Control device for vehicle and related vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a control device (16) adapted to be integrated in a vehicle (10) for displaying control information of the vehicle (10), the control device (16) comprising: a. An opaque panel (20) having a useful surface (21), at least a portion of which is adapted to be disposed opposite an upper body of a driver (18) when in a driving position; b. A reflective element covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), said reflective element being at least partially reflective; and c. A unit (24) for emitting control information of the vehicle, the emitting unit (24) being adapted to emit at least one light beam in the direction of the reflective element such that reflection of the light beam on the reflective element forms at least one useful image in the viewing window of the driver (18) in the driving position.

Description

[0001] This application relates to a control device for a vehicle. This application also relates to a vehicle comprising such a control device.

[0002] Vehicles, especially motor vehicles, are equipped with a control device, also known as an instrument cluster or dashboard, which provides the driver with useful information for driving and operating the vehicle. To this end, the control device includes the dashboard instruments of the vehicle, and some of said instruments are prescribed by law.

[0003] For motor vehicles, the control device is traditionally integrated in the dashboard behind the steering wheel, below the vehicle windscreen. Generally, such a control device is located at a position where the normal driver's line of sight to the road is at least -15°, and is about 50 cm from the eyes. The driver then has to take their eyes off the road surface to look at the control device, which reduces alertness and increases eye fatigue due to the constant need to make an effort to adjust vision.

[0004] To allow for safer visualization of useful information, it is known to use a head-up display to retransmit some of the information of the control device to the driver.

[0005] However, such a display takes up additional space in the vehicle, is redundant with the control device, and some displays are very large. In addition, these displays only provide visualization of useful images within a limited viewing window (eyebox).

[0006] In addition, the visibility of the useful images generated by such a display depends on the ambient brightness. Therefore, in high brightness (clear weather), the visibility of the useful images tends to decrease due to insufficient projection screen power. One possibility is to increase the brightness of the projection screen, but this leads to increased energy consumption and warming. In addition, the projection screen is power-limited.

[0007] An alternative is to replace mechanical dashboard instruments with digital dashboard instruments. To this end, a control device in the form of a screen is known. The trend is to place such a control device at an increasingly higher position in the driver's field of view to reduce the visualization angle (downward viewing angle) of the dashboard instruments.

[0008] However, such a control device obscures part of the vehicle windscreen and, in particular, part of the driver's field of view, which is not optimal for driving comfort and safety.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle control device that allows useful driving information to be displayed in a comfortable viewing window for the driver without compromising driving safety.

[0010] To this end, the present specification relates to a control device adapted to be integrated in a vehicle to display vehicle control information including all the dashboard instruments of the vehicle, the control device comprising:

[0011] - An opaque panel having a useful surface, at least a part of the useful surface being adapted to face the upper body of a driver when in a driving position;

[0012] - A reflective element covering the useful surface of the opaque panel, the reflective element being at least partially reflective; and

[0013] - A transmitting unit for transmitting control information of the vehicle, the transmitting unit being adapted to transmit at least one beam of light in the direction of the reflective element such that the reflection of the beam on the reflective element forms at least one useful image in the observation window of a driver in the driving position.

[0014] According to other advantageous aspects, the control device comprises one or more of the following features, which may be employed individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0015] - The vehicle comprises a windshield, the windshield comprising a transparent surface and a screen-printed area surrounding the transparent surface, the screen-printed area comprising a lower part having a base and a raised part protruding from the base, the opaque panel being formed by the raised part;

[0016] - The vehicle comprises a pillar connected to a side part of the windshield base; the raised part comprises a strip protruding from the base and extending substantially over the width of the transparent surface, except at the end of the base of the screen-printed area which is transparent such that the environment at the vehicle pillar is clearly visible;

[0017] - The raised part comprises a raised area which is more raised than the strip and protrudes from the strip, the raised area being the area facing the upper body of a driver in the driving position.

[0018] - The control device is adapted to be integrated into the instrument panel of the vehicle;

[0019] - The transmitting unit is adapted to transmit a beam of light polarized according to a main polarization, called an incident beam, in the direction of the reflective element, the incident beam arriving at the reflective element at an incident angle and together with the reflective element defining an incident plane, the main polarization being a polarization contained within the incident plane, called P polarization, and within a range of the incident angle, the reflective element is optimized to have a higher reflectivity for P-polarized light compared to an unoptimized reflective element;

[0020] - Within the range of the incident angle, the reflectivity of the reflective element for P-polarized light is higher than that for other differently polarized light;

[0021] - The control device is configured to automatically turn on when the vehicle is started and automatically turn off when the vehicle is turned off.

[0022] The present application also relates to a vehicle, in which the above control device is integrated.

[0023] Optionally, the instrument panel of the vehicle has no mechanical instrument panel instruments integrated therein, and digital instrument panel instruments integrated therein, which are different from the control device.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present application will be presented by reading the following description of the embodiments, which are given only by way of example and with reference to the following drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example of the vehicle interior, integrated according to the first integration mode;

[0026] Figure 2 Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an example of the control device;

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 3 Schematic diagram of another example of the control device;

[0028] Figure 4 Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an example of the cockpit of the control device integrated according to the second integration mode; and

[0029] Figure 5 Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the vehicle windshield (external view) according to the second integration mode.

[0030] Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is shown.

[0031] In this example, the vehicle 10 includes a windshield 12, an instrument panel 14, a pillar 15, and a control device 16 in the cockpit 11.

[0032] The vehicle 10 is, for example, a land, air, or naval vehicle. A land vehicle is, for example, an automobile ( Figure 1 ), a rail vehicle, or even a two-wheeler.

[0033] The instrument panel 14 is defined as a surface extending across the entire width of the vehicle 10, below the windshield 12 and above the feet of the driver 18, and, if applicable, above the feet of the front passenger.

[0034] The pillar 15 is connected to the windshield 12 and the top of the vehicle 10.

[0035] In Figure 1 ​​​​​​​​​​In the integrated mode, the control device 16 is integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. For the term "integrated", it should be understood that the control device 16 is combined in a manner suitable for the dashboard 14. This combination is carried out, for example, during the design process of the dashboard 14 (during the industrialization stage of the vehicle 10). The control device 16 is thus different from a device installed as a second-hand device, which is only placed in the vehicle 10 without being specifically combined into the dashboard 14. The control device 16 is suitable for displaying control information of the vehicle 10, including all the dashboard instruments 19 of the vehicle.

[0036] The dashboard instruments 19 are indicators or warning lights that inform the driver 18 of the vehicle 10 about the driving parameters (speed, acceleration, temperature, etc.) and operating conditions of the vehicle, especially the engine of the vehicle 10. For a motor vehicle, the on-vehicle indicators at least include, for example, a tachometer, a speedometer, a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature indicator.

[0037] Optionally, the control device 16 is also suitable for displaying useful driving information, such as navigation (map, location, direction); traffic conditions (traffic jams, road construction), or more generally, a driver assistance system (ADAS, i.e., "Advanced Driver Assistance System"). Optionally, the control device 16 is also suitable for displaying other information, such as multimedia services or information related to the vehicle air conditioning.

[0038] Advantageously, the control device 16 is the only element integrated into the vehicle 10 to display the dashboard instruments 19. The vehicle 10 thus does not have an integrated mechanical dashboard instrument or other integrated digital device for displaying the dashboard instruments.

[0039] Advantageously, the control device 16 is configured to automatically turn on when the vehicle 10 starts (i.e., when the vehicle engine starts) and automatically turn off when the vehicle 10 shuts down (engine off).

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, the control device 16 includes an opaque panel 20, a reflective element 22, and a transmitting unit 24 for transmitting the control information of the vehicle 10.

[0041] For the term "opaque", it means zero transparency.

[0042] Preferably, the opaque panel 20 is black, which allows obtaining a useful image with better contrast.

[0043] Preferably, the opaque panel 20 is made of glass or plastic. In the case of glass, the glass forming the opaque panel 20 (such as a windshield) is covered, for example, with a ceramic having opacity. In the case of plastic, the plastic forming the opaque panel 20 is colored or covered, for example, with a film having opacity.

[0044] The opaque panel 20 has a useful surface 21, at least a part of which is disposed opposite the upper body (torso, head) of the driver (18) in the driving position.

[0045] In one example, the useful surface 21 extends over the entire extent of the dashboard, i.e., in the case of a motor vehicle, the useful surface 21 extends opposite the passenger seat. More generally, the useful surface 21 advantageously also has parts that are not opposite the driver in the driving position.

[0046] The useful surface 21 is preferably flat, which can reduce aberrations and provides a larger viewing window than a concave surface. Alternatively, the useful surface 21 or at least a part thereof is concave.

[0047] The reflective element 22 covers the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20.

[0048] The reflective element 22 is at least partially reflective.

[0049] The reflective element 22 is, for example, coated or treated (e.g., obtained by physical deposition or chemical deposition) or a thin film (e.g., laminated or held by electrostatic effects).

[0050] The emitting unit 24 is adapted to emit at least one light beam in the direction of the reflective element 22 such that the reflection of the light beam on the reflective element 22 forms at least one useful virtual image in the viewing window of the driver 18 in the driving position.

[0051] The light beam is, for example, in the visible light wavelength range (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers). The useful image thus allows the driver 18 to visualize control information of the vehicle 10.

[0052] Preferably, the emitting unit 24 includes at least one screen 40 on which an image is displayed. Then, at least one useful image is an instant communication virtual image (virtual image IM) of the image displayed on the screen 40. Such an instant communication virtual image is obtained by reflecting the light beam from the screen 40 onto the reflective element 22 (due to the semi - reflectivity of the reflective element 22).

[0053] The screen 40 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0054] Advantageously, the control device 16 has no optical elements in the light beam path between the emitting unit 24 and the reflective element 22, which allows for compactness and does not limit the viewing window.

[0055] An example of the operation of the control device 16 integrated into the vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0056] Advantageously, when the vehicle 10 is started, the control device 16 automatically turns on, and when the vehicle 10 is turned off, the control device 16 automatically turns off.

[0057] During driving, the transmitting unit 24 sends information to the reflecting element 22 in the form of a light beam, and then the reflecting element 22 forms a useful image containing information useful for driving the vehicle 10.

[0058] Therefore, since the windshield 12 is not blocked, the control device 16 allows useful information for driving (control information, navigation, traffic conditions) to be displayed without affecting driving safety. This control device 16 is compact and easy to integrate into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the opaque panel 20 is different from the windshield of the vehicle 10 (since the control device 16 is intended to be integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10).

[0059] In addition, this control device 16 allows the useful image to be observed in an observation window (eyebox) that is larger and thus more comfortable than a head-up display.

[0060] Furthermore, due to the opacity of the opaque panel 20, the contrast of the useful image is better compared to a transparent panel. The brightness of the transmitting unit 24 can therefore be reduced (for example, from 12000 nits (which is the current minimum standard for head-up displays) to 6000 nits or less, i.e., reduced by half), which is beneficial for the production of the control device 16, reduces heating compared to a transparent panel, and achieves energy savings.

[0061] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3 embodiments of the control device are described, Figure 3 optionally supplemented by the previously described embodiments.

[0062] In this embodiment, the reflecting element 22, also referred to as a reflective polarizer, is an element adapted to reflect an incident light beam F having a given wavelength range I depending on the angle of incidence θi of the incident light beam F I on the reflecting element 22 and the polarization of the incident light beam F I

[0063] The given wavelength range of the incident light beam F I belongs to, for example, the visible light domain (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers).

[0064] The angle of incidence θ I of the incident light beam F i is the light beam axis, and the incident point P of the incident light beam F on the reflecting element 22 I with the reflecting element 22​I the angle between the normal N at [location]. The incident light beam F I the axis of and the reflection element 22 at the point of incidence P I the normal N at [location] defines the plane of incidence. In Figure 3 the example shown, the plane of incidence is the plane of the figure. In particular, the reflection element 22 is adapted to reflect the incident light beam F I so as to form a useful virtual image observable through the viewing window (corresponding to the useful light beam F U ).

[0065] Hereinafter, linear polarization contained in the plane of incidence is also referred to as P polarization, and linear polarization perpendicular to the plane of incidence is also referred to as S polarization.

[0066] The reflection element 22 is optimized to reflect P-polarized light.

[0067] Preferably, within a given range of incident angles and a given range of wavelengths, the reflection element 22 has a higher reflectivity for P-polarized light than for differently polarized light (S polarization, circular polarization, elliptical polarization).

[0068] In a variant (especially on an industrial scale), compared to reflection on a non-specifically optimized reflection element, the reflection element 22 has an optimized reflectivity for P-polarized light. However, within a given range of incident angles and a given range of wavelengths, the reflection element 22 still has a higher reflectivity for S-polarized light than for P-polarized light.

[0069] Preferably, within a given range of incident angles and a given range of wavelengths, the reflectivity of the reflection element 22 for P-polarized light is greater than or equal to 10%, preferably greater than or equal to 15%, advantageously greater than or greater than 20%, advantageously greater than or equal to 40%.

[0070] Advantageously, within a given range of incident angles and a given range of wavelengths, the reflectivity of the reflection element 22 for polarized light different from P polarization is less than or equal to 10%, preferably less than or equal to 5%.

[0071] Advantageously, the range of incident angles extends to at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, advantageously at least 60 degrees.

[0072] The reflection element 22 comprises, for example, a stack of dielectric layers.

[0073] The reflection element 22 is, for example, a polarizer having a specific reflectivity for P-polarized light, as described in patent application WO96 / 19347A.

[0074] In particular, the reflective element 22 comprises, for example, a multilayer polymer film that includes layers of a crystalline or semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester, such as layers of 2,6-polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN") or a copolymer ("co-PEN") derived from ethylene glycol, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and certain other acids (such as terephthalate), the multilayer polymer film having a positive optical stress coefficient, i.e., when stretched, its refractive index increases in the stretching direction, and the average thickness of the layer does not exceed 0.5 microns; and includes a second selected polymer layer, such as a layer of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") or co-PEN, the average thickness of the layer not exceeding 0.5 microns.

[0075] In another example, the reflective element 22 comprises a multilayer polymer film that includes a crystalline or semi-crystalline polyester layer, such as a PET layer, the average thickness of the layer not exceeding 0.5 microns; and a second selected polymer layer, such as a polyester layer or a polystyrene layer, the average thickness of the layer not exceeding 0.5 microns; wherein the film has been stretched in at least one direction to at least twice its unstretched size in that direction.

[0076] In one example, the reflective element 22 further has at least one coating that imparts additional optical and / or mechanical properties. The coating is, for example, a thermal protection layer, a neutralizing colorimetric treatment layer, or even an anti-scratch layer or an anti-fog coating.

[0077] The emitting unit 24 is adapted to emit an incident light beam onto the reflective element 22. The incident light beam F I carries information as described above, for example.

[0078] The incident light beam F emitted by the emitting unit 24 I is a light beam polarized according to a specific polarization, which is referred to as the main polarization.

[0079] The main polarization, called P polarization, is a linearly polarized light contained in the incident plane. The main polarization is thus different from S polarization, circular polarization, or elliptical polarization.

[0080] The incident light beam F I has a wavelength within a given wavelength range of the reflective element 22, typically within the visible light range.

[0081] The emitting unit 24 is configured such that the incident light beam F I arrives at the reflective element 22 at an incident angle θ i where the incident angle θ i is within the incident angle range defined above for the reflective element 22.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the operation of the control device 16 is similar to that in the general case, and the difference in operation lies in the polarization of the light beam transmitted by the emission unit 24 and the optimized reflection of the P-polarized light by the reflection element 22.

[0083] Thus, this specific embodiment has the advantage of being compatible with polarized sunglasses. Such glasses are indeed typically configured to emit only P-polarized light and block other types of polarized light. The combination of the specific polarization of the light beam transmitted by the emission unit 24 and the optimized reflection of the reflection element 22 thus allows the reflection of the useful image to be optimized through polarized sunglasses, and thus the visibility of the useful image to be optimized.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a second integration method of the control device 16 in the vehicle 10 is given. Except for the following features, the second integration method has the same features and variations as the first integration method (as Figure 1 shown). Therefore, the differences between the second integration method and the first integration method are described, and the same features are not repeated. In particular, the features described with respect to Figure 2 and Figure 3 also apply here.

[0085] In the second integration method, the control device 16 is not integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10, but uses elements of the windshield 12.

[0086] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown in detail, the windshield 12 includes a transparent surface 12A and a screen-printed area 12B surrounding the transparent surface 12A.

[0087] The screen-printed area 12B is an opaque area.

[0088] The screen-printed area 12B is generally made of ceramic.

[0089] The screen-printed area 12B includes a lower part 40, two side parts 42, and an upper part 44.

[0090] The lower part 40 of the screen-printed area 12B includes a base 50 and a raised part 52 relative to the base 50. The base 50 and the raised part 52 are generally made of one material (and thus made of the same material).

[0091] The base 50 is generally a strip that extends substantially to the width of the transparent surface 12A (and thus extends over the extent of the windshield 12). The base 50 is suitable for all windshields.

[0092] The raised portion 52 forms the opaque panel 20. In particular, the surface of the raised portion 52 facing the interior of the vehicle 10 forms the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20. Thus, the raised portion 52 is a unique feature of this integrated manner, allowing control information to be displayed on the windshield 12. The maximum height of the raised portion 52 is generally lower than the standard of the opaque base of the windshield so as not to obstruct the driver 18's line of sight.

[0093] Preferably, the raised portion 52 includes at least one raised area 60 opposite the upper body of the driver 18 in the driving position.

[0094] Preferably, the raised portion 52 includes a strip 62 protruding from the base 50, which strip 62 extends generally across the width of the transparent surface 12A, except for the edges 64, which are transparent. In other words, the raised portion 52 does not extend onto the area of the base 50 adjacent to the vehicle pillar 15. This allows the environment at the vehicle pillar 15 to be clearly visible.

[0095] Preferably, the raised area 60 is a more raised area that protrudes from the strip 62. The raised area 62 provides access to a larger display area at the driver 18.

[0096] Alternatively, the raised portion 52 only includes the raised area 60.

[0097] Alternatively, depending on the head-up display required for the vehicle 10, the raised portion 52 has a different design or shape.

[0098] The operation and advantages of the second integrated manner are the same as those of the first integrated manner and its variants described above.

[0099] The second integrated manner also has the advantage of further optimizing the vehicle space and simplifying the dashboard design, and the design of the dashboard is not modified to integrate the opaque panel 20. Ergonomics and visibility are also improved because the dashboard information is directly displayed on the opaque part of the windshield (thus within the driver's field of view and with good contrast).

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that the previously described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will also understand that this specification is based on the specific case of an automobile, but this application is not limited to this type of vehicle. Therefore, the control device is applicable to all types of vehicles, especially aerial and naval vehicles.

Claims

1. A control device (16) adapted to be integrated in a vehicle (10) to display vehicle (10) control information including all instrument panel instruments (19) of the vehicle (10), the control device (16) comprising: a. An opaque panel (20) having a useful surface (21), at least a part of the useful surface being adapted to face the upper body of a driver (18) when in a driving position; b. A reflective element (22) covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), the reflective element (22) being at least partially reflective; and c. A transmitting unit (24) for transmitting vehicle (10) control information, the transmitting unit (24) being adapted to transmit at least one light beam in the direction of the reflective element (22) such that the reflection of the light beam on the reflective element (22) forms at least one useful image in the viewing window of the driver (18) in the driving position.

2. The control device (16) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a windshield (12), the windshield (12) comprising a transparent surface (12A) and a screen-printed area (12B) surrounding the transparent surface (12A), the screen-printed area (12B) comprising a lower part (40), the lower part (40) having a base (50) and a raised portion (52) protruding from the base (50), the opaque panel (20) being formed by the raised portion (52).

3. The control device (16) according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a pillar (15) connected to a side portion (42) of the base (12B) of the windshield (12); the raised portion (52) comprises a strip (62) protruding from the base (50) and extending generally across the width of the transparent surface (12A), except for the ends of the base (50) of the screen-printed area (12B) which are transparent to provide a clear view of the surroundings at the vehicle (10) pillar (15).

4. The control device (16) according to claim 3, wherein the raised portion (52) comprises a raised area (60) which is more raised than the strip (62) and protrudes from the strip (62), the raised area (60) facing the upper body area of the driver (18) in the driving position.

5. The control device (16) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (16) is adapted to be integrated into the instrument panel (14) of the vehicle (10).

6. The control device (16) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the emitting unit (24) is adapted to emit a light beam polarized according to the main polarization, called the incident light beam (F I ), towards the direction of the reflecting element (22), the incident light beam (F I ) reaches the reflecting element (22) at an incident angle (θi) and together with the reflecting element (22) defines an incident plane, the main polarization is the polarization contained in the incident plane, called P polarization, within the range of incident angles including the incident angle (θi), the reflecting element (22) is optimized to have a higher reflectivity for P-polarized light compared to an unoptimized reflecting element.

7. The control device (16) according to claim 6, wherein within a range of incident angles, the reflectivity of the reflective element (22) for P-polarized light is higher than that for other different polarized lights.

8. The control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device (16) is configured to automatically turn on when the vehicle (10) is started and automatically turn off when the vehicle (10) is turned off.

9. A vehicle (10) in which is integrated the control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the dashboard (14) does not have mechanical dashboard instruments integrated therein, and digital dashboard instruments integrated in the dashboard (14), which are different from the control device (16).

Images