JP2015006830A - Information display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information display apparatus in which various information can be easily and surely recognized, and which has high safety.SOLUTION: A plurality of light sources 10 are juxtaposed along a boundary edge between a windshield 1 and an instrument panel 2. On the basis of a detection signal from various sensors, a light pattern of each light source 10 is changed by an ECU. It is preferable that each light source 10 is provided in a recess 2a recessed in the instrument panel 2 in a lower region of a shielding film 3 provided in a peripheral edge part of the windshield 1. On the front side of the light source 10, a light diffusion lens can be provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display device that displays various kinds of information such as vehicle driving information and surrounding information.

  Conventionally, an information display device for satisfying an HMI (Human Machine Interface) is provided in an automobile. Typically, travel information such as speedometers, tachometers, remaining fuel, lighting of lights, lighting of blinkers and hazards, total travel distance (odometer), vehicle information such as average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed (these travel information and vehicles Information is collectively referred to as operation information), and warning information such as battery shortage, oil shortage, and control system failure has been standardly displayed on the meter display section in front of the driver's seat for a long time. In recent years, a so-called eco-driving state in which a driving state with good fuel consumption is displayed in consideration of the environment is also displayed. Furthermore, in order to enable safer driving, a driving support display device that displays vehicle periphery information and the like in addition to the above-described various information has been developed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, vehicle peripheral information such as a runner, an obstacle, and a nearby traveling vehicle is displayed on the display unit of the car navigation system based on captured images of cameras mounted at a plurality of locations of the vehicle. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for displaying such vehicle peripheral information on a vehicle windshield.

JP 2012-123470 A JP2012-148710A

  However, although various information such as the above-mentioned driving information and warning information including the eco-driving state is displayed on the meter display unit immediately before the driver so that the driver can easily confirm the information as much as possible, the meter display unit is displayed on the windshield. Since it exists in the lower part, it is not directly in the field of view while driving, mainly viewing the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in order to confirm these various types of information, it is necessary to remove the field of view during driving downward, which is inconvenient and has a problem with safety. Moreover, since the meter display section exists over the handle, it is difficult to confirm even if some information is displayed. Therefore, forgetting to release the side brake, forgetting to turn off the winker, forgetting to turn off the light at the time of parking may occur.

  Moreover, in patent document 1 and patent document 2, in addition to vehicle information, warning information, etc., vehicle periphery information can also be detected and displayed to assist driving and improve driving safety. Is displayed on the car navigation system, so it is necessary to remove the field of view while driving. In Patent Document 2, since it is displayed on the windshield, it is useful in that it is not necessary to remove the field of view. However, in order to display on the windshield, not only is the apparatus and operation complicated and expensive, but also the visibility is hindered by the display information, so it cannot be said that the safety is high.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information display device that has high safety and a simple configuration because various information can be easily and reliably recognized.

  As means for that, the present invention provides a plurality of light sources arranged in parallel along the boundary edge between the windshield of the vehicle and the instrument panel, a control device for controlling the light emission pattern of the light source, vehicle driving information, And a receiving device that receives various information such as peripheral information. And based on the received information from the said receiver, the light emission pattern of the said light source changes by the said control apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. It should be noted that various information to be displayed in the present invention includes not only driving information and vehicle surrounding information but also warning information, and of course, all information relating to the vehicle itself and traveling such as indoor environment and audio information is included. included.

  It is preferable that the light source is provided in a recess formed in the instrument panel in a lower region of a shielding film provided on a peripheral edge of the windshield.

  In addition, a light diffusion lens can be provided in front of the light source.

  According to the present invention, various information such as driving information and vehicle periphery information is recognized by the difference in the light emission pattern and light emission color from the light source provided along the lower edge of the windshield (front edge of the instrument panel). can do. According to this, since various information directly enters the field of view during driving, it can be easily and reliably recognized without removing the field of view. Thereby, forgetting to release the side brake, forgetting to turn off the winker, forgetting to turn off the light at the time of parking can be reduced. In addition, since the information is located at the lowest end of the field of view during driving, the field of view is not obstructed and the adverse effect on safety is small. Furthermore, since only a light source is used as a display method (means), the apparatus is simple and basically no operation is required.

  If the light source is provided in the concave portion of the instrument panel, the presence of the light source cannot be directly confirmed from the driver, so that the design in the vehicle is improved. In addition, since the light from the light source is recognized indirectly, it is possible to avoid the glare caused by the light from the light source being directly applied to the driver, and the adverse effect on safety is lower. Become.

  If the light source is provided in the lower region of the shielding film of the windshield, the presence of the light source can be hidden from the outside of the vehicle, so that the design is improved. Moreover, the shielding film can also be used as a screen and a reflector.

  If a light diffusing lens is provided in front of the light source, the light emission range is expanded and various information can be easily recognized, and gentle light (soft light) can be obtained. In addition, the direction of light can be changed by a light diffusing lens.

It is a front view around an instrument panel. 1 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a light emission state of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a modification.

  Hereinafter, representative embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The present invention can be applied to various vehicles such as ordinary cars, light cars, and large cars.

(Embodiment 1)
In the information display device of the present invention, a plurality of light sources are arranged along the boundary edge between the windshield 1 and the instrument panel 2 of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. Various information is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, each light source 10 is provided in each of a plurality of recesses 2a provided in the front edge portion of the instrument panel 2, and the upper surface opening of the recess 2a is transparent. Covered by a cover 11. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 is a handle, reference numeral 101 is a meter display unit, and reference numeral 102 is a car navigation system.

  The recessed part 2a is recessed so that a part of the instrument panel 2 faces downward, and the light source 10 is arranged upward toward the bottom of the recessed part 2a. The number of the recesses 2a and the light sources 10 is not particularly limited, and a large number (for example, about 5 to 20) can be provided at equal intervals along the front edge portion of the instrument panel 2, or a region (such as a region desired to shine) The display area can be provided only on the left and right sides or on the left and right sides and the center. Further, when the cost is reduced by reducing the number of installations, it can be provided at least in two places on the left and right sides of the display area, and in the middle (intermediate portion), about 1-2 pieces are provided in total. You can also.

  Note that a shielding film 3 (black ceramic coat) is generally disposed on the inner peripheral edge of the windshield 1 so that the internal structure cannot be seen from the outside. Therefore, the recess 2 a and the light source 10 are preferably provided in a lower region of the shielding film 3. This is because if the light source 10 and the like are not in the lower region of the shielding film 3, their presence can be visually recognized from the outside, and the appearance is deteriorated. On the other hand, if the light source 10 is arranged in the lower region of the shielding film 3, not only can the presence be shielded from the outside, but the shielding film 3 can also be used as a screen or a reflection film. Further, the range in which the light source 10 is disposed, that is, the display area for various types of information, extends from the front area of the driver's seat to the front area of the navigation sheet, the entire lower edge of the windshield 1 (the front rear edge of the instrument panel 2). It is sufficient that it is provided at least in the front area of the driver's seat.

  The light source 10 is not particularly limited as long as it emits light when energized, and a light bulb can be simply used. However, a fluorescent neon tube or LED is preferable in that a variation in emission color can be provided. . Furthermore, the LED is most preferable because it is small in size, can simplify the structure, and can reduce power consumption. In FIG. 2, an LED is used as the light source 10. Reference numeral 12 denotes a connector for installing an LED, and reference numeral 13 denotes an electric cable connected to a power source not shown.

  The transparent cover 11 can be used without particular limitation as long as it is a highly transparent plate material that can transmit light from the light source 10. Specifically, a plate material made of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polystyrene resin, polypropylene, or polyethylene can be used in addition to the glass plate. The transparent cover 11 may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. If it is colored and transparent, even when a light bulb is used as the light source 10, it is possible to add variations to the emission color. The transparent cover 11 covers the entire upper surface opening of the recess 2 a, and the upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the instrument panel 2.

  When the light source 10 emits light to display various information, the light L is irradiated through the transparent cover 11 to the windshield 1 so that the driver can confirm the various information as gentle light like indirect illumination. can do. At this time, since the reflectance of the light L is high due to the presence of the shielding film 3 on the lower edge of the windshield 1, the driver can easily detect the light.

  Light emission patterns such as the light emission timing and light emission time of the light source 10 are controlled by an engine control unit (ECU) (not shown). The ECU corresponds to the control device of the present invention. The ECU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing and control processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores and stores control programs, a PAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as a control program operating area, and peripheral circuits Etc., including an interface unit that interfaces with the like. The ECU receives a detection signal from a receiving device provided in each place of the vehicle, and the ECU controls the light emission pattern of each light source 10 based on the detection signal input from each receiving device.

  The detection signal by the receiving device can include all information related to the vehicle itself and traveling, such as vehicle driving information, warning information, vehicle surrounding information, indoor environment information, and audio output information. What is necessary is just to link the light emission patterns by appropriately selecting one or a plurality according to the high one or the preference. Driving information includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, lamp usage, blinker usage, hazard lamp usage, high beam usage, eco driving mode, power driving mode, fuel consumption, side brake usage, continuous Driving time, mileage, etc. can be mentioned. The warning information may include, for example, the remaining amount of fuel, engine temperature, engine oil shortage, radiator fluid shortage, power shortage, control system failure, and forgetting to fasten seat belts. Examples of the vehicle periphery information include the presence and distance of front and rear, left and right vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and obstacles, ITS information, and the like. Examples of the indoor environment information include air cleanliness and an air conditioner operating state. The audio output information can include melody, volume, media differences such as CD and DVD, tempo, output of a certain scale such as deep bass and treble.

  As a receiving device for detecting these various types of information, in addition to various sensors and antennas provided as standard equipment in various parts of the vehicle, an in-vehicle camera and a radar device can be cited.

  The light emission pattern (control program) of each light source 10 can be designed in a wide variety of patterns by appropriately combining the light emission region, the light emission timing, the light emission time, the light emission color, and the like. For example, when displaying constantly changing information such as the vehicle speed and eco-driving state (when used as a so-called level gauge), the light emission area increases or decreases from the left to the right, and the light emission color is changed according to the degree. be able to. Further, when displaying directional information such as a blinker usage state, the presence of a pedestrian, right / left turn information guided by car navigation, only an area corresponding to the direction can be illuminated or blinked. The warning display can cause all or a part of the light sources 10 to emit light or blink only when a warning state is indicated. Further, when linking to audio output information, the light emitting area and the light emitting color can be changed or blinked according to music.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 3, in the second embodiment, a light diffusion lens 20 is provided immediately before (directly above) the light source 10.

  The light diffusing lens 20 has a bowl shape. Specifically, the base portion 20a passes through the transparent cover 11 from directly above the light source 10 and stands up to the vicinity of the windshield 1, and the intermediate portion 20b is bent obliquely upward along the inclination angle of the windshield 1, while the front end portion 20c extends horizontally toward the passenger compartment. The tip portion 20c is pointed in a tapered shape. Further, the entire outer surface of the base portion 20a and the upper surfaces of the intermediate portion 20b and the distal end portion 20c are opaque portions 20d that are subjected to an opaque treatment so that light does not pass through the portions. As the opacity treatment, an opaque film can be attached, ceramic coating can be performed in the same manner as the windshield 1, or metal vapor deposition can be performed.

  In this case, when the light source 10 emits light, as shown in FIG. 4, the light L travels toward the tip 20c while being irregularly reflected in the light diffusing lens 20 due to the presence of the opaque portion 20d (see the one-dot chain line). ). At this time, the front end portion 20c is sharp, so that the light is focused on the front end of the light diffusing lens 20 and irradiated to the vehicle interior side. Accordingly, the driver can clearly recognize the condensed light L even in an environment where the outside is bright such as daytime. At the same time, since the inner surfaces of the intermediate portion 20b and the tip portion 20c are not subjected to the opacity treatment, the light L is irradiated from the corresponding portions, though not as much as the tip (condensing portion) of the light diffusion lens 20. The light L from the intermediate portion 20b and the tip portion 20c has a relatively low luminance, and therefore cannot be felt much in the daytime. However, at night, since the instrument panel 2 is illuminated like a fluorescent stand, the driver can recognize it as gentle and pleasing light. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is also a modification of the first embodiment, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 5, also in the third embodiment, the light diffusing lens 21 is provided immediately before the light source 10, and the recess 2a is formed as one space, and the flange 2b is provided on the upper surface thereof. ing.

The eaves part 2b is provided at a height that is one step lower than the upper surface of the instrument panel 2, and covers the vehicle interior side half of the upper surface opening of the recess 2a. On the other hand, the bottom wall of the recess 2a is an inclined surface. In addition, the light source 10 is arranged toward the front side of the vehicle in the lower part of the passenger compartment side of the recess 2a, and immediately before the light source 10, the light diffusion lens 21 is arranged obliquely upward along the bottom wall of the recess 2a. Has been. The tip of the light diffusing lens 21 is located on the vehicle front side with respect to the tip of the flange 2b. That is, the distance W ₁ from the light source 10 to the tip of the light diffusion lens 21 is larger than the distance W ₀ from the light source 10 to the tip of the flange 2b (W ₁ > W ₀ ). The distance H ₀ from the tip of the light diffusing lens 21 to the instrument panel 2 is larger than the distance H ₁ from the tip of the light diffusing lens 21 to the flange 2b (H ₀ > H ₁ ). The upper surface 21a of the light diffusing lens 21 is subjected to an opaque process.

In this case, when the light source 10 emits light, the light L is irradiated obliquely upward by the light diffusing lens 21 and is reflected by the shielding film 3 of the windshield 1 through the transparent cover 11 so that the driver can accurately obtain information. The display can be recognized. On the other hand, the relationship of W ₁ > W ₀ and H ₀ > H ₁ prevents the light L from being reflected on the glass. This prevents the driver from feeling uncomfortable. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is also a modification of the first embodiment, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the third embodiment, the form of the light diffusion lens 22 arranged in front of (above) the light source 10 is different, and the upper surface of the light diffusion lens 22 is covered with an opaque cover body 4. . Therefore, the transparent cover 11 is not provided.

  The light diffusion lens 22 has a substantially triangular shape, and the slope on the front side of the vehicle is substantially the same as the tilt angle of the windshield 1, but the slope on the indoor side is a steep slope that is nearly vertical. The cover body 4 is made of a synthetic resin and covers the entire upper surface of the light diffusion lens 22, and the tip of the cover body 4 looks like a bag that protrudes from the light diffusion lens 22 toward the vehicle interior side.

  In this case, when the light source 10 emits light, the light L passes through the light diffusion lens 22 while being irregularly reflected, but is gently reflected toward the driver by being totally reflected by the cover body 4. And since the front-end | tip part of the cover body 4 functions as a bag, light can be recognized correctly also in the condition where the exterior is bright like the daytime. Further, since the light L is totally reflected by the cover body 4 and the presence of the light source 10 is hidden from the outside by the cover body 4, it is not always necessary to provide the light source 10 in a region below the shielding film 3. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Other variations)
As mentioned above, although typical embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, after the light source 10 is provided only at the left and right ends of the display area, the light guide rod 30 may be disposed between the light sources 10 as shown in FIG. According to this, there is an advantage that a wide range can be emitted with a small number of light sources.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Front glass 2 Instrument panel 2a Recessed part 2b Eaves part 3 Shielding film 4 Cover body 10 Light source 11 Transparent cover 20,21,22 Light diffusion lens 30 Light guide rod

Claims (3)

A plurality of light sources arranged in parallel along the boundary edge between the vehicle windshield and the instrument panel;
A control device for controlling the light emission pattern of the light source;
A receiving device for receiving various information such as vehicle driving information and surrounding information,
An information display device, wherein a light emission pattern of the light source is changed by the control device based on information received from the reception device.   The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided in a recessed portion provided in the instrument panel in a lower region of a shielding film provided on a peripheral portion of the windshield. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein a light diffusion lens is provided in front of the light source.

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