A head-up display device and a vehicle including the same.

Abstract

This application provides a head-up display (HUD) device and a vehicle including the same, comprising: an imaging unit, a reflector, and a windshield of the vehicle. The windshield includes a reflective area and a transmissive area. The imaging unit forms a first light ray and directs the first light ray towards the reflective area. The reflective area reflects the first light ray to form a second light ray. The reflective area reflects the second light ray to the reflector. The reflector reflects the second light ray to form a third light ray. The reflector reflects the third light ray to the transmissive area to form a fourth light ray. The transmissive area reflects the fourth light ray to a human eye. The fourth light ray forms a virtual image on the side of the windshield opposite the human eye. The HUD device provided by this application can compress the optical path volume and reduce the size of the HUD device by multiplexing the optical path and multiplexing the windshield reflection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of head-up display technology, and more specifically to a head-up display device and a vehicle including the head-up display device. Background Technology

[0002] Head-up displays (HUDs) are an important component of smart cars, which are currently being vigorously developed both internationally and domestically. Through the promotion and application of HUDs by major car brands, more and more car manufacturers and users have recognized the importance of HUD technology for safe driving. It allows drivers to obtain important information such as vehicle speed, navigation, road conditions, and distance without taking their eyes off the road. Its unique display position is irreplaceable by other display devices in the car. Therefore, more and more car manufacturers are equipping new models with HUDs as a priority feature to improve driving safety.

[0003] The head-up display (HUD) industry currently faces a pain point: consumers want larger and larger HUD displays. However, due to the limitations of the geometric optics principles used in traditional HUDs, a certain optical path is required to achieve a larger display, necessitating the use of two or more reflective lenses in the design. Current reflective lenses, to achieve high reflectivity, require a total reflection coating on the glass surface, resulting in very low transmittance. Therefore, the reflective lenses must be placed outside the optical path, occupying additional independent space. Furthermore, since each optical path is independent, the overall size of the HUD increases. However, the structural space under the car dashboard is limited, and a larger HUD unit can easily interfere with the dashboard's sheet metal panels, the windshield's air conditioning defrost vents, mounting brackets, etc., making it impossible to fit.

[0004] Therefore, developing a more compact optical path spatial multiplexing HUD optical path structure is of great practical significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a spatially reusable HUD imaging optical path structure, which aims to reduce the number of reflectors and the optical path space volume, thereby reducing the overall size of the HUD and saving space, while maintaining the same screen size.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A head-up display device includes: an imaging unit, a reflector, and a windshield of a vehicle. The windshield includes a reflective area and a transmissive area. The imaging unit forms a first light ray and directs the first light ray toward the reflective area. The reflective area reflects the first light ray to form a second light ray. The reflective area reflects the second light ray to the reflector. The reflector reflects the second light ray to form a third light ray. The reflector reflects the third light ray to the transmissive area to form a fourth light ray. The transmissive area reflects the fourth light ray to a human eye. The fourth light ray forms a virtual image on the side of the windshield opposite to the human eye.

[0008] Based on the same application concept, this application embodiment also provides a means of transportation, including the above-mentioned head-up display device.

[0009] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this application's head-up display (HUD) imaging optical path structure based on the space reuse of automotive windshields are as follows: This application, through the aforementioned technical solution, includes a generating unit, a reflector, and a windshield. The windshield includes a transmission area and a reflection area. The reflection area is located in the optical path between the imaging unit and the reflector. The imaging beam emitted from the image generating unit is directed towards the reflection area, then reflected back to the reflector, and then reflected back to the transmission area of ​​the windshield, ultimately converging at the driver's eye position to achieve the display function. Through this design, this application achieves the same HUD imaging field of view (FOV) with a smaller product size and can be deployed on more vehicle models, thus resolving the contradiction between large screen size and small volume in the HUD industry, addressing a major pain point in the industry. Furthermore, this application's solution can achieve a larger display screen with a similar product size, resulting in a larger FOV. This makes the ARHUD screen wider and higher, covering more and farther lanes. When there are dangerous factors while driving, they can be projected onto the ARHUD earlier, providing the driver with an earlier warning and improving driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a head-up display device provided by existing technology;

[0012] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of a head-up display device.

[0013] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of an imaging unit.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a windshield provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another windshield provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a quarter glass slide provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a height adjustment structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a means of transportation provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0024] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0025] Currently, most HUD imaging systems on the market are designed with a zigzag optical path, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a head-up display (HUD) device provided by existing technology. Traditional HUD devices typically include at least two reflectors, and these reflectors are opaque. They must be separated from the main optical path, requiring additional independent space, thus resulting in a relatively large overall device footprint. For details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 In the prior art, a head-up display device 100' includes an imaging unit 200', a first reflector M1, a second reflector M2, and a windshield 300'. The imaging unit 200' is located inside the vehicle's dashboard, and the light emitted is directed towards the first reflector M1. The first reflector M1 is located on the side of the imaging unit 200' closer to the driver (eye 400'), receiving the light emitted from the imaging unit 200' and reflecting the received light image towards the second reflector M2. The first reflector M1 is a plane reflector or a freeform mirror. The second reflector M2 is located on the side of the first reflector M1 away from the driver (eye 400). The second reflector M2 is a freeform mirror, receiving the light reflected from the first reflector M1 and reflecting the light to the windshield 300'. After reflection by the windshield 300', the light is directed towards the vicinity of the driver's (eye 400') position, forming a virtual image on the side of the windshield 300' away from the driver's (eye 400'), thereby achieving a head-up display. In the existing technology, the entire optical path is imaging unit 200' → first reflector M1 → second reflector M2 → windshield 300' → driver (eye 400'). The entire optical path is independent of each other. To obtain a large virtual image, it is necessary to increase the light-emitting area of ​​imaging unit 200' or the reflection area of ​​first reflector M1 and second reflector M2 in the entire optical path. However, the light-emitting area of ​​imaging unit 200' or the reflection area of ​​first reflector M1 and second reflector M2 are limited by the space of the vehicle head-up display device 100' and cannot be increased arbitrarily.

[0026] This application proposes an imaging optical path structure for a head-up display (HUD) based on the space reuse of an automotive windshield. The technical solution employed in this HUD imaging optical path structure primarily involves replacing the reflector with a reflective area on the lower side of the windshield and reusing the optical paths between various components of the HUD, thereby maximizing the compression of the optical path space and thus saving space occupied by the HUD.

[0027] Specifically, Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of a head-up display device, as shown in the embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the head-up display device 100 includes an imaging unit 200, a reflector M, and a windshield 300 of a vehicle. The windshield 300 includes a reflective area R and a transmissive area T. The imaging unit 200 forms a first ray L1 and directs the first ray L1 toward the reflective area R. The reflective area R reflects the first ray L1 to form a second ray L2. The reflector M receives the second ray L2 and reflects it to form a third ray L3. The reflector M reflects the third ray L3 to the transmissive area T. After being reflected by the transmissive area T, a fourth ray L4 is formed. The fourth ray L4 forms a virtual image X on the other side of the windshield 300 opposite to the human eye 400.

[0028] In this embodiment, by setting a reflective area R on the windshield and reusing the reflective area R of the windshield 300 for reflection, the number of reflectors in the head-up display device 100 can be reduced, thus reducing the size of the head-up display device 100.

[0029] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 200 refers to a graphics generation unit that can convert electrical signals into light signals. As a non-limiting example, the imaging unit 200 may optionally include a display device that emits image light, or a real or virtual image formed by these display devices through refraction, reflection, etc. For example, the imaging unit 200 may be a liquid crystal display, or an active light-emitting dot matrix screen composed of light-emitting point light sources such as LED (Light-Emitting Diode), OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), and plasma light-emitting points; it may also be a projection imaging device based on projection technologies such as DLP (Digital Light Processing), LCOS (Liquid Crystal Silicon), and liquid crystal, driven by light sources such as LED, OLED, laser, and fluorescence, or combinations thereof, reflected or transmitted through display panels such as DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), LCOS, and LCD, and then projected onto a projection screen through a projection lens; it may also be a projection imaging device that uses a laser beam to scan and image on a screen; and all the above-mentioned display devices can also be used as imaging units 200 to form real or virtual images through one or more refractions or reflections.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments, the imaging unit 200 is a liquid crystal display, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the liquid crystal display includes an upper polarizer P2 and a lower polarizer P1 located on the upper and lower sides of the liquid crystal cell B. The upper polarizer P2 and the lower polarizer P1 modulate the light emitted by the backlight unit L below the liquid crystal cell B into linearly polarized light. The absorption axes of the upper polarizer P2 and the lower polarizer P1 are perpendicular.

[0031] Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 intersect, and the imaging optical path of the head-up display device 100 changes from the traditional "Z"-shaped optical path to a "△"-shaped optical path, which is more conducive to optical path folding and has a compact optical path structure. Therefore, the optical path space volume can be reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the head-up display device 100. On the other hand, in this embodiment, there is only one reflector M, which reduces the number of reflectors compared to the traditional imaging optical path, thus saving the volume occupied by the reflector and further reducing the volume of the head-up display device 100.

[0032] Alternatively, in other embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the head-up display device also includes an instrument panel 500, which has an opening W. The imaging unit 200, the reflector M, and the reflective area R of the windshield 300 are all located inside the instrument panel 500. The third light ray L3 is projected through the opening M to the transmission area T. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 200, the reflector M, and the reflective area R are all located inside the instrument panel 500 to prevent interference from external light. The third light ray L3 is projected through the opening W to the outside of the instrument panel 500 and forms a virtual image X after being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300.

[0033] In this embodiment, the reflector M can be a curved reflector, specifically a concave reflector. The surface of the concave reflector facing the opening W of the dashboard 500 is a concave curved surface. Image light rays are reflected and focused after passing through the concave reflector. According to the imaging principle of the head-up display device, the image light rays emitted from the image imaging unit 200 are reflected by the reflective area R of the windshield 300, changing their propagation direction, and then emitted to the curved reflector M. The reflected image light rays are emitted through the opening W of the dashboard 500 to the outside of the dashboard 500, and form a virtual image after being reflected by the external reflective medium (such as the reflective imaging unit). The external reflective medium generally includes the windshield 300 of the vehicle or an added transparent imaging window, which is generally a planar surface or a curved surface that is close to a planar surface. Therefore, the reflection of light on the windshield 300 is close to specular reflection, that is, the external reflective medium has little influence on the imaging distance, and the imaging distance of the head-up display device is mainly determined by the curved reflector M. When the curved reflector is a concave reflector (i.e., a reflector with a concave curved reflective surface), if the distance between the imaging unit 200 and the concave reflector is less than the focal length of the concave reflector, the concave reflector forms an upright and magnified virtual image based on the image output by the imaging unit 200. For example, based on the imaging properties of a concave reflector, when the optical distance between the imaging unit 200 and the concave reflector is less than the focal length of the concave reflector (i.e., the image display unit is located within one focal length of the concave reflector), the image distance of the concave reflector increases as the distance between the imaging unit 200 and the concave reflector increases. In other words, the greater the distance between the imaging unit 200 and the concave reflector, the greater the imaging distance using the head-up display device. Therefore, the imaging distance of the virtual image ultimately formed by different display areas can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between different display areas and the curved reflective element.

[0034] Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the reflective area R of the windshield 300 is located on the lower side of the windshield 300, and the reflective area R is provided with a reflective film layer 600. Specifically, the reflective film layer 600 is located on the inner side of the windshield 300, that is, on the side closer to the human eye 400, which can prevent damage from external forces, such as repeated wiping by the wipers, which can easily cause the reflective film layer 600 to fall off or be damaged from the windshield 300.

[0035] Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a windshield 300 provided in this application. The windshield 300 is laminated glass, including a first glass panel 300A and a second glass panel 300B. The first glass panel 300A is located on the side closer to the eyes, and the second glass panel 300B is located on the side farther from the eyes. It also includes a reflective film layer 600, which is disposed between the first glass panel 300A and the second glass panel 300B to prevent damage to the reflective film layer 600 from external forces. For example, in addition to preventing damage to the reflective film layer 600 from the reflection of windshield wipers, it also prevents damage to the reflective film layer 600 during the installation of the windshield 300.

[0036] Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another windshield 300 provided in this application. The windshield 300 includes a first glass plate 300A, a second glass plate 300B, and a wedge-shaped film 700 sandwiched between the first glass plate 300A and the second glass plate 300B. The material of the wedge-shaped film 700 is typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB), used to bond and fix the first glass plate 300A and the second glass plate 300B together. It is understood that the material of the wedge-shaped film 700 in the embodiments of this application is not limited to this, and may also be polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyurethane (PUR), etc. The wedge-shaped film 700 has a first surface 700A and a second surface 700B facing each other. The first surface 700A faces the first glass plate 300A, and the second surface 700B faces the second glass plate 300B. A reflective film layer 600 is disposed between the first glass plate 300A and the first surface 700A of the wedge-shaped film 700 (not shown in the figure). In some embodiments, the reflective film layer 600 may be disposed between the second glass plate 300B and the second surface 700B of the wedge-shaped film 700 (not shown in the figure).

[0037] In some embodiments, the reflective film layer 600 may be one or more combinations of a coating, transfer film, screen-printed film, sputtered film, or vapor-deposited film. Optionally, the reflective film layer 600 may be formed by printing black ink. As printing methods, there are rod coating, reverse coating, gravure coating, die coating, roll coating, screen printing, etc., but screen printing is preferred from the perspective of being able to print on various substrates easily and also being able to print according to the size of the windshield 300.

[0038] In other embodiments, the reflective film layer 600 may also be formed of a metal reflective film or an organic reflective film. Specifically, the reflective film layer 600 may be a metal reflective film made of any metal such as gold, silver, or copper, or one or more combinations of aluminum, silver, aluminum alloy, or silver alloy materials, or it may be made of an organic light reflective film such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a quarter glass slide provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the quarter-glass slide 800 has different refractive indices (i.e., different propagation speeds) for incident light with different polarization directions. The quarter-glass slide 800 controls the material and thickness so that after light passes through it, two lights with different polarization directions produce a phase difference of one-quarter wavelength. The light synthesized under this phase difference is circularly polarized light. The fast axis of the quarter-glass slide 800 forms a 45° angle with the polarization direction of the incident beam (P-light), modulating the imaging beam into right-handed circularly polarized light. The right-handed circularly polarized light, after reflection, passes through the quarter-glass slide again and is modulated into linearly polarized light (S-light); or, the fast axis of the quarter-glass slide 800 forms a 45° angle with the polarization direction of the incident beam (S-light), modulating the imaging beam into left-handed circularly polarized light. The left-handed circularly polarized light, after reflection, passes through the quarter-glass slide again and is modulated into linearly polarized light (P-light) (not shown in the figure). Therefore, the polarized light of the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 can have different polarization directions, and the two beams in the same space can be combined and utilized without interference. This can compress the optical path space of the head-up display device 100 and make the structure of the head-up display device more compact.

[0040] Optionally, in some embodiments, the reflective region R is provided with a quarter glass slide 80°. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7As shown, the first light ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 is directed toward the reflective area R, passes through the quarter glass plate 800 and reaches the surface of the reflective area R. After being reflected by the reflective area R, it forms the second light ray L2. The second light ray L2 passes through the quarter glass plate 800 again and is reflected and then directed toward the reflector M. After being reflected by the reflector M, it forms the third light ray L3. The third light ray L3 is directed toward the transmission area T of the windshield 300. Finally, after being reflected by the windshield 300, it forms the fourth light ray L4 and converges near the driver's eye 400 to achieve the display function.

[0041] The specific working principle adopted in this implementation scheme is as follows: The imaging beam of the first light ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 can be linearly polarized light S with a specific polarization direction. After passing through the quarter glass plate 800 and being modulated by the quarter glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the S-polarized first light ray L1 is rotated by 45° to become left-handed circularly polarized light. After the first light ray L1 becomes left-handed circularly polarized light, it is incident on the reflection area R. The side of the reflection area R facing the imaging unit 200 has a reflective film layer 600. After the first light ray L1 is reflected by the reflective film layer 600, it forms the second light ray L2. The second light ray L2 is also left-handed circularly polarized light. The reflective film layer 600... The second ray L2, containing left-handed circularly polarized light, is reflected towards the mirror M. The second ray L2 passes through the quarter-glass plate 800 again. After being modulated by the quarter-glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the second ray L2 containing left-handed circularly polarized light is rotated by 45° to become P-polarized light. The P-polarized second ray L2 then reaches the surface of the mirror M. After being reflected by the mirror M, it forms a third ray L3, which is also polarized in the P direction. The third ray L3 is reflected towards the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300, it forms a fourth ray L4. Finally, the fourth ray L4 converges near the human eye 400 in the form of P-polarized light to form an image.

[0042] Alternatively, the imaging beam of the first ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 can be linearly polarized light P with a specific polarization direction. After passing through the quarter-glass slide 800 and being modulated by the quarter-glass slide 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the first ray L1, which is polarized in the direction of P, is rotated by 45° to become right-handed circularly polarized light. After becoming right-handed circularly polarized light, the first ray L1 is incident on the reflection area R. The side of the reflection area R facing the imaging unit 200 has a reflective film layer 600. After the first ray L1 is reflected by the reflective film layer 600, it forms the second ray L2, which is also right-handed circularly polarized light. The reflective film layer 600 will reflect the right-handed circularly polarized light. The second ray L2 of the vibrating light is reflected towards the mirror M. The second ray L2 passes through the quarter glass plate 800 again. After being modulated by the quarter glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the right-hand circularly polarized second ray L2 is rotated by 45° to become S-polarized light. The S-polarized second ray L2 then reaches the surface of the mirror M. After being reflected by the mirror M, it forms the third ray L3, which is also polarized in the S direction. The third ray L3 is reflected towards the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300, it forms the fourth ray L4. Finally, the fourth ray L4 converges in the form of S-polarized light near the human eye 400 to form an image.

[0043] Since the reflective area R with a quarter glass plate 800 attached or coated can change the polarization direction of light, the polarized light of the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 can have different polarization directions, so that the composite utilization of the two beams in the same space can be achieved without interference. This can compress the optical path space of the head-up display device 100 and make the structure of the head-up display device more compact.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments, the reflector M is provided with a quarter glass slide 80°. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the first light ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 is directed toward the reflection area R. After being reflected by the reflection area R, the first light ray L1 forms the second light ray L2, which is then reflected toward the reflector M. After passing through the quarter glass plate 800, it reaches the surface of the reflector M and is then reflected by the reflector M to form the third light ray L3. The third light ray L3 passes through the quarter glass plate 800 again and is directed toward the transmission area T of the windshield 300. Finally, after being reflected by the windshield 300, it forms the fourth light ray L4, which converges near the driver's eye 400 to achieve the display function.

[0045] The specific working principle adopted in this implementation scheme is as follows: The imaging beam of the first light ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 is linearly polarized light S-ray with a specific polarization direction. The first light ray L1 is directed towards the reflection area R. The side of the reflection area R facing the imaging unit 200 has a reflective film layer 600 with a reflective function. After being reflected by the reflective film layer 600, the second light ray L2 is formed. The second light ray L2 is also S-polarized light. After passing through the quarter glass plate 800, after being modulated by the quarter glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the S-polarized light second light ray L2 is rotated by 45° to become left-handed circularly polarized light. After the second ray L2 becomes left-handed circularly polarized light, it strikes the surface of the mirror M. After being reflected by the mirror M, it forms a third ray L3, which is also left-handed circularly polarized light. The third ray L3 passes through the quarter-glass plate 800 again. After being modulated by the quarter-glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the left-handed circularly polarized light is rotated by 45° to become P-directed polarized light. The third ray L3 with P-directed polarization strikes the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300, it forms a fourth ray L4. Finally, the fourth ray L4 converges in the form of linearly polarized P light to form an image near the human eye 400.

[0046] Alternatively, the imaging beam of the first ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 is linearly polarized light P-ray with a specific polarization direction. The first ray L1 is directed towards the reflection area R. The side of the reflection area R facing the imaging unit 200 has a reflective film layer 600. After being reflected by the reflective film layer 600, the second ray L2 is formed. The second ray L2 is also P-direction linearly polarized light. After passing through the quarter-glass slide 800, it is modulated by the quarter-glass slide 800, and the orientation of the vibration plane of the P-direction polarized second ray L2 is rotated by 45° to become right-handed circularly polarized light. The second ray L2 becomes... After being reflected by the right-hand circularly polarized light, it strikes the surface of the mirror M. After being reflected by the mirror M, it forms a third ray L3, which is also right-hand circularly polarized. The third ray L3 passes through the quarter-glass plate 800 again. After being modulated by the quarter-glass plate 800, the orientation of the vibration plane of the right-hand circularly polarized light is rotated by 45° to become S-polarized light. The third ray L3 with S-polarized light strikes the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300, it forms a fourth ray L4. Finally, the fourth ray L4 converges in the form of linearly polarized S-light to form an image near the human eye 400.

[0047] Similarly, since the reflector R with a quarter glass plate 800 attached or coated can change the polarization direction of light, the polarized light of the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 can have different polarization directions, so that the composite utilization of the two beams in the same space can be achieved without interference. This can compress the optical path space of the head-up display device 100 and make the structure of the head-up display device more compact.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 do not intersect, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another head-up display device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application. The first light ray L1 emitted by the imaging unit 200 is directed toward the reflective area R. The side of the reflective area R facing the imaging unit 200 has a reflective film layer 600 with reflective function. After being reflected by the reflective film layer 600, the second light ray L2 is formed, and then reflected toward the reflective mirror M. After being reflected by the reflective mirror M, the third light ray L3 is directed toward the transmission area T of the windshield 300. Finally, after being reflected by the transmission area T of the windshield 300, the fourth light ray L4 is formed and converges near the driver's eye 400 to realize the display function.

[0049] In this embodiment, the light emitted by the imaging unit 200 is S-polarized or P-polarized. Since the first ray L1 and the third ray L3 do not intersect, and also do not intersect with other rays in the optical path, there is no need to set a quarter-glass plate or other forms of optical film to prevent light interference. The first ray L1, the second ray L2, the third ray L3, and the fourth ray L4 have the same polarization direction. Therefore, the brightness of the head-up display device 100 can be improved.

[0050] To accommodate drivers of different heights and seating positions, this application embodiment also includes an image height adjustment structure for adjusting the imaging height, which is disposed on the first imaging lens M.

[0051] like Figure 10 As shown, the image height adjustment structure 1100 is disposed on the reflective lens M and is used to adjust the size of the angle of the reflective lens M. Specifically, the image height adjustment structure 1100 includes a rotating shaft 900 and an electric adjustment mechanism 1000. The rotating shaft 900 is disposed in the middle of the reflective lens. The electric adjustment mechanism 1000 located at the lower end of the reflective lens allows the reflective lens to rotate, thereby changing the angle of the reflected imaging light from the reflective lens M. The position of the imaging light reflected onto the windshield 300 changes, thereby changing the imaging height of the head-up display device.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the imaging unit 200 is generally a cuboid or trapezoidal platform. The imaging unit 200 is the image source that provides image light to the head-up display device 100. The imaging unit 200 is located inside the car's dashboard or center console, facing the reflective area R1 of the windshield 300, and directs the imaging light towards the reflective area R. The angle between the first ray L1 of the imaging light emitted by the imaging unit 200 and the direction perpendicular to the reflective area R is the first incident angle α1, which is greater than 10° and less than 45°. Preferably, the first incident angle α1 is greater than 15° and less than 35°. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first incident angle α1 is 25°.

[0053] The reflector M receives the second imaging ray L2 from the reflective area R and reflects it to the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected again by the transmission area T, the ray is directed towards the vicinity of the driver's eye 400, thus achieving a head-up display. The angle between the second ray L2 reflected from the reflective area R to the reflector M and the direction perpendicular to the reflector M is the second incident angle α2. The second incident angle α2 is greater than 10° and less than 45°. Preferably, the second incident angle α2 is greater than 15° and less than 35°. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the second incident angle is 20°.

[0054] The transmission area T receives the imaging ray L3 from the reflection area R and reflects it back to the transmission area T of the windshield 300. After being reflected again by the transmission area T, the ray is directed towards the vicinity of the driver's eye 400, thus achieving a head-up display. The angle between the ray L3 reflected by the reflector M to the transmission area T and the direction perpendicular to the transmission area T is the third incident angle α3. The angle α3 is greater than 50° and less than 70°. Preferably, the angle α3 is greater than 55° and less than 65°. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the angle of the third incident angle is 60°.

[0055] Since the imaging optical path structure of automotive head-up displays (HUDs) and windshield-based non-medium suspended displays (VPAs) is similar, this application is also applicable to windshield-based non-medium suspended displays (VPAs) imaging optical path structures. The non-medium suspended display (VPA) imaging optical path structure implemented by means of the embodiments proposed in this application is included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

[0056] The beneficial effects of this application's head-up display (ARHUD) imaging optical path structure based on the space reuse of automotive windshields are as follows: This application, through the aforementioned technical solution, includes a generating unit, a reflector, and a windshield. The windshield includes a transmission area and a reflection area. The reflection area is located in the optical path between the imaging unit and the reflector. The imaging beam emitted from the image generating unit is directed towards the reflection area, then reflected back to the reflector, and then reflected back to the transmission area of ​​the windshield, ultimately converging at the driver's eye position to achieve the display function. This achieves the same HUD imaging field of view (FOV) with a smaller product size, allowing for deployment on more vehicle models with a smaller volume. This resolves the contradiction between large screen size and small size in the HUD industry, addressing a major pain point. Furthermore, this application's solution can achieve a larger display screen with a similar product size, resulting in a larger FOV. This makes the ARHUD screen wider and higher, covering more and farther lanes. When there are dangerous factors while driving, they can be projected onto the ARHUD earlier, providing the driver with an earlier warning and improving driving safety.

[0057] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the vehicle 000 includes the head-up display device 100 of the above embodiment. The structure and imaging principle of the head-up display device 100 can be referred to the description of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] According to the embodiments of this application, the vehicle 000 employs the head-up display device 100 of the above embodiments, which can realize the display of floating real images and provide large-size display images, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the human-computer interaction function can be realized through the interactive device of the head-up display device 100, so that the driver can operate without looking down, especially during driving, thus improving driving safety.

[0059] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A head-up display device, comprising: An imaging unit, a reflector, and a windshield for a vehicle, the windshield including a reflective area and a transmissive area, characterized in that the imaging unit forms a first ray and directs the first ray toward the reflective area, the reflective area reflects the first ray to form a second ray, the reflective area reflects the second ray to the reflector, the reflector reflects the second ray to form a third ray, the reflector reflects the third ray to the transmissive area to form a fourth ray, the transmissive area reflects the fourth ray to a human eye, and the fourth ray forms a virtual image on the side of the windshield opposite to the human eye; the windshield also includes an instrument panel with an opening, the imaging unit, the reflector, and the reflective area are all disposed inside the instrument panel, and the third ray is projected onto the transmissive area through the opening.

2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ray and the third ray intersect.

3. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ray and the third ray do not intersect.

4. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective zone is located on the lower side of the windshield, and the reflective zone includes a reflective film layer.

5. The head-up display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reflective film layer is disposed on the side of the reflective area closest to the human eye.

6. The head-up display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The windshield includes a first glass panel and a second glass panel, and the reflective film layer is disposed between the first glass panel and the second glass panel.

7. The head-up display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The windshield also includes a wedge-shaped film disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and the reflective film layer is disposed between the wedge-shaped film and the first glass plate, with the first glass plate being closer to the human eye.

8. The head-up display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reflective film layer includes one or more combinations of coating, transfer film, screen printing film, sputtering film or vapor deposition film.

9. The head-up display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reflective film layer comprises one or more of the following materials: aluminum, silver, aluminum alloy, or silver alloy.

10. The head-up display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflective zone is provided with a quarter glass slide.

11. The head-up display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflector is equipped with a quarter glass plate.

12. The head-up display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first ray, the second ray, the third ray, and the fourth ray are all polarized light, wherein the polarization directions of the first ray and the third ray are different.

13. The head-up display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first ray, the second ray, the third ray, and the fourth ray are all polarized light, wherein the polarization directions of the first ray, the second ray, and the third ray are the same.

14. The head-up display device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The polarization directions of the first ray and the third ray are perpendicular.

15. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first ray and the direction perpendicular to the reflection area is the first angle, which is between 10° and 45°.

16. The head-up display device according to claim 14, wherein the angle between the second light ray and the direction perpendicular to the reflector is a second angle, the second angle being between 10° and 45°.

17. The head-up display device according to claim 15, wherein the angle between the third ray and the direction perpendicular to the transmission area is a third angle, and the third angle is between 50° and 70°.

18. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging unit is a liquid crystal display, which includes a liquid crystal cell and an upper polarizer and a lower polarizer located on the upper and lower sides of the liquid crystal cell, wherein the absorption axis of the upper polarizer and the absorption axis of the lower polarizer are perpendicular.

19. A means of transportation, characterized in that, Includes the head-up display device according to any one of claims 1-18.

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