Display device with flexible screen element and elastic tension element for uniform tensioning and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (1) having a flexible screen element (2) with a screen surface (3) and two frame elements (5, 6), which are movable relative to one another, wherein a first frame element (6) of the frame elements is arranged on a first side (8) of the flexible screen element (2) and a second frame element (5) of the frame elements is arranged on a second side (7) of the flexible screen element (2) which is opposite the first side (8). In order to achieve an improved operation of the flexible screen and thus an improved service life, an elastic tension element (9) is provided via which the first side (8) of the screen element (2) is arranged at the first frame element (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device having a flexible screen element with a screen surface and two frame elements movable relative to each other and framing the flexible screen element. A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having such a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Screens in motor vehicles are becoming increasingly large and are positioned in various locations within the vehicle's interior space. In particular, such screens are located in the driver's cabin area, such as on the center console and / or on the dashboard. For better integration into the vehicle's interior space, it is advantageous that the screens be designed to be variable in size, for example, through extendable and retractable designs. For this reason, flexible screens are known, for example. Furthermore, it is advantageous that such screens are touch-sensitive or touch-operable.

[0003] Typically, flexible screens are firmly bonded to a fixed carrier or a fixed carrier unit. In other words, a very thin and flexible screen surface can be mounted on a fixed carrier. A disadvantage here is that the flexible screen surface must be mounted on the carrier without air bubbles. Additionally, flexible carriers are known. An additional disadvantage is that bending or movement of the carrier can lead to high mechanical loads on the screen surface or the driving electronic devices used to manipulate the screen surface.

[0004] For example, GB 25 03 337 A discloses a cover for a loading space, wherein a display unit is arranged on one side of a flexible cover. For example, the cover may have a roller shutter.

[0005] Furthermore, a mobile electronic device is known in WO 2015 / 140 785A1, which has a processor and a screen unit with an elastic material, wherein the screen unit is capable of switching between a first state of the screen unit being stretched and a second state of the screen unit being contracted.

[0006] Finally, DE 11 2009 005 391 T5 discloses an extendable flexible display screen installed in a vehicle seat. The screen extends from the interior space of the seat through a slit. The screen is a roll-up screen. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to achieve improved operation of flexible screens and thus improved lifespan.

[0008] This objective is achieved by means of the subject matter according to the invention. The invention includes several advantageous embodiments with suitable improvements.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a display device comprising a flexible screen element having a screen surface and two frame elements movable relative to each other, wherein a first frame element is disposed on a first side of the flexible screen element, and a second frame element is disposed on a second side of the flexible screen element opposite to the first side. According to the invention, the display device has an elastic stretching element via which the first side of the screen element is disposed at the first frame element.

[0010] Two frame elements (i.e., a first frame element and a second frame element) are configured to support the flexible screen element, particularly the screen surface. In other words, at least in the usage state of the display device, the purpose of the two frame elements is to transfer the flexible screen element, particularly the screen surface, to a flat state without creases. For this purpose, the two frame elements are arranged, in particular, on two opposite sides of the flexible screen element. Specifically, they are configured such that, at least in the usage state, the two frame elements extend parallel to each other. Here, such a state is considered the usage state, in which the display device displays content to the viewer on the screen surface.

[0011] It is feasible to allow the display device to be moved between a used state and a stored state. Specifically, the flexible screen element is configured to require less space in the stored state compared to the used state. However, alternatively, the display device can be configured to be immovable and exist in a prescribed installation state except in the used state. In this case, it is particularly not configured to transfer the display device to the stored state.

[0012] A resilient stretching element connects a first side of the screen element to a first frame element. In other words, the first side of the stretching element can be positioned at the first side of the screen element, and the second side of the resilient stretching element can be positioned at the first frame element. Specifically, the first and second sides of the stretching element are positioned opposite each other. Furthermore, the resilient stretching element is preferably flat. For example, the resilient stretching element is shaped in a rectangular form, wherein the height or thickness of the stretching element is negligible compared to its extension in both spatial directions. In this case, the first and second sides of the stretching element are preferably different sides of a rectangular stretching element.

[0013] Generally, an elastic tension element connects the flexible screen element to the first frame element. In other words, the screen element is arranged or fixed to the first frame element, particularly via the tension element. Therefore, there is no direct fixation of the screen element to the first frame element. Due to the elasticity of the tension element, the tension element achieves tension of the screen element by the elastic force resulting from the elasticity. For example, the elastic tension element may have one or more rubber bands, one or more helical springs, or one or more stretchable surfaces for this purpose. In particular, the tension element is constructed as a stretchable surface.

[0014] The elasticity of the tension element is greater than that of the screen element. This is particularly applicable considering that the screen element is essentially inelastic. For example, the tension element can have a linear elastic correlation between stress and strain, such as according to Hooke's Law. Additionally, the elastic modulus of the tension element can be described by an elastic sensor. In particular, the elastic modulus of the tension element is smaller than that of the screen element. The elastic tension element generates a uniform force introduced into the flexible screen element by applying a tension force to the first frame element. In this way, load peaks at various points on the screen element can be avoided or reduced. Furthermore, because strain and the resulting tension force on the screen element are provided by the elastic tension element, the tensioning of the flexible screen element can be simplified using a defined tension force. In this way, the tension element enables the tension force on the screen element to be adjusted according to strain and, in particular, the distance between the first and second frame elements. In other words, it makes it possible to simplify the tensioning of the display device or flexible screen element by adjusting or presetting the distance between the two frame elements.

[0015] According to an improved configuration, the tensioning element is fixed to the screen element along its entire length on the first side. In other words, the entire first side of the screen element is preferably connected to the tensioning element. This results in a flexible screen element utilizing a particularly uniform loading of tension force.

[0016] According to an improved configuration, the tensioning element is fixed to the first frame element along the entire length of the first side of the screen element. In other words, it is specifically configured such that the tensioning element is connected to the first frame element along the entire length of the first side of the screen element. In this way, a more uniform force is introduced into the screen element to achieve the tension.

[0017] According to an improved configuration, the flexible screen element has a flexible substrate on which a screen surface is coated. In other words, the screen surface is applied or coated onto the flexible substrate of the screen element as a coating. In particular, the screen surface is provided by organic light-emitting diodes (so-called OLEDs). In other words, the flexible substrate may be coated with multiple organic light-emitting diodes to provide the screen surface. In this way, a particularly thin and flexible screen element is produced. In the case of organic light-emitting diodes, the display device is particularly implemented as a so-called OLED screen. To ensure the high flexibility of the screen element, it can be configured such that the screen element has only a substrate with a coating generated by the screen surface in the area of ​​the screen surface. Here, the substrate is preferably a thin film constructed to accommodate the coating generated by the screen surface. For example, the thickness of the substrate or thin film together with the screen surface can be 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Therefore, the flexible screen element is particularly 0.5 mm to 1 mm thick, which is preferably applicable in the area of ​​the screen surface.

[0018] According to an improved design, the flexible screen element has flexible driving units for manipulating the screen surface, particularly the individual pixels on the screen surface. In other words, the driving units (by means of manipulating the individual pixels on the screen surface) are also designed flexibly. In this way, the driving units are arranged as close as possible to the screen surface. This has the advantage that the corresponding lines for manipulating the individual pixels from the driving units can be implemented with particularly short and therefore low damping. In particular, the flexible driving units are connected to each pixel on the screen surface via at least two lines respectively. Therefore, in this case, the total number of lines between the driving units and the corresponding pixels corresponds to at least twice the number of pixels on the screen surface. The background is that each pixel must be individually manipulated by the driving unit to present screen content.

[0019] According to one improved embodiment, the carrier unit is arranged on the same substrate as the screen surface. In other words, the screen surface and the flexible driving unit are arranged on the same flexible substrate. In this way, the line length for manipulating individual pixels from the driving unit can be further reduced. According to another improved embodiment, the display device has a housing unit in which the flexible screen element is housed when the display device is in a retracted state. In particular, the housing unit is essentially implemented as a housing, configured to house the flexible screen element in the retracted state. In another design, the display device may have a mechanism configured to transfer the flexible display element between the retracted state and the use state. In particular, the mechanism is configured to move one of the two frame elements, especially the second frame element, relative to the other frame element to open the screen surface. This mechanism may also be configured to move the flexible screen element into the housing unit in the retracted state.

[0020] According to an improved configuration, in the usage state of the display device, the screen elements are extended, wherein, in the usage state, the stretching elements and optionally the drive unit are arranged within the retractable unit. In other words, in the usage state of the display device, the stretching elements are arranged within the retractable unit, while the screen surface is arranged outside the retractable unit and is particularly taut. In this way, even when the display device is in use, the stretching elements can be concealed within the retractable unit. This allows for improved integration into the vehicle's interior space. Optionally, when the display device is in use, the drive unit can also be arranged within the retractable unit. In this way, it can be ensured that, in the usage state, the space occupied by the display device outside the retractable unit is occupied by the screen surface to the greatest extent possible. In other words, this improves the ratio between the space requirements outside the retractable unit and the screen surface.

[0021] According to an improved embodiment, the display device has a fixed carrier unit, the upper side of which can be fixed or secured to a second frame element. The carrier unit provides a particularly convex carrier surface for surface support of the flexible screen element. In other words, in the use state of the display device, the flexible screen element or screen surface is tensioned or supported by the carrier surface. Here, to improve support or tension, the carrier surface is particularly convex towards the screen element. The embodiment of the display device with the carrier unit is independent of whether the display device can be moved between the use state and the storage state. In other words, if there is no movement of the display element between the use state and the storage state, a fixed carrier unit can also be provided. In this case, the second frame element is particularly securely and therefore non-removably fixed to the surface of the carrier unit. The first frame element can be arranged on the lower side of the carrier unit opposite to the upper side. In another design, the first frame element and / or the second frame element can be provided by the carrier unit. In this case, for example, a one-piece embodiment with the first frame element and / or the second frame element and the carrier unit can be provided. Because of the fixed carrier unit or its carrier surface, the outline of the screen element, i.e., the outline of the carrier surface, can be imprinted. Furthermore, the stability of the screen element is improved. Moreover, a flexible screen element can be implemented as a touch-sensitive screen using such a carrier unit. In other words, the screen surface can be constructed to be touch-sensitive. In this case, an operation signal can be generated based on the manipulation of the touch-sensitive screen surface. For example, the display device has a control unit constructed for this purpose. The touch-sensitive screen surface can be manipulated in an improved manner by means of the carrier unit or by support from the carrier surface.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a display device as described within the scope of this application. In particular, the display device is arranged in the driver's cabin area of ​​the motor vehicle, preferably on the dashboard or center console.

[0023] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as an automobile, especially a passenger car or a truck or freight vehicle, or a passenger bus or a motorcycle.

[0024] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the embodiments described. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A display device in its unstressed state is shown, which has a flexible screen element framed by two frame elements; and

[0027] Figure 2 The display device is shown in a tensioned state. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are each feature of the invention that should be considered independently of each other, and each also independently improves the invention. Therefore, this disclosure should also include combinations different from the combinations of features shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments may also be supplemented by additional features from the already described features of the invention.

[0029] In the diagram, the same reference symbols represent components with the same function.

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A display device 1 with a flexible screen element 2 is shown. The flexible screen element 2 has a substrate (not shown) covered with a screen surface 3 and has a flexible driving unit 4. In other words, the screen surface 3 and the driving unit 4 are arranged on the same substrate. The screen element 2 with the screen surface 3 and the driving unit 4 is flexible overall.

[0031] Screen element 2 is framed by two frame elements 5 and 6. Here, the first side 8 of screen element 2 is positioned at the first frame element 6 via an elastic tension element 9. At the second side 7, screen element 2 is directly positioned at the second frame element 5. The first side 8 and the second side 7 are opposite sides of the rectangular screen element 2. The tension element 9 is positioned or fixed to the screen element 2 along its entire length on the first side 8. Similarly, the tension element 9 is fixed or positioned at the first frame element 6 along its entire length on the first side 8. In this way, screen element 2 is indirectly connected to the first frame element 6 via the tension element 9 along its entire first side 8. Flexible screen element 2 is positioned or fixed at the second frame element 5 along its entire length on the second side 7.

[0032] Figure 2The diagram illustrates the tensioning of the screen element 2 or screen surface 3 by means of a tension force F applied to the first frame element 6. This results in a counterforce on the second frame element 5. In other words, the two frame elements 5 and 6 are pulled apart by the tension force F. This leads to tension on the screen element 2. The screen element 2 is essentially inelastic here. In other words, the tension force F does not cause a change in the length L of the flexible screen element occupying the space between the frame elements 5 and 6, or causes a negligible change in length. Since the elastic modulus of the tension element 9 is significantly smaller than that of the screen element 2, the tension element 9 is stretched by the tension force F. Due to the correlation between the force and stroke of the elastic element, the tension force F is directly related to the distance between the two frame elements 5 and 6 relative to each other. In other words, the tension force F can be preset or adjusted according to the extension and elastic modulus of the tension element 9 for a certain distance between the frame elements 5 and 6. The tension element 9 is also responsible for uniformly introducing the tension force F into the screen element. In this way, load peaks at various points along the first side 8 of the screen element 2 can be avoided. In this way, the lifespan of screen elements can be improved by reducing peak force. Overall, this embodiment demonstrates how an arrangement structure for a tensionable flexible display can be provided.

Claims

1. A display device (1) having - A flexible screen element (2) with a screen surface (3) that can be stretched in a plane, and - Two frame elements (5, 6) that are movable relative to each other, wherein the first frame element (6) is disposed on a first side (8) of the flexible screen element (2), and the second frame element (5) is disposed on a second side (7) of the flexible screen element (2) opposite to the first side (8). Its features - An elastic stretching element (9) that can be stretched in the plane, wherein the first side (8) of the screen element (2) is connected to the first frame element (6) via the elastic stretching element, such that the elastic stretching element (9) does not cover the screen surface (3), wherein the elasticity of the elastic stretching element (9) is greater than the elasticity of the flexible screen element (2).

2. The display device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stretching element (9) is fixed to the screen element (2) over the entire length of the first side (8).

3. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The stretching element (9) is fixed to the first frame element (6) along the entire length of the first side (8) of the screen element (2).

4. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The flexible screen element (2) has a flexible substrate, and the substrate is covered with the screen surface (3).

5. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The flexible screen element (2) has a flexible drive unit (4) for manipulating the screen surface (3).

6. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The flexible screen element (2) has a flexible driving unit (4) for manipulating each pixel on the screen surface (3).

7. The display device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flexible screen element (2) has a flexible driving unit (4) for manipulating the screen surface (3), wherein the driving unit (4) and the screen surface (3) are arranged on the same flexible substrate.

8. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that... Storage unit: In the stored state of the display device (1), the flexible screen element (2) is housed in the storage unit.

9. The display device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the use state of the display device (1), the screen element (2) is extended, wherein, in the use state, the stretching element (9) is arranged in the storage unit.

10. The display device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flexible screen element (2) has a flexible drive unit (4) for manipulating the screen surface (3), wherein, in the use state of the display device (1), the screen element (2) is extended, and wherein, in the use state, the stretching element (9) and the drive unit (4) are arranged in the storage unit.

11. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that... A fixed carrier unit, wherein the second frame element (5) can be fixed or fixed on its upper side, wherein the carrier unit provides a carrier surface for facet support of the flexible screen element (2).

12. The display device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that... A fixed carrier unit, wherein the second frame element (5) can be fixed or fixed on its upper side, wherein the carrier unit provides a convex carrier surface for facet support of the flexible screen element (2).

13. A motor vehicle having a display device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images