Projection device for a head-up display, housing part and optics module housing for a projection device, and vehicle having a head-up display

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection device (15) for a head-up display, in particular for a head-up display for a vehicle, to a housing part (44) and to an optics module housing (24) for a projection device (15), and to a vehicle having a head-up display. The projection device (15) comprises at least one image generating device (32) which is designed to generate images which can be projected onto at least one combining element of the head-up display by means of the projection device (15). The projection device (15) comprises an optics module (23) which has at least one optics module housing (24) and at least one optical element (28, 30) for influencing image light beams coming from an image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32). The at least one optical element (28, 30) is arranged in a housing interior (26) of the at least one optics module housing (24). At least one surface (56) of the at least one optics module housing (24) facing the housing interior (26) has optically reflection-reducing properties at least in some sections. The image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32) is arranged relative to the at least one optics module housing (24) such that image light beams coming from the image output (42) can propagate into the housing interior (26) of the at least one optics module housing (24).

Description

[0001] 1 / 28 2024PF00119

[0002] Description

[0003] Projection device for a head-up display, housing part and optical module housing for a projection device and vehicle with a head-up display. Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a projection device for a head-up display, in particular for a head-up display for a vehicle, with at least one image generation device configured to generate images which can be projected onto at least one combining element of the head-up display using the projection device.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a housing part for an optical module housing for a projection device, in particular for a projection device according to the invention, for a head-up display.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to an optical module housing for a projection device, in particular for a projection device according to the invention, for a head-up display.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one head-up display, with at least one projection device and with at least one combining element, wherein the at least one projection device has at least one image generation device configured for generating images, and the at least one projection device is configured for projecting images generated with the at least one image generation device and the at least one combining element.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] From JP 2012058690 A, a display device of a head-up display is known which reflects display light onto the inner surface of a windshield and enables the driver to see the reflected light as an image formed outside the windshield.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of designing a projection device, a housing part, an optics module housing and a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the head-up display can be improved, in particular with regard to space requirements and / or manufacturing effort, such as component effort and / or assembly effort.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved in the projection device by the fact that the projection device comprises an optical module which has at least one optical module housing and at least one optical element for influencing image light rays coming from an image output of the at least one image generating device, wherein the at least one optical element is arranged in an interior space of the housing of the at least one optical module housing, wherein at least one surface of the housing of the at least one optical module facing the interior space has at least sectionally optically reflection-reducing properties, and wherein the image output of the at least one image generating device is arranged relative to the housing of the at least one optical module housing in such a way that image light rays coming from the image output can propagate into the interior space of the housing of the at least one optical module housing.

[0013] According to the invention, the projection device includes an optical module. The optical module directs image light rays from images generated by the at least one image-generating device onto a combining element of the head-up display. The at least one combining element forms a projection surface for the images. The images are projected onto the projection surface by the image light rays.

[0014] In contrast, with the prior art head-up display, the image generated by the display is projected directly onto the inner surface of the windshield. There is no separate optical module between the display and the windshield to adjust the image for display on the windshield, as is the case with the present invention. To display the image at the desired size and location on the windshield, the prior art head-up display requires either enlarging the display or... 3 / 28 2024PF00119

[0015] Display devices are placed very close to the windshield. The display device of the prior art head-up display corresponds to the image generation device in the projection device according to the invention.

[0016] The at least one combining element can be a reflective, translucent pane, in particular the windshield of the vehicle. In this way, a person can see both the images projected onto the at least one combining element by the projection device and, through the at least one combining element, the environment in front of it.

[0017] The optical module comprises at least one optical module housing and at least one optical element. The at least one optical element is arranged within an interior compartment of the at least one optical module housing. In this way, the at least one optical element is protected from environmental influences.

[0018] The at least one optical element is configured to influence light rays, in particular the image light rays. The at least one optical element can be configured to influence the direction of propagation and / or the shape of the light rays, especially the image light rays. In this way, the properties of the light rays, especially the image light rays, can be adjusted to improve the projection of the images onto the at least one combining element.

[0019] Advantageously, at least one optical element can be designed to deflect the light rays, especially the image light rays. In this way, an optical path within the optical module housing can be folded. The optical module housing can thus be designed more compactly. Furthermore, at least one image-generating device can be arranged more flexibly relative to the combining element, and the propagation direction of the light rays, especially the image light rays, can be adjusted accordingly by the optical element.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, at least one optical element can be designed 4 / 28 2024PF00119 to focus and / or widen the light rays, in particular the image light rays. In this way, the image projected onto the at least one combining element can be enlarged or reduced.

[0021] Advantageously, the wavelengths of the light rays can lie within the wavelength range visible to humans. In this way, images visible to humans can be generated and projected onto the combining element. Alternatively, wavelength ranges that are not visible to humans can also be used. In this case, at least one combining element can have properties that make the image light rays visible to the human eye.

[0022] At least one surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing exhibits optically reflection-reducing properties, at least in some sections. This reduces unwanted light reflections on the inside of the optical module housing. "Optically reflection-reducing properties" means that light reflections are reduced by the surface properties.

[0023] According to the invention, the inner surface of the at least one optical module housing itself possesses reflection-reducing properties. In this way, the at least one optical module housing itself serves as an optical chamber. This eliminates the need to integrate a separate optical chamber housing with reflection-reducing properties into the interior of the optical module housing. This reduces the number of components and the installation space required for the projection device. Due to the smaller number of components required, the assembly of the projection device is simplified. Overall, this also reduces the costs of the head-up display. The compact design allows the projection device to be positioned more flexibly in front of a combination element, particularly under a vehicle's windshield.

[0024] The image output of the at least one image-generating device is arranged relative to the at least one optical module housing such that image light rays coming from the image output can propagate into the interior of the housing of the at least one optical module. In this way, the image light rays can reach the at least one optical element within the housing. The image output can be located inside the housing. Alternatively, the image output can be located outside the housing. In this case, the image light rays can propagate into the housing through an entry window.

[0025] A head-up display (HUD) projects images into a person's field of vision, particularly that of a vehicle driver. This allows the person to see the images without moving their head. Head-up displays are also sometimes referred to as "head-up displays" in German.

[0026] The images that can be displayed on the head-up display can include symbols, characters such as numbers and / or letters, photos, videos, graphics, and augmented reality elements. The images can contain information about the environment, vehicle status information, navigation information, or similar content.

[0027] The image light rays characterize the images produced by the at least one image-generating device. The image light rays can be generated by interaction, in particular reflection or transmission, of light from an illumination source, in particular a backlight, with a display, in particular a liquid crystal display.

[0028] The image output is the part of at least one image-generating device onto which the image light rays are emitted. The image output can be implemented by a closing window, an optical element such as a lens, or the like.

[0029] Head-up displays can be used in vehicles. A key functional characteristic of a vehicle is its ability to move. Vehicles can be motor vehicles. Advantageously, head-up displays can be used in land vehicles, especially cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, drones, mobile robots, mobile machinery, especially construction or transport machinery such as cranes, excavators, or the like, aircraft, especially drones, and / or (under)water vehicles, especially (under)water drones. Head-up displays can also be used in vehicles that can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. However, head-up displays are not limited to vehicles. They can also be worn by a person, especially in a helmet or similar device.

[0030] The head-up display (HUD) can project information from the vehicle's control unit as images. This information can include vehicle data, such as speed, engine data like engine speed, and similar data. It can also display environmental information gathered by suitable sensors, such as radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic, and / or cameras. The HUD can also project navigation data as images visible to the driver.

[0031] Advantageously, the head-up display can be connected to a control unit and / or a driver assistance system of the vehicle. In this way, information from the control unit or the driver assistance system can be transmitted to the head-up display and displayed as corresponding images.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one optical element of the projection device can be a mirror for deflecting image light rays. With at least one mirror, the image light rays can be deflected efficiently, with low loss, and precisely within the at least one optical module housing. Mirrors are easy to manufacture. Furthermore, mirrors can be easily mounted and aligned.

[0033] The deflection of the image light rays with at least one mirror allows greater freedom in the arrangement of the at least one image-generating device relative to the combining element.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing can be at least partially light-absorbing and / or at least one surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing can be coated, in particular painted, with an optically reflection-reducing, in particular light-absorbing, material 7 / 28 2024PF00119 and / or at least one surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing can be treated for optical reflection reduction, in particular light absorption.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one surface facing the interior of the housing can be at least partially light-absorbing. In this way, light rays incident on the surface can be absorbed. This allows light reflection within the optical module housing to be efficiently reduced.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one surface facing the interior of the housing can be coated with an optically anti-reflective, and in particular light-absorbing, material, either alternatively or additionally. This allows different materials to be used for the inner surface of the optical module housing and the walls of the optical module housing. Thus, materials whose properties are particularly advantageous with regard to thermal management and / or mechanical stability can be used for the walls of the optical module housing, even if they are not inherently reflective. The surface can be coated with a different material, in particular an anti-reflective coating, especially a matte lacquer or the like.

[0037] Advantageously, the surface can be lacquered. In this way, the surface can be easily given optically reflection-reducing properties.

[0038] Advantageously, a primer can first be applied to the surface of the optical module housing. This improves the adhesion of the paint to the walls of the optical module housing. A matte paint can then be applied over the primer. This achieves the desired anti-reflective properties.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, at least one surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing can advantageously be treated for optically reducing reflections, particularly for light absorption. In this way, the material from which the at least one optical module housing is made can itself be equipped with reflection-reducing properties.

[0040] Advantageously, the treatment can be carried out by roughening the surface. In this way, the surface of a metal optical module housing can also be equipped with optically reflection-reducing properties.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing can have consistently optically anti-reflective properties. In this way, the reflection of incident light rays can be reduced at any point on the surface. Furthermore, the surface can thus be more easily treated to achieve the reduction in reflection, in particular by coating or painting.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one image generation unit can be arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, outside the interior of the at least one optical module housing, and the at least one optical module housing can have at least one entry window which is associated with the image output of the at least one image generation unit such that image light rays can pass from the image output into the interior of the housing. In this way, the at least one image generation unit can be more easily arranged externally on the at least one optical module housing. Thus, the at least one optical module housing and the at least one image output unit can be prefabricated separately, in particular as modular components. The prefabricated components can then be easily connected to one another.

[0043] The at least one optical module housing can have at least one entry window. This entry window is associated with the image output of the at least one image output unit in such a way that image light rays can pass from the image output into the interior of the housing. In this way, the image light rays can reach the at least one optical element. 9 / 28 2024PF00119

[0044] Advantageously, the image output can be located on the outside of the at least one optical module housing, in front of the at least one entrance window. In this way, the image light rays can pass through the at least one entrance window into the interior of the housing.

[0045] Alternatively, the image output of at least one image output unit can protrude through the entry window. In this way, the image output can be located inside the housing. The image light rays are then emitted within the housing and propagate accordingly.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one image generating device can have at least one display, in particular a liquid crystal display or the like, and / or at least one illumination, in particular at least one light-emitting diode.

[0047] Advantageously, at least one image generation device can have at least one display. Images can be generated and displayed using the display.

[0048] Advantageously, at least one display can be a liquid crystal display. Liquid crystal displays have relatively low energy consumption and a long lifespan.

[0049] Advantageously, at least one image-generating device can have at least one illumination system. In this way, images generated by the at least one display can be illuminated.

[0050] Advantageously, the lighting can be designed as backlighting. In this way, the brightness can be adjusted to the overall lighting situation, especially on the side of the combining element.

[0051] Advantageously, at least one light source can have at least one LED. LEDs have relatively low energy consumption and a long lifespan. 10 / 28 2024PF00119

[0052] Advantageously, at least one display can be controllable, especially electrically controllable. In this way, images can be generated in a targeted manner.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the lights can be controllable. This allows the display to be illuminated selectively.

[0054] At least one display and / or at least one light source can be connected to an electronic control unit, in particular the projection device. In this way, the electronic control unit can be used for control purposes.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment, two optical elements can be mirrors for deflecting image light rays, their respective mirror surfaces facing each other, with the mirror surface of one of the mirrors additionally facing the image output of the image generation device. In this way, the image light rays coming from the at least one image output unit can be deflected twice within the housing interior. This allows a zigzag-shaped beam path to be generated. Overall, this allows the housing of the at least one optical module to be realized more compactly.

[0056] The optical path, which defines the path of the image light rays within the housing, can be folded twice. This allows the length of the optical path within the housing to be extended. If, in addition, the mirror surface facing the image output is convexly curved, a corresponding magnification of the image can be achieved.

[0057] The reflective surfaces of the two mirrors face each other. In this way, light rays coming from the reflective surface of one mirror can strike the reflective surface of the other mirror and be reflected there.

[0058] The reflective surface of one of the mirrors is additionally oriented towards the image output of the image-generating device. In this way, image light rays coming from the image output can strike this reflective surface and be reflected off it. 11 / 28 2024PF00119

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one optical element can be a mirror with a curved mirror surface and / or at least one optical element can be an adjustable mirror.

[0060] Advantageously, at least one optical element can be a mirror with a curved surface. This allows the image to be magnified or reduced depending on the curvature of the mirror surface. A convex mirror surface magnifies the image, while a concave mirror surface reduces it. Thus, the curvature of the mirror surface allows the head-up display to be adapted to the spatial mounting position of the projection device relative to the at least one connecting element, particularly the windshield.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, at least one optical element can advantageously be an adjustable mirror. This allows the manipulation of the image light rays, in particular the deflection and / or magnification or reduction of the image, to be adjusted. Furthermore, the at least one optical element can be aligned with respect to the optical path. Overall, this improves the quality of the image projection onto the combining element. Moreover, the projection device can be better adapted to the spatial mounting situation in relation to the at least one combining element.

[0062] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one optical element of the head-up display, in particular the at least one optical element, can be a light deflection element, especially a mirror, which can define an optical path of image light rays from the image output of the at least one image generating unit within the housing interior. In this way, the image light rays coming from the at least one image output unit, which characterize the displayed images, can be guided accordingly within the housing interior. Thus, the course of the optical path within the housing interior can be adapted. 12 / 28 2024PF00119

[0063] If the light output side of the projection device, in particular an exit window of the at least one optical module housing, is not in line with the image output of the at least one image generating device, the optical path within the housing interior can be adjusted accordingly. This allows the projection device to be more easily adapted to the mounting situation relative to the at least one combining element, in particular to the windshield of a vehicle. For example, the projection device can be mounted obliquely below the windshield, in particular on an instrument panel crossmember, or adapted to a location on the vehicle, in particular an arrangement on an instrument panel crossmember of the vehicle below the windshield.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one optical module housing can be made at least partially, and in particular completely, of metal, especially aluminum, and / or the at least one optical element can be a glass mirror.

[0065] Advantageously, at least one optical module housing can be made of metal, at least in part. This allows for better heat dissipation, thus improving the thermal management of the head-up display.

[0066] Advantageously, at least one optical module housing can be made at least partially of aluminum. Aluminum has a relatively low weight and good thermal conductivity. Furthermore, aluminum can be easily shaped or cast. Thus, at least one optical module housing can be manufactured using a die-casting process.

[0067] Alternatively, at least one optical module housing can be made of a material other than metal, or may have a different material altogether. This allows the material of the optical module housing to be more flexibly adapted to the use, and in particular the location, of the head-up display.

[0068] Advantageously, at least one optical element can be a glass mirror. Glass mirrors are superior to plastic mirrors in terms of optical, thermal, and vibration properties. 13 / 28 2024PF00119

[0069] Advantageously, at least one optical element, in particular at least one mirror, can be manufactured using a free-form process, especially as a free-form mirror. In this way, the curvatures and shapes of the optical element, especially the mirror, can be implemented more flexibly.

[0070] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one optical module housing can have at least one exit window through which image light rays can escape from the interior of the housing, and / or the at least one optical module housing can have at least one entry window, in particular at least one entry window to which the image output of the at least one image generating device is assigned.

[0071] Advantageously, the at least one optical module housing can have at least one exit window. In this way, the image light rays that characterize the images can exit the at least one optical module housing. The image light rays can then be projected onto a combining element outside the at least one optical module housing, in particular onto a windshield of the vehicle.

[0072] Advantageously, at least one optical module housing can have at least one entry window. This allows image light rays to enter the interior of the housing.

[0073] Advantageously, the at least one optical module housing can have at least one entry window to which the image output of the at least one image-generating device is assigned. In this way, if the image output is located outside the housing interior, the image light rays can pass through the entry window into the housing interior. Alternatively, the image output can pass through the at least one entry window into the housing interior. In this way, at least part of the at least one image-generating device can be located outside the housing interior. The at least one optical module housing can thus be made more compact overall. 14 / 28 2024PF00119

[0074] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one optical module housing can comprise at least two housing parts, wherein at least a portion of the surface facing the interior of the housing can have optically reflection-reducing properties, at least partially, on at least one of the at least two housing parts. In this way, the interior of the housing is more easily accessible when the housing parts are separate. Thus, the at least one optical element can be more easily arranged on a suitable receptacle, in particular a mirror receptacle, and the at least two housing parts can then be joined together.

[0075] When using two optical elements, one of the optical elements can first be attached to one of the housing parts during assembly. The other optical element can then be connected to the other housing part. During assembly of the two housing parts, the two optical elements can be automatically aligned correctly. This simplifies the overall assembly of the projection device. The optical elements and their functional dimensions can be improved and integrated into one of the housing parts. This reduces the overall tolerance between the optical elements of the head-up display.

[0076] Advantageously, the optical module housing can comprise a main housing part and a cover housing part. The main housing part can contain the internal housing. On one side, the main housing part can have an opening through which at least one optical element can be installed. When the main housing part and the cover housing part are assembled, the opening can be closed off by the cover housing part.

[0077] Advantageously, one of the housing parts, in particular a cover housing part, can have an exit window for image light rays. In this way, when the optical module housing is assembled, the image light rays from the interior of the housing can reach the at least one combining element.

[0078] Advantageously, one of the housing parts, in particular the main housing part, can be a 15 / 28 2024PF00119

[0079] They have entry windows for image light rays. In this way, when the optical module housing is assembled, the image light rays can enter the housing interior.

[0080] Furthermore, the problem is solved in the case of the housing part by the fact that the housing part has at least a part of a housing interior which is designed to accommodate at least one optical element, wherein the surface of the housing part facing the housing interior has at least sectionally optically reflection-reducing properties.

[0081] According to the invention, the housing part comprises at least a portion of an interior housing in which at least one optical element can be arranged. In this way, at least one optical element can be arranged in the interior housing with which image light rays can be influenced, in particular deflected. This allows the housing part to be made more compact overall.

[0082] The surface of the housing component facing the interior of the housing exhibits optically reflection-reducing properties, at least in some sections. This reduces unwanted light reflections within the housing.

[0083] Advantageously, the housing component can have at least one receiving device for receiving at least one optical element. In this way, the optical element can be positioned more precisely within the housing interior.

[0084] Advantageously, at least one receiving device can be a mirror receptacle. In this way, an optical element in the form of a mirror can be arranged in the housing part.

[0085] Advantageously, the housing component can have at least one entry window. This allows image light rays to enter the housing interior. The image light rays can then pass through the entry window. Alternatively, an output side of an image generating device can pass through the entry window and emit image light rays within the housing interior. 16 / 28 2024PF00119

[0086] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved with the optical module housing by the fact that the optical module housing has an interior which is designed to accommodate at least one optical element, wherein the surface of the optical module housing facing the interior has at least partially optically reflection-reducing properties.

[0087] According to the invention, the optical module housing has an interior in which at least one optical element can be arranged. In this way, at least one optical element can be arranged in the interior of the housing with which image light rays can be influenced, in particular deflected. This allows the optical module housing to be made more compact overall.

[0088] The surface of the optical module housing facing the interior of the housing exhibits optically reflection-reducing properties, at least in some sections. This reduces unwanted light reflections within the housing interior.

[0089] Advantageously, the optical module housing can have at least one receiving device for at least one optical element. This allows the optical element to be positioned more precisely within the housing.

[0090] Advantageously, the optical module housing can have at least one receiving device for receiving at least one optical element. In this way, the optical element can be arranged more precisely within the housing interior.

[0091] Advantageously, the optical module housing can have at least one entry window. This allows image light rays to enter the housing interior. The image light rays can then pass through the entry window. Alternatively, an exit side of an image-generating device can pass through the entry window and emit image light rays within the housing interior.

[0092] Advantageously, the optical module housing can have at least one exit window. This allows image light rays to escape from inside the housing. 17 / 28 2024PF00119

[0093] Advantageously, the optical module housing can have at least two housing parts. This makes the interior of the housing more easily accessible when the housing parts are separate. This allows the at least one optical element to be more easily positioned on the corresponding mount, in particular the mirror mount, and then the at least two housing parts to be joined together.

[0094] Furthermore, the problem is solved in the vehicle according to the invention by the fact that at least one projection device is a projection device according to the invention.

[0095] This allows the projection device to be designed more compactly and cost-effectively. The compact design also allows for greater flexibility regarding the type and location of the projection device's installation within the vehicle.

[0096] Furthermore, the features and advantages described in connection with the projection device, the housing part, the optical module housing, and the vehicle according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply to each other accordingly and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, potentially resulting in further advantageous effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0097] Brief description of the drawings

[0098] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawing, the description, and the claims individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The drawing schematically illustrates

[0099] Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a head-up display;

[0100] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of a projection device of the head-up display from Figure 1; 18 / 28 2024PF00119

[0101] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the projection device from Figures 1 and 2;

[0102] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the projection device from Figures 1 to 3, in which an optical path for image light rays is indicated.

[0103] In the figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0104] embodiment(s) of the invention

[0105] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a control unit 12 and a head-up display 14.

[0106] The control unit 12 can provide vehicle data, such as vehicle speed, engine data, navigation data, and environmental data, which are determined, for example, by vehicle sensors such as LiDAR sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or vehicle cameras.

[0107] The control unit 12 is connected to the head-up display 14. This allows data to be transmitted from the control unit 12 to the head-up display 14. The head-up display 14 can then display images 18 based on the data transmitted by the control unit 12.

[0108] The head-up display 14 comprises a projection device 15 and a combining element 16. The positioning device 15 can generate images 18 based on data transmitted by the control unit 12 and project them onto the combining element 16. In Figure 1, an image 18 is indicated by a line as an example. The images 18 can be seen on the combining element 16 by a person in the vehicle 14, for example, by a driver, without the person having to lower their head. In this embodiment, the combining element 16 corresponds to the windshield of the vehicle 10.

[0109] The images 18, which can be displayed with the head-up display 14, can contain symbols, characters such as numbers and / or letters, photos, videos, graphics, and augmented reality display elements. The images 18 can contain information about the 19 / 28 2024PF00119

[0110] Environmental and / or vehicle condition information and / or navigation information or the like.

[0111] The combining element 16 is a reflective, translucent glass. In the described embodiment, the windshield of the vehicle 10 forms the combining element 16 of the head-up display 14.

[0112] The projection device 15 is located, for example, below the windshield. For example, the projection device 15 can be arranged in the dashboard of the vehicle 10. The projection device 15 can be attached to an instrument panel crossmember of the vehicle 10.

[0113] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of the projection device 15. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the projection device 15. Figure 4 shows a section of the projection device 15. In Figure 4, an optical path 20 of image light rays 22, which characterize the respective image 18 to be projected, is indicated by dashed lines.

[0114] The projection device 15 comprises an image generation unit 32 and an optical module 23.

[0115] The optical module 23 comprises an optical module housing 24. The optical module housing 24 surrounds a housing interior 26. In the housing interior 26, two optical elements in the form of a first mirror 28 and a second mirror 30 are arranged.

[0116] The image generation unit 32 comprises an image generation housing 34. An image output unit is arranged in the image generation housing 34. Furthermore, the image generation unit 32 comprises a plug connector 38, which is connected to the control unit 12 via a connecting cable 40.

[0117] The image generation device 32, for example, has a display and a backlight for the display. The display and the backlight are arranged in the image generation housing 34 and are therefore not visible in the figures. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The backlight is implemented, for example, with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The display can be controlled, for example, by the control unit 12 to display images 18. The backlight illuminates the images 18 displayed on the display, so that image light rays 22 emanate from it.

[0118] Furthermore, the image generation device 32 includes an image output 42. The image output 42 is implemented, for example, with a translucent window, such as a pane of glass. The image light rays 22 coming from the display exit the image generation housing 34 through the image output 42. Viewed from the outside, the liquid crystal display is located, for example, directly behind the image output 42 within the image generation housing 34.

[0119] The image output 42 is located in a projection of the image generation housing 34. The image generation housing 34 is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the side.

[0120] The optical module housing 24 comprises a main housing part 44 and a cover housing part 46. The main housing part 44 is preferably made of aluminum. For example, the main housing part 44 can be manufactured by die casting. Likewise, the cover housing part 46 is preferably made of aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the main housing part 44 and / or the cover housing part 46 can be made of plastic. The cover housing part 46 can also be manufactured by die casting. The main housing part 44 and the cover housing part 46 are thermally conductive. This improves the thermal management for the projection device 15.

[0121] The main housing part 44 is approximately in the shape of a hollow wedge. The base of the wedge faces the cover housing part 46. The base of the wedge is approximately rectangular. Viewed from the side, for example perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in the figure, the main housing part 44 is approximately triangular.

[0122] The housing interior 26 is realized in the main housing part 44. The main housing part 44 has a mounting opening 48 on its side facing the cover housing part 46. The mounting opening 48 is covered by the cover housing 46 when the optical module housing 24 is assembled. The mounting opening 48 allows access to the 21 / 28 2024PF00119

[0123] During the assembly of the optical module 23, the second mirror 30 is installed in the housing interior 26.

[0124] The installation opening 48 extends over the entire base of the wedge-shaped main housing part 44. This allows the main housing part 44 to be manufactured more easily using a die-casting process. Undercuts are unnecessary, making it easier to remove a tool from the housing interior 26.

[0125] On the side facing away from the cover housing part 46, the main housing part 44 has an entry window 50. In Figure 3, due to the perspective of the illustration, the entry window 50 is located in the background, so its position can only be indicated by the reference symbol. In Figure 2, the entry window 50 is obscured by the projection of the image generation housing 34, in which the image output 42 of the image generation device 32 is located.

[0126] The image generation unit 32 is located on the side of the main housing part 44 facing away from the mounting opening 48 and the cover housing part 46. The image generation unit 32 is located outside the housing interior 26 on the outer surface of the optical module housing 24. The image output 42 is associated with the inlet window 50. The emission side of the image output 42 is directed towards the inlet window 50. Image light rays 22, which come from the image output 42, can thus enter the housing interior 26.

[0127] Viewed from the side, the approximately L-shaped image generation housing 34 encompasses the tip of the wedge-shaped optical module housing 24. The projection of the image generation housing 34, in which the image output 42 is located, rests against one of the rectangular side faces of the wedge-shaped optical module housing 24. The remainder of the image generation housing 34 rests against the opposite rectangular side face of the optical module housing 24. In this way, the projection device 15 can be designed to be more compact overall.

[0128] The projection of the image generation housing 34, in which the image output 42 is located, lies on one of the rectangular side faces of the wedge-shaped main housing part 22 / 28 2024PF00119

[0129] 44. The main part of the image generation housing 34 outside the projection rests against the opposite rectangular side surface of the main housing part 44. The image generation device 32 is stably attached to the optical module 23.

[0130] Furthermore, the main housing part 44 has a mirror receptacle 52 for the second mirror 30. The mirror receptacle 52 is formed by two recesses. The recesses of the mirror receptacle 52 extend on opposite inner surfaces of the triangular side faces of the main housing part 44, obliquely to the mounting opening 48.

[0131] The second mirror 30 has an adjustable bracket 36. The adjustable bracket 36 secures the second mirror 30 in the mirror receptacle 52. The mirror surface 54 of the second mirror 30 faces the mounting opening 48 or the cover housing part 46. The adjustable bracket 36 allows the second mirror 30 to be tilted in the mirror receptacle 52 and thus adjusted in its orientation.

[0132] The surface 56 on the entire inner surface of the main housing part 44 has optically anti-reflective properties. For example, the surface 56 is coated with a light-absorbing lacquer, such as a matte lacquer. During the coating process, a primer can first be applied to the surface 56 on the inner surface of the main housing part 44. The matte lacquer can then be applied.

[0133] The lid housing part 46 has a mounting frame 58, a mirror receptacle 60 for the first mirror 28 and an exit window 62.

[0134] The mounting frame 58 has a shape similar to the edge of the main housing part 44 surrounding the installation opening 48. The cover housing part 46 is attached to the edge of the main housing part 44 by means of the mounting frame 58. The outlet window 62 is located on the side of the mounting frame 58 facing away from the main housing part 44.

[0135] The exit window 62, for example, has a translucent protective pane. In this way, the interior of the housing 26 is protected from dust and moisture from the environment. 23 / 28 2024PF00119

[0136] Viewed from the side, the cover housing part 46 has a curved profile on the side with the outlet window 62. The curve is adapted to the contour of the dashboard. The height of the cover housing 46 increases from one side to the opposite side, corresponding to the curve, from right to left in Figure 3.

[0137] The mirror mount 60 is located on the side of the cover housing part 46 that is taller. With the optical module 23 assembled, the mirror mount 60 is located on the side diagonally opposite the entrance window 50.

[0138] The first mirror 28 is adjustable within the mirror mount 60. The first mirror 28 can be tilted within the mirror mount 60. This allows the direction of the first mirror 28 to be adjusted.

[0139] When the projection device 15 is assembled, the mirror surface 64 of the first mirror 28 faces the image output 42 of the image generating unit 32. The mirror surface 64 of the first mirror 28 also faces the mirror surface 54 of the second mirror 30. The mirror surface 54 of the second mirror also faces the exit window 62.

[0140] When the projection device 15 is mounted in the dashboard, the side of the projection device 15 with the mirror mount 60 of the first mirror 28 is located at the front of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel, on the side facing the combining element 16. The mirror surface 54 of the second mirror faces the combining element 16 through the exit window 62.

[0141] The first mirror 28 and the second mirror 30 are each implemented as glass mirrors. The first mirror 28 and the second mirror 30 are each implemented as freeform mirrors.

[0142] The first mirror 28 is convexly curved in a plane when viewed from its reflective surface 64. In this way, images 18 coming from the image output unit can be magnified in one direction and projected onto the reflective surface 54 of the second mirror 30. The reflective surface 54 of the second mirror 30 is larger than the reflective surface 64 of the first mirror 28. The reflective surface 54 of the second mirror 30 is concavely curved in a plane when viewed from the first mirror 28. In this way, the reflected image light rays 22 can be focused onto the combining element 16.

[0143] During operation of the head-up display 14, the first mirror 28 deflects the image light rays 22, which originate from the image output 42 of the image generation unit 32, to the second mirror 30 and magnifies them in one plane. The second mirror 30 focuses the image light rays 22 in one plane and deflects them through the exit window 62 to the combining element 16. The image light rays 22 generate the image 18 visible to the user on the combining element 16.

[0144] The optical path 20 is defined by the positions of the image output 42, the first mirror 28, and the second mirror 30 in the optical module housing 24. Viewed from the side, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Figure 4, the optical path 20 is folded in an approximately zigzag pattern. This allows the projection device 15 to be implemented in a more compact form overall.

[0145] The anti-reflective surface 56 on the inside of the main housing part 44 reduces unwanted light reflections that could interfere with the projection of the images 18 onto the combining element 16. Because the anti-reflective properties are implemented directly on the surface 56 of the main housing part 44, an additional housing within the optical module housing 24, which would form an anti-reflective optical chamber, is unnecessary. This reduces the number of components and allows the projection device 15 to be designed more compactly overall.

Claims

25 / 28 2024PF00119 Claims 1. Projection device (15) for a head-up display (14), in particular for a head-up display (14) for a vehicle (10), with at least one image generation device (32) configured to generate images (18) which can be projected by the projection device (15) onto at least one combining element (16) of the head-up display (14), characterized in that the projection device (15) comprises an optical module (23) which has at least one optical module housing (24) and at least one optical element (28, 30) for influencing image light rays (22) coming from an image output (42) of the at least one image generation device (32), wherein the at least one optical element (28, 30) is arranged in a housing interior (26) of the at least one optical module housing (24),wherein at least one surface (56) of the at least one optical module housing (24) facing the interior of the housing (26) has at least sectionally optically reflection-reducing properties and wherein the image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32) is arranged relative to the at least one optical module housing (24) such that image light rays (22) coming from the image output (42) can propagate into the interior of the housing (26) of the at least one optical module housing (24).

2. Projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one optical element (28, 30) of the projection device (15) is a mirror for deflecting image light rays (22).

3. Projection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one surface (56) of the optical module housing (24) facing the interior of the housing (26) is at least partially light-absorbing and / or at least one surface (56) of the optical module housing (24) facing the interior of the housing (26) is coated, in particular painted, with an optically reflection-reducing, in particular light-absorbing, material and / or 26 / 28 2024PF00119 at least one surface (56) of the optical module housing (24) facing the interior of the housing (26) is treated to reduce optical reflection, in particular to reduce light absorption.

4. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (56) of the optical module housing (24) facing the interior of the housing (26) has consistently optically reflection-reducing properties.

5. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one image generating device (32) is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the housing interior (26) of the at least one optical module housing (24) and the at least one optical module housing (24) has at least one entry window (50) which is assigned to the image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32) in such a way that image light rays (22) can pass from the image output (42) into the housing interior (26).

6. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one image generating device (32) has at least one display, in particular a liquid crystal display or the like, and / or at least one illumination, in particular at least one light-emitting diode.

7. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two of the optical elements (28, 30) are mirrors for deflecting image light rays (22), the respective mirror surfaces (54, 64) of which are facing each other, wherein the mirror surface (64) of one of the mirrors (28) is additionally facing the image output (42) of the image generating device (32).

8. Projection device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical element (28, 30) is a mirror with a curved mirror surface and / or at least one optical element (28, 30) is an adjustable mirror. 27 / 28 2024PF00119 9. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical element (28, 30) of the head-up display (14), in particular the at least one optical element (28, 30), is a light deflection element, in particular a mirror, which defines an optical path (20) of image light rays (22) from the image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32) in the housing interior (26).

10. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical module housing (24) is at least partially, in particular completely, made of metal, in particular aluminum, and / or the at least one optical element (28, 30) is a glass mirror. 1 1. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical module housing (24) has at least one exit window (62) through which image light rays (22) can escape from the interior of the housing (26), and / or the at least one optical module housing (24) has at least one entry window (50), in particular at least one entry window (50) to which the image output (42) of the at least one image generating device (32) is assigned.

12. Projection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical module housing (24) has at least two housing parts (44, 46), wherein at least a part of the surface (56) facing the housing interior (26) has at least one of the at least two housing parts (44, 46) having at least sectionally optical reflection-reducing properties.

13. Housing part (44) for an optical module housing (24) for a projection device (15), in particular for a projection device (15) according to one of claims 1 to 12, for a head-up display (14), characterized in that the housing part (44) 28 / 28 2024PF00119 has at least a part of a housing interior (26) which is designed to accommodate at least one optical element (30), wherein the surface (56) of the housing part (44) facing the housing interior (26) has at least sectionally optically reflection-reducing properties.

14. Optical module housing (24) for a projection device (15), in particular for a projection device (15) according to one of claims 1 to 12, for a head-up display (14), characterized in that the optical module housing (24) has an interior housing space (26) which is designed to accommodate at least one optical element (28, 30), wherein the surface (56) of the optical module housing (24) facing the interior housing space (26) has at least partially optically reflection-reducing properties.

15. Vehicle (10) with at least one head-up display (14), with at least one projection device (15) and with at least one combining element (16), wherein the at least one projection device (15) has at least one image generation device (32) configured for generating images (18), and the at least one projection device (15) is configured for projecting images (18) generated by the at least one image generation device (32), the at least one combining element (16), characterized in that the at least one projection device (15) is a projection device (15) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

Images