Display device

The display device addresses issues of arrangement and light influence by using a plastically deformable support portion for flexible mounting and protection, enhancing visibility and functionality.

WO2026069873A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-02MAXELL LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-06-20
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing display devices for vehicles, such as those projected onto windshields, face issues with arrangement, brightness adjustment, and external light influence, leading to inadequate information display.

Method used

A display device with a plastically deformable support portion that extends from a main body, allowing flexible mounting and adjustment to various vehicle dashboards, and includes features to protect the display panel from external light.

Benefits of technology

Enhances the suitability and adaptability of the display device by providing better mounting flexibility and protection from external light, improving the visibility and functionality of the display.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This display device is mounted on a vehicle. The display device comprises a main body part and a support part. The body part emits image light. The support part is connected to the body part, is plastically deformable, and extends in one direction.
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Description

Display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a virtual image display device, and a vehicle equipped with the display device.

[0002] For example, video light is projected onto a windshield or a front glass of a vehicle such as an automobile to display a virtual image, and driving information such as vehicle speed and engine speed, traffic information from navigation, and vehicle information such as remaining fuel and coolant temperature are displayed. A display device or a virtual image display device is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-169752

[0004] The display device is, for example, arranged on or inside a dashboard of a vehicle. When using the display device, a driver can obtain information necessary for driving without moving his / her line of sight to an instrument panel incorporated in the dashboard, that is, a so-called instrument panel. On the other hand, considerations regarding the arrangement, brightness, influence from external light, information display, etc. of the display device were not sufficient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a more suitable display device or display technology.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, the following display device is provided. The display device is a device mounted on a vehicle. The display device includes a main body portion that emits video light, and a support portion that is plastically deformable and extends in one direction from the main body portion.

[0007] According to the present invention, a more suitable display device or display technology can be provided. Incidentally, problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

[0008] This figure shows an example of an in-vehicle system including a display device. This figure shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. This is a block diagram of an example of a display device. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of the light source structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This is a diagram to explain an example of the structure of a display device in more detail. This is a top view of an example of a display device. This is a cross-sectional view taken from the direction of the arrow in Figure 10. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of the state in which the display device shown in Figure 12 is installed. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of the state in which the display device shown in Figure 14 is installed. This figure shows an example of a friction part in a display device. This figure shows an example of a friction part in a display device. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. This figure shows an example of mounting a display device. This figure shows an example of mounting another device using a support part.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention, and have been omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. The position, size, shape, and range of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, and range in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, and range disclosed in the drawings. When there are multiple components that have the same or similar function, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0010] In explanations, when describing program-based processing, the focus may sometimes be on the program, functions, or processing units. However, the main hardware component is the processor, or a controller, device, computer, or system composed of such a processor. The computer, using its processor, executes processing according to the program read into memory, utilizing resources such as memory and communication interfaces as appropriate. This realizes the specified functions and processing units. The processor is composed of semiconductor devices such as a CPU / MPU or GPU. Processing is not limited to software program processing; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits. Applicable dedicated circuits include FPGAs, ASICs, CPLDs, etc.

[0011] The program may be pre-installed as data on the target computer, or it may be distributed as data to the target computer from the program source. The program source may be a program distribution server on a communication network, or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory card or disk. The program may consist of multiple modules. The computer system may consist of multiple devices. The computer system may consist of a client-server system, a cloud computing system, an IoT system, etc. Various types of data and information are composed of structures such as tables and lists, but are not limited to these. Representations such as identification information, identifiers, IDs, names, and numbers are interchangeable.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of an in-vehicle system including a display device or virtual image display device 1. With respect to the vehicle or ride 2 and the driver, the horizontal direction X is the left-right direction, the lateral direction of the vehicle or ride 2, or the width direction of the vehicle or ride 2; the vertical direction Z is the up-down direction, or vertical direction of the vehicle; and the horizontal direction Y, which is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the vehicle or ride 2, is the front-rear direction of the vehicle or ride 2, or the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the example in Figure 1, the direction in which the vehicle travels is set to be the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. The display device 1 may also be called a virtual image display device. The following explanation will use the name "display device". The vehicle or ride 2 is typically an automobile or a truck, but is not limited to these, and may also be a railway vehicle or an aircraft. The following explanation will use the name "vehicle".

[0013] The display device 1 acquires vehicle information 4 from cameras and various sensors installed in various parts of the vehicle 2. The display device 1 may also be called a virtual image display device. The various sensors, for example, detect various events that occur in the vehicle 2 and periodically detect the values ​​of various parameters related to driving conditions. It can also acquire road information from the navigation device 6 (car navigation system), external devices 400, terminal devices 410 (e.g., mobile terminals) 9, and GPS (Global Positioning System) information. The GPS may be installed in the vehicle 2, or it may be installed in the external devices 400 or terminal devices 410.

[0014] Vehicle information 4 includes, for example, vehicle 2's speed information, gear information, steering angle information, lamp illumination information, ambient light information, distance information, infrared information, engine ON / OFF information, camera image information, accelerometer / gyro information, GPS (Global Positioning System) information, navigation information, vehicle-to-vehicle communication information, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication information. Camera image information includes in-vehicle camera image information and exterior camera image information. GPS information includes latitude and longitude as well as current time information. Vehicle information 4 also includes input information from the driver.

[0015] The display device 1 is connected to the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 via an information transmission path, and the display device 1 and the controller 100 are able to communicate with each other. The controller 100 of the vehicle 2 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 communicate via the information transmission path using, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) interface. Alternatively, the display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may communicate via the information transmission path using an in-vehicle Ethernet or the like. Other connection configurations may also be adopted. For example, when transmitting all information, including video information, through a single information transmission path, the connection between the controller 100 on the vehicle 2 side (source of video information, etc.) and the display device 1 (in other words, the connection configuration of the information transmission path) may be FPD-Link III, GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link), etc.

[0016] The in-vehicle system is configured such that the controller 100 controls the vehicle 2 based on data input and output and is connected to the display device 1. The in-vehicle system can communicate with the outside of the vehicle 2 via a communication device or network. Examples of communication with the outside of the vehicle 2 include direct communication and indirect communication. Direct communication is used internationally as ITS (Intelligent Transport System) communication, while indirect communication is performed, for example, via a server to an external device 400 or terminal device 410. The in-vehicle system can send and receive data or information to, for example, a server 700 connected to the network 500 via a relay station 600 on the network 500. The in-vehicle system may also communicate with infrastructure such as external devices and terminals installed on the road on which the vehicle 2 travels.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. As shown in Figure 2, vehicle information 4 is acquired using devices such as a camera and various sensors connected to the controller 100 or control device 100. Note that the various devices in Figure 2 can be deleted, other types of devices added, or replaced with other types of devices as appropriate. Also, as an example, the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may also have the function of controlling the display device 1.

[0018] The vehicle speed sensor 901 detects the speed of the vehicle 2 and is used to generate speed information as a result of the detection. The shift position sensor 902 detects the current gear and is used to generate gear information as a result of the detection. The steering angle sensor 903 detects the current steering angle and is used to generate steering angle information as a result of the detection. The headlight sensor 904 detects whether the headlights are ON or OFF and is used to generate lamp illumination information as a result of the detection.

[0019] The illuminance sensor 905 and the chromaticity sensor 906 detect ambient light from the vehicle 2 and are used to generate ambient light information as detection results. The distance measuring sensor 907 detects the distance between the vehicle 2 and an external object, or the distance between external objects, and is used to generate distance information as detection results. The infrared sensor 908 detects the presence and distance of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle 2 and is used to generate infrared information as detection results. The engine start sensor 909 detects the ON / OFF status of the engine and is used to generate ON / OFF information as detection results. The acceleration sensor 912 and the gyro sensor 913 detect the acceleration and angular velocity of the vehicle 2 and are used to generate acceleration gyro information representing the attitude and behavior of the vehicle 2.

[0020] The temperature sensor 914 detects the temperature inside and outside the vehicle and is used to generate temperature information as the detection result. For example, if the display device 1 is located inside the dashboard of the vehicle 2, the temperature sensor 914 may be used to detect the temperature inside the dashboard. If a temperature that may affect the operation of the display device 1 is detected, the display device 1 may stop operating. The temperature sensor 914 may also be located in other places that may reach temperatures similar to those inside the dashboard.

[0021] Furthermore, if the display device 1 is installed on the dashboard or elsewhere, the temperature sensor 914 may be used to detect the temperature in the vicinity where the display device 1 is installed. If a temperature is detected that may affect the operation of the display device 1 due to direct sunlight or the like, the display device 1 may stop operating. Here, the temperature sensor 914 may be placed on the dashboard as an example. The temperature sensor 914 may also be placed outside the vehicle, assuming that the temperature near the display device 1 and the temperature outside the vehicle are similar.

[0022] The vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless transceiver 915 generates vehicle-to-infrastructure communication information through vehicle-to-infrastructure communication between the vehicle 2 and roads, signs, signals, etc. The vehicle-to-vehicle wireless transceiver 916 generates vehicle-to-vehicle communication information through vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the vehicle 2 and other surrounding vehicles. The wired wireless communication unit 917 for mobile terminal-to-vehicle communication is a device that acquires information via wired or wireless communication from devices connected to an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network (e.g., Wi-Fi devices). The controller 100 or control device can acquire information transmitted and received on the LTE network via the wired wireless communication unit 917 for mobile terminal-to-vehicle communication.

[0023] The in-vehicle camera 919 and the exterior camera 920 capture images of the interior and exterior of the vehicle and are used to generate in-vehicle and exterior camera image information. Specifically, the in-vehicle camera 919 is, for example, a camera for a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that captures the driver's posture, eye position, and movement. In this case, by analyzing the captured images, the driver's fatigue level and gaze position can be determined.

[0024] On the other hand, the external camera 920 captures images of the surroundings, such as the front and rear of the vehicle 2. In this case, by analyzing the captured images, it becomes possible to determine the presence or absence of obstacles such as other vehicles or people in the vicinity, buildings and terrain, road surface conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and unevenness, and road signs. The external camera 920 may also include, for example, a drive recorder that records the situation while driving.

[0025] The GPS receiver 921 generates GPS information obtained by receiving GPS signals from GPS satellites. For example, the GPS receiver 921 can obtain the current time, latitude, and longitude. The VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System, registered trademark) receiver 922 generates VICS information obtained by receiving VICS signals. The GPS receiver 921 and the VICS receiver 922 may be provided as part of a navigation system.

[0026] The voice input device 918 receives the driver's voice and is used to generate voice information. The driver can input operation details via the voice input device 918 by speaking. The vehicle operation switches 911 are used to generate driver operation information for steering wheel switches, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, the video generation unit 910 generates video information based on vehicle information 4 acquired by the controller 100 of the vehicle 2. It can also generate video information based on external information.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the display device 1. It is mainly used to control the display of projected images (virtual images) on the display device 1.

[0029] In Figure 3, the display device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 1010, a non-volatile memory 1011, a volatile memory 1012, a storage unit 1013, a display driver 1021, and a light source drive unit 1022, all of which are mounted on a wiring board or the like. The display device 1 also includes a communication unit 1014, a wireless communication unit 1015, a video processing unit 1016, an operation input unit 1017, an external power input unit 1018, a speaker 1019, and a light-emitting indicator 1020.

[0030] The control unit 1010 is specifically a microcontroller unit (MCU), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. Each block other than the control unit 1010 may be mounted within the control unit 1010 as appropriate. Furthermore, the display device 1 is not limited to implementation using the control unit 1010, but may also be implemented using an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or other semiconductor devices. The configuration shown in Figure 3 may, for example, be a control unit mounted inside the housing of the display device 1, or a control unit mounted outside the housing. Also, the display device 1 can be controlled by a controller in the vehicle 2 or an external device without implementing the control unit 1010 in the display device 1.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 1011 primarily stores programs executed within the control unit 1010, setting parameters used in the processing of each part within the control unit 1010, and predefined audio and video data. The non-volatile memory 1011 may also store information other than programs, such as video, audio, and video.

[0032] The volatile memory 1012 operates by unpacking the program stored in the non-volatile memory 1011. The volatile memory 1012 primarily processes acquired information and various data used in the processing of each part within the control unit 1010 as appropriate.

[0033] The storage unit 1013 stores video data, video data, or audio data for output to the speaker 1019, etc. The video data, video data, or audio data to be stored in the storage unit 1013 may be stored in the storage unit 1013 in advance. Alternatively, the video data, video data, or audio data to be stored in the storage unit 1013 may be received from an external device via the communication unit 1014.

[0034] In Figure 3, the communication unit 1014 transmits and receives information such as vehicle information 4 to and from the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 or various devices such as sensors in the vehicle 2, using a mechanism such as CAN or an in-vehicle Ethernet. The communication unit 1014 may also receive video information using a mechanism such as FPD-Link III or GMSL. The hardware of the communication interface for receiving vehicle information 4 and the hardware of the communication interface for receiving video information in the communication unit 1014 may be separate or integrated. The communication unit 1014 may also function as the control unit of the display device 1.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 1015 may be configured with a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth® communication interface, a mobile communication interface such as 4G or 5G, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate with external devices via a network 500 connected through a router or relay station. An example of an external device is a server 700 connected via the network 500. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate directly with a terminal device 410, etc. An example of a terminal device 410 is a smartphone, tablet, wireless earphones, headphones, or beacon.

[0036] The video processing unit 1016 may perform distortion correction, conversion, and other processing on the received video information. The video processing unit 1016 may generate video data for the video display unit 200 using acquired vehicle information, external information, etc. Specifically, the distortion correction here corrects the distortion of the video caused by the curvature of the windshield 3 when the video from the display device 1 is projected onto the display area 5, as shown in Figure 1. The video processing unit 1016 may also be implemented by the control unit 1010 reading and executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 1011 or the volatile memory 1012.

[0037] In other words, the video processing unit 1016 processes video data related to the display video projected onto the display area 5, such as in Figure 1, based on information acquired from an external source or from the vehicle 2. On the other hand, the video processing unit 1016 is not necessarily required, but in such a case, the control unit 1010 can process video information from the vehicle 2 or an external terminal via the communication unit 1014. Alternatively, the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may process the video information.

[0038] The operation input unit 1017 is, for example, an operation button, a receiver for a remote controller, or an infrared light receiver, and is used to input user operations. The operation input unit 1017 may be used, for example, for the driver to operate the display device 1.

[0039] The external power input unit 1018 receives power from an external source and supplies the necessary power to each part of the display device 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0040] The speaker 1019 emits sound based on audio data stored in the volatile memory 1012, the non-volatile memory 1011, or the storage unit 1013.

[0041] The light-emitting indicator 1020 emits light using a light-emitting element or the like, and can notify the user of the status of the display device 1 by the timing of the light emission of the light-emitting element or the color of the emitted light.

[0042] The display driver 1021 drives each display element (pixel) included in the display panel 11 based on the video data. This allows the video display unit or video display unit 200 to create and display an image for projection onto the display area 5 based on the video data. The display driver 1021 can be configured, for example, by a circuit mounted on a circuit board.

[0043] The light source drive unit 1022 drives the light source 20 to generate light. Based on the drive from the light source drive unit 1022, the light source 20 generates light and supplies it to the display panel 11. Based on vehicle information 4 received via the communication unit 1014, or information from a terminal device, the light source 20 is adjusted or controlled using the light source drive unit 1022, which is the driver used to drive the light source.

[0044] Further, the display device 1 may protect the display panel 11 based on external light information from the illuminance sensor 905 or the like. That is, in order to prevent sunlight from hitting the display panel 11 and burning the display panel 11, the display device 1 may perform an operation of protecting the display panel 11 from sunlight according to the value of the illuminance sensor 905. More specifically, when the intensity of the external light or sunlight acquired by the illuminance sensor 905 is strong and there is a risk of the display panel 11 being burned out, the brightness of the light source 20 is reduced, and the amount of light from the light source 20 incident on the display panel 11 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the display panel 11.

[0045] Each part of FIG. 3 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the configuration has a non-volatile memory 1011, a volatile memory 1012, a storage unit 1013, and a video processing unit 1016, respectively, but the above processing may be made to function by one memory.

[0046] Next, the video display unit 200 will be specifically described. The video display unit (video display unit) 200 projects video light of a video formed on the display panel 11 using light emitted from the light source 20 (in other words, light source light) based on video data. The video display unit may be referred to as a projection type video display device or a projector. The video display unit 200 includes a light source 20 and a display panel 11 such as a liquid crystal panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a video display element.

[0047] The light source 20 functions as a backlight source of the display panel 11. The light source 20 is configured using, for example, a semiconductor light source element, and generates predetermined light source light and supplies it to the display panel 11. Typically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element is used as the semiconductor light source element. The light source 20 may have a configuration in which a plurality of light sources are arranged. The backlight unit is configured using the light source 20 or the like.

[0048] The display panel 11 generates and emits modulated video light based on the light from the light source. That is, the display panel 11 forms and displays a video on the display screen based on video data, and generates and emits video light corresponding to the video based on the light from the light source 20. The video data in the present embodiment will be described as the video data input from the video processing unit 1016. The display panel 11 modulates the light from the light source 20 for each pixel according to the video data, forms a video for projection onto the display area 5, and projects it as video light (or projection light).

[0049] Also, the display panel 11 may be a screen plate having a diffusion function, not limited to a liquid crystal panel. As a means for projecting a video onto a screen plate having a diffusion function, means such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) or a means for projecting an image of a liquid crystal panel in combination with a projection lens, or a means using a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) may be used.

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing a configuration example in which the display device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the display device 1 is mounted on a passenger car. The passenger car is a sports car, sedan, SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), minivan, etc., in which the angle of the front glass 3 is 20° to 45° with respect to the Y-axis (the front-rear direction or the traveling direction of the vehicle 2). FIG. 5 shows an example of projecting the display device 1 onto some passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In other words, the windshield or the front glass 3 in FIG. 5 is in a raised state. Specifically, the front glass 3 is a light super high wagon, truck, or bus in which the angle is 45° to 90° with respect to the Y-axis (the front-rear direction or the traveling direction of the vehicle 2). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the display device 1 is disposed on the dashboard 7 of the vehicle 2. The display device 1 may be mounted so as to be embedded in the dashboard 7. The dashboard 7 also includes an instrument panel including a meter cluster, for example, in front of the steering wheel.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the image light 13 in Figure 4 is emitted toward the driver, and the image light 13 in Figure 5 is emitted toward the windshield 3. The image light 13 emitted from the display device 1 is reflected when it is irradiated onto the windshield or windshield 3. The reflected image light 13 is incident on the driver's viewpoint 14. From the driver's viewpoint 14, a virtual image 10 corresponding to the image light 13 is formed and visible at a position visible through the display area 5 (Figure 1) of the display device 1 corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the image light 13. In this embodiment, the projection of image light onto the display area 5 of the windshield 3 is described, but the projection unit that projects the image light may be a projection member other than the windshield 3.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the video display unit 200 of the display device 1. The light source unit 12 may also be called the backlight unit. The light source unit 12 includes a light source 20, a reflective mirror 21, a polarization conversion element 22, and a light guide unit 23, and may also include a diffuser plate 24. The reflective mirror 21 is used to reflect light from the light source 20 and adjust it to parallel light. The reflective surface of the reflective mirror 21 is a parabolic surface and may be asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 20. The reflective mirror 21 may also be positioned eccentrically with respect to the light source 20. The reflective mirror 21 may also be called a reflector.

[0053] The polarization conversion element 22 is composed of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and a phase difference film (1 / 2λ). It separates incident light into S-polarized and P-polarized light, and then uses the phase difference film (1 / 2λ) to polarize either the separated S-polarized or P-polarized light, so that the randomly polarized light incident on the polarization conversion element 22 is emitted as linearly polarized light.

[0054] The light guide section 23 may also be called an optical transmission section. The light guide section 23 is configured to adjust the angle of incidence of light rays to the display panel 11, and in this example, it is configured using an optical reflecting section 23a having a prism shape (a jagged shape). The light guide section 23 may also be a prism sheet as an example. In this example, the light rays incident on the optical reflecting section 23a of the light guide section 23 are adjusted to a predetermined light distribution and reflected toward the display panel 11. The distribution of light incident on the display panel 11 can be adjusted by the shape of the reflective surface of the optical reflecting section 23a, the inclination of the reflective surface, the surface roughness, etc. In this structure, the optical axis of the light source 20 and the optical axis of the light incident on the display panel 11 are parallel or approximately parallel.

[0055] The light guide 23 is, for example, a resin member having a prism shape, and the prism-shaped portion that becomes the reflective surface is coated with an Al reflective film or the like. The light reflective portion 23a of the light guide 23 may be configured to have multiple inclinations on one surface in order to achieve more precise adjustment of reflected light. Furthermore, the reflective surface may be composed of multiple or multifaceted surfaces, or it may be composed of curved surfaces. When a large number of reflective surfaces and connecting surfaces are alternately formed in a sawtooth pattern on the light reflective portion 23a, the light incident on the light guide 23 is reflected on each reflective surface and directed toward the display panel 11, and further adjusted to a predetermined light distribution characteristic via the diffuser plate 24 before incident on the display panel 11. The diffuser plate 24 uniformly disperses the incident light from the light guide 23. The diffuser plate 24 has the effect of improving the brightness uniformity within the virtual image plane.

[0056] Furthermore, the video display unit 200 may have a configuration other than that shown in Figure 6, and may, for example, include a light source, an illumination optical system, a PBS or polarization separation element, and a reflective liquid crystal panel or LCOS.

[0057] Next, an example of the structure of a display device will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0058] In the display device 1, the main body 31 has a housing structure and is configured to perform video display. An opening is formed on the upper surface of the main body 31 through which the video light emitted from the display panel 11 passes. A light-transmitting cover may be provided over this opening. An operation input section 1017 is provided on the upper part of the main body 31. In this example, the operation input section 1017 is configured as a button operated by the user. As shown in the figure, the operation input section 1017 may be provided such that the extension direction of the support section 32 (described later) and the direction in which the operation input section 1017 is positioned are the same.

[0059] The mounting device for positioning (or attaching) the display device 1 to the dashboard of a vehicle 2 has a support portion 32 and a connecting portion 33. The main body portion 31 is connected to a support portion 32 that is plastically deformable and extends in one direction. The support portion 32 is configured for mounting the display device 1. The claw-shaped support portion 32 allows the display device 1 to catch on the mounting portion and be attached. As shown in the figure, as an example, the support portion 32 can be provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the main body portion 31. In this embodiment, the support portion 32 is provided in pairs on the main body portion 31, but it may also be placed in the center of the main body portion 31, and is not limited in position or number. However, if multiple support portions 32 are provided and each is configured to be plastically deformable at different arbitrary positions, there is an advantage that the shape can be more suitably changed to match the respective shapes of various vehicle dashboards. In addition, a cushion can be provided on the back side of the support portion 32. The cushion can protect the mounting portion, for example. The back side of the support portion 32 is the side that contacts the location where the display device 1 is placed. Since the display device 1 in this embodiment is placed on the dashboard 7, the back side of the support portion 32 is the side that comes into contact with the dashboard 7.

[0060] Furthermore, a recessed, curved portion is formed on the side of the main body 31. As will be described later, the angle of the main body 31 can be adjusted by rotating it relative to the support portion 32. Here, by grasping this curved portion C with the user's fingers, it becomes easier to adjust the angle of the direction in which the image light is emitted from the display panel 11. As an example, this curved portion C is formed to curve in the direction of extension of the support portion 32.

[0061] A more detailed explanation will be given with reference to Figure 9. In the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle or the front-to-rear direction as seen from the user, the display device 1 is mounted on the dashboard 7 such that, for example, the operation input section 1017 (for example, a button) is located towards the user in the Y-axis direction (i.e., towards the driver), and the video light emitted from the display panel 11 travels in the depth direction in the Y-axis direction (away from the driver). Here, for example, the support section 32 is deformed by the user to follow the edge of the dashboard 7 above the meter panel 37, the support section 32 is hooked onto the edge of the dashboard 7, and the display device 1 is mounted.

[0062] A support portion 32 is connected to the main body portion 31 via a connecting portion 33. For example, the first portion 32a (base portion) of the support portion 32 is fixed to the connecting portion 33, and the second portion 32b (tip portion) is provided so as to extend from the first portion 32a. Here, a cushion can be provided on the contact surface between the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b.

[0063] Different cushions may be provided on the contact surfaces of the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b, or the same cushion may be provided on each. In this embodiment, the first cushion 41a on the first portion 32a side is a cushion with a higher static friction coefficient than the second cushion 41b on the second portion 32b side. This suppresses the occurrence of displacement (slippage) of the display device 1. In addition, the second cushion 41b on the second portion 32b side is a cushion with a lower elastic modulus than the first cushion 41a on the first portion 32a side. This provides a structure in which the second portion 32b can be easily deformed.

[0064] The connecting portion 33 connects to the main body portion 31 via a rotating portion. The rotating portion in this embodiment has a hinge 33a. The hinge 33a may or may not be included in the connecting portion 33. For example, the hinge 33a allows adjustment of the relative angle between the main body portion 31 and the first portion 32a of the support portion 32 by rotation around a rotation axis 33b. The rotation axis 33b is, for example, an axis parallel to the bottom surface of the first portion 32a and an axis perpendicular to the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user. The connecting portion 33 can be configured using an appropriate connecting member (for example, a bracket) as an example. Here, if the connecting portion 33 is made of metal or the like and reflects light, the light reflected by the connecting portion 33 may enter the windshield 3, potentially reducing the visibility of the image. For this reason, the connecting portion 33 may be configured with a coating that prevents light reflection. For example, black paint may be applied to the surface of the connecting portion 33 (the surface on the display device 1 side). Furthermore, a light-shielding cover may be provided to cover the connection portion 33.

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates the connection of one of a pair of left and right support parts 32. As described above, the other (opposite) support part 32 is also connected to the main body 31 via another connection part (not shown) as described above. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angle of the main body 31 with respect to the first portion 32a of the support part 32 (more specifically, the surface of the first portion 32a of the support part 32) with respect to the hinge 33a as the center of rotation. The other connection part (not shown) may also be coated with a paint that prevents light reflection (for example, black paint). A light-shielding cover may also be provided to cover this connection part.

[0066] Furthermore, the other support portion 32 may also be provided with a first cushion and a second cushion in the same locations as described above. The properties of each cushion may be the same as described above.

[0067] Next, an example of the structure of the main body of the display device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a top view of an example of the display device 1, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dashed line (imaginary line) in Figure 10, viewed from the direction of the arrow in the same figure.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the main body 31 has an upper housing 31a and a lower housing 31b. The lower housing 31b houses the light source 20 and the light guide 23. The upper housing 31a houses the display panel 11. The display panel 11 is located above the light guide 23. Light emitted from the light source 20 enters the light guide 23. The light reflected by the light guide 23 enters the display panel 11, and image light is emitted from the display panel 11. The dashed line with an arrow in the figure shows an example of the direction of light ray propagation. As an example, the direction of light ray propagation is towards the windshield 3. This direction is negative in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) as seen from the user.

[0069] Furthermore, the first substrate 35 is fixed to the lower housing section 31b, and the second substrate 36 is fixed to the upper housing section 31a. Components used for controlling the display of images (for example, a control unit 1010) may be appropriately mounted on the substrates. In this example, multiple substrates (35, 36) are provided, but a configuration with only one substrate is also possible.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the support portion 32 can be provided to extend in the direction opposite to the direction from which the image light is emitted (the negative direction in the Y-axis direction) in the Y-axis direction, which is the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction). That is, the extension direction of the support portion 32 in the Y-axis direction (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction) is the same direction as the direction in which the buttons (operation input portion 1017) are located (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction) relative to the center of the display device 1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] In a structure in which a pair of support parts 32 are provided on the left and right sides, it is preferable that the lengths of each support part 32 are the same. This allows for the common use of parts and can reduce costs.

[0072] Furthermore, in a structure in which a pair of support parts 32 are provided on the left and right sides, by ensuring that the support parts 32 do not overlap, the display device 1 can be more flexibly adapted to the shape of the mounting part, such as the dashboard 7, when being installed.

[0073] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the attached claims. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, for example, some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of support portions 32 are provided on the left and right sides. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the support portions 32 are provided on both sides of the main body portion 31, but they may also be provided on the lower side of the main body portion 31. Furthermore, when the support portions 32 are provided on the lower side of the main body portion 31, there may be one or more support portions 32. An appropriate connecting member may be provided to connect the main body portion 31 and the support portions 32. The connecting member may also have a hinge that allows the main body portion 31 to rotate relative to the base end portion of the support portion 32. The support portions 32 may be provided with cushions, for example, a first cushion 41a and a second cushion 41b may be provided.

[0075] The base portion (first portion 32a) of the support portion 32 was fixed to the connecting portion 33. Here, as shown in Figure 7, the base portion of the support portion may be connected to the connecting portion 33 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis (for example, rotation axis 32c) which is perpendicular to the surface of the base portion. In this case, the support portion 32 can be rotated relative to the main body portion 31 as shown in the rotation direction 32d of Figure 7. As a result, the mounting of the display device 1 can be adapted more flexibly to the shape of the mounting portion such as the dashboard 7.

[0076] The first embodiment was described above. The second embodiment will now be described below. In the following description of the second embodiment, explanations that overlap with those above may be omitted. Also, regarding the Y-axis direction, which is the direction of travel of the vehicle, in Figures 1 to 11 the direction in which the vehicle moves backward is set to be the positive direction in the Y-axis direction, and in Figure 12 onward the direction in which the vehicle moves forward is set to be the positive direction in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] An example of the structure of a display device will be explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0078] This display device 1a basically has the same configuration as the display device 1 described above. However, the display device 1a differs from the display device 1 in that it includes a support portion 32X1, and a stopper portion 51a is provided on the second portion 32b of the support portion 32X1.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12, in this example, the stopper portion 51a is provided on the tip side of the second portion 32b. In the mounting portion, the side to which the display device 1a is attached is the upper side of the mounting portion, and the other side is the lower side of the mounting portion. The stopper portion 51a should be positioned on the meter panel 37 side (lower side of the mounting portion) of the mounting portion when the display device 1a is attached. Therefore, the position of the stopper portion 51a may be changed, and the stopper portion 51a may be provided, for example, at a predetermined distance from the tip side.

[0080] Furthermore, the stopper portion 51a is provided so as to be able to slide along the second portion 32b. A biasing member (in this example, a spring member that biases in the expansion / contraction direction when contracted) is provided which biases the second portion 32b toward the tip when it is contracted, and the stopper portion 51a is provided on the second portion 32b via the biasing member. The length of the second cushion 41b may be adjusted so that the stopper portion 51a can be provided. In this example, the stopper portion 51a is biased toward the tip by the biasing member, and the support portion 32X1 is firmly fixed to the mounting portion, that is, the support portion 32X1 does not move. The biasing member can be, for example, a spring or any expandable / contractible member.

[0081] Furthermore, in this example, the stopper portion 51a is a wedge-shaped member, but the shape of the stopper portion is not limited to this shape.

[0082] Figure 13 shows an example of the display device 1a being installed. For example, the driver or other person installs the display device 1a by sliding the stopper portion 51a towards the center of the second portion 32b. Alternatively, the stopper portion 51a changes from the state shown in Figure 12 to the state shown in Figure 13. At this time, the biasing member (a spring member in this example) that biases the stopper portion 51a is compressed as the display device 1a is installed. As shown in Figure 13, when the display device 1a is installed, a force acts on the stopper portion 51a in the direction toward the tip of the second portion 32b due to the biasing force of the biasing member. In this example, a force acts on the stopper portion 51a that tries to move it in the direction of arrow A1 (the direction in which it bites into the mounting portion) relative to the mounting portion. Furthermore, for example, if the meter hood is positioned in the direction of the arrow A1, and the display device 1a is mounted so that the stopper portion 51a contacts the meter hood, then a force acts on the stopper portion 51a that tends to move it in a direction that bites into the meter hood.

[0083] In this example, the stopper portion 51a is provided to bite into the mounting portion, that is, when the display device 1a is mounted, a force acts on the stopper portion 51a in a direction that bites into the mounting portion. Therefore, even if a force acts in a direction that would cause the display device 1a to come loose (for example, towards the driver) due to a collision of the vehicle 2, sudden acceleration in the forward direction, or sudden braking when reversing, this force prevents the display device 1a from coming loose and prevents the position of the display device 1a from changing.

[0084] Next, an example of the structure of a display device will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0085] This display device 1b basically has the same configuration as the display device 1a described above. However, the display device 1b is equipped with a support portion 32X2 including a stopper portion 51b, and the direction of the force that the stopper portion exerts on the mounting portion and the shape of the stopper portion are different.

[0086] As shown in Figure 14, in this example, the stopper portion 51b is provided on the tip side of the second portion 32b. In the mounting portion, the side to which the display device 1b is attached is the upper side of the mounting portion, and the other side is the lower side of the mounting portion. The stopper portion 51b should be located on the meter panel 37 side (lower side of the mounting portion) of the mounting portion when the display device 1b is attached. Therefore, the position of the stopper portion 51b may be changed, and the stopper portion 51b may be provided, for example, at a predetermined distance from the tip side.

[0087] Furthermore, the stopper portion 51b is rotatably mounted on the second portion 32b with the width direction (vehicle width direction) as the axis of rotation 52. In addition, a biasing member (in this example, a spring member that biases in the rotational direction when compressed, such as a torsion coil spring) is provided that biases the second portion 32b away from the back surface (from the front surface toward the back surface) when it is compressed, and the stopper portion 51b is provided on the second portion 32b via this biasing member. The length of the second cushion 41b may be adjusted so that the stopper portion 51b can be provided.

[0088] Furthermore, in this example, the stopper portion 51b is a member with a semicircular cross-section, where the surface that contacts the mounting portion is curved, but the shape of the stopper portion is not limited to this shape. The material of the biasing member may be an expandable or contractible material.

[0089] Figure 15 shows an example of the display device 1b being installed. For example, the driver or other person installs the display device 1b by rotating the stopper portion 51b on the surface side of the second portion 32b. Alternatively, the stopper portion 51b can be moved from the state shown in Figure 14 to the state shown in Figure 15. At this time, the biasing member that biases the stopper portion 51b (in this example, a spring member that biases in the rotational direction when compressed) is compressed as the display device 1b is installed. Then, as shown in Figure 15, when the display device 1b is installed, a force acts on the stopper portion 51b in a direction away from the back surface of the second portion 32b (from the surface toward the back surface) due to the biasing force of the biasing member. In this example, a force acts on the stopper portion 51b that tries to move it in the direction of arrow A2 (the direction toward biting into the mounting portion) relative to the mounting portion. Furthermore, for example, if the side on which the meter hood is positioned is the tip side of the second portion 32b, and the display device 1b is mounted such that the stopper portion 51b contacts the meter hood, then a force acts on the stopper portion 51b that tends to move it in a direction that bites into the meter hood.

[0090] In this example, the stopper portion 51b is provided so as to bite into the mounting portion, that is, when the display device 1b is mounted, a force acts on the stopper portion 51b in a direction that bites into the mounting portion. Therefore, even if a force acts in a direction that would cause the display device 1b to come loose (for example, towards the driver) due to a collision of the vehicle 2, sudden acceleration in the forward direction, or sudden braking when reversing, this force prevents the display device 1b from coming loose and prevents the position of the display device 1b from changing.

[0091] Next, an example of the structure of a display device will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

[0092] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, friction portions (61a, 61b) may be provided on the surfaces of the stopper portions (51a, 51b) that contact the mounting portion to increase the coefficient of friction. By providing friction portions (61a, 61b), the detachment of the display devices (1a, 1b) can be more effectively suppressed. The friction portions (61a, 61b) may be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, or they may be made of a shape that generates frictional force.

[0093] Here, the friction parts (61a, 61b) may have a structure in which the coefficient of friction for the frictional forces (FF1, FF3) generated in the opposite direction to the biasing force by the biasing member is greater than the coefficient of friction for the frictional forces (FF2, FF4) generated in the biasing force by the biasing member. In other words, the friction parts (61a, 61b) may be designed such that the coefficient of friction for the frictional forces (FF1, FF3) generated by a force in the opposite direction to the force that the stopper parts (51a, 51b) apply to the mounting portion is greater than the coefficient of friction for the frictional forces (FF2, FF4) generated by the force that the stopper parts (51a, 51b) apply to the mounting portion.

[0094] As an example, the friction portion 61a may have a structure in which the coefficient of friction for the frictional force FF1 generated in response to a force acting on the opposite side of the tip of the second portion 32b is greater than the coefficient of friction for the frictional force FF2 generated in response to a force acting on the tip of the second portion 32b (e.g., a biasing force). Also, as an example, the friction portion 61b may have a structure in which the coefficient of friction for the frictional force FF3 generated in response to a force acting on the opposite side of the rotational direction away from the back surface of the second portion 32b (from the front surface to the back surface) is greater than the coefficient of friction for the frictional force FF4 generated in response to a force acting on the rotational direction away from the back surface of the second portion 32b (e.g., a biasing force). By using such frictional portions (61a, 61b), as an example, it is possible to suppress the burden of work when installing the display device while effectively preventing the display device from coming off or changing position due to frictional forces (FF1, FF3).

[0095] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the friction portion (61a, 61b) may, for example, be composed of a brush B extending diagonally to the surface of the stopper portion (51a, 51b). However, the friction portion (61a, 61b) only needs to be configured such that the friction coefficient relationship described above is met. For example, the friction portion (61a, 61b) may be configured by providing multiple fine protrusions or by processing the surface of the stopper portion (51a, 51b).

[0096] Next, an example of the structure of a display device will be described with reference to Figures 18-19.

[0097] This display device 1c basically has the same configuration as the display device 1a described above. However, the display device 1c is equipped with a support portion 32X3 including a stopper portion 51c, and the position where the stopper portion is provided and the direction in which the biasing force acts are different. Also, this display device 1d basically has the same configuration as the display device 1b described above. However, the display device 1d is equipped with a support portion 32X4 including a stopper portion 51d, and the position where the stopper portion is provided and the direction in which the biasing force acts are different.

[0098] In the mounting portion, the side to which the display device 1c is attached is the upper side of the mounting portion, and the other side is the lower side of the mounting portion. In the display device 1c shown in Figure 18, the stopper portion 51c is provided, for example, in the center of the second portion 32b. However, the stopper portion 51c only needs to be located on the upper side of the mounting portion when the display device 1c is attached.

[0099] Furthermore, the stopper portion 51c is provided so as to be able to slide along the second portion 32b. In addition, a biasing member (in this example, a spring member that biases in the expansion / contraction direction when compressed) is provided that biases the second portion 32b toward the base end side (towards the first portion 32a side) when it is compressed, and the stopper portion 51c is provided on the second portion 32b via the biasing member. The length of the second cushion 41b may be adjusted so that the stopper portion 51c can be installed. Also, the second cushion 41b may be provided in separate parts so that the stopper portion 51c can be installed.

[0100] As an example, the driver or other user attaches the display device 1c by sliding the stopper portion 51c toward the side away from the base end of the second portion 32b. At this time, the biasing member (in this example, a spring member) that biases the stopper portion 51c is compressed as the display device 1c is attached. Then, as shown in Figure 18, when the display device 1c is attached, a force acts on the stopper portion 51c toward the base end of the second portion 32b due to the biasing force of the biasing member. In this example, a force acts on the stopper portion 51c that tries to move it in the direction of arrow A3 (the direction in which it bites into the attachment part) relative to the attachment part. Also, for example, if the display device 1c is attached so that the stopper portion 51c is in contact with the meter hood, a force acts on the stopper portion 51c that tries to move it toward the direction in which it bites into the meter hood.

[0101] In this example, since the stopper portion 51c is provided to bite into the mounting portion (that is, when the display device 1c is mounted, a force acts on the stopper portion 51c in a direction that bites into the mounting portion), even if a force acts in a direction that would cause the display device 1c to come loose (for example, towards the driver) due to a collision of the vehicle 2, sudden acceleration in the forward direction, or sudden braking when reversing, this force prevents the display device 1c from coming loose and prevents the position of the display device 1c from changing.

[0102] In the display device 1d shown in Figure 19, the stopper portion 51d is provided, for example, in the center of the second portion 32b. However, the stopper portion 51d only needs to be located above the mounting portion when the display device 1d is installed.

[0103] Furthermore, in the mounting portion, the side to which the display device 1d is attached is the upper side of the mounting portion, and the other side is the lower side of the mounting portion. The stopper portion 51d is rotatably mounted on the second portion 32b with the width direction of the second portion 32b as the axis of rotation 52. A biasing member (in this example, a spring member that biases in the rotational direction when compressed, such as a torsion coil spring) is provided that biases the second portion 32b in a direction away from the surface (from the surface toward the back) when it is compressed, and the stopper portion 51d is mounted on the second portion 32b via this biasing member. The length of the second cushion 41b may be adjusted so that the stopper portion 51d can be installed. The second cushion 41b may also be provided in separate parts so that the stopper portion 51d can be installed.

[0104] As an example, the driver attaches the display device 1d to the back side of the second part 32b by rotating the stopper part 51d. The back side of the second part 32b is the side that contacts the mounting portion. At this time, the display device 1d is attached while the biasing member that biases the stopper part 51d (in this example, a spring member that biases in the rotational direction when compressed) is compressed. As shown in Figure 19, when the display device 1d is attached, the stopper part 51d is subjected to a biasing force by the biasing member in the direction away from the surface of the second part 32b (from the surface toward the back). In this example, a force acts on the stopper part 51d that tries to move it in the direction of arrow A4 (the direction toward biting into the mounting portion) relative to the mounting portion. Also, for example, if the display device 1d is attached so that the stopper part 51d contacts the meter hood, a force acts on the stopper part 51d that tries to move it toward biting into the meter hood.

[0105] In this example, since the stopper portion 51d is provided to bite into the mounting portion (that is, when the display device 1d is mounted, a force acts on the stopper portion 51d in a direction that bites into the mounting portion), even if a force acts in a direction that would cause the display device 1d to come loose (for example, towards the driver) due to a collision of the vehicle 2, sudden acceleration in the forward direction, or sudden braking when reversing, this force prevents the display device 1d from coming loose and prevents the position of the display device 1d from changing.

[0106] In addition, the display devices (1c, 1d) may also be provided with friction parts (61a, 61b) in the same manner as described above.

[0107] Next, an example of mounting the display device will be explained with reference to Figure 20.

[0108] As shown in Figure 20, the display device 1a can be installed, for example, on a mounting portion that is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2. The display devices (1b, 1c, 1d) can also be installed on the same mounting portion. Even on a portion that is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2, the stopper effectively prevents the display device from coming off or changing position. Furthermore, as shown in the figures used in the above description, the display devices (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) can also be installed, for example, on a mounting portion that is substantially parallel to the area substantially diagonally upward and rear of the vehicle 2.

[0109] The "mounting portion" is the location where the display device is mounted. For example, when the display device is mounted in a vehicle, it may include the edge of the vehicle's dashboard 7. Alternatively, the mounting portion may include, for example, the edge of the dashboard 7 and the top surface of the dashboard 7.

[0110] Furthermore, the mounting portion may include, for example, the edge of the vehicle's meter hood. Alternatively, the mounting portion may include, for example, the edge of the meter hood and the top surface of the meter hood. Furthermore, the mounting portion may extend from the meter hood to the dashboard 7.

[0111] Next, with reference to Figure 21, an example of attaching another device using the support part will be explained.

[0112] As shown in Figure 21, the support portion 32X1 may be connected to the device 71, and the device 71 may be attached to the mounting portion via the support portion 32X1. In this case as well, by applying force so that the stopper portion bites into the mounting portion, the device 71 is prevented from coming off the mounting portion and the position of the device 71 is prevented from changing. In this example, the device 71 is a desk lamp, and the end of the plate is configured as the mounting portion. However, other types of devices 71 may be connected to the support portion 32X1, and the device 71 may be attached via the support portion 32X1. Also, the mounting portion may be different from the end of the plate. An example of attaching the device 71 using the support portion 32X1 has been described, but the device 71 can be attached in the same way using other support portions (32X2, 32X3, 32X4).

[0113] In this embodiment, openings, protrusions, etc., used for attaching the stopper portion to the second portion 32b may be appropriately formed on the second portion 32b.

[0114] The rotation axis 52 of the stopper portion (51b, 51d) may be a rotation axis that passes through the center of gravity of the stopper portion (51b, 51d), or it may be a rotation axis that passes through an eccentric position (a position away from the center of gravity). The position of the rotation axis 52 may be determined by considering the shape of the mounting portion, etc., so that a biasing force is effectively applied to the mounting portion.

[0115] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the attached claims. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, for example, some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0116] The technology described in this embodiment provides an information display device (head-up display device) that can display a good virtual image and reduce the driver's eye movement, thereby contributing to safe driving and preventing traffic accidents. This contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), specifically "Goal 3: Ensure good health and well-being for all."

[0117] 1 Display device (virtual image display device) 11 Display panel 20 Light source 31 Main body 32 Support part 32a First part 32b Second part 33 Connection part 33a Hinge 35 First circuit board 36 Second circuit board 37 Meter panel 41a First cushion 41b Second cushion 51 (a-d) Stopper part 1017 Operation input part

Claims

1. A display device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a main body that emits image light; and a support part connected to the main body, which is plastically deformable and extends in one direction.

2. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support portion is provided in a pair on the left and right sides.

3. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that a first cushion is provided in the first part of the support portion, a second cushion is provided from the first part to the second part of the support portion, and the static friction coefficient of the first cushion is set higher than the static friction coefficient of the second cushion.

4. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that a first cushion is provided in the first part of the support portion, a second cushion is provided from the first part to the second part of the support portion, and the elastic modulus of the second cushion is set lower than that of the first cushion.

5. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a rotating part that adjusts the angle of the relative angle between the first part of the support part and the main body part about a predetermined axis of rotation.

6. A display device according to claim 5, characterized in that the predetermined rotation axis is an axis in a direction parallel to the surface of the first portion of the support.

7. A display device according to claim 5, characterized in that the predetermined rotation axis is an axis perpendicular to the surface of the first portion of the support.

8. A display device according to claim 2, characterized in that a pair of left and right support parts are provided so as not to overlap.

9. A display device according to claim 2, characterized in that the lengths of the left and right support parts are the same.

10. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that a curvature with respect to the extension direction of the support portion is formed on the side surface of the main body portion.

11. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes an operation input unit for inputting operations, and the direction in which the support unit extends and the direction in which the operation input unit is positioned are the same in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user.

12. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support portion extends in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user in the direction opposite to the direction from which the image light is emitted.

13. A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a stopper portion provided on the support portion and for applying force to the mounting portion of the display device.

14. A display device according to claim 13, wherein the stopper portion applies the force in a direction different from the direction in which the driver of the vehicle is located.

15. A display device according to claim 13, wherein the stopper portion can slide along the support portion, and the sliding in accordance with the biasing force of the biasing member applies force to the mounting portion.

16. A display device according to claim 14, wherein the stopper portion can slide along the support portion, and the sliding in accordance with the biasing force of the biasing member applies force to the mounting portion.

17. A display device according to claim 13, wherein the stopper portion can rotate about the width direction of the support portion as the axis of rotation, and the rotation in accordance with the biasing force of the biasing member applies a force to the mounting portion.

18. A display device according to claim 14, wherein the stopper portion can rotate about the width direction of the support portion as the axis of rotation, and the rotation in accordance with the biasing force of the biasing member applies a force to the mounting portion.

19. A display device according to claim 13, characterized in that the stopper portion is provided so as to be located above or below the mounting portion when the display device is attached.

20. A display device according to claim 13, characterized in that the stopper portion is provided on the tip side of the support portion.

21. A display device according to claim 13, characterized in that the stopper portion is provided with a friction portion on the surface that contacts the mounting portion.

22. A display device according to claim 21, characterized in that the friction portion is designed such that the coefficient of friction of the friction generated by a force opposite to the force that the stopper portion applies to the mounting portion is greater than the coefficient of friction of the friction generated by a force that the stopper portion applies to the mounting portion.

23. A display device according to claim 21, characterized in that the friction portion is composed of a brush extending diagonally with respect to the surface.

Citation Information

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