FR3109916A1 - VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Display device (10) for a vehicle, in which are superimposed:- a first transparent or translucent layer (20) comprising at least a first three-dimensional pictogram (22); - a second electronic layer (30) comprising a first light source (32) and at least a first capacitive electrode (50), the first light source (32) being configured to illuminate the first three-dimensional pictogram (22), the outline of the first three-dimensional pictogram (22) being aligned with the capacitive electrode (50) along a direction (N) normal to said three-dimensional pictogram (22);in which the first light source (32) is arranged offset angularly with respect to the first capacitive electrode (50). Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE FOR VEHICLE

The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle.

It is known in the automotive field of display devices. Such a device provides a user with one or more display zone(s) associated with a control element, such as buttons, for example. The display zone can in particular make it possible to indicate a state of a device in the vehicle, following the actuation of the control element, for example by changing the pictogram displayed. The display area being generally of simple design, to limit the cost of the control and display device, the change of pictogram displayed is carried out by displaying a different pictogram, on a zone distinct from that where a first pictogram was displayed, before actuation of the control element. In addition, the pictograms displayed are visually simple and of low quality rendering.

However, the proliferation of control and display devices in the passenger compartment of vehicles poses a problem because the space available for the display zone(s) is reduced.

Summary

The object of the present invention is to propose a display device for a vehicle that does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the invention proposes a display device for a vehicle, in which are superimposed:
- a first transparent or translucent layer comprising at least a first three-dimensional pictogram;
- a second electronic layer comprising a first light source and at least a first capacitive electrode, the first light source being configured to illuminate the first three-dimensional pictogram, the outline of the first three-dimensional pictogram being aligned with the capacitive electrode in a normal direction said three-dimensional pictogram;
wherein the first light source is arranged angularly offset from the first capacitive electrode.

Thus, a device can be controlled by pressing on the display area. It is thus possible to display information in a restricted space, with an improved visual rendering.

According to preferred embodiments, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:
- the first layer comprises a first stage comprising the first three-dimensional pictogram, and a second stage comprising at least one second three-dimensional pictogram, the second electronic layer further comprising a second light source configured to illuminate the second three-dimensional pictogram;
- the first layer comprises a tactile film to activate the first light source and/or the second light source by tactile contact with the tactile film in line with the capacitive electrode;
- the first light source and the second light source are arranged parallel to each other such that the first light source illuminates the first three-dimensional pictogram without illuminating the second three-dimensional pictogram and the second light source illuminates the second three-dimensional pictogram, preferably without illuminating the first three-dimensional pictogram;
- a third layer facing a second face of the second layer opposite a first face of the second layer facing the first layer, the second layer further comprising at least one plane pictogram and a third light source oriented towards the third layer, the plane pictogram corresponding to a two-dimensional projection of the first three-dimensional pictogram, the third light source being shaped to illuminate the plane pictogram and the three-dimensional pictogram;
- the third layer is shaped to guide the light emitted by the third light source through the plane pictogram;
- the third layer comprises a reflective interface enveloping a transparent zone, the reflective interface preferably having a reflection factor greater than 80%;
- the first light source is arranged perpendicular to the third light source around the three-dimensional pictogram;
- at least two third light sources are shaped to illuminate the same plane pictogram and the associated first three-dimensional pictogram.

According to another aspect, there is proposed a method of manufacturing a display device comprising:
- providing a so-called "second layer" electronic layer comprising a first light source and at least one first capacitive electrode,
- inject on the second layer a first translucent or transparent layer, and
- In the first layer, laser engrave a three-dimensional three-dimensional pictogram so that the outline of the three-dimensional pictogram is aligned with the first capacitive electrode.

The method may further include:
- injecting on the second layer, on the side opposite to the first layer, a transparent zone capable of guiding the light emitted by the third light source, and
- injecting a reflective interface to form a third layer, the transparent zone being covered by the reflective interface.

According to another aspect, a vehicle is proposed comprising a display device as described above.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows an embodiment of the display device.

Fig. 2

shows another embodiment of the display device.

Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C, Figs. 3D

, [Fig. 3B], [Fig. 3C], [Fig. 3D] show a succession of steps in a process for manufacturing the display device.

In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of conciseness, only the elements which are useful for understanding the described embodiments are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

In the following description, when referring to absolute position qualifiers, such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., it is made reference, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, a display device 10 for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. The display device 10 is intended to be fixed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in particular on an armrest, a dashboard, or on a door panel of the vehicle.

The display device 10 here comprises a display interface 12 visible to a user. The display device 10 is related to sets of control elements, for example in the form of touch buttons.

The display interface 12 allows a user to view pictograms. These pictograms correspond, for example, to the door opening warning light, or to a seat adjustment warning light or an air conditioning control warning light. For example, the opening indicator is illuminated in green when the door is open, and illuminated in red when the door is closed. According to another example, the indicator is illuminated only when the door is closed, for example in red. Thus, in this example, the same pictogram is used to display several pieces of information, namely the “door closed” state or the “door open” state.

The display device of Figure 1 comprises a first layer 20 and a second layer 30.

The first layer 20 comprises the display interface 12. The display interface 12 is the surface of the device in contact with a user.

The first layer 20 is divided into a first stage 21 and a second stage 23. The first stage 21 is in contact with the second layer 30 while the second stage 23 is arranged above the first stage 21, in contact with the display interface 12.

The first layer 20 further comprises at least a first three-dimensional pictogram 22. A three-dimensional pictogram 22 is a graphic representation (or icon), in three dimensions, located within the first layer 20, that is to say in the mass of this first layer 20. A three-dimensional pictogram 22 can be a laser engraving within the first layer 20, in its material. The first three-dimensional pictogram 22 is then visible from the display interface 12, without interruption of the surface continuity, while being arranged in depth in the first layer 20. The example of FIG. 1 illustrates two first three-dimensional pictograms 22 However, the first layer 20 can comprise a single or a plurality of first three-dimensional pictograms 22, while remaining in accordance with the present description. In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the first three-dimensional pictograms 22 are arranged in the first stage 21 of the first layer 20.

Furthermore, the first layer 20 is transparent or translucent, so that the first three-dimensional pictogram 22 is visible to a user. By “transparent”, it is meant that the first layer 20 allows light to pass through so that the first three-dimensional pictogram 22 is clearly visible through the first layer 20. For example, the first layer 20 is made of PMMA (poly-methacrylate of methyl) or Polycarbonate.

The second stage 23 furthermore also comprises at least one three-dimensional pictogram, hereinafter called the second three-dimensional pictogram 24. The second three-dimensional pictogram 24 is also visible from the display interface 12. The first and second three-dimensional pictograms 22, 24 do not not overlap. More precisely, the first and second three-dimensional pictograms 22, 24 are offset vertically from each other, for a distinct display of each pictogram on the display interface 12.

The first stage 21 and the second stage 23 are separated by a mask 19. The mask 19 is preferably an opaque film which does not allow light to pass, allowing the first or the second three-dimensional pictogram to be selectively illuminated. In addition, the opaque film 19 is discontinuous, for example pierced, at the level of the first three-dimensional pictograms 22, so that these pictograms are visible from the display interface 12. The opaque film 19 can be accompanied by a decorative film 18 (Figure 2), arranged on the side of the second floor 23.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the second layer 30 is adjacent to the first layer 20. More precisely, the second layer 30 is arranged under the first layer 20. The second layer 30 is more precisely opposed to the interface of display 12. In the example of Figure 1, the second layer 30 comprises a first face 38 and a second face 39 opposite the first face 38, the first face 38 facing the first layer 20.

The second layer 30 is an initially transparent electronic layer on which are added the electronic elements necessary for the illumination of a pictogram. In particular, the second layer 30 comprises one or more first light sources 32. The second layer 30 can further comprise one or more capacitive electrodes 50 and one or more plane pictograms 34. In addition, the second layer 30 can comprise a second light source 36. Without illumination of the second layer 30, the latter is opaque, that is to say of homogeneous appearance in the absence of illumination.

As seen in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the second layer 30 has the shape of an "L" lying, that is to say that an end portion 31 of the second layer 30 is perpendicular to the rest of this layer. However, the arrangement of this end portion 31 is not limited to a right angle: the end portion can form an angle between 0° and 180° with the rest of the second layer 30, for example on a range ranging from 45° to 135°. Alternatively, the end portion 31 is not attached to the second layer 30 and thus forms another electronic layer, different from the second layer 30.

The end portion 31 comprises the first light source 32 and, where applicable, the second light source 36. The first and the second light source 32, 36 are arranged on the first face 38, so that the light emitted by the first light source 32 passes through the first stage of the first layer 20 to illuminate the outline of the first three-dimensional pictogram 22, and that the light emitted by the second light source 36 passes through the second stage 23 of the first layer 20 to illuminate the contour of the second three-dimensional pictogram 24. These light sources 32, 36 constitute lateral lighting to illuminate the three-dimensional pictograms 22,24, without however illuminating the plane pictogram 34. By lateral lighting, it is meant that the first and the second light source 32, 36 are arranged angularly offset with respect to a third light source 60, detailed later in the description. In particular, the angular offset is measured with respect to the direction N of the plane pictogram 34. For example, the first light source 32 and the third light source 60 are arranged perpendicular to each other, the first light source 32 therefore forming an angle of 90° with respect to the normal direction N. The angular offset depends in particular on the angle formed by the end portion 31 and the rest of the second layer 30. The association of the The lateral illumination from the first light source 32, and the vertical illumination from the third light source 60 gives a three-dimensional visual effect of the first three-dimensional pictogram 22.

The example of FIG. 1 illustrates two plane pictograms 34. However, the second layer 30 can comprise a single or a plurality of plane pictograms 34, while remaining in conformity with the present description.

Each plane pictogram 34 corresponds to a two-dimensional projection of a first three-dimensional pictogram 22 present in the first layer 20. More precisely, the plane pictogram 34 is aligned vertically under the first three-dimensional pictogram 22, so that the plane pictogram 34 corresponds to the outline of the three-dimensional pictogram 22 in the vertical direction. The term "vertical" should be understood in a direction normal to the plane pictogram 34. The plane pictogram 34 is covered with a layer of ink making it invisible without illumination by a light source and visible when it is illuminated by a light source.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the flat pictogram 34 is arranged on the first face 38 of the second layer 30 in contact with the first layer 20. A black film 35 is also arranged on this first face 38 bypassing the flat pictogram 34. The film film 35 serves as a mask to allow the light emitted by the third light source 60 to pass through the second layer 30 only via the flat pictogram 34. In other words, the black film 35 serves as a light barrier so that this can pass through the second layer 30 only via a plane pictogram 34. Alternatively, the plane pictogram 34 and the black film 35 can be arranged on the second face 39 of the second layer 30.

The electronic card which constitutes the second layer 30 comprises components which are assembled by solder paste or by conductive glue on its surface (known as “Surface Mounted Components” or CMS), this making it possible to place components on both sides of the card. electronic.

The first light source 32 is arranged on the first face 38. The first light source 32 is for example a light-emitting diode, or LED (for “light-emitting diode” in English”). The first light source 32 illuminates the first three-dimensional pictogram 22 located vertically above the flat pictogram 34.

The third light source 60 can be arranged directly in contact with the plane pictogram 34, for example in the case of unicolor illumination of the plane pictogram 34. In the case of multicolored illumination, the third light source 60 can also be arranged directly in contact of the plane pictogram 34, provided that the light source is equipped with a controller of several colors, for example of the RGB type (from the English “red, green, blue”, for “red, green, blue”). However, in the case of multicolored illumination, it will be preferred to arrange several third light sources on the opposite face 39 (FIG. 2), each source supplying a single color. For example, one of the third light sources is a green light and another of the third light sources is a red light, which makes it possible, for example, to illuminate a pictogram alternately in green or in red or simultaneously in green and in red to get a yellow color.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second layer 30 can also comprise a capacitive electrode 50. The capacitive electrode 50 makes it possible to illuminate a particular pictogram in response to the sensory contact on the display interface 12 associated with the tactile film 52 For example, a user places his finger on the display interface 12, above a first three-dimensional pictogram 22, which illuminates the pictogram.

The capacitive electrode is arranged for example on the second face 39 of the second layer 30, in vertical alignment with the three-dimensional pictogram 22 and the flat pictogram 34. Alternatively, the capacitive electrode 50 and the flat pictogram 34 are merged and arranged on the same face (first face 38 or opposite face 39).

FIG. 2 illustrates two capacitive electrodes 50, each being associated with a separate three-dimensional pictogram 22. However, display device 10 may comprise several capacitive electrodes 50 without departing from the scope of the invention.

In FIG. 2, the display device further comprises a third layer 40. The third layer 40 is opposite to the first layer 20, and separated from this first layer 20 by the second layer 30, being adjacent to this second layer. 30. As seen in Figure 2, the third layer 40 thus faces the second face 39 of the second layer 30, opposite the first face 38 of the second layer 30 facing the first layer 20. Thus, the device display comprises by superposition: a first layer 20, a second layer 30 and a third layer 40. The third layer 40 comprises a reflective interface 44 delimiting a transparent zone 42.

The transparent zone 42 is a zone enabling the light rays supplied by a third light source 60 to be properly conducted to the plane pictogram 34. The transparent zone 42 can be air, or a transparent or translucent material such as polycarbonate. or poly(methyl methacrylate), allowing light to be conducted through the pictogram in a homogeneous manner. The transparent area 42 is used for example when several light sources 60 are used to illuminate a pictogram (each source emitting light of a different color). The transparent zone 42 is in this case in contact with the second layer 30, and in particular in contact with the plane pictogram 34 and the third light sources 32 used to illuminate this pictogram. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the second layer 30 comprises four third light sources 60, arranged in pairs (that is to say two third light sources 60 arranged close to a flat pictogram 24 and two other third light sources 60 arranged close to another plane pictogram 24 different from the first plane pictogram 24), and the third layer 40 comprises two transparent zone units 42, each of the two transparent zone units 42 being arranged in contact with a respective pair of third light sources 60 and the corresponding plane pictogram 34. The light emitted by a third light source 60 then remains concentrated in the transparent zone unit 42 to be directed towards the plane pictogram 24 so as to illuminate it.

A reflective interface 44 is also arranged around the transparent area 42. In particular, the reflective interface 44 envelops the transparent area 42 so as to concentrate (or condense) the light emitted by the third light source 60 within a transparent area 42. In other words, the reflective interface 44 limits the propagation of light outside the transparent area 42, by providing a physical barrier to light. For this effect, the reflective interface 44 has a light reflectance (or reflectance) greater than 80%. By reflection factor, we mean here the proportion of light reflected by the surface of a material. The higher the percentage of this factor, the less the material lets light pass through it. The reflective interface 44 can be a reflective coating, for example aluminum or silver, or a white material such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene mixture comprising adjuvants making it possible to obtain a rate reflection at least equal to 80%. By way of illustration, an example of the operation of the display device is now described. Note however that the invention is not limited exclusively to this example.

Initially, all the three-dimensional pictograms 24 of the second stage 23 are illuminated in yellow by the second light source 34. In one configuration, the three-dimensional pictograms 24 of the second stage 23 are arranged so as to form a sheet of pictograms, for example by being in high numbers and close to each other.

The three-dimensional pictograms 22 of the first floor are for example all illuminated in red by the first light source 32.

The user places his finger on the interface 12, at one of the first three-dimensional pictograms 22, representing for example in the form of an icon a door, a camera or a window. The user activates the command linked to this icon thanks to the second electronic layer 30 (for example activation of the reversing camera), which causes the color of the icon to change. The initially red inactivated icon thus changes to green.

A method of manufacturing the display device 10 is now described, as illustrated in Figures 3A-3D. In a first step (FIG. 3A), the second electronic layer 30 is provided, comprising at least the first light source 32, the third light source 60 and a capacitive electrode 50. Then, we inject (FIG. 3B) on the second layer 30 the first layer 20 translucent. During the injection, the opaque film 19 can be provided.

The next phase (FIG. 3C) consists in injecting onto the second layer 30, on the side opposite the first layer 20, that is to say on the side of the third light source 60, the transparent zone 42 able to guide the light emitted by the third light source 60 through the plane pictogram 34. Note that this injection step can alternatively be carried out before the injection of the first layer 20 on the second layer 30.

Following the supply of the transparent zone 42, the third layer 40 is molded around the transparent zone 42, so as to cover the transparent zone 42 with the third layer 40.

After injection of the first layer 20, a three-dimensional pictogram 22, 24 is engraved by laser (FIG. 3D) in the first layer 20 so that the contour of the three-dimensional pictogram is aligned with the light rays emitted by the third light source 60.

The method is also suitable for a display device comprising several first, second and third light sources 32, 36, 60 and several flat 34 and three-dimensional 22, 24 pictograms.

Claims (12)

Display device (10) for a vehicle, in which are superimposed:
- a first transparent or translucent layer (20) comprising at least a first three-dimensional pictogram (22);
- a second electronic layer (30) comprising a first light source (32) and at least a first capacitive electrode (50), the first light source (32) being configured to illuminate the first three-dimensional pictogram (22), the contour the first three-dimensional pictogram (22) being aligned with the capacitive electrode (50) along a direction (N) normal to said three-dimensional pictogram (22);
wherein the first light source (32) is arranged angularly offset from the first capacitive electrode (50). A display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (20) comprises:
- a first stage (21) comprising the first three-dimensional pictogram (22), and
- a second stage (23) comprising at least one second three-dimensional pictogram (24),
the second electronic layer (30) further comprising a second light source (36) configured to illuminate the second three-dimensional pictogram (24). A display device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first layer (20) comprises a tactile film (52) for activating the first light source (32) and/or the second light source (36) by contact tactile with the tactile film (52) to the right of the capacitive electrode (50). A display device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the first light source (32) and the second light source (36) are arranged parallel to each other such that the first light source (32) illuminates the first three-dimensional pictogram (22) without illuminating the second three-dimensional pictogram (24) and that the second light source (36) illuminates the second three-dimensional pictogram (24), preferably without illuminating the first three-dimensional pictogram (22). A display device (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third layer (40) facing a second side (39) of the second layer (30) opposite a first side (38) of the second layer (30) facing the first layer (20), the second layer (30) further comprising at least one plane pictogram (34) and a third light source (60) directed towards the third layer (40) , the plane pictogram (34) corresponding to a two-dimensional projection of the first three-dimensional pictogram (22), the third light source (60) being shaped to illuminate the plane pictogram (34) and the three-dimensional pictogram (22). A display device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the third layer (40) is shaped to guide the light emitted by the third light source (60) through the plane pictogram (34). A display device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the third layer (40) comprises a reflective interface (44) surrounding a transparent area (42), the reflective interface (44) preferably having a higher reflectance at 80%. Display device (10) according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, in which the first light source (32) is arranged perpendicular to the third light source (60) around the three-dimensional pictogram (22). A display device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein at least two third light sources (60) are shaped to illuminate the same plane pictogram (34) and the associated first three-dimensional pictogram (22) . Method of manufacturing a display device (10), in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:
- providing a layer (30) called the electronic "second layer" comprising a first light source (32) and at least one first capacitive electrode (50),
- injecting onto the second layer (30) a first translucent or transparent layer (20), and
- in the first layer (20), engrave by laser a three-dimensional pictogram (22) in three dimensions so that the outline of the three-dimensional pictogram (22) is aligned with the first capacitive electrode (50). A method of manufacturing a display device according to claim 10 further comprising:
- injecting onto the second layer (30), on the side opposite the first layer (20), a transparent zone (42) able to guide the light emitted by the third light source (60), and
- injecting a reflective interface (44) to form a third layer (40), the transparent zone (42) being covered by the reflective interface (44). Vehicle comprising a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.