and the design property is reduced. In contrast, in the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment, the gaps Gl and G3 have the same width, and the gaps G2 and G4 have the same width. As a result, the shape of the second image 36 and the shape of the upper display region 30u are harmonious with the shape of the first image 63. Therefore, the driver is less likely to feel discomfort, and the design property of the vehicle display device 1 is improved.

[0096] On the image longitudinal direction GV, the boundary line of the first image 63 and the upper display region 30u have a gap Gl l. The gap Gl l is a gap between the bottom edge 63d of the first image 63 and the lower edge 34d of the upper display region 30u. In addition, on the image longitudinal direction GV, the first image 63 and the second image 36 have a gap G12. The gap G12 is a gap between the top edge 63u of the first image 63 and the upper edge 36u of the second image 36. The width of the gap G12 can also be the same size as the first width Wdl and the second width Wd2. The width of the gap Gl l can also be the same size as the first width Wdl and the second width Wd2.

[0097] In addition, in the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment, the upper display region 30u and the lower display region 30d are formed by one flat mask member 31. Due to such a structure, the inside of the housing portion 6 is less likely to be reflected. As a comparative example, a mask member provided with openings corresponding to the upper display region 30u and the lower display region 30d was studied. In the mask member of the comparative example, sometimes a step surface of the opening portion is irradiated with external light entering the inside of the housing portion 6. As a result, sometimes the step surface is reflected into the combiner 5 and visually recognized by the eye point EP. In contrast, in the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment, since the mask member 31 does not have a step surface, reflection is less likely to occur.

[0098] Further, the housing portion 6 has a holding structure that holds the mask member 31, but the holding structure is disposed at a position where reflection does not occur. In other words, the holding structure holds the mask member 31 at a position that is not visually recognized from the eye point EP.

[0099] In the mask member 31 of the present embodiment, a gradual change region 33g is provided. Due to this, the boundary portion of the upper display region 30u and the gaps G1, G2 becomes blurred and less noticeable. In addition, the boundary portion of the second image 36 and the gaps G3, G4 becomes blurred and less noticeable. Therefore, the mask member 31 of the present embodiment can improve the design of the vehicle display device 1.

[0100] As described above, the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment has an image display device 3, a combiner 5, a housing portion 6, a cover portion 7, and a reflection member 4. The image display device 3 has an upper display region 30u and a lower display region 30d that display an image, and the upper display region 30u is disposed so as to oppose the eye point EP of a vehicle 100. The combiner 5 is disposed on the eye point EP side with respect to the upper display region 30u. The housing portion 6 houses the lower display region 30d and has an opening portion 61 that faces upward. The opening portion 61 is located on the eye point EP side with respect to the image display device 3.

[0101] The cover portion 7 covers the upper display region 30u from above. The reflection member 4 is disposed inside the housing portion 6 and opposes the combiner 5 via the opening portion 61. The combiner 5 reflects the lower display region 30d toward the combiner 5. The combiner 5 reflects the lower display region 30d and the opening portion 61 after being reflected by the reflection member 4 toward the eye point EP, respectively.

[0102] The first image 63, which is an image of the opening portion 61, as viewed from the eye point EP, overlaps the upper display region 30u in the compositor 5. In the image lateral direction GH, there is a gap G1, G2 having a first width Wd1 between the boundary line of the first image 63 and the upper display region 30u. The first image 63 overlaps the second image 36, which is an image of the lower display region 30d, as viewed from the eye point EP. In the image lateral direction GH, there is a gap G3, G4 having a second width Wd2 between the boundary line of the first image 63 and the second image 36. The shape of the upper display region 30u and the shape of the lower display region 30d are shapes in which the first width Wd1 and the second width Wd2 are the same. Therefore, the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment can coordinate the shape of the upper display region 30u and the second image 36 with the shape of the first image 63, and improve the design.

[0103] The vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment has a mask member 31. The mask member 31 is disposed on the display surface 30 of the image display device 3, and forms the upper display region 30u and the lower display region 30d. The mask member 31 has an upper transmissive region 33u, a lower transmissive region 33d, and a light-blocking region 33b. The upper transmissive region 33u is a light-transmissive region that forms the upper display region 30u. The lower transmissive region 33d is a light-transmissive region that forms the lower display region 30d. The light-blocking region 33b is a light-blocking region that surrounds the upper transmissive region 33u and the lower transmissive region 33d. With the mask member 31, it is possible to eliminate the step face that is imaged in the compositor 5.

[0104] [First Modification of the Embodiment]

[0105] The first modification of the embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a view showing an image in a compositor of the first modification of the embodiment, Figure 10 is a front view of a mask member of the first modification of the embodiment. In the first modification of the embodiment, the points of difference from the above-described embodiment are, for example, the shape of the first image 63, the shape of the upper display region 30u, and the shape of the second image 36.

[0106] As shown in Figure 9 , the instrument display portion and the first image 63 of the first modification of the embodiment have a hexagonal shape. The shape of the instrument display portion and the first image 63 is also a shape in which the two bases of the trapezoid are connected to each other. The first image 63 is an image in which the opening portion 61 of the hexagon is imaged in the compositor 5. The first image 63 has a first oblique side 63e, a second oblique side 63f, a third oblique side 63g, a fourth oblique side 63h, a top side 63u, and a bottom side 63d.

[0107] The first hypotenuse 63e and the second hypotenuse 63f are the left boundary lines of the first image 63 as viewed from the eye point EP. The first hypotenuse 63e is located on the upper side Z1 relative to the second hypotenuse 63f. The third hypotenuse 63g and the fourth hypotenuse 36h are the right boundary lines of the first image 63 as viewed from the eye point EP. The third hypotenuse 63g is located on the upper side Z1 relative to the fourth hypotenuse 36h.

[0108] The first hypotenuse 63e and the third hypotenuse 63g are opposite each other in the horizontal direction GH of the image. The first hypotenuse 63e and the third hypotenuse 63g are inclined relative to the vertical direction GV of the image as they approach each other towards the upper side Z1. In the example, the first hypotenuse 63e and the third hypotenuse 63g extend in a straight line.

[0109] The second hypotenuse 63f and the fourth hypotenuse 36h are opposite each other in the horizontal direction GH of the image. The second hypotenuse 63f and the fourth hypotenuse 36h are inclined relative to the vertical direction GV of the image, approaching each other as they move downwards towards Z2. In the example, the second hypotenuse 63f and the fourth hypotenuse 36h extend in a straight line. The top edge 63u and the bottom edge 63d extend in a straight line along the horizontal direction GH of the image, respectively. The lengths of the top edge 63u and the bottom edge 63d can also be equal.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown, in the first variation of the embodiment, the upper display area 30u is shaped like an inverted trapezoid. The upper edge 34u and the lower edge 34d extend in a straight line along the horizontal direction GH of the image. The length of the upper edge 34u is greater than the length of the lower edge 34d. The first side edge 34a and the second side edge 34b are opposite each other in the horizontal direction GH of the image. The first side edge 34a and the second side edge 34b are tilted relative to the vertical direction GV of the image, approaching each other as they move downwards towards the lower Z2.

[0111] In the first variation of the embodiment, the lower display area 30d is approximately trapezoidal in shape. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the lower display area 30d has: a first oblique edge 35e, a second oblique edge 35f, a third oblique edge 35g, a fourth oblique edge 35h, an upper edge 35u, and a lower edge 35d.

[0112] The first hypotenuse 35e and the second hypotenuse 35f are the left boundary lines of the lower display area 30d as observed from the eye point EP. The first hypotenuse 35e is located above the second hypotenuse 35f at Z1. The third hypotenuse 35g and the fourth hypotenuse 35h are the right boundary lines of the lower display area 30d as observed from the eye point EP. The third hypotenuse 35g is located above the fourth hypotenuse 35h at Z1.

[0113] The first slanted edge 35e and the third slanted edge 35g are opposed to each other in the image transverse direction GH. The first slanted edge 35e and the third slanted edge 35g are inclined with respect to the image longitudinal direction GV in a manner of approaching each other as toward the upper side Zl. The example first slanted edge 35e and the example third slanted edge 35g extend in a straight line shape.

[0114] The second slanted edge 35f and the fourth slanted edge 35h are inclined with respect to the image longitudinal direction GV in a manner of approaching each other as toward the lower side Z2. The example second slanted edge 35f and the example fourth slanted edge 35h extend in a straight line shape. The upper edge 35u and the lower edge 35d extend in a straight line shape along the image transverse direction GH, respectively. The gradation region 33g is provided around the upper display region 30u and the lower display region 30d.

[0115] Figure 9 The second image 36, which is an image of the lower display region 30d, is shown as being mapped in the compositor 5. The second image 36 has a first slanted edge 36e, a second slanted edge 36f, a third slanted edge 36g, a fourth slanted edge 36h, an upper edge 36u, and a lower edge 36d. The first slanted edge 36e, the second slanted edge 36f, the third slanted edge 36g, the fourth slanted edge 36h, the upper edge 36u, and the lower edge 36d are images of the first slanted edge 35e, the second slanted edge 35f, the third slanted edge 35g, the fourth slanted edge 35h, the upper edge 35u, and the lower edge 35d of the lower display region 30d.

[0116] The first slanted edge 36e and the second slanted edge 36f are left side boundary lines of the second image 36 in a case viewed from the eye point EP. The third slanted edge 36g and the fourth slanted edge 36h are right side boundary lines of the second image 36 in a case viewed from the eye point EP. The first slanted edge 36e and the third slanted edge 36g are inclined with respect to the image longitudinal direction GV in a manner of approaching each other as toward the upper side Zl. The second slanted edge 36f and the fourth slanted edge 36h are inclined with respect to the image longitudinal direction GV in a manner of approaching each other as toward the lower side Z2. The upper edge 36u and the lower edge 36d extend in a straight line shape along the image transverse direction GH.

[0117] As with the above-described embodiment, the first image 63 overlaps the second image 36. In addition, in the image transverse direction GH, there are gaps G3, G4 having a second width Wd2 between the boundary lines of the first image 63 and the second image 36. More specifically, the gap G3 is formed between the first slanted edge 63e and the second slanted edge 63f of the first image 63 and the first slanted edge 36e and the second slanted edge 36f of the second image 36. The two first slanted edges 36e, 63e are parallel, and the two second slanted edges 36f, 63f are parallel.

[0118] Gap G4 is formed between the third oblique edge 63g and the fourth oblique edge 63h of the first image 63 and the third oblique edge 36g and the fourth oblique edge 36h of the second image 36. The two third oblique edges 36g and 63g are parallel, and the two fourth oblique edges 36h and 63h are parallel. The position and shape of the lower display area 30d are determined such that the left and right gaps G3 and G4 are equal. Furthermore, the second width Wd2 of gap G3 being equal to the second width Wd2 of gap G4 means, for example, the case where the eye point EP is located in the center of the eye range.

[0119] The first image 63 overlaps with the upper display area 30u. Furthermore, in the horizontal direction GH of the image, there are gaps G1 and G2 with a first width Wd1 between the boundary line of the first image 63 and the upper display area 30u. Gap G1 is formed between the second oblique edge 63f of the first image 63 and the first side edge 34a of the upper display area 30u. Gap G2 is formed between the fourth oblique edge 63h of the first image 63 and the second side edge 34b of the upper display area 30u. The position and shape of the upper display area 30u are determined such that the left and right gaps G1 and G2 are equal. Moreover, the first width Wd1 of gap G1 being equal to the first width Wd1 of gap G2 means, for example, the case where the eye point EP is located in the center of the eye area.

[0120] A portion of the lower Z2 of the second image 36 overlaps with the upper display area 30u. More specifically, the portion between the second hypotenuse 36f and the fourth hypotenuse 36h in the second image 36 overlaps with the upper display area 30u.

[0121] like Figure 9 As shown, the first width Wd1 and the second width Wd2 have the same value. That is, a continuous gap G3 and G1 of equal width is formed from the upper end of the second image 36 to the lower end of the upper display area 30u. In addition, a continuous gap G4 and G2 of equal width is formed from the upper end of the second image 36 to the lower end of the upper display area 30u.

[0122] As described above, in the vehicle display device 1 of the first variation of the embodiment, the shapes of the upper display area 30u and the lower display area 30d are such that the first width Wd1 and the second width Wd2 are the same. Therefore, the vehicle display device 1 of the first variation of the embodiment can improve design flexibility.

[0123] [Second variation of the implementation method]

[0124] A second variation of the implementation method will be described. Figure 11 This is a top view of the cover and receiving portion of the second variation of the embodiment. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle display device according to a second variation of the embodiment. Figure 13is a view of an image projected in a synthesizer in a second modification of the embodiment, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cover and the housing in the second modification of the embodiment.

[0125] As Figure 11 shown, the vehicle display device 1 of the second modification of the embodiment has a decorative member 64. The decorative member 64 is disposed at a rim portion surrounding the opening portion 61, and surrounds the opening portion 61. The shape of the opening portion 61 is a trapezoid, which is the same as in the above-described embodiment. The decorative member 64 has a first sloping side portion 64a, a second sloping side portion 64b, and a top side portion 64u.

[0126] The first sloping side portion 64a is disposed at the first sloping side 61a of the opening portion 61. The second sloping side portion 64b is disposed at the second sloping side 61b. The top side portion 64u is disposed at the top side 61u. That is, the decorative member 64 surrounds the opening portion 61 from both sides and the rear side X2 of the image lateral direction GH.

[0127] At least one of the material, the color tone, and the texture of the decorative member 64 is different from those of the instrument panel face 60. The instrument panel face 60 constitutes a part of the instrument panel 120. The instrument panel face 60 is, for example, a face on which texture processing of a resin member is performed, and has low saturation and brightness. The decorative member 64 can be, for example, smooth-surfaced to have gloss. The decorative member 64 can be a metal member, or a member on which plating is performed on a surface. As an example, the decorative member 64 can also be a metal-look belt. The decorative member 64 can also have high saturation and brightness.

[0128] Figure 12 The example decorative member 64 is a member having a circular arc shape in cross-sectional shape. The decorative member 64 covers the rim portion of the opening portion 61. In other words, the decorative member 64 covers the edge of the instrument panel face 60.

[0129] A third image 65, which is an image of the decorative member 64 projected on the synthesizer 5, is shown in Figure 13 The third image 65 has a first sloping side portion 65a, a second sloping side portion 65b, and a top side portion 65u. The first sloping side portion 65a, the second sloping side portion 65b, and the top side portion 65u are images of the first sloping side portion 64a, the second sloping side portion 64b, and the top side portion 64u of the decorative member 64.

[0130] The third image 65 separates the instrument display region 66 and the peripheral region 67. The instrument display region 66 is a region including the upper display region 30u and the second image 36. The instrument panel surface 60 of the housing 6 is reflected in the peripheral region 67. By the presence of the third image 65, the user easily recognizes the instrument display region 66 and the peripheral region 67 as completely different regions. In the absence of the third image 65, the user would be aware of the instrument panel surface 60 and feel as if seeing a hole opened in the instrument panel surface 60, possibly feeling a sense of disharmony. The vehicle display device 1 of the present modified example is less likely to give the user such a sense of discomfort.

[0131] In addition, as shown in Figure 14 The housing 6 is configured so that an end surface of a member holding the cover 62 is less likely to be visually recognized. The housing 6 has a main body 68 and a cover member 69. The main body 68 houses the lower display region 30d and the reflection member 4. The cover member 69 engages with the opening of the upper side Z1 of the main body 68. The instrument panel surface 60 is a surface of the cover member 69 facing the upper side Z1. The cover 62 is held being sandwiched between the main body 68 and the cover member 69.

[0132] The cover member 69 has an end surface 69a corresponding to the opening 61. The end surface 69a is inclined with respect to the vehicle up-down direction Z in a manner facing the lower side Z2. Thus, the end surface 69a can be made not to be reflected in the compositor 5, making the third image 65 conspicuous as a boundary.

[0133] [Third Modified Example of the Embodiment]

[0134] The third modified example of the embodiment will be described. The instrument panel surface 60 of the third modified example of the embodiment has an inclined surface giving a sense of depth. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing of the third modified example of the embodiment, Figure 16 is a sectional view of the housing of the third modified example of the embodiment, Figure 17 is a diagram showing an image reflected in the compositor in the third modified example of the embodiment.

[0135] Figure 15 The instrument panel surface 60 composed of the inclined surface is shown in FIG. 12. The instrument panel surface 60 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the opening 61. The instrument panel surface 60 has a visible region 60v. The visible region 60v is a region visually recognized by the eye point EP by being reflected by the compositor 5. In Figure 15 In the instrument panel surface 60 shown in FIG. 13, the entire region of the instrument panel surface 60 is the visible region 60v. The visible region 60v has a first inclined surface 60a, a second inclined surface 60b, a third inclined surface 60c, and a fourth inclined surface 60d.

[0136] The first inclined surface 60a is adjacent to the first bevel 61a of the opening portion 61. The second inclined surface 60b is adjacent to the second bevel 61b of the opening portion 61. The third inclined surface 60c is adjacent to the top edge 61u of the opening portion 61. The fourth inclined surface 60d is adjacent to the bottom edge 61d of the opening portion 61.

[0137] The four inclined surfaces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d are inclined in a manner that they are directed toward the inside of the accommodation portion 6 as they approach the opening portion 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the third inclined surface 60c is inclined in a manner that it is directed toward the inside of the accommodation portion 6 as it approaches the top edge 61u. The fourth inclined surface 60d is inclined in a manner that it is directed toward the inside of the accommodation portion 6 as it approaches the bottom edge 61d. Likewise, the first inclined surface 60a is inclined in a manner that it is directed toward the inside of the accommodation portion 6 as it approaches the first bevel 61a. The second inclined surface 60b is inclined in a manner that it is directed toward the inside of the accommodation portion 6 as it approaches the second bevel 61b. Figure 16

[0138] The end portion of the third inclined surface 60c in the image lateral direction GH forms a curved surface and is connected to the first inclined surface 60a and the second inclined surface 60b. The end portion of the fourth inclined surface 60d in the image lateral direction GH forms crossing lines 60e, 60f and is connected to the first inclined surface 60a and the second inclined surface 60b.

[0139] The fourth image 70, which is the image of the dashboard face 60 as mapped in the compositor 5, is shown in FIG. 7. The fourth image 70 has a first region 70a, a second region 70b, a top region 70u, and a lower region 70d. The first region 70a, the second region 70b, the top region 70u, and the lower region 70d are the images of the first inclined surface 60a, the second inclined surface 60b, the third inclined surface 60c, and the fourth inclined surface 60d. Figure 17

[0140] A shadow is generated on the dashboard face 60, which is composed of the plurality of inclined surfaces. Through the shadow, the fourth image 70 is able to give the user a sense of depth. In the example fourth image 70, the top region 70u and the lower region 70d are brighter than the first region 70a and the second region 70b. In addition, a boundary line 72, which changes in brightness, is formed at the boundary of each region. The boundary line 72 extends from the corner of the fourth image 70 toward the central portion of the instrument display region 66. Thus, the fourth image 70 is able to exhibit a sense of depth.

[0141] In addition, when viewed from the eye point EP, the first region 70a and the second region 70b are visually recognized as inclined surfaces that are directed toward the inside as they approach the instrument display region 66. When viewed from the eye point EP, the top region 70u is visually recognized as an inclined surface that is directed toward the inside as it is directed toward the lower side Z2. When viewed from the eye point EP, the lower region 70d is visually recognized as an inclined surface that is directed toward the inside as it is directed toward the upper side Zl.​​

[0142] Thus, the fourth image 70 from the viewpoint of the eye point EP is composed of four inclined surfaces that are directed inward as they approach the center of the instrument display region 66. The fourth image 70 can give the user a sense of depth.

[0143] [Fourth Modification of Embodiment]

[0144] The fourth modification of the embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is a front view of the synthesizer of the fourth modification of the embodiment. The boundary line that surrounds the instrument display region can also be provided to the synthesizer 5. Figure 18 The synthesizer 5 to which a decorative process is applied is shown. The synthesizer 5 has an instrument display region 50, a peripheral region 51, and a decorative region 52. The instrument display region 50 is a region that transmits the display light of the upper display region 30u and reflects the display light of the lower display region 30d toward the eye point EP. The instrument display region 50 is composed of a half mirror, a tea-colored acrylic, or the like. The instrument display region 50 is a region opposite to the upper display region 30u.

[0145] The peripheral region 51 is a region that surrounds the instrument display region 50. In the peripheral region 51, a process of suppressing light reflection is performed by mask printing or the like on the reflection surface 5a. The peripheral region 51 has, for example, low saturation and brightness. The peripheral region 51 can not easily give the user a sense of discomfort by suppressing the reflection of the instrument panel surface 60. In this example, the reflection surface 5a and the peripheral region 51 are divided into independent regions by a process on the same member, but the same effect can be obtained in a combination of other members.

[0146] The decorative region 52 is disposed at the boundary portion of the instrument display region 50 and the peripheral region 51. The decorative region 52 is a clear boundary line that separates the instrument display region 50 and the peripheral region 51. The decorative region 52 is formed by, for example, printing on the reflection surface 5a. The decorative region 52 has, for example, higher saturation and brightness than the peripheral region 51. The decorative region 52 can also have a gloss. Furthermore, a member of the same three-dimensional shape as the decorative member 64 can be disposed in the decorative region 52.

[0147] The contents disclosed in the above-described embodiment and modifications can be appropriately combined to be executed.

Claims

1. A display device for a vehicle, characterized by comprising: Possessing: an image display device having an upper display area and a lower display area that display an image, and configured with the upper display area opposite an eye point of a vehicle; a combiner configured on the eye point side with respect to the upper display area; a housing portion that houses the lower display area and has an opening portion toward the upper side that is located on the eye point side with respect to the image display device; a cover portion that covers the upper display area from above; and a reflection member configured inside the housing portion, opposite the combiner via the opening portion, and that reflects the lower display area toward the combiner, the combiner reflects the lower display area reflected by the reflection member and the opening portion toward the eye point, respectively, a first image that is an image of the opening portion reflected in the combiner overlaps the upper display area, and a gap having a first width between a boundary line of the first image and the upper display area in an image lateral direction, when viewed from the eye point, the first image overlaps a second image that is an image of the lower display area reflected in the combiner, and a gap having a second width between a boundary line of the first image and the second image in the image lateral direction, when viewed from the eye point, the shape of the upper display area and the shape of the lower display area are shapes that make the first width and the second width the same.

2. The display device for vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display device for vehicle possesses a mask member configured on a display surface of the image display device and forming the upper display area and the lower display area, the mask member has: an upper transmissive area that is a light-transmissive area forming the upper display area; a lower transmissive area that is a light-transmissive area forming the lower display area; and a light-shielding area that surrounds the upper transmissive area and the lower transmissive area.

3. The display device for vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device for vehicle further possesses a decorative member configured on a rim portion surrounding the opening portion in the housing portion and surrounding the opening portion.

4. The display device for vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing portion has an instrument panel surface formed with the opening portion, the instrument panel surface has a visible area that is visually recognized by the eye point by being reflected by the combiner, the visible area is inclined toward an inner side of the housing portion as approaching the opening portion. ​ ​

Images