VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

A vehicle display device (2) for installation on a vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle display device (2) comprises: a light-emitting device (3), wherein the light-emitting device (3) comprises: a light source (30) configured to emit light, and a plate-like light guide member (31) configured to guide light incident from the light source (30), wherein the light guide member (31) comprises: an emission surface (33) configured to emit light incident from the light source (30), a light path changing portion (35) configured to change the path of the light incident from the light source (30), a light-transmitting layer (37) formed on the surface (34) opposite the emission surface (33) of the light guide member (31) and configured to prevent the passage of external light,which enters from the emission surface (33) and passes through the light guide element (31), through the light-transmitting layer (37), and a reflection layer (36) configured to reflect external light passing through the light-transmitting layer (37) towards the emission surface (33).

Description

RANGEThe present invention relates to a vehicle display device that can be installed on a vehicle.BACKGROUNDIt is increasingly common to incorporate a turn signal (flasher) into a side mirror, whereby the side mirror with the incorporated flasher can function as a vehicle display device. Japanese Patent Publication JP 2008-94 215 A discloses a flasher equipped with a light source and an elongated light guide material; the flasher is fixed to the side mirror and emits light in the longitudinal direction.Further prior art is formed by the publications JP 2014-234 019 A, JP 2014-234 022 A, DE 10 2010 045 070 A1 and JP 2012-131 277 A.Technical ProblemHowever, in the display devices of the related art, only a part of the side mirror case emits light. Therefore, a vehicle display device that emits light that can be easily seen by other vehicles would be desirable. The side mirror disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication JP 2008-94 215 A has the same problem. Since the elongated light guide material is fixed only to the mirror case, the side mirror has a small light emitting area. Therefore, an easily recognizable light emitting surface area would be desirable. This object is achieved with a vehicle display device according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 5 or 6. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.To achieve this object, particularly with the embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle display device that can be easily recognized by other vehicles by using a side mirror or a window glass such that the mirror surface or the window surface emit the light.OVERVIEWA vehicle display device described herein is configured to be installed in a vehicle, and includes: a mirror member configured to reflect external light entering from a front surface toward the front surface; and a light emitting device, the light emitting device including: a light source configured to emit light; and a light guide member configured to guide light incident from the light source, the light guide member including: an emission surface configured to emit the incident light; and a light path changing portion configured to change the light path of the incident light toward the emission surface, wherein the mirror member and the light guide member are stacked on an outer surface of the mirror member, thereby enabling the change of the light path through the light path changing portion.In the vehicle display device described herein, the light guide member is plate-like and disposed above the mirror member on the outer surface of the mirror member.In the vehicle display device described herein, the mirror member includes a thin-film light transmissive portion in which a surface is configured as a front surface, and a reflective layer formed on the outer surface of the light transmissive portion and configured to reflect external light entering from the front surface and passing through the light transmissive portion toward the front surface, and the light guide member is disposed on the outer surface of the mirror member.A vehicle display device described herein is configured to be installed on a vehicle, and includes: a light emitting device, the light emitting device including: a light source configured to emit light; and a plate-like light guide member configured to guide light incident from the light source, the light guide member including: an emission surface configured to emit light incident from the light source, and a light path changing portion configured to change the path of the light incident from the light source toward the emission surface, and a reflection layer formed on the surface opposite to the emission surface of the light guide member and configured to reflect external light incident from the emission surface and passing through the light guide member toward the emission surface.A vehicle display device according to the present invention is configured to be installed on a vehicle, and includes a light emitting device, the light emitting device including: a light source configured to emit light; and a plate-like light guide member configured to guide light incident from the light source, the light guide member including: an emission surface configured to emit light incident from the light source, and a light path changing portion configured to change the path of the light incident from the light source; a light transmissive layer formed on the surface opposite to the emission surface of the light guide member and configured to allow passage of external light incident from the emission surface and passing through the light guide member; and a reflective layer configured to allow passage of external light incident from the emission surface and passing through the light guide member, reflecting external light passing through the light transmissive layer toward the emission surface.In the vehicular display device according to the present invention described herein, the light path changing section changes the light path toward the outside of the vehicle on which the vehicular display device is installed.The vehicle display device according to the invention described herein further comprises a bracket configured to be mounted on a vehicle, wherein the light guide member is arranged such that the light source emits light in the vicinity of the bracket.The vehicle display device according to the present invention described herein is configured to be installed on a vehicle so as to serve as a side mirror.A vehicle display device described herein is configured to be installed on a vehicle, and includes: a window material and a light emitting device, the light emitting device including: a light source configured to emit light, and a light guide member configured to guide light incident from the light source, the light guide member including: an emission surface configured to emit incident light, and a light path changing portion configured to change the light path of incident light toward the emission surface, wherein the window material and the light guide member are stacked.A vehicle display device described herein is configured to be installed on a vehicle, and includes: a light emitting device, the light emitting device including: a light source configured to emit light; and a plate-like light guide member configured to guide light incident from the light source and serving as a window material, the light guide member including: an emission surface configured to emit light incident from the light source; and a light path changing portion configured to change the path of the light incident from the light source toward the emission surface.The vehicle display device described herein is equipped with a light emitting device comprising a light source and a light guiding element which may be attached to a side mirror or a window glass, wherein the vehicle display device is configured to emit light.EffectsA vehicle display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a side mirror or a window glass for installation on a vehicle. The vehicular display device is provided with a light emitting device including a light source and a light guide member, wherein the light emitting device changes the path of the light so that the mirror surface or the window surface emits light and the light is emitted. Thus, embodiments of the present invention have advantages such as improving visibility for other vehicles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of external features of a vehicle having a side mirror mounted thereon, the side mirror using a vehicle display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing an example of external features of a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a light emitting device in the vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a light path through a cross section of a light emitting device in the vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device equipped with a vehicular display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which a vehicle display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied to a window glass of a vehicle; FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which a vehicle display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied to a window glass of a vehicle; FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONEmbodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following working example merely represents an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical features of the present invention in any way.First EmbodimentFIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of external features of a vehicle having a side mirror mounted thereon, the side mirror using a vehicle display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 represents a vehicle; a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the invention is implemented in a side mirror 2 mounted on the vehicle 1. The side mirror 2 includes a built-in light emitting device 3 (described later with reference to FIG. 3 ); the light emitting device 3 emits highly directional light. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the vehicle 1, and illustrates the visible range of the light emitted from the light emitting device 3 installed in the left side mirror 2 as oblique lines. The light emitting device 3 emits directed light that is directed outward with respect to the vehicle 1. In this way, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the light emitted from the light emitting device 3 can be seen outside the vehicle 1, for example, from a vehicle behind the vehicle 1. However, the occupants of the vehicle 1, particularly the driver seated in the driver's seat, cannot see the light emitted from the light emitting device 3; the occupants see an ordinary mirror. The right side mirror 2 (not shown) functions identically.FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing an example of the appearance of a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2A, the side mirror 2 is illustrated in a normal state; in FIG. 2B, the state in which the built-in light emitting device 3 emits light is illustrated. The entire mirror surface of the side mirror 2 emits light when the light emitting device 3 emits light. Therefore, a larger surface area emits light as compared with the case where, for example, the edge portion of the side mirror 2 longitudinally illuminates, and the emitted light can be easily seen outside the vehicle 1, for example, from a vehicle following the vehicle 1.Light Emitting DeviceNext, the principles underlying a light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device (side mirror 2) according to embodiments of the invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light emitting device in the vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a light path through a cross section of a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings illustrate sketches or schematic views in order to enable a simple and easily comprehensible description. Also, in some instances, the drawings referred to in the specification include elements that are not drawn to scale in terms of horizontal and vertical proportions or spacing between components.The light emitting device 3 is provided with a light emitting light source 30 and a light guide plate 31 (light guide member) that guides light incident from the light source 30. The light source 30 may be configured to use a light emitting element such as an LED, and the light emitted from the light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31. The light guide plate 31 may be formed of a flexible thin film material or a curable plate using a transparent resin having a high refractive index such as polycarbonate (PC) resin or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin or using an inorganic material such as glass in a rectangular plate-like shape. Here, "plate-like" denotes an object that is shorter (thinner) in the thickness direction (thickness) than in the planar direction spreading in two dimensions orthogonal to the thickness direction. That is, while the light guide plate 31 is a rectangular parallelepiped, its length in the thickness direction is less than the length in a plane propagating in two dimensions and formed by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.The light source 30 is attached to a longitudinal end surface of the light guide plate 31. That is, one of the surfaces forming the short side of the rectangle in the thickness direction is the incident end face 32 through which the light emitted from the light source 30 enters. The light guide plate 31 causes light entering from the incident end face to propagate in planar form in the light guide plate 31. The plate-like light guide plate 31 includes an emission surface 33 configured to emit incident light entering from the light source 30, and a back surface 34 on the other side with respect to the emission surface 33.On the back surface 34 of the light guide plate 31, a plurality of optical path changing portions 35 are formed. The light path changing portions 35 change the path of the incident light entering from the incident end face; in other words, the light path changing portions 35 modify the light at a predetermined angle toward the emission surface 33. the light path changing portions 35 are here represented as optical surfaces formed inside the light guide plate 31, and in this particular case, as reflecting surfaces 35 athat reflect the incident light entering from the incident end face 32. The back surface 34 may be cut with oblique serrations, the inclined surfaces serving as reflecting surfaces 35a. The light entering the light guide plate 31 is directed to each of the light path changing portions 35, and each of the light path changing portions 35 changes the light path of the light incident thereon by a predetermined angle, thereby the light exits from the emitting surface 33 in a predetermined direction.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source 30 is attached to the incident end surface 32 of the light guide plate 31, and the incident end surface 32 and the emission surface 33 are substantially orthogonal to each other. In addition, the back surface 34 faces the emission surface 33, and the back surface 34 is also substantially orthogonal to the incident end surface 32. the back surface 34 is a flat surface substantially parallel to the emission surface 33, and is provided with inclined surfaces constituting the light path changing portions 35. The flat back surface 34 guides, together with the emitting surface 33, the incident light entering the light guide plate 31 from the incident end face 32 via total internal reflection between the surfaces, whereby the light propagates in the light guide plate 31 in planar form. The inclined surfaces constituting the light path changing portions 35 serve as reflecting surfaces 35a and reflect the incident light entering the light guide plate 31, thereby changing the light path of the light toward the emitting surface 33.That is, the light emitted from the light source 30, which enters the light guide plate 31 from the incident end surface 32, is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34 inside the light guide plate 31 and propagates therethrough in a planar form. Upon reaching a reflecting surface 35 aformed in the light path changing portions 35, the light propagating through the light guide plate 31 is reflected by the reflecting surface 35 aand exits to the outside from the emitting surface 33.Here, the reflecting surfaces 35 afunction as the light path changing portions 35. however, the light path changing portions 35 may have various shapes as long as the light path changing portions 35 can change the path of the incident light propagating through the light guide plate 31. For example, the light path changing portions 35 may be formed as a cylindrical Fresnel lens, and the refractive effect of the refractive surface of the Fresnel lens (i.e., the prism surface) changes the path of the incident light. Moreover, in this case, the Fresnel lens may be formed of a plurality of parts spaced apart from each other. The light path changing portions 35 may also be formed as diffraction gratings, and the diffraction effect may change the light path of the incident light. In addition, the refractive effect and the diffraction effect of the prism can change the light path of the incident light.A vehicle display device equipped with such a light emitting device 3 enables implementation in various types of side mirrors 2. embodiments of the various possible internal structures in which the side mirrors 2 can be implemented using the vehicle display device will be described below.First EmbodimentFIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a part of the internal structure for a side mirror using a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 5 and 6, parts that are visible when some components of the light emitting device 3 are removed from the side mirror 2 are illustrated. FIG. 7 schematically shows an arrangement of the light emitting device 3 and the mirror element 20 inside the side mirror 2 as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the components in the light emitting device 3 and the mirror member 20 inside the side mirror 2 as viewed from above.The side mirror 2 is provided with a housing 21 in which the various components in the light emitting device 3 and the mirror element 20 are accommodated. The front plane of the housing 21 is open and the rim encloses an opening which is filled by the mirror element 20 when the mirror element 20 is fitted into the housing 21. The housing 21 is provided with a driving mechanism 22 which can change the angle of the mirror member 20; the mirror member is fixed to the driving mechanism 22. The housing 21 may also be mounted on the vehicle 1 via a bracket 23; the bracket 23 includes various types of communication links for connecting the various electrical components in the mirror unit 20, such as the light source 30 of the light emitting device 3 in the side mirror 2 and the drive mechanism 22, to units in the vehicle 1, such as a control device. The driver can operate various operation input buttons disposed near the driver's seat, whereby the drive mechanism 22 can be actuated and the angle of the mirror member 20 can be adjusted. Triggering operations, such as lane changes, may also cause light source 30 to emit light.A fixing frame 24 functions as a boundary inside the housing 21 and fixes the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 to the driving mechanism 22, and the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 are accommodated inside the fixing frame 24, thereby filling the opening in the front surface of the housing 21. The mounting frame 24 includes a mounting panel on the rear side, so that by mounting the mounting panel to the driving mechanism 22, the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 accommodated in the mounting frame 24 are mounted to the driving mechanism 22. The light guide plate 31 appears as a rectangle when viewed from the front, and the light guide plate 31 is arranged such that its long side and its short side are substantially parallel to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The light source 30 is disposed on the light guide plate 31 in the vicinity of the bracket 23 and emits light near the bracket 23, disposing the light source such that the incident light enters the light guide plate from the vicinity of the bracket 23 facilitates alignment of the light path toward the outside of the vehicle 1. the light guide plate 31 may be configured as a flexible transparent plate, and the end portion of the light guide plate 31 in the vicinity of the light source 30 may be curved such that the light source is disposed behind the drive mechanism 22. In this case as well, the components may be arranged such that the light emitted from the light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31 from the vicinity of the bracket 23.The light guide plate 31 may be disposed behind the mirror member 20 within the mounting frame 24. The mirror member 20 and the light guide plate 31 may be attached to the mounting panel with an adhesive, if necessary. The mirror member 20 has a light transmissive portion 20 b, a front surface 20 alocated in front of the light transmissive portion 20 b, and a reflective layer 20 clocated behind the light transmissive portion 20 b. Light enters the mirror member 20 through the front surface 20 a, passes through the light transmissive portion 20 b, and is reflected by the reflection layer 20 c. The light transmissive portion 20 bmay be made using a resin material such as a transparent polycarbonate resin or polymethacrylate resin, or an inorganic material such as glass. The reflective layer 20 cmay be a metal-coated or vapor-deposited layer formed by plating or depositing a metal such as aluminum or silver. The reflecting layer 20c reflects the light entering from the front surface 20a of the mirror member 20, the mirror member 20 acting as a mirror.The side mirror 2 equipped with a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the light guide plate 31 is disposed behind the mirror member 20. Specifically, the mirror member 20 and the light guide plate 31 are superposed behind the mirror member 20 such that the respective plate-like surfaces are parallel. In other words, the mirror member 20 is a thin plate-like component provided with a light transmissive portion 20 b, a front surface 20 aas a surface on the front part of the light transmissive portion 20 b, and a reflective layer 20 cas another surface on the back surface of the light transmissive portion 20 b. Light enters the mirror member 20 through the front surface 20 a, passes through the light transmissive portion 20 b, and is reflected by the reflection layer 20 ctoward the front surface 20 a. The light guide plate 31 is disposed on the other surface of the mirror member 20.The optical functions of the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner will be described. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the light path through the light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a solid arrow and a double arrow are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the first embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double arrow represents the path of external light entering from the outside. The light emitted from a light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31 from the vicinity of the bracket 23. The light guide plate 31 guides the light incident from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions (omitted in FIG. 9 ) and exits from the emission surface 33. The light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the emission surface 33 passes through the mirror member 20 and exits from the side mirror 2.The mirror member 20 functions as a mirror so that external light enters through the front surface 20 a, passes through the light transmissive portion 20 b, and is reflected by the reflection layer 20 cto pass through the front surface 20 ato the outside. Since the light guide plate 31 does not influence light entrance from the outside, an image is not distorted by reflection from the mirror member 20.The first embodiment configured in this manner may be provided in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 to serve as a side mirror 2. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (side mirror 2) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. Outside the vehicle 1, for example, when viewed from a vehicle behind the vehicle 1, the entire mirror surface of the vehicle display device functions as a light emitting device 3 that can emit light, and the emission of light can provide various warning signals in operation of the vehicle, for example, display the direction of the vehicle, and the like. Specifically, the vehicle display device functions as a turn signal (i.e., turn signal indicator) when one of the right or left side mirrors 2 provided on the vehicle emits light. When both vehicle display devices emit light, the vehicle display device functions as a brake indicator (i.e., brake signal). When both the vehicular display devices emit light and lights up at certain intervals, in particular, the vehicular display device also functions as a hazard signal (warning signal). Thus, the vehicle display device emits light, whereby various kinds of information can be provided outside the vehicle, for example, the driver in a following vehicle. The mirror element 20 accommodated in the side mirror 2 is disposed in front of the light guide plate 31; therefore, the image reflected by the mirror element 20 is not subject to certain phenomena such as distortions due to the influence of the light guide plate 31.Second EmbodimentIn the second embodiment, the positions of the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 in the vehicle display device are interchanged from the first embodiment. Since only the positions of the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 are changed in the second embodiment and all other configurations are identical to the first embodiment, it is sufficient to refer to the first embodiment with respect to these configurations, so that further descriptions thereof will be omitted. The identical components in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure for a side mirror 2 using a vehicle display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the side mirror 2 equipped with a vehicle display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrates an arrangement of the light emitting device 3 and the mirror member 20 inside the side mirror 2 when viewed from above. In the vehicular display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the light guide plate 31 is disposed in front of the mirror member 20. Specifically, the mirror member 20 and the light guide plate 31 are disposed one above the other in front of the mirror member 20 such that the respective plate-like surfaces are parallel. In other words, the mirror member 20 is a thin plate-like component provided with a light transmissive portion 20 b, a front surface 20 afront of the light transmissive portion 20 b, and a reflective layer 20 cbackward of the light transmissive portion 20 b. Light enters the mirror member 20 through the front surface 20 a, passes through the light transmissive portion 20 b, and is reflected by the reflection layer 20 ctoward the front surface 20 a. The light guide plate 31 is disposed on the front surface 20 aof the mirror member 20.The optical functions of the second embodiment of the present invention thus configured will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through the light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, a solid arrow and a double-line arrow are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the second embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double-line arrow represents the path of external light entering from the outside. Light emitted from the light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31 from the incident end surface 32. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 (omitted in FIG. 11 ) and exits from the emission surface 33. The light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the light emitting surface 33 exits from the side mirror 2. Note that the light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the emission surface 33 does not need to pass through the reflection layer 20 cof the mirror component 20; thereby, the light emitting device 3 according to the second embodiment can emit bright light to the outside.The mirror member 20 functions as a mirror by the external light guided by the light guide plate 31 entering through the front surface 20 a, passing through the light transmissive portion 20 b, and being reflected by the reflection layer 20 cto pass through the light guide plate 31 and to the outside.The external light reflected by the mirror member 20 is guided by the light guide plate 31. However, the surface area of the reflection surfaces 35 aof the light path changing portions 35 (i.e., the number of the reflection surfaces 35 a) may be smaller than the surface area of the front surface 20 a. This configuration enables the mirror element 20 to function as a mirror and also to keep the distortion of an image reflected therefrom in a range that cannot be perceived by a viewer.The second embodiment thus configured can be applied to a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 therein to serve as a side mirror 2. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (side mirror 2) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. Outside the vehicle 1, for example, when viewed from a vehicle behind the vehicle 1, the entire mirror surface of the vehicle display device functions as a light emitting device 3 capable of emitting light, and the emission of light can provide various warning signals regarding the operation of the vehicle, such as the display of the direction of the vehicle and the like. The light guide plate 31 accommodated in the side mirror 2 is disposed in front of the mirror member 20, whereby brighter light can also be emitted.Third EmbodimentThe third embodiment uses the light guide plate 31 of the light emitting device 3 as the mirror member 20 in the vehicle display device of the first embodiment. Since only the light guide plate 31 and the mirror member 20 are changed in the third embodiment and all other configurations are identical to the first embodiment, it is sufficient to refer to the first embodiment with respect to these configurations, so further description is omitted. The identical elements in the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a solid arrow and a double-line arrow are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the third embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double-line arrow represents the path of external light entering from the outside.In the third embodiment, the light guide plate 31 with the light source 30 fixed thereto is inserted into the fixing frame 24 fixed to the front surface of the driving mechanism 22 located in the housing 21. The light guide plate 31 also functions as a mirror member; no special mirror member 20 is provided.A metal-coated or vapor-deposited reflective layer 36 may be formed by plating or depositing a metal such as aluminum or silver as a metal-coated or vapor-deposited layer on the back surface of the light guide plate 31 in the vehicle display device according to the third embodiment. Thereby, external light entering from the emitting surface 33 is reflected by the reflecting layer 36, whereby the light guide plate 31 functions as a mirror element.The light emitted from a light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31 from the incident end surface 32. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 and exits from the emission surface 33. The light emerging from the light guide plate 31 from the emission surface 33 emerges via the side mirror 2. That is, the light guide plate 31 in the light emitting device 3 has an emission surface 33 and light path changing portions 35; the emission surface 33 emits incident light entering from the light source 30, and the light path changing portions 35 change that of the incident light from the light source 30 toward the emission surface 33. External light entering the light guide plate 31 from the emission surface 33 is reflected by the reflection layer 36 toward the emission surface 33. Thereby, the light guide plate 31 emits light to the outside of the vehicle 1 and functions as a mirror. The light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the emission surface 33 does not need to pass through the mirror member 20 as in the second embodiment, whereby the light emitting device 3 according to the third embodiment can emit bright light to the outside.The third embodiment thus configured can be used in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 provided therein to serve as a side mirror 2. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (side mirror 2) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. Outside the vehicle 1, for example, when viewed from a vehicle behind the vehicle 1, the entire mirror surface of the vehicle display device functions as a light emitting device 3 capable of emitting light, and the emission of light can provide various warning signals regarding the operation of the vehicle, such as the display of the direction of the vehicle and the like. In addition, by the light guide plate 31 including a reflection layer 36 acting as a mirror member 20, the light guide plate 31 can emit bright light.Fourth EmbodimentThe fourth embodiment provides a layer for protecting the outer surface of the light guide plate 31 of the third embodiment. Since only one layer is added in the fourth embodiment and all other configurations are identical to the third embodiment, it is sufficient to refer to the third embodiment with respect to these configurations, so that further descriptions thereof will be omitted. The identical components in the third and fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device in a vehicle display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, a solid arrow is superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the fourth embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30.In the fourth embodiment, the light guide plate 31 with the light source 30 fixed thereto is inserted into the fixing frame 24 fixed to the front surface of the driving mechanism 22 in the housing 21. The light guide plate 31 also serves as a mirror member; no special mirror member 20 is provided. A layer is formed on a surface behind the fixed light guide plate 31 to protect the surface on the back side of the light guide plate. The layer is made of an adhesive metal-coated or vapor-deposited reflective layer 36 formed by plating or vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum or silver on a light-transmissive layer 37 made of a resin material such as a transparent polycarbonate resin or a polymethacrylate resin. The light transmissive layer 37 is integrally formed with the flat portions of the light guide plate 31 on which no light focusing portions 35 are present by heat treatment or the like. In a light guide plate 31 thus configured, the protective layer including the light transmissive layer 37 and the reflective layer 36 functions as a mirror element because external light entering from the emission surface 33 passes through the light guide plate 31, further passes through the light transmissive layer 37, and is reflected by the reflective layer 36.The light emitted from a light source 30 enters the light guide plate 31 from the incident end surface 32. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 and exits from the emission surface 33. The light emerging from the light guide plate 31 from the emission surface 33 emerges via the side mirror 2. That is, the light guide plate 31 in the light emitting device 3 has an emission surface 33 and light path changing portions 35; the emission surface 33 emits incident light entering from the light source 30, and the light path changing portions 35 change the path of the incident light from the light source 30 toward the emission surface 33. The light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the emission surface 33 does not need to pass through the mirror member 20, whereby the light emitting device 3 according to the fourth embodiment can emit bright light to the outside. Furthermore, since no reflection layer 36 is formed at the notched portions in the back surface 34 of the light guide plate 31 that generate the light path changing portions 35, the light guide plate 31 is not affected by the reflection layer 36; thus, a light emitting device 3 according to this embodiment can display an even brighter image than the display device 1 of the third embodiment.The fourth embodiment thus configured can be used in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 provided therein to serve as a side mirror 2. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (side mirror 2) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. the light guide plate 31 includes a light transmissive layer 37 on the back surface 14 at the back side part opposite to the emission surface 33, and a reflection layer 36. the light transmissive layer 37 allows external light entering from the emission surface 33 of the light guide plate 31 to pass therethrough, and the reflection layer 36 reflects the light passing through the light transmissive layer 37 toward the emission surface 33. the external light reflected from the reflection layer 36 passes through the light transmissive layer, exits through the emission surface 33 of the front light guide plate 31. The light-transmissive layer thus acts as a mirror.Fifth EmbodimentIn the fifth embodiment, a vehicle display device according to the present invention is applied to a window glass of a vehicle. Identical parts in the first and fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are schematic diagrams in which how a vehicle display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied to a window glass of a vehicle will be described. FIG. 14A illustrates the state in which the light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device does not emit light, and FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate the state in which the light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device emits light. The vehicle display device illustrated in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C is a vehicle window glass, and specifically, a rear side window 4 in the vehicle 1. The light emitting device 3 emits light, and the vehicle display device provides warning signals for various operations of the vehicle such as a turn signal (FIG. 14B ). In addition, the vehicle display device may display, for example, an arrow and / or text information indicating a lane change (FIG. 14C ) as a means for providing warning signals outside the vehicle for various operations such as a turn signal. Here, the display of information symbols such as an arrow or information of a desired shape such as text can be achieved by appropriately designing the positions at which the light path changing portions 35 are formed in the light guide plate 31 as well as the direction in which incident light is reflected from the light guide plate 31.FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for describing an example in which a vehicle display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied to a window glass of a vehicle. FIG. 15 shows an example of a modification of the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C ; the vehicle display device is applied to the rear window 5 of the vehicle 1 to display an icon designed corresponding to the warning triangle indicating an emergency stop. The vehicular display device according to the fifth embodiment can thus be developed further for applications in various forms.FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16, a solid arrow and double-line arrows are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the fifth embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double-line arrows from top to bottom and from bottom to top represent the path of light from the inside of the vehicle to the outside and from the outside to the inside of the vehicle, respectively. The light guide plate 31 in the light emitting device 3 is disposed on the cabin facing side (top in FIG. 16 ) of the window material 40 used as a window glass for the rear side window 4, the rear window 5, and the like. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 and exits from the emission surface 33. The light exiting from the light guide plate 31 via the emission surface 33 passes through the window material 40 and is emitted to the outside of the vehicle. The window material 40 allows light to pass from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside of the vehicle.The fifth embodiment thus configured can be used in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 provided therein to serve as a window glass such as a rear side window 4, a rear window 5, or the like. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (rear side window 4 and rear window 5) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. The rear side window 4 and the rear window 5 function as usual window glasses when the light source 30 does not emit light, and provide warning signals for various operations of the vehicle such as a turn signal lamp when the light source 30 emits light.Sixth EmbodimentIn the sixth embodiment, the positions of the light guide plate 31 and the window material 40 in the vehicle display device are interchanged from the fifth embodiment. Since only the positions of the light guide plate 31 and the window material 40 are interchanged in the sixth embodiment and all other configurations are identical to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient to refer to the fifth embodiment with respect to these configurations, so that further descriptions thereof are omitted. The identical components in the fifth and sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device 3 in a vehicular display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, a solid arrow and double-line arrows are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the sixth embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double-line arrows from top to bottom and from bottom to top represent the path of light from the inside of the vehicle to the outside and from the outside to the inside of the vehicle, respectively. The light guide plate 31 in the light emitting device 3 is disposed on the window material 40 used as a window glass for the rear side window 4, the rear window 5, and the like. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 and exits from the emission surface 33. The window material 40 allows light to pass from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside of the vehicle.The sixth embodiment thus configured can be used in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 provided therein to serve as a window glass such as a rear side window 4, a rear window 5, or the like. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (rear side window 4 and rear window 5) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. The rear side window 4 and the rear window 5 function as usual window glasses when the light source 30 does not emit light, and provide warning signals for various operations of the vehicle such as a turn signal lamp when the light source 30 emits light.Seventh EmbodimentThe seventh embodiment uses the light guide plate 31 of the light emitting device 3 as the window material 40 in the vehicle display device of the fifth embodiment. Since only the light guide plate 31 and the window material 40 are changed in the seventh embodiment and all other configurations are identical to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient to refer to the fifth embodiment with respect to these configurations, so that further descriptions thereof will be omitted. The identical components in the fifth and seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating the light path through a light emitting device 3 in a vehicle display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18, a solid arrow and double-line arrows are superimposed on a schematic cross-sectional view of the light emitting device 3 according to the fifth embodiment; here, the solid arrow represents the light path of light emitted from the light source 30, while the double-line arrows from top to bottom and from bottom to top represent the path of light from the inside of the vehicle to the outside and from the outside to the inside of the vehicle, respectively.Here, the light guide plate 31 in the light emitting device 3 serves as a window glass for the rear side window 4, the rear window 5, and the like in the seventh embodiment. The light guide plate 31 functions as a window material and a light guide plate, and no special window material 40 is provided. Consequently, while a flexible thin film material can be used as the light guide plate 31 in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the light guide plate 31 of the seventh embodiment is made of a hardened plate-like material which is strong enough to serve as a window glass. The light guide plate 31 guides the incident light entering from the light source 30 so that the light is repeatedly totally reflected between the emission surface 33 and the back surface 34; the light is reflected by the light path changing portions 35 and exits from the emission surface 33. The light guide plate 31 also allows light to pass from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside of the vehicle.The seventh embodiment thus configured can be used in a vehicle display device having a light emitting device 3 provided therein to serve as a window glass such as a rear side window 4, a rear window 5, or the like. The light emitting device 3 in the vehicle display device (rear side window 4 and rear window 5) includes a light source 30 and a light guide plate 31. the rear side window 4 and the rear window 5 function as usual window glasses when the light source 30 does not emit light, and provide warning signals for various operations of the vehicle such as a turn signal lamp when the light source 30 emits light.The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other ways. Therefore, the above embodiments are mere examples in all respects and should not be interpreted as limitations. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the description. Furthermore, all modifications and variations are within a range equivalent to the claims within the scope of the present invention.For example, all of the above-described embodiments use a single light guide plate 3; the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be developed in various forms using, for example, a plurality of light guide plates 31. When using a plurality of light guide plates 31, not all of the light guide plates 31 necessarily need to be configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the light guide plates 31 that emit light to the outside of the vehicle 1 may be arranged one above the other, and a light guide plate 31 is arranged to emit light in a direction in which the driver is assumed to be a viewer. The light guide plate 31 intended for the driver to be a viewer may further include a plurality of light focusing portions configured to change the path of incident light toward the emission surface 33, thereby causing the light to converge at a convergence point or a convergence line outside the light guide plate or to radiate from a convergence point P or a convergence line outside the light guide plate, and thereby forming an image externally. The vehicle display device thus configured can be used as the side mirror 2. In this case, the light guide plate 31 can generate an image of light visible to the driver, the image apparently appearing at a position different from the mirror surface of the side mirror 2.In addition, the basic principles of the side mirror 2 illustrated in the first to fourth embodiments can be applied to other mirrors such as a rearview mirror. Further, the basic principles of the rear side window 4 and the rear window 5 illustrated in the fifth to seventh embodiments can be applied to other window panes such as the windshield. The thus configured vehicle display device as disclosed herein may be applied to mirrors such as a side mirror 2, and window glasses such as a rear side window 4, a rear window 5, and the like to provide warning signals for various operations of a vehicle such as a turn signal, a brake signal, an emergency signal, and the like to persons outside the vehicle. However, the information that can be provided as a warning signal is not limited to the operating state of the vehicle. For example, text information can be provided which indicates the state of the roadway being traveled, for example "traffic accident ahead". Here, the vehicular light emitting display device may be configured to notify various kinds of information.Reference numerals1 Vehicle 2 Side mirror (vehicle display device) 20 Mirror member 20 aFront surface 20 bLight transmissive portion 20 c Reflexions layer 3 Light emitting device 30 Light source 31 Light guide plate (light guide member) 32 Incident end surface 33 Emission surface 34 Rear surface 35 Light path changing portion 35 a Reflexions surface 36 Reflective layer 37 Light transmissive layer 4 Rear side window, Rear window (vehicle display device) 5 Rear windshield (vehicle display device) 40 Window material

Claims

A vehicle display device (2) for installation on a vehicle (1), the vehicle display device (2) comprising: a light emitting device (3), the light emitting device (3) comprising: a light source (30) configured to emit light; and a plate-like light guide member (31) configured to guide light incident from the light source (30), the light guide member (31) comprising: an emission surface (33) configured to emit light incident from the light source (30); a light path changing portion (35) configured to change the path of the light incident from the light source (30); a light transmissive layer (37) formed on the surface (34) opposite to the emission surface (33) of the light guide member (31) and configured to:, allowing outside light, which enters from the emitting surface (33) and passes through the light guiding member (31), to pass through the light transmissive layer (37), and a reflecting layer (36) configured to reflect outside light passing through the light transmissive layer (37) toward the emitting surface (33).The vehicular display device according to claim 1, wherein the light path changing section changes the light path toward the outside of the vehicle on which the vehicular display device is installed.The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: a bracket configured to be mounted on a vehicle, wherein the light guide member is disposed such that the light source emits light in the vicinity of the bracket.The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle display device is configured to be installed on a vehicle to serve as a side mirror.A vehicle (1) having a vehicle display device (2) installed on the vehicle (1) and having a vehicle window (4, 5), the vehicle display device (2) comprising: a window material (40) forming the vehicle window (4, 5) and a light emitting device (3), the light emitting device (3) comprising: a light source (30) configured to emit light; and a light guide member (31) configured to guide light incident from the light source (30), the light guide member (31) comprising: an emission surface (33) configured to emit incident light; and a light path changing portion (35) configured to change the path of incident light toward the emission surface (33), wherein the window material (40), forming the vehicle window (4, 5) and the light guide element (31) are arranged one above the other.A vehicle (1) having a vehicle display device (2) installed on the vehicle (1) and having a vehicle window (4, 5), the vehicle display device (2) comprising: a light emitting device (3), the light emitting device (3) comprising: a light source (30) configured to emit light; and a plate-like light guide member (31) configured to guide light incident from the light source (30) and serving as a window material forming the vehicle window (4, 5), the light guide member (31) comprising: an emission surface (32) configured to emit light incident from the light source (30); and a light path changing portion (35) configured to guide the path of light incident from the light source (30), changed in the direction of the emission surface (32).

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