Head mounted display device

Abstract

A head mounted display device comprises a host, two brackets, two first torque sources and two second torque sources. The two brackets are respectively pivotally connected to opposite sides of the host through a pivot part. The two first torque sources are respectively arranged between a corresponding one of the brackets and the host, and are respectively used to provide a first torque to drive a corresponding one of the brackets to rotate in a folding direction. The two second torque sources are respectively arranged between a corresponding one of the brackets and the host, and are respectively used to provide a second torque to drive the corresponding one of the brackets to rotate in the folding direction when an angle between the corresponding one of the brackets and the host is less than a critical angle, and are respectively used to provide a third torque to drive the corresponding one of the brackets to rotate in an unfolding direction when the angle between the corresponding one of the brackets and the host is greater than the critical angle. The unfolding direction is opposite to the folding direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a head-mounted display device. Prior Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the technology industry, the forms, functions, and usage methods of display devices are becoming increasingly diverse, leading to the emergence of head-mounted display devices that can be worn directly on the user's head. There are many types of head-mounted display devices. Taking eyeglass-type head-mounted display devices as an example, after wearing such a display device, in addition to seeing stereoscopic images, the images also change as the user's head moves, providing the user with a more immersive experience.

[0003] However, everyone's head shape and size are different. Therefore, head-mounted displays need to provide an adjustable structure to accommodate different users, in order to improve wearing comfort and prevent the head-mounted display from being damaged by drops. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a head-mounted display device with an adjustable architecture to suit different users.

[0005] The head-mounted display device of the present invention includes a main unit, two supports, two first torque sources, and two second torque sources. The two supports are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the main unit at a pivot joint. The two first torque sources are respectively disposed between the corresponding supports and the main unit, and are used to provide a first torque to drive the corresponding support to rotate in a folding direction. The two second torque sources are respectively disposed between the corresponding supports and the main unit, and are used to provide a second torque to drive the corresponding support to rotate in the folding direction when the included angle between the corresponding support and the main unit is less than a critical angle, and to provide a third torque to drive the corresponding support to rotate in an unfolding direction when the included angle between the corresponding support and the main unit is greater than the critical angle. The unfolding direction is opposite to the folding direction.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, each second torque source is a telescopic spring. The connection point between each second torque source and its corresponding bracket maintains a distance from the pivot point. When the angle between the corresponding bracket and the main unit is equal to a critical angle, the elastic force applied by the second torque source to the corresponding bracket passes through the pivot point.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, each second torque source includes a slider and a telescopic spring. The telescopic spring abuts against the slider. The elastic force applied by the telescopic spring to the slider drives the slider to remain abutting against the corresponding bracket. The slider is restricted to sliding in a sliding direction. The sliding direction passes through the pivot of the corresponding bracket.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfaces of each slider that contact the corresponding bracket and the surfaces of each bracket that contact the corresponding slider are both curved surfaces.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, each second torque source includes a slider, a telescopic spring, and a connecting rod. The telescopic spring is connected to the slider. The connecting rod is pivotally connected to the slider and a corresponding bracket. The connection point between the connecting rod and the corresponding bracket and the pivot point are kept at a distance. The slider is restricted to sliding in a sliding direction. The sliding direction passes through the pivot point of the corresponding bracket.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, each second torque source includes a slider, a telescopic spring, a fixed block, and a sliding rod. The slider and the telescopic spring are sleeved on the sliding rod. The fixed block is fixed to the main unit. The sliding rod is fixed to the corresponding bracket. The sliding rod passes through the fixed block and can rotate relative to the fixed block. The sliding rod and the slider rotate synchronously. One length direction of the sliding rod passes through the pivot of the corresponding bracket. The telescopic spring abuts against the slider. The elastic force applied to the slider by the telescopic spring drives the slider to remain in contact with the fixed block. When the angle between the corresponding bracket and the main unit is equal to the critical angle, the direction of the reaction force applied to the slider by the fixed block is parallel to the length direction. When the angle between the corresponding bracket and the main unit is not equal to the critical angle, the reaction force applied to the slider by the fixed block drives the slider to rotate the sliding rod.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of each slider that contacts the corresponding fixed block and the surface of each fixed block that contacts the corresponding slider are both wavy annular surfaces.

[0012] Based on the above, in the head-mounted display device of the present invention, the torque of the second torque source can increase or decrease the clamping force, so that users with different head sizes can have a comfortable wearing experience. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 are top-view schematic diagrams of the head-mounted display device in Figure 1 in three states. Figure 5A is a top view of the head-mounted display device of Figure 1 in the three states shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 5B is a graph showing the relationship between the included angle of the support frame of the head-mounted display device in Figure 1 and the torque it is subjected to. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device at a second torque source according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an explosion diagram of the second torque source of the head-mounted display device in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another state of the second torque source of the head-mounted display device in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device at a second torque source according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device at a second torque source according to another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 are top views of the head-mounted display device of Figure 1 in three states. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the head-mounted display device 100 of this embodiment includes a host 110, two supports 120, two first torque sources 130, and two second torque sources 140. In this embodiment, the host 110 is a display, which can be applied, for example, to virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, or mixed reality systems. The host 110 may include a display module, an optical system, and a protective shell, etc. In this embodiment, the supports 120 are temples used to fix the host 110 to the user's head.

[0015] In this embodiment, the total number of brackets 120, first torque sources 130, and second torque sources 140 is two, and the number of brackets 120, first torque sources 130, and second torque sources 140 on each side of the main unit 110 is one. Here, only the brackets 120, first torque sources 130, and second torque sources 140 on one side of the main unit 110 will be described; the situation on the other side is basically the same, so the description is omitted.

[0016] In this embodiment, each bracket 120 is pivotally connected to one side of the main unit 110 via a pivot joint 122. Each first torque source 130 is disposed between the corresponding bracket 120 and the main unit 110 to provide a first torque T1 to drive the corresponding bracket 120 to rotate in a folding direction D10. Each second torque source 140 is disposed between the corresponding bracket 120 and the main unit 110. The bracket 120 can rotate relative to the main unit 110, and the included angle A1 between them changes as the bracket 120 rotates. Specifically, the included angle A1 is formed by the angle between the length direction L5 of the bracket 120 and the optical axis direction A10 of the optical system of the main unit 110.

[0017] Figure 5A is a top view of the head-mounted display device of Figure 1 in the three states shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 5B is a graph showing the relationship between the included angle of the support and the torque applied to the head-mounted display device of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 2, 5A, and 5B, when the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the main unit 110 is less than a critical angle, the second torque source 140 provides a second torque T2 to the support 120 to drive the support 120 to rotate in the folding direction D10. For example, the second torque source 140 can be a telescopic spring. When the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the main unit 110 is less than the critical angle, the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the support 120 maintains a distance from the pivot 122, so the elastic force F10 will generate a second torque T2 on the support 120. When the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the main unit 110 is less than the critical angle, it indicates that the user of the head-mounted display device 100 has a smaller head size. As shown in Figure 5B, the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130 may be relatively small and insufficient to drive the bracket 120 to securely clamp the head-mounted display device 100 to the user's head. However, the second torque T2 provided by the second torque source 140 can compensate for the deficiency of the first torque T1, so the two can work together to drive the bracket 120 to securely clamp the head-mounted display device 100 to the user's head.

[0018] As can be seen from Figure 5B, the magnitude of the first torque T1 generally increases with the increase of the included angle A1. On the other hand, by design, the distance maintained between the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the support 120 and the pivot 122 decreases as the included angle A1 approaches the critical angle, therefore the second torque T2 also decreases as the included angle A1 approaches the critical angle. When changing from the state in Figure 2 to the state in Figure 3, the total torque TT of the first torque T1 and the second torque T2, designed by the design, can remain fixed, providing the same appropriate clamping force for users with different head sizes.

[0019] Referring to Figures 3, 5A, and 5B, when the head-mounted display device 100 transitions from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 3, that is, when the included angle A1 equals the critical angle, the second torque T2 provided by the second torque source 140 to the support 120 returns to zero. For example, at this time, the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the support 120 passes through the pivot 122, and therefore cannot generate an effective torque on the support 120.

[0020] Referring to Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, when the angle A1 between the bracket 120 and the main unit 110 is greater than the critical angle, the second torque source 140 provides a third torque T3 to the bracket 120 to drive the bracket 120 to rotate in an unfolding direction D20. The unfolding direction D20 is opposite to the folding direction D10. For example, the second torque source 140 can be a telescopic spring. When the angle A1 between the bracket 120 and the main unit 110 is greater than the critical angle, the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the bracket 120 maintains a distance from the pivot 122, so the elastic force F10 will generate a third torque T3 on the bracket 120. Since the elastic force F10 in Figures 2 and 4 passes through different parts of the pivot 122, the directions of the second torque T2 and the third torque T3 will also be opposite. When the angle A1 between the bracket 120 and the main unit 110 is greater than the critical angle, it indicates that the head-mounted display device 100 has a large head shape. As shown in Figure 5B, the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130 may be relatively large, which may cause the bracket 120 to apply excessive clamping force to the user's head, resulting in user discomfort. However, the third torque T3 provided by the second torque source 140 can offset part of the first torque T1, so the bracket 120 can apply an appropriate clamping force to the user's head and still securely clamp the head-mounted display device 100 to the user's head.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5B, through design, the distance maintained between the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the support 120 and the pivot 122 gradually increases from the critical angle as the included angle A1 approaches, and the third torque T3 also increases accordingly. When changing from the state in Figure 3 to the state in Figure 4, the total torque TT of the first torque T1 and the third torque T3, designed to be constant, can be kept fixed, providing the same appropriate clamping force for users with different head sizes. In this embodiment, the critical angle is 10 degrees. In other words, when the support 120 is extended to 10 degrees, the torque provided by the second torque source 140 is 0. The present invention does not limit the critical angle to 10 degrees, and it can be defined as other angles according to design requirements.

[0022] Referring again to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the connection between the second torque source 140 and the bracket 120 is not at the pivot 122, but rather maintains a distance from the pivot 122. In this way, the elastic force F10 applied by the second torque source 140 to the bracket 120 can generate an effective torque on the bracket 120.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device according to another embodiment of the present invention at the second torque source. Referring to Figures 1 and 6, the head-mounted display device of this embodiment is similar to the head-mounted display device 100 of Figure 1, except that the second torque source 240 is different; therefore, other parts are omitted from the diagram and description. Each second torque source 240 includes a slider 242, a telescopic spring 244, a fixing block 246A, and a sliding rod 248. The slider 242 and the telescopic spring 244 are sleeved on the sliding rod 248. The fixing block 246A is fixed to the main unit 110 and therefore does not rotate with the bracket 120. The sliding rod 248 is fixed to the bracket 120 and therefore rotates with the bracket 120. The sliding rod 248 passes through the fixing block 246A and can rotate relative to the fixing block 246A, that is, the sliding rod 248 rotates relative to the main unit 110 with the bracket 120. The sliding rod 248 rotates synchronously with the slider 242. For example, the shape of the opening in the middle of the slider 242 matches the shape of the cross section of the upper half of the slider 248, so the slider 242 can slide in the upper half of the slider 248 and rotate synchronously with the slider 248.

[0024] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the second torque source of the head-mounted display device of Figure 6. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a length direction L10 of the slide bar 248 passes through the pivot 122 of the bracket 120. That is, the length direction L10 of the slide bar 248 overlaps with the direction of the axis of rotation around which the bracket 120 rotates. A telescopic spring 244 abuts against the slider 242. The elastic force applied by the telescopic spring 244 to the slider 242 drives the slider 242 to remain in contact with the fixed block 246A. For example, the second torque source 240 may further include a fixed block 246B, which is fixed to the main unit 110 and therefore does not rotate with the bracket 120. The slide bar 248 passes through the fixed block 246B and can rotate relative to the fixed block 246B. The fixed blocks 246A and 246B are located at the two ends of the slide bar 248, respectively. The telescopic spring 244 is constrained between the slider 242 and the fixed block 246B. As the slider 242 slides, the degree of deformation of the telescopic spring 244 varies, and the magnitude of the elastic force applied by the telescopic spring 244 to the slider 242 also varies.

[0025] When the host and support of the head-mounted display device in this embodiment are in the state shown in Figure 3, that is, when the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the host 110 is equal to the critical angle, the direction of the reaction force F20 applied by the fixing block 246A to the slider 242 is parallel to the length direction L10. As in the state shown in Figure 6, the reaction force F20 of the fixing block 246A will only prevent the slider 242 from sliding in the length direction L10, and no other component force will be applied to the slider 242 to make it rotate.

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another state of the second torque source of the head-mounted display device of Figure 6. Referring to Figure 8, when the host and support of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment are in the state shown in Figure 2, that is, when the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the host 110 is not equal to the critical angle, the reaction force F20 applied by the fixing block 246A to the slider 242 drives the slider 242 to rotate the slide rod 248. Specifically, when the included angle A1 between the support 120 and the host 110 is not equal to the critical angle, the fixing block 246A and the slider 242 are in contact with each other on an inclined plane, so the direction of the reaction force F20 applied by the fixing block 246A to the slider 242 is not parallel to the length direction L10. At this time, the reaction force F20 drives the slider 242 to rotate, and the slider 242 drives the slide rod 248 to rotate. That is, the reaction force F20 applies torque to the support 120. Depending on the direction of the contact slope between the fixed block 246A and the slider 242, the direction of the torque applied by the reaction force F20 to the bracket 120 will also be different, similar to the situation in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 4.

[0027] When the user of the head-mounted display device in this embodiment has a small head, the direction of the torque applied by the reaction force F20 to the bracket 120 is the same as the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can make up for the deficiency of the first torque T1. Therefore, the two can work together to drive the bracket 120 to firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0028] When the user of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment has a large head, the direction of the torque applied by the reaction force F20 to the bracket 120 is opposite to the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can offset part of the first torque T1, so that the bracket 120 can apply an appropriate clamping force on the user's head, and can still firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0029] In this embodiment, the surface 242S of the slider 242 that contacts the fixing block 246A and the surface 246AS of the fixing block 246A that contacts the slider 242 are both wavy annular surfaces.

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device according to another embodiment of the present invention at the second torque source. Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the head-mounted display device of this embodiment is similar to the head-mounted display device 100 of Figure 1, except that the second torque source 340 is different; therefore, other parts are omitted from the diagram and description. In this embodiment, each second torque source 340 includes a slider 342 and a telescopic spring 344. The telescopic spring 344 abuts against the slider 342. The elastic force applied by the telescopic spring 344 to the slider 342 drives the slider 342 to remain abutting against the corresponding bracket 120. The slider 342 is restricted to slide along a sliding direction D30. The sliding direction D30 passes through the pivot 122 of the corresponding bracket 120.

[0031] When the slider 342 contacts the lower side of the bracket 120 in Figure 9, that is, when the user of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment has a small head, the direction of the torque applied by the slider 342 to the bracket 120 is the same as the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can make up for the deficiency of the first torque T1. Therefore, the two can work together to drive the bracket 120 to firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0032] When the slider 342 contacts the upper side of the bracket 120 in Figure 9, that is, when the user of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment has a large head, the direction of the torque applied by the slider 342 to the bracket 120 is opposite to the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can offset part of the first torque T1, so that the bracket 120 can apply an appropriate clamping force on the user's head, and can still firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0033] In this embodiment, both the surface 342A of the slider 342 that contacts the support 120 and the surface 120A of the support 120 that contacts the slider 342 are curved surfaces. For example, the main unit of the head-mounted display device has a channel for the slider 342 to slide, which can also restrict the sliding direction of the slider 342. Therefore, it is possible to produce the effect that the contact position between the support 120 and the slider 342 changes as the support 120 rotates to different positions.

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display device according to another embodiment of the present invention at the second torque source. Referring to Figures 1 and 10, the head-mounted display device of this embodiment is similar to the head-mounted display device 100 of Figure 1, except that the second torque source 440 is different; therefore, other parts are omitted from the diagram and description. In this embodiment, each second torque source 440 includes a slider 442, a telescopic spring 444, and a connecting rod 446. The telescopic spring 444 is connected to the slider 442. The connecting rod 446 is pivotally connected to the slider 442 and the corresponding bracket 120. The connection 124 and the pivot 122 of the connecting rod 446 and the corresponding bracket 120 are kept at a distance. The slider 442 is restricted to slide along a sliding direction D30. The sliding direction D30 passes through the pivot 122 of the corresponding bracket 120.

[0035] When the slider 442 is located on the lower side of the bracket 120 in Figure 9, that is, when the user of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment has a small head, the direction of the torque applied by the slider 442 to the bracket 120 through the connecting rod 446 is the same as the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can make up for the deficiency of the first torque T1. Therefore, the two can work together to drive the bracket 120 to firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0036] When the slider 442 is located on the upper side of the bracket 120 in Figure 9, that is, when the user of the head-mounted display device of this embodiment has a large head, the direction of the torque applied by the slider 442 to the bracket 120 through the connecting rod 446 is opposite to the first torque T1 provided by the first torque source 130, which can offset part of the first torque T1, so that the bracket 120 can apply an appropriate clamping force on the user's head, and can still firmly clamp the head-mounted display device of this embodiment on the user's head.

[0037] In this embodiment, the main unit of the head-mounted display device may be provided with a channel for the slider 442 to slide, and the sliding direction of the slider 442 may also be restricted. Therefore, it is possible to produce the effect that when the support 120 is rotated to different positions, the direction of the torque applied to the support 120 by the slider 442 through the connecting rod 446 also changes.

[0038] In summary, in the head-mounted display device of the present invention, the second torque source provides different torques depending on the angle between the bracket and the main unit, thus appropriately increasing or decreasing the clamping force, so that users with different head sizes can have a comfortable wearing experience.

[0039] 100: Head-mounted display device 110: Host 120: Bracket 122: Pivot 130: First Torque Source 140, 240, 340, 440: Second torque source 242,342,442: Slider 242S, 246AS: Surface 244, 344, 444: Extension springs 246A, 246B: Fixing blocks 248: Slide bar 446: Linkage A1: Angle A10: Optical axis direction T1: First Torque T2: Second Torque T3: Third Torque TT: Total Torque F10: Elastic force F20: Reaction force D10: Folding direction D20: Deployment Direction D30: Sliding direction L5, L10: Length direction

Claims

1. A head-mounted display device, comprising: One host computer; Two brackets are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the main unit at a pivot joint; Two first torque sources are respectively disposed between the corresponding bracket and the main unit, and are used to provide a first torque to drive the corresponding bracket to rotate in a folding direction; and two second torque sources are respectively disposed between the corresponding bracket and the main unit, and are used to provide a second torque to drive the corresponding bracket to rotate in the folding direction when the included angle between the corresponding bracket and the main unit is less than a critical angle, the sum of the first torque and the second torque remains fixed, and are used to provide a third torque to drive the corresponding bracket to rotate in an unfolding direction when the included angle between the corresponding bracket and the main unit is greater than the critical angle, the sum of the first torque and the third torque remains fixed, wherein the unfolding direction is opposite to the folding direction.

2. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second torque sources is a telescopic spring, the connection between each of the second torque sources and the corresponding bracket is kept at a distance from the pivot point, and when the included angle of the corresponding bracket is equal to the critical angle, the elastic force applied by the second torque source to the corresponding bracket passes through the pivot point.

3. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second torque sources includes a slider and a telescopic spring abutting against the slider, the telescopic spring applying an elastic force to the slider to drive the slider to remain abutting against the corresponding bracket, the slider being restricted to sliding in a sliding direction passing through the pivot of the corresponding bracket.

4. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the surface of each slider that contacts the corresponding bracket and the surface of each bracket that contacts the corresponding slider are both curved surfaces.

5. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second torque sources includes a slider, a telescopic spring and a connecting rod, the telescopic spring being connected to the slider, the connecting rod being pivotally connected to the slider and the corresponding bracket, the connection point of the connecting rod and the corresponding bracket maintaining a distance from the pivot point, and the slider being restricted to sliding in a sliding direction passing through the pivot point of the corresponding bracket.

6. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second torque sources includes a slider, a telescopic spring, a fixing block, and a sliding rod. The slider and the telescopic spring are sleeved on the sliding rod. The fixing block is fixed to the main unit. The sliding rod is fixed to the corresponding bracket. The sliding rod passes through the fixing block and is rotatable relative to the fixing block. The sliding rod rotates synchronously with the slider. A length direction of the sliding rod passes through the pivot of the corresponding bracket. The telescopic spring abuts against the slider. The elastic force applied by the telescopic spring to the slider drives the slider to remain in contact with the fixing block. When the included angle of the corresponding bracket is equal to the critical angle, the direction of the reaction force applied by the fixing block to the slider is parallel to the length direction. When the included angle of the corresponding bracket is not equal to the critical angle, the reaction force applied by the fixing block to the slider drives the slider to rotate the sliding rod.

7. The head-mounted display device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the surface of each slider that contacts the corresponding fixing block and the surface of each fixing block that contacts the corresponding slider are both wavy annular surfaces.

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