Display device and instrument panel device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and an instrument panel device for a vehicle. The display apparatus includes an image generation unit and an imaging unit. The image generation unit is used for generating a light-emitting image. The imaging unit is disposed in a propagation path of light emitted by the light-emitting image and has an imaging plane toward the image generation unit. Light emitted by the light-emitting image irradiates the imaging surface, so that the light-emitting image is displayed on the imaging surface. Thus, a display area does not need to be formed on the front windshield, it is avoided that the manufacturing process of the front windshield becomes complex, and it is also avoided that the cost of the front windshield becomes high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a display device for a vehicle. This application also includes an instrument panel device using such a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, vehicles have an instrument panel located in front of the steering wheel to display vehicle information (such as speed, fuel level, etc.). The driver needs to look down to read the information on the instrument panel.

[0003] In some vehicles, the windshield features a black display area adjacent to its lower edge. Vehicle driving information is projected into this display area, allowing the driver to read the information with little or no need to look down. However, this type of windshield is more complex to manufacture and therefore more expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of this application provides a display device for a vehicle. The display device includes an image generating unit and an imaging unit. The image generating unit is adapted to generate a luminescent image. The imaging unit is disposed in the propagation path of the light emitted from the luminescent image and has an imaging surface facing the image generating unit. The light emitted from the luminescent image is adapted to illuminate the imaging surface, causing the luminescent image to be displayed on the imaging surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, the image generation unit has a planar display surface, which forms a first angle between 15 degrees and 90 degrees with the imaging surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, the image generation unit has a planar display surface with a first center point along the length of the vehicle, and an imaging surface with a second center point corresponding to the first center point along the length of the vehicle. The distance between the first center point and the second center point is between 50 mm and 150 mm.

[0007] In one embodiment, the imaging surface is a plane.

[0008] In one embodiment, the imaging surface extends in an arc shape along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the imaging surface extends in an arc shape along the width direction of the vehicle, and the radius of the arc is between 4000mm and 8000mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the imaging surface is concave.

[0011] In one embodiment, the imaging surface is adapted to reflect light incident on it from the luminescent image.

[0012] In one embodiment, the imaging unit is light-shielded.

[0013] In one embodiment, the imaging surface is adapted to diffusely reflect light incident on it from the luminescent image.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a shielding plate disposed on the side of the imaging unit opposite to the image generating unit and connected to the imaging unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a frame surrounding the image generating unit, the surface of which is configured as an anti-reflective surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a mounting bracket on which the image generation unit and the imaging unit are mounted.

[0017] In one embodiment, the imaging unit has a mounting portion adjacent to the image generating unit; the mounting portion is provided with a plurality of mounting holes. The mounting bracket is constructed with a plurality of connecting posts. The plurality of connecting posts are respectively inserted into the plurality of connecting holes.

[0018] In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied between the imaging unit and the mounting bracket; and / or a mounting strip is connected between at least two connecting posts, and the mounting strip presses against the mounting portion of the imaging unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the display device further includes an electronic rearview mirror disposed on the side of the imaging unit along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0020] A second aspect of this application discloses an instrument panel device. The instrument panel device includes an instrument panel body and a display device for a vehicle as described above. The instrument panel body includes an upper trim panel. An image generation unit is assembled with the upper trim panel, and at least a portion of the imaging surface is higher than the upper trim panel along the height direction of the imaging unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the imaging plane forms a second angle with the horizontal plane between 30 and 90 degrees.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: After the display device for vehicles of this application is installed on a vehicle, the imaging unit is located inside the windshield and in front of the driver. The imaging unit is used to reflect the light emitted by the luminescent image, so that the luminescent image is displayed on the imaging surface. In this way, there is no need to form a display area on the windshield, avoiding the need to complicate the manufacturing process of the windshield and also avoiding the need to increase the cost of the windshield. Attached Figure Description

[0023] With the aid of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of this application, the present application will be further described in a detailed description following with reference to several accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0024] Figure 1 A portion of a vehicle according to one embodiment of this application is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A dashboard device according to one embodiment of this application is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A display device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown, with a portion of the windshield shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device is shown, including a portion of the windshield and a portion of the dashboard body.

[0028] Figure 5 An exploded view of the display device is shown schematically.

[0029] Figure 6 The connection structure between the imaging unit of the display device and the mounting bracket is shown schematically.

[0030] Figure 7 The decorative frame is shown schematically.

[0031] List of reference numerals 1: Vehicle; 101: Windshield; 102: Instrument panel; 103: Vehicle roof 2: Dashboard body; 201: Upper trim panel 3: Display device for vehicles; 301: Center of eye box; 302: Virtual image of luminous image; 303: Bezel; 304: Mounting strip; 305: Electronic rearview mirror; 306: Trim frame; 307: Opening 31: Image generation unit; 315: First center point 32: Imaging unit; 321: Imaging surface; 323: Upper edge; 324: Lower edge; 325: Second center point; 327: Mounting hole 33: Mounting bracket; 331: Connecting post; 332: Adhesive H: Height direction of the imaging unit; X: Width direction of the vehicle; Y: Length direction of the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Figure 1 A portion of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this application is schematically shown. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes a windshield 101 and an instrument panel assembly 102 adjacent to the windshield 101. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the instrument panel assembly 102 includes an instrument panel body 2 and a display device 3 for the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the display device 3). The instrument panel body 2 includes an upper trim panel 201. The upper trim panel 201 extends generally along the width direction X of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the upper trim panel is generally parallel to the horizontal direction. The display device 3 is mounted on the instrument panel body 2 and spaced apart from the windshield 101 along the length direction Y of the vehicle (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown).

[0034] The display device 3 will now be described.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 3 includes an image generating unit 31, an imaging unit 32, and a mounting bracket 33. The image generating unit 31 and the imaging unit 32 are mounted on the mounting bracket 33. In this way, the image generating unit 31, the imaging unit 32, and the mounting bracket 33 form a whole to facilitate the installation of the display device 3 on the instrument panel body 2.

[0036] The image generation unit 31 has a planar display surface and is used to generate a light-emitting image (not shown in the figure). In one embodiment, the image generation unit is implemented as a display panel. For example, the display panel can be an LCD panel, an OLED panel, a MiniLED panel, a QD-MiniLED panel, or a MicroLED panel. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the image generation unit can also be in other forms, which are not limited here. The light-emitting image includes vehicle driving information (e.g., driving information may include speed, mileage, remaining fuel, remaining battery power, warning information, navigation information, etc.). In some cases, the light-emitting image may also include decorative patterns. Preferably, the decorative patterns are spaced apart from the vehicle driving information. Of course, the decorative patterns and vehicle driving information can also overlap or partially overlap as needed, which will not be elaborated here.

[0037] The imaging unit 32 is positioned in the propagation path of the light emitted from the luminescent image and has an imaging surface 321 facing the interior of the vehicle. The light emitted from the luminescent image illuminates the imaging surface 321, causing the luminescent image to be displayed on the imaging unit 32.

[0038] The imaging surface can be configured to specularly reflect light illuminating the emitted image, causing the imaging unit to display a virtual image of the emitted image. Alternatively, the imaging surface can be configured to diffusely reflect light illuminating the emitted image, causing the imaging unit to display the emitted image. In one embodiment, the imaging surface that diffusely reflects light is a rough surface. For example, a rough surface can be formed by coating, screen printing, etching, etc., which will not be elaborated here. For simplicity, the following description uses specular reflection of light by the imaging surface as an example to illustrate the technical solution of this application.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, after the dashboard unit 102 is installed in the vehicle, the image generation unit 31 is located on the upper trim panel 201 of the dashboard body 2. The imaging surface 321 extends generally obliquely toward the roof 103 of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the imaging surface 321 is higher than the upper trim panel 201 of the dashboard body 2 along the height direction H of the imaging unit. The imaging unit 32 is generally in front of the driver and inside the windshield 101 (e.g., the imaging unit 32 is adjacent to the windshield 101). In this way, when the display device 3 displays illuminated vehicle driving information (i.e., illuminated image), the driver can see the vehicle driving information displayed by the imaging unit 32 without having to look down or with minimal need to look down, and the dashboard body 2 does not obstruct the driver's view of the illuminated image displayed by the imaging surface 321, which helps to improve the safety of vehicle driving.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the technical solution of this application, the imaging unit 32 is adjacent to the windshield 101. In this way, it is not necessary to form a display area on the windshield 101, which avoids complicating the manufacturing process of the windshield 101 and also avoids increasing the manufacturing cost of the windshield 101.

[0041] In one embodiment, the imaging unit 32 is light-shielded. For example, the light transmittance of the imaging unit 32 is less than or equal to 3%. In this way, the virtual image 302 of the luminescent image displayed by the imaging unit 32 has high clarity, so that the driver can accurately read vehicle driving information.

[0042] In one embodiment, the display surface of the image generation unit 31 forms a first acute angle with the imaging surface 321. In one embodiment, the angle of the first angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees. For example, the angle of the first angle can be 15 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. The imaging surface 321 forms a second acute angle with the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the angle of the second angle is approximately between 30 degrees and 90 degrees. For example, the angle of the second angle can be 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, or 90 degrees. In this way, the virtual image 302 of the luminescent image displayed by the imaging unit 32 is generally vertical, so as to facilitate the driver to accurately read the vehicle driving information. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the first angle and / or the second angle can also be other angles, which will not be elaborated here.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the imaging surface 321 extends in an arc shape generally along the width direction X of the vehicle to match its shape. The shape of the image generating unit 31 matches the shape of the imaging surface 321. This results in a relatively large area for both the image generating unit and the imaging surface, enabling the display device to display rich information and / or patterns. The image generating unit can be composed of multiple display panels joined together. Alternatively, the image generating unit can also be a single display panel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the imaging surface 321 extends in an arc shape generally along the width direction X of the vehicle. For example, the radius of the arc is between 4000mm and 8000mm. In this way, the driver is less likely to experience dizziness when viewing the luminous image displayed by the imaging unit while the vehicle is in motion, which helps to improve the driver's driving experience.

[0045] In one embodiment, the imaging surface is concave. This concave surface bulges generally toward the windshield. In other words, the imaging surface is generally grooved along the width direction X of the vehicle, so that the cross-section of the imaging surface along the height direction H of the imaging unit is generally arc-shaped. Alternatively, the imaging surface can be concave and extend generally along the width direction X of the vehicle in an arc shape, which will not be elaborated here. Of course, depending on the actual situation, a portion of the imaging surface can also be constructed as concave.

[0046] In one embodiment, the imaging surface 321 is planar. This ensures that the emitted image is essentially undistorted relative to the emitted image, helping the driver to clearly read vehicle driving information.

[0047] For example Figure 4As shown, the planar display surface of the image generation unit 31 has a first center point 315 generally along the length direction Y of the vehicle (or the width direction of the image generation unit 31). The imaging surface 321 has a second center point 325 corresponding to the first center point 315 generally along the length direction Y of the vehicle (or the width direction of the imaging unit 32). The distance between the first center point 315 and the second center point 325 is between 50 mm and 150 mm. After the dashboard unit 102 is installed in the vehicle, by forming a second angle between the imaging surface 321 and the horizontal plane (as described above), and by forming a first angle between the planar display surface of the image generation unit 31 and the imaging surface 321 (as described above), the center distance between the center 301 of the vehicle's eyebox and the center of the virtual image 302 of the luminescent image displayed on the imaging surface 321 can be approximately between 800mm and 1500mm. The angle between the line connecting the center of the virtual image 302 and the center 301 of the eyebox and the horizontal plane is approximately between 5 degrees and 20 degrees, and the height of the virtual image 302 is approximately between 30mm and 120mm. This allows the driver to see the virtual image 302 more clearly, contributing to improved vehicle driving safety. The vehicle's eyebox is well known to those skilled in the art, and the center of the eyebox is determined for each vehicle; therefore, it will not be described further here.

[0048] Imaging unit 32 has an upper edge 323 and a lower edge 324 generally along the height direction H of the vehicle. The upper edge 323 is away from the image generation unit 31, and the lower edge 324 is adjacent to the image generation unit 31. The upper edge 323 and the lower edge 324 extend generally along the width direction X of the vehicle and form two length edges of imaging unit 32.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the display device 3 also includes an opaque shield 303. The shield 303 is disposed on the side of the imaging unit 32 facing away from the image generating unit 31. For example, the shield 303 is located between the imaging unit 32 and the windshield 101. The shield 303 is also connected to the imaging unit 31 and the instrument panel body 2. The lower edge 324 of the imaging unit 32 is adjacent to the image generating unit 31 and fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 33, and the upper edge 323 is fixedly connected to the shield 303. In this way, both the upper edge 323 and the lower edge 324 of the imaging unit 32 are constrained, which improves the stability of the imaging unit 32 and helps to make the virtual image 302 of the luminous image displayed by the imaging unit 32 clearer. In addition, the shield 303 can also prevent sunlight from shining on the imaging unit 32, making the virtual image 302 of the luminous image displayed by the imaging unit 32 clearer, so as to facilitate the driver to read vehicle driving information. In addition, the cover 303 also conceals the mounting structure of the imaging unit 32, which helps improve the vehicle's aesthetics. In one embodiment, the cover can also be part of the dashboard body, which will not be elaborated here.

[0050] The imaging unit 32 has a mounting portion adjacent to its lower edge 324. In other words, the mounting portion of the imaging unit 32 is adjacent to the image generation unit 31. Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of mounting holes 327 are provided in the mounting portion. The mounting bracket 33 is constructed with a plurality of connecting posts 331. These connecting posts 331 are respectively inserted into the connecting holes 327, thereby realizing the connection between the imaging unit 32 and the mounting bracket 33. In one embodiment, an adhesive 332 is applied between the imaging unit 32 and the mounting bracket 33 to bond the imaging unit 32 to the mounting bracket 33, which further improves the stability of the imaging unit 32. In addition, a mounting strip 304 is connected between at least two connecting posts 331, and the mounting strip 304 presses against the mounting portion of the imaging unit 32. In this way, the mounting strip 304 also helps to improve the stability of the imaging unit 32.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the display device 3 also includes a decorative frame 306 surrounding the image generating unit 31. For example, the frame 306 is mounted on a mounting bracket 33 and has openings 307 corresponding to the image generating unit 31. For example, the image generating unit includes three display panels, and the frame has three openings corresponding to each of the three display panels. Thus, the frame 306 surrounds the image generating unit 31 and obscures its mounting structure (e.g., at least a portion of the mounting bracket 33), which helps improve the aesthetics of the display device 3 and helps prevent damage to the mounting structure. The size of the display panels and the size of the openings in the frame can be determined according to actual conditions and are not shown here.

[0052] The surface of the frame 306 is configured as an anti-reflective surface. For example, the anti-reflective surface can be a rough surface, a matte surface, a flocked surface, etc. This prevents the frame 306 from forming an image on the imaging surface 321, thereby helping the imaging unit 32 to clearly display the luminescent image.

[0053] For example Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the display device 3 also includes two electronic rearview mirrors 305. The two electronic rearview mirrors 305 are positioned on either side of the imaging unit 32 along the width direction X of the vehicle. For example, the two electronic rearview mirrors 305 are connected to the imaging unit 32. While the vehicle is in motion, the driver can not only see the virtual image 302 of the luminescent image displayed by the imaging unit 32, but also conveniently see the surrounding environment of the vehicle through the two electronic rearview mirrors 305, thereby helping to improve the driver's driving experience.

[0054] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., inventive concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the figures according to exemplary embodiments; embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc., of the subject matter of the exemplary and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc., can be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concept, design, structure, apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process / method, steps, sequence of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.). All such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention without departing from its scope; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and / or figures of this patent document. It should be understood that the claims of this patent document are to be properly interpreted as covering the full scope of the subject matter of this invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); the terminology used in this patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

[0055] It should also be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional techniques (e.g., techniques implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or may include any other applicable techniques (now and / or in the future) with the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such techniques (e.g., techniques implemented in the manner of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A display device for a vehicle, characterized in that, The display device includes: Image generation unit, adapted to generate luminescent images; and An imaging unit is disposed in the propagation path of the light emitted by the luminescent image and has an imaging surface facing the image generation unit; the light emitted by the luminescent image is adapted to illuminate the imaging surface, so that the luminescent image is displayed on the imaging surface.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image generation unit has a planar display surface, and the display surface and the imaging surface form a first angle between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image generation unit has a planar display surface, the display surface has a first center point along the length direction of the vehicle, and the imaging surface has a second center point corresponding to the first center point along the length direction of the vehicle; the distance between the first center point and the second center point is between 50mm and 150mm.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging surface is a plane.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging surface extends in an arc shape along the width direction of the vehicle.

6. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The imaging surface extends in an arc shape along the width direction of the vehicle, and the radius of the arc is between 4000mm and 8000mm.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, At least a portion of the imaging surface is concave.

8. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging surface is adapted to reflect light incident on it from the luminescent image in a specular manner.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The imaging unit is light-shielded.

10. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging surface is adapted to diffusely reflect light incident on it from the luminescent image.

11. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device further includes a shield, which is disposed on the side of the imaging unit opposite to the image generating unit and connected to the imaging unit.

12. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device further includes a decorative frame surrounding the image generation unit, the surface of which is configured as an anti-reflective surface.

13. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device further includes a mounting bracket, on which the image generation unit and the imaging unit are mounted.

14. The display device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The imaging unit has a mounting portion adjacent to the image generating unit; the mounting portion is provided with a plurality of mounting holes; The mounting bracket has multiple connecting posts; the multiple connecting posts are respectively inserted into the multiple connecting holes.

15. The display device according to claim 14, characterized in that, An adhesive is applied between the imaging unit and the mounting bracket; and / or A mounting strip is connected between at least two of the connecting posts, and the mounting strip presses against the mounting portion of the imaging unit.

16. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device also includes an electronic rearview mirror, which is disposed on the side of the imaging unit along the width direction of the vehicle.

17. An instrument panel device, characterized in that, The instrument panel device includes: The dashboard body, including the upper trim panel; and A display device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 16; The image generation unit is assembled with the upper decorative panel, and at least a portion of the imaging surface is higher than the upper decorative panel along the height direction of the imaging unit.

18. The instrument panel device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The imaging plane forms a second angle with the horizontal plane between 30 and 90 degrees.

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