WO2023176498A1

WO2023176498A1 - Vehicular display device

Info

Publication number: WO2023176498A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/007973
Authority: WO
Inventors: 伸幸高橋; 邦光青木
Original assignee: 矢崎総業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-03-17
Filing date: 2023-03-03
Publication date: 2023-09-21
Also published as: JP2023136441A

Abstract

Provided is a vehicular display device comprising: a projection unit (10); a bezel (40) which forms a space (40a) in a frame, the space serving as a light path for emitted light which has transmitted through a light-transmitting part (11) of the projection unit; a light emitting unit (50) that emits light as foreign object detection light and allows the light to enter the space through an exit aperture (42) of the bezel; a light receiving unit (60) that receives external incident light entering from the space side through an incidence aperture (43); a control device (20) that detects the presence or absence of a foreign object in the space on the basis of the amount of change in the received external incident light; and a notification unit (70) which notifies an occupant of entry of the foreign object into the space, wherein the light receiving unit comprises light receiving parts (61) and a light receiving part storage body (62) having light receiving part storage chambers (62a) each of which stores the light receiving part and incidence ports (62b) each of which allows the external incident light to enter the light receiving part storage chamber, and the light receiving part storage body has the light receiving part storage body and the incidence port that allow the foreign object detection light which is of the external incident light entering through the incident port and is other than at least external light to reach the light receiving part.

Description

Vehicle display device

The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle.

Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with vehicle display devices that display information provided to passengers inside the vehicle. For example, in this vehicle display device, the emitted light related to display information is emitted toward a windshield or a combiner, and the emitted light is reflected from the windshield or the like toward the occupant, so that the displayed information is displayed to the occupant. A so-called head-up display device that displays a virtual image is known. This vehicle display device is built in the upper part of an instrument panel, and emits light toward a windshield or the like from an opening in the upper part. Therefore, if foreign matter enters the opening of this vehicle display device and the foreign matter blocks the emitted light, there is a risk that the display quality of the virtual image will be degraded. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a vehicle display device that makes it possible to detect the foreign object. The vehicle display device described in Patent Document 1 includes a light emitting element that emits light to an opening and a light receiving element that receives the light, and the light receiving element receives the light emitted from the light emitting element. The presence or absence of a foreign object is detected depending on whether the foreign object is present or not.

International Publication No. 2018/061690

By the way, conventional vehicle display devices detect the presence or absence of foreign objects in the opening by having a light receiving element receive light emitted from a light emitting element. Detection accuracy may decrease. For example, in this vehicle display device, even though a foreign object in the opening is blocking the light emitted from the light emitting element, the light receiving element receives external light and determines that no foreign object is present. There is a risk that it will happen.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device with high foreign object detection accuracy.

The present invention allows the emitted light related to the display information that has passed through the light transmitting part and exited from the housing to be emitted from the opening of the instrument panel to the outside of the instrument panel, so that the display information can be displayed as a virtual image to the occupant. A space that is a frame that connects a projection unit that is visually recognized as such, and a peripheral edge of the light transmitting section and a peripheral edge of the opening of the instrument panel, and that serves as an optical path of the output light that has passed through the light transmitting section. a light emitting unit that emits light as a foreign object detection light and causes the foreign object detection light to enter the space from an output opening of the bezel part; A light receiving unit that receives external incident light that has entered through an entrance opening of a bezel portion, and a control device that detects the presence or absence of a foreign object in the space based on the amount of change in the external incident light that is received by the light receiving unit. and a notification unit that notifies the occupant when the control device determines that a foreign object has entered the space, and the light receiving unit includes a light receiving unit that receives light, and a notification unit that notifies the occupant of the fact that a foreign object has entered the space, and the light receiving unit includes a light receiving unit that receives light; and a light-receiving part housing body having an entrance for allowing the externally incident light to enter the light-receiving part housing chamber; It is characterized in that it is formed to include the light-receiving section accommodating chamber and the entrance opening for allowing the foreign object detection light excluding at least external light among the light to reach the light-receiving section.

The vehicle display device according to the present invention can detect the presence of a foreign object and notify the occupant when a foreign object has entered the space. This vehicle display device eliminates the influence of external light, and can improve the accuracy of detecting foreign objects.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle display device according to an embodiment, viewed from the side of the vehicle. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1 viewed in the direction of arrow A. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1 viewed in the direction of arrow B. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the notification section. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification Example 1, viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of another example of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification 1, viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification Example 2, viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of another example of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification 2, viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of another example of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification 2, viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification Example 3, viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of another example of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification 3, viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of another example of the projection unit in the vehicle display device of Modification 3, viewed from above the vehicle.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a vehicle display device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Embodiment]
One embodiment of a vehicle display device according to the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 12.

Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 indicates a vehicle display device of the embodiment. The vehicle display device 1 is a so-called head-up display device that displays a virtual image of information to be provided to an occupant inside a vehicle (such as an automobile).

The vehicle display device 1 is installed in an instrument panel I, and emits emitted light related to display information to the outside of the instrument panel I, so that the display information is visually recognized as a virtual image by an occupant in the vehicle interior. It includes a projection unit 10 and a control device 20 that controls the operation of this projection unit 10 (FIG. 1). This projection unit 10 causes the emitted light related to display information that has passed through the light transmitting section 11 and exited from the housing 12 to be emitted from the opening Ia of the instrument panel I to the outside of the instrument panel I, The displayed information is made visible to the occupants as a virtual image. The projection unit 10 shown here is installed in the upper part of the instrument panel I, and emits the output light from the opening Ia provided in the upper part toward the front windshield Wf outside the instrument panel I. .

For example, although not shown, the projection unit 10 includes, in the housing 12, a display device that emits display information as display light, and a reflecting member that reflects the display light emitted from the display device. This projection unit 10 reflects display light emitted from a display device toward a light transmitting section 11 using a reflective member, and outputs the display light to the outside of a housing 12 via this light transmitting section 11 .

The display device displays image information such as letters, numbers, and graphics as display information. This display, for example, emits display light related to the display information according to light from a light source (so-called backlight) and projects it onto a reflective member. Here, a light-transmissive TFT liquid crystal (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) is used as the display. The control device 20 controls this display and performs display control of display light (adjustment of the content of display information, brightness, etc.).

The reflecting member is, for example, a magnifying mirror such as an aspherical (free-form surface) mirror that magnifies and reflects the display light emitted from the display. The control device 20 changes the position of the reflecting surface by, for example, rotating the reflecting member, changes the direction of the light emitted from the light transmitting section 11, and adjusts the position where the virtual image is displayed.

In this projection unit 10, a light transmitting member (for example, transparent glass, etc.) that transmits incident light is provided as the light transmitting section 11. This light-transmitting member is assembled to the housing 12 as a cover that closes an opening of the housing 12, for example.

Further, the vehicle display device 1 includes a reflector 30 that reflects the emitted light emitted from the projection unit 10 and out of the instrument panel I toward the passenger's eye point EP (FIG. 1). The reflector 30 is formed as a half mirror that reflects the emitted light toward the eye point EP and emits light from outside the vehicle toward the passenger side. For example, the reflector 30 is formed into a plate shape that follows the curved shape of the front windshield Wf. The reflector 30 is sealed together with an intermediate film in a front windshield Wf made of laminated glass, or is attached to a wall surface of the front windshield Wf on the interior side of the vehicle with an adhesive. Further, the reflector 30 may be a combiner placed between the front windshield Wf and the occupant.

Furthermore, the vehicle display device 1 is a frame that connects the peripheral edge of the light transmitting portion 11 and the peripheral edge of the opening Ia of the instrument panel I, and the optical path of the output light that has passed through the light transmitting portion 11 and the peripheral edge of the opening Ia of the instrument panel I. A bezel portion 40 is provided that forms a space portion (hereinafter referred to as an “optical path space portion”) 40a within a frame (FIGS. 1 to 3). Here, a light-impermeable bezel portion 40 that does not transmit light is provided. The bezel portion 40 may be formed of a light-opaque material that does not transmit light (for example, a black material that can absorb light), or may be formed of a light-opaque paint that does not transmit light (for example, a black material that can absorb light). , black paint capable of absorbing light, etc.) may be applied.

This bezel part 40 is, for example, molded as a separate part from the housing 12 and the instrument panel I, and has one end assembled near the peripheral edge of the light transmitting part 11 in the housing 12, and The other end is assembled to the peripheral edge of the opening Ia of the instrument panel I. Further, the bezel portion 40 is provided as a part of the housing 12, and one end thereof may be attached to the peripheral edge of the opening Ia of the instrument panel I.

In this example, the periphery of the light transmitting portion 11 and the periphery of the opening Ia of the instrument panel I are each formed into a rectangular ring shape. Therefore, in this exemplary bezel portion 40, the main body 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a rectangular optical path space 40a is formed within the frame (FIGS. 1 to 3). In this bezel part 40, one pair of opposing walls (first side wall 41a, second side wall 41b) in the main body 41 are arranged to face each other in the vehicle width direction, and the other pair of opposing walls in this main body 41 are arranged opposite to each other in the vehicle width direction. The walls (third side wall 41c, fourth side wall 41d) are arranged to face each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction (FIGS. 1 to 3).

Here, the optical path space part 40a within the frame of the bezel part 40 has the light transmitting part 11 as a bottom wall, and the main body 41 of the bezel part 40 (first side wall 41a, second side wall 41b, third side wall 41c, It is formed in a concave shape with the fourth side wall 41d) as the side wall. Therefore, in the vehicle display device 1, if a foreign object enters the optical path space 40a, the foreign object remains in the optical path space 40a unless it is removed. Therefore, if left as is, the foreign matter remaining in the optical path space 40a may block the optical path of the emitted light from the projection unit 10, thereby hindering virtual image display. Therefore, this vehicle display device 1 is provided with a foreign object detection function that detects foreign objects in the optical path space 40a and notifies the occupant of the foreign objects.

Specifically, this vehicle display device 1 emits light as a foreign object detection light, and directs this foreign object detection light from an opening (hereinafter referred to as "emission opening") 42 of a bezel portion 40 to an optical path space 40a. a light-emitting unit 50 that makes the light enter the beam, and a light-receiving unit 60 that receives external incident light that enters from the optical path space 40a side through the opening (hereinafter referred to as the "incidence opening") 43 of the bezel part 40. (Figures 2 and 3). The light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 60 are installed outside the frame of the bezel portion 40 in the instrument panel I.

The light emitting unit 50 includes a light emitting section 51 that emits light as a foreign object detection light, a light emitting section housing chamber 52a that houses the light emitting section 51, and an exit port that emits the light of the light emitting section 51 to the outside of the light emitting section housing chamber 52a. 52b (FIGS. 2 and 3). This light emitting unit 50 includes at least one light emitting section 51.

The light receiving unit 60 also includes a light receiving section 61 that receives light, a light receiving section accommodating chamber 62a that accommodates the light receiving section 61, and an entrance port 62b that allows external incident light to enter the light receiving section accommodating chamber 62a. 62 (FIGS. 2 and 3). This light receiving unit 60 includes at least one light receiving section 61.

In this vehicle display device 1, a light emitting element is used for the light emitting part 51, and a light receiving element is used for the light receiving part 61. For example, in this vehicle display device 1, the light emitting section 51 controlled by the control device 20 emits foreign object detection light. Then, the control device 20 detects whether or not there is a change in the externally incident light received by the light receiving section 61 based on the electrical signal from the light receiving section 61 which has received the externally incident light. For example, the control device 20 detects the presence or absence of a change in the external incident light based on the amount of change in the amount of external incident light received by the light receiving section 61. Here, light emitting diodes that emit infrared light (so-called infrared LEDs) are used for the light emitting section 51 and the light receiving section 61, respectively. The control device 20 detects the presence or absence of a change in the external incident light based on the amount of change in the amount of infrared rays of the external incident light received by the light receiving section 61.

In this vehicle display device 1, one light emitting unit 50 and one light receiving unit 60 are combined as a pair, and the foreign object detection light emitted from one light emitting unit 50 is combined with this light emitting unit 50. One light receiving unit 60 receives the light. In this pair of light emitting unit 50 and light receiving unit 60, the light emitting port 52b and the light receiving port 62b are arranged to face each other with the optical path space 40a interposed therebetween.

Here, the output opening 42 is provided in the first side wall 41a of the bezel portion 40, and the input opening 43 is provided in the second side wall 41b of the bezel portion 40, so that the output port 52b and the input port 62b are arranged opposite to each other in the vehicle width direction. It is set up. The first side wall 41a shown here is provided with one rectangular emission opening 42 extending between the end on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. The second side wall 41b shown here is provided with one rectangular entrance opening 43 extending between the end on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. There is. The exit opening 42 and the entrance opening 43 are arranged to face each other in the vehicle width direction. The light emitting unit 50 is installed outside the frame of the bezel portion 40 with the light emitting port 52b placed in the light emitting opening 42. Further, the light receiving unit 60 is installed outside the frame of the bezel portion 40 with the entrance port 62b placed in the entrance opening 43.

The vehicle display device 1 shown here includes one light emitting unit 50 in which one light emitting part 51 is housed in one light emitting part housing 52, and a plurality of light receiving parts 61 in each light receiving part housing 62. (FIG. 2).

The light emitting unit accommodating body 52 shown here is formed into a rectangular tube shape with this end serving as one end in the cylinder axis direction so as to close the emission opening 42 at the end on the emission port 52b side. In the light emitting unit housing 52, the light emitting port 52b extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the end of the light emitting opening 42 on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. The foreign object detection light emitted from the emission port 52b is made to cover the optical path space 40a as much as possible in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The light emitting part 51 is located at the center of the light emitting part housing chamber 52a in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at a position where the foreign object detection light emitted within the light emitting part housing chamber 52a can be emitted from the entire output port 52b to the optical path space part 40a. Deploy.

The output opening 52b has a width narrowed in the depth direction of the optical path space 40a (that is, the depth in the traveling direction of the emitted light that has passed through the light transmitting section 11 in the optical path space 40a) in order to suppress the intrusion of external light. ing. Here, the depth direction of the optical path space 40a refers to the direction in which the exit port 52b and the entrance port 62b face each other (in the vehicle width direction) and the direction in which the third side wall 41c side and the fourth side wall 41d face each other (in the vehicle longitudinal direction). This refers to the direction perpendicular to (vertical direction of the vehicle). Therefore, the light emitting unit 50 shown here causes the diffused light emitted by the light emitting section 51 to be radially emitted from the light emitting port 52b as foreign object detection light.

In the light receiving unit 60, a combination of one light receiving section 61 and one light receiving section housing 62 is arranged between the end of the entrance opening 43 on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. Place multiple items in the same direction.

In this light receiving unit 60, each light receiving section 61 receives external incident light from the optical path space 40a. Here, in addition to the foreign object detection light emitted by the light emitting unit 50, external light from outside the vehicle may enter the optical path space 40a. Therefore, in the light-receiving unit 60, in order to increase the foreign object detection accuracy using the foreign object detection light, it is desirable that each of the light receiving sections 61 receives only the foreign object detection light among the externally incident light.

Therefore, the light receiving unit accommodating body 62 has a light receiving unit accommodating chamber 62a and an entrance port 62b that allow at least the foreign object detection light excluding external light from among the external incident light that enters from the entrance port 62b to reach the light receiving unit 61. It is formed. For example, the light receiving unit accommodating body 62 includes a light receiving unit accommodating chamber 62a formed inside a cylindrical portion, and an entrance port 62b provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the direction of the cylinder axis. In this light-receiving part housing body 62, the light-receiving part accommodating chamber 62a has an entrance opening 62b in order to allow the foreign object detection light excluding at least external light to reach the light-receiving part 61 among the external incident light that has entered through the entrance opening 62b. The distance from to the light receiving section 61 and the opening area of the entrance port 62b are set. The light-receiving unit accommodating body 62 shown here has a cylindrical portion formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a circular entrance 62b is formed at one end of the cylindrical portion.

For example, in the light receiving unit accommodating body 62, the distance from the entrance port 62b to the light receiving unit 61 is set so that even if external light enters through the entrance port 62b, this external light does not directly hit the light receiving unit 61. For example, in this light-receiving portion housing 62, the distance from the entrance port 62b to the light-receiving portion 61 is set so that the external light entering through the entrance port 62b is incident on the inner circumferential wall of the light-receiving portion housing chamber 62a. Further, in the light receiving unit housing 62, it is desirable to form a small diameter entrance opening 62b such as a pinhole in order to suppress the intrusion of external light from the entrance opening 62b.

In addition, in this light-receiving part housing body 62, the inner peripheral wall of the light-receiving part housing chamber 62a can be formed as a light-opaque part so that the external light incident on the inner peripheral wall of the light-receiving part housing chamber 62a is not reflected and reaches the light-receiving part 61. desirable. For example, here, the light-receiving portion housing body 62 is formed of a light-impermeable material that does not transmit light (for example, a black material that can absorb light). Further, the light-receiving unit accommodating body 62 may be one in which a light-impermeable paint that does not transmit light (for example, a black paint that can absorb light) is applied to the inner circumferential wall of the light-receiving unit accommodating chamber 62a. .

The control device 20 detects a change in the external incident light received by the light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 60, and detects the presence or absence of a foreign object in the optical path space 40a based on the amount of change. For example, the control device 20 causes the light emitting unit 50 to emit foreign object detection light constantly or periodically when the ignition is turned on, receives the electric signal of the external incident light received by the light receiving section 61, and receives the electric signal of the external incident light. Detect the amount of light. This control device 20 has, for example, the light intensity of the foreign object detection light (hereinafter referred to as "reference light amount") when only the foreign object detection light from the light emitting unit 50 is received as a threshold value or map for each light receiving unit 61. ing. Therefore, the control device 20 determines that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a when at least one light receiving section 61 detects externally incident light having an amount of light that deviates from the reference light amount.

In order to improve the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of a foreign object, it is desirable to set a reference light amount in the control device 20 with a range that takes into consideration the detection error of the light receiving section 61 and the like. In addition, in order to increase the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of foreign objects, the control device 20 is configured to determine that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a when external incident light with an amount of light that deviates from the reference light amount is detected multiple times. This is desirable.

When the control device 20 determines that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a, the control device 20 notifies the occupant of this fact through the notification section 70 inside the vehicle (FIG. 4). The notification section 70 stimulates the auditory senses of the occupant. This vehicle display device 1 includes a buzzer as a notification section 70. In this case, in the vehicle display device 1, since the buzzer serving as the notification section 70 is installed in the instrument panel I, there is a possibility that the buzzer sound may be trapped. Therefore, the buzzer sound from the notification section 70 is emitted toward the light transmitting section 11, reflected by the light transmitting section 11, and then further reflected toward the occupant by the front windshield Wf or the reflector 30. For example, the notification section 70 is exposed outside the frame of the bezel section 40 from the main body 41 (here, the fourth side wall 41d on the opposite side from the passenger across the optical path space section 40a), and is directed toward the light transmission section 11. It is placed in a position where the emitted buzzer sound can be reflected and transmitted to the occupants. Thereby, in this vehicle display device 1, it is possible to suppress the buzzer sound from becoming crowded.

Note that this vehicle display device 1 may utilize a speaker such as an audio device installed in the vehicle as the notification section 70. Further, the vehicle display device 1 may include a notification unit 70 such as a monitor that stimulates the visual sense of the occupant.

The vehicle display device 1 described above can detect the presence of a foreign object and notify the occupant when the foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a. This vehicle display device 1 eliminates the influence of external light, and can improve the accuracy of detecting foreign objects. Therefore, this vehicle display device 1 can maintain the display quality of the virtual image by having the passenger remove the foreign matter.

By the way, in the vehicle display device 1 described so far, the first side wall 41a is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50, and the second side wall 41b is provided with the entrance opening 43 for the light receiving unit 60. There is. However, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, the second side wall 41b is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50, and the first side wall 41a is provided with the entrance opening 43 for the light receiving unit 60. good. Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment, the emission opening 42 is provided in the third side wall 41c and extends between the end on the first side wall 41a side and the end on the second side wall 41b side. The light emitting unit 50 is arranged in the emission opening 42, and the fourth side wall 41d is extended between the end on the first side wall 41a side and the end on the second side wall 41b side. An entrance opening 43 may be provided and the light receiving unit 60 may be disposed in this entrance opening 43. Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, the output opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50 may be provided on the fourth side wall 41d, and the entrance opening 43 for the light receiving unit 60 may be provided on the third side wall 41c. good.

[Modification 1]
In the vehicle display device 1 of the embodiment described above, since foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths is radially emitted from the light emitting unit 50, a certain light receiving section 61 directly receives the foreign object detection light that enters from the entrance port 62b. However, there is a possibility that another light receiving section 61 cannot directly receive the foreign object detection light that enters from the entrance port 62b. In addition, in this vehicle display device 1, the presence of the light receiving section accommodating body 62 that prevents the foreign object detection light from entering the light receiving section accommodating chamber 62a by making the entrance port 62b a pinhole is also considered.

In this modification, a vehicle display device 2 will be described in which each of the light receiving sections 61 of the light receiving unit 60 receives a plurality of parallel lights as foreign object detection light (FIGS. 5 and 6). The vehicle display device 2 illustrated below is a vehicle display device 1 according to the embodiment with the points described later changed, and for convenience of explanation, the same parts and portions as those of the vehicle display device 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. , and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle display device 2A illustrated in FIG. 5 causes each light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 60 to receive foreign object detection light emitted from a light emitting unit 150 and having a plurality of optical paths. Further, the vehicle display device 2B illustrated in FIG. 6 is configured to receive foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths emitted from the light emitting unit 250 by each light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 60.

The light emitting unit 150 includes a plurality of light emitting sections 51 that emit light as foreign object detection light, housed in a light emitting section accommodating body 152 for each light emitting section 51. The light emitting unit accommodating body 152 includes a light emitting unit accommodating chamber 152a formed inside a cylindrical portion, and an output port 152b provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction (FIG. 5). The light emitting unit accommodating body 152 shown here has a cylindrical portion formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a circular emission opening 152b is formed at one end of the cylindrical portion. The exit port 152b is desirably formed into a small diameter circular shape, such as a pinhole, in order to suppress the intrusion of external light.

In this light emitting unit 150, a combination of one light emitting section 51 and one light emitting section housing 152 is installed between the end of the emission opening 42 on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. Arrange multiple pieces in a row in the front-back direction. The light emitting unit 150 is installed outside the frame of the bezel portion 40 with the light emitting port 152b of each light emitting portion accommodating body 152 placed in the light emitting opening 42 and facing the light receiving unit 60. In this light emitting unit 150, the foreign object detection light emitted from each light emitting part 51 is made to enter the optical path space part 40a as parallel light directed toward the light receiving unit 60. Therefore, this light emitting unit 150 includes the same number of combinations of one light emitting section 51 and one light emitting section housing 152 as the combination of one light receiving section 61 and one light receiving section housing 62 in the light receiving unit 60. The exit port 152b and the entrance port 62b are arranged in pairs to face each other in the vehicle width direction. In this vehicle display device 2A, between each pair of light emitting section 51 and light receiving section 61, light receiving section 61 can directly receive the foreign object detection light emitted by light emitting section 51.

The light emitting unit 250 includes one light emitting section 51, and this one light emitting section 51 is housed in one light emitting section accommodating body 252. This light emitting unit 250 converts the light emitted by one light emitting part 51 into parallel light so that the foreign object detection light enters the optical path space 40a into the optical path space 40a. An optical member 253 is provided for inputting detection light (FIG. 6).

The light emitting unit accommodating body 252 includes a light emitting unit accommodating chamber 252a formed inside a cylindrical portion, and an output port 252b provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction (FIG. 6). The light emitting unit accommodating body 252 shown here is formed into a rectangular tube shape with this end serving as one end in the cylinder axis direction so as to close the emission opening 42 at the end on the emission port 252b side. The light emitting unit 51 is arranged at the center of the light emitting unit housing chamber 252a in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This light emitting unit 250 is installed outside the frame of the bezel portion 40 with the emission port 252b placed in the emission opening 42.

The light emitting port 252b is one opening extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the end of the light emitting opening 42 on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. The light of a plurality of optical paths passing through may be made to enter the optical path space part 40a. However, the light emitting unit accommodating body 252 is provided with an output port 252b for each input port 62b at one end in order to suppress the intrusion of external light and allow a plurality of parallel lights as foreign object detection light to enter the optical path space 40a. It may be something. The exit ports 252b are formed in a small diameter circular shape such as a pinhole, and are provided at one end of the light emitting unit housing body 252 for each entrance port 62b, arranged at equal intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The exit port 252b and the entrance port 62b are arranged in pairs to face each other in the vehicle width direction.

The optical member 253 is a light rectifying member that converts the light emitted from one light emitting section 51 into parallel light. For example, the optical member 253 includes a reflecting member (reflector, Fresnel mirror, etc.) that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting section 51 so as to become parallel light toward the exit port 252b; This may be a lens that refracts and transmits the light so that it becomes parallel light toward the exit port 252b. Here, a reflective member is used as the optical member 253.

In this light emitting unit 250, the light emitted from one light emitting section 51 becomes parallel light directed toward the light receiving unit 60 through the optical member 253, and this parallel light is made to enter the optical path space 40a as foreign object detection light.

For example, the control device 20 of this modification example determines the amount of light of the foreign object detection light (hereinafter referred to as , "reference light amount") as a threshold value or map. Therefore, for each combination of the light emitting section 51 and the light receiving section 61, when the light receiving section 61 detects external incident light having an amount of light that deviates from the reference light amount, the control device 20 controls the optical path space section 40a. It is determined that there is a foreign object inside.

Also in this modification, in order to improve the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of a foreign object, it is desirable to set a reference light amount with a range in consideration of the detection error of the light receiving section 61, etc. in the control device 20. In addition, in order to increase the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of foreign objects, the control device 20 is configured to determine that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a when external incident light with an amount of light that deviates from the reference light amount is detected multiple times. This is desirable.

In this modification as well, when the control device 20 determines that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a, the control device 20 notifies the occupant of this fact through the notification section 70 inside the vehicle.

The vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) of this modified example inputs parallel light as foreign object detection light from the light emitting unit 150 (250) into the optical path space 40a, and directs this parallel light into the optical path space 40a. The parallel light can reach the light receiving unit 60 while covering the direction in which the parallel light is arranged. Therefore, the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) can receive the parallel light at each of the light receiving sections 61 of the light receiving unit 60, so that the accuracy of detecting foreign objects in the optical path space 40a can be further improved. I can do it.

By the way, in the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) described so far, the first side wall 41a is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 150 (250), and the second side wall 41b is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light receiving unit 60. An entrance opening 43 is provided. However, in the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) of this modification, the second side wall 41b is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 150 (250), and the first side wall 41a is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light receiving unit 60. An entrance aperture 43 may also be provided. Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) of this modification, the third side wall 41c has a structure extending between the end on the first side wall 41a side and the end on the second side wall 41b side. A light emission opening 42 is provided, and the light emitting unit 150 (250) is arranged in this emission opening 42, and the fourth side wall 41d has an end on the first side wall 41a side and an end on the second side wall 41b side. It is also possible to provide an entrance opening 43 that extends between the two, and to arrange the light receiving unit 60 in this entrance opening 43. Further, in the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) of this modification, the fourth side wall 41d is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 150 (250), and the third side wall 41c is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light receiving unit 60. An entrance aperture 43 may also be provided.

[Modification 2]
In this modification, a vehicle display device 3 will be described in which one light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 160 receives foreign object detection light on a plurality of optical paths in the optical path space 40a (FIGS. 7 to 9). The vehicle display device 3 illustrated below is the vehicle display device 1 of the embodiment or the vehicle display device 2 (2A, 2B) of the second modification with the points described later being changed, and for convenience of explanation, The same parts, parts, etc. as the vehicle display devices 1, 2 (2A, 2B) are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle display device 3A illustrated in FIG. 7 causes one light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 160 to receive foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths emitted from the light emitting unit 50 of the above-described embodiment. Further, the vehicle display device 3B illustrated in FIG. 8 is one in which one light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 160 receives the foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths emitted from the light emitting unit 150 of the first modification described above. . Further, the vehicle display device 3C illustrated in FIG. 9 is one in which one light receiving section 61 of the light receiving unit 160 receives parallel light as foreign object detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 250 of the first modification described above. .

The light receiving unit 160 includes one light receiving section 61, and this one light receiving section 61 is housed in one light receiving section housing 162 (FIGS. 7 to 9). The light-receiving unit 160 is configured to condense the foreign-matter detection light of the plurality of optical paths onto one light-receiving part 61 so that the one light-receiving part 61 receives the foreign-matter detection light of the plurality of optical paths in the optical path space 40a. A member 163 is provided (FIGS. 7 to 9).

The light receiving unit accommodating body 162 includes a light receiving unit accommodating chamber 162a formed inside a cylindrical portion, and an entrance port 162b provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction (FIGS. 7 to 9). The light-receiving unit accommodating body 162 shown here is formed into a rectangular tube shape with this end serving as one end in the cylinder axis direction so as to close the entrance opening 43 at the end on the entrance port 162b side. The light receiving section 61 is arranged at the center of the light receiving section housing chamber 162a in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

The entrance port 162b of the vehicle display device 3A is one opening extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the end of the entrance opening 43 on the third side wall 41c side and the end on the fourth side wall 41d side. Therefore, it is desirable that the foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths emitted from the light emitting unit 50 be made to enter the light receiving section housing chamber 162a (FIG. 7).

Further, the light-receiving unit housing chamber 162a of the vehicle display device 3A allows foreign object detection light excluding at least external light out of the external incident light that enters through the entrance port 162b to reach the light-receiving unit 61 from the light condensing member 163. Therefore, the distance from the entrance port 162b to the light receiving section 61 and the light condensing member 163 and the opening area of the entrance port 162b are set. Therefore, the width of the entrance port 162b is narrowed in the depth direction of the optical path space 40a (here, in the vehicle vertical direction). In addition, in the light receiving unit accommodating body 162 of this vehicle display device 3A, the interior of the light receiving unit accommodating body 162 is designed so that external light incident on the inner circumferential wall of the light receiving unit accommodating chamber 162a is not reflected and reaches the light receiving unit 61 and the light condensing member 163. It is desirable to form the peripheral wall as a light-opaque portion similar to the light-receiving portion accommodating body 62 of the embodiment.

A plurality of entrance ports 162b of the

vehicle display devices

3B and 3C are provided at one end of the light receiving unit accommodating body 162 and arranged at equal intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction (FIGS. 8 and 9). The entrance port 162b of the vehicle display device 3B is provided for each exit port 152b of the light emitting unit 150 (FIG. 8). The output port 152b and the input port 162b are arranged in pairs to face each other in the vehicle width direction. The entrance port 162b of the vehicle display device 3C is provided for each exit port 252b of the light emitting unit 250 (FIG. 9). The output port 252b and the input port 162b are arranged in pairs to face each other in the vehicle width direction.

Further, the light receiving unit housing chamber 162a of the

vehicle display devices

3B and 3C transmits foreign object detection light excluding at least external light from the external incident light that enters through the entrance port 162b from the light condensing member 163 to the light receiving unit 61. The distance from the entrance aperture 162b to the light receiving section 61 and the light condensing member 163 and the opening area of the entrance aperture 162b are set in order to achieve this.

For example, in the light receiving unit accommodating body 162 of the

vehicle display devices

3B and 3C, even if external light enters through the entrance port 162b, the external light is prevented from directly hitting the light receiving unit 61 and the light condensing member 163. The distance from the entrance port 162b to the light receiving section 61 and the distance from the entrance port 162b to the light collecting member 163 are set. For example, in this light-receiving part housing body 162, the respective distances are set so that the external light entering from the entrance port 162b is made to enter the inner circumferential wall of the light-receiving part housing chamber 162a. Further, in the light receiving unit housing 162, it is desirable to form an entrance opening 162b with a small diameter such as a pinhole in order to suppress the intrusion of external light from the entrance opening 162b. In addition, in this light-receiving part housing body 162, the light-receiving part of the embodiment is arranged so that the external light incident on the inner peripheral wall of the light-receiving part housing chamber 162a is not reflected and reaches the light-receiving part 61 and the light condensing member 163. It is desirable to form it as a light-opaque part similar to the part container 62.

The light condensing member 163 is an optical member for concentrating external incident light that has entered the light receiving unit storage chamber 162a from the entrance port 162b onto the light receiving unit 61. For example, the light condensing member 163 may include a reflecting member (reflector, Fresnel mirror, etc.) that reflects each external incident light that has entered the light receiving unit storage chamber 162a and collects it on the light receiving unit 61, It is a condensing lens that converges externally incident light and collects it on the light receiving section 61. Here, a reflective member is used as the light condensing member 163.

In this light-receiving unit 160, the foreign object detection lights of the plurality of optical paths that have entered the light-receiving part storage chamber 162a are collected into one light-receiving part 61 via the light-condensing member 163, and the foreign-matter detection lights of the plurality of optical paths are collected in the light-receiving part 61. can receive light.

For example, the control device 20 of this modification example is configured to control the amount of foreign object detection light when only the foreign object detection light from the light emitting unit 50 (150, 250) is received by one light receiving section 61 via the light condensing member 163 ( (hereinafter referred to as "reference light amount") as a threshold value or map. Therefore, the control device 20 determines that a foreign object has entered the optical path space 40a when the light receiving unit 61 detects external incident light with an amount of light that deviates from the reference light amount.

In this way, the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) of the present modification is provided with the light collecting member 163 in the light receiving unit 160, so that the plurality of light entering the light receiving unit housing chamber 162a from the optical path space 40a can be prevented. The foreign object detection light in the optical path can be received by one light receiving section 61. Therefore, the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) of this modification can suppress the increase in the number of light receiving sections 61 and suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as a rise in cost, while increasing the foreign object detection accuracy. . Furthermore, regarding the vehicle display device 3 (3B, 3C), in the same way as in Modification 1, parallel light as foreign object detection light is input from the light emitting unit 150 (250) into the optical path space 40a, and this parallel light is can reach the light receiving unit 160 while covering the parallel light in the direction in which the parallel light is arranged in the optical path space 40a. Therefore, the vehicle display device 3 (3B, 3C) can further improve the accuracy of detecting foreign objects in the optical path space 40a. Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 3C, by providing the optical member 253 in the light emitting unit 250, parallel light as foreign object detection light can be made to enter the optical path space 40a with one light emitting section 51. Therefore, this vehicle display device 3C can further improve foreign object detection accuracy while suppressing the increase in the amount of light emitting section 51 and suppressing the occurrence of inconveniences such as a rise in cost.

By the way, in the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) described so far, the first side wall 41a is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50 (150, 250), and the second side wall 41b is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50 (150, 250). An entrance opening 43 for the light receiving unit 160 is provided. However, in the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) of this modification, the second side wall 41b is provided with the emission opening 42 of the light emitting unit 50 (150, 250), and the first side wall 41a is provided with the light receiving unit. 160 may be provided. Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) of this modification, the third side wall 41c has a wall extending between the end on the first side wall 41a side and the end on the second side wall 41b side. A light emitting opening 42 is provided, and a light emitting unit is disposed in the light emitting opening 42, and a light emitting unit is provided in the fourth side wall 41d between an end on the first side wall 41a side and an end on the second side wall 41b side. It is also possible to provide an entrance opening 43 that extends over the entire length, and to arrange the light receiving unit 160 in this entrance opening 43. Further, in the vehicle display device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) of this modification, the fourth side wall 41d is provided with the emission opening 42 for the light emitting unit 50 (150, 250), and the third side wall 41c is provided with the light receiving opening 42. An entrance aperture 43 for the unit 160 may be provided.

[Modification 3]
In the

vehicle display devices

1, 2, and 3 of the embodiment and

modifications

1 and 2 described above, in order to reduce the influence of external light, the

entrance ports

62b, 162b of the

light receiving units

60, 160 are made into pinholes, or the optical path space is The width is narrowed in the depth direction of 40a. Therefore, if the depth of the optical path space 40a is shallow, the

vehicle display devices

1, 2, and 3 described above can detect foreign objects in the entire area of the optical path space 40a, but the depth of the optical path space 40a is If the depth is deep, there is a possibility that the foreign object cannot be detected regardless of the shape of the foreign object that has entered the optical path space 40a. For example, in the

vehicle display devices

1, 2, and 3 shown above, a raised thin paper or the like covers the optical path of the foreign object detection light from the opening Ia side of the instrument panel I. If the foreign object has strayed from the optical path of the foreign object detection light and is caught in the optical path space 40a, it becomes difficult to detect the foreign object that has entered the optical path space 40a.

Therefore, the vehicle display device 4 of this modification is provided with a plurality of pairs of light emitting units 50 (150, 250) and light receiving units 60 (160), and each combination is connected to the light transmitting section 11. They are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the transmission direction of the emitted light (that is, the depth direction of the optical path space 40a) (FIGS. 10 to 12). The number of combinations may be determined depending on the depth of the optical path space 40a, and the number increases as the depth increases.

Further, each combination may be one in which the emission directions of foreign object detection light from each light emitting unit 50 (150, 250) are aligned in the same direction, and each light emitting unit 50 (150, 250) The foreign object detection light may be emitted in different directions. Further, each of these combinations may include the same type of light emitting units 50 (150, 250), or each may include a mixture of multiple types of

light emitting units

50, 150, 250. Good too. Moreover, each of these combinations may be provided with the same type of light receiving unit 60 (160), or each of the

light receiving units

60, 160 may be mixed.

The vehicle display device 4A illustrated here has two sets of paired light emitting units 50 and light receiving units 60 arranged to run foreign object detection light between the first side wall 41a and the second side wall 41b. (Figure 10). Here, in one combination of a light-emitting unit 50 and a light-receiving unit 60, the light-emitting unit 50 is arranged in the opening 142 of the first side wall 41a, and the light-receiving unit 60 is arranged in the opening 142 of the second side wall 41b. It is located in Here, in another combination of the light-emitting unit 50 and the light-receiving unit 60, the light-emitting unit 50 is arranged in the opening 143 of the second side wall 41b, and the light-receiving unit 60 is placed in the first side wall 41a. It is arranged in the opening 142 of. In this vehicle display device 4A, the opening 142 is obtained by expanding the emission opening 42 of the first side wall 41a shown above in the vehicle vertical direction (the depth direction of the optical path space 40a). One combination of light emitting units 50 is arranged at 142, and the other combination of light receiving units 60 is arranged above this light emitting unit 50 (on the opening Ia side of instrument panel I). In this vehicle display device 4A, the opening 143 is obtained by expanding the entrance opening 43 of the second side wall 41b shown above in the vehicle vertical direction (the depth direction of the optical path space 40a). One combination of light receiving units 60 is arranged in the opening 143, and the other combination of light emitting units 50 is arranged above this light receiving unit 60 (on the opening Ia side of the instrument panel I). In other words, the

openings

142 and 143 serve as emission openings when the light emitting unit 50 is disposed, and become entrance openings when the light receiving unit 60 is disposed.

Further, in the vehicle display device 4B illustrated here, one combination of a light emitting unit 250 and a light receiving unit 160 that are paired is arranged to run foreign object detection light between the first side wall 41a and the second side wall 41b. In addition, another pair of the light emitting unit 250 and the light receiving unit 160 is arranged to run the foreign object detection light between the third side wall 41c and the fourth side wall 41d (see FIGS. 11 and 11). Figure 12). Here, in one combination of a light emitting unit 250 and a light receiving unit 160, the light emitting unit 250 is arranged in the output opening 42 of the first side wall 41a, and the light receiving unit 160 is arranged in the entrance opening of the second side wall 41b. It is arranged in section 43. Here, in another combination of the light-emitting unit 250 and the light-receiving unit 160, the light-emitting unit 250 is arranged in the output opening 42 of the third side wall 41c, and the light-receiving unit 160 is arranged in the fourth side wall. 41d at the entrance aperture 43.

In this way, the vehicle display device 4 (4A, 4B) of this modification has a pair of light emitting units 50 (150, 250) and light receiving units 60 (160) in accordance with the depth of the optical path space 40a. Multiple combinations are provided in layers. Therefore, the vehicle display device 4 (4A, 4B) can detect a foreign object that has entered the optical path space 40a regardless of the depth of the optical path space 40a, so that the accuracy of detecting this foreign object can be further improved. Can be done.

1, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 4A, 4B Vehicle display device 10 Projection unit 11 Light transmission section 12 Housing 20 Control device 40 Bezel section 40a Optical path space section (space section)
42 Output opening 43

Incident opening

50, 150, 250 Light emitting unit 51

Light emitting section

52, 152, 252 Light emitting

section housing

52a, 152a, 252a Light emitting

section housing chamber

52b, 152b,

252b Output opening

60, 160 Light receiving unit 61

Light receiving Part

62, 162 Light receiving

unit housing body

62a, 162a Light receiving

unit housing chamber

62b, 162b Incident port 70 Notification unit 142 Opening 143 Opening 163 Light collecting member 253 Optical member I Instrument panel Ia Opening

Claims

Projection that causes the emitted light related to the display information that has passed through the light transmitting part and exited the case to be emitted from the opening of the instrument panel to the outside of the instrument panel, so that the display information is visually recognized by the occupant as a virtual image. unit and
A frame that connects a peripheral edge of the light transmitting section and a peripheral edge of the opening of the instrument panel, and forms within the frame a space that becomes an optical path of the output light that has passed through the light transmitting section. a bezel part;
a light emitting unit that emits light as a foreign object detection light and causes the foreign object detection light to enter the space from an output opening of the bezel portion;
a light receiving unit that receives external incident light that has entered from the space side through the entrance opening of the bezel part;
a control device that detects the presence or absence of a foreign object in the space based on the amount of change in the external incident light received by the light receiving unit;
When the control device determines that a foreign object has entered the space, a notification unit that notifies a passenger to that effect;
Equipped with
The light receiving unit includes a light receiving section that receives light, a light receiving section accommodating body that has a light receiving section accommodating chamber that accommodates the light receiving section and an entrance that allows the external incident light to enter the light receiving section accommodating chamber,
The light receiving unit accommodating body has the light receiving unit accommodating chamber and the input port that allow the foreign object detection light excluding at least external light from the external incident light that has entered through the input port to reach the light receiving unit. A vehicle display device is formed.
2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit that form a pair have an output port and an input port facing each other with the space between them.
The light receiving unit accommodating body includes the light receiving unit accommodating chamber formed inside a cylindrical part, and the entrance port provided at one end of the cylindrical part in the direction of the cylinder axis, and the light receiving unit accommodating body includes the light receiving unit accommodating chamber formed inside a cylindrical part, and the entrance port provided at one end of the cylindrical part in the cylinder axis direction. In order to allow the foreign object detection light excluding at least external light out of the external incident light to reach the light receiving section, the distance from the input port to the light receiving section in the light receiving section housing chamber and the opening area of the input port are set. The vehicle display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle display device is set.
The light-receiving unit includes one light-receiving section and a light-condensing member that focuses the foreign object detection light of a plurality of optical paths emitted from the light-emitting unit onto one light-receiving section. Or the vehicle display device according to 3.
5. The light emitting unit according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit includes one light emitting section, and includes an optical member that converts the light emitted by the one light emitting section into parallel light and enters the space part as the foreign object detection light. The vehicle display device according to any one of the above.
A plurality of pairs of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided,
The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the respective combinations are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in a transmission direction of the emitted light from the light transmission section.
7. The vehicle display device according to claim 6, wherein each of the combinations has a different emission direction of the foreign object detection light from each of the light emitting units.