DE102009014660A1 - Display device i.e. head-up display, for use in motor vehicle, has waveguide with inlet and outlet, where lights discharge at outlet distributed over cross-sectional area of waveguide in changing spatial arrangement opposite to inlet - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (30) has two light sources e.g. LEDs, emitting respective lights, and an image generation unit e.g. transmitted light-display device, attached to a projection device. An optical waveguide (35) made of fibers is arranged between the light sources and the image generation unit, where the lights irradiate the generation unit. The waveguide has an inlet and an outlet, where the lights discharge at the outlet distributed over cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide in a changing spatial arrangement opposite to the inlet of the waveguide.

Description

The The invention relates to a display device, in particular a Multi-fiber optic lighting device, in particular for a head-up display that can be used in a means of transport, such as intended for a motor vehicle.

Head-up displays are available in a variety of designs on the market and are used for example in motor vehicles to the driver display graphical information in its field of view.

It is from the pamphlets DE 44 42 347 C2 and WO 2007/085242 A2 Furthermore, fiber optic cables for different applications known.

task The invention is a display device, in particular for Vehicles, in which a variable positioning of the Light source - in particular of high-power LED modules - possible is and thus an increased flexibility in the conception of the display device and a better space optimization can be achieved.

The The object is achieved by a display device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a first light radiating first light source and with a second light radiating second Light source and with a means for image generation, wherein the display device one between the light sources on the one hand and the imaging means on the other hand arranged optical waveguide, wherein the first and second light irradiates the image forming means, wherein the optical waveguide at least one input and one output having, at the exit over the cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide distributed first and second light opposite the at least one input of the optical waveguide to the outlet provided in a changed spatial arrangement is.

It This makes it possible in an advantageous manner that the from two light sources outgoing first and second light on the Exit side or the output of the optical waveguide in such a way (spatially) is mixed, that the output side of the optical waveguide for a viewer the impression of a homogeneous light source arises. In the inventive construction of the display device It is - in addition to a virtually arbitrary positioning the light sources relative to the output of the optical waveguide - further also advantageous that at the output of the optical waveguide a higher spatial concentration of the light emission can be achieved can, as if all the light waveguide feeding light sources would be arranged at the location of the output of the optical waveguide.

Especially According to the invention, it is preferred that the optical waveguide from a multiplicity of individual fibers, in particular individual glass fibers or individual plastic fibers. This can be a especially little lossy transmission of light from the input of the optical waveguide (or of the plurality of inputs of the Optical waveguide) implemented to the output of the optical waveguide become.

According to the invention it is furthermore advantageous that multiple numbers of fibers form groups, in which the fibers each belong to a group at the entrance of the optical waveguide adjacent to each other and at the output of the optical waveguide on distributes the cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide, especially evenly or statistically or randomly distributed, are arranged. It is thereby for example possible that when used (at the entrance of the fiber optic cable) of light sources that radiate in different colors, nevertheless on Output one over its cross-sectional area so (spatial) mixed arrangement of differently colored Light transporting fibers realize that at the output of the Impression of a mixed color prevails.

According to the invention it is further preferred that the first light source at least one Is light emitting diode and that the second light source at least one LED is. This makes the generation of light particularly energy efficient be designed. In particular, it is preferred according to the invention that the first and second light source on a common support structure, in particular a cluster, are arranged. These are For example, to an LED unit or an LED module, which is a Has a plurality of high-power LEDs, d. H. the first and second light source are in this case in spatial Proximity and it is possible according to the invention that the optical waveguide has only one input.

According to the invention it is also preferable that the first and second light sources are on different carrier structures are arranged. In this Case the light sources are not anymore (at least not necessarily anymore) arranged in close proximity to that one single input of the optical waveguide makes sense (ie without too large losses in the coupling of the light in the optical waveguide to have to accept) for light coupling of the different support structures can be provided. Therefore, the optical fiber has such a configuration at least two inputs.

According to the invention it is further preferred that the support structure with the input of the light waveguide is connected using an optical adhesive or that the plurality of support structures are connected to the plurality of inputs of the optical waveguide using an optical adhesive. In this way, the connection between the support structure and the input or the inputs of the optical waveguide can be designed in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

Farther It is also preferred according to the invention that the Cross-sectional area of the input of the optical waveguide to the emitting surface of the first light source or to the Radiating surface of the second light source is adapted and in particular has a square or rectangular shape. It can thereby the light transport capacity of the optical waveguide be further improved.

Further it is particularly according to the invention in addition preferred that the output cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide to an optical element downstream of the optical waveguide, in particular a lens adapted, in particular a square or rectangular Shape with possibly a certain aspect ratio having. As a result, it is advantageously possible that the illumination the subordinate means for image generation (or the downstream Display device) can be made more homogeneous.

One Another object of the present invention relates to the use a display device according to the invention as a head-up display, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein an image on a semi-transparent surface, in particular a windshield is projected. Especially with a Such use of the display device according to the invention it is particularly preferred that the means for image formation a Projection device is assigned, wherein the means for image formation in particular is a transmitted-light display device.

The Figures represent examples and schematically different versions of the invention.

It demonstrate:

1 schematically the structure of a display device designed according to the invention;

2 a in the inventively designed display device used light emitting diode module, in a schematic representation;

3 a first LED configuration for a bi-color illumination;

4 a second LED configuration for two-color illumination;

5 a first LED configuration for a tricolor illumination;

6 a second LED configuration for a tricolor illumination;

7 a schematic representation of various configurations of the display device according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of an inventively designed lighting unit 1 or a display device according to the invention 30 comprehensive multi-fiber optical fiber and two Ostar ^® modules of the company Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH in Regensburg, Germany.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting unit comprises 1 or the display device 30 a first Ostar module 2 and a second Ostar module 2 ' , The Ostar modules correspond to light-emitting diode modules or LED modules which have at least two light-emitting diodes on a common carrier structure. At one with the first Ostar module 2 connected first light coupling optics 3 (Primary optics) sets a first fiber light guide 35 at. At one with the second Ostar module 2 ' connected second light coupling optics 3 ' (Primary optics) sets a second fiber optic cable 35 at. Characteristic of the visual event at a first location 5 are mixed colors and in particular that the angular distribution is the same as in the Ostar module with a primary optic. Characteristic of the visual event in a second place 5 ' are mixed colors and that the angular distribution is the same as in the Ostar module with primary optics. The lighting unit 1 or the display device further comprises a first secondary optics 6 and a second secondary optics 6 ' ,

Homogeneous mixed-color light 7 , whose rays through the mutually parallel arrows P1, P2. P3 ... P20, spreads in a space area adjacent to the fiber optic cables 35 opposite sides of both secondary optics 6 . 6 ' from the secondary optics 6 . 6 ' away in the room. The number of fiber optic cables 35 (and thus the number of ends 8th . 8th' the fiber light guide 35 ) depends on the area to be illuminated.

Operating mode of fiber optic illumination:

The light guide 35 can be bonded directly to the LED (Light Emitting Diode) via a (for example silicon-based) optical adhesive. With this strategy, it is possible to keep losses relatively low during the coupling process.

for example is a lens between the light source and the fiber optic cable (Light coupling optics) arranged to collimate the light and the efficiency to increase the light coupling.

Of course The light sources are not limited to Ostar devices. Any other type of high power LED light sources is basically suitable.

In order to achieve a homogeneous mixture of the light coupled into the light guide, it is necessary to arrange the fibers in the light guide in a random pattern or in a regular pattern. Furthermore, it is important not to violate the rule of total reflection by changing the fiber direction of the light guide 35 changed too fast. In this case, the light would be at the point in question from the light guide 35 emerge and be of no use to the optical system. This light would be converted to scattered light.

The End of the light guide is positioned in front of the optical system and acts like a real light source with the same angle characteristics as The original Ostar LED, however, with homogeneously mixed color.

by virtue of The flexibility of a fiber optic cable makes it possible the Ostar LED modules almost everywhere in the case to arrange the head-up display and "lead" the light to the input of the lens system. Due to the fact that the light guide is already the colors of the Ostar LED (only two-color chip version) mixes is tipping of the formed light bundle with dichroic mirrors not necessary anymore.

2 shows a schematic representation of an inventively designed lighting unit 1 or the display device 30 used light emitting diode illumination module 9 ,

7 shows a schematic representation of two different configurations of a display device according to the invention 30 , The display device 30 has a first light source in both configurations 31 and a second light source 32 on. The first light source 31 shines first light 31 ' in particular light of a first color. The second light source 32 emits second light 32 ' in particular light of a second color. It can be used according to the invention, more than two colors. By "colors" is to be understood in this context that, for example, the same or similar white light is used. The display device 30 further comprises a means for imaging 40 and an optical fiber 35 on. The optical fiber 35 has an entrance 34 and an exit 36 on. The optical fiber 35 is now configured to be at the output 36 over the cross-sectional area 36 ' of the optical fiber 35 distributes both first light 31 ' as well as second light 32 ' (mixed) exit, though at the entrance 34 of the optical waveguide, the first and second light, for example, in different areas of the input cross-sectional area 34 ' is coupled. Between the exit 36 and the imaging agent 40 in particular, an optical element 39 be arranged as a lens or the like.

In one at the top of the 7 illustrated first configuration of the display device according to the invention are the light sources 31 . 32 on a support structure 9 arranged. The optical fiber 35 has only one entrance 34 on, for the coupling of both the first light 31 ' (from the first light source 31 ) as well as for the coupling of the second light 32 ' (from the second light source 32 ) is provided. This is possible because the light sources are in close proximity. In one at the bottom of the 7 illustrated second configuration of the display device according to the invention are the light sources 31 . 32 on two different carrier structures 9 and thus not spatially located nearby. The optical fiber 35 therefore has two inputs 34 on, to the coupling of the first light 31 ' (from the first light source 31 ) or for coupling the second light 32 ' (from the second light source 32 ) are provided. However, optical waveguides can also be used according to the invention 35 Use, for example, three inputs 34 or more than three inputs 34 exhibit.

The 3 to 6 show examples of possible OSTAR module configurations.

At the in 3 schematically shown first configuration K11 of LEDs for a two-color illumination, for example, a RG (red / green) illumination, the LEDs are in two first groups (hereinafter referred to purely to distinguish groups other than RG group) of each four LEDs of the same color arranged, namely in a left first RG group 11L , of four red LEDs and one right first RG group 11R of four green LEDs. The optical fiber 35 for such a configuration each has an input 34 for each of the first RG groups of LEDs.

Also in 4 schematically shown second configuration K12 of LEDs for a two-color illumination, for example, an RG illumination includes four red and four green LEDs. The LEDs are in two second RG groups 12L . 12R arranged by four LEDs. Of the four checkered LEDs of the same second RG group 12L . 12R have the diagonal each arranged LEDs on each of the same color, wherein the colors of different diagonals of the same second RG group 12L . 12R arranged LEDs differ from each other. The optical fiber 35 for such a configuration each has an input 34 for each of the second RG groups of LEDs.

At the in 5 schematically shown first configuration K21 of LEDs for a tricolor illumination, for example an RGB (red / green / blue) illumination, the LEDs are in three first RGB groups (which are also purely to distinguish from groups other than RGB). Group) are arranged by four LEDs of the same color, namely in a left first RGB group 21L of four red LEDs, a middle first RGB group 21M of four green LEDs and a right first RGB group 21R of four blue LEDs. The optical fiber 35 for such a configuration each has an input 34 for each of the first RGB groups of LEDs.

Also in 6 Schematically illustrated second configuration K22 of LEDs for a tricolor illumination, such as RGB illumination, includes four red, four green and four blue LEDs. The LEDs are in three second RGB groups 22L . 22M . 22R arranged by four LEDs. Of the four checkered LEDs of the same second RGB group 22L . 22M . 22R the diagonally arranged LEDs each have the same color, wherein the colors of different diagonal on the same second RGB group 22L . 22M . 22R arranged LEDs differ from each other. The optical fiber 35 for such a configuration each has an input 34 for each of the second RGB groups of LEDs.

• – Die Erfindung erlaubt variable Positionierungsmöglichkeiten für die LED-Module bzw. die Trägerstrukturen 9.

The invention has numerous advantages, some of which are mentioned below:

• The invention allows variable positioning possibilities for the LED modules or the carrier structures 9 ,

The invention enables a near perfect mix of colors at the exit 36 of the optical fiber 35 , The invention also makes it possible to dispense with dichroic mirrors. It is possible according to the invention to use the same main system for four- and six-chip modules. Furthermore, there is the possibility of different configurations of color mixtures (especially for two-color chip version)

1

lighting unit

2

first Ostar ^® module

2 '

second Ostar ^® module

3

first Light coupling optics

3 '

second Light coupling optics

5

first place

5 '

second place

6

first secondary optics

6 '

second secondary optics

7

homogeneous Mixed-color light

8th, 8th'

end up (the fiber light guide)

9

LEDs lighting module

11L

left first RG group

11R

right first RG group

12L, 12R

second RG groups

21L

left first RGB group

21M

middle first RGB group

21R

right first RGB group

22L, 22M, 22R

second RGB groups

K11

first Configuration LEDs for R-G lighting

K12

second Configuration of LEDs for R-G illumination

K21

first Configuration of LEDs for RGB lighting

K22

second Configuration of LEDs for RGB lighting

P1, ... P20

radiate of homogeneous mixed-color light

30

display

31

first light source

31 '

first light

32

second light source

32 '

second light

34

entrance of the light guide

34 '

Input cross-sectional area of the light guide

35

Optical fiber, first / second fiber light guide

36

output of the light guide

36 '

Initial cross-sectional area of the light guide

40

medium for image generation / display unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4442347 C2 [0003]
• - WO 2007/085242 A2 [0003]

Claims (11)

Display device ( 30 ), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a first light ( 31 ' ) radiating first light source ( 31 ) and with a second light ( 32 ' ) radiating second light source ( 32 ) and an image-forming agent ( 40 ), the display device ( 30 ) one between the light sources ( 31 . 32 ) on the one hand and the image-forming agent ( 40 On the other hand arranged optical waveguide ( 35 ), wherein the first and second light ( 31 . 32 ) the image-forming agent ( 40 ), characterized in that the optical waveguide ( 35 ) at least one input ( 34 ) and an output ( 36 ), wherein at the exit ( 36 ) over the output cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) distributes first and second light ( 31 ' . 32 ' ) opposite the at least one entrance ( 34 ) of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) is provided for exit in a changed spatial arrangement. Display device ( 30 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical waveguide ( 35 ) is formed of a plurality of individual fibers. Display device ( 30 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that pluralities of fibers form groups in which the fibers each belong to a group at the entrance ( 34 ) of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) are adjacent to each other and at the exit ( 36 ) of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) over the output cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide ( 35 ), in particular uniformly or statistically or randomly distributed, are arranged. Display device ( 30 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the means for image formation ( 40 ) is associated with a projection device, wherein the means for image formation ( 40 ) is in particular a transmitted-light display device. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light source ( 31 ) is at least one light emitting diode and that the second light source ( 32 ) is at least one light emitting diode. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second light sources ( 31 . 32 ) on a common support structure ( 9 ), in particular a cluster, are arranged. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first and second light source ( 31 . 32 ) on different carrier structures ( 9 ) are arranged, wherein the optical waveguide ( 35 ) at least two inputs ( 34 ) having. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure ( 9 ) with the entrance ( 34 ) of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) is connected using an optical adhesive or that the plurality of support structures ( 9 ) with the plurality of inputs ( 34 ) of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) are connected using an optical adhesive. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) to the emission surface of the first light source ( 31 ) or to the emitting surface of the second light source ( 32 ), in particular has a square or rectangular shape. Display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output cross-sectional area of the optical waveguide ( 35 ) to a fiber optic cable ( 35 ) downstream optical element, in particular a lens, is adapted, in particular has a square or rectangular shape with optionally a certain aspect ratio. Using a display device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims as a head-up display, in particular in a motor vehicle, characterized in that an image on a partially transparent surface, in particular a windshield, is projected.