DE102016014378A1 - Flexible screen unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a display unit (1) for passengers in the interior of a motor vehicle (100), comprising a screen (2) made of a flexible material which is attached to a first arm (3) and to a second arm (4) the first arm (3) and the second arm (4) are coupled to each other at an axis of rotation (6) and are pivotable relative to each other about the axis of rotation (6), the arms (3, 4) pivoting about the axis of rotation (6 ) changes a bend of the screen (2).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a flexible screen unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle, which is equipped with such a flexible screen unit.

background

With the advent of modern computer technology in motor vehicles, the demand for display areas for the display of a wide variety of data, measured values such as, for example, Tire pressure, outside temperature, but also for the display of digital maps for navigation systems, telephone keypads for connected mobile phones and the like.

Such display areas are usually integrated into the dashboard, where they find their place next to displays for vehicle speed, fuel consumption, etc. In addition, there is now often a desire for enlarged display areas that allow, for example, watching a movie when the car is in the rest position, e.g. during a break. In connection with the development of self-driving motor vehicles, such films can also be shown while driving if a suitable screen area is available.

description

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a display unit that provides a demand-oriented display area for movies, digital maps and other types of data.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a motor vehicle which is equipped with such a screen unit.

These objects are achieved by a screen according to claim 1 or by a motor vehicle according to claim 11. Exemplary embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

A display unit according to embodiments of the invention for passengers in the interior of a motor vehicle comprises a screen made of a flexible material which is attached to a first arm and to a second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are coupled to one another at an axis of rotation and around the Rotary axis are pivoted against each other, with a pivoting movement of the arms about the axis of rotation changes a bending of the screen.

Thus, as the screen rotates upon rotation of the arms about the common axis of rotation, i. changes its curvature about the axis of rotation, when the screen is installed at an end portion of a motor vehicle, for a passenger who looks at the screen, a different sized part of the screen is visible, depending on how much the screen is curved. In this way, the part of the screen visible to the passenger can be adapted to the respective situation or the respective needs of the passengers.

A typical position for attaching the screen unit is, for example, on a front cross member of the motor vehicle in the direction of travel. The screen unit can thus be part of the dashboard. Accordingly, it is sufficient if during the journey only a small part of the screen for the passengers, especially the driver, is visible. This part of the screen can then display all information needed during the journey, such as speed, fuel consumption, digital maps of a navigation system, and so on. The screen is thus preferably in a strongly curved position about the axis of rotation, ie the front cross member, so that it does not limit the view through a windscreen of the motor vehicle while driving.

In contrast, for example, when the motor vehicle is stationary and the passengers are pausing, the screen unit can be adjusted so that a maximum part of the screen is visible to the passengers. The screen is opened by a pivoting of the two arms about the axis of rotation, so that the screen extends in the vertical direction or approximately in the vertical direction. In this position, it provides a sufficient size, for example, to display movies for entertainment, which can be conveniently viewed by the passengers.

When in this application directional information such as e.g. "Front" or "rear" is mentioned, such information is to be understood that they refer to a built-in motor vehicle screen unit whose axis of rotation coincides with the front cross member of the motor vehicle and / or is formed by this. Similarly, indications such as "vertical direction" refer to a direction in the built-in state of the screen unit. The vertical direction is in this case therefore a direction which is perpendicular to the vector of the direction of travel F and passes through a bottom of the motor vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the screen device, in a closed position of the arms of the screen form an arc in the Inside the axis of rotation is added. In other words, the screen takes in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the shape of a "U" or the shape of a "U", whose legs are slightly open or parallel to each other. In this way, a very space-saving storage of the screen is made possible, so that there is no impairment of the passengers in the motor vehicle.

The closed position is a position in which only a minimal part of the screen in the direction of travel of the passengers is visible. Accordingly, this position is intended to be substantially the preferred position of the screen unit while driving, at least in the case where the screen unit is located in a front area of the motor vehicle. Since the screen unit in the installed state in this position, the view through a front window or windscreen not or only minimally affected, the view to the front for a driver of the motor vehicle and also for the other passengers is free.

In addition, the screen unit may be formed so that in an open position of the arms of the screen in cross section forms a straight line or a parabola, which is curved away from the axis of rotation. In other words, in the open position, the screen can form either a straight or a curved surface whose concave side faces the passengers. In this way, optimal utilization of the screen surface is given.

As regards a size and possible shape of the screen unit, an extension of the screen in the opening position of the arms may have a height h which is at least 10% and at most two thirds of a length l of the screen. The screen is thus designed according to an embodiment as an elongated screen. Thus, when the display unit is mounted on the cross member in, for example, a front part of the motor vehicle, it also allows the screen in the closed position to provide sufficient viewing area for various displays (e.g., speed, digital maps, etc.).

As for the construction of the screen unit, the screen may be attached via lubricating means to a surface of the first arm as well as to a surface of the second arm. This means that the screen is displaceable relative to the respective surfaces of the arms. When pivoting the two arms about the axis of rotation slide screen and surfaces of the arms relative to each other. Thus, it is ensured that the screen in each bend remains in contact with and guided by the lubricants via the lubricants.

In one embodiment of this embodiment, the lubricants are rigidly mounted on the screen and movably mounted on the arms. For example, rails may be provided on the arms in which the lubricants are received and guided. As a lubricant all known means can be used which allow a movement of the screen on the surface of the respective arm, e.g. Spheres, rollers, but also elements that glide on the surface of the arms in the true sense. The term "lubricant" is therefore to be construed in the context of the invention as allowing all means for facilitating relative movement between the screen and the surfaces of the arms.

Of course, according to an alternative, it is also possible for the lubricants on the arms to be rigid, i. immovable, attached and movable on the screen.

As for the number of lubricants, without limiting the scope of the following claims, generally one lubricant per arm will suffice.

With regard to the construction of the arms, it has proved to be advantageous if each of the arms is constructed from a first leg and a second leg, wherein the legs are angled against each other. The angled position of the legs of each arm to each other in particular prevents the screen in the closed position is bent too much or kinked, which could be damaged.

In the embodiment mentioned, the respective first leg can be arranged adjacent to the axis of rotation and shorter than the respective second leg. The respective shorter leg is determining for the distance of the screen from the axis of rotation, while the lubricants are respectively mounted on the surfaces of the longer legs.

According to an alternative embodiment, the arms form a frame which spans the screen. In this embodiment, the screen is thus held at an outer region of the arms and guided in the movement. The construction according to which the screen is held and carried by the arms as a frame is particularly suitable for ultrathin screens.

To allow movement of the screen about the axis of rotation, the arms may be rotatably mounted on a rod which forms the axis of rotation. That way too realized embodiment of this pivoting of the screen between an open position and a closed position.

As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one screen unit according to one of the embodiments described above is mounted inside. The screen unit can basically be mounted in different sizes and at different locations within the vehicle.

Thus, according to an embodiment which has already been described above, it is provided that the axis of rotation is formed by a cross member on a front side of the motor vehicle. In other words, the screen unit may be positioned so that the cross member extends along the axis of rotation. The two arms of the screen unit are thus pivotable about the cross member. Said attachment of the screen unit has the advantage that in this way at least part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle can be replaced by the screen unit. The screen unit thus assumes all or part of the function of the dashboard: the veneering of the underlying equipment and the display of vehicle information such. Speed, tire pressure, tank level and the like.

In an open position, i. if the screen is in a position in which it is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, it can also be seen well by the other passengers of the motor vehicle and therefore be used for example for the presentation of films.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one screen unit can be mounted on a backrest of a seat. In this way it is possible, for example, for each passenger in the rear of the vehicle to provide a separate screen unit, which can be used individually.

According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented in addition to or as an alternative to the above in a motor vehicle, the at least one screen unit can be mounted with its axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the motor vehicle. For example, the attachment of such a screen unit between two rear seats is conceivable. In this way, an individual provision of screens for multiple passengers is possible.

Of course, it is also conceivable to attach the screen unit in each case between two front seats or attached to an inner side wall of the motor vehicle.

• 1a eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine Bildschirmeinheit gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 1b eine Querschnittsansicht der Bildschirmeinheit von 1 in einer Öffnungsstellung;
• 2a eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Bildschirmeinheit in einer Schließstellung;
• 2b eine perspektivische Ansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform der Bildschirmeinheit in einer Öffnungsstellung;
• 3a, 3b ein Kraftfahrzeug mit der Bildschirmeinheit der ersten Ausführungsform in Schließstellung (3a) und in Öffnungsstellung (3b) jeweils im Querschnitt und in Draufsicht;
• 4a, 4b ein Kraftfahrzeug mit der Bildschirmeinheit der ersten Ausführungsform in Schließstellung (4a) und in Öffnungsstellung (4b) jeweils im Querschnitt und in Draufsicht an anderen Positionen im Kraftfahrzeug;
• 5a, 5b ein Kraftfahrzeug mit der Bildschirmeinheit der ersten Ausführungsform in Schließstellung (5a) und in Öffnungsstellung (5b) jeweils im Querschnitt und in Draufsicht an anderen Positionen im Kraftfahrzeug;
• 6a, 6b ein Kraftfahrzeug mit der Bildschirmeinheit der ersten Ausführungsform in Schließstellung (6a) und in Öffnungsstellung (6b) jeweils im Querschnitt und in Draufsicht an anderen Positionen im Kraftfahrzeug.

The invention will now be described by way of non-limitative example with reference to the drawings. In the drawings show:

• 1a a cross-sectional view through a screen unit according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 1b a cross-sectional view of the screen unit of 1 in an open position;
• 2a a perspective view of a second embodiment of the screen unit in a closed position;
• 2 B a perspective view of the second embodiment of the screen unit in an open position;
• 3a . 3b a motor vehicle with the screen unit of the first embodiment in the closed position ( 3a ) and in the open position ( 3b ) in each case in cross section and in plan view;
• 4a . 4b a motor vehicle with the screen unit of the first embodiment in the closed position ( 4a ) and in the open position ( 4b ) in each case in cross-section and in plan view at other positions in the motor vehicle;
• 5a . 5b a motor vehicle with the screen unit of the first embodiment in the closed position ( 5a ) and in the open position ( 5b ) in each case in cross-section and in plan view at other positions in the motor vehicle;
• 6a . 6b a motor vehicle with the screen unit of the first embodiment in the closed position ( 6a ) and in the open position ( 6b ) in each case in cross-section and in plan view at other positions in the motor vehicle.

In the 1a and 1b is an embodiment of a screen unit 1 , each in cross-section, showing which one screen 2 made of a flexible material with a first arm 3 and a second arm 4 connected to the screen 2 wear. Each of the arms 3 . 4 is here from a first leg 3a . 4a and a second leg 3b , 4b, which are angled to each other, ie here include an obtuse angle with each other.

The screen 2 is about lubricant 5 on each surface of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 More precisely, on the first leg 3a of the first arm 3 and at that first leg 4a of the second arm 4 appropriate. The lubricants 5 allow a relative movement between screen 2 and thighs 3a . 4a and thus allow you to open and close the screen 2 ie a change between an in 1a shown closed position and one in 1b shown opening position.

In the closed position of the arms 3 . 4 from 1a forms the screen 2 a bow 2a , in the interior of which is an axis of rotation 6 located. In this position of the arms 3 . 4 is the screen 2 here, as can be seen, approximately U-shaped. It should be noted that the axis of rotation 6 an imaginary or material axis around which the arms are 3 . 4 can turn around the screen 2 to open or close. The rotation axis 6 For example, along a cross member 7 of the motor vehicle 100 run, that are spanned by this. In this case, the arms are 3 . 4 on the cross member 7 mounted so that they are mounted on this pivotable.

The screen unit 1 may differ from the closed position of the arms 3 . 4 , what a 1a is shown by pivoting the arms 3 . 4 around the axis of rotation 6 move around in an open position, which in 1b is shown. The pivoting of the arms 3 . 4 is in 1b indicated by two bold curved arrows. During the pivoting, ie a rotational movement of the arms 3,4 around the axis 6 the lubricants shift 5 along the respective first legs 3a . 4a to change a curvature of the screen 2 compensate. It should be noted that the lubricant on both the screen 2 firm and on the thighs 3a . 4a slidably mounted (as shown in the embodiment) and vice versa on the legs 3a . 4a fixed, ie rigid, and on the screen 2 can be slidably mounted.

How on the 1a and 1b is shown, the screen points 2 in its closed position, a significantly lower height h than in an open position. This means that a visible surface of the screen 2 can be increased or decreased as needed. In the open position of the arms 3 . 4 forms the screen 2 in cross-section of 1b forms a parabola, which from the axis of rotation 6 is curved away. Alternatively, the open position can also be designed so that the screen 2 in cross section represents a straight line. In that case, the screen in the open position would reach a maximum height h and thus a maximum image area.

As in the 1a and 1b can be seen further, are the respective first leg 3a . 4a adjacent to the axis of rotation 6 arranged and shorter than the respective second leg 3b . 4b , Due to this configuration, it is possible that in the closed position, a particularly small height h is achieved with respect to the height h of the open position.

With reference now to the 2a and 2 B is a second embodiment of a screen unit 1 which differs from the first embodiment described above in that in the second embodiment, the arms 3 . 4 are designed so that they together create a framework 8th make up the screen 2 spans. In this embodiment, the arms 3 . 4 pivotable on a pole 9 attached, which in turn is for example a cross member 7 of the motor vehicle, in which the screen unit 1 is installed. The pole 9 thus forms the axis of rotation 6 for the pivoting of the arms 3 . 4 ,

This second embodiment also allows a closed position ( 2a ) and an open position ( 2 B ), each with a different view of the screen 2 , The exact way of attaching the screen 2 on the arms 3 . 4 can be done in many ways, it is important that a clear view of the screen 2 is not affected. The specialist in the field of construction will be able to make an appropriate choice without the own inventive step out of the possibilities offered by the state of the art.

In connection with the embodiment of the 1a and 1b described advantages are also with the embodiment of the 2a and 2 B achievable, which is why at this point not to be discussed in more detail.

Regarding the 3 to 6 now becomes a screen unit 1 according to the first embodiment at different positions in a motor vehicle 100 explained in more detail. It goes without saying, however, that for those in the 3 to 6 shown screen unit 1 Also, a display unit according to the second embodiment can be used.

In 3a and 3b is the screen unit 1 shown in a motor vehicle 100 is installed. The car 100 is in the upper figures of the 3a and 3b in a cross-sectional view and in the respective lower figures of the 3a and 3b shown in plan view. It is in 3a a closed position and in 3b an open position of the screen unit shown.

As can be seen immediately, there is the screen unit 1 here on a (in the direction of travel F of the motor vehicle 100 seen) front 101 of the motor vehicle 100 in other words, in a front half of the motor vehicle 100 , The rotation axis 6 is doing by a cross member 7 of the motor vehicle 100 educated.

The car 100 has four seats here 102 on, each with a backrest 103 are provided and the space for accommodating one passenger each 104 (the term "passenger" is to be construed in the context of the invention as including also a person who controls the motor vehicle).

The screen unit 100 extends in the embodiment shown so that a length I of the screen unit extends over a substantial part of a width of the motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the display unit may form or replace an essential part of a dashboard.

While the motor vehicle is in motion and by one of the passengers 104 is controlled, the screen unit 1 generally be set as it is in 3a is shown, namely in its closed position. As can be seen, the screen unit 100 is arranged in this position so that a passenger 104 who is on a seat 102 on the front side 101 of the motor vehicle 100 located, both on the bow 2a of the screen 2, as well as through a windshield of the motor vehicle.

In the closed position of the screen unit 1 In this embodiment, the screen can be used to control the motor vehicle 100 necessary information as well as additional information for the passengers 104 may be useful to display. As non-limiting examples of its here include the following information called: speed of the motor vehicle, tire pressure, levels of gasoline and oil, navigation information, outdoor and / or indoor temperature, telephone information of a coupled mobile phone, fuel consumption and the like.

In the 3b shown opening position of the screen unit 1 in contrast, will generally be adjusted when the motor vehicle 100 either is not in motion, so is in a parking position, or if the motor vehicle 100 moves autonomously, so no human intervention of a passenger is needed to control the motor vehicle. In this position is the height h of the screen 2 , as already mentioned, significantly larger than in the 3a shown closed position, so that the passengers 104 pointing to the screen 2 see, see a much larger area of the same, as shown in the upper figure of 3b is clarified. The screen unit 1 can be used in this open position, for example, to movies or information programs for the passengers 104 to be able to show. In other words, the screen unit serves 1 here the entertainment of the passengers, for example, for the design of breaks.

In the in the 4a and 4b the embodiment shown is the screen unit 1 not on the front anymore 101 of the motor vehicle 100 attached, but rather on the backrest 103 of the front seat 102 (or the backrests 103 the front seats 102). In this case is for the rear passengers 104 each with its own screen unit 1 to disposal. This can be particularly favorable when children or adolescents are among the passengers 104 which can be entertained by entertaining on the screen such as movies or games.

Of course, in the 4a and 4b embodiment shown also in addition to that of 3a and 3b within a single motor vehicle 100 be used.

In the 5a and 5b is again shown in perspective and in plan view, an embodiment in which the screen unit 1 turn on the front 101 of the motor vehicle 100 is appropriate. Again, the screen unit 1 Form part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle or be attached to that. In contrast to the design of the 3a and 3b however, the screen unit extends 1 here however only over such a length l, that only one passenger 104 namely, the passenger on the way 104 this screen unit 1 right in front of you.

In this embodiment, the passenger can also be passenger 104 while driving the screen unit 1 in the in 5b hold open position shown, so that the same advantages can be achieved as with reference to the above 4a and 4b described. This embodiment can of course with that of 4a and 4b be combined.

With reference now to the 6a and 6b become further possible mounting positions of a display unit 1 according to embodiments of the invention in the motor vehicle 100 shown. Unlike in the embodiments of 3 to 5 are mounting positions of the embodiments according to the 6a and 6b characterized in that the screen unit 1 with its axis of rotation 6 parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the motor vehicle 100 is appropriate.

It shows 6a the screen units 1 each in their closed positions, in which the screen units 1 are arranged to save space, and 6b the same screen units 1 each in their open positions, in which the screens 2 opened for watching a movie or other broadcasts.

It can screen units 1 For example, in the middle between two seats 102 , both front and rear seats 102 Seen in the direction of travel F, be arranged and / or on respective side walls 105 of the motor vehicle 100 ,

It should be noted that the pivoting of the arms 3 . 4 can be controlled manually or electronically by means of a drive, by which the closing and the open position can be controlled. Since such drives and controls are known in the art, will not be discussed in detail here on the detailed design.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

monitor unit

2

screen

2a

bow

3

first arm

3a

first leg

3b

second leg

4

second arm

4a

first leg

4b

second leg

5

lubricant

6

axis of rotation

7

crossbeam

8th

frame

9

pole

100

motor vehicle

101

front

102

Seat

103

backrest

104

passenger

105

Side wall

Claims (15)

A display unit (1) for passengers in the interior of a motor vehicle (100), comprising a screen (2) made of a flexible material, which is attached to a first arm (3) and to a second arm (4), wherein the first arm (3 ) and the second arm (4) are coupled to one another at a rotation axis (6) and are pivotable relative to one another about the axis of rotation (6) and wherein a bending movement of the arms (3, 4) about the axis of rotation (6) causes a bending of the axis Screen (2) changes. Screen unit (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that in a closed position of the arms (3, 4) of the screen (2) forms a sheet (2a), in the interior of the axis of rotation (6) is accommodated. Screen unit (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that in an open position of the arms (3, 4) of the screen (2) in cross section forms a straight line or a parabola which is curved away from the axis of rotation (6). Screen unit (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that an extension of the screen (2) in the open position of the arms (3, 4) has a height h which is at least 10% and at most two thirds of a length I of the screen (2). A display unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (2) is mounted on a surface of the first arm (3) and on a surface of the second arm (4) via lubricating means (5). Screen unit (1) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the lubricants (5) are rigidly mounted on the screen (2) and movably mounted on the arms (3, 4). Screen unit (1) after one of Claims 5 or 6 , characterized in that each of the arms (3, 4) of a first leg (3a, 4a) and a second leg (3b, 4b) is constructed, wherein the legs are angled against each other. Screen unit (1) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the respective first leg (3a, 4a) adjacent to the axis of rotation (6) and is shorter than the respective second leg (3b, 4b). Screen unit (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the arms (3, 4) form a frame (8) which spans the screen (2). Screen unit (1) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the arms (3, 4) a rod (9) are rotatably mounted, which forms the axis of rotation (6). Motor vehicle (100), in which at least one screen unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims is mounted inside. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the axis of rotation (6) of a cross member (7) on a front side (101) of the motor vehicle (100) is formed. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one screen unit (1) on a backrest (103) of a seat (102) is mounted. Motor vehicle (100) Claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one screen unit (1) with its axis of rotation (6) is mounted parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the motor vehicle (100). Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the screen unit (1) in each case between two seats (102) or on an inner side wall (105) of the motor vehicle (100) is mounted.

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