Projection device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a projection device for a vehicle that can improve convenience by changing a projection region according to a use state.SOLUTION: A projection device 1 for a vehicle is so generally configured as to comprise: a console 2 as a movable member which is arranged in a passenger compartment 80; and a projection part 3 which is arranged on the console 2, and moves in linkage with movement of the console 2, thereby projecting a projection image 34 from different positions in the passenger compartment 80. According to the projection device 1 for a vehicle, since the projection part 3 moves together with the console 2, a crewman selects an optimal projection position according to a use state by changing a projection region 31, and can improve convenience compared to the case that projection is performed at the same place.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As a conventional technique, a display device for a vehicle having a frame for a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle frame is disposed between a plurality of seats in a bent state and has a flexible display device that displays images, and the flexible display device serves as a cover for a storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-159903 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional vehicle display devices are fixed in position, so the projection area cannot be changed depending on the usage situation, which is inconvenient.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle projection device that can change the projection area depending on the usage situation, thereby improving convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle projection device that includes a movable member arranged in a vehicle cabin, and a projection unit that is arranged on the movable member and moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable member to project images from different positions in the vehicle cabin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to change the projection area depending on the usage situation, thereby improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior in which a vehicle projection device according to a first embodiment is arranged, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle projection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a side view for explaining an example of movement of the console according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view for explaining an example of movement of the console. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of content and a projection image projected by the projection unit of the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the lid on which the projection unit of the vehicle projection device according to the second embodiment is arranged when it is closed, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the lid when it is open. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where the projection surface of the vehicle projection device according to the third embodiment is the same, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a drive unit that drives the projection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The vehicle projection device according to the embodiment is generally configured to include a movable member arranged in the vehicle cabin, and a projection unit arranged on the movable member that moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable member to project images from different positions in the vehicle cabin.

[0011] In this vehicle projection device, the projection unit moves along with the movable member, so compared to projecting in the same location, changing the projection area allows the occupant to select the optimal projection position depending on the usage situation, increasing convenience.

[0012] [First embodiment] (Overview of vehicle projection device 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior in which a vehicle projection device according to a first embodiment is installed, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle projection device. FIG. 2(a) is a side view illustrating an example of movement of a console according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view illustrating an example of movement of the console. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of content and a projected image projected by a projection unit of the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment. Note that in each diagram according to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in FIG. 1(b), arrows indicate the flow of main signals. An overview of the vehicle projection device 1 will be described below.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(b), the vehicle projection device 1 is generally configured to include a movable member arranged in the vehicle interior 80, and a projection unit 3 arranged on the movable member and moving in conjunction with the movement of the movable member to project a projection image 34 from different positions in the vehicle interior 80.

[0014] The movable member in this embodiment is, for example, the console 2 arranged between the driver's seat 81a and the passenger's seat 81b of the vehicle 8, but is not limited to this.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the console 2 is configured to move between a front seat 81 and a rear seat 82 in a vehicle interior 80.

[0016] The projection unit 3 projects the projection image 34 onto different projection surfaces as it moves. These different projection surfaces are, for example, a first projection surface 32 and a second projection surface 33 shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0017] As described above, the console 2 moves between the front seat 81 and the rear seat 82 of the vehicle 8. The projection unit 3 is configured to switch the projection image 34 to be projected on the front seat 81 side and the rear seat 82 side. The vehicular projection device 1 of this embodiment includes a position detection unit 4, as shown in FIG. 1(b), for example. This position detection unit 4 is configured to detect the position of the console 2.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle projection device 1 is generally configured to include a communication unit 5 and a control unit 6, as shown in FIG.

[0019] (Console 2 configuration) The console 2 has a rectangular prism shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 8. The console 2 has an upper surface portion 24 that serves as an armrest that does not open or close.

[0020] 2(a) and 2(b), the console 2 is configured to be movable between a front seat 81 and a rear seat 82 along a rail 10 of the vehicle 8. The console 2 may be configured to stop at any position relative to the rail 10, or a detent mechanism may be provided on the console 2 and the rail 10 so that the console 2 stops at a position according to the detent. The rail 10 is disposed on the floor 84 of the vehicle 8.

[0021] As an example, the console 2 of this embodiment is configured to stop at least at a first position 11 on the front seat 81 side and a second position 12 on the rear seat 82 side, as shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0022] As a modified example, the movable member may be, for example, the armrest 82a of the rear seat 82 shown in Fig. 2(b). In this case, the armrest 82a is pulled out from the state where it is accommodated in the rear seat 82, and is further movable in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 8.

[0023] (Configuration of projection unit 3) 3, the projection unit 3 is configured to enlarge and project the content 30 onto a projection surface as a projection image 34. The projection unit 3 is connected to the control unit 6. The projection unit 3 projects the content 30 based on content information S1 acquired from the in-vehicle device 7, for example.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the projection unit 3 is disposed at the rear 21 of the console 2. As a modified example, the projection unit 3 may be disposed at the front 20, left side 22, right side 23, or top 24 of the console 2, as shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0025] 2(a), the projection area 31 of the projection unit 3 moves in accordance with the movement of the console 2. Therefore, when the projection unit 3 is at a first position 11 of the console 2 as a projection position, it projects a projection image 34 onto a first projection surface 32, and when the projection unit 3 is at a second position 12 as a projection position, it projects the projection image 34 onto a second projection surface 33. The first projection surface 32 and the second projection surface 33 are the ceiling 83 of the vehicle 8, but are not limited to this.

[0026] The content 30 is a video or image output from the in-vehicle device 7, but is not limited to this, and may be a pattern or the like that is arranged in advance on the projection unit 3. One example of this pattern is a design. One example of the video or image output from the in-vehicle device 7 is a movie output from the in-vehicle device 7, a video played via a network and the in-vehicle device 7, or an image such as a guide or warning output from the in-vehicle device 7.

[0027] The projection unit 3 has a display panel 35 such as a liquid crystal display to project videos and images output from the in-vehicle device 7. As an example, the projection unit 3 enlarges and projects content 30 displayed on the display panel 35, as shown in FIG.

[0028] As described above, the projection unit 3 is configured to switch between the projection image 34 to be projected on the front seat 81 side and the rear seat 82 side. When the console 2 is in the first position 11, the projection unit 3 mainly projects the vehicle-related projection image 34 onto the occupant sitting in the front seat 81. When the console 2 is in the second position 12, the projection unit 3 mainly projects the entertainment-related projection image 34 onto the occupant sitting in the rear seat 82.

[0029] When the in-vehicle device 7 switches from the first position 11 to the second position 12 based on the switching signal S3 acquired via the control unit 6 and the communication unit 5, it switches the content 30 from the vehicle system to the entertainment system, for example, and when it switches from the second position 12 to the first position 11, it switches the content 30 from the entertainment system to the vehicle system.

[0030] For example, the projection unit 3 projects a first projection image 34a of a vehicle system at the first position 11. For example, the projection unit 3 projects a second projection image 34b of an entertainment system at the second position 12. The projection unit 3 switches from the first projection image 34a to the second projection image 34b when moving from the first position 11 to the second position 12, and switches from the second projection image 34b to the first projection image 34a when moving from the second position 12 to the first position 11.

[0031] The first vehicle-related projection image 34a is, for example, a projection of content 30 such as guidance or warning regarding driving assistance, or information regarding a destination, but is not limited to this.

[0032] The entertainment-related second projection image 34b is, for example, a projection of content 30 such as a video, a broadcast program, or a game that is played via the network and the in-vehicle device 7, but is not limited to this.

[0033] (Configuration of position detection unit 4) The position detection unit 4 is connected to the control unit 6. The position detection unit 4 detects the first position 11 and the second position 12 of the console 2, and outputs a position signal S2 to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 determines the position of the console 2 based on the position signal S2.

[0034] As an example, the position detection unit 4 may be a switch device that switches on and off between a first position 11 and a second position 12, or may be a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the console 2, but is not limited to these.

[0035] (Configuration of communication unit 5) The communication unit 5 is configured to exchange signals, information, and the like with the on-board device 7 connected thereto using a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0036] The in-vehicle device 7 is, for example, a switch device, a display device, a video playback device, or a vehicle control device mounted on the vehicle 8. The vehicular projection device 1 can start and end projection and select content 30 based on, for example, an operation on the switch device or an operation on an icon displayed on the display device.

[0037] (Configuration of control unit 6) The control unit 6 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on the acquired data, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, a program for operating the control unit 6. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like.

[0038] When the control unit 6 acquires the position signal S2 from the position detection unit 4, it outputs a switching signal S3 for switching the content 30 to the in-vehicle device 7 via the communication unit 5. The in-vehicle device 7 switches the content information S1 according to the position of the console 2 detected based on the switching signal S3, and outputs the content information S1 to the vehicle projection device 1.

[0039] (Effects of the first embodiment) The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment can improve convenience by changing the projection area 31 depending on the usage situation. Specifically, in the vehicular projection device 1, the projection unit 3 moves together with the console 2, so the projection area 31 changes compared to when projection is performed in the same location, allowing the occupant to select the optimal projection position depending on the usage situation, improving convenience.

[0040] The vehicle projection device 1 switches between a first vehicle-related projection image 34a and a second entertainment-related projection image 34b depending on whether the console 2 is located on the front seat 81 side or the rear seat 82 side, so that it can project the optimum projection image 34 according to the usage situation compared to when the same projection image is projected.

[0041] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the projection unit is disposed on an armrest that is movable relative to the console.

[0042] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a lid in which a projection unit of a vehicle projection device according to a second embodiment is arranged when it is closed, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a lid in which the lid is open. In the following embodiments, parts having the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0043] 4(a) and 4(b), the movable member in this embodiment is, for example, an armrest 25 that is attached to the console 2 and is movable relative to the console 2. Therefore, the projection unit 3 is disposed on the armrest 25 and projects from an upper surface 250 of the armrest 25.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the armrest 25 is attached to the console 2 so as to be openable and closable via an opening / closing mechanism 26. The armrest 25 can be opened until the opening / closing mechanism 26 comes into contact with a stopper 27.

[0045] When the armrest 25 is closed, the projection unit 3 projects a first projection image 34a onto a first projection surface 32 on the ceiling 83. When the armrest 25 is opened, the projection unit 3 projects a second projection image 34b onto a second projection surface 33 that is different from the first projection surface 32. This second projection image 34b may be different from or the same as the first projection image 34a.

[0046] 4(a) and 4(b), the console 2 has, for example, a storage section 28. The opening / closing mechanism 26 and the stopper 27 are attached to the storage section 28.

[0047] As a modified example, the movable member may be, for example, an armrest 82a that is disposed in the rear seat 82 and has the opening / closing mechanism 26, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0048] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the vehicle projection device 1 of this embodiment, the projection unit 3 is arranged on an armrest 25 that is movable relative to the console 2, so that the projection position can be changed from the first projection surface 32 to the second projection surface 33, and from the second projection surface 33 to the first projection surface 32, with a simpler configuration than when this configuration is not adopted.

[0049] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that the projection surface remains the same even when the console is moved.

[0050] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where the projection surface of the vehicle projection device according to the third embodiment is the same, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a drive unit that drives the projection unit.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the projection unit 3 of this embodiment projects the projection image 34 onto the same projection surface 36 as it moves. At this time, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the projection unit 3 projects the projection image 34 onto the same projection surface 36 at any position between the first position 11 and the second position 12 of the console 2 while changing the projection area 31. The projection unit 3 has a drive unit 37 that drives the projection unit 3 so that the projection image 34 is projected onto the same projection surface 36 at any position between the first position 11 and the second position 12 of the console 2.

[0052] When the projection unit 3 projects a first projection image 34a onto the projection surface 36 at the first position 11 of the console 2 and projects a second projection image 34b onto the projection surface 36 at the second position 12, the first projection image 34a and the second projection image 34b may be the same or may switch depending on the position of the console 2.

[0053] The drive unit 37 is configured to continuously change the angle of the projection unit 3 relative to the console 2 in conjunction with the movement of the console 2. The drive unit 37 may be, for example, an actuator such as a motor, or a mechanism combining multiple gears.

[0054] (Effects of the third embodiment) The vehicle projection device 1 of this embodiment projects the projection image 34 onto the same projection surface 36 whether the console 2 is on the front seat 81 side or the rear seat 82 side, so compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted, the projection image 34 can always be projected onto the same projection surface 36 even if the console 2 is adjusted to a position that is easy to use.

[0055] According to at least one of the above-described embodiments of the vehicle projection device 1, the projection area can be changed depending on the usage situation, thereby improving convenience.

[0056] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. These novel embodiments and modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...vehicle projection device, 2...console, 3...projection unit, 4...position detection unit, 5...communication unit, 6...control unit, 7...vehicle-mounted device, 8...vehicle, 10...rail, 11...first position, 12...second position, 20...front portion, 21...rear portion, 22...left side portion, 23...right side portion, 24...top portion, 25...armrest, 26...opening / closing mechanism, 27...stopper, 28...storage unit, 30...content, 31...projection area, 32...first projection surface, 33...second projection surface, 34...projected image, 34a...first projection image, 34b...second projection image, 35...display panel, 36...projection surface, 37...driver, 80...vehicle interior, 81...front seat, 81a...driver's seat, 81b...passenger seat, 82...rear seat, 82a...armrest, 83...ceiling, 84...floor, 250...top surface

Claims

1. a movable member disposed in a vehicle cabin; a projection unit that is disposed on the movable member and moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable member to project a projection image from a different position in the vehicle interior; A vehicle projection device comprising:

2. The movable member moves between the front seat and the rear seat of the vehicle compartment. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 .

3. the movable member is an armrest attached to a console and movable relative to the console; The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 .

4. The projection unit projects the projection image onto a different projection surface as the projection unit moves. The projection device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The projection unit projects the projection image onto the same projection surface as the projection unit moves. The projection device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the movable member moves between a front seat and a rear seat of the vehicle; the projection unit switches the projection image to be projected on the front seat side and the rear seat side.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 4.

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