Reflective assemblies and reflectors for head-up displays, bearing mounts, head-up displays, and automobiles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reflective assembly (50) for a head-up display, particularly for a windshield head-up display, a reflective device (100), a bearing mount (15B) therefor, and a head-up display and a vehicle, for reflecting radiation emitted by an image generation unit. The reflective assembly (50) comprises a reflective element (11) having a reflective surface (22) and a back surface (23), the reflective element (11) being pivotable relative to the carrier (17, 20) about at least a first axis (A) by being movably connected to a carrier (17, 20) by at least one bearing (12A, 12B), the reflective assembly (50) has a preloading device (29) having a torsion spring element (24) for generating preload in at least one bearing (12A, 12B) to hold the reflective element (11) in place, the torsion spring element (24) being positioned such that its torsion spring central axis (DZ) extends parallel to the first axis (A) and offset laterally from the first axis (A) at a predetermined distance (d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reflection assembly for a head-up display, particularly for a front glass head-up display, for reflecting radiation emitted by an image generation unit. The reflection assembly includes a reflection element having a reflection surface and a back surface disposed on the opposite side of the reflection surface. In this case, the reflection element can be movably connected to a carrier by at least one bearing, and can be pivotable relative to the carrier about at least a first axis when connected to the carrier. In this case, the at least one bearing includes at least two components, namely, a bearing journal and a bearing mount. The bearing mount is designed to at least partially receive the bearing journal. And one of the components, that is, the bearing journal or the bearing mount, is fixed to the reflection element, and the other, that is, the bearing mount or the bearing journal, can be fixed to the carrier. The reflection assembly further includes a preloading device having a torsion spring element for generating a preload in at least one bearing to hold the reflection element in a predetermined position.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a reflection device, particularly a mirror device, for a head-up display, particularly for a front glass head-up display, for reflecting radiation emitted by an image generation unit.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a bearing mount for receiving a reflection element of a reflection device for a head-up display, particularly for a front glass head-up display.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a head-up display for a motor vehicle, particularly comprising an image generation unit for emitting light rays to generate an image and at least one reflection device for reflecting the light rays emitted by the image generation unit.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a head-up display. [Background technology]

[0006] Reflective assemblies and devices for head-up displays, particularly those for automobiles, and head-up displays themselves, are widely known from the prior art. A head-up display typically comprises an image generation unit that generates an image, and a reflector for projecting this image onto, for example, a combiner, which is a type of screen, or directly onto the windshield of a car. The image is preferably projected in the direction of the driver's line of sight. This allows the driver to view the projected image without moving their head and / or changing their line of sight when looking at the combiner or windshield.

[0007] Since each driver has a different physique and build, it is advantageous to be able to change the projection position so that the projection can be adapted to different drivers or drivers with different physiques. For this purpose, head-up displays often include a mirror positioned in the optical path or optical path of the image generation unit. The mirror is generally pivotable around a first axis that extends approximately horizontally. Such mounting allows for easy setting and adjustment of the mirror's tilt. Often, actuators are provided to adjust the mirror, and consequently, to adapt the position of the projected image to the driver's so-called "eye box."

[0008] To project high-quality images, especially sharp and clear images, onto the combiner or windshield and into the driver's field of view, the design of the support for the reflective element or mirror, and the bearings that can pivot the reflective element or mirror, are crucial.

[0009] Head-up displays with movable, particularly pivotable, mirrors are widely known from the prior art, e.g., FR 3 023 926, US 2019 / 0219823 A1, US 2020 / 0338944 A1, DE 10 2020 132 549 A1. Various designs of head-up displays, particularly various designs and arrangements relating to pivotable mounting, are known.

[0010] In some embodiments known from the prior art, preloading devices are provided to improve the mounting of reflective elements. Various embodiments of preloading devices are known, for example, from EP 3 926 380 A1, US 2021 / 0080718 A1, or JP 201167872A. The preloading devices disclosed therein differ particularly in the type, structure, and arrangement of the preloading means used, in particular in the type and structure of the spring elements used, and therefore particularly in the method of generating the preload and the method of transmitting and / or applying the generated preload. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0011] Given this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel reflective assembly, preferably a reflective assembly with improved mounting of reflective elements, and in particular a reflective assembly that can apply preload to at least one bearing in a simple and advantageous manner.

[0012] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and particularly improved head-up display having a novel and particularly improved reflector, a novel and particularly improved bearing mount, and a reflector assembly or device. Similarly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and particularly improved automobile having a head-up display.

[0013] These objectives are achieved by reflective devices, bearing mounts, head-up displays, and automobiles, each having the features described in its respective independent claim. Advantageous aspects of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, specification, and drawings. The language of the claims constitutes part of the content herein by express reference.

[0014] As described above, the reflective assembly according to the present invention is designed in particular for head-up displays, in particular for windshield head-up displays, and is configured to reflect radiation emitted by an image generation unit. The reflective assembly comprises a reflective element having a reflective surface and a back surface, the back surface being located opposite the reflective surface. In this case, the reflective element can be movably connected to a carrier by at least one bearing, thereby being pivotable relative to the carrier about at least a first axis when connected to the carrier. In this case, the at least one bearing comprises at least two components, namely a bearing journal and a bearing mount, the bearing mount being designed to at least partially receive the bearing journal. In this case, one of the components, namely the bearing journal or the bearing mount, is fixed to the reflective element, and the other, namely the bearing mount or the bearing journal, is fixable to the carrier. The reflective assembly further comprises a preloading device having a torsion spring element for generating preload in at least one bearing to hold the reflective element in place.

[0015] The reflective assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the torsion spring element is arranged such that the torsion spring central axis extends parallel to the first axis and offset laterally from the first axis at a predetermined distance.

[0016] In the sense of the present invention, “torsion spring element” means, in particular, a spring element designed to generate a torsional load, especially a torsional load around the torsion spring's central axis. An example of a simple and particularly advantageous torsion spring element is, for example, a helical spring having two legs extending radially outward with respect to the torsion spring's central axis.

[0017] The torsion spring element, designed and positioned in this manner, allows preload to be applied to the bearing in a very simple manner, particularly to anchor the bearing journal to the bearing mount. Such a torsion spring element can reduce the space required for the preloaded bearing in the reflection assembly. The torsion spring element and / or the corresponding appropriate design of at least one bearing can, in at least several examples, eliminate the need for further preloading means, such as additional spring elements, to apply axial preload in the direction of the first axis.

[0018] In particular, at least one bearing of the reflective assembly can be positioned on the back surface of the reflective element such that the first axis extends entirely behind the back surface of the reflective element. This not only reduces the lateral dimensions but also allows for a reflective assembly in which the connection interface and bearing are not visible within the optical chamber.

[0019] In an arrangement where the first axis is positioned entirely on the back surface of the reflecting element, i.e., the first axis does not (substantially) penetrate or pass through the reflecting element, the lever length from the center of gravity of the reflecting element to the first axis can be made particularly short. This is advantageous with respect to the vibrational behavior of the reflecting element.

[0020] The “reflecting element” according to the present invention is an element, particularly a component, or a group of composite components that reflects radiation and / or influences radiation, for example, designed to change the direction of light or one or more rays.

[0021] The “carrier” in the present invention is preferably a load-bearing structure. A carrier in the sense of the present invention is particularly connectable to a housing, or fixable to a housing, particularly a head-up display housing. Alternatively, the carrier may be formed by the housing, or a part of the housing, for example, by the housing of a head-up display. As a result, a reflective element or reflective element assembly of the reflective device according to the present invention may be directly connected to, for example, the housing of a head-up display, or connected via a separate receiving or supporting structure. In the former case, the housing is the “carrier,” and in the latter case, the separate receiving or supporting structure is the “carrier.”

[0022] According to the present invention, the “reflective surface” of a reflective element is the surface of the reflective element, in particular, the surface of the reflective element that is designed to reflect light and / or influence light.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reflective assembly may be adapted and designed to reflect or optically influence an image generated by an image generation unit. The image may include, for example, one or more navigation information items, vehicle speed information items, or any other information that may be useful to the driver of a vehicle, as known from the prior art.

[0024] The reflective assembly may be adapted and configured for use in a head-up display with a combiner. The reflective assembly may be designed to project an image onto the combiner. Additionally or alternatively, the reflective assembly may be adapted and configured for use in a windshield head-up display. In this case, the reflective assembly is designed to project an image onto the windshield.

[0025] Both types of head-up displays, namely head-up displays having a combiner and front glass head-up displays, are widely known from the prior art, and for details of the general design and / or functional aspects of such head-up displays, reference is made to the prior art.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the reflection assembly according to the invention, based on the usage state of the reflection assembly, particularly with respect to the installation state in a vehicle, the first axis can be a horizontal axis. For example, the reflection element may be inclined by a first horizontally aligned axis such that the front glass of an automobile, particularly the inclination of the front glass, is aligned with the reflection element.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the reflection device according to the invention, the reflection element is preferably a mirror element, particularly a concave mirror element having a concave reflecting surface. To minimize the requirements for weight and installation space, the reflection element is preferably in a thin shield shape.

[0028] Also, only the reflecting surface or the entire reflection element may be curved. The curvature may particularly correspond to the curvature of the front glass of the vehicle for which the reflection device is intended. In particular, the reflection element may be a so-called "free-form surface" reflection element having a concave shape with a non-constant radius. The reflection element may be designed as an enlarged mirror.

[0029] In a very advantageous embodiment of the reflection device according to the invention, the first axis may be particularly aligned parallel to the principal optical axis of the reflection element.

[0030] The outer edge of the reflection element may be substantially rectangular. Thereby, the reflection element particularly has a substantially rectangular outline. Alternatively, the outer edge may have a different shape, for example, trapezoidal, elliptical, or square.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, the reflective element may include or be composed of glass. A reflective element made of glass, such as a glass mirror, has the advantage of having better optical quality and being more stable over a temperature range compared to a reflective element made of plastic. Furthermore, when glass is used as the reflective element material, a thinner mirror thickness can be achieved.

[0032] However, in cases where lower image projection quality is sufficient, or where glass reflective elements cannot achieve the target weight of the reflective assembly, an alternative configuration of the reflective assembly with at least partially or entirely plastic reflective elements may be more advantageous.

[0033] The reflective element may be provided with a coating, particularly a reflective coating which may be a metallic coating or a metal-containing coating. This allows for the achievement of advantageous reflective and / or projection properties.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, the reflective surface of the reflective element may be a uniform or smooth surface, i.e., a surface without irregularities. This allows for the achievement of advantageous reflective and / or projection properties.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, the back surface of the reflective element may additionally or alternatively be a uniform or smooth surface. This facilitates the manufacture of the reflective element, particularly by eliminating the need for a work step to form irregularities.

[0036] In another embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bearing journal and / or bearing mount of at least one bearing are fixed or can be fixed to the reflective element or carrier. This is a simple way to improve support rigidity, which has a favorable effect on projection quality.

[0037] In another embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the reflective element is rotatably connected to a carrier by at least two bearings, particularly a first bearing and a second bearing, each bearing having a kinematic point, the kinematic point of the bearing defining the first axis, and the reflective element is pivotable relative to the carrier with respect to the first axis while connected to the carrier. In this case, particularly, the first bearing and the second bearing each comprise two parts, namely a bearing journal and a bearing mount, the bearing mount each designed to at least partially receive the bearing journal, and one of the parts, namely the bearing journal or the bearing mount, is fixed to the reflective element, and the other part, namely the bearing mount or the bearing journal, is fixed to the carrier. This allows for a particularly advantageous mounting of the reflective element.

[0038] In the sense of the present invention, "kinematic point of a bearing" refers in particular to a corresponding point in the bearing where the actual motion in the bearing can be sufficiently reduced or idealized, for example, for the purpose of simulation.

[0039] In such embodiments of two bearings, the bearing journals and / or bearing mounts are preferably fixed or can be fixed to the reflecting element or carrier. This allows for particularly high rigidity of the mounting of the reflecting element, and consequently, particularly good projection quality.

[0040] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the first and second bearings, and especially at least the bearing mounts and / or bearing journals, are of at least partially identical design, in particular completely identical design, i.e., identical. This reduces the number of identical parts in the reflector, and consequently the number of different components, thus providing beneficial effects on the complexity and cost of the reflector. In particular, the first bearing mount and the second bearing mount may be identical, and / or the first bearing and the second bearing may be identical. However, as a general rule, only the bearing journals may be of at least partially identical design, and the bearing mounts may be different. Nevertheless, it is particularly advantageous if the first and second bearings are of the same design.

[0041] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly more advantageous embodiment, the bearing journals of at least one bearing, particularly both the bearing journal of the first bearing and the bearing journal of the second bearing, have bearing surfaces that are at least a partially convex spherical outer surface, a spherical outer surface and / or a hemispherical outer surface, or a spherical end, or a spherical surface, etc. This makes it possible to guide the bearing journals in the bearing mount particularly well and easily, particularly well three-dimensionally, and thus to favorably mount the reflective elements. As a result, good projection quality can be achieved.

[0042] By using bearing journals (and corresponding bearing mounts) with such a shape, particularly by using spherical bearing journals, it becomes possible to create very compact and space-saving embodiments of bearings. Furthermore, this allows for bearings with a very small number of parts, and consequently, bearings that can be manufactured very simply and at low cost. In particular, in such bearings, it is easy to simultaneously restrict the movement of the bearing journals with respect to multiple degrees of freedom of space.

[0043] By using the torsion spring element according to the present invention in combination with a spherical bearing journal, a highly advantageous and simple embodiment of a bearing for mounting a reflective element is possible. In particular, good guidance of the bearing journal in the bearing mount can be achieved. The torsion spring element, arranged and designed according to the present invention, imparts preload to the bearing in a very simple manner, so that the bearing journal can be guided in the bearing mount with virtually no play. By appropriately selecting the spring stiffness of the torsion spring element and the preload accordingly, it is possible to achieve playless, and even vibration-free, mounting of the reflective element, especially under conditions that occur during vehicle operation. This makes it possible to achieve very high image quality of the projected image.

[0044] A highly advantageous mounting can be achieved if the bearing mount has, as a bearing surface, a particularly partially concave spherical inner surface, a hollow spherical inner surface, and / or a hollow hemispherical inner surface, or a hollow spherical end, or a hollow spherical surface, etc., in which the bearing journal can at least partially abut its outer surface. As a result, very good guidance of the bearing journal can be achieved, particularly radially with respect to the first axis, and consequently when the reflecting element pivots around the first axis. In particular, the geometric shape of at least one bearing surface of the bearing mount can at least partially correspond to the geometric shape of the outer surface of the bearing journal. In particular, the inner surface, or enclosed curve, or enclosed surface of the bearing mount can be designed to at least partially correspond to the outer surface of the corresponding bearing journal.

[0045] In another advantageous embodiment of the reflector according to the present invention, the bearing journal has, as a bearing surface, at least a partially spherical and / or hemispherical outer surface, or a spherical end, or a spherical surface, etc., on which the bearing journal abuts or slides against the bearing surface of the bearing mount. This enables the design of a bearing that has advantageous functionality and, in particular, low bearing friction, and is very easy to install.

[0046] If at least one bearing component is made of glass, the bearing may be designed as a dry bearing, i.e., a bearing that does not require additional lubricants. In some cases, it may be beneficial for sufficient lubrication if the material comprising the bearing contains lubricating particles, and / or if at least one sliding zone of at least one bearing has a friction-reducing surface, which may be formed, for example, by a friction-reducing coating.

[0047] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly other advantageous embodiment, preload is formed in the bearings such that each preloading device having a torsion spring element is assigned to both the first and second bearings, thereby holding the reflective element in place. In this case, the torsion spring elements are arranged such that the torsion spring central axis extends parallel to the first axis and laterally offset from the first axis at a predetermined distance.

[0048] This allows for the simple application of a uniform preload to the bearing for mounting the reflective element. Alternatively, different preloads can be simply applied to two bearings by using different torsional spring elements, particularly those with different spring stiffnesses or different designs resulting in different spring stiffnesses. This significantly expands the application area of ​​the reflective assembly according to the present invention.

[0049] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and particularly in another advantageous embodiment, at least one torsion spring element is or has a helical spring. The helical spring has a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and / or the second leg each extending radially with respect to a first axis, particularly at least partially. Such a torsion spring element can impart a (pre-defined) preload with low hysteresis to the bearing in a simple and space-saving manner.

[0050] In particular, the torsion spring element may be made of metal, or at least partially metal, or may contain at least partially metallic material, especially spring steel.

[0051] However, as a general rule, the torsional spring element of the bearing may include plastic, or may be manufactured from plastic, particularly by injection molding. However, to ensure sufficient rigidity, ideally, a plastic that allows for a bearing preload of at least 50 N, preferably at least 75 N, and especially at least 100 N in at least one spatial direction should be selected. However, other material properties may be possible depending on the application.

[0052] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly other advantageous embodiment, one of the legs, particularly the first or second leg, is supported by a bearing journal, and the other leg, particularly the second or first leg, is supported by a bearing mount. This allows the preload that can be generated by the torsion spring element to be applied to or transmitted in a simple manner to the bearing, and in particular to the components of the bearing, namely the bearing journal and the bearing mount.

[0053] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in particular in another advantageous embodiment, at least one of the legs, particularly the first or second leg, has a free end, and in particular the free end also extends radially with respect to the first axis. In other words, the free end of at least one leg of the torsion spring element is preferably not angled and extends straight away from the spiral body of the torsion spring element (especially in the case of a helical spring). This allows for particularly simple embodiments of the torsion spring element, in particular, that do not require the legs of the torsion spring element to be chamfered or bent again.

[0054] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly more advantageous embodiment, the bearing mount further functions as a torsion spring element holder. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly compact embodiment of the bearing for mounting the reflective element. In particular, no additional torsion spring element holder or additional components are required.

[0055] In one possible and particularly advantageous embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, the bearing journal of at least one bearing may protrude at least partially into the bearing mount, particularly in the axial direction.

[0056] At least one bearing mount may be designed such that, in particular, the mounting direction in which the bearing journal is inserted, or can be inserted, into the bearing mount at least partially during mounting extends at least substantially parallel to the first axis of the reflector assembly. This allows for a very simple and highly effective design for the desired function of the bearing for mounting the reflector assembly around the first axis.

[0057] The torsion spring element allows the bearing journal to be anchored to the bearing mount axially in a simple manner, particularly by the legs of the torsion spring element. This enables the bearing journal to be anchored to the bearing mount axially, like a retaining pin in the radial direction.

[0058] When the torsion spring element is designed as a spiral spring, the torsion spring element can further achieve or set a predetermined axial followability that allows for slight compensatory movement in the axial direction. This avoids axial stress on the reflective element that could cause distortion of the projected image.

[0059] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in a particularly more advantageous embodiment, a bearing journal or bearing mount, in particular the bearing mount, can be fixed to a corresponding carrier for supporting or receiving the reflective assembly by a threaded joint. As an alternative to the threaded joint, other possibilities for fastening can be envisioned, such as riveting, adhesive bonding, etc. For example, fastening may be made by latching and / or non-forward connections, i.e., press-fit connections. However, threaded fastening has the advantage of being easy to repair and maintain, as the fastening can generally be released again non-destructively.

[0060] In another possible embodiment of the reflective assembly according to the present invention, and in particular in another advantageous embodiment, especially for mounting, the bearing journal or bearing mount is movable to a fixed position, particularly a screw-fastened position, by translational movement in a plane extending perpendicular to the first axis, thereby fixing it to the carrier. This makes mounting or fastening the reflective assembly very easy. In particular, a reflective assembly designed in this way can be inserted into a housing for receiving the reflective assembly from above (where the orientation and direction indications are based on the functional installation state of the reflective assembly in the vehicle).

[0061] The reflective device according to the present invention is a mirror device in particular, and is designed in particular for head-up displays, and in particular for windshield head-up displays. The reflective device is designed to reflect radiation emitted by an image generation unit. Here, the reflective device according to the present invention comprises a reflective assembly according to the present invention and a carrier that in particular at least partially supports or supports the reflective assembly. The reflective element is pivotable relative to the carrier about at least a first axis by being particularly movably coupled to the carrier in particular by at least one bearing. One of the components of at least one bearing, i.e., a bearing journal or bearing mount, is fixed in particular to the reflective element, and the other, i.e., the bearing mount or bearing journal, is preferably fixed to the carrier.

[0062] The present invention provides a bearing mount for mounting a reflective element of a reflector for a head-up display, particularly for a windshield head-up display, wherein the reflector is designed to reflect radiation emitted by an image generation unit, and the bearing mount is particularly designed for the fabrication of a reflective assembly according to the present invention.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment of the bearing mount according to the present invention, the bearing mount is further designed as a torsion spring element holder. This makes it possible to provide a very compact reflective assembly or very compact reflective device that can have a very simple design structure, particularly with very small installation space requirements and a small number of components, and can be manufactured at low cost.

[0064] In advantageous embodiments, the torsion spring element may be positioned in a bearing mount and may be partially received in a bearing mount. In particular, the torsion spring element may be designed as described above.

[0065] In particular, the head-up display according to the present invention for automobiles comprises an image generation unit for emitting light rays to generate an image, and at least one reflecting device for reflecting the light rays emitted by the image generation unit, wherein the reflecting device is designed in accordance with the present invention.

[0066] Head-up displays are widely known from the prior art, and for details regarding the overall design and / or functional aspects of the head-up display according to the present invention, please refer to that prior art.

[0067] The image generation unit is used to generate images that are perceptible to the vehicle driver. This can be achieved, for example, by emitting light rays from the image generation unit to display an image. The image generation unit may be housed in the housing of a head-up display.

[0068] The head-up display according to the present invention may comprise one or more reflective devices. At least one reflective device may comprise one or more reflective elements pivotably connected to a carrier as described above. One or more reflective elements may be connected to a common carrier or to a plurality of different carriers. In other words, the head-up display according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of carriers.

[0069] At least one rotatably mounted reflective element functions to deflect the light rays generated and emitted by the image generation unit, and is preferably positioned immediately behind the image generation unit in the beam direction of the light rays emitted by the image generation unit. The light rays can be directed from this reflective element through the housing of the head-up display or through an opening in the housing of the head-up display to enter the driver's field of view.

[0070] The projection surface on which the generated image can be projected may be the windshield of a vehicle, such as the windshield of an automobile, or a separate combiner screen. The combiner screen may be part of the head-up display according to the present invention and is preferably positioned so that the person to whom the generated image is intended, such as the driver of an automobile, can see it. The projection surface may be a translucent reflective surface, particularly a mirror surface.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment of the head-up display according to the present invention, the head-up display is designed so that a generated image and information appearing through the projection surface from the environment located behind the projection surface are superimposed in a manner known to the present. This generates an image with additional information. In particular, the head-up display according to the present invention is a so-called "augmented reality head-up display (AR head-up display)" or a so-called "virtual reality head-up display (VR head-up display)," or a combination thereof. The head-up display may be designed to display augmented reality images or virtual reality images.

[0072] In order to provide drivers of vehicles, particularly automobiles, with good image visibility according to their seating position or their physique, the driver's field of view, also known as the "eyebox," can be tracked, in particular by a head-up display as described below. That is, the head-up display can preferably be designed in such a way and may include additional elements, such as a plurality of corresponding sensor elements, and at least one control unit for determining the position, orientation, and / or size, and / or dimensions of the eyebox.

[0073] In a more advantageous embodiment of the head-up display according to the present invention, the output light reflected by the reflector can track the driver's eye box and, consequently, their line of sight. This can be achieved by an adjustment device and / or a corresponding motion mechanism acting on the reflective elements of the reflector.

[0074] To adjust the reflective element, particularly to pivot or rotate it about a first axis, the reflective device and / or head-up display may include a pivot drive unit, particularly a linear pivot drive unit. The pivot drive unit is preferably connectable to the reflective element, particularly via a support structure that holds the reflective element and a connecting means such as a pivot arm. Preferably, the pivot drive unit is designed and configured to pivot the reflective element about a first axis by linear action, particularly by linear action perpendicular to the first axis.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment of the reflective device according to the present invention, the support structure may be designed in particular as a shield or a shield-shaped frame. The support structure preferably comprises a mounting surface and a back surface. In particular, the support structure may be designed and positioned such that its mounting surface faces the rear of the reflective element and extends at least partially parallel to the reflective element, particularly to its reflective surface and / or its rear. This enables a very compact design of the reflective device. This makes it possible to provide a reflective device with minimal space requirements.

[0076] A vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by having a head-up display, wherein the head-up display is designed in accordance with the present invention.

[0077] The preferred embodiments presented with respect to the reflective assemblies according to the present invention, and their advantages thereto, are also applicable, where technically possible, to reflective devices, bearing mounts, head-up displays, and automobiles according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0078] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the drawings, and / or features shown individually in the drawings, can be used not only in the specified combinations but also individually in other combinations, as long as the resulting combinations are practical.

[0079] This specification will describe in more detail some of the individual aspects of the invention with reference to preferred but not limiting exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying schematic drawings which are not to scale. Functionally identical parts, components, or assemblies will be denoted by the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0080] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a reflective device known from the prior art. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a magnified detail view of the first left bearing area of ​​the reflector shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reflective assembly according to the present invention having a bearing mount according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reflective device according to the present invention, having the reflective assembly shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0081] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of a reflector 1 known from the prior art, which is part of an unspecified head-up display for a vehicle. The reflector 1 is designed for a windshield head-up display and comprises a curved concave reflective element 11 having a reflective surface 22 and a back surface 23. The reflective element 11 is pivotable about a first axis A. The first axis A is defined by a first left bearing 12A and a second right bearing 12B.

[0082] As can be clearly seen in conjunction with the enlarged view of Figure 2, bearings 12A and 12B each comprise bearing mounts 15A and 15B and bearing journals 21A and 21B having spherical ends. The bearing journals 21A and 21B extend along the pivot axis A and are held in place by anchoring elements 18 to the corresponding bearing mounts 15A and 15B.

[0083] In this exemplary embodiment from the prior art, the bearing journals 21A and 21B are fixed to a carrier 17, respectively, which is fixed to a surrounding housing 20 of the corresponding head-up display. The bearing mounts 15A and 15B are fixed to a support structure 16 that holds the reflective element 11. For this purpose, the reflective element 11 is fixed to the support structure 16 on its back surface 23.

[0084] The support structure 16 is connected to the linear pivot drive unit 27, in this example the stepper motor 27, via a pivot arm 26. The pivot drive unit 27 can be used to pivot the reflecting element 11 around the first axis A, i.e., the pivot axis A.

[0085] Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reflective assembly 50 according to the present invention having bearing mounts 15A and 15B according to the present invention. The reflective assembly 50 is also designed for a windshield head-up display and is similarly configured to reflect radiation emitted by an image generation unit (not shown).

[0086] Similarly, the reflective assembly 50 includes a reflective element 11 having a reflective surface 22 and a back surface 23. The back surface 23 is located on the opposite side of the reflective surface 22.

[0087] The reflector element 11 can be movably connected to a carrier 17, which functions as a housing 20, by a first (left) bearing 12A and a second (right) bearing 12B. The second (right) bearing 12B is not shown for simplicity, but is designed in exactly the same way as the first (left) bearing 12A. This allows the reflector element 11 to pivot relative to the housing 20 about the first axis A when connected to the housing 20. The two bearings 12A and 12B each include, among other things, bearing journals 21A, 21B and bearing mounts 15A, 15B. The bearing mounts 15A, 15B are designed to at least partially receive the bearing journals 21A, 21B.

[0088] The two bearing journals 21A and 21B each have a spherical design at one end and a spherical surface on their outer surface, so that the bearing journals 21A and 21B slide within the corresponding bearing mount 15A or 15B, projecting into it in the axial direction of the first shaft A. In this case, the bearing journals 21A and 21B are fixed to the reflector element 11 or the support structure 16 that supports the reflector element 11, respectively. Meanwhile, the bearing mounts 15A and 15B are designed to be fixed to the housing 20 which functions as a carrier 17 (see Figure 4).

[0089] To hold the reflective element 11 in place, the reflective assembly 50 has a preloading device 29 for each of the bearings 12A and 12B. The preloading device 29 comprises a torsion spring element 24 in the form of a spiral spring 24 having a first leg 24A and a second leg 24B, respectively, extending radially with respect to the axis A. The first leg 24A is supported by the bearing mount 15A, and the second leg 24B is supported by the bearing journal 21A, respectively.

[0090] In this case, the torsion spring element 24 is positioned such that its torsion spring central axis DZ is parallel to the first axis A and extends laterally offset from the first axis A at a predetermined distance d.

[0091] In this case, each torsion spring element 24 is subjected to a predetermined torsional load around the torsion spring central axis DZ. As a result, preload is applied to the bearing 12A or 12B, and the bearing journals 21A and 21B can be held in place without play in the corresponding bearing mount 15A or 15B.

[0092] The fact that the second legs 24B each extend radially with respect to the axis A, and are not angled but simply have free ends, and thus function like radially inserted retaining pins, allows the torsion spring element 24 to not only apply preload to the bearings 12A and 12B, but also to axially anchor each bearing journal 21A and 21B within the corresponding bearing mounts 15A and 15B.

[0093] The fact that the torsion spring element 24 is positioned laterally offset with respect to the first axis A allows for the introduction of a predetermined axial preload to the corresponding bearings 12A and 12B, or the introduction of a predetermined axial followability that enables compensatory movement of the first axis A in the axial direction, as well as the application of a predetermined preload to the respective bearings 12A and 12B in the radial direction. This makes it possible to achieve very good and accurate guiding of the bearing journal 21A or 21B in the bearing mounts 15A and 15B, particularly guiding without play.

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment of the reflective assembly 50, the bearing mounts 15A and 15B are each designed to be substantially J-shaped or substantially semicircular at their ends spaced apart from the reflective element 11, with the longer legs of the J positioned in the direction of the first axis A, particularly aligned with it or concentrically. Such bearing mounts 15A and 15B also function as torsion spring element holders 30, i.e., holders for the torsion spring elements 24. This enables a very compact structure for the bearings 12A and 12B and, consequently, for the reflective assembly 50.

[0095] As already shown in Figure 3, and as shown in Figure 4 which provides a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reflector 100 according to the present invention having the reflector assembly 50 according to the present invention shown in Figure 3, the bearing mounts 15A and 15B can be directly fixed to the carrier 17 or to the housing 20 which functions as the carrier 17 in this example by screw fastening joints 31.

[0096] In this exemplary embodiment, the reflective assembly 50 and the reflective device 100 are designed such that the reflective assembly 50 can move to a fixed position, particularly a screw-fastened position, where it is fixed to the housing 20, by translational movement in a plane extending perpendicular to the first axis A, and in particular by translational movement in the longitudinal direction of the screw-fastened joint 31, or move as shown in Figure 4.

[0097] As is clear from Figure 4, this type of fastening to the housing 20 is extremely simple in design and very space-saving, especially since it requires only a very small number of components, for example, in this example only the addition of shims 25.

[0098] Here, the bearing mounts 15A and 15B have a J-shape or semicircular structure at their ends spaced apart from the reflecting element 11, which allows for a sufficiently robust screw-fastened joint 31 on the one hand, and a space-saving structure on the other hand.

[0099] Although different from the situation shown in the exemplary embodiment, the bearing mount 15A or 15B, which also functions as a torsion spring element holder 30, may alternatively be incorporated into the carrier 20, or in this example into the housing 20, or may be made of plastic, at least partially or entirely, instead of die-cast metal as in the exemplary embodiment described above.

[0100] One important advantage of the above solution for mounting the reflective element 11 is that it creates mounting space in the rear region of the reflective element 11 (in the direction of travel based on the installation state in the vehicle) that can be used to improve the optical conditions in the head-up display. Furthermore, such mounting of the reflective element 11 can reduce weight and / or cost considerably compared to embodiments known from the prior art, provided that the appropriate embodiment is used.

[0101] The solution according to the present invention allows for the advantageous mounting of reflective elements with a small number of components. Furthermore, a simple assembly and design that is more suitable for use in many head-up displays of various structures, or requires minimal adjustment for use in head-up displays for various vehicles and vehicle groups, can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0102] In addition to the embodiments described and illustrated, and the possible embodiments described, a number of further embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

[0103] 1 Exemplary Embodiments of Prior Art Reflectors 50 Exemplary Embodiments of Reflective Assembly According to the Present Invention 100 Exemplary Embodiments of a Reflecting Device According to the Present Invention 11 Reflection elements 12A First (left) bearing 12B Second (right) bearing 15A First (left) bearing mount 15B Second (right) bearing mount 16 Support structure 17 Careers 18. Establishment Factors 20 Housing 21A First (left) bearing journal 21B Second (right) bearing journal 22 Reflective surface of reflective element 23 Back surface of reflective element 24 Torsion spring elements 24A 1st leg 24B 2nd leg 25 Sims 26 Connecting means for connecting the support structure to the (linear) pivot drive unit 27 Linear pivot drive unit 29 Preloading device 30 Torsion spring element holder 31 screws d Distance from the center axis of the torsion spring / lateral offset A 1st axis DZ Torsion Spring Center Axis Kinematic points of K bearings

Claims

1. A reflective assembly (50) for a head-up display, particularly for a windshield head-up display, for reflecting radiation emitted by an image generation unit, The reflective assembly (50) comprises a reflective element (11) having a reflective surface (22) and a back surface (23) located on the opposite side of the reflective surface (22), The reflective element (11) can be movably connected to the carrier (17, 20) by at least one bearing (12A, 12B), so that when connected to the carrier (17, 20), it can pivot relative to the carrier (17, 20) about at least the first axis (A). At least one bearing (12A, 12B) comprises at least two components, namely bearing journals (21A, 21B) and bearing mounts (15A, 15B), The bearing mounts (15A, 15B) are designed to at least partially receive the bearing journals (21A, 21B), One of the aforementioned components, namely the bearing journals (21A, 21B) or the bearing mounts (15A, 15), is fixed to the reflector element (11), while the other, namely the bearing mounts (15A, 15B) or the bearing journals (21A, 21B), is fixable to the carriers (17, 20). The reflective assembly (50) has a preloading device (29) having a torsion spring element (24) for generating preload in at least one bearing (12A, 12B) in order to hold the reflective element (11) in a predetermined position. In the reflective assembly (50), The torsion spring element (24) is arranged such that its torsion spring central axis (DZ) extends parallel to the first axis (A) and offset laterally from the first axis (A) at a predetermined distance (d). A reflective assembly (50) characterized by the above.

2. The reflective element (11) is rotatably connected to the carrier (17, 20) by at least two bearings (12A, 12B), particularly the first bearing (12A) and the second bearing (12B). Each bearing (12A, 12B) has a kinematic point (K), The kinematic point (K) of the bearing defines the first shaft (A), With respect to the first axis (A), the reflecting element (11), while connected to the carriers (17, 20), is pivotable relative to the carriers (17, 20) with respect to the first axis (A). In particular, the first bearing (12A) and the second bearing (12B) each comprise two components, namely bearing journals (21A, 21B) and bearing mounts (15A, 15B), Each of the bearing mounts (15A, 15B) is designed to at least partially receive the bearing journals (21A, 21B), One of the aforementioned components, namely the bearing journals (21A, 21B) or the bearing mounts (15A, 15), is fixed to the reflector element (11), and the other of the aforementioned components, namely the bearing mounts (15A, 15B) or the bearing journals (21A, 21B), can be fixed to the carriers (17, 20). The reflective assembly (50) according to feature 1.

3. The bearing journals (21A, 21B) of at least one bearing (12A, 12B) have bearing surfaces that include at least a partially convex spherical outer surface, a spherical outer surface and / or a hemispherical outer surface, or a spherical end, or a spherical surface, etc. The reflective assembly (50) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each preloading device (29) having a torsion spring element (24) is assigned to the first bearing (12A) and the second bearing (12B) to hold the reflecting element (11) in a predetermined position, and preload is generated in the bearings (12A, 12B). Each of the torsion spring elements (24) is arranged such that its torsion spring central axis (DZ) extends parallel to the first axis (A) and offset laterally from the first axis (A) at a predetermined distance (d). A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein.

5. At least one torsion spring element (24) is a helical spring (24), The helical spring (24) has a first leg portion (24A) and a second leg portion (24B), The first leg portion (24A) and / or the second leg portion (24B) extend at least partially radially with respect to the first axis (A), A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. One of the legs (24A, 24B) is supported by the bearing journal (15A), and the other leg (24B, 24A) is supported by the bearing mount (15B). A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein.

7. At least one leg (24A, 24B) has a free end, The free end similarly extends radially with respect to the first axis (A), A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the features described herein.

8. The bearing mount (15B) further functions as a torsion spring element holder (30). A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein.

9. The bearing journals (21A, 21B) or the bearing mounts (15A, 15B), particularly the bearing mounts (15A, 15B), can be fixed to the carriers (17, 20) by screw fastening joints (31). A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the features described herein.

10. The bearing journals (21A, 21B) or the bearing mounts (15A, 15B) are movable to a fixed position, particularly to a screw-fastening position, by translational movement in a plane extending perpendicular to the first shaft (A), so as to be fixed to the carrier (17, 20). A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is a reflective assembly (50).

11. A reflector (100) for a head-up display, particularly for a windshield head-up display, for reflecting radiation emitted by an image generation unit, particularly a mirror device, - A reflective assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 10, - Carriers (17, 20) that at least partially support the reflective assembly (50), In a reflecting device (100) equipped with, The reflective element (11) is movably connected to the carrier (17, 20) by at least one bearing (12A, 12B), so that it can pivot relative to the carrier (17, 20) about at least the first axis (A). One of the aforementioned components, namely the bearing journals (21A, 21B) or the bearing mounts (15A, 15), is fixed to the reflector element (11), and the other, namely the bearing mounts (15A, 15B) or the bearing journals (21A, 21B), is fixed to the carriers (17, 20). Reflector (100).

12. A bearing mount (15A, 15B) for mounting a reflective element (11) of a reflector (100) for a head-up display, particularly for a windshield head-up display, wherein the reflector (100) is designed to reflect radiation emitted by an image generation unit, The bearing mounts (15A, 15B) are designed for the manufacture of a reflective assembly (50) according to any of claims 1 to 10, and / or for the manufacture of a reflective device (100) according to claim 11. A bearing mount (15A, 15B) characterized by the following features.

13. The bearing mount (15B) is further designed as a torsion spring element holder (30). The bearing mount (15B) according to feature 12.

14. In particular, a head-up display for automobiles, comprising an image generation unit for emitting light rays to generate an image, and at least one reflecting device (100) for reflecting the light rays emitted by the image generation unit, The reflector (100) has a reflector assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 10, and / or is designed as described in claim 11. A head-up display characterized by the following features.

15. An automobile having a head-up display, wherein the head-up display is designed as described in claim 14.

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