Vehicle image projector system

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle image projector system. A projector system for a vehicle includes a projector screen configured to be mounted proximate a rear end of the vehicle or a rear cargo area of the vehicle when a lift door of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing that supports an image projector. The housing has a striker pin configured to be releasably connected to a latch on the lift door of the vehicle such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the lift door in an open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an image display system for use in motor vehicles, and more specifically to a projector system having an image projector configured to project images onto a projector screen, such as for a picnic scene during vehicle travel. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with video image displays throughout the vehicle. For example, video image displays may be located inside the vehicle or at the rear of the vehicle, in a picnic or travel setting. It may be desirable to provide an easy-to-use image projector system for use in vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a projector system for a vehicle includes a projector screen configured to be mounted near the rear end of the vehicle or the rear cargo area of ​​the vehicle when a liftgate of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing supporting an image projector. The housing has a striker configured to be releasably connected to a latch on the liftgate of the vehicle, such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the liftgate in the open position.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - The projector assembly also includes a base plate operably coupled to the striker to support the housing in the use position;

[0006] - The projector also includes a bracket for connecting the housing to the substrate;

[0007] - The housing defines a compartment for receiving the image projector and one or more other items;

[0008] - The projector screen has one or more connectors configured to support the projector screen on the lift-up door;

[0009] - The projector screen includes at least a first projector panel and a second projector panel, wherein the first projector panel is folded relative to the second projector panel;

[0010] - The projector screen is operable to connect to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle to provide cargo cover over a portion of the cargo area;

[0011] - The first panel and the second panel fold to provide cargo cover;

[0012] - The cargo area is located behind the rear seats in the vehicle; and

[0013] - The striker includes a U-shaped arm.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle has a cargo area at a rear-end front, a liftgate at the rear end, and a projector system. The projector system includes a projector screen configured to be mounted near the rear end or the rear cargo area when the liftgate of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing supporting an image projector. The housing has a striker configured to be releasably connected to a latch on the liftgate of the vehicle, such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the liftgate in the open position.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0016] - The projector assembly also includes a base plate operably coupled to the striker to support the housing in the use position;

[0017] - The projector also includes a bracket for connecting the housing to the substrate;

[0018] - The housing defines a compartment for receiving the image projector and one or more other items;

[0019] - The projector screen has one or more connectors configured to support the projector screen on the lift-up door;

[0020] - The projector screen includes at least a first projector panel and a second projector panel, wherein the first projector panel is folded relative to the second projector panel;

[0021] - The first panel and the second panel fold to provide cargo cover;

[0022] - The projector screen is operable to connect to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle to provide cargo cover over a portion of the cargo area;

[0023] - The cargo area is located behind the rear seats in the vehicle; and

[0024] - The striker includes a U-shaped arm.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objectives of this disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] In the attached diagram:

[0027] Figure 1 The image projector system is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with an image projector system, which has an deployable display screen and a projector assembly supported by an open liftgate.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of the rear of a motor vehicle, with the liftgate in the open position and the projector screen in a rear-view position illuminated by a projector at the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3A This is a schematic side view of the rear section of the vehicle, showing a projector screen configured as a rear cargo area cover.

[0030] Figure 3B This is a schematic side view of the rear of the vehicle, showing the projector screen partially unfolding as the liftgate opens.

[0031] Figure 3C This is a schematic side view of the rear of the vehicle, showing the projector screen further unfolded as the liftgate opens.

[0032] Figure 3D This is a schematic side view of the rear of the vehicle, showing the projector screen fully extended and the projector assembly assembled on the latch of the liftgate.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a frontal perspective view of the projector screen shown in its unfolded use position;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The exploded perspective view of the projector screen shown in its unfolded use position is shown in the middle.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a projector assembly with a mounting assembly having a striker for attaching a latch to a liftgate; and

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Rear perspective view of the projector assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, structural elements are depicted not to scale, and some parts are enlarged relative to others for emphasis and understanding purposes.

[0038] Detailed embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure and may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure in different ways.

[0039] For descriptive purposes, the terms "up," "down," "right," "left," "back," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives should be used in this document. Figure 1 The concept of orientation is used. However, it should be understood that the concept may present various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0040] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily exist in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to image projector systems for vehicles. Therefore, apparatus components and method steps have been indicated by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings where appropriate, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure shown so as not to obscure the disclosure in ways that would be obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the specification and drawings.

[0041] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with two or more listed items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0042] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom are used individually to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element preceded by “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0043] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, dimension, formulation, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not precise, nor is it required to be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or the mentioned endpoint. Whether or not the endpoints of numerical values ​​or ranges in this specification are referred to as "about," the endpoints are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It should also be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to and independent of another endpoint.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may indicate that the values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0045] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, as used herein, the terms “the,” “an,” or “a” mean “at least one” and should not be limited to “only one.” Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “component” include embodiments having two or more such components.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram generally illustrates a wheeled automobile or motor vehicle 10 configured with passenger seats for transporting one or more passengers. The motor vehicle 10 has multiple wheels 90 and a vehicle body 12, which generally defines a passenger compartment 14. The passenger compartment has a seating area and a rear cargo area 15, typically located behind the seating area. The vehicle body 12 generally includes body panels, side entrance doors 16, a roof 18, and a rear lift-up door 22, which serves as a rear entrance door that moves to an open position to access the rear cargo area.

[0047] Passenger compartment 14 is shown as having a front passenger seat 20A with a certain arrangement, which typically includes a driver's seat and passenger seats. The vehicle 10 is also shown with additional seats in the second row, shown as seat 20B, located in the seating area. The second row of seats is positioned behind the first row of seats. For example, the vehicle 10 may include additional rows of seats, which is common for large vans or buses. It should be understood that the vehicle 10 may be a motor vehicle, such as, for example, a wheeled car, truck, SUV, van, or bus, with a rear lift-up door to accommodate a travel picnic area and an outdoor cinema projector system.

[0048] The cargo area 15 is located behind the rear seats 20B and extends toward the rear end 24 of the vehicle 10. The liftgate 22 can close the cargo area 15 in the closed position and expose the cargo area in the open position, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. When the liftgate 22 is configured in the open position, the vehicle 10 can be equipped with an image projector system 30 to provide an outdoor viewing cinema with a projector screen 34 displaying a projected light image generated by the projector assembly 32 and projected onto the rear surface of the vehicle. Therefore, when looking forward from the rear of the vehicle 10 towards its rear end 24, the projected luminous image can be seen from the outside of the vehicle 10 on the projector screen 34. Using an outdoor viewing cinema in a vehicle travel picnic setting may be particularly advantageous.

[0049] The lift-up door 22 can move between a closed position that closes the rear passageway to the rear cargo area 15 and an open position that exposes the rear cargo area, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. The liftgate 22 has one or more hinges 28, which are generally positioned along the upper edge of the liftgate 22 and connected to the vehicle body at the rear end 24 below the roof 18 of the vehicle 10. The hinges 28 allow the liftgate 22 to rotate between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, a pair of actuator mechanisms 26, shown as telescopic tubes, are shown extending between the vehicle body 12 and the liftgate 22 to actuate the liftgate 22 between the open and closed positions. It should be understood that the liftgate 22 can be actuated by a motor or manually.

[0050] The motor vehicle 10 has a sill 62 that generally extends laterally at the rear end, approximately above the bumper and just behind the cargo area 15. The sill 62 generally defines a lower surface that receives an opening of a liftgate 22 in the closed position. A liftgate bolt 60 is located within the sill 62, extends upward, and is configured to engage a latch 36 at the rear end or lower end of the liftgate 22 to lock the liftgate 22 in the closed position. When the liftgate 22 is in the open position, the latch 36 in the liftgate 22 is exposed in the raised, rearwardly extending open position, as... Figure 2 As seen in the diagram. In this open position, the projector assembly 32, with projector latch 38, can be engaged and connected to latch 36 to hold the projector assembly 32 in the use position. The projector assembly 32 has an image projector configurable to generate video images that can be projected for display on the projector screen 34.

[0051] The projector screen 34 has an upper panel 34A and a lower panel 34B, which are shown unfolded as screens extending in a plane and are held on a pair of connector hooks 64, such as hooks on the inner wall of the liftgate 22, via a pair of connector rings 68 at the top of the projector screen 34. Additionally, the projector screen 34 can be connected to a connector in the vehicle's cargo area 15 via a connector strip 74, shown with connector ends 72. Therefore, the projector screen 34 can be suspended substantially vertically from the liftgate 22 near the rear end 24 or cargo area 15 when the liftgate 22 is in the open position and can be stably supported via the connector rings 68 and the connector strip 74.

[0052] refer to Figures 3A to 3D The motor vehicle 10 is shown as having a projector screen 34, which can be displayed as follows: Figure 3A The cargo cover configuration shown for the lift-up door 22 in the closed position and as... Figure 3D The projector screen configuration shown moves between the open position of the lift-up door 22 and the projector screen configuration. (As shown) Figure 3AAs shown, the projector screen 34, located in the cargo cover configuration, is in a folded configuration, with the upper panel 34A and lower panel 34B folded in a parallel plane and generally kept horizontal and raised within the cargo area 15, extending between the lift-up door 22 and the rear seats. In this position, the projector screen 34 can cover cargo located below the projector screen 34 and easily kept out of sight in the cargo area.

[0053] like Figure 3B As shown, the liftgate 22 can be unlocked by releasing the liftgate bolt 60 from the latch 36 and rotating it upwards about the hinge 28 via the actuator arm 26 to the open position. In doing so, the projector screen 34 can be partially rotated upwards at a certain angle and rotated to the open position. Figure 3C As shown in the diagram. With the liftgate 22 in the fully open position, a pair of connector strips 74 can be disconnected from a pair of connectors 73 in the passenger compartment, and the projector screen 34 can be extended to its extended position, as shown. Figure 3D As seen, the projector screen extends generally vertically downward. In this position, the projector assembly 32 can be oriented to project images onto the projector screen 34 for viewing by one or more users outside the vehicle 10 when viewing the vehicle from the rear end 24 of the vehicle 10.

[0054] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The projector screen 34 is shown as having an upper panel 34A hingedly connected to a lower panel 34B. The upper panel 34A is connected to the lower panel 34B via one or more hinges 76, such that the upper panel 34A and the lower panel 34B can be folded relative to each other into a folded configuration or extended into a flat configuration, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0055] The projector screen 34 has a pair of connector rings 68 at its top for suspending the projector screen 34 on a hook 64 on the liftgate 22. The connector rings 68 may include connector members 70 that allow for disconnection within the ring to attach to the upper panel 34A and the hook 64. Additionally, the projector screen 34 has a pair of flexible connector arms 72, each with a connector ring 74 for holding the projector screen 34 in position with the cargo cover.

[0056] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates a projector assembly 32 according to one example. The projector assembly 32 includes a housing 50 that generally defines a compartment 52. In the example shown, the housing 50 is generally rectangular, and the compartment 52 is also generally rectangular. An image projector 80 is located within the compartment 52 and exposed at an open end 82. The image projector 80 is configured to generate an illuminated image on a projector screen. This can include photographs, video messages, and other projections of illuminated images. The projector assembly 32 can include any known image projector.

[0057] The projector assembly 32 includes a bracket 44 mounted on the upper side of the housing 50 and configured to be connected to a pair of arms 42 via a pivot pin 46. The arms 42 can thus be adjusted to rotate relative to the bracket 44 to adjust the position or orientation of the housing 50, and therefore the alignment of the image projector 80 and thus the projector output beam. The pair of arms 42 are further connected to a support plate 40 having a projector pin 38 extending therefrom. The projector pin 38 can be a U-shaped curved arm, such as a rod. The projector pin 38 can thus be inserted into a latch 36 on a liftgate 22 of the vehicle 10 for releasable connection to the latch 36, thereby enabling the image projector 80 to be optically aligned with the projector screen 34. The image projector 80 can receive power, for example, from a power / communication cable 54. Communication of data, such as video images and related data, can be supplied via the power / communication cable 54 or can be provided via wireless communication.

[0058] Therefore, the projector system 30 advantageously allows images (such as video images) to be displayed by the projector assembly 32 on the projector screen 34 in an easy-to-use manner, enabling outdoor viewing of video images from a position facing the rear end 24 of the vehicle 10. The projector 30 is easy to assemble and disassemble. It should be understood that when the projection system 30 is assembled as a cinema on the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 should be locked in the parking position and not moved.

[0059] It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing structures without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless otherwise expressly stated in their language.

[0060] According to the present invention, a projector system for a vehicle is provided, the projector system comprising: a projector screen configured to be mounted near the rear end of the vehicle or the rear cargo area of ​​the vehicle when the liftgate of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing supporting an image projector, wherein the housing has a striker configured to be releasably connected to a latch on the liftgate of the vehicle, such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the liftgate in the open position.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the projector assembly further includes a substrate operatively connected to the striker to support the housing in a position of use.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the projector further includes a bracket for connecting the housing to the substrate.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the housing defines a compartment for receiving the image projector and one or more other items.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the projector screen has one or more connectors configured to support the projector screen on the lift-up door.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the projector screen includes at least a first projector panel and a second projector panel, wherein the first projector panel is folded relative to the second projector panel.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the projector screen is operable to connect to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle to provide a cargo cover over a portion of the cargo area.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are folded to provide cargo cover.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the cargo area is located behind the rear seats in the vehicle.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the striking pin includes a U-shaped arm.

[0070] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided having: a cargo area in front of a rear end; a lift-up door at the rear end; and a projector system comprising: a projector screen configured to be mounted near the rear end or the rear cargo area when the rear door of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing supporting an image projector, wherein the housing has a striker configured to be releasably connected to a latch on the lift-up door of the vehicle, such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the lift-up door in the open position.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the projector assembly further includes a substrate operatively connected to the striker to support the housing in a position of use.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the projector further includes a bracket for connecting the housing to the substrate.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the housing defines a compartment for receiving the image projector and one or more other items.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the projector screen has one or more connectors configured to support the projector screen on the lift-up door.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the projector screen includes at least a first projector panel and a second projector panel, wherein the first projector panel is folded relative to the second projector panel.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are folded to provide cargo cover.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the projector screen is operable to connect to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle to provide a cargo cover over a portion of the cargo area.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the cargo area is located behind the rear seats in the vehicle.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the striking pin includes a U-shaped arm.

Claims

1. A projector system for a vehicle, the projector system comprising: a projector screen configured to be mounted proximate to a rear end of the vehicle or a rear cargo area of the vehicle when a liftgate of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing that supports an image projector, wherein the housing has a striker configured to releasably connect to a latch on the liftgate of the vehicle such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the liftgate in the open position.

2. The projector system of claim 1, wherein the projector assembly further comprises a baseboard operably coupled to the striker to support the housing in a use position.

3. The projector system of claim 2, wherein the projector further comprises a bracket that couples the housing to the baseboard.

4. The projector system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a compartment for receiving the image projector and one or more other items.

5. The projector system of claim 1, wherein the projector screen has one or more connectors configured to support the projector screen on the liftgate.

6. The projector system of claim 1, wherein the projector screen comprises at least a first projector panel and a second projector panel, wherein the first projector panel is folded relative to the second projector panel.

7. The projector system of claim 6, wherein the projector screen is operable to be connected within the cargo area of the vehicle to provide a cargo cover over a portion of the cargo area.

8. The projector system of claim 7, wherein the first and second panels are folded to provide the cargo cover.

9. The projector system of claim 8, wherein the cargo area is rearward of a rear bench seat in the vehicle.

10. The projector system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the striker comprises a U-shaped arm.

11. A vehicle comprising: a cargo area forward of a rear end; a liftgate at the rear end; and a projector system, the projector system comprising: a projector screen configured to be mounted proximate to the rear end or the rear cargo area when a rear gate of the vehicle is in an open position; and a projector assembly having a housing that supports an image projector, wherein the housing has a striker configured to releasably connect to a latch on the liftgate of the vehicle such that the image projector is operable to illuminate the projector screen when assembled on the liftgate in the open position. ​ ​ ​

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