Display device, motor vehicle having the same, and method for displaying display content

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (10) comprising a display screen arrangement (12) and a storage volume (14). The display screen arrangement (12) is arranged in such a way that the display screen arrangement can be moved out of and into an interior space (30) of the storage volume (14) through an opening (16) of the storage volume (14) along a predetermined movement direction (18) between a storage position and at least one use position different from the storage position. The display device (10) has a support element (36) which extends from the opening (16) along the predetermined movement direction (18) away from the interior space (30) of the storage volume (14) and is designed to mechanically support the display screen arrangement (12) when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device having a display screen arrangement for displaying display content. The display device is particularly suitable for displaying display content in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a display device of the type described below and a method for displaying display content using the display device. Background Art

[0002] In the course of technological development, particularly with regard to the development of semi- or fully autonomous vehicles, there is a trend towards larger displays or display devices in the passenger compartment, designed to provide viewers with a wider range of display content or information. This includes not only driving and / or vehicle-related information, such as current driving speed and / or route data (navigation data), but also entertainment options, such as games and / or movies. As a result, the size of the display or monitor is not always optimally matched to the corresponding display content. Consequently, it can happen that information that could otherwise be displayed on a relatively small area is displayed on an unnecessarily large display or monitor, which can negatively impact the viewer's view of traffic events. If a smaller display is chosen to avoid this effect, for example, a movie may not be displayed at the desired image size. Therefore, there is a need for display devices with a display that can be sized differently.

[0003] DE 10 2014 006 338 A1 and DE 101 15 050 A1 each disclose a display device for a motor vehicle or other means of transport having a display screen of variable size. The display screens are each mounted so that they can be moved from a housing into the passenger compartment. Since the display screens described are flexible or bendable, a corresponding mechanical support element arrangement must be provided to mechanically support the respective display screen. When the respective display screen is moved, the support element arrangement is carried or dragged along with it. A disadvantage of the described display devices is that the corresponding support element arrangement has moving parts and is therefore susceptible to wear.

[0004] DE 10 2015 011 614 A1 also describes a display device for a motor vehicle with a flexible display screen. The flexible display element is supported by a plate-shaped support element and can be moved into different positions by pivoting the support element. However, there is no housing provided to store the display screen and thus protect it from external influences. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a low-wear and robust display device for a motor vehicle having a display screen with adjustable size.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0007] The present invention provides a display device of the type described in the introduction. The display device comprises a display screen arrangement or display screen and a storage volume. The storage volume can be designed as a storage container or housing, in particular, as an at least partially open housing having at least one opening. The storage volume can have one or more open sides. The display screen arrangement is arranged such that it can be moved into and out of the interior of the storage volume through the opening of the storage volume along a predetermined movement direction between a storage position and at least one usage position different from the storage position.

[0008] If the display device is used in a motor vehicle, it can preferably be provided that the display device is arranged in the area of ​​the control panel or dashboard of the motor vehicle. The display device is preferably installed in the motor vehicle such that the display device can be moved from a storage position, which is not visible or not fully visible to the respective occupants or observers of the motor vehicle, to a use position in the passenger compartment, which is at least partially visible.

[0009] Due to the movable placement of the display, a display area can be provided as needed and tailored to the display content. Therefore, the size of the display area can be selected and adjusted as needed. For example, the size of the display screen device can be selected and adjusted based on the space requirements of the display content. In other words, the location of the display screen device can be selected as needed and tailored to the display content.

[0010] The display device preferably includes a display for displaying display content. The display preferably has a continuous display area. The display area is preferably formed or provided by a display layer for displaying pixel-based display content. Such a display layer may be, for example, an OLED layer (organic light-emitting diode).

[0011] According to the invention, the display device has a support element, which extends from an opening in a predetermined direction of movement away from the interior of the storage volume and is designed to mechanically support the display device when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume. The support element is designed as a fixed support element, which can be realized, for example, as a support plate or a support arm or an arrangement consisting of at least two support arms. The support element is attached to the opening of the storage volume. Starting from the opening or from the attachment point at the opening, the support element extends away from the interior of the storage volume or the storage container. The support element can also be designed as a support wedge, wherein the end side of the support wedge extends from the opening in a predetermined direction of movement away from the interior of the storage volume. In any case, the support element is designed to mechanically support the display device when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume.

[0012] Compared to known solutions, the support element is designed to be fixed or have a fixed height. In other words, the shape of the support element itself is constant. This advantageously reduces the wear and tear of the entire display device.

[0013] The present invention also includes embodiments that produce additional advantages.

[0014] One embodiment provides that the support element has at least one guide element, wherein the display device is forcibly guided in the extension of the support element along the predetermined direction of movement by means of the at least one guide element. The guide element can be designed, for example, as a linear guide element. The linear guide element can be designed, for example, as a clamp that at least partially surrounds the display device. The display device particularly preferably has lateral elongated hole guides, into which the lateral legs of the clamp engage. This advantageously ensures that the display device does not tilt or get stuck when moving along the predetermined direction of movement. This is particularly advantageous when the display device needs to be moved from a storage position into a use position that protrudes outside the support element or beyond a fixed height of the support element.

[0015] Another embodiment provides that the display device includes a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism is configured to move the display device between a storage position and at least one operating position different from the storage position in response to a control signal. For example, the control signal can be coupled to the display content. In other words, a control device, such as a control device of a motor vehicle, can be configured to generate and transmit the control signal to the display device based on the size of the display device required to display the corresponding display content.

[0016] Preferably, the pivot mechanism is arranged in the interior of the storage volume and is designed to continuously move the display device from the storage position to at least one intermediate position and hold it there in response to a control signal. The pivot mechanism may, for example, include a central drive unit and a pivot arm. The pivot arm is preferably connected to the drive unit at a first end and to the bottom region of the display device at a second end, located opposite the first end. An exemplary arrangement of the drive unit and the pivot arm is described in detail below.

[0017] Another embodiment provides that the display device includes a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area. The first display area of ​​the display device has a first height and a first inherent stiffness. The second display area has a second height and a second inherent stiffness, wherein the second inherent stiffness is reduced relative to the first inherent stiffness. The second inherent stiffness may be reduced by 30% to 70% compared to the first inherent stiffness. The second inherent stiffness is preferably 50% of the first inherent stiffness. In other words, the inherent stiffness of the display device in the second display area is preferably half of the inherent stiffness in the first display area. The first inherent stiffness is preferably selected such that the display device is designed to be automatically stable or dimensionally stable within the first display area, particularly without external mechanical support. In contrast, the second inherent stiffness is preferably selected such that the display device is unstable within the second display area. In other words, the display device is designed to be bendable or flexible within the second display area. In other words, the display device can bend within the second display area when an external force is applied, such as by touch manipulation by an observer.

[0018] The display device is preferably arranged in the storage volume in a manner that is at least partially curved in the second display area. The advantage obtained by the described bendability of the display device in the second display area is that the display device can be stored in the storage volume or storage container in a particularly space-saving manner and in a curved or even rolled-up state.

[0019] Preferably, the first inherent stiffness is contributed by a carrier layer which is arranged in the first display area on the display device and is reinforced in terms of material and / or structure. In other words, the reinforced carrier layer is attached to the back side of the display device arranged opposite the display layer inside the first display area. The carrier layer can be formed, for example, of hard plastic or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. It can also have structural elements or pillars for structural reinforcement. As mentioned above, the display layer is preferably designed as a flexible OLED layer. Such an OLED layer is flexible or bendable. In the first display area, the display device preferably has a layer composite structure consisting of an OLED layer and a reinforced carrier layer, while in the second display area, the reinforced carrier layer is completely or partially missing, and the display device only has a flexible OLED layer. This makes it possible to provide a continuous display layer, which however has different inherent stiffnesses locally.

[0020] A particularly advantageous refinement provides that the fixed height of the support element corresponds at least to the first height of the first display area, wherein the upper edge of the first display area is flush with the upper edge of the support element in the storage position. In other words, the support element and the first display area in the storage position are substantially at the same height. On the other hand, in the use position and / or the intermediate position, the first display area preferably extends at least partially beyond the upper edge of the support element, wherein the second display area, which is designed to be flexible, is at least partially supported by the support element and can thus advantageously withstand, for example, touch manipulation by a user.

[0021] Therefore, the display device preferably comprises a display screen device having a touch-sensitive sensor layer. In other words, the display screen device is designed as a touch-sensitive display or a touch display or a touch screen. The display screen device is supported by the support element described in such a way that touch operation of the display screen device is possible.

[0022] The present invention also includes a motor vehicle having a display device of the aforementioned type. The motor vehicle according to the present invention is preferably designed as an automobile, in particular as a passenger car or commercial vehicle, or as a bus or motorcycle. As mentioned at the outset, the display device is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the control panel or instrument panel of the motor vehicle. In particular, the display device can be arranged concealed beneath the control panel, so that the display screen arrangement in the stowed position is not visible or only partially visible to the vehicle occupants.

[0023] The present invention also includes a method for displaying display content with the aid of a display device, wherein the display device includes a display device and a storage volume, wherein the display device is arranged in such a way that the display device can be moved out of the interior space of the storage volume and into the interior space of the storage volume along a predetermined movement direction between a storage position and at least one usage position different from the storage position through an opening of the storage volume.

[0024] The method according to the invention is characterized in that a supporting element is provided which extends in a predetermined displacement direction starting from the opening away from the interior of the storage volume and mechanically supports the display device when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume.

[0025] The present invention also includes improvements of the method according to the invention, which have the features already described in conjunction with the improvements of the display device according to the invention and / or the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements of the method according to the invention will not be described in detail here.

[0026] The present invention also includes the aforementioned control device for a motor vehicle. The control device includes a processor device configured to execute an embodiment of the method according to the present invention. To this end, the processor device may include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or at least one DSP (digital signal processor). Furthermore, the processor device may include program code configured to execute an embodiment of the method according to the present invention when executed by the processor device. The program code is stored in a data memory of the processor device.

[0027] The invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section through a display device is shown, wherein the display screen arrangement is in a possible storage position;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device and a supporting element;

[0031] Figure 3 Schematically shows a display device having a display screen arrangement at least partially pushed out of a storage volume;

[0032] Figure 4 schematically shows a portion of a motor vehicle having a display device arranged in the motor vehicle; and

[0033] Figure 5 A method for displaying display content is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are each individual, independently considered features of the present invention, and these features also independently improve the present invention. Therefore, the present disclosure also includes feature combinations that differ from the feature combinations of the illustrated embodiments. In addition, the embodiments may also be supplemented by other features from the already described features of the present invention.

[0035] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements with the same function.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section through a display device 10 is shown. Display device 10 includes a display device 12 and a storage volume 14 designed as a storage container. Display device 12 can be moved or pushed back and forth between a storage position and a usage position through an opening 16 in storage volume 14 along a predetermined movement direction 18. Display device 10 can include a pivot mechanism 20 having a drive unit 22 and a pivot arm 24 mounted on drive unit 22. Pivot arm 24 can be attached to one end of display device 12.

[0037] To move the display device 12 along the displacement direction 18, a rotational force 23 can be transmitted from the drive unit 22 to the pivot arm 24 and thereby to the end of the display device 12. The rotational force 23 can be generated, for example, based on a control signal 26 transmitted from a control device 28 to the display device 10. The pivot mechanism 20 is preferably arranged in an interior 30 of the display device 10, in particular in the storage volume 14, and can continuously and in accordance with the control signal 26 push the display device 12 out of the storage volume 14 and retract it into the storage volume 14 along the displacement direction 18.

[0038] also, Figure 1 A support element 36 is shown which is attached to the opening 16 and extends away from the interior 30 of the storage volume 14 .

[0039] Figure 1 The arrangement of the display device 12 in the storage position is shown by way of example. The storage position shown is characterized in that the upper edge 32 of the display device 12 is flush with the upper edge 34 of the support element 36. Figure 1 In the storage position shown, the support element 36 is not visible to the eye 38 of an observer or user.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the storage position shown, the first display area 42 at least largely protrudes from the interior 30 of the storage volume 14, while the second display area 44 is stored in a curved manner in the storage volume 14. Figure 1As shown, the display device 12 can be designed to be flexible or bendable within the second display area 44. In contrast, within the first display area 42, the display device 12 preferably has increased inherent stiffness relative to the second display area 44. This increased inherent stiffness can be achieved by placing a carrier layer 46 on the back side. A display layer 48, which is used to display pixel-based display content on the display device 12, is arranged on the side of the display device 12 facing away from the carrier layer 46 and toward the viewer's eye 38. The display layer 48 can extend over the entire length of the display device, that is, across the first display area 42 and the second display area 44. This ensures that the display content is properly displayed.

[0041] An elongated hole 50 can be integrated into the display device 12 between the carrier layer 46 and the display layer 48 . The elongated hole 50 can serve as a joining point for the guide element 40 .

[0042] Therefore, guide elements 40 may be provided in order to guide the display device 12 when it is moved along the displacement direction 18 .

[0043] Reference Combination Figure 1 Parts marked and described, Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 12 is shown with a guide element 40 which is guided laterally in an elongated hole 50 in the display device 12 .

[0044] Reference Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 Parts marked and described, Figure 3 The display device 12 is shown arranged in a use position that is different from the storage position. In the use position, the display device 12 can be pushed out of the storage volume 14 in such a way that the first display area 42 extends completely or at least almost completely outside the support element 36. In other words, in the use position, the display device 12 can be pushed out of the storage volume 14 in such a way that the first display area 42 extends completely or at least almost completely outside the support element 36. Figure 3 In the illustrated use position, the first display area 42 at least partially extends beyond the upper edge 34 of the support element 36. Furthermore, the second display area 44 is at least partially supported by the support element 36. Thus, in the use position, an enlarged display area can be provided for the viewer's eye 38.

[0045] In the described storage position, the observer can, for example, select navigation software on the display device 12 designed as a touch screen. Due to this selection, the control device 28 can send a corresponding control signal 26 to the display device 10. The drive unit 22 can then exert a rotational force 23 on the swing arm 24 and thus move the display device 12 from the storage position to the display device 10. Figure 3 The map display of the selected navigation software can then advantageously be displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The parts shown and described in Figure 4 An exemplary arrangement possibility of a display device 10 in a motor vehicle 52 is shown. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the display device 10 is exemplarily integrated into a control panel 54 of a motor vehicle 52. In other words, the surface 56 of the control panel 54 forms part of the storage volume 14 or storage container. Thus, the display device 12 can be moved through the opening 16 in the surface 56 of the control panel 54.

[0047] Figure 5 A method for displaying display content using a display device 10 is schematically illustrated. In a first method step S1, a display device 10 having a display device 12 and a storage volume 14 is provided. The display device 12 is arranged so that it can be moved through an opening 16 of the storage volume 14 along a predetermined movement direction 18 from and into the interior 30 of the storage volume 14 between a storage position and at least one usage position different from the storage position. In a method step S2, a support element 36 is provided for the display device 10. The support element 36 extends from the opening 16 along the predetermined movement direction 18 away from the interior 30 of the storage volume 14. In a method step S3, the display device 10 is ejected from the interior 30 in response to a control signal 26. The support element 36 mechanically supports the display device 12. In a method step S4, an enlarged display content can then be displayed on the thus ejected display device 12.

[0048] In a preferred arrangement, the first rigid part or first display area of ​​the display device described is located outside the control panel structure of the motor vehicle. The second part or second display area is preferably designed to be flexible and can be moved out using a suitable kinematic structure or a pivoting mechanism. The housing or storage volume can be designed to have a support structure or supporting element on the back side, which is at the same height as the rigid part in the non-removed state or in the storage position. The support structure is then not visually perceptible to the observer. If the flexible part or second display area is moved out, the entire unit or the entire display device can be supported on the housing's support structure for touch operation.

[0049] Overall, these examples show how the present invention can provide an arrangement for a removable or displaceably mounted flexible or bendable display.

Claims

1. A display device (10) comprising a display screen device (12) and a storage volume (14), wherein: The display device (12) is arranged in such a way that the display device can be moved out of and into the interior (30) of the storage volume (14) through an opening (16) of the storage volume (14) along a predetermined movement direction (18) between a storage position and at least one use position different from the storage position. It is characterized by: The display device (10) has a supporting element (36) which extends along a predetermined displacement direction (18) from the opening (16) away from the interior (30) of the storage volume (14) and is designed to mechanically support the display device (12) when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume (14). The display device (12) has a first display area (42) and a second display area (44) adjacent to the first display area (42), wherein the first display area has a first height and a first inherent stiffness, and the second display area has a second height and a second inherent stiffness that is reduced relative to the first inherent stiffness, wherein the display device (12) is arranged in the storage volume (14) in a manner that is at least partially curved within the second display area (44).

2. The display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The support element (36) has at least one guide element (40), wherein the display device (12) is forcibly guided in the extension of the support element (36) along a predetermined movement direction (18) by means of the at least one guide element (40).

3. The display device (10) according to claim 1, comprising a pivot mechanism (20), wherein: The pivot mechanism (20) is designed to move the display device (12) between the storage position and the at least one use position according to a control signal (26).

4. The display device (10) according to claim 3, wherein The at least one pivoting mechanism (20) is arranged in an interior space (30) of the storage volume (14) and is designed to continuously move the display device (12) from a storage position to at least one intermediate position in response to a control signal (26) and to hold the display device there.

5. The display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The first inherent stiffness is achieved by a materially and / or structurally reinforced carrier layer (46) arranged in a first display area (42) on the display device (12).

6. The display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The height of the support element (36) corresponds at least to a first height of the first display area (42), wherein the upper edge (32) of the first display area (42) is flush with the upper edge (34) of the support element (36) in the storage position, wherein in the use position and / or the intermediate position, the first display area (42) at least partially protrudes beyond the upper edge (34) of the support element (36), and the second display area (44) is at least partially supported by the support element (36).

7. A display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The display screen device (12) has a touch-sensitive sensor layer.

8. A motor vehicle (52) having a display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for displaying content by means of a display device (10), wherein: The display device (10) comprises a display device (12) and a storage volume (14), wherein the display device (12) is arranged in such a way that the display device can be moved out of and into the interior (30) of the storage volume (14) through an opening (16) of the storage volume (14) along a predetermined movement direction (18) between a storage position and at least one use position different from the storage position. It is characterized by: providing a support element (36) which extends from the opening (16) in a predetermined direction of movement (18) away from the interior (30) of the storage volume (14) and mechanically supports the display device (12) when it is at least partially pushed out of the storage volume (14), The display device (12) has a first display area (42) and a second display area (44) adjacent to the first display area (42), wherein the first display area has a first height and a first inherent stiffness, and the second display area has a second height and a second inherent stiffness that is reduced relative to the first inherent stiffness, wherein the display device (12) is arranged in the storage volume (14) in a manner that is at least partially curved within the second display area (44).

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