JPH11288228A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption by illuminating the display in plural display areas with a single light source. SOLUTION: A self-emitting display element 11 is used as the single light source to illuminate other display elements 13 to be illuminated or plural display elements to be illuminated are simultaneously illuminated by the single light source to illuminate the display in plural display areas R1 and R2 by the single light source. Thus, the power consumption related to illumination is reduced in comparison with the case that the display in plural display areas is illuminated respectively by plural light sources, and power saving is possible, and the display area can be extended without increasing the number of light sources.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device provided around a driver's seat of a moving body, and more particularly to a display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in a plurality of display areas. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conventional display device installed on an instrument panel in front of a driver's seat of an automobile. The display device includes a display 1 for displaying various kinds of visual information such as a vehicle speed, and a reflecting mirror 5 for reflecting display light 3 from the display 1 toward a driver. . In this display device, the display of the visual recognition information is entirely displayed in the display area 7 facing the driver on the front side.

On the other hand, with the recent enhancement of functions of automobiles and on-vehicle devices, display information displayed on an instrument panel has increased, and the driver's visual recognition burden has increased.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional display device, all visual information is displayed as a virtual image in a single display area 7, so that the display content is increased by increasing the display information. There is a problem that the density is increased and the visibility burden on the driver is increased, and the visibility is reduced.

[0005] In addition, the instrument panel section displays an instrument using a normal real image, and at the same time, projects visual information such as a vehicle speed on a combiner provided on a front window so that a reflected image by the combiner is visually recognized. In such a display device, two display devices, one for real image display and one for virtual image display, are used.
There is a problem that the size and cost of the device are increased. In particular, in such a configuration, at present, one light source performs only a specific display, and scattered light and the like are wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device such as an instrument panel for a mobile body such as an automobile, which has high visibility and a wide display area.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems,
The invention according to claim 1 is a display device that displays predetermined information different from each other in each of a predetermined first display area and a second display area. The first predetermined information is displayed on the surface by light emission and the first
A first display element for irradiating an illumination surface on an end surface as a second light irradiation surface facing the second display area, and a second light of the first display element An illumination type second display element different from the first display element which is illuminated with illumination light from an irradiation surface and displays other predetermined information is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first display element, internal light directed to a side opposite to or to the side of the second light irradiation surface is reflected toward the second light irradiation surface. The reflector is embedded and installed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first display area, light related to the one piece of predetermined information emitted from the first light irradiation surface of the first display element is visually recognized. A reflecting mirror for reflecting light to the position side is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a predetermined first display area and a second display area, wherein a single light source and the light source are provided. A part of the light from the light source is turned to the first display area in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement position of the light source, and is radiated, and the remaining part of the light from the light source is emitted from the light source. A branching light guiding unit that branches and guides the light to irradiate the second display area in the opposite direction to the arrangement position, and one part using the part of the light branched by the branching light guiding unit. A first illuminated display element that displays predetermined information and irradiates the first display area with another predetermined predetermined information using the remaining part of the light branched by the branch light guide unit; A second illuminated display that displays information and irradiates the second display area And the thickness of the branching light guide means is reduced as the distance from the light incident surface facing the light source to the second light emitting surface facing the second display region increases, whereby The first facing the first display area
The surface facing the light exit surface is a light reflection surface inclined with respect to the first light exit surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a plurality of display areas, wherein the light transmission type displays an image by diffracting light illuminated from a back surface. A single light source is installed in the oblique direction on the back side of the hologram display element, and is arranged at a position connecting the light source and the light transmission hologram display element on a straight line on the front side of the light transmission hologram display element. And a light-transmitting front-side display element, and a light-transmitting hologram display element disposed at a position on the back side of the light-transmitting hologram display element where light from the light source is reflected by the rear surface of the light-transmitting hologram display element and irradiated rearward. And at least one of the light-reflective back-side display elements provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a plurality of display areas, wherein an image is displayed by diffracting while reflecting light illuminated from the front. A single light source is installed in the oblique direction on the front side of the light reflection type hologram display element, and the light source and the light reflection type hologram display element are linearly connected on the back side of the light reflection type hologram display element. A light-reflective rear-side display element disposed at a position, and light from the light source on the front side of the light-reflective hologram display element is reflected on the front side of the light-reflective hologram display element and irradiated forward. At least one of the light-transmitting front-side display elements arranged at the positions is provided.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Is a side view of the same. This display device is provided on an instrument panel of an automobile to display predetermined information to a driver or the like.
As described above, by irradiating the irradiation light from the single light source 11 in two directions and irradiating the same, an image related to the above-mentioned predetermined information is displayed on a plurality of (two) different display regions R1 and R2. is there.

Here, as the light source 11, a desired arbitrary image is displayed on one flat display surface (main surface) 11a, and a front side surface 11 orthogonal to the display surface 11a.
In b, a fluorescent display plate (VFD: self-luminous display element) that emits illumination light parallel to the display surface 11a is used. In the fluorescent display panel 11, a thin transparent electrode layer is applied in parallel on a display surface (main surface) 11a and an opposite surface 11g, and an organic light emitting layer is provided between the transparent electrode layers (11a, 11g). A DC voltage is applied so that one of the transparent electrode layers serves as an anode, and emits fluorescence of a predetermined color with the combination of holes and electrons in the organic light emitting layer. Has become. This fluorescent display panel 1
The light emission drive 1 is configured to emit light in units of a preset pixel unit, each segment unit, or a display cell unit based on a drive signal from a predetermined control device (not shown). The display surface (principal surface) 11a has a function of forming and displaying a predetermined picture image.

The organic light emitting layer of the fluorescent display panel 11 is exposed to at least the front side surface (end surface) 11b so as to face the second display region R2, and the organic light emitting layer itself is transparent or cloudy. , The light from the portion emitted as a picture as described above is radiated in all directions around it, and therefore, the front side (end face) 11b of the fluorescent display panel 11 also emits light as a picture. The emitted light leaks as illumination light as a whole.
The image displayed on the display surface 11a of the fluorescent display plate 11 includes, for example, a speedometer, a fuel system, a warning light, an odometer,
Clocks are suitable. On the side surface (rear surface) 11c of the side facing the front side surface 11b of the fluorescent display panel 11, a mirror plate 11d that reflects internal light emitted in the fluorescent display panel 11 toward the front side surface 11b is formed in close contact. I have.

In the first display region R1, a curved or flat reflecting mirror plate 12 is installed obliquely with respect to the display surface 11a of the fluorescent display plate 11, and is provided by the reflecting mirror plate 12. The image radiated in the normal direction from the display surface 11a of the fluorescent display panel 11 changes its direction to approximately 90 degrees and emits it toward the viewer.

The second display region R2 is a region facing the front side surface 11b of one of the four sides of the fluorescent display panel 11, and is hollowed out inside the second display region R2. A light-shielding plate 13 (illuminated display element) that projects irradiation light from the front side surface 11b of the fluorescent display panel 11 through a light-transmitting hole 13a for forming an image of a predetermined character, symbol or figure is provided. Desirably, a colored light transmitting body is fitted into the light transmitting hole 13a.

In the display device having the above configuration, the fluorescent display panel 11 is caused to emit light by a control device (not shown),
a, a predetermined image is displayed from the front side 11b.
Emits substantially uniform irradiation light from the light source.

In the first display area R1, the display surface 1
The image emitted and displayed in 1a is reflected by the reflector 12 to change its direction, and the image is projected toward the viewer.

At the same time, in the second display region R2, the irradiation light emitted from the front side surface 11b of the fluorescent display plate 11 passes through the light transmitting hole 13a of the light shielding plate 13, and
An image of a predetermined character, symbol or figure formed by a is projected toward the viewer.

As described above, the display in the plurality of display areas R1 and R2 can be performed by the single fluorescent display panel 11, so that the light emitting elements are separately provided in the respective display areas R1 and R2. In addition, the amount of power consumed for light-emitting display can be reduced, and power can be saved. Alternatively, the display area can be enlarged without increasing the number of light sources.

{Second Embodiment} FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG.
In the figure, elements having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 3, the display device according to this embodiment includes three reflectors 21a, 21b, and 21c that guide and reflect light emitted inside the fluorescent display panel 11 toward the front side surface 11b in the fluorescent display panel 11. Is provided.

The first reflector 21a is disposed near the side (rear side) of the fluorescent display panel 11 opposite to the front side 11b, and the second and third reflectors 21b, 2b are disposed near the front side 11b.
1c is a fluorescent display plate 1 on which the first reflection plate 21a is arranged.
1 from the back side to the above-mentioned front side surface 11b, it is arranged substantially along the left and right side surfaces of the fluorescent display panel 11.

The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

With this configuration, light that is about to leak to the rear side and the left and right side surfaces of the fluorescent display panel 11 can be guided and reflected in the direction of the front side surface 11b, and the second display area can be formed. The intensity of light in the front direction toward R2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) can be increased.

Third Embodiment FIG. 4 is a view showing a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to elements having the same functions as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Further, the organic light emitting layer 11e in the fluorescent display panel 11 is actually formed as a film layer having a uniform thickness, but for convenience of explanation,
It is illustrated like a point light source. The display device according to this embodiment includes a fluorescent display panel 11 inside the fluorescent display panel 11.
In order to guide and reflect the light emitted inside to the front side 11b side,
A single reflector 22 is provided in the vicinity of the side surface (rear side) facing the front side surface 11b in the fluorescent display plate 11. The reflecting plate 22 is arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 11e in the fluorescent display panel 11 and about to diverge upward and rearward is turned to the front side surface 11b and guided and reflected. It is formed to be inclined from the rear end of 11a to the back surface 11c. Preferably, the back 1
Not only the organic light emitting layer 11e near 1c but also the divergent light from the organic light emitting layer 11f from the front side surface 11b is formed into a curved surface so that it can be reflected toward the front side surface 11b.

The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The second and third reflectors 21b and 21c described in the second embodiment may be installed or not installed. Good.

With this configuration, light that tends to leak from the organic light emitting layers 11e and 11f to the rear side and the left and right side surfaces of the fluorescent display panel 11 can be guided and reflected in the direction of the front side surface 11b. The intensity of light in the front direction toward the display region R2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) can be increased.

{Fourth Embodiment} FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In the figure, elements having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The display device according to this embodiment includes a back-emission type liquid crystal display panel 31 as an image display element for displaying an image in the first display region R1.
A (first illuminated display element) is used, and a trapezoidal branch light guide plate (branch light guide means) 32 is provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the liquid crystal display plate 31. A single light source (rod-shaped fluorescent tube) 33 for illumination for introducing illumination light from behind is installed, and light from the rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33 is transmitted to the liquid crystal display panel 31 side (first
(The display area R1 side) and the light-shielding plate 13 (the second illuminated display element) side (the second display area R2 side).

The liquid crystal display panel 31 is controlled so as to switch the transmission / non-transmission state or the transmission / diffusion state in units of pixels (dots) set in advance.
A general TN type is used.

The branch light guide plate 32 is made of a transparent resin or glass or the like, and the front surface (second light exit surface) 32a for emitting light toward the light shielding plate 13 has a short side and a rear surface 3 serving as a light incident surface.
This is a transparent plate having a trapezoidal shape in a side view formed so that the side 2b is a long side, whereby the lower surface (light reflecting surface) 32c of the branch light guide plate 32 is inclined with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 31. Then, part of the light incident from the rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33 through the back surface (light incident surface) 32b is emitted as linear light from the front surface (second light exit surface) 32a, and is shielded from light in the second display region R2. The plate 13 is illuminated from behind to project the shape of the light-transmitting hole 13a, and at the same time, from the rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33 to the back (light incident surface).
Another part of the light incident through 32b is reflected by the inclined lower surface (light reflecting surface) 32c to change its direction, and is emitted from the upper surface (first light emitting surface) to cause the liquid crystal display panel 31 to move. Irradiation is performed from the back surface (lower surface), and the image formed on the liquid crystal display panel 31 is reflected by the reflecting mirror plate 12 in the first display region R1,
Functions to project toward a viewer.

With such a configuration, it is possible to perform display in a plurality of display areas R1 and R2 using a single rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33, which is different from the case where illumination is separately provided in each of the display areas R1 and R2. And back lighting (bar fluorescent tube 33)
, Power consumption can be reduced, and power can be saved. Alternatively, the display area can be enlarged without increasing the number of light sources.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In the drawings, elements having the same functions as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the fourth embodiment, the first display area R
Both the one display element facing the first display element and the other display element for displaying in the second display area R2 use a back emission type. However, the display device of this embodiment has a second display area. As a display element for displaying an image on R2, a reflection type is used.

That is, in this display device, the liquid crystal display panel 31 is illuminated from the back surface using the branching light guide plate 32 having a trapezoidal shape in a side view, and the linear light from the rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33 incident from one end 32b is opposed to the other. The fourth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment in that light is emitted from the end 32a.
A reflection type display element 34 such as a hologram display element or a reflection type liquid crystal display element is arranged near the other end 32 a of the second light guide element 32. It is arranged to be inclined.

Here, in the display device of this embodiment,
The reflecting mirror plate 12 is not used, and is arranged so that the liquid crystal display panel 31 is directly faced to a viewer.
The reflective display element 34 is also arranged so as to directly face the viewer.

With this configuration, even if one of the pair of display regions R1 and R2 is a reflective display element, the display in both display regions R1 and R2 is performed by the single rod-shaped fluorescent tube 33. be able to.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 7 is a view showing a display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The display device of this embodiment uses a light transmission type hologram display element 41 as a display element, and a single light source 42 is installed diagonally on the back surface of the light transmission type hologram display element 41. The hologram display element 41 is used as a first display element to display an image to a viewer, and at a position where the light source 42 and the light transmission hologram display element 41 are linearly connected in front of the light transmission hologram display element 41. Front display element 4 as second display element
3 and a light transmission type hologram display element 41
A rear display element 44 as a third display element is disposed at a position where the light from the light source 42 is reflected by the rear surface of the light transmission type hologram display element 41 and illuminated backward on the rear side (hologram dry plate). Things.

The light transmission type hologram display element 41 irradiates an object with laser light or the like, records an interference pattern between the light obtained therefrom and the original light on a photosensitive material, and irradiates another pattern with another light. It reproduces an image of an object, and is made to have a light-transmitting property by using a light-transmitting resin or the like. Here, a part of the light emitted from the light source 42 on the back surface is regularly reflected on the back surface (hologram dry plate) of the light transmission type hologram display element 41, and is emitted backward at a reflection angle equal to the incident angle of the light. (Regular reflected light). The other part goes straight through the light transmission type hologram display element 41 (0th order transmission) due to the straightness of light, and is emitted in a direction connecting the light source 42 and the light transmission type hologram display element 41 on a straight line. (0-order transmitted light). Further, the remaining light is diffracted in the light transmission hologram display element 41 to change its angle, and is emitted in the direction normal to the front surface of the light transmission hologram display element 41 (first-order diffracted light). In the light-transmitting hologram display element 41, the image is formed as a three-dimensional image because the first-order diffracted light is viewed with both eyes and the right and left eyes simultaneously view different images. is there.

As the light source 42, a general fluorescent lamp or the like is used.

The front side display element 43 is, for example, a transmission type FL.
A CD (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display) is used, and as the rear display element 44, for example, a reflection type FLCD is used. The FLCD is a display using a ferroelectric liquid crystal having a memory property, and displays an unchanged portion of the screen with a memory property and performs an image display by partially scanning only a changed portion. This is a display element that is used because the screen has little flicker.

In the display device having such a configuration, when an image is displayed on the light transmission type hologram display element 41, zero-order transmission light not contributing to image formation in the light transmission type hologram display element 41 or on a hologram dry plate. In the case where the light reflected regularly is used effectively, it is possible to notify the reason for refusal to the display illumination of the other display elements 43 and 44, and a light source is separately provided in each display area (R1 to R3 in the drawing). , The amount of power consumed by the light source 42 can be reduced, and power can be saved. Alternatively, the display area can be enlarged without increasing the number of light sources 42.

[Modification] In the first to fourth embodiments, a light-transmitting hole 13a as a picture is formed in the light-shielding plate 13, and the light-transmitting hole 13a is transmitted to transmit an image. Is projected, but the area of the light transmitting hole 13a is made opaque or cloudy light diffusion state, and the other light shielding plate 1 is formed.
Region 3 may be transparent. Further, coloring may be performed by covering at least a region of the light transmitting hole 13a of the light shielding plate 13 with a color filter. Alternatively, in place of the pattern display by the light transmitting hole 13a, for example, a transmission type liquid crystal display element, a light transmission type hologram display element, or a transmission type FLCD, which can display an image by irradiating light from the back surface, can be used. Such a thing may be used.

The reflection type display element 34 in the fifth embodiment may be any type such as a reflection type liquid crystal display element as long as it reflects light to display an image.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, the light transmission type hologram display element 41 is used as the first display element, but as shown in FIG. The light source 42 is disposed obliquely in front of the light reflection type hologram display element 45, and one image is displayed by the first-order diffracted light on the light reflection type hologram display element 45. The front side display element 43 may be illuminated on the back side with the reflected light, and the front side of the rear side display element 44 may be illuminated with the zero-order transmitted light that has passed linearly through the light reflection type hologram display element 45.

[0047]

According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, one display element is used as a single light source to illuminate other illuminated display elements together, or a plurality of illuminated display elements are used. Since the display device is illuminated with a single light source at a time, the power consumption of the illumination can be reduced compared to the case of illuminating a plurality of light sources separately in a display in a plurality of display areas, thereby saving power. Power can be used, and the display area can be enlarged without increasing the number of light sources.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the internal light directed to the side opposite to or to the side of the second light irradiation surface is efficiently reflected by the reflecting mirror in the display element to the second light irradiation surface side. The display quality of the illuminated display element can be improved by brightening the illumination of the illuminated display element arranged facing the second light irradiation surface.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a fluorescent display plate and three reflectors of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a fluorescent display panel of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a display device according to a modification.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a conventional display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 fluorescent display plate 12 reflecting mirror plate 13 light shielding plate 21 a, 21 b, 21 c reflecting plate 22 reflecting plate 31 liquid crystal display plate 32 branch light guide plate 33 rod-shaped fluorescent tube 34 reflective display element 41 light transmission hologram display element 42 light source 43 front display element 44 Back side display element 45 Light reflection type hologram display element

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yozo Nishiura 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Harness Research Institute, Inc.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a predetermined first display area and a second display area, wherein one of the main surfaces serving as the predetermined first light irradiation surface is one. While emitting predetermined information and emitting light to the first display area,
A first display element for irradiating an end surface as a second light irradiation surface facing the second display area with illumination light; and an irradiation light from the second light irradiation surface of the first display element. A display device comprising: an illuminated second display element that is different from the first display element that is displayed to display other predetermined information. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first display element emits internal light directed to a side opposite to or to the side of the second light irradiation surface. A display device, wherein a reflecting mirror for reflecting light on a surface side is embedded and installed. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the one light emitted from the first light irradiation surface of the first display element is provided in the first display area. A display device, comprising: a reflecting mirror that reflects light related to predetermined information toward an information viewing position. 4. A display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a predetermined first display area and a predetermined second display area, comprising: a single light source; and a part of light from the light source. Irradiating the first display area in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement position of the light source while irradiating the first display area, and causing the remaining part of the light from the light source to travel in the opposite direction to the arrangement position of the light source. Branch light guiding means for branching and guiding light so as to irradiate the second display area, and displaying one predetermined information by using a part of the light branched by the branch light guiding means. A first illuminated display element that irradiates the first display area; and another predetermined information is displayed by using the remaining part of the light that has been branched by the branch light guide unit. A second illuminated display element that irradiates the display area of the second type. The thickness of the light guide means is adapted to decrease closer to the second light emitting surface facing the second display area from the light incident surface facing the light source, thereby, the first
A display surface facing the first light exit surface facing the display region of (1) is a light reflection surface inclined with respect to the first light exit surface. 5. A display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a plurality of display areas, wherein a back side of a light transmission hologram display element for displaying an image by diffracting light illuminated from the back side. A single light source is installed in the direction, and a light-transmitting front surface arranged at a position connecting the light source and the light-transmitting hologram display device linearly on the front side of the light-transmitting hologram display device. A light-reflective rear surface disposed at a position where light from the light source is reflected on the rear surface of the light-transmissive hologram display element and illuminated rearward on the rear side of the light-transmitting hologram display element A display device provided with at least one of a side display element. 6. A display device for displaying predetermined information different from each other in each of a plurality of display areas, the light reflection type hologram display element displaying an image by diffracting while reflecting light illuminated from the front surface. A single light source is installed obliquely on the front side, and a light reflection disposed at a position connecting the light source and the light reflection hologram display element on a straight line on the back side of the light reflection hologram display element. And a light transmission disposed at a position on the front side of the light reflection type hologram display element where light from the light source is reflected on the front side of the light reflection type hologram display element and irradiated forward. A display device provided with at least one of a front-side display element of a mold.