Display device for arrangement at upper end of interior of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device for being arranged at the upper end of an interior of a motor vehicle, in particular to a display device for being arranged at the upper end of the interior of the motor vehicle, which has a continuous impact element functioning as a load-bearing structure, the impact element may form a lateral load path from one side of the motor vehicle to the other side of the motor vehicle. As a result, less forces must be transmitted through the roof of the motor vehicle. For example, a larger panoramic top may then be constructed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for being arranged at the upper part of the interior space of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle having such a display device. Background Technology

[0002] One or more display devices or displays are often used in motor vehicles for information and / or entertainment purposes. These display devices can be located in different parts of the vehicle's interior space. They can be positioned within the field of vision of passengers seated in the front seats or in the field of vision of passengers seated in the rear seats. For example, the display device may be located on the back of the headrest of the front seats, or, however, on the inside of the roof (Dach, sometimes called the roof), in other words, on the so-called roof lining (Dachdimmel, sometimes called the headliner).

[0003] Such display devices are known in principle from the prior art. For example, an apparatus for operating a screen assembly for a vehicle roof is known from DE 10 2021 119 550 A1. The apparatus includes a crossbeam and a rollable display that can be rolled up and unfolded via a display shaft, and the display is connected to the crossbeam. The apparatus further includes a guide mechanism connected to the crossbeam and comprising a plurality of guide rods connected to the display and configured to tension the display when unfolded from the display shaft and clamp the display when rolled onto the display shaft.

[0004] In addition to the aforementioned display devices, there is often a desire to incorporate large glass panels or surfaces within the vehicle's interior, in the form of a so-called panoramic roof. Such panoramic roofs provide a comfortable sense of space and offer advantages through increased light within the interior and improved outward visibility. Furthermore, they can enhance the overall aesthetic impression of the vehicle.

[0005] However, the size of such panoramic roofs is often limited by the requirements of the vehicle structure, as most vehicle designs must include lateral load paths in the roof liner to ensure sufficient stability of the passenger compartment and crash safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a feasible solution on how to design a panoramic roof in a motor vehicle to the maximum extent possible while simultaneously achieving sufficient vehicle stability and collision safety.

[0007] This task is solved by a display device of the type mentioned at the beginning, wherein the display device has a collision element designed to form a lateral load path between the left top frame element and the right top frame element of the vehicle. This task is also solved by a vehicle equipped with such a display device.

[0008] Within the scope of this specification, a display device is particularly understood as a screen or a device with a screen, such as a monitor. Therefore, a display device is suitable for displaying data and / or displaying images or video. A display device may be, for example, a flat panel screen, such as an LCD or OLED screen. Alternatively, a display device may also be a projection screen (sometimes called a projection screen or projection cloth).

[0009] Within the scope of this specification, a collision element is particularly understood as an element suitable for transmitting large forces, which can be functionally integrated into the body-in-white of a motor vehicle. Here, the collision element has a stabilizing effect on the body-in-white. For example, it can have a beam-like, tubular, rod-like shape or similar shape. It is preferably made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, but can also be made of composite materials. Typically, the collision element is designed to be significantly larger and / or stronger than, for example, the frame elements of a conventional display device or monitor, because conventional display devices experience significantly lower stresses. The collision element can perform the function of a conventional crossbeam, which is part of the body or body-in-white of the motor vehicle.

[0010] Within the scope of this specification, the upper part of the interior space is specifically understood as the area directly below the top, or, in the absence of a top, the area directly below the upper opening of the interior space of the vehicle. Thus, for example, at the upper part of the interior space, the roof of the vehicle, a roll cage, or, in the case of a convertible without a roll cage, an opening may simply be provided. This opening can be closed using a folding awning.

[0011] Within the scope of this specification, a lateral load path is specifically understood as a route along which forces are transferred from one place to another within the structure of a motor vehicle. Specifically, forces are transferred from the left top frame element to the right top frame element, or vice versa. Such a top frame element may also be referred to as a top longitudinal beam, and correspondingly describes one of the two longitudinally extending outer edges of the top region or top of the motor vehicle. It is also possible for such a lateral load path to extend between the left and right A-pillars of the motor vehicle, or between the left and right B-pillars. According to the invention, when the display device is installed in the motor vehicle, the lateral load path extends through the collision element. In particular, the lateral load path may extend along the longitudinal axis of the collision element or the pivot axis of the display device.

[0012] The display device according to the invention allows for the integration of desired lateral load paths into the roof area of ​​a motor vehicle without perceiving it as a rigid load-bearing structural component. This provides greater freedom in the design of the roof area. For example, an enlarged panoramic roof can be provided because it no longer needs to be limited or interrupted in its extension by the lateral load paths of the vehicle body. Alternatively, conventionally existing lateral load paths can be retained, thereby causing the display device according to the invention to result in a further improvement in the overall stability of the motor vehicle and, in particular, the passenger compartment.

[0013] On the one hand, the glass in the panoramic roof can therefore be implemented more extensively, resulting in a more elegant and / or higher-quality design language and creating a more spacious feel. Furthermore, higher structural parameters, such as vehicle stiffness, side impact resistance, or roof indentation (Dacheindrückung, sometimes called roof depression), are achieved through "hidden" structural components. Additionally, the lateral load paths within the roof liner allow for better or more direct load transfer, or at the correct locations, and thus lighter implementation of other structural components. Consequently, advantages in energy consumption can be gained through a lighter vehicle.

[0014] The display device can span the width completely or almost completely, in other words, the lateral extension of the vehicle. In particular, the longitudinal extension of the collision element can correspond to the width of the vehicle at the upper end of the interior space. This allows for the use of exceptionally large or wide display devices, and in this design, the collision element remains almost invisible to the user, thus reinforcing the impression that the display device is purely a display device that does not function as a load-bearing structure.

[0015] The impact element is preferably designed to transmit a force of at least 10 kN, preferably at least 15 kN, and particularly preferably at least 20 kN along its longitudinal direction. It should be understood in particular that this force does not cause permanent plastic deformation or failure of the impact element. This force is transmitted along a lateral load path (in other words, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel). The more stable the impact element is designed, the better it can fulfill its function, and the greater the design feasibility derived in the construction of the motor vehicle.

[0016] It is feasible to design the collision element to transfer at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of the load typically generated in an accident, such as a roof crush or so-called poleside impact. Examples of such load conditions may be considered in standard FMVSS 216 (roof crush) or ECE R135 (poleside impact).

[0017] As already mentioned, the impact element can have a tubular cross-section. Here, the cross-section can be designed to be circular, quadrilateral, polygonal, or elliptical. The same cross-section can also be arranged in the form of a completely solid rod or beam. T-shaped, double-T-shaped, or H-shaped profiles are also conceivable. Multi-cavity profiles are also feasible. As also already mentioned, the impact element can be made of metal, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, or corresponding alloys. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFK) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFK) are also feasible. The plastic can be short-fiber reinforced plastic or long-fiber reinforced plastic.

[0018] The collision element can be advantageously designed to connect directly to the vehicle's body-in-white. In other words, the collision element can therefore be designed to be fixed to the body-in-white. This ensures efficient force guidance. The vehicle's body-in-white can have a correspondingly designed connection point. The connection between the collision element and the body-in-white can be achieved through form-fitting connecting elements (such as screws or bolts) or material-fitting connections, such as welding. Furthermore, the collision element can be integrated into the package of the display element, in other words, integrated into the display package. Therefore, the collision element can be arranged together with the display element in a common housing or other common structure.

[0019] Feasibly, the display device is designed to pivot about a pivot axis extending within the collision element. Here, the pivot axis can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the collision element. The display device can then occupy both an unfolded use position and a folded stowed position. In the use position, the display surface can be vertically oriented, and in the stowed position, the display surface can be horizontally oriented. Alternatively, another position for the display device can be envisioned, in which the device can also pivot 180° to achieve a second use position, where the display surface is also horizontally oriented, unlike its orientation towards the interior space of the vehicle in the stowed position. In this second use position, for example, a user lying in the vehicle can use the display device. Depending on the specific application, the display device can also occupy an intermediate position, thus adapting to different user positions.

[0020] According to one improvement, the display device has a first impact element and a second impact element arranged parallel to the first impact element on a side of the display device opposite to the first impact element. For example, the first impact element may be arranged at the upper edge of the display device, and the second impact element may be arranged at the lower edge of the display device. It is then feasible for a second lateral load path to extend through the display device.

[0021] Accordingly, the first impact element can be designed to form a first lateral load path between the left and right top frame elements of the vehicle when the display device is in the impact position or the retracted position, and the second impact element can be designed to form a second lateral load path between the left and right top frame elements of the vehicle when the display device is in the impact position or the retracted position. In the impact position or the retracted position, the screen of the display device can be oriented substantially horizontally. In other words, the display device can then be oriented parallel to the top of the vehicle. In this position, the display device can be connected to the vehicle body at a total of four points. Force can then be transmitted between the vehicle body and the display device or the impact element at these four points.

[0022] Here, the connection between the end of the second impact element and the vehicle is reversible, thus allowing the pivoting movement of the aforementioned display device to remain feasible. Through precise manufacturing, particularly in the lateral direction of the vehicle, effective force transmission via the second impact element can be achieved even without a fixed connection between the second impact element and the vehicle body-in-white. In the application area from the end of the second impact element to the vehicle, fastening elements can be present to prevent the second impact element from unintentionally loosening its connection to the vehicle.

[0023] Advantageously, the display device can be designed to automatically occupy either a retracted position or a collision position in the event of an impending collision. This enhances the safety of the vehicle. The display device can be connected to the vehicle's onboard computer or other onboard electronic devices. The vehicle can be configured to predict an impending collision and output control commands that cause the display device to pivot to either the retracted or collision position. Appropriate driving mechanisms can be provided for this purpose.

[0024] If the display device is arranged at the middle third of the top area of ​​the vehicle when viewed longitudinally, an advantage is gained in transmitting force along one or more lateral load paths. The total force to be transmitted can then be advantageously distributed between the front area of ​​the vehicle, the rear area of ​​the vehicle, and the middle area of ​​the vehicle (where the display device according to the invention is arranged). In particular, the display device can be designed or positioned such that it is visible to users of the second or third row of seats in the vehicle.

[0025] Alternatively, the vehicle can be designed as a convertible, and the collision elements provide rollover protection when the roof is open. Thus, the display device according to the invention can perform additional functions and allows for greater flexibility in the design of the vehicle.

[0026] Advantageously, the vehicle can be configured with a transparent top section that spans the area where the collision elements are arranged within the display device. The transparent top section can be designed as a glass top or a panoramic top. Furthermore, the transparent top section can be designed to be movable, for example, a sliding top. Designing the top section as a convertible top is also feasible. In this way, a particularly aesthetically pleasing vehicle can be constructed.

[0027] Advantageously, the vehicle can be connected to the display device via a cable and / or a data cable. In this way, the display device can be easily integrated into the vehicle's information or entertainment system. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description. Wherein: Figure 1 The vehicle body-in-white is shown according to the prior art; Figure 2 A schematic cross-section through a first embodiment of a display device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic cross-section through a second embodiment of the display device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A vehicle body-in-white 100 according to the prior art is shown. The top of the vehicle body-in-white 100 is composed of a front top region 102 (in which a first lateral load path extends), a rear top region 104 (in which a second lateral load path extends), a right top frame element 106, and a left top frame element 108. An opening 110 for a panoramic roof is present between the aforementioned elements. It can be seen that the front top region 102 and, in particular, the rear top region 104, have a relatively large extension in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which limits the size of the possible opening 110 for the panoramic roof. Therefore, it is desirable to create a feasible solution that alters the design so that the panoramic roof can be designed to be larger, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, without compromising the necessary stability of the vehicle body-in-white 100.

[0030] Figure 2A schematic cross-section through a first embodiment of the display device 2 according to the present invention is shown. The display device 2 has a rectangular frame 4, and a collision element 6 extends in the upper region of the frame. Here, the collision element 6 has a width approximately corresponding to the width of the display device 2. The vehicle body-in-white 8 has two connection points 10, at which the collision element 6 is connected to the vehicle body-in-white. Here, one of the two connection points 10 is arranged in the upper left region of the vehicle body-in-white 8, and the second of the two connection points 10 is arranged in the upper right region of the vehicle body-in-white 8.

[0031] In the presented embodiment, the collision element 6 is designed such that it slightly protrudes from the display device 2 on the right and left sides. The protrusions can be designed to be very small. Alternatively, the connecting point 10 may engage with the display device 2 so that the collision element 6 does not protrude from it. It is also possible that the unit formed by the collision element 6 and other components of the display device 2 is assembled before installation into the vehicle. Alternatively, it is possible to first install the collision element 6 into the vehicle and then add the remaining components of the display device 2.

[0032] In the upper region of the figure, the transparent top portion 12 can be seen, which is implemented as a panoramic top. The panoramic top does not contact the collision element 6 or the display device 2. Therefore, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the panoramic top can be designed to be arbitrarily large because the load path or lateral load path extends through the collision element 6 from one connection point 10 to another. Therefore, the load path or lateral load path does not need to extend through the top of the vehicle.

[0033] Display device 2 can be designed to pivot about pivot axis S. Therefore, display device 2 can be flipped upwards, allowing it to be removed from the user's view when it is not in use.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic cross-section through a second embodiment of the display device 2 according to the invention is shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a second impact element 14, which is visible in the lower region of the display device 2 in the figure. The second impact element 14 can be designed similarly to the first impact element 6. When the display device 2 pivots about the pivot axis S, the left and right end regions of the second impact element 14 can be accommodated by additional connecting elements located outside the cross-section, which are arranged at a corresponding distance from the connection point 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This establishes a second lateral load path that connects the left and right sides of the vehicle body-in-white 8, such that in load conditions (e.g., in the event of an accident or other impact acting on the vehicle), a large force can be transmitted between the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0035] As described, the second impact element 14 can be designed similarly to the first impact element 6, where the two impact elements 6 and 14 can have the same or similar shape, material, and size. However, the second impact element 14 can also be designed differently; for example, it can be designed to be less strong than the first impact element 6, since it should only provide supplementary protection when the display device 2 is in the retracted position. For example, the second impact element 14 can have a smaller diameter than the first impact element 6. In this way, even when the display device 2 has the second impact element 14, the lower region of the frame 4 of the display device 2 can remain narrow, which can be visually advantageous.

[0036] Reference number list 2 Display devices 4 Framework 6. Collision elements 8. Vehicle body-in-white 10 Connecting points 12. Transparent top section 14 Second collision element 100 Vehicle body-in-white 102 Front Top Area 104 Top area 106 Top right frame element 108 Top Left Frame Component 110 Opening for the top of the panoramic view S is the pivot axis.

Claims

1. A display device (2) for being arranged at an upper end of an interior space of a motor vehicle, wherein The display device (2) has a crash element (6) which is designed to form a transverse load path between a left roof frame element of the motor vehicle and a right roof frame element of the motor vehicle.

2. The display device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The crash element (6) is designed to transmit a force of at least 10 kN in the longitudinal direction of the crash element (6).

3. The display device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The crash element (6) is designed to be directly connected to a bodyshell (8) of the motor vehicle.

4. The display device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The display device (2) is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S) which extends within the crash element (6).

5. The display device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The display device (2) comprises a first crash element (6) and a second crash element (14) which is arranged parallel to the first crash element (6) at a side of the display device (2) which is opposite the first crash element (6).

6. The display device (2) according to claim 5, wherein The first crash element (6) is designed to form a first transverse load path between a left roof frame element of the motor vehicle and a right roof frame element of the motor vehicle when the display device (2) is in a crash position or in a stowed position, and wherein the second crash element (14) is designed to form a second transverse load path between a left roof frame element of the motor vehicle and a right roof frame element of the motor vehicle when the display device (2) is in a crash position or in a stowed position.

7. Motor vehicle with a display device (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. The motor vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The display device (2) is arranged in the middle third of the roof area of the motor vehicle, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

9. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein The motor vehicle is designed as a convertible, and wherein the crash element (6) forms a rollover protection when the roof of the motor vehicle is open.

10. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The motor vehicle has a transparent roof portion (12) which spans an area of the display device (2) in which the crash element (6) is arranged.

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