Head-up display device

Abstract

The present invention provides a head-up display device capable of suppressing a light-focusing region from becoming high-temperature. The head-up display device (10; 10A; 10B; 10A, 10B; 10C) has a first projection means (20), a first mirror section (12), a second projection means (30), a half mirror section (14; 14A) and a screen section (18). The control unit (19) is capable of switching between a first mode in which a visual observer recognizes that a real image is projected on the screen unit (18), and a second mode in which the real image is projected on the screen unit (18). And a second mode in which the visual observer recognizes that a virtual image is projected in front of the screen section (18). In the second mode, the first projection means (20) is projected by the irradiation suppression unit (13; 42; 50; 50C) to suppress the irradiation of external light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-up display device. Background Art

[0002] The head-up display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can switch between a first mode in which the driver recognizes a real image projected onto a windshield serving as a screen portion and a second mode in which the driver recognizes a virtual image in front of the windshield.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-70074 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In a head-up display device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, when projecting a real image, light projected from a backlight is sometimes condensed using a lens or the like and then emitted, and the emitted light is reflected by a reflector.

[0008] When the area where light is concentrated is used as the light-collecting area, when external light such as sunlight enters the vehicle cabin, the external light travels in a direction opposite to the path of the light used to project the real image. This concentration of external light energy in the light-collecting area causes the light-collecting area and the surrounding housing to heat up. To extend the life of the head-up display device, it is desirable to suppress the temperature of the light-collecting area.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display device capable of suppressing the temperature of a light-collecting region and a housing around the region from increasing.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A head-up display device according to a first aspect includes:

[0012] a first projection mechanism that projects light in such a manner that a visual observer recognizes a real image;

[0013] a first reflective mirror portion serving as a mirror to reflect the light emitted by the first projection mechanism;

[0014] a second projection mechanism that projects light in such a manner that a visual observer recognizes a virtual image;

[0015] a half-mirror portion capable of reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective mirror portion and transmitting the light emitted from the second projection mechanism;

[0016] a control unit that switches between a first mode in which a visual observer recognizes that a real image is projected on a screen unit and a second mode in which the visual observer recognizes that a virtual image is projected in front of the screen unit; and

[0017] An illumination suppressing unit suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism in the second mode.

[0018] In the head-up display device of the second aspect which may be subordinate to the first aspect, the device further comprises:

[0019] a first reflector support portion that supports the first reflector portion so that the first reflector portion is swingable and oriented in a predetermined direction;

[0020] The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the first mirror supporting portion, and changes the direction of the half mirror portion between the first mode and the second mode.

[0021] In a third aspect of the head-up display device that may belong to the first aspect or the second aspect, the head-up display device further includes:

[0022] a half mirror support portion that supports the half mirror portion so that the half mirror portion can swing and be oriented in a predetermined direction;

[0023] The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the half mirror supporting portion, and changes the direction of the half mirror portion between the first mode and the second mode.

[0024] In a head-up display device according to a fourth aspect that can be included in any one of the first to third aspects, the device further comprises: a baffle mechanism capable of covering the surface of the first reflective mirror portion;

[0025] The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the shutter mechanism and covers the surface of the first mirror portion in the second mode.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a head-up display device capable of suppressing the temperature of the light-collecting region and the surrounding housing from increasing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing a head-up display device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 2A is a diagram illustrating the first mode, and 2B is a diagram illustrating the second mode.

[0030] Figure 3This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second mode.

[0031] Figure 4 4A is a diagram illustrating a first mode of the head-up display device according to the second embodiment, and 4B is a diagram illustrating a second mode of the head-up display device shown in 4A .

[0032] Figure 5 5A is a diagram illustrating a first mode of the head-up display device according to the third embodiment, and 5B is a diagram illustrating a second mode of the head-up display device shown in 5A.

[0033] Figure 6 6A is the description Figure 5 5A is a diagram illustrating the function of the head-up display device, and 6B is a diagram illustrating the function of the head-up display device. Figure 5 5B shows the function of the head-up display device.

[0034] Figure 7 7A is a diagram illustrating a first mode of the head-up display device according to the fourth embodiment, and 7B is a diagram illustrating a second mode of the head-up display device shown in 7A .

[0035] Explanation of symbols

[0036] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: head-up display device; 12: first reflector portion; 13: first reflector portion (irradiation suppression unit); 14, 14A: semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror portion; 18: screen portion; 19: control portion; 20: first projection mechanism; 30: second projection mechanism; 42: semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror support portion (irradiation suppression unit); 50, 50C: baffle mechanism (irradiation suppression unit); CA: focusing area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, left and right refer to left and right based on the vehicle's occupants, and front and back refer to front and back based on the vehicle's traveling direction.

[0038] <Example 1>

[0039] Reference Figure 1 .exist Figure 1 1 shows a head-up display device 10. The head-up display device 10 is installed, for example, at the front of the vehicle interior VI and is used to transmit information to the driver Dr, who is a visual observer. The information transmitted to the driver Dr includes, for example, navigation information to the destination, vehicle speed, gear position, time of day, etc. Hereinafter, the driver Dr may also be referred to as the visual observer Dr.

[0040] The head-up display device 10 includes: a first projection mechanism 20 that emits light so that a visual observer Dr recognizes a real image; a first reflector portion 12 that reflects the light emitted from the first projection mechanism 20; a first reflector support portion 13 that supports the first reflector portion 12 in a swingable manner; a second projection mechanism 30 that emits light so that the visual observer Dr recognizes a virtual image; a half mirror portion 14 that reflects the light reflected by the first reflector portion 12 and transmits the light emitted from the second projection mechanism 30; a second reflector portion 15 that further reflects the light reflected by the half mirror portion 14 or transmits the light transmitted by the half mirror portion 14; a housing 17 that accommodates the first projection mechanism 20, the first reflector portion 12, the second projection mechanism 30, the half mirror portion 14, and the second reflector portion 15; and a screen portion 18 that is irradiated with the light reflected by the second reflector portion 15 and projects a real image.

[0041] The head-up display device 10 further includes a control unit 19. The control unit 19 can switch between a first mode in which the viewer Dr perceives a real image projected on the screen unit 18 and a second mode in which the viewer Dr perceives a virtual image projected in front of the screen unit 18.

[0042] The first projection mechanism 20 includes, for example, a first light source 21 composed of a light emitting diode and a first display unit 22 composed of a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that transmits light emitted from the first light source 21 .

[0043] Reference Figure 2 The first projection mechanism 20 is arranged at a position farther than the focal distance F1 from the screen unit 18 . That is, the length of the optical path from the screen unit 18 to the first projection mechanism 20 is longer than the focal distance F1 from the screen unit 18 .

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The on / off of the first light source 21 and the image displayed on the first display unit 22 are controlled by the control unit 19 .

[0045] The first reflector 12 is, for example, a total reflection mirror rotatably disposed within the housing 17. The reflective surface of the first reflector 12 may be a flat surface or a convex or concave surface. Light emitted from the first projection mechanism 20 is reflected by the first reflector 12 toward the half mirror 14.

[0046] The first mirror support 13 includes a motor (not shown). Operation of the motor causes the first mirror support 13 to swing, and the first mirror unit 12 supported by the first mirror support 13 also swings. The direction in which the first mirror support 13 points is controlled by the control unit 19.

[0047] The second projection mechanism 30 includes, for example, a second light source 31 composed of a light emitting diode and a second display unit 32 composed of a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that transmits light emitted from the second light source 31 .

[0048] The second display unit 32 is arranged obliquely relative to the optical axis of the light emitted from the second light source 31. By being arranged obliquely, the virtual image can be formed on an imaging surface that is inclined relative to the road surface. In addition, similar to the first display unit 22, the second display unit 32 can also be arranged perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 The second projection mechanism 30 is arranged at a position closer than the focal distance F2 from the screen unit 18. That is, the length of the optical path from the screen unit 18 to the second projection mechanism 30 is shorter than the focal distance F2 from the screen unit 18.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 The turning on / off of the second light source 31 and the image displayed on the second display unit 32 are controlled by the control unit 19 .

[0051] The half mirror section 14 is formed of a half mirror. A portion of the light reflected from the first reflector section 12 is reflected from the front of the half mirror section 14 toward the second reflector section 15. Furthermore, a portion of the light emitted from the second projection mechanism 30 is transmitted through the half mirror section 14 from the rear of the half mirror section 14 and reaches the second reflector section 15.

[0052] The second reflector unit 15 is formed, for example, of a total reflection mirror. The reflective surface of the second reflector unit 15 may be a flat surface or a convex or concave curved surface. Light emitted from the first projection mechanism 20 and reflected by the half mirror unit 14, and light emitted from the second projection mechanism 30 and transmitted through the half mirror unit 14, are reflected by the second reflector unit 15 toward the screen unit 18.

[0053] The housing 17 can be made of any material such as metal or resin. In addition, the housing 17 can be made of a combination of multiple parts or a single piece such as a molded product.

[0054] A wall portion 17w is formed in the housing 17 to partition the interior. The first projection mechanism 20 is surrounded by the wall portion 17w.

[0055] The screen portion 18 can be constituted by, for example, a windshield that partitions the front portion of the vehicle compartment VI.

[0056] The control unit 19 can be provided inside or outside the housing 17. The control unit 19 can supply power to the light sources 21 and 31, the display units 22 and 32, and the first reflector support unit 13. The control unit 19 controls the turning on and off of the light sources 21 and 31, the images displayed on the display units 22 and 32, and the angle of the first reflector support unit 13.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 2A. Figure 2 FIG2A shows the head-up display device 10 in the first mode. In the first mode, the control unit 19 illuminates the first light source 21, displays a predetermined image on the first display unit 22, and keeps the first reflector support 13 stationary in the first mode position. This keeps the first reflector unit 12 pointed in the predetermined direction. The control unit 19 de-energizes the second light source 31 and the second display unit 32.

[0058] Light emitted from the first light source 21 passes through the first display unit 22 and is reflected by the first mirror 12 toward the half mirror 14. Light reflected by the surface of the half mirror 14 toward the second mirror 15 is reflected from the second mirror 15 toward the screen 18.

[0059] The image projected on the screen unit 18 is switched by switching the image displayed on the first display unit 22. The viewer Dr can obtain information by visually observing the real image projected on the screen unit 18.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 . In the first mode, the light passing through the first display portion 22 is focused to one point and then diffused, and is reflected by the first reflector portion 12. On the other hand, sometimes external light such as sunlight enters the vehicle compartment VI from outside the vehicle. The external light entering the interior of the outer shell 17 is reflected by the second reflector portion 15, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror portion 14, and the first reflector portion 12. The external light reflected in the first reflector portion 12 is focused to one point and diffused. The focused area can be referred to as a focusing area CA that focuses external light in the first mode. The focusing area CA is roughly the same as the area that focuses the light emitted from the first light source 21.

[0061] When changing from the first mode to the second mode, the control unit 19 rotates the first mirror support 13 to terminate power supply to the first light source 21 and the first display unit 22 .

[0062] Reference Figure 2 2B. Figure 2FIG2B shows the head-up display device 10 in the second mode. In the second mode, the control unit 19 illuminates the second light source 31, displays a predetermined image on the second display unit 32, and keeps the first reflector support 13 stationary in the second mode position. Consequently, the second reflector unit 15 also points in the predetermined direction. The control unit 19 de-energizes the first light source 21 and the first display unit 22.

[0063] Light emitted from the second light source 31 passes through the second display portion 32 and reaches the half mirror portion 14. Light passing through the half mirror portion 14 from the back surface thereof is reflected from the second reflecting mirror portion 15 toward the screen portion 18.

[0064] The viewer Dr recognizes that an image is projected in front of the screen unit 18. The virtual image recognized by the viewer is switched by switching the image displayed on the second display unit 32. The viewer Dr can obtain information by visually observing the virtual image.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 In the second mode, external light is reflected by the first reflector portion 12 so as to avoid the first projection mechanism 20. In other words, the first reflector support portion 13 can be referred to as an illumination suppression unit 13 that suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism 20. Hereinafter, the first projection mechanism 20 may be referred to as an illumination suppression unit 13.

[0066] When changing from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit 19 rotates the first mirror support 13 to terminate power supply to the second light source 31 and the second display unit 32. The control unit 19 also powers the first light source 21 and the first display unit 22.

[0067] The head-up display device 10 described above is summarized.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 The head-up display device 10 includes: a first projection mechanism 20 that emits light in a manner that allows the visual observer Dr to recognize a real image; a first reflector portion 12 that acts as a mirror and reflects the light emitted by the first projection mechanism 20; a second projection mechanism 30 that emits light in a manner that allows the visual observer Dr to recognize a virtual image; a semi-transparent mirror portion 14 that can reflect the light reflected by the first reflector portion 12 and transmit the light emitted from the second projection mechanism 30; a screen portion 18 that is irradiated with the light reflected by the semi-transparent mirror portion 14 and projects a real image; and a control portion 19 that switches the first mode (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) and a second mode, in which the visual observer Dr recognizes that a real image is projected on the screen portion 18 in the first mode; and in which the visual observer Dr recognizes that a virtual image is projected in front of the screen portion in the second mode; and an illumination suppression unit 13, which suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism 20 in the second mode.

[0069] By suppressing the generation of a focused area of external light near the first projection mechanism 20 in the second mode, it is possible to provide a method for suppressing the generation of a focused area CA (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) and its surrounding shell 17 become hot.

[0070] Preferably, the first reflector unit 12 is further provided with a first reflector support portion 13 that supports the first reflector unit 12 in a manner such that the first reflector unit 12 can swing and face a predetermined direction. The irradiation suppression unit 13 is composed of the first reflector support portion 13. Figure 1 ) and the second mode to change the direction of the first reflector portion 12. A simple structure can suppress the light collecting area CA and the surrounding housing 17 from becoming hot. In addition, it is preferable that the first projection mechanism 20 can also be protected.

[0071] <Example 2>

[0072] Next, a head-up display device 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 4A and 4B. Figure 4 FIG4A shows a head-up display device 10A in a first mode. Figure 4 FIG4B shows the head-up display device 10A in the second mode.

[0074] In the head-up display device 10A of Example 2, the half mirror portion 14A is swingably supported by a half mirror support portion 42. In other words, the half mirror support portion 42 serves as the illumination suppression unit 42. The rest of the basic structure is the same as that of the head-up display device of Example 1. Parts identical to those of Example 1 are referenced using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 In the first mode, the light emitted from the first light source 21 is converged and then diverged. The light-concentrating area CA, which is the area where the light is concentrated, substantially coincides with the area where the external light entering the vehicle interior VI from outside the vehicle is concentrated.

[0076] Reference Figure 4 4B. In the second mode, the half mirror portion 14A is supported by the half mirror support portion 42 at an angle that is tilted more than in the first mode. When switching from the first mode to the second mode, the control unit 19 energizes the half mirror support portion 42 to swing the half mirror support portion 42 and the half mirror portion 14A.

[0077] External light such as sunlight is reflected from the second reflector 15 toward the half mirror 14A, but is reflected by the half mirror 14A to a position away from the first reflector 12. That is, in the second mode, the illumination suppressing unit 42 suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism 20.

[0078] The head-up display device 10A described above also realizes the head-up display device 10 described in the first embodiment (see Figure 1 ) to achieve the prescribed effect.

[0079] Preferably, the device further includes a half-mirror support portion 42 that supports the half-mirror portion 14A so that it can swing and be oriented in a predetermined direction. The illumination suppression unit 42 is comprised of the half-mirror support portion 42 and changes the orientation of the half-mirror portion 14A between the first mode and the second mode. This simple structure can suppress the heat buildup in the light-collecting area CA and the surrounding housing 17. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first projection mechanism 20 be protected.

[0080] <Example 3>

[0081] Next, a head-up display device 10B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 5A and 5B. Figure 5 A shows a head-up display device 10B in a first mode. Figure 5 FIG5B shows the head-up display device 10B in the second mode.

[0083] The head-up display device 10B of Example 3 includes a baffle mechanism 50 capable of covering the surface of the first mirror portion 12. In the head-up display device 10B, the baffle mechanism 50 serves as the radiation suppression unit 50. The rest of the basic structure is the same as that of the head-up display device of Example 1. Parts identical to those of Example 1 are referenced using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0084] Reference Figure 6 6A. The shutter mechanism 50 includes a guide portion 51 and a shutter body 52 supported and guided by the guide portion 51 .

[0085] The baffle body 52 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, for example, and is movable along the guide portion 51. Figure 6 The position of the baffle body 52 is controlled by the control unit 19. The baffle body 52 can be opened from the position above the first reflector 12 (see Figure 6 6A) moves to a position above the first reflector portion 12 (refer to Figure 66B). In the first mode, the shutter mechanism 50 opens the upper portion of the first reflective mirror portion 12, and in the second mode, the shutter mechanism 50 blocks the upper portion of the first reflective mirror portion 12.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 In the first mode, the light emitted from the first light source 21 is converged and then diverged. The light-concentrating area CA, which is the area where the light is concentrated, substantially coincides with the area where the external light entering the vehicle interior VI from outside the vehicle is concentrated.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 5B. In the second mode, the shutter mechanism 50 blocks the upper portion of the first reflector 12. External light, such as sunlight, is reflected from the second reflector 15 toward the half mirror 14 and then from the half mirror 14 toward the first reflector 12. However, due to the closed shutter mechanism 50, it does not reach the first reflector 12. In other words, in the second mode, the illumination suppression unit 50 suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism 20.

[0088] The head-up display device 10B described above also realizes the head-up display device 10 described in the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment (see Figure 1 ) to achieve the prescribed effect.

[0089] In addition, it is preferable to further include a shutter mechanism 50 capable of covering the surface of the first reflective mirror 12. The illumination suppression unit 50 is composed of the shutter mechanism 50, and covers the surface of the first reflective mirror 12 in the second mode. Since the surface of the first reflective mirror 12 is covered, it is possible to more reliably suppress the reflection of external light toward the first projection mechanism 20.

[0090] <Example 4>

[0091] Next, a head-up display device 10C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0092] Reference Figure 7 7A and 7B. Figure 7 FIG. 7A shows a barrier mechanism 50C used in the head-up display device 10C in the first mode, and FIG. 7B shows a barrier mechanism 50C used in the head-up display device 10C in the second mode.

[0093] A head-up display device 10C according to Example 4 includes a baffle mechanism 50C capable of covering the surface of the first mirror portion 12. In the head-up display device 10C, the baffle mechanism 50C serves as an illumination suppression unit 50C. The rest of the basic structure is the same as that of the head-up display device according to Example 1 and / or Example 3. Parts identical to those in Example 1 and / or Example 3 are referenced using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0094] Reference Figure 7In the second mode, the barrier mechanism 50C blocks the upper portion of the first reflector 12 by shrinking the plurality of blade-shaped barrier bodies 52C toward the center. The head-up display device 10C also suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism 20 in the second mode using the illumination suppressing unit 50C.

[0095] The head-up display device 10C described above also realizes the head-up display device 10 described in the first to third embodiments (see Figure 1 ) to achieve the prescribed effect.

[0096] In addition, each embodiment can also be combined appropriately. Figure 1 The head-up display device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can also be further added. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7 In other words, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved.

[0097] Industrial applicability

[0098] The head-up display device of the present invention is suitable for being mounted on a passenger vehicle.

Claims

1. A head-up display device, characterized in that: have: a first projection mechanism that projects light in such a manner that a visual observer recognizes a real image; a first reflective mirror portion serving as a mirror to reflect the light emitted by the first projection mechanism; a second projection mechanism that projects light in such a manner that a visual observer recognizes a virtual image; a half-mirror portion capable of reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective mirror portion and transmitting the light emitted from the second projection mechanism; a control unit configured to switch between a first mode in which a visual observer recognizes that a real image is projected on the screen portion and a second mode in which the visual observer recognizes that a virtual image is projected in front of the screen portion; as well as An illumination suppressing unit suppresses external light from irradiating the first projection mechanism in the second mode.

2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein: Further having: a first reflector support portion that supports the first reflector portion so that the first reflector portion is swingable and oriented in a predetermined direction; The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the first mirror supporting portion, and changes the direction of the half mirror portion between the first mode and the second mode.

3. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein: Further having: a half mirror support portion that supports the half mirror portion so that the half mirror portion can swing and be oriented in a predetermined direction; The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the half mirror supporting portion, and changes the direction of the half mirror portion between the first mode and the second mode.

4. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein: Further having: a baffle mechanism capable of covering a surface of the first reflector portion, The radiation suppressing unit is constituted by the shutter mechanism and covers the surface of the first mirror portion in the second mode.

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