HEAD-UP DISPLAY

Abstract

A head-up display comprising: a screen configured to have a mounting area formed on a rear surface thereof and an edge contact area formed on at least one side of the mounting area; an LCD configured to have a display unit that outputs an image of the head-up display and an edge unit that surrounds the display unit; a diffuser arranged on a rear side of the LCD;and an LCD shroud arranged on a rear of the diffuser and configured to be coupled to the screen to fix the LCD to the screen, the LCD shroud having a plurality of clamping elements configured to exert pressure on a rear surface of the diffuser to transmit pressure to the LCD, the LCD being configured to exert pressure on the screen using the pressure received from each of the plurality of clamping elements, and wherein, for the purpose of transferring heat to the screen, the display unit is configured for surface contact with the mounting area, and the edge unit is configured for surface contact with the edge contact area.

Description

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

[0002] The content described in this section only provides background information related to an embodiment of the present disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Recently, the automotive market has been favoring intelligent vehicles equipped with advanced information technology (IT). Products that improve driving stability and driver comfort are being introduced, and among these, head-up displays (HUDs) are attracting attention.

[0004] A head-up display is a device that displays information on a windshield, which is the front window of a vehicle. The head-up display provides the driver with information such as traffic signals, lane change guidance, whether there are pedestrians ahead, navigation information, vehicle speed, and fuel level.

[0005] Recently, head-up displays have been used that utilize augmented reality technology. These are referred to as augmented reality head-up displays. Augmented reality head-up displays provide information by overlaying virtual images on real images.

[0006] The head-up display reflects light emitted from a picture generating unit (PGU) using an aspherical mirror to display it on the windshield.

[0007] The image forming unit may include a light source that emits light, a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the light source is arranged, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that projects an image, a lens that evenly condenses the light transmitted from the light source to the LCD, a diffuser that evenly distributes light on the LCD, and the like.

[0008] The LCD absorbs sunlight shining on the head-up display and radiant heat generated by the light source on the circuit board, causing the LCD temperature to rise. If the LCD is continuously exposed to high temperatures, it may deteriorate and its reliability may decrease.

[0009] In the past, a rotating aspherical mirror structure using an illumination sensor was used to solve the problem of LCD degradation. The rotating aspherical mirror structure using the illumination sensor is intended to be used as a fail-safe feature to compensate for head-up display malfunctions, but there is a problem that, from the passenger's perspective, it may be mistaken for a head-up display malfunction. Accordingly, there is a need for a method that can effectively dissipate heat and prevent LCD degradation without negatively impacting the user experience.

[0010] In view of the above, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a head-up display configured to effectively dissipate heat from an LCD and prevent degradation of the LCD.

[0011] A head-up display includes: a screen configured to have a mounting portion formed on a rear surface thereof and an edge contact portion formed on at least one side of the mounting portion; an LCD configured to have a display unit that outputs an image of the head-up display and an edge unit that surrounds the display unit; a diffuser disposed on a rear surface of the LCD;and an LCD cover arranged on a rear side of the diffuser and configured to be coupled to the display to fix the LCD to the display, wherein the LCD cover has a plurality of clamping elements configured to apply pressure to a rear surface of the diffuser to transfer pressure to the LCD, wherein the LCD is configured to apply the pressure to the display using the pressure received from each of the plurality of clamping elements, and wherein, to transfer heat to the display, the display unit is configured for surface contact with the mounting region, and the edge unit is configured for surface contact with the edge contact region;

[0012] As described above, the head-up display according to the present embodiment can effectively dissipate heat from the LCD.

[0013] In addition, the head-up display can prevent LCD deterioration. Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating components of a head-up display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of the head-up display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an LCD panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of Fig. 3 was created. Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line BB' of Fig. 3 was created.

[0014] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals preferably refer to similar elements, even though the elements are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of some embodiments, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein is omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.

[0015] Furthermore, various terms such as first, second (A), (B), (b), etc. are used only to differentiate one component from another, but not to imply the nature, order, or sequence of the components. In this specification, when a part "includes" or "comprises" a component, it means that the part may further comprise other components, not excluded therefrom, unless specifically stated otherwise. Terms such as "unit," "module," and the like refer to one or more units for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0016] Each element of the device or method according to the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. The functions of the respective elements can be implemented in software, and a microprocessor can be implemented to execute the software functions corresponding to the respective elements.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating components of a head-up display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of the head-up display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an LCD panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of Fig. 3 was created.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line BB' of Fig. 3 was created.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 1 to 5, a head-up display (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or some of a screen 110, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 130, a diffuser 170, and an LCD bezel 150.

[0023] The head-up display according to the present disclosure has a structure that cools the LCD 130 by contacting the LCD 130 and the screen 110 to prevent deterioration of the LCD 130. The LCD 130, the screen 110, the diffuser 170, and the LCD cover 150 according to the present disclosure form a structure to reduce contact conductivity.

[0024] Contact conductivity refers to the resistance that prevents heat transfer at the interface between two objects in contact. Even if two objects appear to be in contact from a macroscopic perspective, heat transfer may not be uniform because the two objects are not in complete, intimate contact from a microscopic perspective.

[0025] Contact conductivity can be a factor that slows the heat transfer rate and reduces heat transfer efficiency. Because contact thermal resistance is minimized, heat can be transferred efficiently, allowing the LCD 130 to cool quickly.

[0026] Conditions for reducing the contact conductivity of two contacting objects include reducing the surface roughness of the contacting surfaces, increasing the contact pressure of the contacting surfaces, and using a material with high thermal conductivity. Increasing the contact pressure allows the two objects to come into closer contact, allowing heat to be transferred easily.

[0027] The LCD enclosure 150 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of tension members 151, described later, for applying pressure to the contact surface of the LCD 130 and the display 110. Contact conductivity is reduced due to the pressure applied to the contact surface, allowing heat to be transferred more quickly from the LCD 130 to the display 110.

[0028] The directions used in this specification are defined. The head-up display generates light using an imaging unit (PGU) (not shown) and radiates the light forward. In this specification, front and rear are defined based on the travel path of the light generated by the imaging unit. In this case, front and rear are related concepts. Since the light travels from the rear to the front, the screen 110 is arranged at the front, and the LCD panel 150 is arranged at the rear. Of the surfaces of the components of the head-up display, the surface arranged to face forward is defined as a front surface, and the surface facing rearward is defined as a rear surface.

[0029] The LCD cover 150 is provided on the back of the diffuser 170. The LCD cover 150 can be connected to the display 110 to fix the LCD 130 to the display 110.

[0030] The LCD enclosure 150 may include a plurality of clamping elements 151. The plurality of clamping elements 151 improve the contact force between the LCD 130 and the display screen 110 to reduce contact conductivity and improve heat dissipation performance.

[0031] The plurality of clamping elements 151 may be configured to exert pressure on a rear surface of the diffuser 170 to transfer pressure to the LCD 130. According to one embodiment, the plurality of clamping elements 151 may protrude from the LCD enclosure 150. The plurality of clamping elements 151 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one another. The plurality of clamping elements 151 may include a first clamping element 151A, a second clamping element 151B, and a third clamping element 151C.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first clamping element 151A and the second clamping element 151B may be arranged on both sides of the LCD panel 150 to face each other. The third clamping element may be formed on another side of the LCD panel 150.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first to third clamping elements 151A to 151C may be configured to protrude forward to press against the rear surface of the diffuser 170. According to one embodiment, the ends of the first to third clamping elements 151A to 151C may form a surface to be in surface contact with the rear surface of the diffuser 170.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first to third clamping members 151A to 151C can apply pressure by pressing the rear surface of the diffuser 170. The pressure generated by the pressure-generating action of the first to third clamping members 151A to 151C can also be transmitted to the LCD 130. This is because the pressure from the plurality of clamping members 151 is applied to the LCD 130 via the diffuser 170. The LCD 130 can apply pressure to the screen 110 by means of the pressure from the first to third clamping members 151A to 151C. The pressure on the screen 110 is formed by the pressure action of the first to third clamping members 151A to 151C. In other words, a compressive force is applied to the contact surface between the LCD 130 and the screen 110 by the first to third clamping members 151A to 151C, so that the LCD 130 and the screen 110 can be pressed against each other.The contact conductivity may be reduced by the pressure exerted on the contact surface of the LCD 130 and the screen 110.

[0035] In other words, the heat from the LCD 130 can be dissipated more quickly via the first to third clamping elements 151A to 151C. Because the increased pressure reduces contact conductivity, the LCD 130 can transfer heat to the screen 110 more quickly. The faster the heat is dissipated from the LCD 130, the less deterioration occurs in the LCD 130, allowing the head-up display to maintain its performance for a longer period of time.

[0036] The LCD panel 150 may include a pair of first hooks 152. According to one embodiment, the pair of first hooks 152 may be arranged on both sides of the LCD panel 150 to face each other. The pair of first hooks 152 may be coupled to a pair of first hook coupling portions 115 formed on both sides of the display panel 110 to face each other. The pair of first hooks 152 and the pair of first hook coupling portions 150 may be snap-fitted into each other.

[0037] The LCD panel 150 may include a pair of second hooks 153. According to one embodiment, the pair of second hooks 153 may be disposed on opposite sides of the LCD panel 150. The pair of second hooks 153 may be coupled to a pair of second hook coupling portions 116 formed on another side of the display 110. The pair of second hooks 153 and the pair of second hook coupling portions 150 may be snap-fitted into each other.

[0038] The LCD panel 150 may include a pair of panel guides 154. According to one embodiment, the pair of panel guides 154 may be disposed on both sides of the LCD panel 150. According to one embodiment, each of the pair of panel guides 154 may protrude forward from both sides of the LCD panel 150. The pair of panel guides 154 may be engaged with a pair of panel guide grooves 110. The pair of panel guides 154 may include at least one protrusion inserted into the pair of panel guide grooves 110.

[0039] The diffuser 170 is arranged on the back of the LCD 130. The diffuser 170 can control the light so that the light generated by the light source of the imaging unit is evenly incident on the LCD 130. According to one embodiment, the diffuser 170 can be manufactured in a shape and size that correspond to at least a portion of the LCD 130.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the diffuser 170 is configured to press the LCD 130 using the pressure received from the plurality of clamping elements 151 to reduce the contact conductivity.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the diffuser 170 may include a pair of diffuser guides 171 protruding from both sides. The position of the pair of diffuser guides 171 may be fixed by engaging with a pair of diffuser guide grooves 118 formed on both sides of the screen 110.

[0042] The LCD 130 is arranged between the screen 110 and the diffuser 170. The LCD 130 is arranged at the back of the screen 110. The LCD 130 projects an image using the light generated by the light source of the image generation unit. Because the LCD 130 is in contact with the screen 110, heat generated by the LCD 130 can be transferred to the screen 110. The LCD 130 can be configured to apply pressure to the screen 110 using pressure received from each of the plurality of clamping elements. The heat generated by the LCD 130 can be transferred to the screen 130 more quickly due to the pressure.

[0043] The LCD 130 may include a display unit 131. The display unit 131 is arranged at the center of the LCD 130. The display unit 131 projects an image of the head-up display using the light generated by the light source of the image generation unit.

[0044] A front surface of the LCD 130 may be in surface contact with the rear surface of the display screen 110. In particular, the display unit 131 may be in surface contact with a mounting area 112 formed on the display screen 110 to transfer heat to the display screen 110. According to one embodiment, a region of the display unit 131 that forms surface contact with the mounting area 112 may be formed along the edge of the display unit 131 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). The edge can correspond to the area G, which is indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 2. Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the surface contact area between the display unit 131 and the mounting portion 112 may not be limited to the edge portion of the display unit 131. According to one embodiment, the edge portion of the display unit 131 may not be used when projecting a head-up display image. That is, the LCD 130 can be cooled more quickly by using the unused edge of the display unit 131 to contact the mounting portion 112 of the screen 110. According to one embodiment, the mounting portion 112 may protrude rearward to easily establish surface contact with the display unit 131. When the pressure is generated by the plurality of clamping members 151, the display unit 131 and the mounting portion 112 come into close contact with each other to reduce the contact conductivity, so that the LCD 130 can dissipate heat more efficiently. That is,The display unit 131 can transfer more heat per unit time to the mounting area 112 when pressure is applied than when no pressure is applied. Heat generated by the display unit 131 can be transferred to an edge unit 131.

[0045] The LCD 130 may include the edge unit 133. The edge unit 133 may be configured to surround the display unit 131. According to one embodiment, the edge unit 131 may be configured to make surface contact with an edge contact region 113 formed on the display screen 110 to transfer heat to the display screen 110. According to one embodiment, the edge unit 133 may be configured to make surface contact with a support region 114 formed on the display screen 110 to transfer heat to the display screen 110.

[0046] The screen 110 is arranged in front of the LCD 130. The screen 110 can be configured to contact the LCD 130 and receive heat from the LCD 130. A compressive force can be applied to the contact surface between the screen 110 and the LCD 130 by the plurality of clamping elements 151. Since the contact conductivity is reduced by the compressive force, the screen 110 can receive heat from the LCD 130 more efficiently. In this case, the temperature of the LCD 130 can decrease more quickly than when no compressive force is applied.

[0047] The screen 110 may include a pair of first hook coupling portions 115. According to one embodiment, the pair of first hook coupling portions 115 may be arranged on both sides of the screen 110 to face each other. The pair of first hook coupling portions 115 may be coupled to the pair of first hooks 152.

[0048] The screen 110 may include a pair of second hook coupling portions 116. According to one embodiment, the pair of second hook coupling portions 116 may be arranged on a different side of the screen 110. The pair of second hook coupling portions 116 may be coupled to the pair of second hooks 153.

[0049] The screen 110 may include a pair of panel guide grooves 117. According to one embodiment, the pair of panel guide grooves 117 may be arranged on both sides of the screen 110. The pair of panel guide grooves 117 may engage a pair of panel guides 110.

[0050] The protruding length of the pair of cover guides 154 may be longer than the depth of the pair of cover guide grooves 117. In this case, the connection stability of the display 110 and the LCD cover 150 can be improved.

[0051] The screen 110 may include a pair of diffuser guide grooves 118. According to one embodiment, the pair of diffuser guide grooves 118 may be arranged on both sides of the screen 110. The pair of diffuser guide grooves 118 may be engaged with a pair of diffuser guides 171. The position of the diffuser 170 may be stably fixed by the engagement of the pair of diffuser guides 171 and the pair of diffuser guide grooves 118.

[0052] The screen 110 may have an opening 111. The opening 111 may be formed at the center of the rear surface of the screen 110. The head-up display image projected by the LCD 130 may pass through the opening 111.

[0053] The screen 110 may have a mounting portion 112. The mounting portion 112 may be formed on the rear surface of the screen 110. The mounting portion 112 may be formed to surround the opening 111. The mounting portion 112 may be located between the opening 111 and the edge contact portion 113. The mounting portion 112 may be in surface contact with the display unit 131 to absorb heat from the display unit 131. The mounting portion 112 may protrude from the rear surface of the screen 110 to form surface contact with the display unit 131.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the mounting portion 112 may make surface contact with an edge portion of the display unit 131. In this case, the edge portion of the display unit 131 may be an area that is not used when the head-up display image is projected. That is, the mounting portion 112 is configured to contact the edge portion of the display unit 131 that is not used when the head-up display image is projected, so that the mounting portion 112 can receive heat from the display unit 131 more efficiently.

[0055] Pressure from the plurality of clamping elements 151 is applied to the mounting portion 112. Due to the pressure, the mounting portion 112 comes into close contact with the display unit 131 and can receive heat from the display unit 131 more efficiently.

[0056] The display screen 110 may include an edge contact area 113. According to one embodiment, the edge contact area 113 may be formed on at least one side of the mounting area 112. According to another embodiment, the edge contact area 113 may be formed to surround the mounting area 112 along the periphery of the mounting area 112. The edge contact area 113 may be configured to make surface contact with the edge unit 133. The edge contact area 113 may receive heat from the edge unit 133 by making surface contact with the edge unit 133. Since the edge unit 133 is configured to absorb heat generated by the display unit 131, and the edge contact area 113 is configured to absorb heat from the edge unit 133, the edge unit 133 and the edge contact area 113 serve to prevent deterioration of the LCD 130.

[0057] Pressure from the plurality of clamping elements 151 is applied to the edge contact area 113. Due to the pressure, the fixing area 113 comes into close contact with the edge unit 133 and can receive heat from the display unit 133 more efficiently.

[0058] The display 110 may include at least one support portion 114. The support portion 114 may be configured to support the front surface of the LCD 130.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the support portion 114 may be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from the mounting portion 112. According to one embodiment, the support portion 114 may be configured to extend lengthwise along the rear surface of the display 110. The longer the support portion 114 is configured, the more stably the position of the LCD 130, which is arranged on the rear surface of the display 110, is fixed.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the support portion 114 may be arranged in front of the third clamping element 151C. In this case, the support portion 114 may hold the front surface of the LCD 130 so that the LCD 130 cannot bend more than a predetermined angle due to the pressing operation of the third clamping element 151C ( Fig. 4) is bent. The support portion 114 provides a reaction force for the LCD 130 against the pressing action of the third clamping member 151C. That is, when the third clamping member 151C presses the rear surface of the LCD 130, the support portion 114 presses the front surface of the LCD 130.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the support portion 114 may be in surface contact with the edge unit 133 of the LCD 130 ( Fig.4). When an external force is applied to the third clamping element 151C, the support portion 114 can press the edge unit 131, and the support portion 114 can effectively absorb the heat generated by the edge unit 133. This is because the pressure on the contact surface between the support portion 114 and the edge unit 133 increases and the contact conductivity decreases.

[0062] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the screen 110 may be made of a heat-dissipating plastic. The thermal conductivity of the heat-dissipating plastic may be 15 W / mK or higher, and more preferably 20 W / mK or higher. The heat-resistant temperature of the heat-dissipating plastic may be 130°C or higher. The flexural strength of the heat-dissipating plastic may be 1000 kgf / cm 2 or more.

[0063] The head-up display according to the present disclosure can improve the thermal performance of the LCD 130 by increasing the pressure on the area where the LCD 130 and the screen 110 are in contact with each other to reduce the contact conductivity by means of the plurality of tension members 131.

[0064] As described above, the LCD panel 150 and the display panel 110 are hooked together by means of the plurality of hooks 152 and 153 and the plurality of hook coupling portions 115 and 116. The hook coupling further improves the contact force between the LCD 130 and the display panel 110, which reduces the contact conductivity and contributes to improving the heat dissipation performance of the LCD 130.

Claims

[1] Head-up display that includes: a screen configured to have a mounting portion formed on a rear surface thereof and an edge contact portion formed on at least one side of the mounting portion; a liquid crystal display (LCD) configured to have a display unit that outputs an image of the head-up display and an edge unit that surrounds the display unit; a diffuser disposed on a back side of the LCD; and an LCD cover arranged on a back side of the diffuser and configured to be coupled to the screen to fix the LCD to the screen, wherein the LCD cover has a plurality of tensioning elements configured to exert pressure on a rear surface of the diffuser to transmit pressure to the LCD, wherein the LCD is configured to apply pressure to the screen using pressure received from each of the plurality of clamping elements, and wherein, in order to transfer heat to the screen, the display unit is designed for surface contact with the fastening region, and the edge unit is designed for surface contact with the edge contact region. [2] The head-up display of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tension members comprises a first tension member, a second tension member, and a third tension member projecting from the LCD panel and spaced apart from each other. [3] The head-up display according to claim 2, wherein the first tension member and the second tension member are arranged on both sides of the LCD panel to face each other, and the third tension member is formed on another side of the LCD panel. [4] A head-up display according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the LCD panel comprises: a pair of first hooks formed on both sides of the LCD panel to face each other; and a pair of second hooks formed on another side of the LCD panel, wherein the pair of first hooks are coupled to a pair of first hook coupling portions formed on both sides of the screen to face each other, and the pair of second hooks is coupled to a pair of second hook coupling portions formed on another side of the screen. [5] A head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the LCD panel further comprises a pair of panel guides on both sides, the screen further includes a pair of trim guide grooves on both sides, and the pair of fairing guides is coupled to the pair of fairing guide grooves. [6] A head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diffuser comprises a pair of diffusers projecting on both sides, the screen further comprises a pair of diffuser guide grooves on both sides, and the pair of diffuser guides is coupled to the pair of fairing guide grooves. [7] A head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the screen further comprises a support portion disposed at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion, and the support portion extends lengthwise on the rear surface of the screen and supports a front surface of the LCD. [8] A head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mounting portion protrudes from the rear surface of the screen to surround an opening formed at a center of the rear surface of the screen. [9] A head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a portion of the display unit in surface contact with the mounting portion is formed along an edge of the display unit. [10] A head-up display according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the screen further comprises a support portion that supports a front surface of the LCD, and the support portion is disposed in front of the third clamping member and supports the front surface of the LCD so that the LCD is not bent more than a predetermined angle due to the pressing action of the third clamping member.

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