Display device
The display device addresses energy consumption and contamination issues by using a movable assembly system with an elastic bearing and extensions, achieving efficient haptic feedback and heat dissipation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102018007709
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2018-04-09
- Filing Date
- 2018-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2038-09-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing display devices face issues with high energy consumption and undesirable vibrations due to mechanical actuators generating haptic feedback, which can also lead to contamination and heat dissipation challenges, especially in vehicles.
A display device with a movable assembly system using an elongated bearing body with elastic properties and extensions that are inserted into recesses in the assemblies, providing a movable connection while minimizing energy consumption and reducing contamination, and allowing efficient heat dissipation.
The solution reduces energy consumption, minimizes vibrations and noise, prevents contamination, and enhances heat dissipation by decoupling the liquid crystal panel and backlight, improving user experience and device longevity.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical area
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of display devices. Specifically, aspects are provided in connection with a display device having two assemblies that can be displaced relative to one another by actuators. background
[0002] Haptic feedback devices are often incorporated into display devices. These devices allow, for example, a touchscreen to provide the user with tactile feedback using mechanical or electrostatic effects. For example, a vibration of the touchscreen can signal to the user that an input has been received or a process has been completed.
[0003] Haptic feedback is advantageous, among other things, because the user does not need to maintain eye contact with the display to perceive it. For example, if the driver of a motor vehicle presses a built-in touchscreen to accept a call, the driver can receive haptic confirmation of the call. Due to the anticipated haptic confirmation, the driver is able to return their attention to the road ahead of time. This increases driving safety.
[0004] Mechanical feedback, such as vibration, is typically generated by a mechanical actuator that moves a component of the display device facing the user. However, generating vibrations, particularly with heavy components, involves significant energy consumption by the actuator. Furthermore, vibrations can propagate through the housing of the display device into mechanically connected elements, where they can cause unwanted vibrations and noise. For example, experience has shown that vibrations generated by an actuator on the display device of a vehicle infotainment system can still be felt near the vehicle door.
[0005] A common type of display device comprises a liquid crystal panel with a dedicated backlight. The backlight generates heat, which in turn must be efficiently dissipated. With a movable backlight, dissipating the generated heat to a stationary heat sink is very difficult.
[0006] US 2008 / 0055277 A1 discloses a display device with a liquid crystal panel and a backlight. The liquid crystal panel is spatially spaced from the backlight and is movable by an actuator.
[0007] When the liquid crystal panel and backlight are spatially separated, dust and other contaminants, such as debris generated by a mechanical actuator, can enter the space between them. Such contaminants are then projected onto the liquid crystal panel by the backlight, resulting in visible artifacts.
[0008] US 2010 / 0238053 A1 discloses a display device comprising multiple assemblies. One of the assemblies is coupled to a second assembly via flexible arms to enable actuator-based deflection of the two assemblies relative to each other.
[0009] DE 10 2016 013 544 A1 (published on May 17, 2018) relates to an input assembly with an operating element and a support element, wherein at least one elastic element is arranged between the operating element and the support element. However, this document does not show a recess in an extension of a bearing body.
[0010] DE 10 2010 038 429 A1, DE 10 2008 041 830 A1, and DE 20 2005 021 480 U1 relate to seals for sealing a gap between two elements against dust and moisture. In DE 10 2008 041 830 A1, for example, this is provided in the form of a liquid sealing material. DE 20 2005 021 480 U1 further mentions a system for joining a connecting element and a cavity at an edge surface of a substrate. For anchoring in a groove, a shoulder of the sealing element is provided with projecting parts with a convex profile. The seal is fixed in the groove by inserting a locking rod into a corresponding opening. Brief outline
[0011] The present disclosure is based on the object of providing a bearing that solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems or other problems.
[0012] According to a first aspect, a bearing for supporting a first assembly comprising a display panel relative to a second assembly of a display device is specified. The bearing comprises an elongated bearing body with elastic properties, which is designed to support the first assembly movably relative to the second assembly. Furthermore, the bearing comprises at least one extension connected to the bearing body, which is designed to be inserted into a recess in one of the assemblies for fastening the bearing body. The at least one extension has at least one recess designed to receive an anchoring element.
[0013] The at least one extension can have a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses can have different distances from the bearing body.
[0014] The at least one recess can extend substantially perpendicular to an extension of the at least one extension away from the bearing body. The at least one recess can be formed between two lamellae arranged on the at least one extension.
[0015] The at least one extension can extend over the entire longitudinal extent of the bearing body. Alternatively, several spaced-apart extensions can be arranged along the longitudinal extent of the bearing body. The extensions can be spaced substantially equally apart from one another.
[0016] The bearing body and / or the at least one extension can be formed as an extruded part. Furthermore, the bearing body and the at least one extension can be coextruded.
[0017] The bearing body can be formed integrally with the at least one extension. The bearing body can be formed integrally with all extensions. Alternatively, the bearing body and the at least one extension can be formed in a non-integral manner.
[0018] The bearing body and / or the at least one extension may comprise a polymer material (e.g., an elastomer material). In particular, the bearing body and / or the at least one extension may comprise silicone.
[0019] The bearing body may comprise or be coated with an electrically conductive material. An electrically conductive material, such as carbon particles or a metallic wire, may be embedded in the bearing body.
[0020] The bearing body can have at least one bearing surface extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one extension, which is designed to bear against the first assembly and / or second assembly. The bearing body can have a first bearing surface designed to bear against the first assembly, and a second bearing surface designed to bear against the second assembly, wherein the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface have a distance of at least 1 mm, for example at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface can run substantially parallel to one another.
[0021] The bearing body may comprise a first material, and the at least one first extension may comprise a second material. The first material may be softer than the second material. The first material may have a Shore hardness below a threshold value, and the second material may have a Shore hardness above the threshold value. The threshold value may be a Shore hardness of 50. The first material may have a Shore hardness below 30. The second material may have a Shore hardness above 70.
[0022] The bearing body can be tubular in shape with a hollow space extending along the longitudinal extent of the bearing body. The hollow space can be closed at at least one end of the bearing body. The hollow space can be filled with a fluid, such as air.
[0023] The bearing may comprise a first extension and a second extension provided on opposite sides of the bearing body. The first extension and the second extension may be mirror-symmetrical and / or point-symmetrical to each other.
[0024] The at least one extension can taper in a direction away from the bearing body. The at least one extension can be configured to self-center upon insertion into the recess.
[0025] According to a second aspect, a display device is provided. The display device comprises a first assembly, which includes a display panel, and a second assembly. Furthermore, the display assembly comprises the mounting described here, which movably mounts the first assembly relative to the second assembly. The at least one extension of the mounting is received in a recess in one of the assemblies.
[0026] The first assembly may comprise a liquid crystal panel, and the second assembly may comprise a backlight for the liquid crystal panel. Alternatively, the first assembly may comprise both the liquid crystal panel and the backlight.
[0027] The recess may taper in the direction away from the bearing body. The recess may essentially have a V-shaped cross-section, at least in some areas.
[0028] The at least one extension can have a first width and the recess a second width. The first width can be larger than the second width, at least in some areas, so that the at least one extension can be received in the recess in a force-fitting manner.
[0029] The display device can further comprise at least one anchoring element, which engages (e.g., positively) in the recess of the at least one extension located in the region of the depression. The assembly having the depression can have a channel opening into the depression, which channel is designed to accommodate the anchoring element. The anchoring element can be a separate component that can be inserted into the depression from the outside, for example, via the channel. The anchoring element can be an angle bracket. In another variant, the anchoring element can be formed integrally with an assembly section delimiting the depression.
[0030] The display device may further comprise an actuator acting on the first assembly. The actuator may be configured to move the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
[0031] According to a third aspect, a method for assembling a display device is provided. The method comprises providing a first assembly comprising a display panel and a second assembly, wherein at least one of the two assemblies has a recess. The method further comprises providing a bearing comprising an elongated bearing body and at least one extension connected to the bearing body, wherein the at least one extension has a recess. In addition, the method comprises fastening the bearing body to the assembly having the recess, wherein the fastening comprises inserting the at least one extension into the recess and receiving an anchoring element in the recess.
[0032] The fastening may comprise engaging an anchoring element in a recess of the at least one extension located in the region of the depression. Short description of the drawings
[0033] Further advantages, details, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. They show: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a display device; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the bearing according to the enlarged detail A of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown display device in the assembled state; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 shown display device in the area of line BB; Fig. 5A-5G Cross-sectional views of various bearing embodiments; Fig. 6A-6F Cross-sectional views of the display device according to Fig. 1 at different assembly steps; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the display device according to Fig. 1 with an illustration of the actuators installed therein; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 2 shown display device in the area of line CC; Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of an abstracted display device with masses and elastic elements that are parts of oscillatory systems; Fig. 10 a perspective view of the display device according to Fig. 1 with an illustration of synchronously moving centers of mass; and Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 2 shown display device along the line DD. Detailed description
[0034] In the now based on the Fig. In the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 11, the same reference numerals refer to corresponding elements.
[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a display device 10. The display device 10 is intended to be mounted within a motor vehicle. In other embodiments, the display device 10 may be housed in a housing (e.g., when integrating the display device 10 into a laptop computer, a computer tablet, or a smartphone).
[0036] The display device 10 comprises a first assembly 12, a second assembly 14, a bearing 16, and a plurality of mechanical actuators 18A-E acting on the first assembly 12. The first assembly 12 is movably coupled to the second assembly 14 via the bearing 16. By means of the actuators 18A-E, the first assembly 12 can be deflected relative to the second assembly 14 in order to mechanically generate haptic feedback (e.g., a vibration). The bearing 16 is designed to provide a restoring force that counteracts the deflection.
[0037] The first assembly 12 comprises a liquid crystal panel (in Fig. 1 not highlighted). Furthermore, the first assembly 12 comprises a transparent front layer 20, which protects the first assembly 12 from mechanical influences. The front layer 20 can comprise, for example, glass or plastic. The first assembly 12 can also have a touch-sensitive surface. The touch-sensitive surface allows a user to make inputs.
[0038] The second assembly 14 includes a backlight 22. The backlight 22 generates light for modulation by the liquid crystal panel incorporated in the first assembly. The backlight 22 includes a light source (in Fig. 1 not shown), for example in the form of light-emitting diodes. The backlight 22 further comprises a planar light guide 24. The light generated by the light source enters the light guide 24 and is distributed there essentially homogeneously, for example by means of scattering. The backlight 22 can further have a reflective layer (not shown) on a side of the light guide 24 facing away from the first assembly 12 (and the liquid crystal panel installed therein). The reflective layer reflects light that emerges from a side of the light guide 24 facing away from the first assembly 12 back into the light guide 24. This improves the light output of the backlight 22.
[0039] The first assembly 12 comprises on a second assembly 14 facing side (in a Fig. 1 by a dashed line) a first recess 26 formed as a groove in the exemplary embodiment. The first recess 26 extends in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a frame-like manner near an outer periphery of the first assembly 12 and the liquid crystal panel installed therein. The second assembly 14 similarly comprises a second recess 28 formed as a groove on a side facing the first assembly 12. The second recess 28 extends in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 also extends in a frame-like manner near an outer circumference of the second assembly 14. The first recess 26 extends essentially mirror-symmetrically to the second recess 28, wherein the mirror plane extends between the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14.
[0040] As in Fig. 1, the display device 10 comprises five actuators 18A-E. A different number of actuators 18, such as one, two, three, four, or more, may also be provided. The actuators 18A-E are arranged on the first assembly 12, wherein, in the exemplary embodiment, all actuators 18A-E are arranged on the same side of the first assembly 12, namely, one of the long longitudinal sides. Alternatively, some of the actuators 18 may be arranged on the opposite side to the other part of the actuators 18. Actuators 18 may also be arranged on the short longitudinal sides.
[0041] The actuators 18A-E are designed to move the first assembly 12 relative to the second assembly 14 in a first direction parallel to the short longitudinal side. The bearing 16 is elastically deformed due to this movement. The bearing 16 in Fig. 1 has a lower resistance to deformation in the first direction, i.e. in the direction of movement generated by the actuators, than in the second direction.
[0042] As also in Fig. 1, the second assembly 14 comprises a fastening device in the form of fastening tabs 38, which are designed to receive fastening screws (not shown). By means of the fastening tabs 38, the display device 10 can be mounted, for example, in a vehicle (for example, as part of an infotainment system). The fastening tabs 38 are made of a material with good thermal conductivity (e.g., metal). They are thermally coupled to a metallic housing of the backlight 22. In this way, heat dissipated by the backlight 22 to the second assembly 14 can be reliably dissipated to a stationary heat sink 39 provided on the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle body), to which the fastening tabs 38 are fastened.This heat dissipation is also possible without any problems because the background lighting 22 does not have to be deflected for haptic feedback and can therefore be rigidly connected to the stationary heat sink 39.
[0043] The bearing 16 described above is provided in a space between mutually facing sides of the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14. The bearing 16 supports the first assembly 12 movably with respect to the second assembly 14.
[0044] As in Fig. 2, the bearing 16 has a bearing body 30, a first extension 32, and a second extension 34. The first extension 32 and the second extension 34 are arranged on opposite sides of the bearing body 30. In other words, the first extension 32 and the second extension 34 are arranged at an angle of 180° to one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bearing body 30. The first extension 32 and the second extension 34 are mechanically connected to the bearing body 30 and, in the present embodiment, extend over the entire length of the bearing body 30. In other embodiments, the extensions 32, 34 can also be provided only at specific points on the bearing body 30.
[0045] Now referring again to Fig. 1, the first extension 32 is intended to be received in the first recess 26 of the first assembly 12. In this way, the bearing body 30 can be fastened to the first assembly 12 by means of the first extension 32. The second extension 34 is intended to be received in the second recess 28. In this way, the bearing body 30 can be fastened to the second assembly 14 by means of the second extension 32.
[0046] The bearing 16 consists of at least one material with elastic properties, for example, a polymer material (in particular, an elastomer material). Since the bearing body 30 is thus elastic, the bearing 30 supports the first assembly 12 movably with respect to the second assembly 14. Furthermore, when the first assembly 12 moves with respect to the second assembly 14, the bearing 14 generates a restoring force directed counter to this movement.
[0047] The bearing 16 can, in particular, comprise silicone. Silicone exhibits essentially constant elasticity in the range between -55°C and +200°C. This wide temperature range is particularly advantageous when the display device 10 is used in a vehicle that is exposed to large temperature fluctuations due to weather influences. Furthermore, silicone exhibits low compression set. Since forces act on the bearing 16 due to gravity, user inputs, and actuator operation, the low plastic deformation of silicone leads to a longer service life of the bearing 16.
[0048] Furthermore, the bearing 16 can be electrically conductive, at least in some areas. For this purpose, the bearing can comprise an electrically conductive material (e.g., in the form of embedded carbon particles) or be coated with a conductive material. The electrical conductivity of the bearing 16 provides better protection against electrostatic discharges (ESD) for a space defined by the bearing 16 and the assemblies 12, 14. The bearing 16 can comprise at least one wire, which can in particular be embedded in the bearing 16. The wire increases the mechanical stability of the bearing 16 and can contribute to ESD protection.
[0049] In its initial state, the bearing 16 is elongated and, in particular, linear (e.g., in the form of "sold by the meter"). It exhibits such flexible properties that it can be deformed according to the frame-like contour of the recesses 26, 28. Alternatively, the bearing 26 can be non-linear in its initial state and already replicate the contour of the recesses 26, 28 during production (i.e., before the bearing 16 is mounted on the first and second assemblies 12, 14).
[0050] The course of the bearing body 30 is designed in a frame-like manner in the assembled state, wherein a first end 30A of the bearing body 30 is mounted near a second end 30B of the bearing body 30 (see also Fig. 2). The second end 30B of the bearing body 30 extends outwardly from this frame.
[0051] The bearing 16 has a substantially rectangular shape (with at least three rounded corners). Therefore, the bearing 16 has two long longitudinal sides and two short longitudinal sides. Due to the different lengths of the longitudinal sides, the bearing 16 has a preferred deformation direction. The first assembly 12 defines a plane that runs substantially parallel to the front layer 20. Within this plane, in a similar manner to that already discussed above in connection with the actuator movement direction, a first direction parallel to the short longitudinal side of the bearing 16 and a second direction parallel to the long longitudinal side of the bearing 16 are defined. According to this definition and due to the homogeneous material properties of the bearing body 30, the bearing 20 has a lower deformation resistance when the first assembly 12 moves relative to the second assembly 14 in the first direction than in the second direction.
[0052] The preferred direction of movement is perpendicular to the course of electrical cables (e.g. a multi-core flexible cable, in Fig. 1 not shown) between the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14. The lines generally extend from a long longitudinal side of the second assembly 14 in an arc to an adjacent long longitudinal side of the first assembly 12. Therefore, the mechanical stress on the lines during an actuator movement of the assemblies 12, 14 relative to one another along the preferred direction of movement is low.
[0053] As in Fig. 2, the bearing body 30 is designed as a hollow body with a central cavity 31. Specifically, the bearing body 30 has the shape of a tube. Furthermore, the second end 30B extends away from the interior of the frame. This provides a connection point for a Fig. 3, the pressure sensor 33 is applied to a fluid volume of the cavity 31. To prevent pressure equalization between the cavity 31 and the environment, the first end 30A is closed.
[0054] The cavity 31 is filled with a fluid, such as air. The pressure sensor 33 provided at the second end 30B of the bearing 16 is in communication with the fluid volume of the cavity 31. Thus, the pressure sensor 33 can detect pressure changes in the fluid volume in the bearing body 30. Such a pressure change can be attributed, for example, to a force applied by a user to the first assembly 12. Due to the force applied, the cavity 31 and the fluid volume contained therein are compressed. This compression of the fluid volume leads to an increase in pressure, which the pressure sensor 33, which is in communication with the fluid volume, then detects. In this way, a force applied by the user can be measured due to the resulting pressure increase in the cavity 31 detected by the pressure sensor 33. Thus, the bearing body 30 formed with a hollow body enables the detection of a user input.
[0055] In any case, in the assembled state, the bearing 16 is designed like a frame in the form of a loop (cf. Fig. 1), wherein the closed first end 30A rests against a contact area 30C of the bearing 30. The frame shape of the bearing 16 reduces the penetration of dust into the space defined by the bearing 30 between the assemblies 12, 14. Since the closed first end 30A rests against the contact area 30C, open areas between the closed first end 30A and the contact area 30C are minimized, and dust tightness is improved. In addition, an adhesive can be provided between the closed first end 30A and the contact area 30C to further improve dust tightness. The adhesive can also be provided to close a previously open first end 30A. Welding or vulcanization can also be used instead of an adhesive.Furthermore, as an alternative to applying or gluing / welding / vulcanizing, a T-shaped pipe connector can be provided between the open first end 30A and the contact area 30C. In the case of a hollow bearing body 30, this realizes fluid communication and thus faster pressure equalization between the first end 30A and the contact area 30C.
[0056] The bearing body 30 and the extensions 32, 34 connected thereto are produced by extrusion, wherein the bearing body 30 and the extensions 32, 34 can be co-extruded. If the bearing 16 is an extrusion, it has essentially the Fig. 3. Thus, the bearing body 30 and the extensions 32, 34 are formed integrally. Furthermore, the two extensions 32, 34 extend over the entire length of the bearing body 30. Alternatively, the extensions 32, 34 can be formed only in sections on those areas of the bearing body 30 where the bearing body 30 is to be attached to the recesses 26, 28.
[0057] The bearing body 30 has a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The flat sides of this rectangle reduce rolling of the bearing body during movement of the first assembly 12. Alternatively, the bearing body 30 can have a circular, oval, or polygonal cross-sectional shape.
[0058] The bearing body 30 is made of a softer material than the two extensions 32, 34. The material of the bearing body 30 is therefore comparatively soft so that its deformation resistance is low and no high actuator power is required to move the first assembly 12 relative to the second assembly 14 (with sufficiently high restoring forces). The material of the two extensions 32, 34, on the other hand, is harder than the material of the bearing body 30. This reduces the risk of creating an unfavorable range of motion in the recesses 26, 28 and of the extensions 32, 34 slipping out of the recesses 26, 28, which also improves the fastening of the bearing 16 in the two assemblies 12, 14. For example, the bearing body 30 has a Shore hardness of less than 50 (e.g. less than 30) and the two extensions 32, 34 have a Shore hardness of more than 50 (e.g. more than 70).
[0059] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 along the line BB. As shown in Fig. 4, the first extension 32 and the second extension 34 extend from the bearing body 30 into the first recess 26 and the second recess 28, respectively. The two recesses 26, 28 have a tapered profile towards their ends in order to enable a certain degree of self-centering when inserting the extensions 32, 34. The extensions 32, 34 themselves also taper towards their free ends in order to allow a positive fit in the recesses 26, 28 and to support the self-centering of the extensions 32, 34. Since, during assembly of the display device 10, one of the assemblies 12, 14 obscures the view of the recess 26, 28 of the opposite assembly 14, 12, such self-centering is desirable.
[0060] The bearing body 30 comprises support surfaces that rest on the mutually facing sides of the assemblies 12, 14. The presence of these support surfaces allows for an exact specification of the distance between the two assemblies 12, 14 by the height of the bearing body 30 and independent of the insertion depth of the fork sets 32, 34 into the recesses 26, 28.
[0061] The first extension 32 has a recess 40, and the second extension 34 has a second recess 42. The recesses 40, 42 are each designed to receive (e.g., in a form-fitting manner) a first anchoring element 44 and a second anchoring element 46. The anchoring elements 44, 46 are provided to lock the extensions 32, 34 in the respective recesses 26, 28. In this way, the extensions 32, 34 and thus also the bearing 16 are mounted to the two assemblies 12, 14 in a tension-resistant manner. The anchoring elements 44, 46 are each inserted from the outside into a first channel 48 and a second channel 50 of the corresponding assembly 12 or 14 and engaged with the corresponding recess 40, 42 of the corresponding extension 32, 34. In order to prevent accidental loosening of the anchoring elements 44, 46, a first and a second fastening screw 52, 54 are provided.These extend through openings (not shown) in the anchoring elements 44, 46 into front-side fastening openings on the assemblies 12 and 14.
[0062] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the first assembly 12 comprises, in addition to a touch sensor, the transparent front layer 20 and, beneath it, the liquid crystal panel 13. The liquid crystal panel 13 comprises polarizer and liquid crystal layers in a known manner. It is arranged directly adjacent to the backlight 22 of the second assembly 14. The light source 23 of the backlight generates light that uniformly illuminates the light guide 24. The uniformly illuminated light guide 24 shines through the adjacent liquid crystal panel 13, which is designed to generate differently transparent luminous points in the form of pixels using optically active liquid crystal elements. As discussed above, the first assembly 12 is movably arranged relative to the second assembly 14.Since the first assembly 12 comprises the liquid crystal panel 13 and the second assembly 14 comprises the backlight 22, the liquid crystal panel 13 and the backlight 22 are also arranged so as to be movable relative to one another. Since the backlight 22, or more precisely a metallic housing 22A thereof, is in large-area thermal contact with a metallic body of the second assembly 14, effective heat dissipation can be achieved via the fastening tabs 38 formed integrally with the body (see ). Fig. 1) must be guaranteed.
[0063] According to Fig. 4, the anchoring elements 44, 46 are formed separately from the assemblies 12, 14. This makes the anchoring easier to release. Alternatively, the anchoring elements 44, 46 can be formed integrally with the assemblies 12, 14 in order to cooperate with the extensions 32, 34 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Fig. 5A-5G show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the bearing 16 and of various options for the interaction of the anchoring elements 44, 46 with the extensions 32, 34.
[0064] Fig. 5A shows an anchoring element 44 formed integrally with the material defining the recess 26 and extending laterally into it. To secure the bearing body 30, the extension 32 of the above-described bearing 16 is inserted into the recess 26 such that the anchoring element 44 slides into a recess in the extension 32.
[0065] Fig. 5B shows a bearing 16 similar to that in Fig. 5A. However, in this embodiment, the bearing body 30 does not have a cavity.
[0066] Fig. 5C shows an embodiment in which the extensions 32, 34 are secured in the recesses 26, 28 not by means of anchoring elements, but by means of a clamping fit. The recesses 26, 28 each taper in the direction away from the bearing body 30 and thus have a decreasing width in this direction. The extensions 32, 34, on the other hand, have lamellae that are wider than the areas of the recesses 26, 28 against which the lamellae are intended to rest. Thus, the lamellae clamp within the recesses 26, 28 and securely fasten the bearing body 30 to the assemblies 12, 14.
[0067] Fig. 5D shows essentially the same processes 32, 34 as in Fig. 5C, which now, however, in addition to the clamping fit, form a positive connection with the anchoring elements 44.
[0068] Fig. 5E shows an embodiment in which the bearing body 30 has no support surfaces for the two assemblies 12, 14.
[0069] Fig. Figure 5F, however, shows a bearing 16 in which neither the projections 26, 28 nor the depressions 26, 28 have a taper.
[0070] Fig. Figure 5G shows a bearing 16 in which the extensions 32, 34 have an L-shape. The extensions 32, 34 are anchored to the horizontal portion of the L-shape.
[0071] If the bearing body 30 has contact surfaces on the assemblies 12, 14 (see the Fig. 5A-D and 5G), the distance between the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14 can be defined by the distance between the two bearing surfaces. The height of the bearing body can, for example, be more than 1 mm, more than 2 mm, or more than 3 mm, and can be up to 5 mm or 6 mm.
[0072] The bearing body 30 can be designed to be compressible. The compressible property can result from a compressibility of the cavity 31 and / or the material of the bearing body 30. A compressibility of the bearing body 30 essentially in a direction perpendicular to the frame shape of the bearing (i.e., z-direction in the Fig. 5A-G) enables a measurement of a force exerted by a user on the first assembly 12. From a distance traveled and measured by the first assembly 12 upon compression of the bearing body 30, the acting force can be determined using Hooke's law. Alternatively, as already explained above, a force acting on the first assembly 12 can also be determined via a pressure change within a cavity 31. The advantage of force measurement using fluid pressure sensing is that no significant compression of the bearing body 30 is necessary for the force measurement. Thus, the display device 10 yields little to practically no yield when force is applied by the user, which is desirable in many applications.
[0073] The Fig. 6A-6F show cross-sectional views of the display device 10 at various assembly steps.
[0074] In Fig. Figure 6A shows a first step in which the second assembly 14 and the bearing 16 are provided. For this purpose, the second assembly 14 can be arranged, for example, on a base.
[0075] Fig. 6B shows a second step in which the second extension 34 of the bearing 16 is arranged within the second recess 28 of the second assembly 14. The second recess 42 of the second extension 34 and the second channel 50 of the second assembly 14 are aligned with each other such that the second channel 50 is substantially flush with the second recess 42. In other words, the second recess 42 extends the channel 50 into the second extension 34.
[0076] Fig. 6C shows a third step in which the second anchoring element 46 is inserted into the second channel 50 and the second recess 42. Furthermore, the second anchoring element 46 is fastened to the second assembly 14 by means of the second fastening screw 54.
[0077] Fig. 6D shows a fourth step in which the first assembly 12 is provided. As explained above, the first assembly 12 obscures the view from above of the bearing 16, making it difficult to position the first recess 26 over the first extension 32. However, since the first extension 32 and the first recess 26 taper in a direction away from the bearing body 30, the first extension 32 centers itself in the first recess 26.
[0078] Fig. 6E shows a fifth step in which the first extension 32 of the bearing 16 is arranged within the first recess 26 of the first assembly 12. The first recess 40 of the first extension 32 and the first channel 48 of the first assembly 12 are aligned with each other such that the first channel 48 is substantially flush with the first recess 40.
[0079] Fig. 6F shows a sixth step in which the first anchoring element 44 is arranged in the first channel 48 and the first recess 40. Furthermore, the first anchoring element 44 is fastened to the first assembly 14 by means of the first fastening screw 52.
[0080] In the Fig. 6A-F, the extensions 32, 34 are inserted into the recesses 26, 28 in a self-centering manner and then locked in place by means of the laterally inserted anchoring elements 44, 46. An advantage of this solution is that no additional force is required to act on the first assembly 12 from above for anchoring, for example, to press the extensions 32, 34 into the recesses 26, 28. Therefore, the risk of damage to the display device 10 is reduced.
[0081] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the display device 10 and illustrates, in the manner of an exploded view, the position and arrangement of the five actuators 18A-E. As already explained above, the actuators 18A-E engage laterally on the first assembly 12. In the present embodiment, the actuators 18A-E can also be considered part of the first assembly 12, since they do not rest on or support any other element of the display device 10. As shown in Fig. Rather, as shown in Figure 8, the actuators 18A-E are each arranged in a housing that is formed integrally with a housing frame of the first assembly 12. In other embodiments, the actuators 18A-E can be supported on another element of the display device 10, such as the second assembly 14.
[0082] The actuators 18A-E are driven by a Fig. 7. All actuators 18A-E can be operated simultaneously to achieve a greater deflection. Alternatively, depending on the situation, only a subset of the actuators 18A-E (for example, actuators 18A and 18E) can be operated at a time to reduce the energy consumption of the display device 10 and / or to achieve different levels of haptic feedback.
[0083] The actuators 18A-E are in Fig. 7 distributed over the entire side surface of the display device 10. Alternatively, the actuators 18A-E can be arranged in a bundle, for example, around the actuator 18C. Furthermore, the actuators 18A-E are arranged symmetrically along one side of the first assembly 12, with the mirror plane running perpendicular to the long side of the first assembly 12 and through the actuator 18C. This reduces an undesired torque on the bearing 16. Alternatively, the actuators 18A-E can be distributed asymmetrically, for example, to compensate for a decentralized center of mass of the first assembly 12.
[0084] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 in the area of the line CC by the actuator 18B. The actuators 18A-E are constructed identically, so that the Fig. The structure of the actuator 18B shown in Figure 8 can also be transferred to the other actuators 18A, BE.
[0085] The actuator 18B comprises a mass body 60, which is accommodated in an actuator housing of the first assembly 12. Thus, the mass body 60 is provided separately from the second assembly 14 and is not supported thereon. The mass body 60 is movable essentially in the x-direction, i.e., parallel to the short longitudinal side of the bearing 16. The term "x-direction" is generally not limited to the Fig. 8, but also includes a direction opposite to the arrow. The mass body 60 comprises, for example, a ferrite core wound with a coil, in which a magnetic field is formed when current flows through the coil. The mass body 60 is further clamped between two springs 62A, B. When the coil is deflected substantially in the x-direction, the springs 62A, B each generate a restoring force. Furthermore, at least one permanent magnet 64, which generates a magnetic field, is provided in the actuator housing.
[0086] The actuator 18B is designed to generate a current pulse in the coil, thereby forming a magnetic field in the coil. The magnetic field of the coil couples with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 64, causing the mass body 60 to be deflected substantially in the x-direction. Due to the springs 62A, B, the mass body 60 oscillates in the x-direction. The movement of the mass body 60 leads to a movement of the movably mounted first assembly 12 relative to the mass body 60 that is haptically perceptible to a user. The actuator 18B is designed to generate only a single current pulse or to generate several periodic current pulses in order to maintain the oscillation of the mass body 60. The actuator 18B can be designed to excite the mass body 60 at a frequency of 50 to 500 Hz, in particular 250 to 300 Hz.
[0087] The actuator 18B can also have a different operating principle. The deflection can be realized, for example, by means of an electric motor or a piezo element.
[0088] The first assembly 12, the second assembly 14, and the bearing 16 are parts of an oscillatory system. The actuator 18B is designed to operate in resonance with the oscillatory system. Thus, the actuator 18B can be designed to operate at the resonant frequency of the oscillatory system or a multiple of this resonant frequency. An operating frequency of the actuator 18B can be adjusted, for example, via a sequence of current pulses or a suitable selection of the springs 62A, B and / or mass body 60. In resonance, large deflections are possible even with low actuator power. Thus, the energy consumption and / or the number and size of the actuators 18A-E can be reduced.
[0089] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an abstracted display device 10 with masses and elastic elements that are parts of oscillatory systems. The first assembly 12 has a first mass M1, and the mass body 60 of the actuator 18 has a second mass M2, wherein the actuator 18 is configured to move the second mass M2 relative to the first mass M1. The first assembly 12 is mounted relative to the second assembly 14 by means of the elastic mounting 16, wherein the mounting has a first spring constant D1 substantially in the x-direction. The second assembly 14 is rigidly connected to the vehicle. Since the mass of the vehicle (and thus also of the rigidly connected second assembly 14) is much greater than the mass M1 of the first assembly, the mass of the second assembly 14 can be considered essentially infinite. Thus, any movement of the second assembly 14 is negligible.
[0090] The mass body 60 is preloaded by means of springs 62A, B relative to an actuator housing rigidly connected to the first assembly 14, wherein the springs 62A, B together have a second spring constant D2 substantially in the x-direction. The first assembly 12 with the first mass M1 and the bearing 16 with the first spring constant D1 are part of a first oscillatory system. The mass body 60 with the second mass M2 and the springs 62A, B with the second spring constant D2 are part of a second oscillatory system.
[0091] In such oscillatory systems, the natural frequency is generally calculated using the formula f=(D·M) 1 / 2 with the spring constant D and the mass M. Accordingly, a first natural frequency f1 of the first oscillatory system is calculated according to f1=(D1·M1) 1 / 2 and a second natural frequency f2 of the second oscillatory system according to f2=(D2·M2) 1 / 2The actuator 18 operates the first oscillatory system in resonance when the first natural frequency f1 is substantially equal to or a multiple of the second natural frequency f2, that is, when N f1≈f2, where N is a natural number ≥1. In the example discussed above (see Fig. 8), the first natural frequency f1 is designated as the resonant frequency and the second natural frequency f2 as the operating frequency of the actuator 18B. For example, a control unit (not shown) can be provided that operates the actuator 18 at the second natural frequency f2, which essentially satisfies the resonance case N f1≈f2. In this case, a comparably large deflection of the first assembly 12 can be realized even with a low actuator power.
[0092] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of synchronously moving centers of mass 68A-E, which have a common second center of mass 68. The first assembly 12 has a first center of mass 66. Each of the actuators 18A-E has its own mass body (not shown), each with an associated center of mass 68A-E, which is moved essentially in the x-direction by the corresponding actuator 18A-E. The centers of mass 68A-E have the common second center of mass 68, which coincides with the central center of mass 68C due to the symmetrical distribution of the actuators 68A-E. The actuators 18A-E can be operated synchronously, so that the second center of mass 68 is also moved essentially in the x-direction. Furthermore, the actuators 18A-E are arranged such that the second center of mass 68 moves essentially along a straight line 70 that runs parallel to the x-axis.
[0093] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view along the line DD in Fig. 3. According to Fig. 11, the first assembly 12 has the first center of mass 66, and the mass bodies of the actuators 18A-E jointly form the second center of mass 68. The first center of mass 66 and the second center of mass 68 can move essentially coaxially with each other. The movement of the two mass points 66, 68 runs essentially parallel to an upper side 72 of the first assembly 12.
[0094] Since the two centers of mass 66, 68 move essentially along the same straight line 70, the operation of the actuators 18A-E does not generate any significant torque on components of the display device 10. This can reduce mechanical stress, for example on the bearing 16, the actuators 18A-E, or the first assembly 12. In this way, the service life of the display device 10 is extended. This is also made possible by the fact that the mass of the first assembly 12 is not moved against the mass of the second assembly 14. In this case, the centers of mass of the two assemblies 12, 14 would not move in a plane parallel to the top side 72.
[0095] Another aspect of the display device 10 is the mechanical decoupling of the liquid crystal panel 13 and the backlight 22. The backlight 22 generates heat that must be dissipated. If the backlight 22 were mechanically rigidly connected to the liquid crystal panel 13, movement of the backlight 22 would have to be taken into account when dissipating the heat. However, since the backlight 22 is now decoupled from the liquid crystal panel 13, the backlight 22 can be rigidly thermally coupled to the stationary heat sink 39 (see FIG. Fig.1), making heat dissipation easier. Furthermore, the backlight 22 has a significant weight that would have to be moved if the backlight 22 were connected to the liquid crystal panel 13. Since this is no longer the case here, smaller and / or fewer actuators 18 can be used, which are more compact and consume less energy.
[0096] In the examples presented, various features and functions of the present disclosure have been described separately and in specific combinations. However, it is understood that many of these features and functions can be freely combined with one another, unless explicitly excluded.
Claims
[1] Bearing (16) for supporting a first assembly (12) comprising a display panel with respect to a second assembly (14) of a display device (10), wherein the bearing (16) comprises an elongated bearing body (30) with elastic properties, which is designed to support the first assembly (12) movably with respect to the second assembly (14); and at least one extension (32, 34) connected to the bearing body (30) and designed to be inserted into a recess (26, 28) in one of the assemblies (12, 14) for fastening the bearing body (30), wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) has a recess (40, 42) which is designed to receive an anchoring element (44, 46). [2] Bearing (16) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (40, 42) extends substantially perpendicular to an extension of the at least one extension (32, 34) away from the bearing body (30). [3] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the bearing body (30). [4] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) and / or the at least one extension (32, 34) are / is formed as an extrusion part. [5] Bearing (16) according to claim 4, wherein the bearing body (30) and the at least one extension (32, 34) are coextruded. [6] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) is formed integrally with the at least one extension (32, 34). [7] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) and / or the at least one extension (32, 34) comprise a polymer material. [8] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) and / or the at least one extension (32, 34) comprises silicone. [9] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) comprises or is coated with an electrically conductive material. [10] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) has at least one support surface extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one extension (32, 34) and is designed to bear against the first assembly (12) and / or second assembly (14). [11] Bearing (16) according to claim 10, wherein the bearing body (30) has a first bearing surface which is designed to bear against the first assembly (12) and a second bearing surface which is designed to bear against the second assembly (14), wherein the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface have a distance of at least 1 mm. [12] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body comprises a first material and the at least one first extension (32, 34) comprises a second material and the first material is softer than the second material. [13] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (30) is designed in a hose-like manner with a hollow body (31) extending along the longitudinal extent of the bearing body. [14] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing (16) comprises a first extension (32) and a second extension (34) provided on opposite sides of the bearing body (30). [15] Bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) tapers in the direction away from the bearing body (30). [16] Display device (10) comprising a first assembly (12) comprising a display panel; a second assembly (14); and the bearing (16) according to one of the preceding claims, which supports the first assembly (12) movably with respect to the second assembly (14), wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) of the bearing (16) is received in a recess (26, 28) in one of the assemblies (12, 14). [17] Display device (10) according to claim 16, wherein the recess (26, 28) tapers in the direction away from the bearing body (30). [18] Display device (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) has a first width and the recess (26, 28) has a second width, wherein the first width is at least partially greater than the second width, so that the at least one extension (32, 34) is formed as a clamp fit in the recess (26, 28). [19] Display device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising at least one anchoring element (44, 46) which engages in the recess (40, 42) of the at least one extension (32, 34) located in the region of the depression (26, 28). [20] Display device (10) according to claim 19, wherein the anchoring element (44, 46) is a separate component which can be inserted into the recess (26, 28) from the outside. [21] Display device (10) according to claim 19, wherein the anchoring element (44, 46) is formed integrally with an assembly section delimiting the recess (26, 28). [22] Display device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising an actuator (18) acting on the first assembly (12) and configured to move the first assembly (12) relative to the second assembly (14). [23] Method for assembling a display device (10), comprising Providing a first assembly (12) comprising a display panel and a second assembly (14), at least one of the two assemblies (12, 14) having a recess (26, 28); Providing a bearing (16) comprising an elongated bearing body (30) and at least one extension (32, 34) connected to the bearing body (30), wherein the at least one extension (32, 34) has a recess (40, 42); and Fastening the bearing body to the assembly (12, 14) having the recess (26, 28), wherein the fastening comprises inserting the at least one extension (32, 34) into the recess (26, 28) and receiving an anchoring element (44, 46) in the recess (40, 42).
Citation Information
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