Display device for a motor vehicle and method for operating a display device

Abstract

Display device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising - a first screen movable along a trajectory curve (14); - a second screen movable along a second trajectory curve (16); - wherein the trajectories are such that the screens (14, 16) can pass each other when moving along the respective trajectories and can be arranged in at least one merging position in which a lower edge (24) of the first screen (14) is at least substantially in contact with an upper edge (26) of the second screen (16); - an adjustment device (18) designed to arrange the screens (14, 16) in the merged position; - a control device (20) designed to control the screens (14, 16) to display cross-screen content (28) when they are in the merged position, and to control the screens (14, 16) to display independent content (30, 32) when they are not in the merged position; where - the first screen (14) is mounted on the top and the second screen (16) on the bottom of a common rail (22) which is slidably mounted, which defines the respective trajectory curves; or - the screens (14, 16) are arranged on respective swiveling swivel arms (34, 36), whose radii of movement define the respective trajectories, and - the screens (14, 16) are arranged at a respective front longitudinal end of the swivel arms (34, 36), wherein respective rear longitudinal ends of the swivel arms (34, 36) are rotatably mounted about a common axis (38).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display device for a motor vehicle and a method for operating a display device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a display device.

[0002] It is generally known to arrange different screens in motor vehicles to display a wide variety of information. For example, DE 10 2015 009 141 A1 discloses a display device with several flexible screens that can be arranged in different positions relative to each other. The screens are slidably mounted on rails. It is also possible to move the screens so that they are arranged in the same viewing plane. The screens allow for the display of content that spans multiple screens.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2016 213 688 A1 discloses a display device for a motor vehicle. The display device has two displays, at least one of which is pivotably mounted.

[0004] DE 10 2012 010 679 A1 also discloses a display device for a motor vehicle. A display field comprises several elastically deformable sections arranged one above the other.

[0005] DE 10 2010 036 291 A1 discloses a multi-monitor system with at least two monitors and a common control unit for visualizing an image. The system provides that the monitors are connected to a positioning device for changing their relative positions, with sensors for detecting the change in position, the output signals of which are sent to the control unit for automatic adjustment of the monitor configuration.

[0006] German patent DE 20 2018 101 490 U1 describes a vehicle equipment element comprising at least two different screens, wherein the screens extend adjacent to each other in a transverse direction. It is provided that at least one of the screens is movable and, in one position, extends in continuity with the other screen in such a way that a spread-out display zone is formed. In an extended position in which the movable screen is offset relative to the other screen, the screens form two different display zones.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution by which a wide variety of information can be displayed in a particularly flexible manner in the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0008] This problem is solved by a display device for a motor vehicle and by a method for operating such a display device with the features of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

[0009] The display device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a first screen movable along a first trajectory and a second screen movable along a second trajectory. The trajectories are such that the screens can pass each other when moving along their respective trajectories and can be arranged in at least one merging position in which a lower edge of the first screen rests at least substantially against an upper edge of the second screen. Furthermore, the display device comprises an adjustment mechanism designed to arrange the screens in the merging position.Furthermore, the display device includes a control unit designed to control the screens to display content across multiple screens when they are arranged in the merged position, and to control the screens to display independent content when they are not arranged in the merged position.

[0010] The screens can therefore be moved along their respective trajectories so that they can pass each other. For example, when the display device is arranged as intended in a motor vehicle, the respective trajectories may be arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of the vehicle and run in the transverse direction. In this case, the screens can be shifted or moved transversely.

[0011] The arrangement of the screens and their respective trajectories can be chosen, for example, such that the screens are arranged in the same plane spanned by the vehicle's transverse and vertical directions. When the screens are arranged in their merged position, they can be positioned one above the other in the vehicle's vertical direction, so that the lower edge of the first screen is at least substantially in contact with the upper edge of the second screen. In the merged position, the lower edge of the first screen and the upper edge of the second screen can therefore touch. However, it can also be provided that a small gap is maintained between the lower edge of the first screen and the upper edge of the second screen when the merged position is assumed. In the latter case, contact between the screens during passage can be prevented.With regard to the vehicle's transverse direction, it may be designed, for example, that the screens only partially overlap in the merged position. This means that the screens are not arranged one above the other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Regardless of the screen arrangement, it can always be ensured that a vehicle occupant can fully view the respective display areas of the movable screens, and that the screens do not obscure each other.

[0012] Using the display device according to the invention, it is easy to position the respective screens in a wide variety of positions within the vehicle interior. For example, the first screen can be used as a combination instrument in a specific position. In a specific position, the second screen can be positioned, for example, in front of a passenger. In the combined position, the two screens can be arranged, for example, in a central area of ​​a center console, so that content spanning both screens can be displayed by controlling them accordingly. In the combined position, the two screens can thus be used to form a single, large display unit or display area.

[0013] If required, the screens can be arranged at distant positions, for example, relative to the vehicle's transverse direction, so that the driver and passenger can view their respective screens individually. Depending on the driving situation or the requirements of the vehicle occupants, the display device according to the invention makes it very easy to display a wide variety of content independently on the respective screens or to arrange the screens in the aforementioned merging position to provide content across multiple screens with the resulting larger display area.

[0014] Independent content means that each piece of content is always displayed completely on its own screen. This can also mean that the same content is displayed on multiple screens, but not distributed across them. The screens could be, for example, LCD displays or other types of displays.

[0015] If the vehicle in question is, for example, autonomously moving, the two screens can be arranged in their merged position, allowing, for instance, a film to be displayed across both screens. Some pixels of the film will therefore be displayed on the first screen, and some pixels on the second. Of course, other content can also be displayed across both screens when they are arranged in their merged position. The screens can also be positioned, for example, in front of a driver and a passenger, so that, for instance, infotainment content can be displayed for the driver on the first screen and different infotainment content for the passenger on the second screen.

[0016] For example, if the driver is the only occupant and the vehicle is currently being driven autonomously, the two screens can be positioned directly in front of the driver and merged, allowing the driver to view a film across both screens during autonomous driving. Other variations are, of course, also possible.

[0017] Furthermore, the display device can also be used in the rear of the vehicle, in which case the screens can also be arranged in a wide variety of positions, particularly with respect to the vehicle's transverse direction. The trajectories do not necessarily have to run transversely, regardless of whether the screens are located in the front or rear of the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the trajectories run vertically, allowing the screens to be moved vertically. Alternatively, the trajectories can run longitudinally, in which case it might be possible, for example, to move the screens between the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0018] Regardless of the specific path of the trajectory, the display device according to the invention makes it possible to use each screen separately to display independent content, or, if required, to move the screens into their merged position to display cross-screen content with both screens. Overall, the display device according to the invention provides a particularly flexible way to display information in a motor vehicle in a wide variety of ways.

[0019] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the first screen is slidably mounted on a common rail at the top and the second screen at the bottom, with the rail defining their respective trajectories. This allows the screens to be moved relative to each other particularly easily. Since the two screens share the common rail, this results in a particularly space-saving and component-efficient design of the display device.

[0020] Another alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the screens are arranged on respective pivotable swivel arms, the radii of movement of which define the respective trajectories. In this way, the screens can, for example, be pivoted independently of one another in a circular or parabolic path in order to be positioned at a wide variety of locations within the vehicle.

[0021] The screens are arranged at the front longitudinal ends of the swivel arms, with the rear longitudinal ends of the swivel arms being rotatably mounted around a common axis of rotation. The swivel arms can be of equal length. For example, the screens can be arranged vertically, one above the other, with the swivel arms positioned at different heights within the vehicle. With the swivel arms being of equal length, the screens can move along the same parabolic or circular path. Because the swivel arms are rotatably mounted around the common axis, it is particularly easy and precise to position the screens in their merged position.

[0022] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the lower edge of the first screen has the same length as the upper edge of the second screen. It can be provided that, in the merged position, the lower edge of the first screen is positioned in the same way, relative to the vehicle's transverse direction, as the upper edge of the second screen. This makes it particularly easy to display the aforementioned cross-screen content. However, it is also possible for the lower edge of the first screen and the upper edge of the second screen to have different dimensions. The screens can have the same size with respect to their respective display areas, but this is not a requirement. In their merged position, the screens can also be arranged, for example, slightly offset from each other in the vehicle direction, with only a portion of the respective display areas of the screens effectively merging into one another.Even in this case, it is possible to display cross-screen content using the two screens when they are arranged in their merged position.

[0023] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the trajectory curves extend from the driver's seat to the passenger seat. This makes it possible to position the screens at various locations across the entire width of the vehicle. As mentioned above, the trajectory curves can also extend through the vehicle interior in any other way.

[0024] According to a further possible embodiment of the invention, the display device includes a sensor designed to detect the respective position of the screens and to transmit position data characterizing that position to the control unit, which is designed to control the screens taking this position data into account. The control unit thus has information at all times about how the screens are positioned relative to each other, so that, with this data, it can also detect when the screens are arranged in their merged position.

[0025] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises the display device according to the invention and a possible embodiment of the display device according to the invention.

[0026] In the inventive method for operating the inventive display device or a possible embodiment of the inventive display device, the control unit controls the screens to display content spanning multiple screens when they are arranged in the merged position, and the control unit controls the screens to display independent content when they are not arranged in the merged position. Possible embodiments of the inventive display device are to be regarded as possible embodiments of the inventive method and vice versa, wherein the display device in particular comprises means for carrying out the method steps.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and possible embodiments of the invention are given in the following description of the figures. The features and combinations of features disclosed above in the description and below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures themselves can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a display device having two screens that can be arranged in different positions within a vehicle interior; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a first possible embodiment of the display device, wherein the two screens are arranged translationally movable on a common rail on the top and bottom sides; Fig. 3 a perspective view of another possible embodiment of the display device, wherein the two screens are arranged on respective swiveling arms.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been provided with the same reference symbols.

[0030] A motor vehicle 10 is shown in a schematic representation in Fig. Figure 1 shows the motor vehicle 10 comprising a display device 12 with a first screen 14 and a second screen 16. The two screens 14 and 16 can be moved along their respective trajectories (not shown here). The display device 12 also includes an adjustment device 18, which is designed to move the screens 14 and 16 along their respective trajectories. Furthermore, the display device 12 includes a control device 20, which is designed to control the screens 14 and 16 to display various types of content.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a first possible embodiment of the display device 12. In this figure, the two screens 14 and 16 are slidably mounted on a common rail 22, one on the top and the other on the bottom, respectively. The rail 22 defines the respective paths along which the screens 14 and 16 can be moved. The rail 22 can, for example, extend laterally across the vehicle 10, so that the screens 14 and 16 can be positioned, for example, directly in front of a driver and a passenger, respectively.

[0032] Screens 14 and 16 are always shown in duplicate. The trajectories along which screens 14 and 16 can be moved are such that they can pass each other. The first screen 14 can therefore be moved from left to right, and the second screen 16 can also be moved from right to left or vice versa, without the screens 14 and 16 colliding. Screens 14 and 16 can be arranged in at least one merged position in which a lower edge 24 of the first screen 14 is at least substantially in contact with an upper edge 26 of the second screen 16, as shown in the center of the diagram.

[0033] The adjustment device 18 can move the two screens 14, 16 along the rail 22, in particular electrically. The control device 20 is designed to control the screens 14, 16 to display cross-screen content 28 when they are arranged in their merged position. The cross-screen content 28 could, for example, be a film, with some pixels of the film being displayed by the first screen 14 and some pixels of the film by the second screen 16. If required, the two screens 14, 16 can thus be moved into the merged position, thereby providing an enlarged display area. The control device 18 is also designed to control the screens 14, 16 to display independent content 30, 32 when they are not arranged in the merged position.This means that the respective contents 30, 32 are fully displayed using the respective screens 14, 16, without requiring the other screen 30, 32.

[0034] The first screen 14 can, for example, be positioned directly in front of the driver, while the second screen 16 can be positioned directly in front of the passenger. In this configuration, it is possible to display independent content 30 and 32 to the driver and passenger. However, "independent" does not mean that the driver and passenger cannot also display the exact same content using both screens 14 and 16. Rather, "independent" means that, unless arranged in their merged position, screens 14 and 16 display their respective content 30 and 32 separately. In contrast, when displaying content 28 across multiple screens, the two screens 14 and 16 jointly handle the display of that content.

[0035] For example, screen 14 may be positioned directly in front of the driver, while screen 16 is located in the area of ​​a center console. If, for instance, the driver and front passenger are seated in the vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10 is driving autonomously, the two screens 14 and 16 may be arranged in their merged position centrally in the area of ​​a center console with respect to the vehicle's transverse direction, so that both the driver and front passenger have an equally good view of both screens 14 and 16 while the cross-screen content 28 is displayed. If, for example, the driver is driving alone in the vehicle 10 while it is moving autonomously, the two screens 14 and 16 may also be arranged in their merged position directly in front of the driver, so that the driver can, for example, watch the cross-screen content 28 in the form of a film or the like.Further variations are of course also possible. The screens 14, 16 can also be arranged, for example, in a rear compartment of the vehicle 10, whereby vehicle occupants sitting in the rear compartment can then use the screens 14, 16 in an analogous manner to either display the content 30, 32 separately or the cross-screen content 28.

[0036] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a second possible embodiment of the display device 12, partially shown in a perspective view. In the present case, the two screens 14, 16 are not mounted on the rail 22 in a translationally displaceable manner. Instead, swivel arms 34, 36 are provided, to which the screens 14, 16 are each attached. The swivel arms 34, 36 are pivotably mounted about a common axis 38 in the region of a rear longitudinal end, with the screens 14, 16 being arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the swivel arms 34, 36. The respective radii of movement of the swivel arms 34, 36 thus define the respective trajectories of the screens 14, 16 in this case.

[0037] Here too, it is possible for the screens 14, 16 to be arranged in a merged position, as indicated here in the center. The merged position need not be centered, of course; it can also be, for example, at the far left, far right, or at any other position. This embodiment of the display device 12 can also be arranged in various locations within the vehicle 10, particularly in the front or rear.

[0038] All embodiments of the display device 12 can include a sensor device (not shown in detail here) designed to detect the respective position of the screens 14 and 16 and transmit position data characterizing these positions to the control device 20, which is designed to control the screens 14 and 16 taking the position data into account. The sensor device can, for example, also be part of the adjustment device 18. However, it is also possible that the sensor device includes other sensors that are not part of the adjustment device 18.

Claims

[1] Display device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising - a first screen (14) movable along a first trajectory curve; - a second screen (16) movable along a second trajectory curve; - wherein the trajectories extend in such a way that the screens (14, 16) can pass each other during a movement along the respective trajectories and can be arranged in at least one merging position in which a lower edge (24) of the first screen (14) rests at least substantially against an upper edge (26) of the second screen (16); - an adjusting device (18) which is designed to arrange the screens (14, 16) in the merging position; - a control device (20) which is designed to control the screens (14, 16) to display cross-screen content (28) when they are arranged in the merging position, and to control the screens (14, 16) to display mutually independent content (30, 32) when they are not arranged in the merging position; where - the first screen (14) on the top and the second screen (16) on the bottom are movably mounted on a common rail (22) which defines the respective trajectories; or - the screens (14, 16) are arranged on respective pivotable pivot arms (34, 36), the movement radii of which predetermine the respective trajectories, and - the screens (14, 16) are arranged at a respective front longitudinal end of the pivot arms (34, 36), wherein respective rear longitudinal ends of the pivot arms (34, 36) are mounted so as to be rotatable about a common axis (38). [2] Display device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by that the lower edge (24) of the first screen (14) has the same length as the upper edge (26) of the second screen (16). [3] Display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the track curves extend from a driver's seat to a passenger seat. [4] Display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the display device (12) has a sensor device which is designed to detect a respective position of the screens (14, 16) and to transmit position data characterizing the respective positions to the control device (20), which is designed to control the screens (14, 16) taking into account the position data. [5] Motor vehicle (10) with a display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Method for operating a display device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the control device (20) controls the screens (14, 16) to display a cross-screen content (28) when they are arranged in the merging position, and controls the screens (14, 16) to display mutually independent contents (30, 32) when they are not arranged in the merging position.

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