Display device

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a display device that optically generates a pseudo pointer.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Generally, in a conventional display device using a pointer, the pointer is mechanically rotated to display a vehicle speed or the like.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, the conventional display device requires a complicated drive mechanism for rotating the pointer, and has a problem that the device configuration is complicated.

【0004】

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a display device capable of displaying a ray image that can be used as a pointer image for analog quantity display with a simple configuration and easily making the pointer image high-definition. The purpose is to do.

【0005】

[Means for solving problems]

A technical means for achieving the above object is a plurality of micro-optical elements having a substantially plate-like shape formed of a predetermined translucent material and having a reflecting surface having a substantially arc-shaped cross section on the back surface side surface thereof. An optical element formed so as to extend parallel to each other along a predetermined extension direction and periodically arranged in an arrangement direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and the arrangement of the optical elements. It is provided with at least one light source arranged to face the end face on the outer side of the direction, and light from the light source is incident on the optical element from the end face and guided to the plurality of micro optical elements while being refracted and reflected. It is characterized in that a light beam image extending in the arrangement direction is displayed by reflecting the light to the front side of each of the reflecting surfaces and emitting the light from the front surface of the optical element.

【0006】

Preferably, the optical element includes a substantially plate-shaped element main body in which the plurality of micro optical elements are formed on the back surface side surface, and the back surface side of the element main body from the outer side edge portion in the arrangement direction of the element main body. The outer peripheral end surface on the outer side in the arrangement direction, which is the end surface thereof, is oriented toward the substantially back surface side of the optical element, and is interposed on the inner surface of the portion facing the front surface side via the outer peripheral end surface. It is preferable to include an introduction portion provided with a reflecting portion for reflecting the incident light toward the plurality of micro optical elements of the element main body.

【0007】

Further, preferably, a convex lens having a function as a convex lens one-dimensionally with respect to a substantially thickness direction of the optical element perpendicular to the extending direction at a portion of the outer peripheral end surface of the introduction portion facing the light source. It is better to have a part.

【0008】

Further, preferably, a convex lens portion having a function as a convex lens one-dimensionally with respect to the extending direction of the outer peripheral end surface is provided at a portion of the outer peripheral end surface of the introduction portion facing the light source. Is good.

【0009】

Further, preferably, the plurality of micro optical elements of the optical element extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of a predetermined virtual circle and periodically concentrically with respect to the radial direction of the virtual circle. It is preferable that the light sources are arranged so as to be arranged, and a plurality of the light sources are regularly arranged along the outer peripheral end surface of the optical element.

【0010】

Further, preferably, the optical element is such that the plurality of micro optical elements extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of a predetermined virtual circle on one surface, and periodic with respect to the radial direction of the virtual circle. It is preferable to have a predetermined outer shape that can be obtained by cutting out a part of a translucent plate-like body formed so as to be arranged concentrically.

【0011】

Further, preferably, the thickness of the portion of the optical element provided with the plurality of micro optical elements is set so as to taper from the outer side in the arrangement direction toward the inner side in the arrangement direction. Is good.

【0012】

Further, preferably, each of the micro-optical elements has a substantially fan-shaped cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing a circle into four equal parts in the radial direction, and the arcuate outer peripheral surface thereof is the reflecting surface. Is good.

【0013】

Further, preferably, the optical element is made of a transparent resin colored in a predetermined color.

【0014】

Further, preferably, the front surface of the portion of the optical element provided with the plurality of micro optical elements is coated with an antireflection coating that suppresses external light incident on the plurality of micro optical elements from the front side of the optical element. It is good that is provided.

【0015】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 is a front view of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device, and FIG. 3 is a front view of an optical element provided in the display device. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the optical element configuration of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an arrangement form of a light source provided in the display device, and FIG. 6 is an arrangement form of the light source of FIG. It is a front view which shows.

【0016】

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this display device is arranged on the instrument panel of the vehicle to display various meters, and is roughly a case body 1 and a case body. The display panel 3 provided on the front portion of 1 and the plurality (three here) provided on each of the plurality of (three here) windows 3a, 3b, and 3c provided on each part of the display panel 3. Optical elements 5,7,9, a plurality of light sources 10 arranged for each optical element 5,7,9, and each light source 10 of each optical element 5,7,9 based on a signal input from the outside. It is configured to include a control unit (not shown) that individually controls on / off to display a predetermined meter.

【0017】

Here, the central optical element 5 is for displaying the speed, the left optical element 7 is for displaying the remaining fuel amount, and the right optical element 9 is for displaying the cooling water temperature. It is for display. Further, LCD 11 for trip meter display and odometer display is arranged in the window portion 3d provided below the window portion 3a in which the optical element 5 is arranged. The LCD 11 is arranged on the substrate 13 installed on the back surface side of the display panel 3.

【0018】

Each optical element 5, 7, 9 receives light 15 from each light source 10 to generate a predetermined pointer image (ray image) 17, and uses the pointer image 17 to perform various meter displays in an analog manner. Correspondingly, on the outer peripheral portion of each window portion 3a, 3b, 3c of the display panel 3, a predetermined quantity corresponding to the display position based on the display position of the pointer image 17 (here, the vehicle). Index displays (here, dial display) 21, 23, 25 are provided to read the speed, fuel level, and cooling water temperature.

【0019】

Here, the index displays 21, 23, 25 are provided by printing or the like, but a light-transmitting pattern corresponding to the index displays 21, 23, 25 is provided on the display panel 3 in the light-shielding area, and the back surface of the light-transmitting pattern is provided. The index displays 21, 23, 25 may be displayed by arranging a predetermined light source on the side and illuminating the light transmission pattern thereof.

【0020】

Each of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 is a translucent predetermined resin material (here, acrylic (PMMA)) colored in a predetermined color as represented by the optical element 5 in FIGS. 3 and 4. Etc.), and the back surface of the plate-like body extends parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the predetermined virtual circle 31 and periodically with respect to the radial direction of the virtual circle 31. A plurality of micro optical elements 33 are integrally arranged so as to be arranged on concentric circles.

【0021】

Each micro-optical element 33 has a substantially fan-shaped cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing a circle into four equal parts in the radial direction, and the inner surface of the arc-shaped outer peripheral portion emits light 15 from the light source 10. It is a reflecting surface 33a that reflects to the front side and generates a pointer image 17. Each micro optical element 33 is arranged so that its reflecting surface 33a faces inward in the radial direction.

【0022】

Here, the thickness of each optical element 5, 7, 9 is set to 1 to 10 mm (here, 2 mm), and the radial arrangement pitch of each micro optical element 33 is set to 0.15 mm. Correspondingly, the radius of curvature of the reflecting surface 33a is set to 0.15 mm.

【0023】

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each optical element 5, 7 and 9 requires a part of a translucent circular plate-like body in which micro optical elements 33 are periodically arranged concentrically on one side surface. It has an outer shape that looks like it is cut out to the minimum size.

【0024】

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical elements 7 and 9 cut out a part of the circular plate-shaped body into a fan shape having a predetermined radius concentric with the center of the plate-shaped body (center of the virtual circle 31). It has such an outer shape.

【0025】

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the optical element 5 is eccentric outward by a predetermined distance from the center 35 of the circular plate-like body, and has a curvature smaller than the curvature of the micro optical element 33 formed in that portion. It has an outer shape that looks like a substantially crescent-shaped region in the plate-like body that is curved inward and distributed. Further, the optical element 5 is located on the center line 37 of the optical element 5 whose outer peripheral end on the radial outer side of the micro optical element 33 extends in parallel with the optical element 5 passing through the center 35 of the virtual circle 31. It is formed so as to extend along the virtual circle 41 centered on the point 39.

【0026】

Then, in the present embodiment, the light 15 from each light source 10 is incident from the radial outer peripheral end faces (outer peripheral end faces) 5a, 7a, 9a of each micro optical element 33 of each optical element 5, 7, 9. It has become like.

【0027】

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of light sources 10 are provided for each of the micro-optical elements 5,7,9, and the end faces of the micro-optical elements 5,7,9 face the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a. They are regularly arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of 5a, 7a, and 9a. In this embodiment, each light source 10 is a surface mount type LED, and as shown in FIG. 5, it is equidistantly spaced along one direction on a flexible substrate 43 such as an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). It is arranged. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer periphery of each optical element 5,7,9 is curved in a state where the substrate 43 is curved along the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a on the outer peripheral side of each optical element 5,7,9. By arranging them on the side, the light sources 10 are arranged so as to face each other along the outer peripheral side end faces 5a, 7a, 9a of the optical elements 5, 7, 9.

【0028】

The three light rays A, B, and C shown in FIG. 4 show typical light rays included in the light 15 from each light source 10 incident on the optical elements 5, 7, and 9. The light ray A is incident on the optical elements 5,7,9 diagonally forward with a predetermined angle α with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis (not shown) of each optical element 5,7,9. The light sources B and C are incident on the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 in the diagonally rearward direction with respect to the virtual plane.

【0029】

When the light ray A is incident on the optical elements 5,7,9 from the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a, it is incident on the front surface of the optical elements 5,7,9. At this time, when the incident angle θ is equal to or greater than the critical angle, the light source A is totally reflected by the front surface to the back surface side, and when it is less than the critical angle, the light source A is transmitted without being reflected. The light beam A reflected on the back surface side is incident on the reflecting surface 33a of the micro optical element 33 provided on the back surface side, and similarly, when the incident angle is equal to or more than the critical angle, the light beam A is totally reflected to the front surface side by the reflecting surface 33a. It emits from the front to the front, reaches the viewpoint of the viewer, and generates a pointer image 17 as described later, while when the angle of incidence on the reflection surface 33a is less than the critical angle, it is reflected by the reflection surface 33a. It penetrates to the back side without any problem. In this embodiment, since the optical elements 5,7,9 are made of a resin material having a refractive index of 1.491, the critical angle when the light 15 is incident on the inner surface of the optical elements 5,7,9 is It is 42 °.

【0030】

When the light rays B and C are incident on the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 from the end faces 5a, 7a and 9a, they are incident on the reflecting surface 33a of each micro optical element 33 on the back surface side without being reflected on the front surface. Since the light ray B is incident on the reflecting surface 33a at an incident angle equal to or higher than the critical angle, it is totally reflected to the front side without passing through the reflecting surface 33a. Since the light ray C is incident on the reflection surface 33a at an incident angle less than the critical angle, it is transmitted through the reflection surface 33a, emitted to the outside and refracted, and then again incident on the inside and refracted, and the other on the inner peripheral side. It is incident on the reflecting surface 33a of the micro-optical element 33 at an incident angle equal to or higher than the critical angle, and is totally reflected to the front side. The light rays B and C reflected on the front side in this way are emitted forward from the front side, reach the viewpoint of the viewer, and generate the pointer image 17 as described later.

【0031】

In this way, the light component that diffuses in the thickness direction of each optical element 5,7,9 of the light 15 emitted by each light source 10 is incident on each optical element 5,7,9 from the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a. The optical elements 5, 7, and 9 are reflected and refracted on the front side and the back side, and are guided to the reflecting surface 33a of each micro optical element 33, and are totally reflected on the front side by the reflecting surface 33a to reach the viewpoint of the viewer. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the predetermined image formation position 45 (see FIG. 4) is lit from the center of curvature of each of the micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9. It is visually recognized that the pointer image 17 extending linearly in the radial direction corresponding to each light source 10 is displayed.

【0032】

It should be noted that the light component emitted by each light source 10 and diffused in the circumferential direction of the optical elements 5, 7, 9 of the light 15 is similarly incident on the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a into each optical element 5, 7, 9. However, since it is reflected by the reflecting surface 33a of each micro-optical element 33 in a direction other than the viewpoint of the viewer, it does not contribute to the formation of the pointer image 17.

【0033】

The control unit is each optical unit corresponding to the quantity values (vehicle speed, remaining fuel amount, and cooling water temperature) indicated by the signals given by the vehicle speed sensor, the fuel sensor that detects the remaining amount of fuel, and the temperature sensor that detects the cooling water temperature. Each light source 10 of the elements 5, 7 and 9 is turned on individually, the other light sources 10 are turned off, and the light sources 10 that are turned on as the quantity value indicated by the signal changes are sequentially switched to correspond to the quantity value. The pointer image 17 is displayed.

【0034】

As a result, the viewer can recognize the vehicle speed, the remaining fuel amount, and the cooling water temperature based on the display position of the pointer image 17 generated by each of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 with respect to the circumferential direction.

【0035】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the light 15 from the light source 10 is incident on the optical elements 5, 7, 9 from the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a, and is refracted and reflected on the plurality of micro optical elements 33. By guiding and reflecting it to the front side by the reflecting surface 33a of each micro optical element 33 and emitting it from the front surface side of the optical elements 5, 7, 9, the emitted light 15 causes the center of curvature of each micro optical element 33. Since a pointer image 17 extending linearly in the radial direction corresponding to the light source 10 lit from the side is generated, by using this pointer image 17 as a pointer, an analog type quantity display can be performed. The pointer image 17 that can be used as a pseudo pointer of the above can be displayed with a simple configuration.

【0036】

Further, as another method of generating the pointer image 17 using the optical elements 5,7,9, the light 15 from the light source 10 is incident on the optical elements 5,7,9 from the back surface side, and the incident light is incident on the optical elements 5,7,9. There is a method of generating a pointer image 17 by light 15 refracted in a predetermined direction by a plurality of micro-optical elements 33 among 15, and in this method, light 15 emitted by a light source 10 is emitted by a plurality of micro-optical elements 33. It is difficult to reduce the size of the display device in the depth direction because it is necessary to secure a distance of a predetermined distance or more between the light source 10 and the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 when trying to make it incident on the entire area in the arrangement direction. However, according to the present embodiment, the light 15 from the light source 10 is incident on the optical elements 5,7,9 from the end faces 5a,7a, 9a on the outer peripheral side of the optical elements 5,7,9. Since the pointer image 17 is generated by reflecting on the reflecting surfaces 33a of the plurality of micro optical elements 33, the light source 10 can be arranged on the outer peripheral side of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9, and is displayed. The size of the device in the depth direction can be easily reduced (thinned).

【0037】

Further, in the present embodiment, the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 are continuously integrally formed in the extending direction of the micro optical element 33, and a plurality of light sources 10 are provided to generate a plurality of pointer images 17. In this case, the width of the pointer image 17 and the display pitch (rotation pitch) are determined by the width of the light emitting portion of the light source 10 and the arrangement pitch of the light source 10 without depending on the configurations of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9. Therefore, the width and display pitch of the pointer image 17 can be easily changed, elongated in the radial direction from the center of curvature of the plurality of micro optical elements 33, and fine in the circumferential direction of the micro optical elements 33. It is possible to generate a pointer image 17 that moves smoothly at a uniform pitch, and it is possible to easily improve the definition of the pointer image 17.

【0038】

Further, in the present embodiment, the reflecting surface 33a of each micro optical element 33 that generates the pointer image 17 has a shape having a substantially arc shape in cross section, and the light source 10 incident on the reflecting surface 33a of each micro optical element 33 is used. Since the light 15 is reflected by the reflecting surface 33a over a relatively wide area, a pointer image 17 is generated when the light 15 is visually recognized from any viewing direction in a wide range, and the pointer image 17 can be visually recognized. There is an advantage that the range of is wide.

【0039】

Further, in the present embodiment, the light 15 from the light source 10 incident on the reflecting surface 33a of each micro-optical element 33 is reflected by the reflecting surface 33a over a relatively wide area, and each micro-optical element Since a part of the light 15 from the light source 10 reflected by the reflecting surface 33a of 33 basically always reaches the viewpoint of the viewer, as shown in FIG. 7, the image (bright spot) 41 of the light source 10 43 are continuously visually recognized, and a continuous linear ray image can be visually recognized regardless of the viewpoints D and E.

【0040】

Further, the plurality of micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the predetermined virtual circle, and periodically concentrically with respect to the radial direction of the virtual circle. Since a plurality of light sources 10 are regularly arranged along the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a on the outer peripheral side of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9, the light sources 10 to be turned on are sequentially arranged. By switching, the display position of the pointer image 17 can be changed in the circumferential direction in response to a change in the quantity to be displayed.

【0041】

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each optical element 5, 7 and 9 requires a part of a translucent circular plate-like body in which micro optical elements 33 are periodically arranged concentrically on one side surface. Since it has an outer shape that looks like it is cut out to the minimum size, the outer shape of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 can be freely determined without being bound by the arrangement shape of the micro optical elements 33, and as a result, The outer shape of the display surface on which the pointer image 17 is displayed can be freely shaped to improve the design, and the outer shape of the optical element 5 is made horizontally long like the optical element 5, so that the size of the optical element 5 in the vertical direction can be improved. Can be made smaller.

【0042】

Further, since each micro-optical element 33 has a substantially fan-shaped cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing a circle into four equal parts in the radial direction, the cross-sectional shape of each micro-optical element 33 is made substantially semi-circular. Compared to the case, the micro-optical elements 33 can be arranged at a higher arrangement density, whereby a pointer image 17 that extends smoothly in the radial direction with high brightness can be generated, and as a result, the display device. The display quality of is improved.

【0043】

Further, by coloring the optical elements 5,7,9 to a predetermined color, light ray images of various colors can be generated, and from the front side of the optical elements 5,7,9 to each micro optical element 33. Unnecessary extraneous light that enters is suppressed, and the contrast of the pointer image 17 can be improved.

【0044】

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a front view showing a partial configuration of an optical element provided in the display device, and FIG. 10 is a front view. It is an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the optical element, FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the optical element, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the main part of the optical element. The display device according to the present embodiment is the same as the display device according to the first embodiment except that the form of each optical element 5, 7, 9 and the arrangement form of each light source 10 are changed. The same reference code is attached to the corresponding part.

【0045】

In the present embodiment, a plurality of micro optical elements 33 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the radial outer peripheral side edge of each of the micro optical elements 33 of each of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 by receiving the light 15 from each light source 10. The introduction portion 51 leading to the portion on the back surface side is extended along the extending direction of the edge portion.

【0046】

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the introduction portion 51 has a substantially trumpet-shaped cross section, and the micro-optical elements 33 of the respective optical elements 5, 7, and 9 are provided on the back surface side in a substantially plate-shaped element main body. The thickness of 5b, 7b, and 9b is widened while curving from the outer peripheral edge to the back surface side. Here, the element bodies 5b, 7b, 9b correspond to the optical elements 5, 7, 9 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the light guide portion 51 is integrally formed with the element main bodies 5b, 7b, 9b, but is formed separately from the element main bodies 5b, 7b, 9b so as to be bonded later. You may.

【0047】

Along with this, the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a on the outer peripheral side of the introduction portion 51 are directed obliquely rearward outward of the optical elements 5, 7, 9. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the light source 10 is arranged on the flat substrate 53 arranged in parallel with the optical elements 5, 7, 9 on the back surface side of the optical elements 5, 7, 9, the light source 10 Can be arranged to face the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a so that the light 15 from each light source 10 can be efficiently incident on the optical elements 5, 7, 9 through the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a. It has become. Since the light source 10 can be arranged on the flat substrate 53 in this way, various light sources such as an LCD, a VFD (vacuum fluorescent display tube), an inorganic EL element, and an organic EL element that can be used as the light source can be used as the light source 10. The element can be adopted.

【0048】

Further, the inner surface of the portion (reflection portion) 51a facing the front surface side of the outer peripheral portion of the introduction portion 51 has a curved shape of its cross section, and the light 15 incident from the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a is directed to each portion of the portion 51a. It is set to have a curved shape so that it is incident at an incident angle equal to or higher than the critical angle and is totally reflected on the back surface side of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 at each part. Therefore, the light 15 incident on the introduction portion 51 via the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a is totally reflected by the reflection portion 51a on the back surface side of the optical elements 5, 7, 9. In the present embodiment, no special reflecting member is provided on the outer surface of the reflecting portion 51a, but a metal film such as aluminum is provided on the outer surface of the reflecting portion 51a by vapor deposition or the like to provide a mirror surface, and the reflecting portion 51a is used. The reflection efficiency may be improved.

【0049】

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, a convex lens portion 55 that protrudes outward in an arcuate cross section is provided on the portion of the end surface 5a, 7a, 9a of the light guide portion 51 that faces each light source 10. Has been done. That is, the convex lens portion 55 has a function as a convex lens one-dimensionally with respect to the substantially thickness direction of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 and the extending direction of the end faces 5a, 7a and 9a, respectively. Each light source 10 is arranged so as to be located at the focal point of each of the opposite convex lens portions 55. Here, the convex lens portion 55 has a function as a convex lens one-dimensionally in each of the two directions of the substantially thickness direction of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 and the extending direction of the end faces 5a, 7a and 9a. However, it may have a function as a convex lens only in one of the directions.

【0050】

Therefore, the light 15 emitted radially from each light source 10 is collected (focused) by the lens surface of the convex lens portion 55 to become substantially parallel light, and is totally reflected by the reflecting portion 51a to form each micro optical element 33. As a result, the amount of light reflected by each micro-optical element 33 toward the viewpoint side of the viewer is increased, and the pointer image 17 can be made brighter.

【0051】

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, in each of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9, the thickness of the portion (element body 5b, 7b, 9b) where the plurality of micro optical elements 33 are provided is the micro optical element. It is formed so as to taper from the outer side in the radial direction to the inner side in the radial direction of 33, and each micro optical element 33 is relative to the central axis passing through the center of curvature of each micro optical element 33. Therefore, it is arranged with reference to an inclined surface that inclines diagonally backward at a predetermined angle from the center side of the curvature to the outside.

【0052】

The reason why the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 are tapered in this way is that the light 15 reflected by the reflecting portion 51a of the introduction portion 51 and guided into the element main body 5b, 7b, 9b is transferred to the micro optical element 33. This is to prevent the light 15 from being emitted from the end face on the inner peripheral side of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 without being incident, thereby ensuring that the light 15 incident on the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 is emitted from each of them. It can be incident on the micro-optical element 33, and the incident light 15 can be effectively used.

【0053】

Further, the entire area of the front surface of each optical element 5, 7, 9 where the plurality of micro optical elements 33 are provided (that is, the entire area of the region where the micro optical element 33 is indicated by the chain line in FIGS. 1 and 9). Is provided with an antireflection coat (AR coat) that suppresses external light incident on the plurality of micro optical elements 33 from the front side of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9.

【0054】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the end surface 5a on the outer peripheral side of the introduction portion 51 of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 that receives the light 15 from the light source 10. , 7a, 9a are directed diagonally to the rear side of the optical elements 5,7,9, and the light 15 incident from the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a is emitted from the reflecting portion 51a of the introduction portion 51 into a plurality of micro optical elements 33. Since the light source 10 is reflected to the side, the light source 10 is arranged on the flat substrate 53 arranged in parallel with the optical elements 5, 7, 9 on the back surface side of the optical elements 5, 7, 9. Also, the light source 10 is arranged so as to face the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a of the introduction portion 51, and the light 15 from the light source 10 is efficiently passed through the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a of the introduction portion 51, and the element body 5a, It can be incident inside 7a and 9a, which makes it easy to dispose of the light sources 10, especially when a plurality of light sources 10 are arranged.

【0055】

Further, since the light source 10 can be arranged on the flat substrate 53, the types of elements that can be used can be increased when a surface mount type element is adopted as the light source.

【0056】

Further, in the portion of the end face 5a, 7a, 9a on the outer peripheral side of the introduction portion 51 facing each light source 10, with respect to the substantially thickness direction of the optical elements 5, 7, 9 and the extension direction of the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a. Since the convex lens portion 55 having a one-dimensional function as a convex lens is provided, when the light 15 from each light source 10 is incident on the optical elements 5, 7, 9, the convex lens portion 55 causes the optical element 5, Since it is narrowed down in the thickness direction of 7,9 and the extension direction of the end faces 5a, 7a, 9a, the amount of light 15 reflected by each micro-optical element 33 toward the viewpoint side of the viewer is increased. The brightness of the pointer image 17 can be increased.

【0057】

Further, the thickness of the portion (element body 5b, 7b, 9b) where the plurality of micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 are provided is from the radial outer side to the radial inner side of the micro optical element 33. Since the light 15 is set to taper toward each other, the light 15 incident from the end faces 5a, 7a, and 9a can be surely incident on each micro-optical element 33 and reflected to the front side, and as a result, The pointer image 17 can be generated by effectively utilizing the light 15 emitted by the light source 10, and the brightness of the pointer image 17 can be further increased.

【0058】

Further, since the antireflection coating is provided on the front surface of the portion (element body 5b, 7b, 9b) where the plurality of micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7 and 9 are provided, the optical element is viewed from the front surface. It is possible to prevent the extraneous light incident in 5, 7, and 9 from being reflected by the plurality of micro-optical elements 33 to generate an unnecessary pointer image 17, and as a result, the light 15 from the light source 10 can prevent the extraneous light from being generated. The contrast of the generated pointer image 17 can be improved.

【0059】

In each of the above-described embodiments, no special reflective member is provided on the outer surface on the back surface side of the portion where the micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 are provided, but the outer surface on the back surface side of the portion. A metal film such as aluminum may be provided on the surface to provide a mirror surface to improve the reflection efficiency on the reflection surface 33a.

【0060】

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the plurality of micro optical elements 33 of the optical elements 5, 7, and 9 are extended along the circumference of the virtual circle, but they may be extended along a straight line or another curve. Good.

【0061】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 10, light from a light source is incident on an optical element from an end face, is refracted and reflected, and is guided to a plurality of micro optical elements, and the reflective surface of each micro optical element is on the front side. By reflecting it on the surface of the optical element and emitting it from the front surface of the optical element, a ray image extending in the arrangement direction of a plurality of microoptical elements is displayed. A ray image that can be used as a guideline image for displaying the quantity of an equation can be displayed with a simple configuration.

【0062】

Further, as another method of generating a light beam image by using an optical element, light from a light source is incident on the optical element from the back surface side, and a plurality of micro optical elements of the incident light are used in a predetermined direction. There is a method of generating a ray image by refracted light, and in this method, when the light emitted by the light source is made to enter the entire area in the arrangement direction of a plurality of micro optical elements, the distance between the light source and the optical element is formed. Since it is necessary to secure a predetermined distance or more, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size of the display device in the depth direction. The light source is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the optical element because it is incident on the optical element from the end surface on the outer side in the arrangement direction of the elements and reflected by the reflecting surfaces of a plurality of micro optical elements to generate a light beam image. Therefore, the size of the display device in the depth direction can be easily reduced (thinned).

【0063】

Further, in the present invention, the optical element is continuously integrally formed in the extending direction of the micro optical element, and even when a plurality of light sources are provided to generate a plurality of light ray images, it depends on the configuration of the optical element. Since the width and display pitch of the ray image to be displayed as the pointer image can be determined by the width of the light emitting portion of the light source and the arrangement pitch of the light source, the width and display pitch of the ray image can be easily determined. It can be changed, and it is possible to generate a pointer image that extends elongated in the arrangement direction of a plurality of micro optical elements and smoothly moves at a fine pitch in the extending direction of the micro optical elements, so that the pointer image can be made high definition. Can be easily performed.

【0064】

Further, in the present invention, the reflecting surface of each micro-optical element that generates a light ray image has a shape having a substantially arc shape in cross section, and the light from the light source incident on the reflecting surface of each micro-optical element depends on the reflecting surface. Since it is reflected in a relatively wide area, a ray image is generated when the ray image is visually recognized from any viewing direction in a wide range, and there is an advantage that the range in the viewing direction in which the ray image can be visually recognized is wide.

【0065】

Further, in the present invention, the light from the light source incident on the reflecting surface of each micro optical element is reflected by the reflecting surface over a relatively wide area, and is reflected by the reflecting surface of each micro optical element. Since a part of the light from the light source basically always reaches the viewpoint of the viewer, the image (bright spot) of the light source is continuously visually recognized, and it is continuously viewed from any viewpoint. It is possible to visually recognize a series of linear ray images.

【0066】

According to the invention of claim 2, the outer peripheral end face of the introduction portion that receives the light from the light source faces substantially the rear side of the optical element, and the light incident from the outer peripheral end face is reflected by the reflection portion of the introduction portion. Since it is reflected on the side of a plurality of micro optical elements, even if the light source is arranged on a flat substrate arranged in parallel with the optical element on the back surface side of the optical element, the light source is installed in the introduction portion. By arranging the light sources so as to face the outer peripheral end faces, the light from the light source can be efficiently incident on the element main body through the outer peripheral end faces of the introduction portion, whereby when a plurality of light sources are arranged, in particular, when a plurality of light sources are arranged. The light source can be easily arranged.

【0067】

Further, since the light source can be arranged on the flat substrate, when a surface mount type element is adopted as the light source, the types of elements that can be used can be increased.

【0068】

According to the invention of claim 3, the portion of the outer peripheral end surface of the introduction portion facing the light source is formed as a one-dimensionally convex lens with respect to the substantially thickness direction of the optical element perpendicular to the extending direction of the micro optical element. Since the convex lens portion having the function of is provided, when the light from the light source is incident into the optical element, the convex lens portion is focused in the substantially thickness direction of the optical element. Depending on the element, the amount of light reflected on the viewpoint side of the viewer can be increased, and the brightness of the ray image can be increased.

【0069】

According to the invention of claim 4, a convex lens portion having a function as a convex lens one-dimensionally with respect to the extending direction of the outer peripheral end surface is provided at a portion of the introduction portion facing the light source on the outer peripheral end surface. Therefore, when the light from the light source is incident on the optical element, it is focused by the convex lens portion with respect to the extending direction of the outer peripheral end surface, and is reflected to the viewpoint side of the viewer by each minute optical element. The amount of light emitted can be increased, and the brightness of the ray image can be increased.

【0070】

According to the invention of claim 5, the plurality of micro optical elements of the optical element extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the predetermined virtual circle and periodically with respect to the radial direction of the virtual circle. It is formed so as to be arranged concentrically with each other, and a plurality of light sources are regularly arranged along the outer peripheral end face of the optical element. Therefore, by sequentially switching the light sources to be turned on, the quantity to be displayed changes. Correspondingly, the display position of the ray image can be changed in the circumferential direction.

【0071】

According to the invention of claim 6, since the outer shape of the optical element can be freely determined without being bound by the arrangement shape of the micro optical elements, the outer shape of the display surface on which the ray image is displayed can be freely determined. In addition to improving the design, the size of the optical element in the vertical direction can be reduced by making the outer shape of the optical element horizontally long.

【0072】

According to the invention of claim 7, the thickness of the portion of the optical element provided with the plurality of micro optical elements is tapered so as to taper from the outer side to the inner side in the arrangement direction of the micro optical elements. Since it is set, the light incident from the outer peripheral end surface of the optical element can be surely incident on each micro optical element and reflected to the front side, and as a result, the light emitted by the light source can be effectively used to emit light rays. An image can be generated, and the brightness of the ray image can be further increased.

【0073】

According to the invention of claim 8, since each micro optical element has a substantially fan-shaped cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing a circle into four equal parts in the radial direction, the cross section of each micro optical element is obtained. Compared with the case where the shape is substantially semi-circular, the micro optical elements can be arranged with a high arrangement density, whereby a ray image extending smoothly in the arrangement direction with high brightness can be generated. As a result, the display quality of the display device can be improved.

【0074】

According to the invention of claim 9, by coloring the optical element to a predetermined color, light ray images of various colors can be generated, and the optical element is incident on each micro optical element from the front side of the optical element. Unnecessary extraneous light is suppressed, and the contrast of the ray image can be improved.

【0075】

According to the invention of claim 10, since the antireflection coat is provided on the front surface of the portion of the optical element where the plurality of micro optical elements are provided, the external light incident on the optical element from the front surface is provided. Can be prevented from being reflected by a plurality of micro-optical elements to generate an unnecessary ray image, and as a result, the contrast of the ray image generated by the light from the light source can be improved.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

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

[Figure 2]

It is sectional drawing of the display device of FIG.

[Fig. 3]

It is a front view of the optical element provided in the display device of FIG.

[Fig. 4]

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the optical element structure of FIG.

[Fig. 5]

It is a top view which shows the arrangement form of the light source provided in the display device of FIG.

[Fig. 6]

It is a front view which shows the arrangement form of the light source of FIG.

[Fig. 7]

It is a figure which shows typically the state when the pointer image is generated in the display device of FIG.

[Fig. 8]

It is sectional drawing which shows the partial structure of the display device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 9]

It is a front view which shows the partial structure of the optical element provided in the display device of FIG.

[Fig. 10]

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the optical element of FIG.

[Fig. 11]

It is an enlarged front view of the main part of the optical element of FIG.

[Fig. 12]

It is an enlarged side view of the main part of the optical element of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

5,7,9 optics 5a, 7a, 9a End face 5b, 7b, 9b Element body 10 light source 17 Guideline image 33 Micro optical elements 33a Reflective surface 51 Introduction 51a Reflector 55 Convex lens part