Optical waveguide sun visor structure and vehicle

Abstract

An optical waveguide sun visor structure (100). The optical waveguide sun visor structure (100) is used for a vehicle (200), and comprises a sun visor (10), an optical waveguide (20) and a picture generation unit (30), wherein the suns visor (10) is rotatably arranged on the vehicle (200); the optical waveguide (20) is arranged on the sun visor (10); the picture generation unit (30) is arranged on the sun visor (10) and is connected to the optical waveguide (20); the picture generation unit (30) is configured to generate a picture light beam and couple the picture light beam into the optical waveguide (20); and the optical waveguide (20) is configured to totally reflect the picture light beam and then emit the picture light beam into a passenger compartment of the vehicle (200) by means of a coupling-out region. A device can improve the user experience for the vehicle. Further disclosed is the vehicle (200).

Description

Light waveguide visor structure and vehicle

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits of patent application No. 202321879454.1 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 17, 2023, and the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an optical waveguide sun visor structure and a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Currently, car sun visors generally only provide mirror-like reflections, reducing the user experience. Related technologies have added displays to the sun visor to enhance its functionality. However, while the car is in motion, the sun visor display is unstable and vibrates significantly, making it difficult for users to use it. Furthermore, this type of display places passengers too close to the sun visor. Long-term viewing can affect vision due to the small screen size, jitter, and binocular parallax, which can cause dizziness and dizziness.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide an optical waveguide sun visor structure and a vehicle.

[0007] The optical waveguide sun visor structure of the embodiment of the present application is used for a vehicle, and the optical waveguide sun visor structure includes a sun visor, an optical waveguide and an optomechanical unit. The sun visor is rotatably arranged on the vehicle, the optical waveguide is arranged on the sun visor, and the optomechanical unit is arranged on the sun visor and connected to the optical waveguide. The optomechanical unit is configured to generate a picture light beam and couple the picture light beam into the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to emit the picture light beam into the passenger compartment of the vehicle through a decoupling area after total reflection.

[0008] In the optical waveguide sun visor structure of the embodiment of the present application, the optical waveguide sun visor structure is used in a vehicle and includes a sun visor, an optical waveguide, and an optomechanical unit. The sun visor is rotatably mounted on the vehicle, the optical waveguide is mounted on the sun visor, and the optomechanical unit is mounted on the sun visor and connected to the optical waveguide. The optomechanical unit is configured to generate a picture beam and couple the picture beam into the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to totally reflect the picture beam and then transmit it through an outcoupling region into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In this way, the optomechanical unit can cooperate with the optical waveguide to generate a virtual picture at a location 10 meters away. Moreover, the display area of ​​the virtual picture of the optical waveguide is relatively large, which can be greater than 100 inches. Long-term viewing will not cause dizziness, thereby improving the user experience of the vehicle.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the optical waveguide has a thickness of 1.5-2.5 mm.

[0010] In this way, the thickness of the optical waveguide is set within this range, which has little impact on the entire sun visor structure and can be modified without changing the size of the sun visor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the visor includes a through hole, and the optical waveguide is at least partially disposed in the through hole.

[0012] In this way, the optical waveguide is at least partially set in the through hole. While the optical waveguide displays the image generated by the optical machine unit, the user can also see the scene in front of the vehicle through the optical waveguide, combining virtual and real, so that the display effect is integrated with the outside environment.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sun visor further includes a display portion and a shielding portion, the display portion and the shielding portion are distributed along the length direction of the sun visor, and the through hole is formed in the display portion.

[0014] In this way, the user can block excess light through the shielding part to avoid being affected by glare. At the same time, the user can also control the position of the sun visor by holding the shielding part with his hand, and then adjust the angle between the optical waveguide and the user's eyes to ensure that the user has a better viewing angle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the shielding portion is further formed with a notch, and the notch is used to set and connect the rotating shaft of the vehicle.

[0016] In this way, the rotating shaft of the vehicle can be connected to the sun visor through the notch, thereby ensuring that the optical waveguide sun visor structure and the vehicle are stably connected in rotation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the light waveguide sun visor structure further includes a light barrier, which is detachably connected to the sun visor and is located between the light waveguide and the front windshield of the vehicle.

[0018] When installed between the optical waveguide and the front windshield, the light barrier blocks light from the windshield, allowing the user to see only the image displayed by the optical waveguide. When the light barrier is removed, the optical waveguide becomes translucent, allowing the user to see the virtual image generated by the display optical unit while also allowing the user to see the scene in front of the vehicle through the optical waveguide. This combination of virtual and real makes the display effect blend seamlessly with the external environment.

[0019] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present application includes the optical waveguide visor structure described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0020] In the optical waveguide sun visor structure and vehicle according to the embodiments of the present application, the optical waveguide sun visor structure is used in a vehicle and includes a sun visor, an optical waveguide, and an optomechanical unit. The sun visor is rotatably mounted on the vehicle, the optical waveguide is mounted on the sun visor, and the optomechanical unit is mounted on the sun visor and connected to the optical waveguide. The optomechanical unit is configured to generate a picture beam and couple the picture beam into the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to totally reflect the picture beam and then transmit it through an outcoupling region into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In this way, the optomechanical unit can cooperate with the optical waveguide to generate a virtual picture at a distance of 10 meters. Furthermore, the display area of ​​the virtual picture of the optical waveguide is relatively large, exceeding 100 inches, and dizziness will not occur when viewed for a long time, thereby improving the user experience of the vehicle.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a motor and a rotating shaft, wherein the rotating shaft is disposed on the top of the sun visor, and the motor is connected to the rotating shaft and drives the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby driving the sun visor to rotate relative to the body of the vehicle.

[0022] In this way, the motor can drive the shaft to rotate, and then the shaft can drive the sun visor to rotate around the car body, realizing automatic shading action.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a controller, which is connected to the motor and the optical-mechanical unit, respectively, and adjusts the sun visor to a suitable position through the motor.

[0024] In this way, the controller can be connected to the motor, and then the controller can adjust and control the motor, and then the angle of the sun visor can be adjusted according to the user's actual position or the position previously set by the user. The sun visor can automatically adjust to the optimal viewing angle to ensure a better user experience of the optical waveguide.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a display screen, and the controller is connected to the display screen.

[0026] In this way, the controller can also be connected to a display screen, and the user can input instructions to the controller through the display screen, so that the controller can transmit signals to the motor and optical machine unit to control the motor and optical machine unit to perform functions.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide sunshade structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG2 is another schematic structural diagram of the optical waveguide sunshade structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a module of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Description of main component symbols:

[0034] Light waveguide visor structure 100;

[0035] Sun visor 10 , through hole 11 , display portion 12 , shielding portion 13 , notch 131 , optical waveguide 20 , optical machine unit 30 , light shield 40 , vehicle 200 , motor 201 , shaft 202 , controller 203 , display screen 204 , camera 205 , and front windshield 206 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0038] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The optical waveguide sun visor structure 100 of the embodiment of the present application is used for a vehicle 200. The optical waveguide sun visor structure 100 includes a sun visor 10, an optical waveguide 20 and an optomechanical unit 30 (picture generation unit, PGU). The sun visor 10 is rotatably set on the vehicle 200, the optical waveguide 20 is set on the sun visor 10, the optomechanical unit 30 is set on the sun visor 10 and connected to the optical waveguide 20, the optomechanical unit 30 is configured to generate a picture light beam and couple the picture light beam into the optical waveguide 20, and the optical waveguide 20 is configured to emit the picture light beam into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200 through the outcoupling area after total reflection.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4 , a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present application includes the optical waveguide visor structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] In the optical waveguide visor structure 100 and vehicle 200 of the present embodiment, the optical waveguide visor structure 100 is used in vehicle 200 and includes a sun visor 10, an optical waveguide 20, and an optomechanical unit 30. The sun visor 10 is rotatably mounted on vehicle 200, the optical waveguide 20 is mounted on the sun visor 10, and the optomechanical unit 30 is mounted on the sun visor 10 and connected to the optical waveguide 20. The optomechanical unit 30 is configured to generate an image beam and couple the image beam into the optical waveguide 20. The optical waveguide 20 is configured to totally reflect the image beam and then transmit it through an outcoupling region into the passenger compartment of vehicle 200. In this manner, the optomechanical unit 30 can cooperate with the optical waveguide 20 to generate a virtual image at a location up to 10 meters away. Furthermore, the display area of ​​the virtual image of the optical waveguide 20 is relatively large, exceeding 100 inches, preventing dizziness during prolonged viewing, thereby enhancing the user experience of vehicle 200.

[0042] Specifically, this application combines the optical waveguide 20 display technology with the sun visor 10. The optical engine unit 30 is configured to generate a picture beam and couple it into the optical waveguide 20. The optical waveguide 20 can generate a virtual image, allowing the user in the cockpit to see a virtual scene larger than 100 inches at a distance of 10 meters through the optical waveguide 20. This makes the optical waveguide 20 lightweight, compact, highly transparent, with a wide viewing angle and excellent display quality. Users will not experience motion sickness even after viewing the optical waveguide 20 for an extended period, providing a better user experience.

[0043] Furthermore, the optomechanical unit 30, in conjunction with the optical waveguide 20, can be used to display various types of virtual images. In the embodiments of this application, the type of virtual image is not limited. For example, the virtual image can include road information around the vehicle 200, or other entertainment content such as movies, to meet diverse needs. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the type and principle of the optomechanical unit 30 are also not limited, to meet a variety of needs. For example, the optomechanical unit 30 can utilize a TFT, DLP, LCoS, or LBS solution. In one embodiment, the more mature TFT solution can be employed, which reduces some lighting efficiency while also lowering costs. Light emitted by the LED can then be transmitted through the liquid crystal cell to project the information on the screen. In another embodiment, the more high-performance DLP solution can be employed. DLP can address the issue of sunlight backflow and ensure that the virtual image has good resolution, contrast, and brightness. In yet another embodiment, a higher-resolution LCOS solution can be employed, which offers lower power consumption and a more stable image. In yet another embodiment, an LBS solution can be employed, ensuring that the virtual image has good contrast, high brightness, and low power consumption. In one example, the optomechanical unit 30 in the embodiments of this application can utilize a DLP solution.

[0044] 2 , in some embodiments, the thickness of the optical waveguide 20 is 1.5-2.5 mm. For example, the thickness of the optical waveguide 20 can be 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, or 2.5 mm.

[0045] Thus, the thickness of the optical waveguide 20 is set within this range, which has little impact on the structure of the entire sun visor 10 , and the sun visor 10 can be modified without changing its size.

[0046] Further, referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the sun visor 10 includes a through hole 11 , and the optical waveguide 20 is at least partially disposed in the through hole 11 .

[0047] In this way, the optical waveguide 20 is at least partially arranged in the through hole 11. While the optical waveguide 20 displays the image generated by the optical machine unit 30, the user can also see the scene in front of the vehicle 200 through the optical waveguide 20, combining virtual and real, so that the display effect is integrated with the outside environment.

[0048] Specifically, in one example, the optical waveguide 20 has a thickness of 2 mm. This embodiment allows for direct modification of the existing sun visor 10, eliminating the need for dimensional modifications. Furthermore, a through hole 11 is formed in the sun visor 10, upon which the optical waveguide 20 and the optomechanical unit 30 are mounted. This minimizes the front-to-back weight change of the sun visor 10, preventing excessive pressure on the hinge 202 between the sun visor 10 and the vehicle body, which could damage the hinge 202.

[0049] Please refer to FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the sun visor 10 further includes a display portion 12 and a shielding portion 13 . The display portion 12 and the shielding portion 13 are distributed along the length direction of the sun visor 10 , and the through hole 11 is formed in the display portion 12 .

[0050] In this way, the user can block excess light through the shielding part 13 to avoid being affected by glare. At the same time, the user can also control the position of the sun visor 10 by holding the shielding part 13 with his hand, and then adjust the angle between the optical waveguide 20 and the user's eyes to ensure that the user has a better viewing angle.

[0051] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the shielding portion 13 is further formed with a notch 131 , and the notch 131 is used to be provided with and connected to the rotating shaft 202 of the vehicle 200 .

[0052] In this way, the rotating shaft 202 of the vehicle 200 can be connected to the sun visor 10 through the notch 131 , thereby ensuring that the optical waveguide sun visor structure 100 and the vehicle 200 are rotationally connected stably.

[0053] 2 , in some embodiments, the light guide sun visor structure 100 further includes a light blocking plate 40 . The light blocking plate 40 is detachably connected to the sun visor 10 and is located between the light guide 20 and the front windshield 206 of the vehicle 200 .

[0054] Thus, when the light shield 40 is installed between the optical waveguide 20 and the front windshield 206, it blocks light from the front windshield 206, allowing the user to see only the image displayed by the optical waveguide 20. When the light shield 40 is removed, the optical waveguide 20 becomes translucent, allowing the user to see the virtual image generated by the display optical unit 30 while also allowing the user to see the scene in front of the vehicle 200 through the optical waveguide 20. This combination of virtual and real makes the display effect blend seamlessly with the external environment.

[0055] Specifically, a light barrier 40 is removably mounted on the sun visor 10 and positioned between the light guide 20 and the front windshield 206 of the vehicle 200. Removing or blocking the light barrier 40 enables different display functions of the light guide 20. When the light barrier 40 blocks light from the front windshield 206, the user enters entertainment mode, allowing them to experience large-scale, high-definition videos from a distance of 10 meters from their seat. When the light barrier 40 is removed, the light guide 20 enters viewing mode, blending virtual and real elements, allowing the display to blend seamlessly with the outside world.

[0056] In some embodiments, a light shield 40 can be disposed on the sun visor 10. The light shield 40 and the sun visor 10 can be detachably connected via a snap or other means. In one embodiment, the light shield 40 is connected to the display portion 12 to block the entire display portion 12. In another embodiment, the light shield 40 and the light waveguide 20 have the same dimensions and can both be disposed within the through hole 11. The light shield 40 is disposed between the light waveguide 20 and the front windshield 206.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, the light shield 40 may be disposed at other locations, which are not specifically limited herein. For example, the light shield 40 may be directly attached to the front windshield 206 .

[0058] Please refer to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 also includes a motor 201 and a rotating shaft 202. The rotating shaft 202 is arranged on the top of the sun visor 10. The motor 201 is connected to the rotating shaft 202 and drives the rotating shaft 202 to rotate, thereby driving the sun visor 10 to rotate relative to the body of the vehicle 200.

[0059] In this way, the motor 201 can drive the rotating shaft 202 to rotate, and then the rotating shaft 202 can drive the sun visor 10 to rotate around the vehicle body, thereby realizing the automatic shading action.

[0060] Please refer to FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 further includes a controller 203 . The controller 203 is connected to the motor 201 and the optical-mechanical unit 30 , and adjusts the sun visor 10 to a suitable position through the motor 201 .

[0061] In this way, the controller 203 can be connected to the motor 201, and the controller 203 can adjust and control the motor 201, and then the angle of the sun visor 10 can be adjusted according to the actual position of the user or the position previously set by the user. The sun visor 10 can automatically adjust to the optimal viewing angle to ensure a better user experience of the optical waveguide 20.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the vehicle 200 further includes a display screen 204 , and the controller 203 is connected to the display screen 204 .

[0063] In this way, the controller 203 can also be connected to the display screen 204, and the user can input instructions to the controller 203 through the display screen 204, so that the controller 203 can transmit signals to the motor 201 and the optical unit 30 to control the motor 201 and the optical unit 30 to perform functions.

[0064] Specifically, the vehicle 200 can automatically control the optical waveguide visor structure 100 through the controller 203 to enhance the user experience. In one embodiment, the user can make initial settings so that the controller 203 memorizes the optimal angle of the visor 10, allowing the user to adjust the visor 10 to the optimal viewing position with one click.

[0065] In some embodiments, vehicle 200 also includes one or more cameras 205 connected to controller 203. Cameras 205 can capture image information around the vehicle or within the passenger compartment. After cameras 205 capture information about the vehicle's surroundings, controller 203 can display the captured image information via optical waveguide 200. After acquiring information such as the user's sitting posture and viewing angle, cameras 205 can automatically control motor 201 to provide the user with a better view of the image captured by optical waveguide 200.

[0066] In the embodiments of this application, the type of controller 203 is not limited. For example, controller 203 may be a domain controller. Specifically, controller 203 may be a cockpit domain controller or a central controller to meet different requirements. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the type of vehicle 200 is not limited; vehicle 200 may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle to meet different requirements.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0068] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide sun visor structure for a vehicle, characterized in that: The optical waveguide sunshade structure comprises: a sun visor, the sun visor being rotatably arranged on the vehicle; An optical waveguide disposed on the sun visor; and An optomechanical unit, the optomechanical unit being disposed on the sun visor and connected to the optical waveguide; The optomechanical unit is configured to generate a picture light beam and couple the picture light beam into the optical waveguide; the optical waveguide is configured to emit the picture light beam into the passenger compartment of the vehicle through a coupling-out region after total reflection.

2. The optical waveguide sunshade structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the optical waveguide is 1.5-2.5 mm.

3. The optical waveguide sunshade structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sun visor comprises a through hole, and the optical waveguide is at least partially disposed in the through hole.

4. The optical waveguide sunshade structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sun visor further comprises a display portion and a shielding portion, wherein the display portion and the shielding portion are distributed along the length direction of the sun visor, and the through hole is formed in the display portion.

5. The optical waveguide sunshade structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shielding portion is also formed with a notch, and the notch is used to set and connect the rotating shaft of the vehicle.

6. The optical waveguide sunshade structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical waveguide sunshade structure further includes a light blocking plate, which is detachably disposed between the optical waveguide and the front windshield of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that: The optical waveguide sunshade structure comprises the optical waveguide sunshade structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that The vehicle further comprises a motor and a rotating shaft, wherein the rotating shaft is arranged on the top of the sun visor, and the motor is connected to the rotating shaft and drives the rotating shaft to rotate, so as to drive the sun visor to rotate relative to the body of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that The vehicle also includes a controller, which is connected to the motor and the optical unit respectively, and adjusts the sun visor to a suitable position through the motor.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that The vehicle also includes a display screen, and the controller is connected to the display screen.

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