Image irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an image irradiation device for projecting an image for display generated by an image generation unit, as a virtual image, in an image display unit, wherein the image irradiation device generates a clear image for display while suppressing a cost thereof.SOLUTION: A mask member 26 covering an outer peripheral edge area of a liquid crystal panel 22 is constituted of a member with thermal conductivity higher than that of the liquid crystal panel 22, and is disposed to be in contact with a heat sink 40. Accordingly, heat is released to the heat sink 40 via the mask member 26, despite that a temperature of the liquid crystal panel 22 may rise due to backlight irradiation from an optical unit 30 or sunlight irradiation, after configuring a specifiable use area of the liquid crystal panel 22, thereby effectively suppressing overheating of the liquid crystal panel 22. Further, this is achieved according to diversion of the mask member 26, without using a dedicated heat transfer panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image projection device configured to project an image for display generated by an image generating unit as a virtual image on an image display section. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an in-vehicle image projection device that is configured to project a virtual image onto an image display unit such as a front window (i.e., windshield) or a light-transmitting plate arranged on the inside of the vehicle cabin when placed inside the vehicle cabin.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes such an image projection device in which an image generation unit for generating a display image that serves as the basis for the virtual image is provided with a liquid crystal panel and an optical unit for illuminating the liquid crystal panel with a backlight.

[0004] The image projection device described in "Patent Document 1" has a configuration in which a heat transfer panel is disposed between a liquid crystal panel and a heat sink that supports an optical unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-3732 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to project a bright virtual image on the image display section in such an image projection device, it is necessary to provide an image generating unit with a high-output optical unit. However, when such a configuration is adopted, the liquid crystal panel is prone to overheating.

[0007] In contrast, as described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1," if a heat transfer panel is disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the heat sink, the heat generated in the liquid crystal panel can be dissipated to the heat sink via the heat transfer panel, thereby making it possible to prevent the liquid crystal panel from overheating.

[0008] However, when such a configuration is adopted, a new heat transfer panel is required, which increases the cost of the image projection device accordingly.

[0009] It should be noted that such a problem may also occur in image projection devices other than those mounted on vehicles.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image projection device that is configured to project a display image generated by an image generation unit as a virtual image on an image display unit, and that is capable of generating a bright display image while keeping costs down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by devising an improved configuration for the image generating unit.

[0012] That is, the image projection device according to the present invention is An image projection device configured to project a display image generated by an image generating unit on an image display unit as a virtual image, the image generating unit includes a liquid crystal panel, an optical unit that irradiates the liquid crystal panel with a backlight, a panel support member that supports the liquid crystal panel, and a mask member that covers an outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel; the optical unit is mounted on a heat sink fixed to the panel support member, The mask member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel, and is fixed to the panel support member while being positioned in contact with the heat sink.

[0013] The above-mentioned "image projection device" is not particularly limited in its specific use as long as it is configured to project a virtual image on an image display unit, and can be used, for example, as an in-vehicle head-up display.

[0014] The specific configuration of the above-mentioned "image display unit" is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to project a virtual image, and for example, a translucent plate arranged on the front window of the vehicle or on the inside of the passenger compartment can be used.

[0015] The above-mentioned "mask member" is disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel, and thus has a configuration having an opening, but the shape of the opening is not particularly limited.

[0016] As long as the above-mentioned "mask member" is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel, its specific material is not particularly limited, and the specific manner of contact with the heat sink is not particularly limited. Effect of the Invention

[0017] The image projection device of the present invention includes an image generating unit for generating a display image that is the basis for the virtual image projected on the image display unit, which includes a liquid crystal panel, an optical unit for illuminating the liquid crystal panel with backlight, a panel support member for supporting the liquid crystal panel, and a mask member for covering the outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel, and therefore can obtain the following effects.

[0018] That is, by configuring the image projection device with a mask member, the usable area of ​​the liquid crystal panel can be regulated. Also, even if sunlight enters the internal space of the image projection device, the light blocking function of the mask member makes it possible to suppress the temperature rise of the liquid crystal panel to a certain extent.

[0019] Furthermore, in the image projection device of the present invention, the heat sink mounting the optical unit is configured to be fixed to the panel support member, and the mask member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel and is fixed to the panel support member while being positioned so as to be in contact with the heat sink, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0020] In other words, even if the liquid crystal panel becomes warm due to backlight irradiation from the optical unit or sunlight, the heat can be released to the heat sink via the mask member, which has a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel, and this effectively prevents the liquid crystal panel from overheating. This makes it possible to increase the output of the optical unit while maintaining the functionality of the liquid crystal panel.

[0021] Moreover, this can be achieved by reusing a mask member used to define the usable area of ​​the liquid crystal panel, rather than using a dedicated heat transfer panel, thereby making it possible to generate bright images for display while keeping the cost of the image projection device down.

[0022] Thus, according to the present invention, in an image projection device configured to project a display image generated by an image generation unit as a virtual image on an image display unit, it is possible to generate a bright display image while keeping costs down.

[0023] In the above-mentioned configuration, if a configuration is adopted in which the mask member is fixed to the panel support member by crimping, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0024] That is, compared to fixing by screw fastening or the like, the number of parts of the image projection device can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, compared to fixation by lance engagement or the like, it is possible to prevent undue stress from being placed on the liquid crystal panel, and it is possible to prevent the inadvertent creation of gaps between the panel support member and the mask member that could cause vibration of the mask member.

[0026] In the above configuration, if the panel support member is made of a resin material and the mask member is fixed to the panel support member by thermal crimping, the fixing can be performed more easily than by cold crimping.

[0027] In the above configuration, if openings are further formed in two places in the mask member, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0028] In other words, by adopting such a configuration, a beam-shaped portion is formed between two openings in the mask member, thereby increasing the rigidity of the mask member and enabling the heat generated in the liquid crystal panel to be conducted to the heat sink more efficiently.

[0029] Furthermore, by adopting such a configuration, usable areas are set in two places on the liquid crystal panel, so that two types of virtual images can be projected in two places on the image display section.

[0030] In the above configuration, if the image projection device further includes a concave mirror that reflects the light emitted from the image generating unit toward the image display unit, sunlight entering the internal space of the image projection device is reflected by the concave mirror and tends to be concentrated at the edge of the liquid crystal panel, so it is particularly effective to suppress the rise in temperature of the liquid crystal panel by the shading function of the mask member arranged to cover the outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an image projection device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a vehicle. [Diagram 2] View from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Detailed view of part III in Fig. 1 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in Figure 3 [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image generating unit of the image projection device together with a heat sink; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the image generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing a modification of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an image projection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where it is mounted on a vehicle 100. Fig. 2 is a view seen in the direction of the arrow II in Fig. 1.

[0034] 1 and 2, the direction indicated by X is the "forward" of the image projection device 10 (also the "forward" of the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "leftward" direction perpendicular to the "forward", and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward" direction. This is the same in other figures besides FIG. 1 and 2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image projection device 10 of this embodiment is an in-vehicle head-up display, and is configured to project a virtual image PIC on an image display unit 102A set on the inner surface of a front windshield 102 when placed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle 100.

[0036] An optical path R shown in FIG. 1 is an optical path when the driver 2 visually recognizes a virtual image PIC projected by the image projection device 10 on the image display unit 102A.

[0037] The image display unit 102A is positioned in a lower area of ​​the windshield 102 and in a forward area of ​​the steering wheel 104, and is set as a horizontally elongated rectangular area. This allows the driver 2 of the vehicle 100 to easily visually recognize the virtual image PIC projected on the image display unit 102A.

[0038] In FIG. 2, as a specific example of the virtual image PIC, a vehicle speed (50 Km / h) is displayed together with a left-pointing arrow.

[0039] The image projection device 10 is disposed so as to be located in front of the steering wheel 104 and in the vicinity of the lower part of the windshield 102 .

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the image projection device 10 includes an image generation unit 20 that generates a display image that is the basis of the virtual image PIC, first and second reflectors 70, 80 that sequentially reflect the light emitted from the image generation unit 20 toward the image display section 102A of the front window 102, a housing 50 that accommodates these, and a translucent cover 60 attached to the housing 50.

[0041] The housing 50 is configured such that a second housing 54 is assembled to a first housing 52 formed to open upward.

[0042] The second housing 54 has an outer peripheral flange portion 54b, and is assembled to the first housing 52 with this outer peripheral flange portion 54b in contact with an upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion 52a of the first housing 52.

[0043] The first and second housings 52 and 54 are both made of opaque resin moldings. The second housing 54 has an opening 54a formed therein for transmitting the reflected light from the second reflecting mirror 80 toward the image display unit 102A.

[0044] The light-transmitting cover 60 is made of a colorless and transparent resin panel. The light-transmitting cover 60 is arranged to cover the opening 54a of the second housing 54 in a state where it is curved downward and tilted slightly upward toward the rear. The light-transmitting cover 60 ensures dustproofness of the internal space 12 of the housing 50 while allowing the reflected light from the second reflecting mirror 80 to enter the image display unit 102A.

[0045] The second housing 54 is formed with a light-shielding piece 54c that extends obliquely downward and forward from the rear end edge of the upper opening 54a toward the internal space 12. The light-shielding piece 54c prevents sunlight S that has entered the internal space 12 through the front window 102 and the light-transmitting cover 60 from reaching the image generating unit 20 as direct light.

[0046] The image generating unit 20 and the first reflecting mirror 70 are disposed in a rear region of the internal space 12, and the second reflecting mirror 80 is disposed in a front region of the internal space 12. The first and second reflecting mirrors 70, 80 have reflective surfaces 70a, 80a that have bilaterally symmetrical shapes, with the image generating unit 20 disposed at the center in the bilateral direction. The image generating unit 20 is supported by the lower wall portion 52b of the first housing 52 (this will be described later).

[0047] The first reflecting mirror 70 is disposed in a direction substantially directly above the image generating unit 20, and is configured to reflect the light emitted from the image generating unit 20 forward. The reflecting surface 70a of the first reflecting mirror 70 has an outer shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front of the device. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the reflecting surface 70a is configured as a convex curve, and the vertical cross-sectional shape is configured as a concave curve.

[0048] The second reflecting mirror 80 is disposed in front of the first reflecting mirror 70. The second reflecting mirror 80 is configured to reflect the irradiation light from the image generating unit 20, which is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 70, upward.

[0049] The second reflecting mirror 80 is a concave mirror, and the surface shape of the reflecting surface 80a is a substantially spherical concave curved surface. The reflecting surface 80a of the second reflecting mirror 80 has an outer shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front of the device, and is formed to be larger than the reflecting surface 70a of the first reflecting mirror 70.

[0050] The second reflecting mirror 80 is supported rotatably about an axis Ax extending in the left-right direction relative to the first housing 52. Specifically, the second reflecting mirror 80 has a pair of left and right flange portions 80b formed so as to protrude from both left and right ends toward the rear side of the reflecting surface 80a, and one of the flange portions 80b is connected to an actuator 82 fixed to the first housing 52. The second reflecting mirror 80 rotates about the axis Ax by being driven by the actuator 82, thereby making it possible to adjust the vertical position of the virtual image PIC formed on the image display unit 102A by the reflected light from the second reflecting mirror 80.

[0051] Next, the image generating unit 20 and its peripheral structure will be described.

[0052] 3 is a detailed view of part III in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a detailed view of part IV in FIG.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the image generating unit 20 includes a liquid crystal panel 22, an optical unit 30 that illuminates the liquid crystal panel 22 with backlight from its rear side (i.e., the lower side), a panel support member 24 for supporting the liquid crystal panel 22, and a mask member 26 that covers the peripheral edge region of the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0054] A diffusion plate 28 for making the light emitted from the optical unit 30 incident on the liquid crystal panel 22 as diffused light is disposed between the optical unit 30 and the liquid crystal panel 22 so as to extend along the lower surface of the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0055] The liquid crystal panel 22 has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape and is disposed along a horizontal plane. The liquid crystal panel 22 is supported at its outer periphery by a panel support member 24 via a diffusion plate 28.

[0056] The optical unit 30 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 32, a substrate 34 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 are mounted, and a lens member 36 that controls the deflection of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 32.

[0057] The plurality of light-emitting elements 32 are all white light-emitting diodes and are arranged in a grid pattern. Specifically, the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 are arranged in two locations at regular intervals in the front-rear direction, and in five locations at equal intervals in the left-right direction, for a total of ten locations.

[0058] The substrate 34 is disposed along a horizontal plane so that the light emitting surfaces of the multiple light emitting elements 32 face upward. The substrate 34 is supported on a heat sink 40 at its lower surface.

[0059] The heat sink 40 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, and includes a main body 40A extending flat along a horizontal plane, and a number of heat dissipation fins 40B extending downward at intervals in the left-right direction from the main body 40A.

[0060] The lens member 36 has a configuration in which a plurality of convex lens portions 36a are formed on the upper surface of a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like portion arranged along a horizontal plane. These plurality of convex lens portions 36a are formed in ten locations so as to be positioned directly above the plurality of light-emitting elements 32, thereby deflecting the light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 in a direction closer to directly above. The lens member 36 is supported by the panel support member 24 at the outer peripheral edge of its plate-like portion.

[0061] The image generating unit 20 is configured to generate a display image (i.e., an image that serves as the basis for the virtual image PIC) with uniform brightness on the liquid crystal panel 22 by controlling the deflection of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 32 using a lens member 36 and then directing the light to the liquid crystal panel 22 via a diffusion plate 28.

[0062] The lower wall portion 52b of the first housing 52 is formed with a recess 52b1 having an inner surface shape that is approximately the same as the outer shape of the main body portion 40A of the heat sink 40, and this recess 52b1 is formed with a rectangular opening 52b2 for inserting multiple heat dissipation fins 40B.

[0063] The heat sink 40 is accommodated in a recess 52b1 against the lower wall portion 52b of the first housing 52, with its multiple heat dissipation fins 40B inserted into openings 52b2, and in this state, its main body portion 40A is placed on the recess 52b1 around the opening 52b2.

[0064] The panel support member 24 is made of an opaque resin molded product. The panel support member 24 is positioned and fixed to the first housing 52 by being fastened together with the heat sink 40.

[0065] That is, a pair of front and rear tabs 24a extending laterally are formed on both the left and right sides of the panel support member 24. Then, with this panel support member 24 placed on the main body 40A of the heat sink 40, the two pairs of left and right tabs 24a are fastened with screws 42 via the main body 40A, thereby fixing the panel support member 24 to the bottom wall 52b of the first housing 52.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the image generating unit 20 together with the heat sink 20. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the image generating unit 20.

[0067] 5 and 6, the mask member 26 is made of a member (specifically, a metal member such as aluminum) having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel 22. The mask member 26 includes a mask main body 26A extending like a flat plate along a horizontal plane, a pair of front and rear flanges 26B extending directly downward from both front and rear edges of the mask main body 26A, and a pair of left and right flanges 26C extending directly downward from both left and right edges of the mask main body 26A.

[0068] The pair of front and rear flanges 26B are formed across the entire width of the mask body 26A, and the pair of left and right flanges 26C are formed in the middle of the pair of front and rear tabs 24a.

[0069] The mask body 26A has an opening 26Aa in the shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle that is slightly smaller than the liquid crystal panel 22. In other words, the mask member 26 is configured to cover the outer peripheral edge region of the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0070] The mask member 26 is fixed to the panel support member 24 by caulking (specifically, by thermal caulking). The thermal caulking is performed at three locations: a central position in the left-right direction on the front side of the opening 26Aa, and both left and right end positions on the rear side of the opening 26Aa.

[0071] 6, the crimping pins 24b are formed at the three locations on the upper surface of the panel support member 24, and the pin insertion holes 26Ab for inserting the crimping pins 24b are formed at the three locations on the mask main body 26A. In this case, of the three pin insertion holes 26Ab, the opening 26Aa located on the front side of the opening 26Aa is configured as a round hole, and the remaining two are configured as long holes extending in the left-right direction.

[0072] Further, a pair of left and right positioning pins 24c are formed on the upper surface of the panel support member 24 at a position forward of the pair of left and right crimping pins 24b, and a pair of left and right pin insertion holes 26Ac for inserting the pair of left and right positioning pins 24c are formed in the mask main body 26A. At this time, the pair of left and right pin insertion holes 26Ac are both formed as elongated holes extending in the front-rear direction.

[0073] Then, with the three crimping pins 24b inserted into the three pin insertion holes 26Ab and with the pair of left and right positioning pins 24c inserted into the pair of left and right pin insertion holes 26Ac, the tips of the three crimping pins 24b are heated and crushed, thereby thermally crimping the mask member 26 to the panel support member 24, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] By performing this type of thermal crimping, the mask member 26 is positioned in the horizontal plane relative to the panel support member 24, and the lower end surfaces of the pair of front and rear flange portions 26B and the pair of left and right flange portions 26C abut the upper surface of the main body portion 40A of the heat sink 40.

[0075] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0076] The image projection device 10 of this embodiment includes an image generation unit 20 for generating a virtual image PIC to be displayed on the image display unit 102A, which includes a liquid crystal panel 22, an optical unit 30 for irradiating the liquid crystal panel 22 with backlight, a panel support member 24 for supporting the liquid crystal panel 22, and a mask member 26 for covering the peripheral edge region of the liquid crystal panel 22, and therefore can obtain the following effects.

[0077] That is, by configuring the image projection device 10 with the mask member 26, it is possible to define the use area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 22. Also, even if sunlight S is incident on the internal space 12 of the image projection device 10 as shown in Fig. 1, the light blocking function of the mask member 26 makes it possible to suppress the temperature rise of the liquid crystal panel 22 to a certain degree.

[0078] Furthermore, in the image projection device 10 according to this embodiment, the heat sink 40 mounting the optical unit 30 is configured to be fixed to the panel support member 24, and the mask member 26 is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel 22 and is fixed to the panel support member 24 while being arranged in contact with the heat sink 40, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0079] That is, even if the temperature of the liquid crystal panel 22 rises due to irradiation by the backlight from the optical unit 30 or sunlight, the heat can be released to the heat sink 40 via the mask member 26, which has a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel 22, thereby effectively preventing the liquid crystal panel 22 from overheating. This makes it possible to increase the output of the optical unit 30 while maintaining the functionality of the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0080] Moreover, this can be achieved by utilizing the mask member 26 for defining the usable area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 22, rather than using a dedicated heat transfer panel, so that a bright virtual image PIC can be generated while keeping the cost of the image projection device 10 down.

[0081] Thus, according to this embodiment, in the image projection device 10 configured to project the display image generated by the image generation unit 20 as a virtual image PIC on the image display section 102A, it is possible to generate a bright virtual image PIC while keeping costs down.

[0082] At this time, in this embodiment, since the mask member 26 is fixed to the panel support member 24 by caulking, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0083] That is, compared to fixing by screw fastening or the like, the number of parts of the image projection device 10 can be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, compared to fixation by lance engagement or the like, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the liquid crystal panel 22, and it is possible to prevent the inadvertent occurrence of a gap between the panel support member 24 and the mask member 26 that could cause vibration of the mask member 26.

[0085] Moreover, in this embodiment, the panel support member 24 is made of a resin material, and the mask member 26 is fixed to the panel support member 24 by thermal crimping, making the fixing easier than with cold crimping.

[0086] Moreover, the image projection device 10 according to this embodiment includes first and second reflecting mirrors 70, 80 that sequentially reflect the light emitted from the image generating unit 20 toward the image display section 102A, and since the second reflecting mirror 80 is configured as a concave mirror, as shown in Fig. 1, the sunlight S that enters the internal space 12 of the image projection device 10 is easily concentrated on the edge of the liquid crystal panel 22 by being sequentially reflected by the second reflecting mirror 80 and the first reflecting mirror 70. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is particularly effective to suppress the temperature rise of the liquid crystal panel 22 by the light shielding function of the mask member 26 arranged to cover the outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the optical unit 30 has been described as having ten light-emitting elements 32 and a lens member 36 having ten convex lens portions 36a, but it is also possible to have a configuration having any other number of light-emitting elements 32 and convex lens portions 36a.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the mask member 26 is fixed to the panel support member 24 by thermal caulking, but it is also possible to use cold caulking. By adopting such a configuration, it is also possible to easily use a metal member or the like as the panel support member 24.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the configuration is described as including first and second reflecting mirrors 70, 80, but it is also possible to have a configuration including only second reflecting mirror 80, and it is also possible to have a configuration in which the light emitted from image generation unit 20 is directly incident on image display section 102A.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the image display unit 102A is described as being set on the inner surface of the front window 102, but it is also possible to configure the image display unit using a translucent plate or the like arranged on the inside of the vehicle compartment of the front window 102.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the image projection device 10 has been described as being an in-vehicle head-up display, but it may also be used for other purposes.

[0092] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5, showing an image generating unit 120 of an image projection device according to this modified example.

[0094] The image generating unit 120 of this modified example has the same basic configuration as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the mask member 126 is different from that of the above embodiment.

[0095] That is, like the mask member 26 of the above embodiment, the mask member 126 of this modified example is composed of a metal member having a mask main body portion 126A, a pair of front and rear flange portions 126B, and a pair of left and right flange portions 126C, but differs from the above embodiment in that openings 126Aa1, 126Aa2 are formed in two locations on the mask main body portion 126A.

[0096] Specifically, the opening 126Aa1 is formed at a position closer to the front of the mask body 126A, and the opening 126Aa2 is formed at a position closer to the rear of the mask body 126A. Both of these openings 126Aa1 and 126Aa2 are formed with a left-right width narrower than the liquid crystal panel 22. In this regard, the opening 126Aa1 is formed with a left-right width narrower than the opening 126Aa2, and is also formed with a front-rear width narrower than the opening 126Aa2.

[0097] As a result, the mask member 126 is configured such that a beam-shaped portion 126Ad extending in the left-right direction is formed between the two openings 126Aa1, 126Aa2 in the mask body 126A.

[0098] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0099] In addition, by forming openings 126Aa1 and 126Aa2 in two places on mask member 126 as in this modified example, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0100] In other words, the mask member 126 is configured such that a beam-shaped portion 126Ad is formed between the two openings 126Aa1, 126Aa2, thereby increasing the rigidity of the mask member 26 and enabling the heat generated in the liquid crystal panel 22 to be conducted to the heat sink 40 more efficiently.

[0101] Furthermore, by adopting such a configuration, usable areas are set in two places on the liquid crystal panel 22, so that two types of virtual images PIC can be displayed in two places on the image display unit 102A.

[0102] Specifically, by defining the usable area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 22 with an opening 126Aa1 formed in a position toward the front, a virtual image PIC can be formed in the lower area of ​​the image display unit 102A, and by defining the usable area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 22 with an opening 126Aa2 formed in a position toward the rear, a virtual image PIC can be formed in the upper area of ​​the image display unit 102A.

[0103] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0104] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​given as the specifications in the above embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 2 Driver 10. Image projection device 12 Interior Space 20, 120 Image Generation Unit 22 Liquid crystal panel 24 Panel support member 24a Tab 24b Rivet 24c Locating pin 26, 126 Mask material 26A, 126A Mask body 26Aa, 126Aa1, 126Aa2 opening 26Ab, 26Ac Pin insertion hole 26B, 26C, 126B, 126C flange 28 Diffuser 30 Optical Unit 32 Light emitting element 34 Substrate 36 Lens components 36a Convex lens part 40 Heat sink 40A Main unit 40B Heat dissipation fin 50 Housing 52 1st Housing 52a Peripheral wall part 52b Lower wall part 52b1 Recess 52b2 opening 54 Second Housing 54a opening 54b Outer periphery flange 54c Light shielding piece 60 Translucent cover 70 1st reflector 70a, 80a reflective surface 80 Second reflector 80b Flange part 82 Actuator 100 vehicles 102 Front window 102A Image display section 104 Steering Wheel 126Ad Beam Ax axis PIC Virtual Image R optical path S Sunlight

Claims

1. An image projection device configured to project a display image generated by an image generating unit on an image display unit as a virtual image, the image generating unit includes a liquid crystal panel, an optical unit that irradiates the liquid crystal panel with a backlight, a panel support member that supports the liquid crystal panel, and a mask member that covers an outer peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel; the optical unit is mounted on a heat sink fixed to the panel support member, An image projection device characterized in that the mask member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the liquid crystal panel, and is fixed to the panel support member while being positioned in contact with the heat sink.

2. 2. The image projection device according to claim 1, wherein said mask member is fixed to said panel support member by caulking.

3. The panel support member is made of a resin material, 3. The image projection device according to claim 2, wherein said crimping is performed by thermal crimping.

4. 3. The image projection device according to claim 1, wherein the mask member has openings formed at two locations.

5. 3. The image projection device according to claim 1, further comprising a concave mirror for reflecting the light emitted from said image generating unit toward said image display section.

Images