WO2016042598A1 - Head-up display device and display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A head-up display device (16) is provided with: a display light projection unit (22) that projects display light including a display image; a combiner (17) having a display light reflecting surface (17b) that reflects the display light; and an end surface light source (46) that outputs lighting light. A lighting light input section (17a) that guides the lighting light into the combiner (17) is formed in the combiner (17), and also in the combiner (17), a lighting light reflecting section (17c) that reflects the lighting light to the reflecting direction of the display image is formed on an end surface in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction.

Description

Head-up display device and display unit

The present invention relates to a head-up display device having a combiner and a display unit including the head-up display device, and more particularly to a new visual effect technique using the combiner.

In general, a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle projects display light emitted from a projection unit onto an optical member (half mirror) called a combiner, and reflects the light reflected on the surface of the combiner to a driver's observation position. It is comprised so that it may lead to the predetermined | prescribed eye point (for example, refer patent document 1). The combiner is disposed at a position that is easy for the driver to visually recognize, such as on an instrument panel in front of the driver's seat.

In the head-up display device, the display image is formed as a virtual image at a position ahead of the combiner position in the traveling direction of the vehicle, so that the driver's focus adjustment necessary for visual recognition of the display image is small. There are advantages. In addition, according to the head-up display device, the scenery in front of the vehicle viewed through the combiner and the display image formed forward in the traveling direction can be superimposed and visually recognized, which is different from the display using a normal display panel. Information can be presented in a novel manner.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-11112

Thus, according to the head-up display device, by using the combiner, a new visual effect different from the display using the normal display panel can be realized.

In recent years, there has been a demand for a head-up display device that can realize a new visual effect using a combiner.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a head-up display device and a display unit capable of realizing a novel visual effect.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a head-up display device and a display system according to the present invention have the following features.
(1) a projection unit that projects display light including a display image;
A combiner that is formed in a plate shape and has a reflective surface that reflects the display light projected from the projection unit;
An end face light source that emits illumination light;
Comprising a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle and used.
The combiner is formed with an incident portion that guides the illumination light into the combiner, and
In the combiner, a reflection portion is formed on an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction to reflect the illumination light incident on the combiner toward the reflection direction of the display image.
thing.
(2) A head-up display device configured as described in (1) above,
It is configured to receive information on the state of the vehicle, and further includes a control unit connected to the end surface light source,
The control unit controls the end surface light source so that the received state of the vehicle corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source,
thing.
(3) A head-up display device configured as described in (1) above,
A drive unit for moving the combiner between a deployed position and a retracted position;
A control unit connected to the driving unit and the end surface light source, and
The control unit controls the end face light source so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner corresponds to a lighting state of the end face light source,
thing.
(4) A head-up display device configured as described in (2) above,
A drive unit for moving the combiner between a deployed position and a retracted position;
The control unit is further connected to the drive unit, and controls the end surface light source so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source,
thing.
(5) A display unit comprising a head-up display device having any one of the above configurations (2) to (4), and a meter unit having a display unit,
The control unit controls the end surface light source so that the display content of the display unit corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source.
thing.

In the head-up display device of the above (1), the illumination light is incident on the inside of the combiner from the incident part, and then reflected by the reflecting part formed on the end face (side end face) in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the combiner. Reach the driver's eye point. Thereby, a driver | operator visually recognizes the state in which the side end surface of a combiner is illuminated. For example, when the reflection portion is formed over a predetermined range of the side end surface, the driver visually recognizes that the end portion of the combiner is illuminated in a strip shape. Thus, according to the head-up display device of the above (1), the side end surface of the combiner can be illuminated as compared with the conventional head-up display device that projects a display image only on the surface of the combiner. New visual effects can be realized.
In the head-up display device of (1), various lighting modes of the side end surface of the combiner can be obtained by controlling the on / off timing of the end surface light source and the illumination color (that is, by controlling the lighting state). Can be changed. For this reason, for example, when the headlight is turned on after the driver turns off the ignition, the driver can be informed of forgetting to turn off the light by blinking the illumination. Thus, according to the head-up display device of the above (1), compared with the conventional head-up display device that projects a display image only on the surface of the combiner, the lighting / flashing of the side end surface of the combiner and the illumination color Since the alarm can be notified even by the change, the notification ability at the time of the alarm can be improved.
According to the head-up display device of (2) above, since the end surface light source is controlled so that the state of the vehicle corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source, the state of the vehicle and the illumination mode of the side end surface of the combiner are Correspond. For example, it is possible to associate various vehicle states such as a vehicle abnormality or charging state, vehicle speed, engine speed, and headlight lighting state with the lighting state of the side end face of the combiner. As a result, the driver can grasp the state of the vehicle such as the occurrence of an abnormality based on the illumination mode of the side end face of the combiner. Thus, according to the head-up display device of the above (2), the vehicle state can be presented even by lighting / flashing of the side end face of the combiner or a change in illumination color, as compared with the conventional head-up display device. The vehicle state can be easily notified to the driver.
According to the head-up display device of (3) or (4) above, the end surface light source is controlled so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source. At least one of the operations corresponds to the illumination state of the side end surface of the combiner. For example, in a pop-up type head-up display device that expands the combiner at the top of the instrument panel when used, and stores the combiner below the instrument panel when not used, the combiner is moved between the expanded position and the stored position. The side end surface of the combiner can be blinked. That is, the operation of the combiner can be associated with the illumination state of the side end surface of the combiner. Alternatively, when the combiner moves from the retracted position to the deployed position, the blinking period of the side end face of the combiner, the brightness of the illumination color, the color, and the like can be changed according to the position. That is, the position of the combiner can be associated with the illumination state of the side end face of the combiner. Thus, according to the head-up display device of the above (3) or (4), the side end surface of the combiner can be illuminated in conjunction with the position or operation of the combiner as compared with the conventional head-up display device. A novel visual effect can be realized.
According to the display unit of (5) above, the meter unit and the head-up display device can be controlled so as to be linked. For example, when displaying information on the vehicle state such as the occurrence of an abnormality on the meter unit, the vehicle state can also be presented by lighting / flashing of the side end face of the combiner or a change in illumination color. It can be made easy to inform the driver. Thus, according to the display unit of (5) above, it is possible to illuminate the side end surface of the combiner as compared with a display unit including a conventional head-up display device that projects a display image only on the surface of the combiner. Therefore, a new visual effect can be realized.

According to the head-up display device and display unit of the present invention, it is possible to provide a head-up display device and display unit capable of realizing a novel visual effect.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through a mode for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the entire display unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire appearance of the display unit as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is a side view of the entire display unit as viewed from the side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the display unit in a state in which the combiner is stored as viewed from the front side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the display unit in a state where the combiner is stored as viewed from the back side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the entire display unit. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the meter subassembly. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the combiner and the combiner illumination board, in which FIG. 8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a side view. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the drive unit subassembly. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the entire display unit. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the process (1) including the illumination control of the side end face of the combiner. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the process (2) including the illumination control of the side end face of the combiner. FIG. 13: is a flowchart which shows the content of the process (3) including the illumination control of the side end surface of a combiner.

Specific embodiments relating to the head-up display device and the display unit of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Structure of mechanism part>
<Explanation of overall outline>
FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show views of the entire display unit 10 as viewed from the front side, the back side, and the side surface, respectively. 1 to 3 show a use state in which the combiner 17 protrudes from the housing. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the display unit 10 in the retracted state in which the combiner 17 is stored inside the housing, as viewed from the front side and the back side, respectively.

The “left” and “right” in the directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 correspond to the left and right when the display unit 10 disposed in front of the driver's seat side is viewed. Further, “front” and “rear” in the directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 correspond to the front and rear directions of the display unit 10 itself. That is, the direction facing the driver seated on the driver's seat side is “front”, and the back side of the display unit 10 viewed from the driver side is expressed as “rear”. Further, “up” and “down” in the directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 correspond to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In the drawings other than FIGS. 1 to 5 described later, the directions are similarly indicated using “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower”. .

The display unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is an apparatus in which a meter unit 11 and a head-up display (HUD) device 16 are integrally coupled. The display unit 10 is embedded inside an instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle, and is disposed in a state where a part of the display unit 10 is exposed to the outside of the instrument panel so that the driver can visually recognize the display unit 10. In particular, the display unit 10 is arranged so that the combiner 17 of the HUD device 16 protrudes from the instrument panel in the use state and is stored below the instrument panel in the stored state. That is, the combiner 17 is visible from the driver in the use state, and is not visible from the driver in the retracted state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the meter unit 11 includes two display units, a left display unit 12 and a right display unit 13. As shown in FIG. 1, a left display unit 12 is arranged on the left side of the meter unit 11, and a right display unit 13 is arranged on the right side. The meter unit 11 further includes a central display unit 14 between the left display unit 12 and the right display unit 13 that can display an indicator lamp for an alarm or the like. Details of these parts will be described later. The meter unit 11 including these display units is used to display various information useful for driving the vehicle, like a general vehicle meter unit. For example, a speedometer that displays the travel speed of the vehicle and a distance meter that displays the travel distance are displayed on the meter unit 11. In addition, an indicator that displays the shift position of the transmission lever, a fuel meter that displays the remaining amount of fuel, a warning display that warns the occurrence of various abnormalities, and the like are also displayed on the meter unit 11. Further, since the left display unit 12 and the right display unit 13 of the meter unit 11 employ a liquid crystal display panel capable of graphic display, it is possible to display an image (video) taken by an in-vehicle camera.

The HUD device 16 displays various information by projecting a display image on a plate-like combiner 17 which is a translucent reflector (half mirror). As shown in FIGS. The combiner 17 protrudes above the central display unit 14. Thereby, when the display image is displayed on the combiner 17, the driver can visually recognize the display image without largely moving the line of sight from the normal driving state. Further, since the HUD device 16 forms a display image as a virtual image at a position further in the “rear” direction than the position of the combiner 17, the driver's focus adjustment necessary for visual recognition of the display is little. . As described above, according to the HUD device 16, it is possible to provide a display function with high visibility with little movement of the driver's line of sight and focus adjustment. Further, according to the HUD device 16, since the scenery in front of the vehicle visually recognized through the combiner 17 and the display image displayed on the combiner 17 can be superimposed and visually recognized, the display differs from a display using a normal display panel. Information can be presented.

As a usage mode of the display unit 10, for example, an image obtained by photographing the left and right rear sides with an in-vehicle camera on the right display unit 13 while displaying a speedometer and a distance meter on the left display unit 12 of the meter unit 11 during operation. The combiner 17 may be configured to display the vehicle periphery information superimposed on the scenery in front of the vehicle. Alternatively, as a different usage mode, an image obtained by photographing the left rear side with the vehicle-mounted camera is displayed on the right display unit 13 while an image obtained by photographing the right rear side with the vehicle-mounted camera is displayed on the left display unit 12. Includes a configuration for displaying the vehicle speed. Thus, according to the display unit 10, various display modes can be realized.

<Description of detailed configuration of each part>
FIG. 6 shows a state where the display unit 10 is disassembled for each main component.
As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 10 includes a meter subassembly 21, a display light projection unit 22, a projection unit case 23, a drive unit assembly 24, a main board assembly 25, a cover 27, an ambient light source 28, and an ambient prism unit. 29.

<Description of Display Light Projection Unit 22>
The display light projection unit 22 has a function of projecting display light including a display image displayed by the HUD device 16 toward the combiner 17.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display light projection unit 22 includes, in order from the front side, a heat sink 22a, a heat conductive sheet 22b, a backlight substrate 22c, a lens array 22d, a backlight case 22e, a diffusion sheet 22f, a liquid crystal display 22g, And a shield case 22h.

The liquid crystal display 22g has a large number of two-dimensionally arranged display pixels, and can individually control on / off of display, display color, etc. for each pixel. Thereby, the liquid crystal display 22g can display arbitrary visible information such as graphics, characters, images, and the like on the screen.

The liquid crystal display 22g is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and can project display light including a display image displayed on the screen by being illuminated from the back side by a backlight disposed on the backlight substrate 22c. it can. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the display light is projected toward the combiner 17 from the display light exit port 18 a which is an opening provided in the projection unit case 23.

The combiner 17 is incorporated in the drive unit assembly 24 and supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In the display state of the HUD device 16, the combiner 17 moves to a position protruding from the drive unit assembly 24, and reflects the display light emitted from the display light projection unit 22. Then, the light reflected by the reflecting surface of the combiner 17 goes to a predetermined eye point corresponding to the position of the driver's eyes. Accordingly, the driver can visually recognize the visible information displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 22g as a virtual image reflected on the combiner 17.

<Description of ambient light display>
In the present embodiment, light other than the display image of the liquid crystal display 22g can be projected onto the surface of the combiner 17 and displayed as a virtual image. For this purpose, an ambient light source 28 is provided on the main board assembly 25. In addition, an ambient prism portion 29 is disposed at a position facing the ambient light source 28. The ambient light source 28 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In addition, the ambient prism portion 29 includes a plurality of prisms arranged at positions facing each of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

The light obtained by the light emission of the ambient light source 28 is incident on the ambient prism portion 29 from below and reflected by the surface near the top, and the ambient light exit port 18b provided in the projection unit case 23 (FIGS. 5 and 6). From the reference) toward the combiner 17. This ambient light is also reflected by the reflecting surface of the combiner 17 and travels to a predetermined eye point corresponding to the position of the driver's eyes. Therefore, when the ambient light source 28 emits light, the driver can also visually recognize this light as a virtual image reflected on the combiner 17.

<Description of Meter Subassembly 21>
The main body of the meter unit 11 is configured as a meter subassembly 21. FIG. 7 shows the meter subassembly 21 disassembled for each major component.

As shown in FIG. 7, the meter subassembly 21 includes a rear cover 31, a substrate 32, a case 33, a plurality of diffusion sheets 34, telltale lenses 35a and 35b, a meter left indicator 36L, and a meter right indicator in order from the rear side. 36R, a facing plate 37, and a front glass 38 are provided.

The substrate 32 has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction, and a light emitting part 32a is arranged in the vicinity of the left end, and a light emitting part 32b is arranged in the vicinity of the right end. A light emitting unit 32c is arranged between the light emitting unit 32a and the light emitting unit 32b. The light emitting unit 32a, the light emitting unit 32b, and the light emitting unit 32c are configured by a plurality of independent light emitting diodes.

Light emitted from the light emitting unit 32a, the light emitting unit 32b, and the light emitting unit 32c is emitted in the “front” direction, and the opening of the case 33, the diffusion sheet 34, the telltale lenses 35a and 35b, and the opening of the facing plate 37 are sequentially arranged. The light passes through and is reflected on the surface of the front glass 38 as display light for various warnings. These display lights are displayed on the central display unit 14 described above and are visually recognized by the driver. The front glass 38 is formed to be translucent by being subjected to smoke treatment.

The meter left display 36L and the meter right display 36R are independent color liquid crystal display panels, and have a number of display pixels arranged two-dimensionally. A large number of display pixels of the meter left display 36L and the meter right display 36R can individually control display on / off, display color, and the like for each pixel. Thereby, the meter left display 36L and the meter right display 36R can display arbitrary visible information such as figures, characters, images, and the like on the screen.

The display contents of each screen of the meter left display 36L and the meter right display 36R are displayed on the surface of the front glass 38 through the opening of the facing plate 37. The display content of the meter left display 36L is displayed on the left display 12 described above and visually recognized by the driver, and the display content of the meter right display 36R is displayed on the right display 13 described above and visually recognized by the driver. The

<Configuration near the combiner>
FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of the combiner 17 and the combiner illumination board 43 viewed from the front side and the side surface, respectively. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drive unit subassembly 40 housed in the drive unit assembly 24.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drive unit subassembly 40 includes a combiner 17, a front combiner holder 41, a rear combiner holder 42, and a combiner illumination board 43. The combiner 17 is sandwiched between the front combiner holder 41 and the rear combiner holder 42 and is held integrally with these members.

Further, a thin plate-like combiner illumination board 43 is disposed at a position for supporting the lower end of the combiner 17. An end face light source 46 is provided on the upper surface of the combiner illumination board 43. The end face light source 46 is composed of a number of light emitting diodes arranged in a line in the left-right direction.

Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the light source 46 for the end face of the combiner illumination board 43 is arranged in a positional relationship facing the lower end face of the combiner 17. On the lower end surface of the combiner 17, an illumination light incident portion 17 a that guides the illumination light of the end surface light source 46 to the inside of the combiner 17 is formed. Moreover, the illumination light reflection part 17c is formed in the upper end surface which is an edge part in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the combiner 17, and the end surface of the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the illumination light reflecting portion 17c on the upper end surface is formed as a slope inclined so as to be separated from the combiner illumination board 43 toward the front side. Moreover, the illumination light reflection part 17c in the end surface of the left-right direction is formed as an inclined surface which inclines so that it may spread outward in the circumferential direction toward the front side. The slope formed at the end of the combiner 17 reflects the illumination light from the end surface light source 46 forward. In addition, about the illumination light reflection part 17c formed in the combiner 17, you may form over the whole upper surface of the combiner 17, and the left-right direction like this embodiment, and it forms in the said end surface partially. It does not matter. For example, it may be formed on only one of the upper end surface and the left and right end surfaces.

The paths of the display light projected from the display light projection unit 22 and the illumination light emitted from the end surface light source 46 will be described.
The display light projected from the display light projection unit 22 passes through the display light exit port 18a, is incident on the display light reflection surface 17b, which is one side (front side) in the thickness direction of the combiner 17, and is reflected by this surface. Then, it goes to a predetermined eye point corresponding to the position of the driver's eyes. As a result, the driver visually recognizes the display image included in the display light.
On the other hand, when the end face light source 46 emits light, the illumination light obtained by the light emission of the end face light source 46 is guided into the combiner 17 from the illumination light incident portion 17a, passes through the combiner 17, and reflects the illumination light. Reflected by the surface of the portion 17c and directed toward the eye point as shown in FIG. Thereby, the driver visually recognizes the state in which the end portion of the combiner 17 is illuminated in a strip shape as shown in FIG. Thus, according to the HUD device 16 of the display unit 10, the side end face of the combiner 17 can be illuminated as compared with the conventional one in which a display image is projected only on the surface of the combiner 17. The effect can be realized.

9 is accommodated in the drive unit assembly 24 and coupled to the drive mechanism 26. The drive unit subassembly 40 shown in FIG. The drive mechanism 26 can move the drive unit sub-assembly 40 including the combiner 17 in the vertical direction by the drive force, and the storage unit is accommodated inside the drive unit assembly 24 in the retracted position. The combiner 17 can be positioned at a position protruding above the instrument panel. When the combiner 17 is in the retracted position, the instrument panel cover 44 shown in FIG. 9 is in a state of covering the opening of the instrument panel.

<Configuration of electrical circuit>
The configuration of the electrical circuit of the entire display unit 10 is shown in FIG.

<Description of meter unit 11>
As shown in FIG. 10, the electric circuit on the meter unit 11 side includes a main control unit 51, a sub control unit 52, memories 53 to 55, a left side display 36L, a right side display 36R, an end surface light source 46, and a light emitting unit 59. , A speaker 60, and interfaces 61 and 62.

The main control unit 51 and the sub control unit 52 are configured by independent microcomputers (CPU: Central Processing Unit). The memory 53 is an electrically rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM: Electrically-Erasable-Programmable-Read-Only Memory). The memories 54 and 55 are flash memories (F-ROM). The memories 53 and 54 hold programs necessary for the operation of the main control unit 51, various constants, display data, and the like in advance. The memory 55 holds in advance a program, various constants, display data, and the like necessary for the operation of the sub control unit 52.

The light emitting unit 59 is a component including the ambient light source 28 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the light emitting units 32a, 32b, and 32c illustrated in FIG.

The main control unit 51 and the sub control unit 52 are connected via a communication line so that they can communicate with each other. Therefore, the main control unit 51 can exchange necessary information with the sub control unit 52 and can control the sub control unit 52.

The electric circuit of the meter unit 11 has a large number of terminals connected to the main control unit 51 via the interface 61. That is, the connection unit 71, the communication input unit 72, the input unit 73, the output unit 74, and the camera input unit 75 are connected to the interface 61. The electric circuit of the meter unit 11 includes a communication input unit 76 and a camera input unit 77 connected to the sub control unit 52 via the interface 62.

The connection unit 71 of the meter unit 11 is connected to the HUD device 16 via a communication line. Therefore, the main control unit 51 can exchange necessary information with the HUD device 16 and can control the HUD device 16.

The communication input unit 72 and the communication input unit 76 are connected to various electronic control units (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) that control the vehicle via a communication network on the vehicle. For this reason, the main control part 51 and the sub control part 52 on the meter unit 11 can receive various information regarding the state of the vehicle from the electronic control device on the vehicle side. Various input devices such as switches and sensors can be connected to the input unit 73 of the meter unit 11. Various output devices can be connected to the output unit 74 of the meter unit 11.

The output of the in-vehicle camera can be connected to the camera input portions 75 and 77 of the meter unit 11 respectively. That is, video signals obtained by photographing with each camera can be input to the meter unit 11 from the camera input units 75 and 77. As a typical connection example, the output of the first in-vehicle camera that captures the left rear of the vehicle is connected to the camera input unit 75, and the output of the second in-vehicle camera that captures the right rear of the vehicle is the camera input unit 77. It is assumed that it is used by connecting to.

The main control unit 51 performs various processes according to a program incorporated in advance, and updates information displayed on the screen of the meter left display 36L while collecting and communicating various data. Further, the main control unit 51 can perform lighting control of the end surface light source 46, lighting control of the light emitting unit 59, output control of the speaker 60, control of the sub control unit 52, control of the HUD device 16, and the like.

The sub-control unit 52 executes various processes according to a program incorporated in advance, inputs data from the communication input unit 76 and the camera input unit 77, and updates information displayed on the screen of the meter right display 36R. . Further, the sub control unit 52 updates information displayed on the screen of the meter right display 36R in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 51.

<Description of HUD Device 16>
On the other hand, the electric circuit on the HUD device 16 side includes a control unit 81, a liquid crystal display 22g, a memory 83, an electric motor 84, an interface 85, a connection unit 86, and an input unit 87 as shown in FIG.

The control unit 81 is configured by a microcomputer (CPU). The memory 83 is a flash memory (F-ROM) and holds in advance programs, various constants, display data, and the like necessary for the operation of the HUD device 16.

The electric motor 84 is a stepping motor as a drive unit, and is connected to the drive mechanism 26 incorporated in the drive unit assembly 24 shown in FIG. That is, by driving the electric motor 84, the drive unit subassembly 40 including the combiner 17 can be moved in the vertical direction.

The connection unit 86 and the input unit 87 are connected to the control unit 81 via the interface 85. The connection unit 86 is connected to the meter unit 11 via a communication line. Various input devices such as various switches and sensors can be connected to the input unit 87. For example, an operation switch for instructing start / end of display by the HUD device 16 is connected to the input unit 87.

The control unit 81 executes various processes in accordance with a program incorporated in advance, collects and communicates various data via the connection unit 86 or the input unit 87, and displays information to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 22g. Update. Further, the control unit 81 drives the electric motor 84 in accordance with an input for instructing start / end of display by the HUD device 16, and positions the combiner 17 at an arbitrary position between the display position and the storage position.

<Description of main control operations>
The contents of three types of typical processing including the lighting control of the end face of the combiner are shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, respectively. The processing shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 may be executed mainly by the main control unit 51 or the sub control unit 52 on the meter unit 11 side, or the control unit on the HUD device 16 side. The control may be executed mainly by 81. In the following description, it is assumed that the main control unit 51 performs control.

<Description of Processing in FIG. 11>
The process shown in FIG. 11 is a process for realizing a function for preventing forgetting to turn off the light of the vehicle.
When this process is started, the main control unit 51 refers to the state of the ignition switch of the vehicle in step S11. When the main controller 51 detects that the ignition is off, that is, the engine is stopped, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the main control unit 51 gives an instruction to the control unit 81 of the HUD device 16, and moves the combiner 17 in the downward direction. That is, the main control unit 51 controls the drive of the electric motor 84 so that the combiner 17 is lowered toward the predetermined storage position from the deployed position where the combiner 17 protrudes above the instrument panel.

In step S13, the main control unit 51 refers to the state of a switch for operating lighting / extinguishing of the headlight of the vehicle, and identifies whether the switch is on, that is, whether the headlight is still on. . When the main control unit 51 determines that the headlight remains on, the process proceeds to step S14. When the main control unit 51 determines that the headlight is off, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S14, the main control unit 51 instructs the control unit 81 of the HUD device 16 to stop driving the electric motor 84, and stops the moving combiner 17 at the current position. The main control unit 51 turns on the end surface light source 46 in the next step S15.

Thereby, the illumination light of the end surface light source 46 enters from the illumination light incident portion 17a of the combiner 17, and the illumination light reflected by the illumination light reflecting portion 17c on the end surface of the combiner 17 is directed toward the driver. Therefore, the driver stops before the combiner 17 is stored, and visually recognizes the state where the end surface of the combiner 17 is brightly illuminated. As a result, the driver can notice that the light is on. Thus, according to the process shown in FIG. 11, the driver can be informed of forgetting to turn off the lights using the illumination on the side end face of the combiner 17.

In the next step S16, the main control unit 51 gives an instruction to the sub-control unit 52, and displays a predetermined message on the screen of the meter right side display 36R. That is, a word for alarm notification such as “the headlight is lit” is displayed on the right display unit 13 in FIG. In the present embodiment, a message is displayed on the meter right display 36R (right display unit 13), but a message may be displayed on the meter left display 36L (left display unit 12). Or you may display on both displays.

In step S17, the main control unit 51 continues the lowering operation of the combiner 17 as it is, stops the driving after positioning the combiner 17 at a predetermined storage position.

By performing such an operation, when the driver stops the engine while forgetting to turn off the light, an alarm can be notified to the driver by lighting of the side end face of the combiner 17. For this reason, forgetting to turn off the light can be prevented. In addition, an alarm can be notified to the driver also by the display on the meter right side display 36R of the meter unit 11. That is, the meter unit 11 and the HUD device 16 can be linked to notify the driver of an alarm. For this reason, it is possible to more effectively prevent forgetting to turn off the light.
Note that the following modifications are also possible for the processing shown in FIG.

(I) Instead of turning on the end surface light source 46 in step S15, the end surface light source 46 is caused to blink at a constant cycle.
(II) If the ignition is turned off when the combiner 17 is in the storage position, the combiner 17 is once moved upward from the storage position and moved to the position in the use state, and then step S15 is executed. Alternatively, step S15 is executed after moving to a predetermined position set between the storage position and the position in use.
(III) The state of the smart key used for the operation of the vehicle is monitored, the vehicle door is closed while the smart key is left in the vehicle, and then the user touches the touch sensor provided on the door knob. When S is detected, step S15 is executed.
(IV) monitoring whether or not the engine key is attached to the key cylinder of the vehicle, and detecting that the door of the vehicle is opened while the engine key is attached to the key cylinder of the vehicle. S15 is executed.

<Description of Processing in FIG. 12>
The process shown in FIG. 12 is a process for realizing a function for displaying a charging state in an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid (PHV) vehicle.

In step S21, the main control unit 51 refers to the state of the charging switch for performing the charging operation of the vehicle. When the main control unit 51 detects that the charging switch has been switched to the state in which the charging operation is started, the main control unit 51 proceeds to the next step S22.

In step S22, the main control unit 51 gives an instruction to the HUD device 16, drives the electric motor 84, moves the position of the combiner 17 to a predetermined intermediate position, and stops at the position. The intermediate position is determined as an intermediate position between the storage position and the position in use.

In the next step S23, the main control unit 51 controls the end surface light source 46 to light up or blink. At this time, the main control unit 51 periodically acquires information representing the latest state of charge and reflects it in the lighting control of the end surface light source 46. For example, the blinking time interval of the end face light source 46 is changed according to the charge level. That is, the charging level is associated with the blinking cycle by increasing the blinking cycle as the charge level increases and shortening the blinking cycle as the charge level decreases. Alternatively, the display color of the end surface light source 46 is changed according to the charge level. That is, the display color is changed to a warm color such as red as the charge level is increased, and the display color is changed to a cold color such as blue as the charge level is decreased.
When the main control unit 51 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the lighting of the end face light source 46 is started, the main control unit 51 proceeds to the next step S24.

In step S24, the main control unit 51 gives an instruction to the control unit 81 of the HUD device 16, drives the electric motor 84, and moves the combiner 17 to a predetermined storage position. Note that the position of the combiner 17 may be controlled to move up and down little by little according to the progress of charging.

By performing such an operation, when performing the charging operation, the driver can easily grasp the progress of the charging based on the lighting / flashing state of the illumination on the end face of the combiner 17 or the difference in display color. it can.

<Description of Processing in FIG. 13>
The process shown in FIG. 13 is a process for realizing an effect function when starting or ending display by the HUD device 16.

In step S31, the main control unit 51 refers to the state of the operation switch that instructs the start / end of the display operation of the HUD device 16. When the main control unit 51 detects that the operation switch is turned on, that is, the start of the display operation is instructed, the main control unit 51 proceeds to the next step S32.

In step S <b> 32, the main control unit 51 gives an instruction to the HUD device 16, drives the electric motor 84 to raise the combiner 17 from the storage position, and moves the combiner 17 to a deployment position where display by the HUD device 16 is possible. Start the operation for.

In step S33, the main control unit 51 controls the end surface light source 46 to light up or blink.

Therefore, when the display operation of the HUD device 16 is started, the illumination light reflecting portion 17c on the end face of the combiner 17 is brightly illuminated and lighted up or flashes slowly from the storage position. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize the illumination of the end face of the combiner 17 as an effect at the opening to start display by the HUD device 16.

Note that the following modifications can be considered for the processing shown in FIG.
(I) In step S31, it is conceivable to monitor not only the operation switch but also the state of the ignition switch, for example. In that case, when the ignition is switched on, that is, when the engine is started, the process can proceed to the next step S32.
(II) At the time of ending to end the display operation of the HUD device 16, the end surface light source 46 is controlled to be lit or blinked while the combiner 17 is being lowered. As a result, even when the HUD display is finished, a production effect can be obtained by illumination of the end face of the combiner 17.
(III) In step S <b> 32, the main control unit 51 reflects the current position of the combiner 17 in the lighting control of the end surface light source 46. For example, the blinking time interval of the end surface light source 46 is changed according to the position of the combiner 17. That is, the position of the combiner 17 and the blinking cycle are associated with each other by shortening the blinking cycle as the position of the combiner 17 approaches the deployed position. Alternatively, the display color of the end surface light source 46 is changed according to the position of the combiner 17. That is, the brightness of the display color is increased as the position of the combiner 17 approaches the developed position.

<Processing other than the above>
(I) Control to reflect an alarm output related to vehicle security in the illumination of the end face of the combiner 17. For example, when it is detected that a person who does not have a smart key having specific identification information has approached the vehicle, the combiner 17 on the vehicle is moved to the deployment position or the intermediate position, and the end surface light source 46 is turned on or Blink.
(II) When the vehicle receives emergency information such as earthquake bulletin, the combiner 17 is moved to the deployed position or the intermediate position to notify the driver of the emergency information, and the end face light source 46 is turned on or blinked. Let
(III) When a device on the vehicle detects a dangerous state such as a meandering operation while the vehicle is running, the combiner 17 is moved to the unfolded position or in order to notify the driver or the like of this danger. It moves to an intermediate position and turns on or blinks the end surface light source 46.

Below, the effect | action and effect of the HUD apparatus 16 and the display unit 10 which concern on this embodiment are demonstrated.
(1) The HUD device 16 according to the embodiment includes a display light projection unit 22 (projection unit) that projects display light including a display image, and the display light that is formed in a plate shape and is projected from the display light projection unit 22. A display light reflecting surface 17b (reflecting surface), and an end surface light source 46 that emits illumination light. Further, the combiner 17 is formed with an illumination light incident portion 17a (incident portion) for guiding the illumination light to the inside of the combiner 17, and the combiner 17 has a direction (up / down / left / right) orthogonal to the thickness direction (front / rear direction). An illumination light reflecting portion 17c (reflecting portion) that reflects the illumination light incident on the inside of the combiner 17 toward the reflection direction (front) of the display image is formed on the end surface in the direction).
Thereby, the illumination light is incident on the inside of the combiner 17 from the illumination light incident portion 17a, and then reflected by the illumination light reflecting portion 17c formed on the end surface (side end surface) in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the combiner 17. To reach the driver's eye point. As a result, the driver visually recognizes that the side end surface of the combiner 17 is illuminated. Thus, according to the HUD device 16 according to the embodiment, the side end surface of the combiner 17 can be illuminated as compared with the conventional HUD device that projects a display image only on the surface of the combiner 17. Visual effects can be achieved.

(2) In addition, the HUD device 16 according to the embodiment is configured to be able to receive information on the state of the vehicle, and is a main control unit 51 (or sub-control unit 52) that is a control unit connected to the end surface light source 46. And a control unit 81). Then, the main control unit 51 controls the end surface light source 46, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, so that the received state of the vehicle and the lighting state of the end surface light source 46 correspond to each other.
Thus, since the end surface light source 46 is controlled so that the state of the vehicle and the lighting state of the end surface light source 46 correspond to each other, the state of the vehicle corresponds to the illumination state of the side end surface of the combiner 17. For example, the lighting state of the side end surface of the combiner 17 can be associated with the lighting state of the headlight (FIG. 11), the state of charge of the power source (FIG. 12), the state of various vehicles such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed. Thereby, the driver can grasp the state of the vehicle such as the occurrence of abnormality based on the illumination mode of the side end face of the combiner 17. As described above, according to the HUD device 16 according to the embodiment, the vehicle state can be presented by lighting / flashing of the side end surface of the combiner 17 and a change in illumination color as compared with the conventional HUD device. It is possible to easily inform the driver of the condition.

(3) In addition, the HUD device 16 according to the embodiment includes an electric motor 84 that is a drive unit that moves the combiner 17 between a deployment position (a position in a use state) and a storage position (a position in a standby state), A main control unit 51 (or a sub control unit 52, a control unit 81), which is a control unit connected to the motor 84 and the end surface light source 46, is further provided. Then, the main control unit 51 controls the end surface light source 46 as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, for example, so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner 17 corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source 46. .
(4) The HUD device 16 according to the embodiment further includes an electric motor 84 that is a drive unit that moves the combiner 17 between a deployed position (a position in the use state) and a storage position (a position in the standby state). The main control unit 51 (or the sub control unit 52 or the control unit 81), which is a control unit, is further connected to the electric motor 84, and the position and operation of the combiner 17 and the lighting state of the end surface light source 46 are determined. The end surface light source 46 is controlled so as to correspond.
As described above, since the end surface light source 46 is controlled so that the position and operation of the combiner 17 correspond to the lighting state of the end surface light source 46, the position and operation of the combiner 17 and the illumination state of the side end surface of the combiner 17 are determined. Correspond. For example, the side end surface of the combiner 17 can be blinked while the combiner 17 is moved between the deployed position and the storage position (FIG. 13). That is, the operation of the combiner 17 and the illumination state of the side end face of the combiner 17 can be associated with each other. Alternatively, when the combiner 17 moves from the storage position to the unfolded position, the blinking cycle of the side end face of the combiner 17, the brightness of the illumination color, the color, and the like can be changed according to the position. That is, the position of the combiner 17 and the illumination state of the side end face of the combiner 17 can be associated with each other. As described above, according to the HUD device 16 according to the embodiment, since the side end surface of the combiner 17 can be illuminated in conjunction with the position or operation of the combiner 17 as compared with the conventional HUD device, a novel visual effect is realized. it can.

(5) In addition, the display unit 10 according to the embodiment includes a meter unit having the HUD device 16 and the left display unit 12 and the right display unit 13 (the meter left display unit 36L and the meter right display unit 36R) that are display units. 11. In addition, the main control unit 51 (or the sub control unit 52 or the control unit 81), which is a control unit, corresponds to the display contents of the left display unit 12 and the right display unit 13 and the lighting state of the end surface light source 46. The end surface light source 46 is controlled.
Thereby, it can control so that the meter unit 11 and the HUD apparatus 16 may interlock | cooperate. For example, when displaying information on the state of the vehicle such as the occurrence of an abnormality on the display unit of the meter unit 11, the state of the vehicle can also be presented by lighting / flashing of the side end face of the combiner 17 or a change in illumination color. It is possible to easily inform the driver of the state of the vehicle. Thus, according to the display unit 10 according to the embodiment, since the side end surface of the combiner 17 can be illuminated as compared with a conventional display unit that projects a display image only on the surface of the combiner 17, a novel Visual effects can be realized.

Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiments can be accompanied by various modifications and improvements within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, the reflecting surface of the illumination light reflecting portion 17c may be a planar shape having an inclined surface as in the embodiment, but the illumination light is visually recognized even when the driver's eyes move from the eye point. In order to facilitate, it is conceivable to form the reflecting surface in a curved surface shape close to a sphere or to form a diffusely reflecting surface.

Although the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a head-up display device and a display unit capable of realizing a novel visual effect. The present invention exhibiting this effect is useful for a head-up display device having a combiner and a display unit including the head-up display device.

10 Display Unit 11 Meter Unit 12 Left Display Unit (Display Unit)
13 Right side display (display)
14 Central display part 16 Head-up display device 17 Combiner 17a Illumination light incident part (incident part)
17b Display light reflection surface (reflection surface)
17c Illumination light reflection part (reflection part)
22 Display light projection unit (projection unit)
36L meter left display (display unit)
36R Meter right side display (display unit)
46 Light source for end face 51 Main control unit (control unit)
52 Sub-control unit (control unit)
81 Control unit 84 Electric motor (drive unit)

Claims (5)

A projection unit that projects display light including a display image;
A combiner that is formed in a plate shape and has a reflective surface that reflects the display light projected from the projection unit;
An end face light source that emits illumination light;
Comprising a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle and used.
The combiner is formed with an incident portion that guides the illumination light into the combiner, and
In the combiner, a reflection portion is formed on an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction to reflect the illumination light incident on the combiner toward the reflection direction of the display image.
Head-up display device. It is configured to receive information on the state of the vehicle, and further includes a control unit connected to the end surface light source,
The control unit controls the end surface light source so that the received state of the vehicle corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source,
The head-up display device according to claim 1. A drive unit for moving the combiner between a deployed position and a retracted position;
A control unit connected to the driving unit and the end surface light source, and
The control unit controls the end face light source so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner corresponds to a lighting state of the end face light source,
The head-up display device according to claim 1. A drive unit for moving the combiner between a deployed position and a retracted position;
The control unit is further connected to the drive unit, and controls the end surface light source so that at least one of the position and operation of the combiner corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source,
The head-up display device according to claim 2. A display unit comprising the head-up display device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and a meter unit having a display unit,
The control unit controls the end surface light source so that the display content of the display unit corresponds to the lighting state of the end surface light source.
Display unit.

Images