Display system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a display system for a vehicle, comprising a steering column (4) having a housing (26) and a steering wheel (2) rotatably arranged thereon, having at least one optical module arranged in the housing (26) of the steering column (4), an opening (28) in the upper side of the housing (26), and a display disc (12), the display disc (12) is arranged on the upper side of the housing (26) so as to be movable relative to the opening (28) and is designed to cover the opening (28) in the upper side of the steering column (4) in a covering position and to release the opening in a projection position, and wherein the at least one optical module is designed, the image (14) is emitted through a released opening (28) in the housing (26) onto a display panel (12) in a projection position, the display panel (12) being designed to reflect the image (14) emitted onto the display panel into the interior of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a display system for a vehicle and a method for operating a display system. Background Art

[0002] Document DE 10 2005 012 848 A1 describes an embedded communication device for a motor vehicle.

[0003] No. 5,059,956 A discloses a display device for a motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving display for a vehicle.

[0005] The object is achieved by a display system and a method having the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the display system and the method are given by the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The display system according to the present invention is designed for use in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. The vehicle includes a steering column having a housing and a steering wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The display system includes at least one optical module, i.e., a single optical module or multiple optical modules, for generating and / or projecting light for an image to be displayed or shown. Furthermore, the display system includes an opening in, at, and / or on the upper side of the housing and a display disk. The at least one optical module is disposed within the housing of the steering column or within an interior of the steering column enclosed by the housing. The display disk is arranged on the upper side of the housing so as to be movable relative to the opening and is designed to cover the opening in the upper side of the steering column in a covering position, which serves as a home position, and to release the opening outward in a projection position, which serves as a release position. The at least one optical module is designed to generate an image or generate light for an image and transmit or radiate the light through the released opening in the housing onto the display disk in the projection position. The display disk is designed to reflect the image projected onto the display disk into the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] In one embodiment, a display area or a display is provided as an optical module of a display system, wherein such a display area can also be designed or referred to as a projector, imager, and / or image generator. The display area is arranged in a housing of the steering column and is designed to generate an image or to produce light for an image.

[0008] The display system can have only a display area as a single optical module, which is designed to project the image generated by it through a released opening in the housing directly onto a display disk located in the projection position, wherein the display disk is designed to reflect the image projected onto the display disk into the interior of the vehicle.

[0009] Additionally, a mirror as another optical module can be arranged within the steering column housing. In this embodiment, the display area is designed to first generate an initial image and transmit and / or project it onto the mirror. The mirror is designed to reflect the initial image as a reflected image or a mapped image outward through a released opening in the housing onto a display disk located in the projection position. The display disk located in the projection position is designed to reflect or map the image reflected or mapped onto the display disk as a virtual image into the vehicle interior. Here, the image initially generated by the display area is indirectly transmitted to the display disk via the mirror.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mirror is arranged in the steering column and / or in its housing in front of a display area, such as a projector, in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the display area can be arranged in front of the mirror in the forward direction of travel. The display disk is arranged above the mirror, at least in the projection position. Furthermore, the mirror, display disk, and display area are arranged in front of the steering wheel in the forward direction of travel. The display disk faces the steering wheel in the projection position.

[0011] The display disk or its surface is at least partially, if necessary completely, curved, usually concavely, and / or at least partially, if necessary completely, flat, or planar. Furthermore, the display disk or its surface is at least partially, if necessary completely, opaque or light-impermeable and / or at least partially, if necessary completely, transparent. Furthermore, the display disk or its surface is at least partially, if necessary completely, reflective / designed as a reflector or designed to reflect light, and in one embodiment is darkly colored, for example, black. When the display disk is in the projection position, the reflective surface of the display disk faces the direction of the steering wheel.

[0012] The housing of the steering column is opaque. If the display disc is in the projected position, light from the steering column's interior, which is surrounded by the housing except for the released opening, can escape from the interior when light is reflected by the mirror or emitted by the imager onto the display disc. In one embodiment, a light-transparent cover disc can be placed in the opening to protect the interior from environmental influences, such as dust. If the display disc is in the covered position, it rests on the cover disc. In the projected position, light reflected upward by the mirror or emitted upward by the display area can pass through the opening and the transparent cover disc and be reflected onto the display disc.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display system includes an electrical mechanism or electromechanical device designed to automatically pivot and / or rotate a display panel, serving as a cover for an opening in the housing, relative to the opening between a covering position and a projection position as two possible positions of the display panel. The mechanism can include a hinge, via which the display panel is pivotably and / or rotatably arranged at the edge of the opening.

[0014] The display system is provided for a steering column, in which a steering shaft is arranged, which serves as a transmission element to connect the steering wheel with a steering system for the vehicle's wheels, wherein the wheels are in contact with the ground on which the vehicle rests and are designed to drive and / or move the vehicle. The display system may also include a steering column and / or its housing, in which at least one optical module, i.e., a display area and, if necessary, a mirror, is arranged.

[0015] According to the method of the present invention, a display system for operating a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle includes a steering column having a housing and a steering wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The display system includes at least one optical module, namely an optical module configured as a display area or image generator for an initial image, and in one embodiment, a mirror as another optical module. Furthermore, the display system includes an opening in, on, and / or at the upper side of the housing and a display disk. The at least one optical module is disposed within the housing of the steering column. The display disk is disposed in or on the upper side of the housing so as to be movable relative to the opening. The opening in the upper side of the steering column is covered by the display disk in a covering position and is released in a projection position. Furthermore, an image is generated by the at least one optical module and is projected directly or indirectly through the released opening in the housing onto the display disk in the projection position. The image is reflected by the display disk into the interior of the vehicle toward an observer.

[0016] If the display system has a display area and a mirror as optical modules, an initial image is emitted and / or projected by the display area onto the mirror, wherein the initial image is reflected as a reflected image or a mapped image by the mirror through a released opening in the housing onto a display disk located in the projection position, wherein the image reflected or mapped onto the display disk located in the projection position is reflected or mapped by the display disk as a virtual image into the interior of the vehicle to an observer behind the steering wheel, for example the driver.

[0017] Embodiments of the method presented here can be implemented using embodiments of the display system presented here, which is connected to and / or integrated into a steering column of a vehicle, wherein the display system has in the interior of the steering column either only a display area as a single optical module or a display area and a mirror as two optical modules. The display system can also have multiple mirrors and / or at least one lens as optical modules.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method, the display disk is moved, i.e., pivoted and / or rotated, between a covering position as a home position and a projection position. When the display disk is located in the opening, the display disk is pivoted and / or tilted upward from the covering position into the projection position. Conversely, the display disk is pivoted and / or tilted from the projection position into the covering position and then positioned again in the opening. The display disk can be automatically moved by the mechanism when the mechanism is actuated by an input command from an observer.

[0019] If the display system has only a mirror as an optical module, the light for the initial image or for the display content to be shown is reflected upward from the display area onto the display panel and from the display panel into the interior opposite to the forward driving direction and at least partially in the direction of the steering wheel.

[0020] If the display system has two optical modules, the mirror can be arranged in front of the display area in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle, with the mirror oriented relative to the forward direction of travel, for example, in the opposite direction and upward. In this case, the display area is located between the mirror and the steering wheel. Light for the initial image or for the display content to be displayed is emitted from the display area forward onto the mirror, from which it is reflected upward onto the display panel and reflected by the display panel into the interior in the opposite direction of travel and at least partially toward the steering wheel.

[0021] If, on the other hand, the display area is arranged in front of the mirror in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle, the mirror is oriented relative to the forward direction of travel, for example, in the forward direction and upward. In this case, the mirror is located between the display area and the steering wheel. Light for the initial image or for the displayed content to be displayed is emitted backward from the display area onto the mirror, from which it is reflected upward onto the display panel, and from the display panel into the interior in the opposite direction of travel and at least partially toward the steering wheel.

[0022] If the display panel or its surface is black, for example, coated with a black coating, the display system can be designed or referred to as an ink display and / or a head-up display (HUD) on the steering column. Alternatively, the image is projected from the display area in the steering column onto the display panel that is tilted out of an opening in the projection position. Alternatively, the image generated by the display area and projected onto the mirror is projected onto the display panel that is tilted out of an opening in the projection position in the steering column via the mirror. Based on the reflection of the image on the display panel, a virtual image is formed for the observer in front of the steering column.

[0023] The maximum width of the display panel is typically the same as that of the steering column. The virtual image is typically wider than the steering column and / or display panel. The display system allows for graphical presentation of combined content, including vehicle functions and / or operating parameters, similar to that on the instrument panel. The virtual image is displayed in the interior regardless of the shape and inclination of the windshield. The display system is suitable for both flat windshields tilted at a small angle, for example, less than 60°, relative to the forward direction of travel, and steep windshields tilted at a large angle of at least 60° and up to 90° relative to the forward direction of travel. Vehicles with flat windshields have lower air resistance. The proposed display system can, for example, compensate for structural tolerances. Furthermore, the display system in the vehicle takes up less space.

[0024] In a head-up display as known from the prior art, the image is reflected from the windshield into the interior and displayed as a virtual image. In the display system, the reflective surface for the virtual image is decoupled from the windshield and positioned on a pivotable display disk on the steering column.

[0025] In display systems, a display panel is positioned very close to the steering wheel. The image is directed via a display area or mirror in the steering column and, in addition, via a tilted, usually mirrored display panel located far in front of the steering column. The mirror is usually fixed, for example, fixed in position or rigidly arranged in the steering column. The mirror can also be arranged in the steering column so as to be rotatable about a transverse axis of the vehicle, with the transverse axis being perpendicular to the direction of forward travel. Alternatively or in addition, the display area or display can also be arranged in the steering column so as to be rotatable about a transverse axis of the vehicle, with the transverse axis being perpendicular to the direction of forward travel.

[0026] The resulting virtual image appears to the observer in the area of ​​the lower edge of the windshield. The observer only needs to adjust their eyes slightly when switching between the virtual image and the vehicle's surroundings, such as the road. If the display panel is folded, the steering column is designed to be compact and / or slender. Because the display system is completely housed in the steering column, the front control panel can be slender, thus providing a better forward view and a greater sense of space. In one embodiment of the method, the display panel and the mirror can be moved together and / or synchronously, with both rotating about corresponding transverse axes. Regardless of the corresponding setting and / or position of the steering wheel, the virtual image to be displayed is always clearly visible to the observer.

[0027] It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawings, which schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 1c A first specific embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out a first specific embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0030] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a second embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0031] List of reference numerals:

[0032] 2 Steering wheel

[0033] 4 Steering column

[0034] 6 Steering axle

[0035] 8 display areas

[0036] 10. Mirror

[0037] 12 display panel

[0038] 14 images

[0039] 16a, 16b curved arrows

[0040] 18 double arrows

[0041] 20a, 20b switching elements

[0042] 26 housing

[0043] 28 Opening

[0044] 30 institutions

[0045] 102 Steering Wheel

[0046] 104 Steering column

[0047] 106 steering shaft

[0048] 108 display area

[0049] 112 display panel

[0050] 114 images

[0051] 126 housing

[0052] 128 Opening

[0053] 130 institutions DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The accompanying drawings are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Like reference numerals denote like parts.

[0055] Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 1c The steering wheel 2 of a vehicle, here a motor vehicle, is shown in different perspectives and is arranged on a vehicle steering column 4. The steering column 4 comprises an opaque housing 26 in which a steering shaft 6 is arranged as a mechanical transmission element, which connects the steering wheel 2 to the steering system for the vehicle wheels.

[0056] A first embodiment of the display system according to the present invention includes an opening 28 arranged in the upper side of the housing 26 of the steering column 4 . Furthermore, the display system comprises a display area 8 or display as a first optical module and a mirror 10 as a second optical module, which is arranged above the steering shaft 6 in the interior of the steering column 4 , which is enclosed by the housing 26 . The mirror 10 is tilted at an acute angle relative to the steering shaft 6 . Furthermore, the display system comprises a concavely curved display disk 12 , which is pivotally and / or rotatably secured to the edge of the opening 28 via a mechanism 30 having at least one hinge, as schematically indicated in the figures by curved arrows 16 a and 16 b. Alternatively, the display disk 12 can also be of a flat design.

[0057] Here, the display area 8 is arranged between the steering wheel 2 and the mirror 10. An opening 28 and a display panel 12 are arranged above the mirror 10. Figure 1c Switch elements 20a, 20b are shown, which are arranged on a housing 26 of the steering column 4, for example, on the left and right ends of a wing of the housing 26. Functions of the vehicle and / or the display system presented here can be controlled by actuating the switch elements 20a, 20b. These can be wireless or radio-based switch elements 20a, 20b (Sbw, shift-by-wire).

[0058] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two positions, namely projection positions, are provided for the display disk 12. Figures 1a to 1c ) and a covered position (not shown in further detail). In this case, the display disk 12 is pivoted downward in the covered position, wherein the opening 28 is covered and / or closed by the display disk 12. In this case, the display disk 12 can be arranged in the opening 28 as part of the housing 26.

[0059] Conversely, the display disk 12 is swung upward from the opening 28 in the projection position, wherein the opening 28 is released and / or opened. Here, the reflective or mapping surface of the display disk 12 faces the steering wheel 2. In this method, an initial image 14 is generated by the display area 8 and is emitted and / or projected to or onto the mirror 10 in parallel with the steering axis 6. This image is then reflected upward by the mirror 10 as a first reflected image 14 onto the mapping surface of the display disk 12. From there, the image 14 is reflected into the interior in the direction of the steering wheel 2. Here, the generated virtual image 14 is visually perceived by an observer, typically the driver of the vehicle, in the interior behind the steering wheel 2, which virtual image appears to the observer as indicated by the double arrow 18 ( Figure 1a ) The distance shown schematically appears behind the display disk 12.

[0060] Figure 2 The steering wheel 102 of a vehicle, here a motor vehicle, is shown, which is arranged on a vehicle steering column 104. The steering column 104 comprises an opaque housing 126 in which a steering shaft 106 is arranged as a mechanical transmission element, which connects the steering wheel 102 to the steering system for the vehicle wheels.

[0061] A second embodiment of the display system according to the present invention includes an opening 128 arranged in the upper side of the housing 126 of the steering column 104. Furthermore, the display system includes a display panel 108 or display as a single optical module, which is arranged above the steering shaft 106 in the interior of the steering column 104, which is surrounded by the housing 126. The display panel 108 is tilted at an acute angle relative to the steering shaft 106. Furthermore, the display system has a concavely curved display panel 112, which is pivotably and / or rotatably fastened relative to the opening 128 at the edge of the opening 128 via a mechanism 130 having at least one hinge. Alternatively, the display panel 112 can also be of a flat design.

[0062] In a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two positions are provided for the display disk 112, namely Figure 2 1 and a covered position (not shown in detail). In this case, the display disk 112 is pivoted downward in the covered position, wherein the opening 128 is covered and / or closed by the display disk 112. In this case, the display disk 112 can be arranged in the opening 128 as part of the housing 126.

[0063] Conversely, in the projection position, display disk 112 is pivoted upward from opening 128, wherein opening 128 is released and / or opened. Here, the reflective or projection surface of display disk 112 faces steering wheel 102. In this method, initial image 114 is generated by display area 108 and emitted and / or projected upward onto the projection surface of display disk 112. From there, image 114 is reflected into the interior in the direction of steering wheel 102. The generated virtual image 114 is visually perceived by an observer, typically the driver of the vehicle, in the interior behind steering wheel 102. This virtual image appears to the observer behind display disk 112.

Claims

1. A display system for a vehicle, wherein: A vehicle comprises a steering column (4, 104) having a housing (26, 126) and a steering wheel (2, 102) rotatably arranged thereon, wherein the display system comprises at least one optical module, an opening (28, 128) in the upper side of the housing (26, 126) and a display disk (12, 112), wherein the at least one optical module is arranged in the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104), wherein the display disk (12, 112) is arranged in the housing (26, 126) in a manner movable relative to the opening (28, 128). 6) and is designed to cover an opening (28, 128) in the upper side of a steering column (4, 104) in a covering position and to release the opening in a projection position, wherein at least one optical module is designed to project an image (14, 114) through the released opening (28, 128) in the housing (26, 126) onto a display disk (12, 112) located in the projection position, wherein the display disk (12, 112) is designed to reflect the image (14, 114) projected onto the display disk into the interior of the vehicle.

2. The display system according to claim 1, wherein: The optical module is arranged as a display area (8, 108) in a housing (26, 126) of a steering column (4, 104) and is designed to generate an image (14, 114).

3. The display system according to claim 2, wherein: The display area (8, 108) is designed to project an image (14, 114) through a released opening (28, 128) in a housing (26, 126) onto a display panel (12, 112) in a projection position.

4. The display system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A further optical module is arranged as a mirror (10) in the housing (26) of the steering column (4), wherein the display area (8) is designed to project an image (14) onto the mirror (10), wherein the mirror (10) is designed to reflect the image (14) through a released opening (28) in the housing (26) onto a display disk (12) located in a projection position.

5. The display system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The mirror (10) is arranged in the steering column (4) in front of the display area (8) in the forward driving direction of the vehicle, wherein the display disk (12) is arranged above the mirror (10) in a projection position.

6. A display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The display disc (12, 112) is at least partially concavely curved and / or at least partially flat, and / or the display disc (12, 112) is at least partially transparent, at least partially opaque and / or at least partially reflective.

7. A display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The display system has a mechanism (30) designed to pivot the display panel (12, 112) relative to the opening (28, 128) between a covering position and a projection position.

8. A display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The display system is used for a steering column (4, 104), in which a steering shaft (6) is arranged, which connects a steering wheel (2, 102) to a steering system for the vehicle's wheels.

9. A method for operating a display system of a vehicle, wherein: The vehicle comprises a steering column (4, 104) having a housing (26, 126) and a steering wheel (2, 102) rotatably arranged thereon, wherein the display system comprises at least one optical module, an opening (28, 128) in the upper side of the housing (26, 126) and a display disk (12, 112), wherein the at least one optical module is arranged in the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104), wherein the display disk (12, 112) is arranged in the housing in a manner movable relative to the opening (28, 128). (26, 126) on the upper side of the steering column (4, 104), wherein an opening (28, 128) in the upper side of the steering column (4, 104) is covered by the display disk (12, 112) in the covering position and is released in the projection position, wherein an image (14, 114) is emitted by at least one optical module through the released opening (28, 128) in the housing (26, 126) onto the display disk (12, 112) located in the projection position, wherein the image (14, 114) is reflected by the display disk (12, 112) into the interior of the vehicle.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The display panel (12, 112) is moved between a covering position and a projecting position.

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