Video display device

Abstract

To enable preventing the inside of a device from being damaged by sunlight.SOLUTION: A video display device (50) is used in a state of being close to eyes of a user. The video display device includes: lenses 60 arranged opposite to the eyes in a use state; a video display device (62) for transmitting a video through the lenses to be projected onto the eyes of the user; and a switching mechanism 70 for executing switching between a state where light incident on the video display device is restricted via the lenses and a state where the restriction is released. The switching mechanism can regulate the incidence of the sunlight into the video display device through the lenses and avoid damage inside the video display device due to collection of sunlight via the lenses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image display device that allows a user to view images while holding the device close to their face. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, head-mounted displays (hereinafter referred to as "HMDs") have been used, which allow a user to view images while placing a goggle-shaped housing on the user's face. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the HMD includes two convex lenses provided corresponding to the user's eyes, and a display device provided behind the convex lenses.

[0003] In such an HMD, for example, the display device is configured to include a liquid crystal panel, and the optical characteristics of the image on the liquid crystal panel are adjusted by a convex lens before it is projected onto the user's eyes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-100257 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the above-mentioned HMD is used outdoors, if sunlight shines on the convex lens, the convex lens will concentrate the sunlight, causing localized heat buildup on the liquid crystal panel, which can be damaged.

[0006] One possible way to use an HMD outdoors is to present a virtual reality experience by displaying a past scene from the same location as the current scene. This allows the user to enjoy comparing the real scene with the past scene. In such use, when viewing the image on the HMD, the convex lens is covered by the face. However, when the HMD is removed from the face to view the real scene or when the HMD is carried, sunlight is likely to penetrate the convex lens. An invention that can resolve the above-mentioned inconveniences in such situations has been desired.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and has an object to provide an image display device that can prevent damage to the inside of the device due to sunlight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an image display device that is used in a state where it is brought close to a user's eye, and includes a lens that is arranged facing the eye when in use, an image display device that projects an image onto the user's eye through the lens, and a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed, and the switching mechanism: The lens is configured to include an iris diaphragm mechanism, A shielding member is provided to cover the outer surface side of the lens, and the switching is performed by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member. An image display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an image display device used in a state where it is brought close to a user's eye, and includes: a lens arranged to face the eye when in use; an image display device that projects an image onto the user's eye through the lens; and a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed. The switching mechanism includes a shielding member that covers an outer surface of the lens, and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member. The switching mechanism includes a detection unit that detects the approach of the user's face to the lens, and a drive unit that displaces and / or deforms the shielding member in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit and performs the switching of the switching mechanism. are. An image display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an image display device used in a state where it is brought close to a user's eye, and includes: a lens arranged to face the eye when in use; an image display device that projects an image onto the user's eye through the lens; and a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed, the switching mechanism including a shielding member that covers the outer surface side of the lens and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member; a housing that holds the lens; an attachment detachably provided on the housing; and an abutting member that abuts against the user's face, the attachment including the switching mechanism and being sandwiched between the housing and the abutting member and detachably provided on the housing. can be. Furthermore, one embodiment of the image display device in the present disclosure is an image display device that is used in a state where it is close to a user's eye, and includes: a lens that is positioned facing the eye when in use; an image display device that projects an image onto the user's eye through the lens; and a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light entering the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed, the switching mechanism including a shielding member that covers the outer surface of the lens and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member; a housing that holds the lens; and an attachment that is detachably attached to the housing, the attachment including a plate-shaped base member and the switching mechanism that is attached to the base member; an opening formed in the base member at a position facing the lens, and the switching mechanism that is provided in accordance with the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, even in a situation where sunlight is incident on the lens, the switching mechanism can block the sunlight and prevent it from passing through the lens and entering the image display device, thereby preventing damage to the image display device inside the image display device due to the sunlight being concentrated through the lens. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a case-attached image display device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a case and an image display device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a rear view of the case-attached image display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view similar to FIG. 3, in which a part of the configuration of the case-attached image display device is exploded. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case-attached image display device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a rear view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the lens exposed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the case-attached image display device according to the second embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the lens exposed. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the case-attached image display device according to the third embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view similar to FIG. 9, showing the lens exposed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the case-attached image display device according to the fourth embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. [Figure 12] 12 is a rear view similar to FIG. 11 in a state where the shielding member has been displaced. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a video display device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following figures, some components may be omitted for the sake of convenience. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used based on the directions indicated by arrows in each figure (based on the user). However, the orientation of each component in the following embodiment is merely an example, and can be changed to any orientation.

[0012] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an image display device and a case for the image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the case and image display device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image display device 50 is housed in a case 10 for an image display device (hereinafter simply referred to as "case"). In other words, an image display device with a case 1 is configured to include the case 10 and the image display device 50. First, the schematic configuration of the image display device 50 will be described below.

[0013] The image display device 50 is a device known as VR goggles, and is used while held close to the user's eyes. The image display device 50 is a device that allows a user to virtually experience images such as video images as if they were displayed on a large screen. The image display device 50 includes a main unit 51 and a battery unit 52 that is separate from the main unit 51. The main unit 51 and the battery unit 52 are connected by a belt-shaped cable 53 for supplying power. The cable 53 is bundled in a folded state and stored in the case 10.

[0014] The main unit 51 includes a housing 55 that is rectangular and elongated from side to side when viewed from the front (front), with each corner formed in an arc shape. The housing 55 extends generally in the front-to-rear direction, but is tapered in shape, widening from the front to the rear. A cable 53 is connected to an upper surface 55a of the housing 55.

[0015] The housing 55 is formed so that its rear end 55c is open. As shown in Fig. 2, the rear end 55c of the housing 55 is formed so that the center portion is recessed forward from both the left and right sides in accordance with the shape of the user's face.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the case-attached image display device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a rear view similar to Fig. 3, in which a portion of the configuration of the case-attached image display device is disassembled. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a partition wall 58 extending in the up-down and left-right directions is provided on the rear end 55c side of the housing 55. A pair of lenses 60 (not shown in Fig. 3) are provided side by side on the left and right of the partition wall 58.

[0017] The partition wall 58 has a pair of openings for holding the lenses 60, and the edges of the openings are thickened to form holding portions 58a into which the outer peripheries of the lenses 60 can be fitted (see FIG. 5). Thus, the lenses 60 are held in the housing 55 via the holding portions 58a of the partition wall 58. Because the rear end 55c side of the housing 55 is open, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the partition wall 58 and the lenses 60 are exposed at the rear of the housing 55 (toward the viewer in the drawing). A recess 58b is formed in the lower center of the partition wall 58 to fit the user's nose. The recess 58b is provided at a position corresponding to the recessed portion in the lower center of the rear end 55c of the housing 55.

[0018] Each lens 60 is disposed opposite the eye of the user when the image display device 50 is in use. In this embodiment, various types of convex lenses, such as biconvex and plano-convex lenses, can be used as the lens 60, and the lens 60 can be used as part or all of an optical system to achieve a desired focal length and optical characteristics.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a case-attached image display device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the battery unit 52, the cable 53, and some other components inside the housing 55 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, an image display device 62 is provided in front of the lens 60 inside the housing 55. A liquid crystal display panel having pixel circuits arranged in a matrix in a display area corresponding to the pixels can be used as the image display device 62. Furthermore, various configurations can be used for the image display device 62 as long as it can project an image through the lens 60 to the user's eyes. An organic EL panel or the like can be used instead of a liquid crystal display panel. Furthermore, the image display device 62 may be an external terminal device such as a smartphone that is detachably mounted inside the housing 55.

[0020] The image display device 50 further includes an attachment 64 arranged a predetermined distance rearward from the lens 60, and an abutment member 67 provided on the rear end 55c side of the housing 55. The attachment 64 includes a plate-shaped base member 68 and a switching mechanism 70 provided on the rear surface side of the base member 68, and the front surface of the base member 68 abuts against the holding portion 58a of the partition wall 58.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a rear view similar to Fig. 3, but with the lenses exposed. As shown in Fig. 6, openings 68b are formed in the base member 68 at positions facing the pair of lenses 60, and switching mechanisms 70 are provided corresponding to the openings 68b. Therefore, the switching mechanisms 70 are provided at positions facing each of the pairs of lenses 60 lined up on the left and right.

[0022] Each switching mechanism 70 is configured to include an iris diaphragm mechanism. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, each switching mechanism 70 includes a plurality of blade-shaped pieces 71 (not shown in Fig. 6) provided for each lens 60, and a ring-shaped cam plate 72 provided behind the pieces 71. Cam plate 72 is formed in a disk shape with an opening 72a formed by a circular inner periphery when viewed from behind.

[0023] The plurality of strips 71 are arranged in an annular shape in a direction along the edge of the opening 72a between the base member 68 and the cam plate 72. Each strip 71 is made of a resin material, metal, or the like, and is configured to restrict sunlight (light) from entering the lens 60 from the outside.

[0024] In this specification and claims, "restricting" the incidence of sunlight (light) includes not only blocking all of the incident sunlight, but also blocking part of the incident sunlight. Therefore, for example, the meaning of "restricting" also includes the case where the flakes 71 are made of a translucent material or a light-scattering material that attenuates or absorbs the incident sunlight, transmitting part of the incident sunlight and blocking part of it.

[0025] Each strip 71 is rotatably mounted on the base member 68 via a rotation shaft (not shown). Rotation of each strip 71 causes each strip 71 to move forward or backward relative to the center of the annular arrangement, displacing between a state in which it advances into the opening 72a shown in Fig. 3 and a state in which it overlaps and is hidden by the cam plate 72 as shown in Fig. 6. Such displacement of each strip 71 is in a direction along the outer surface (rear surface) of the lens 60, and in a direction generally parallel to the up-down and left-right directions.

[0026] Each piece 71 is provided with a pin 74 that protrudes rearward. Cam plate 72 is formed with a plurality of slot holes 75 that receive pins 74. Cam plate 72 is provided via a support structure (not shown) so as to be rotatable around its center within a predetermined angular range.

[0027] The switching mechanism 70 further includes a drive unit 76 that rotates the cam plate 72. The drive unit 76 can be configured, for example, to include a drive source such as a servo motor and a transmission mechanism made up of pulleys, belts, etc. that transmit the driving force of the drive source to the cam plate 72. When the drive unit 76 rotates the cam plate 72, the slot holes 75 are displaced, and the pins 74 within the slot holes 75 are displaced.

[0028] This displacement of pin 74 causes all of the strips 71 to simultaneously rotate toward and away from the center of the annular array (the center of lens 60 when viewed from behind). Therefore, when all of the strips 71 are displaced (advanced) toward the center of the annular array, i.e., in the state shown in FIG. 3, the strips 71 close the openings 72a of the cam plate 72 and cover the outer surface (rear surface) of lens 60. On the other hand, when all of the strips 71 are displaced (retreated) from this state away from the center of the annular array, i.e., in the state shown in FIG. 6, the openings 72a of the cam plate 72 are opened, and the strips 71 no longer cover the outer surface of lens 60, exposing lens 60.

[0029] In this way, the switching mechanism 70 can switch between a state in which the lens 60 is covered and a state in which the lens 60 is exposed (uncovered) by displacing each strip 71 driven by the drive unit 76. Here, the strips 71 form a covering member that covers the outer surface of the lens 60.

[0030] The attachment 64 further includes a sensor 78 as a detection unit located in the center in the left-right direction on the rear side of the base member 68. The sensor 78 is a proximity sensor or the like, which detects whether the user's face is approaching the sensor 78 and outputs the detection result.

[0031] The attachment 64 and the main unit 51 have connectors 80, 81, and are connected to each other via the connectors 80, 81. Through the connection by the connectors 80, 81, power is supplied from the main unit 51 to the drive unit 76 and the sensor 78 using the battery unit 52 as a power source.

[0032] Here, the main unit 51 has a built-in control unit 85. The control unit 85 is made up of a central processing unit (CPU) and the like that controls the entire video display device 50, and performs various control processes (such as display control of the video display device 62). The control unit 85 is also connected to the drive unit 76 and the sensor 78 via connectors 80 and 81, and can input and output various signals.

[0033] More specifically, the control unit 85 receives the detection result from the sensor 78 and controls the driving of the driving unit 76 in accordance with the detection result to displace the strip 71. For example, when the control unit 85 detects that the user's face has moved a certain distance away from the sensor 78, the control unit 85 controls the driving of the driving unit 76 so that the strip 71 covers the outer surface of the lens 60. On the other hand, when the sensor 78 detects that the user's face has approached, the control unit 85 controls the driving of the driving unit 76 so that the strip 71 moves away from the outer surface of the lens 60, exposing the lens 60.

[0034] The control unit 85 also has a function of controlling the ON / OFF switching of the sleep mode of the main unit 51 including the video display device 62 in accordance with the detection result from the sensor 78. In other words, the control unit 85 can switch the covering of the lens 60 by displacing the strip 71 in conjunction with the ON / OFF switching control of the sleep mode.

[0035] 5, the abutment member 67 includes a cushion member 67a that abuts against the user's face, and a connecting portion 67b that is connected to the front end of the cushion member 67a and fits into the rear end 55c of the housing 55. The connecting portion 67b of the abutment member 67 comes into contact with the rear surface of the attachment 64 when fitted into the rear end 55c of the housing 55. As a result, the attachment 64 is sandwiched from the front and rear by the connecting portion 67b of the abutment member 67 and the holding portion 58a of the partition wall 58, and the attachment 64 including the base member 68 is held via the abutment member 67. This gives the abutment member 67 two functions: a function of providing a soft contact feeling to the face and a function of positioning the attachment 64, thereby simplifying the configuration.

[0036] 4, a recess 68a is formed in the base member 68 of the attachment 64 at a position that corresponds to the recess 58b of the partition wall 58. Furthermore, a recess 67c is formed in the abutting member 67 at a position that corresponds to the recess 58b of the partition wall 58 and the recess 68a of the base member 68. Therefore, like the recess 58b of the partition wall 58, the recess 68a of the base member 68 and the recess 67c of the abutting member 67 are formed in an area that corresponds to the user's nose. The formation of the recess 68a in the base member 68 allows the recess 67c of the abutting member 67 to pass through the recess 68a and be received in the recess 58b of the partition wall 58.

[0037] Next, the case 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the case 10 has a case main body 11 that houses the battery unit 52 of the image display device 50 at the front and the main unit 51 at the rear, side by side. The case main body 11 is made of an appropriate synthetic resin. The case main body 11 has an upper wall 12, a lower wall 13, a left side wall 14, and a right side wall 15 that extend in the front-to-rear direction, and a front wall 17 that is provided slightly rearward of the front ends of these walls.

[0038] The case body 11 has an upper wall 12, a lower wall 13, a left side wall 14, and a right side wall 15 formed as a cylindrical body so that it can be placed along the housing 55 of the image display device 50 to be housed therein. The cylindrical body extends generally in the front-to-rear direction, but is formed in a tapered shape that widens from the front to the rear in accordance with the shape of the housing 55. The rear end side (one end side) of the case body 11 is not closed, and an opening 19 is formed. With the image display device 50 housed in the case body 11, a lens 60 of the image display device 50 is arranged on the opening 19 side (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0039] The front end side (other end side) of the case body 11 is closed by a front wall 17. The front wall 17 is formed in a curved shape with the center bulging forward from both end sides in the left-right direction. Here, the above-mentioned battery unit 52 has a curved shape, and the front wall 17 is formed in a curved shape that follows the curved shape of the battery unit 52. This reduces the free space in the case body 11, making it possible to make the case body 11 more compact.

[0040] Extension pieces 17a are formed continuously on both left and right end sides of the front wall 17 (the right side is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2). The extension pieces 17a are bent so as to fit along the inner surfaces of the left side wall 14 and the right side wall 15, and are attached to the left side wall 14 and the right side wall 15 via grommets 25, which will be described later. The front wall 17 is also joined to the inner surfaces of the upper wall 12 and the lower wall 13 via L-shaped piece members 21, which will be described later.

[0041] A rectangular hole 12a that is elongated in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper wall 12 of the case body 11. A cable 53 that is folded inside the case body 11 is fitted into the rectangular hole 12a.

[0042] Holes 24 are formed on the front end sides (other end sides) of the left side wall 14 and the right side wall 15 of the case body 11. Each hole 24 is formed by providing a grommet 25 in a hole (not shown) that is directly formed on the front end sides of the left side wall 14 and the right side wall 15. The holes 24 and the grommets 25 form connection parts 26, and the case body 11 is provided with the connection parts 26 at two positions, one on the left side and one on the right side.

[0043] A strap connection metal fitting or the like (neither of which are shown) is connected to connection part 26, and the user can put the strap around their shoulder or neck to carry or transport case-attached image display device 1. When case-attached image display device 1 is hung by the strap, connection part 26, which was the front of case 10, is positioned vertically upward, and opening 19 faces downward, preventing sunlight from entering the opening side.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, even in a situation where sunlight is incident on the lens 60, the switching mechanism 70 can block, attenuate, or absorb the sunlight, thereby preventing the sunlight from passing through the lens 60 and entering the housing 55.

[0045] A specific example of sunlight entering the lens 60 is when the user temporarily stops watching an image on the image display device 50, removes the contact member 67 from their face, and holds the case 10 with both hands. In this case, the opening 19 of the case 10 and the rear end 55c of the housing 55 of the image display device 50 face upward. When the case-attached image display device 1 is used outdoors in this state, the strip 71 of the switching mechanism 70 is positioned so as to cover the lens 60, and sunlight enters the strip 71.

[0046] The flakes 71 restrict sunlight from entering the lens 60, thereby preventing sunlight from entering the housing 55, and even if sunlight that has entered the lens 60 is concentrated inside the housing 55, it is possible to prevent the concentrated area from becoming too hot. This makes it possible to avoid damage to the inside of the housing 55 and the image display device 62 caused by light concentration by the lens 60.

[0047] Furthermore, by displacing the strips 71 using the switching mechanism 70, it is possible to switch between a state in which the lens 60 is covered by the strips 71 and a state in which the lens 60 is exposed and not covered by the strips 71. In other words, the switching mechanism 70 switches between a state in which sunlight is restricted from entering the lens 60 and a state in which this restriction is lifted. This makes it possible to avoid damage caused by sunlight as described above, and also allows the user to view the image on the image display device 62 through the lens 60.

[0048] Furthermore, the movement direction of each strip 71 in the switching mechanism 70 is set to a direction along the outer surface of the lens 60, in other words, a direction parallel to the up-down and left-right directions. This allows the front-to-rear width of the switching mechanism 70 to be made compact, which in turn reduces the front-to-rear width of the attachment 64, making it easier to lay out the attachment 64 in the space behind the partition wall 58.

[0049] Furthermore, by providing multiple strips 71 for one lens 60, the strips 71 can be dispersed and arranged in the area surrounding the lens 60 with the strips 71 retracted in a direction away from the center of the lens 60. This makes it easier to adopt a design that allows each strip 71 to be retracted even if the area surrounding the lens 60 is narrow or has a small width.

[0050] Furthermore, since the switching mechanism 70 is configured to include an iris diaphragm mechanism, the strips 71 can be retracted within a fixed width area surrounding the lens 60, and all of the strips 71 can be easily displaced simultaneously.

[0051] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 70 can drive the drive unit 76 in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 78 to displace the strip 71. Therefore, the user can cover the lens 60 with the strip 71 simply by moving their face away from the abutment member 67, without touching or operating the switching mechanism 70. This allows the lens 60 to be covered with the strip 71 when they stop or finish watching videos, thereby better preventing sunlight from entering the lens 60. Furthermore, when the user places their face against the abutment member 67, the cover of the lens 60 by the strip 71 is released, and the user can view videos without performing any special operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 70 is integrated with the attachment 64, and the switching mechanism 70 can be used as part of the attachment 64. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the attachment 64 including the switching mechanism 70 to the housing 55 of the image display device 50, and facilitates maintenance and replacement of the switching mechanism 70.

[0053] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals may be used to designate components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the previous embodiments, and their description may be omitted or simplified.

[0054] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a rear view of a case-attached image display device according to the second embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. Fig. 8 is a rear view similar to Fig. 7, with the lens exposed.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second embodiment has a configuration in which the switching mechanism 70 is modified from that of the first embodiment. The switching mechanism 90 of the second embodiment includes a first strip 91, a second strip 92, and a third strip 93, which serve as shielding members. The pair of switching mechanisms 90 provided on the left and right sides have a symmetrical structure. Therefore, in the following description, only the right-side switching mechanism 90 will be described, and the left-side switching mechanism 90 will be given the same reference numeral and may not be described again.

[0056] The first strip 91 and the second strip 92 are each formed in the shape of a quarter-circle fan when viewed from behind, and the third strip 93 is formed in a semicircular shape. When the first strip 91, the second strip 92, and the third strip 93 are arranged side by side, they are formed in the shape of a substantially perfect circular disk as shown in FIG. 7, which closes the opening 68b of the base member 68 and covers the outer surface side of the lens 60.

[0057] The first strip 91 is provided so as to be able to close the upper region of the opening 68b, and is rotatably supported on the base member 68 via a first rotary drive shaft 91a. The second strip 92 is provided so as to be able to close the left region of the opening 68b, and is rotatably supported on the base member 68 via a second rotary drive shaft 92a. The third strip 93 is provided so as to be able to close the lower right half of the opening 68b, and is movably supported on the base member 68 via a slide mechanism 93a.

[0058] The first rotary drive shaft 91a, the second rotary drive shaft 92a, and the slide mechanism 93a constitute a drive unit and are driven via a motor, an actuator, or the like (not shown). The first strip 91 and the second strip 92 are rotated and displaced by the driving of the first rotary drive shaft 91a and the second rotary drive shaft 92a between a position where they cover the outer surface of the lens 60 (see FIG. 7) and a position where they are retracted from the outer surface of the lens 60 and overlap with the base member 68 (see FIG. 8). The third strip 93 is displaced by the driving of the slide mechanism 93a between a position where they cover the outer surface of the lens 60 (see FIG. 7) and a position where they are retracted from the outer surface of the lens 60 and overlap with the base member 68 (see FIG. 8). The first strip 91, the second strip 92, and the third strip 93 are displaced in a direction along the outer surface (rear surface) of the lens 60, in directions generally parallel to the up-down and left-right directions.

[0059] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the lens 60 can be switched between a covered state and an exposed state by the switching mechanism 90. This makes it possible to restrict sunlight from passing through the lens 60 and entering the housing 55 in a situation where sunlight is shining toward the lens 60.

[0060] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a rear view of a case-attached image display device according to the third embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. Fig. 10 is a rear view similar to Fig. 9, but with the lens exposed.

[0061] 9 and 10, the third embodiment also has a configuration in which the switching mechanism 70 is modified from that of the first embodiment. The switching mechanism 100 of the third embodiment includes a sheet-shaped shielding member 101 provided on the rear surface side of the base member 68, and a shaft member 102 provided above the lens 60 and the opening 68b and connected to the shielding member 101.

[0062] In the switching mechanism 100, the shaft member 102 constitutes a drive unit and is rotationally driven via a motor, actuator, etc. (not shown). By the rotational driving of the shaft member 102, the shielding member 101 is unwound and reeled out from the shaft member 102.

[0063] As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, the switching mechanism 100 can unroll the shielding member 101 downward from the shaft member 102 to place the shielding member 101 in a substantially flat state, and can place the lens 60 in a state in which the shielding member 101 covers the lens 60. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10, the switching mechanism 100 can wind up the shielding member 101 around the shaft member 102, and retract the shielding member 101 from the lens 60 to place the lens 60 in a state in which the lens 60 is exposed. By unrolling and retracting the shielding member 101 in this manner, the shielding member 101 is deformed and displaced, and the switching mechanism 100 can switch between a state in which the lens 60 is covered and a state in which the lens 60 is exposed.

[0064] The shielding member 101 has a cutout shape in the area corresponding to the recessed portion 58b, which prevents the shielding member 101 from coming into contact with the recessed portion 67c (see Figure 4) of the abutting member 67 received in the recessed portion 58b.

[0065] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a rear view of a case-attached image display device according to the fourth embodiment, with some of the configuration omitted. Fig. 12 is a rear view similar to Fig. 11, but with the shielding member displaced.

[0066] 11 and 12, the fourth embodiment also has a configuration in which the switching mechanism 70 is modified from that of the first embodiment. The switching mechanism 110 of the fourth embodiment includes a polarizing plate 111 that serves as a disk-shaped shielding member, and a drive unit 112 that rotates the polarizing plate 111. The drive unit 112 has a configuration similar to that of the drive unit 76 of the first embodiment, and rotates the polarizing plate 111 in the same manner as the drive unit 76 rotates the cam plate 72.

[0067] In the fourth embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel is used for the video display device 62, and the light of the image is polarized in the left-right direction by a polarization filter of the liquid crystal display panel. In other words, the polarization filter of the video display device 62 passes only light polarized in the left-right direction and blocks light polarized in other directions.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, the polarizing plate 111 passes only light polarized in the direction of the striped pattern shown in Figures 11 and 12 for the sake of convenience, and blocks light polarized in other directions. Note that the striped pattern shown on the polarizing plate 111 is not actually formed. The polarizing plate 111 can be configured, for example, by attaching a polarizing filter to a transparent plate.

[0069] In the switching mechanism 110 of the fourth embodiment, by driving the driving unit 112, the polarizing plate 111 can be switched between an orientation in which only light polarized in the vertical direction passes as shown in Fig. 11 and an orientation in which only light polarized in the horizontal direction passes as shown in Fig. 12. In the state shown in Fig. 12, the polarization directions of the polarizing filter of the image display device 62 and the polarizing plate 111 are both horizontal, and the user can view the image through the polarizing plate 111.

[0070] 11, when sunlight enters from outside, only light polarized in the vertical direction passes through the polarizing plate 111 and the lens 60, and this polarized light enters the image display device 62. The polarizing filter of the image display device 62 passes only light polarized in the horizontal direction; in other words, the polarizing plate 111 blocks light polarized in the vertical direction that enters. Therefore, sunlight entering the image display device 62 via the polarizing plate 111 can be blocked, and damage to the image display device 62 caused by light concentration by the lens 60 can be prevented.

[0071] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, even if the lens 60 is kept covered with the polarizing plate 111 that serves as a shielding member, it is possible to switch between a state in which the incidence of sunlight on the image display device 62 can be restricted and a state in which the restriction is lifted and the image on the image display device 62 can be viewed.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, for example, if the image display device 62 is an organic EL display that does not have a polarizing filter, an additional polarizing plate (not shown) may be provided between the polarizing plate 111 and the image display device 62 or behind the polarizing plate 111. By setting the orientation of the additional polarizing plate so that only light polarized in the left-right direction passes through and light polarized in other directions is blocked, it is possible to achieve the same function as in the fourth embodiment.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments. In the above-described embodiments, the size, shape, direction, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the effects of the present invention. In addition, the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

[0074] For example, although the sensor 78 is described as a proximity sensor as the detection unit, this is not limiting. For example, the detection unit may be a button-type switch that can be pressed by the face of an approaching user. Such a switch is pressed when the face approaches and released when the face moves away, thereby detecting whether the face is approaching. Furthermore, the detection unit may be an illuminance sensor that senses brightness. Such an illuminance sensor can detect whether the face is approaching by detecting a change in brightness of the illuminance sensor due to the approach of the face. When direct sunlight no longer enters the lens 60, the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110 uncover the lens 60. While it is desirable to combine the illuminance sensor with the switch, it may also be used independently. However, the illuminance sensor functions when the power of the image display device 50 is ON, and when the power of the image display device 50 is OFF, the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110 are in an inactive (closed) state.

[0075] Furthermore, although the case where the detector is provided on the attachment 64 has been described, it may be located elsewhere. For example, a detector may be provided on the partition wall 58, and an opening or cutout may be provided in the base member 68 at a portion facing the detector, thereby enabling detection of the approach of a face. In such a configuration, if the main unit 51 is equipped with a detector on the partition wall 58 for controlling the sleep mode of the video display device 62, etc., the equipped detector can be used to switch the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, 110.

[0076] Furthermore, although the configuration in which the attachment 64 and the main unit 51 are connected via connectors 80 and 81 has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the connectors 80 and 81 can be omitted by configuring the attachment 64 to have a built-in battery and to be able to send and receive signals to the control unit 85 of the main unit 51 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, power may be supplied to the attachment 64, including the drive unit 76, via a USB port or the like of the main unit 51. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to add or modify the structure of the housing 55 of the main unit 51 in order to use the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110. This makes it possible to obtain the above-described functions of the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110 by retrofitting the attachment 64 to the main unit 51.

[0077] Furthermore, although the attachment 64 is held by being sandwiched between the abutment member 67 and the partition wall 58, the attachment 64 may be attached by fitting or the like to the abutment member 67. In this case, the abutment member 67 may be attached to the opening 19 side of the case body 11, instead of being fitted to the rear end 55c side of the housing 55.

[0078] In each embodiment, the base member 68 may be omitted, and the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, 110 may be provided on the partition wall 58.

[0079] Moreover, the various drives of the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110 may be performed manually.

[0080] The shapes of the flakes 71, 91 to 93 can be changed in various ways as long as they can cover the outer surface of the lens 60 and restrict the incidence of sunlight. Although a single flake may be provided for each lens 60, it is preferable to use multiple flakes when considering the positional relationship when the flakes are retracted from the lens 60.

[0081] Furthermore, the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, and 110 may be provided inside the housing 55 in front of the lens 60, as long as they perform the above-mentioned functions.

[0082] Furthermore, the image display device 50 may have a battery built into the main unit 51, and the separate battery unit 52 may be omitted.

[0083] Furthermore, the shape of the housing 55 of the image display device 50 may be a shape other than that of each of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, although the image display device 50 is housed in the case 10, the case 10 may be omitted. In other words, although the image display device 1 with the case configured with the case 10 and the image display device 50 has been described, it can also be used as a configuration of the image display device 50 alone. In such use, even in a situation where sunlight is incident on the lens 60 (such as under sunlight), the switching mechanisms 70, 90, 100, 110 can prevent sunlight from passing through the lens 60 and entering the image display device 62. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention relates to an image display device that can prevent damage to the inside of the device due to sunlight. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Video display device with case 50:Video display device 55: Housing 60: Lens 62:Video display device 64: Attachment 70: Switching mechanism 71: flake (shielding member) 76: Drive unit 78: Sensor 90: Switching mechanism 91: First piece (piece, shielding member) 91a: First rotary drive shaft (drive unit) 92: Second piece (piece, shielding member) 92a: Second rotary drive shaft (drive unit) 93: Third piece (piece, shielding member) 93a: Slide mechanism (drive unit) 100: Switching mechanism 101: Shielding member 102: Shaft member (drive part) 110: Switching mechanism 111: Polarizing plate (shielding member) 112: Drive unit

Claims

1. An image display device that is used in a state where it is placed close to the user's eyes, a lens that is positioned against the eye in use; an image display device that projects an image through the lens onto the user's eye; a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed; The switching mechanism is configured to include an iris diaphragm mechanism and a shielding member that covers the outer surface side of the lens, and the switching is performed by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member.

2. An image display device that is used in a state where it is placed close to the user's eyes, a lens that is positioned against the eye in use; an image display device that projects an image through the lens onto the user's eye; a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed; the switching mechanism includes a shielding member that covers an outer surface side of the lens, and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member; a detection unit that detects the approach of a user's face to the lens; a drive unit that displaces and / or deforms the shielding member in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit and performs the switching of the switching mechanism.

3. An image display device that is used in a state where it is placed close to the user's eyes, a lens that is positioned against the eye in use; an image display device that projects an image through the lens onto the user's eye; a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed; the switching mechanism includes a shielding member that covers an outer surface side of the lens, and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member; a housing for holding the lens; an attachment detachably provided on the housing; and a contact member that contacts the face of the user. The attachment includes the switching mechanism, and is sandwiched between the housing and the abutment member and detachably provided on the housing.

4. An image display device that is used in a state where it is placed close to the user's eyes, a lens that is positioned against the eye in use; an image display device that projects an image through the lens onto the user's eye; a switching mechanism that switches between a state in which light incident on the image display device through the lens is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released and the lens is exposed; the switching mechanism includes a shielding member that covers an outer surface side of the lens, and performs the switching by displacing and / or deforming the shielding member; a housing for holding the lens; and an attachment detachably provided on the housing, the attachment includes a plate-shaped base member and the switching mechanism provided on the base member; An opening is formed in the base member at a position facing the lens, and the switching mechanism is provided in accordance with the opening.

5. the shielding member includes a plurality of strips provided for one of the lenses, the switching mechanism includes an iris diaphragm mechanism having a disk-shaped cam plate with an opening formed by a circular inner peripheral edge, the plurality of pieces are annularly arranged between the base member and the cam plate in a direction along an edge of an opening of the cam plate, and have pins protruding therefrom; The pin is received in a slot formed in the cam plate; 5. The image display device of claim 4, wherein the cam plate rotates within a predetermined angular range around the center of the cam plate, displacing the slot holes and displacing the pins, thereby simultaneously rotating the plurality of strips in directions toward and away from the center of the annular arrangement.

6. 6. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism displaces the shielding member in a direction along an outer surface of the lens.

7. The image display device according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding member includes a plurality of strips provided for each of the lenses.

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