DE102019203264B3 - Output device for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle with a corresponding output device and method for operating a corresponding output device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an output device (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising a flexible display device (14) which is designed to display pixel-based display content and which can be rolled up on a first roll (28). The invention is characterized in that the output device (10) has a flexible stabilization device (16) for stabilizing the display device (14), which is arranged such that it can be rolled up on a second roller (30). The display device (14) and stabilization device (16) have tooth structures (20, 24) that correspond to one another in the form. The output device (10) comprises a positioning device (34) which is set up to unroll the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) from their respective rollers (28, 30) and to feed the tooth structures (20, 24) to one another, whereby teeth (22) of the first tooth structure (20) engage teeth (26) of the second tooth structure (24), the engagement means that the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) releasably connect to one another to form a display assembly (36).

Description

The invention relates to an output device for a motor vehicle, comprising a flexible display device for displaying pixel-based display contents, which is arranged such that it can be rolled up on a first roll.

A flexible display device in the sense of the invention is to be understood as a flexible display device, in other words, a display device which is designed as a film or film layer arrangement and can therefore be rolled up. This property of the lack of or low intrinsic rigidity therefore allows the display device to be arranged on a roll so that it can be rolled up. Pixel-based display contents are display contents constructed from individual pixels, which can be displayed, for example, on an LED-based (LED - light emitting diode) screen or on an OLED-based (OLED - organic light emitting diode) screen.

The display device can be rolled up, for example, with a radius that is less than 50 millimeters and in particular between 40 and 5 millimeters.

Output devices with flexible screens or displays are known from the prior art. The known output devices have in common that an element and / or a mechanism for stabilizing the screen must be provided due to the lack of inherent rigidity of the respective screens.

So describes the US 2012/0204453 A1 an output device comprising a flexible display and a housing. The flexible display can be moved out of the housing and retracted into the housing. Telescopic arms serve as stabilizing elements, guiding and supporting the flexible display area to the side.

The DE 10 2015 011 614 A1 also shows an output device with a flexible screen. A plate-shaped, rigid support element serves as a stabilizing element.

The DE 101 15 050 A1 in turn describes an output device comprising a flat screen made of flexible material and stabilizing means. A large number of suitably shaped tension structure elements are arranged on the back of the flexible flat screen as stabilizing means.

A disadvantage of the known prior art is that the respective stabilizing means are designed as mechanically complex, interacting components which lead to a high level of maintenance and also require a large amount of installation space.

From the US 2016/0 155 965 A1 A display device with a flexible display layer that can be rolled up on a roll and a flexible support layer that can be rolled up on a further roll is known, wherein the display layer and the support layer can be detachably connected to one another by means of interlocking elevations, which increases the overall rigidity of the arrangement.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a low-maintenance dispensing device for a motor vehicle which takes up little installation space and can be positioned as required.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

The invention provides an output device for a motor vehicle, the output device having a flexible display or a flexible display device for displaying pixel-based display contents. The display device is flexible in the sense that the display device has no inherent rigidity or is flexible or cannot be deformed elastically. The display device according to the invention is arranged such that it can be rolled up on a first roll.

The dispensing device according to the invention is characterized in that it has a likewise flexible stabilization device for stabilizing the display device, which is arranged such that it can be rolled up on a further, second roll. The stabilizing device is flexible in the sense that it does not break when rolled onto the second roll, but rather deforms flexibly or elastically. This property allows the stabilization device to be arranged on a roll in a manner analogous to the display device. In other words, the dispensing device according to the invention thus has two flexible devices which are arranged to be rolled up on a respective roll, namely on the one hand a display device and on the other hand a stabilization device.

According to the invention, the display device has a display surface on its front side. For example, a flexible OLED or micro-LED screen can be provided as the display area. One possibility is to use a flexible film with self-illuminating pixels. In addition, the display surface can have a touch-sensitive surface (touch screen surface).

According to the invention, the display device has a first tooth structure on its rear side. In other words, the first tooth structure on the back of the display device has a three-dimensional profile. The stabilizing device has a second tooth structure corresponding to the first tooth structure in the form or a second three-dimensional profile. Both the display device and the stabilization device therefore have a respective tooth structure, which correspond in shape to one another, that is to say fit into one another, so that their surfaces abut one another in the toothed state. The toothed structures each comprise a plurality of teeth which are arranged such that the two toothed structures correspond in shape or correspond to one another. In other words, the teeth of the two tooth structures fit together according to a zipper arrangement.

In addition, the output device according to the invention has a positioning device which is set up to unroll the display device and the stabilization device from their respective roles and to feed the tooth structures corresponding in shape to one another. In order to unroll the display device and the stabilization device from their respective roles, the positioning device can be equipped with at least one drive unit. Such a drive unit can be implemented, for example, by an electric motor. Alternatively, it can be provided that the two rollers each have a spiral spring as the drive unit. The coil spring can be set up to be tensioned, for example during the process of rolling up or unwinding, e.g. when operated manually, a user applies the necessary force by pulling or pushing.

Due to the arrangement of the two rollers, the teeth of the first tooth structure engage in or between the teeth of the second tooth structure when rolling. By intervening, the display device and the stabilization device are releasably connected to one another to form a display network. It has been recognized that such a display network comprising a flexible display device and a flexible stabilization device is inherently rigid in itself that it can protrude freely into a room without bending or collapsing.

In addition, the dispensing device according to the invention has a thickness that increases along a direction that is opposite to a rolling movement of the dispensing device. Due to the gradually increasing thickness, the dispenser advantageously gains stability.

The advantage of the invention is that both the display device and the stabilization device of the output device according to the invention can be rolled up and thus can be arranged in a motor vehicle in a space-saving manner. The interlocking of the display device and the stabilization device also prevents the two devices from slipping and / or sliding along one another. A shear movement between the display device and the stabilization device within the display network is thus prevented. This has the advantageous effect that the composite display has an increased inherent rigidity compared to simply placing or placing the display device on or on the stabilization device. The arrangement of the two rollers with respect to one another advantageously causes the teeth to mesh with one another when rolling, without the need for mechanically complex and therefore error-prone guiding or stabilizing mechanisms.

The invention also includes embodiments which result in additional advantages.

A preferred embodiment provides that the display device and the stabilization device are designed as congruent, flat components. The design of the display device and the stabilization device as congruent, flat components each has the advantage that after the connection of the display device and stabilization device to the display assembly, the display device is stabilized or supported over the entire area by the stabilization device. In the event that the display device is equipped with a touch-sensitive screen surface (touchscreen surface), increased stability is required for safe operability, which is ensured by the full-surface stabilization. It does not matter whether the respective tooth structures are also formed over the entire surface or, for example, are arranged opposite one another in strip-shaped tooth sections. This has the advantage of simplified production. A component weight can also be reduced by means of a respective toothed structure which is merely in the form of a strip.

According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the teeth are arranged in rows of teeth running parallel to one another. It is conceivable that the rows of teeth extend over the entire surface of the respective component, that is to say the display device and the stabilization device. The rows of teeth act as a stiffening rib structure. The rows of teeth can converge, for example, in a V-shape on the surface of a respective component, wherein the vertices of the rows of teeth converging in a V-shape come to lie on a line running centrally on the respective surface. The rows of teeth can also run horizontally along the respective surface. The rows of teeth have the advantage of an additional structural rigidity of the respective component.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the display device is fastened in a first end area to a second end area of the stabilization device opposite the first end area or corresponding to the first end area. In other words, the display device and the stabilization device cannot be completely detached from one another by being rolled onto their respective roll, but remain connected to one another in their end regions. This has the advantage that the respective toothed structures are necessarily fed to one another when the display device and the stabilization device roll off. This prevents incorrect gearing or snagging. Both rollers are preferably driven. However, driving only one of the rollers can nevertheless cause both rollers to be rotated because a power transmission can be provided via the connection (towing).

According to a further embodiment, the positioning device is set up to produce a respective rolling state of the display device and the stabilization device, and to set a size of the display assembly to a predetermined size value. The positioning device can, for example, be set up to produce the respective rolling state by driving a drive unit of the type already described. A rolling state can be, for example, that the display and the stabilizing device are each rolled to one third. In such a rolling state, the display assembly produced from the display and stabilization device has a smaller size than in the case of a roll state in which the display and stabilization device, for example, two thirds each have been rolled. In other words, in addition to end positions, at least one further intermediate position can be specified by the size value. It can be provided that the positioning unit sets a size of the display network in this way that corresponds to a predetermined size value. The predefined size value can be based, for example, on whether the displayed content takes up little space, as is the case, for example, with display content relating to vehicle functions, or whether the display content takes up a lot of space, as is the case, for example, with films or infotainment content Case can be. In other words, a size of the display network can be set as required.

According to a further embodiment, the display system is set up to be retracted and extended by the positioning device by respectively rolling up and unrolling the display device on the one hand and the stabilization device on the other hand through a slot in a cladding surface arranged facing the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Such a slot can be located, for example, in the area of the dashboard of the motor vehicle and / or in the headlining and / or in a headrest and / or in a lining of the vehicle center console of the motor vehicle. The slot can have closure elements which are set up to enlarge and reduce it depending on a respective position of the display assembly. This has the advantage that only a region of the slot that is needed to extend or retract the display assembly is opened.

According to a further embodiment, the positioning device has a detection unit for recognizing a blocked state of at least one of the rollers. The positioning device is designed to produce the rolling state as a function of a blockage value registered by the detection unit. A detection unit can include a pressure sensor, for example. In the event that the positioning device for rolling off the display and stabilization device comprises at least one electric motor as already described, a respective blocking state can alternatively or additionally be detected by measuring a motor current of the at least one electric motor and a respective current intensity in Dependence of a particular engine speed is recorded as a blockage value. The positioning device can be set up to abort rolling in the event that a blockage condition is detected. The positioning device can have, for example, a mechanical clutch, which switches to idle when a blockage condition is detected. Since a blockage is usually caused by a mechanical resistance, aborting the rolling advantageously leads to avoiding damage to the dispensing device.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the positioning device is designed to establish a data connection to a control device of the motor vehicle and to receive data relating to a motor vehicle operating mode from the control device. The positioning device can be used, for example, to establish the data connection Have data interface to the control device. The data connection can be implemented wirelessly as a radio connection or wired, for example by means of a data bus. For example, the control device can control, steer and / or manage certain operations or functions of the motor vehicle. In particular, the control device provides data relating to a motor vehicle operating mode. A motor vehicle operating mode can be, for example, a piloted and / or a non-piloted operating mode of the motor vehicle.

The positioning device is also designed to produce the rolling state of the display device and the stabilization device as a function of the respective motor vehicle operating mode, and to set the size of the display network to a size value assigned to the respective motor vehicle operating mode. For example, it can be provided that a larger size value of the display network is assigned to a piloted operating mode of the motor vehicle, that is to say, for example, while driving, which is controlled by an autopilot, than is the case, for example, in a non-piloted operating mode of the motor vehicle.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an output device according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an output device according to the invention. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the positioning device rolls off the display device and the stabilization device and thereby feeds the tooth structure of the display device to the tooth structure of the stabilization device. When rolling, teeth of the two toothed structures mesh with one another, and the engagement means that the display device and the stabilization device are releasably connected to one another to form a display network.

The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention which have features such as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the output device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische seitliche Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabevorrichtung;
• 2 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer jeweiligen Anzeigeeinrichtung und einer jeweiligen Stabilisierungseinrichtung;
• 3 eine schematische seitliche Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabevorrichtung in einer Verstauposition;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabevorrichtung in einem Kraftfahrzeug; und
• 5 eine schematische seitliche Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabevorrichtung, wobei sich die Dicke der Ausgabevorrichtung ändert.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. This shows

• 1 is a schematic side view of the output device according to the invention;
• 2nd an exploded view of a respective display device and a respective stabilization device;
• 3rd is a schematic side view of the dispensing device according to the invention in a stowed position;
• 4th a schematic representation of an arrangement of the output device according to the invention in a motor vehicle; and
• 5 is a schematic side view of the output device according to the invention, wherein the thickness of the output device changes.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be regarded individually or in combinations other than those shown as components of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention described in each case.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate elements that have the same function.

1 shows an embodiment of the output device according to the invention 10th in a motor vehicle 12th . The output device 10th has a flexible display device 14 and a flexible stabilizer 16 on. The display device 14 has a display area on its front 18th on. The display area 18th can be configured, for example, as an OLED or micro LED screen. The display area 18th can also have a touch-sensitive surface (touch screen). In any case, the display area 18th set up to display pixel-based display contents, for example a graphical user interface (GUI) and / or an output interface of at least one vehicle device (for example a media player and / or a navigation system and / or an instrument cluster with tachographs). On the back is the display area 18th a first tooth structure 20th on. The first tooth structure 20th has a variety of teeth 22 on. The stabilization device 16 in turn points to the first tooth structure 20th corresponding in form second tooth structure 24th on. Also the second tooth structure 24th has a variety of teeth 26 on. The first tooth structure 20th and the second tooth structure 24th are in 1 shown in a longitudinal cross section. The respective teeth 22 , 26 the respective tooth structure 20th , 24th can be seen here as elevations, the elevations up to 30% of the respective total cross-sectional area of a respective tooth structure 20th , 24th can include.

1 also shows a first role 28 to which the display device 14 is arranged rollable. Also shows 1 a second role 30th to which the stabilization device 16 is arranged rollable. Both roles 28 , 30th are on a side of an interior panel facing away from the passenger interior 32 arranged. The volume of space on the side of the interior panel facing away from the passenger interior 32 can also be called a storage space.

One in 1 Positioning device, not shown 34 is set up the display device 14 and the stabilizer 16 of their respective roles 28 , 30th unroll and the gear structures 20th , 24th to lead each other. This grips teeth 22 the first gear structure 20th in or between teeth 26 the second tooth structure 24th a. By intervening, the display device 14 and the stabilizer 16 releasably together to form a display network 36 connected. In 1 is the display network 36 partly through a slot 38 in the interior trim 32 shown extended.

2nd shows an exploded view of a display device 14 and a stabilizing device 16 . For the sake of clarity, the display device 14 and the stabilizer 16 shown here separately. In the embodiment shown here, the display device 14 for a first role 28 arranged rollable. The stabilization device 16 on the other hand, it is shown that it can be rolled up freely. It is conceivable that the stabilization device 16 in the embodiment shown here is arranged such that it can be rolled up around gear wheels, which is located in an edge region of the stabilization device 16 are located. 2nd shows an advantageous arrangement of teeth 22 , 26 in rows of teeth 40 . The rows of teeth 40 each extend over the entire surface of the display device 14 and the stabilization device 16 , with the rows of teeth 40 from a respective side edge of the display device 14 and the stabilization device 16 run towards the center, where they meet in a V-shaped arrangement. It is also horizontal, parallel to a given role 28 , 30th running arrangement of the rows of teeth 40 conceivable.

3rd shows the output device according to the invention 10th , comprising the components described in the introduction, the output device being located in the in 3rd shown in a stowed position in the stowage space, which is located on the side facing away from the passenger compartment of the interior trim 32 located. In the in 3rd The embodiment shown is the display device 14 firmly in one end region, for example cohesively, with an end region of the stabilizing device 16 connected. This connection advantageously leads to the fact that when the display device rolls 14 and the stabilization device 16 through the in 3rd Positioning device, not shown 34 the respective tooth structures 20th , 24th are necessarily fed to each other. Incorrect tooth engagement 22 in teeth 26 or jamming is thus advantageously avoided.

In 4th is a possible arrangement of an output device according to the invention 10th in a motor vehicle 12th shown. According to the embodiment described here, the output device is located 10th in the area of the vehicle cockpit above a vehicle center console 42 . Also in 4th a slot is shown 38 in an interior trim 32 of the motor vehicle 12th . An arrow of movement 44 indicates a roll-out or extension movement of the dispensing device according to the invention 10th through the slot 38 through. In the embodiment shown here is the output device 10th shown trapezoidal. However, it can also have any other shape, for example a rectangular shape.

5 shows the output device according to the invention 10th , comprising the components described in the introduction, wherein according to the invention a thickness of the output device 10th along the by the arrow 46 shown direction increases. The output device wins due to the gradually increasing thickness 10th advantageous in stability.

An interesting development in displays are flexible OLEDs that can be rolled up with very small radii (up to 7 mm). This has potential in automotive applications. If a display (i.e. a display area) is required, it is extended and if not, it is moved back in or partially moved away.

This can create a good feeling of space when the display is moved away.

A kind of "display-on-demand" can also be possible. If little display is necessary, little display is extended. If more display is required (such as when watching films in the level 4th piloted ride), more display is extended.

Flexible OLEDs can be rolled out, but need side guides or folding mechanisms on the back to be kept stable. A disadvantage of this is that side guides occupy the space on the display even when it is retracted. Telescopic side guides are complex.

Folding mechanisms on the back are also complex and take up a lot of space behind the display. They are visible from the side or from behind (e.g. if you look through the windshield on the center display). In addition, the folding mechanisms are prone to contamination and difficult to clean.

In a specific embodiment, the flexible OLED (that is, the display surface) is provided with a semi-flexible mat (that is, with a flexible display device) with a zipper shape (that is, a tooth structure) on the rear. Seen from behind, the zipper shape is formed across the entire width of the display and in a V-shape, so that the entire material is relatively stiff and can hold the display on its own relatively well. The display with a zipper carrier part can be rolled up with a certain radius.

For touch displays you need a very stable holder for the display. There is also a second semi-flexible plate (i.e. a flexible stabilization device) that has a corresponding zipper shape. This plate is attached to the top of the display on the first semi-flexible plate (that is, in a first end region of the display device). When the panels and thus the display are extended, more and more zipper parts from the first and second panels hook together, so that the overall structure (i.e. the display network) becomes very stiff and stable enough to be operated by touch and not wobble when driving .

When moving in, the two plates separate from each other so that the display can be rolled up.

An advantage of the specific embodiment is that a flexible display can be kept stable when retracting and extending, without the need for lateral guides or mechanisms that are visible. In addition, the visible part of the display appears like a flush form without added mechanisms. In addition, the display can be rolled up relatively compactly.

Overall, the examples show how an output device with a flexible display device can be provided by the invention, the flexible display device being given rigidity by a zipper carrier with a V-shape.

Claims (10)

Output device (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising a flexible display device (14) for displaying pixel-based display content, the display device (14) being arranged such that it can be rolled up on a first roll (28), the output device (10) being a flexible stabilization device ( 16) for stabilizing the display device (14), which can be rolled up on a second roller (30), the display device (14) having a display surface (18) on its front and a first toothed structure (20) on its back, and wherein the stabilizing device (16) has a second tooth structure (24) corresponding to the first tooth structure (20) in shape, the output device (10) comprising a positioning device (34) which is set up to display the device (14) and the stabilizing device (16) from their respective roll (28, 30) and thereby the tooth structures (20, 24) other, whereby teeth (22) of the first tooth structure (20) engage teeth (26) of the second tooth structure (24), the engagement means that the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) releasably together to form a display assembly (36) are connected, characterized in that the dispensing device (10) has an increasing thickness along a direction (46) which is opposite to a rolling movement of the dispensing device (10). Output device (10) after Claim 1 , wherein the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) are designed as congruent, flat components. Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth (22, 26) are arranged in rows of teeth (40) running parallel to one another. Output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (14) is fastened in a first end region of the display device (14) to a second end region of the stabilization device (16) corresponding to the first end region. Output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (34) is set up to display a respective rolling state of the display device (14) and of the stabilizing device (16) in order to set a size of the display network to a predetermined size value, wherein in addition to end positions, at least one further intermediate position can be specified by the size value. Output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display assembly (36) is set up to be moved through the positioning device (34) by respectively rolling up and rolling off the display device (14) on the one hand and the stabilization device (16) on the other hand through a slot (38) to be moved in and out in a cladding surface (32) arranged facing the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (12), the slot (38) having closure elements which are set up to open the slot (38) depending on a respective position of the display assembly (36 ) enlarge and reduce. Output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (34) has a detection unit for detecting a blockage state of at least one of the rollers (28, 30), the positioning device (34) being designed to determine the rolling state depending on one of the Detection unit to produce registered blockage values. Output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (34) is designed to operate a data connection to a control device of the motor vehicle (12) and to receive data relating to a motor vehicle operating mode from the control device, and wherein the positioning device (34) is designed to produce the rolling state of the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) as a function of the respective motor vehicle operating mode, and to set the size of the display system (36) to a size value assigned to the respective motor vehicle operating mode. Motor vehicle (12) with an output device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating an output device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , The positioning device (34) rolls the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) and in the process feeds the tooth structure (20) of the display device (14) to the tooth structure (24) of the stabilization device (16) when teeth (22, 26 ) of the two tooth structures (20, 24) engage in one another, and the engagement means that the display device (14) and the stabilization device (16) are detachably connected to one another to form a display assembly (36), characterized in that the output device (10) has a thickness along a direction (46) extending in the opposite direction to a rolling movement of the dispensing device (10) increases.

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