Swiveling display arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

Display arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a table top of the vehicle and a display device mounted on the table top with a support and a display screen held on the support and movable relative to the support between a parking position and a working position, as well as vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a tabletop of the vehicle and a display device mounted on the tabletop, with a support and a display screen held on the support and movable relative to the support between a parking position and a working position. The invention further relates to a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle display systems, in various forms, represent the state of the art and serve to visually present informative or entertaining content to the occupants of a vehicle, particularly a passenger car. Typically, a display screen in such a system is functionally connected to the vehicle's infotainment system and designed to display content provided by the system, such as a digital navigation map from the vehicle's navigation system, a video stream from a rear-view camera showing the vehicle's rear surroundings, or a video stream from a movie or computer game.

[0003] The display screen can be designed differently with regard to the implemented display technology and with regard to its arrangement in the interior of the vehicle and / or its attachment to an interior fitting of the vehicle, in particular an interior trim panel of the vehicle.

[0004] DE 10 2019 123 776 A1 discloses, for example, a display arrangement for a vehicle with a rigid display screen which is pivotably mounted at a free end of a support arm extending in an x-direction of the vehicle about a rotation axis extending in a y-direction of the vehicle. The support arm is slidably mounted in the x-direction on an instrument panel of the vehicle relative to the instrument panel and pivotably mounted on the instrument panel relative to the instrument panel about a rotation axis extending in a z-direction of the vehicle.

[0005] Another display device with a rigid display screen is known from DE 199 24 618 A1. The rigid display screen is arranged in a rest position in an armrest of a rear seat of a vehicle and is pivoted from the rest position into a working position.

[0006] As usual, the z-direction is the vehicle's up-down direction, extending parallel to a direction of gravity and referred to as the vertical. Similarly, the x-direction is the vehicle's front-back direction, and the y-direction is the vehicle's left-right direction, referred to as the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. The x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction extend perpendicular to each other in pairs, forming a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system.

[0007] Another display arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed in EP 1 637 387 A1. The display arrangement comprises an instrument panel or headliner of the vehicle and a display device mounted thereon so as to be pivotable about a z-axis and a y-axis of the vehicle. The display device comprises a cylindrical housing with an opening and a flexible display screen which, in a parked position, is arranged within the housing and, in a working position, extends through the opening and projects from the housing. The display device further comprises a scissor-like mechanism extending from the housing to a free edge of the display screen.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 101 15 050 A1 and EP 1 245 429 A2 disclose a display arrangement suitable for use in a vehicle, comprising a plate and a display device. The display device includes a flexible display screen which, in a working position, extends through an opening in the plate and projects upwards from the plate at a predetermined angle relative to the plate, and in a parked position is located below the plate. The display device also includes a drive gear rotatably mounted about a pivot axis extending parallel to the plate, which engages with a rear face of the display screen and is configured to move the display screen between the parked and working positions.

[0009] DE 10 2020 116 984 B3 describes a display arrangement comprising a housing and a flexible display screen. The flexible display screen can be moved from a parked position within the housing to a working position through a slot in the housing. The housing can be designed as a center console, a door panel, an instrument panel, or a cowl.

[0010] However, known display arrangements have potential for improvement with regard to swivelability, space requirements, ergonomics and / or aesthetics.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a display arrangement for a vehicle which, in a working position, allows the display screen of the arrangement to pivot relative to the interior of the vehicle, has a small footprint in a parked position of the display screen, and exhibits good ergonomics and an attractive aesthetic overall. A further object of the invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0012] An object of the invention is a display arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a tabletop of the vehicle and a display device mounted on the tabletop, with a support and a display screen held on the support and movable relative to the support between a parked position and a working position. The display arrangement is particularly suitable for an autonomous vehicle, i.e., a passenger vehicle with an autonomous operating mode. In autonomous operating mode, the driver is relieved of the task of controlling the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle can include a table with a tabletop. The driver, relieved of the task of controlling the vehicle, can turn their seat towards the table and use the display arrangement.

[0013] However, the term "tabletop" is not to be understood restrictively; that is, any surface, for example an instrument panel, a center console or any other interior paneling of the vehicle, can be a tabletop within the meaning of the invention.

[0014] According to the invention, the display screen comprises a flexible support layer and a display layer arranged on the flexible support layer. The support is mounted on the tabletop so that it can pivot about a first axis relative to the tabletop and independently of the position of the display screen. The pivotability about the first axis improves the ergonomics of the display screen. Ideally, pivoting of the display screen about the first axis is dampened or braked, for example, by a friction element or a locking mechanism. In this way, the display screen can be touch-sensitive without being pivoted by physical contact.

[0015] The flexible support layer allows the display screen to take up minimal space in the parked position. For example, the display screen can be at least partially rolled up in the parked position.

[0016] On the other hand, the flexible support layer exhibits a rigidity that prevents unintentional deformation of the display screen as a result of touching it. This ensures good ergonomics of the display arrangement.

[0017] Apart from that, the display screen can be hidden in the parking position, i.e., at least essentially invisible, and only visible in the working position, which contributes to an attractive aesthetic of the display arrangement.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support comprises a housing with an opening, and the flexible support layer of the display screen extends through this opening, at least in the working position. In the parked position, the display screen is located within the housing, i.e., protected and concealed.

[0019] Preferably, the display device comprises an actuating arm pivotably mounted on the housing about a second axis extending parallel to the tabletop and different from the first axis. This second axis extends from the second axis to an edge of the flexible support layer of the display screen. The actuating arm is designed to displace the display screen circumferentially about the second axis. As a result of this displacement, the display screen is extended from or retracted into the housing, depending on the pivot direction of the actuating arm.

[0020] The housing can be positioned above the tabletop relative to the vehicle's z-direction, and the first axis can extend perpendicular to the tabletop. Thanks to the extension of the first axis, the display screen can be oriented arbitrarily relative to any edge of the tabletop.

[0021] The housing can be positioned below the tabletop with respect to the vehicle's z-direction. The first axis can extend parallel to the tabletop, and the flexible support layer of the display screen can extend through an opening in the tabletop, at least in the working position. This opening defines the orientation of the display screen relative to an edge of the tabletop. Thanks to the extension of the first axis, the tilt of a plane of the display screen relative to a plane of the tabletop can be varied.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the support comprises a telescopic arm with a free end to which the flexible support layer of the display screen is attached. The telescopic arm assists in extending the display screen into the operating position and retracting it into the parked position.

[0023] The display arrangement can include a drive mechanism comprising a processor, an angle sensor connected to the processor for detecting a swivel angle of the support about the first axis, and a motor connected to the processor for providing a thrust force to move the flexible support layer of the display screen. The drive mechanism is designed to move the flexible support layer by means of the provided thrust force by a feed path dependent on the detected swivel angle. The drive mechanism is designed to follow the movement of the display screen when the support of the display device is swiveled. In this way, mechanical stresses in the display screen resulting from swiveling are prevented or at least reduced, which contributes to a long service life of the display device.

[0024] Advantageously, the display arrangement can include two display devices mounted on the tabletop. This allows two people seated at the table to each use a display screen simultaneously.

[0025] Preferably, the flexible support layers of the two display devices are arranged facing each other. In this way, two people positioned on opposite sides of the tabletop can each use a display screen simultaneously.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle with a display arrangement. Autonomous vehicles allow a driver to use a display screen during autonomous driving, i.e., in an autonomous operating mode.

[0027] The vehicle according to the invention comprises a display arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. Thanks to the display arrangement, the vehicle has good ergonomics and an attractive aesthetic, and offers a high level of comfort when using the display screen. Furthermore, the display arrangement requires little space in a parked position of the display screen, which results in a correspondingly large amount of space when the display screen is not in use.

[0028] A key advantage of the display arrangement according to the invention is that it can be mounted on a vehicle's tabletop, the display screen of the arrangement can be pivoted relative to the tabletop, and it requires little space in a parked position. Further advantages include the attractive aesthetics and good ergonomics of the display arrangement.

[0029] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is further described with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view a display arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention for a vehicle in a display screen in a parking position; Fig. 2 in a cross-sectional view that are in Fig. 1 Display arrangement shown with the display screen in a working position; Fig. 3 in a perspective view a display arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 4 in a cross-sectional view that are in Fig. 3 Display arrangement shown with a display screen in a parked position; Fig. 5 in a cross-sectional view that is in Fig. 3 Display arrangement shown with the display screen in a working position; Fig. 6 in a cross-sectional view a display arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention for a vehicle with a display screen in a parked position; Fig. 7 in a cross-sectional view that is in Fig. 6 Display arrangement shown with the display screen in a working position.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a display arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention for a vehicle with a display screen 110 in a parked position. The display arrangement 1 can belong to a vehicle which is designed according to the invention thanks to the display arrangement 1.

[0031] The display arrangement 1 comprises a table top 10 of the vehicle and a display device 11 mounted on the table top 10. The display device includes a support 112 and a display screen 110 held on the support 112 and movable relative to the support 112 between a parking position and a working position.

[0032] The display screen 110 comprises a flexible support layer 1101 and a display layer 1100 arranged on the flexible support layer 1101. The carrier 112 is pivotably mounted on the table top 10 relative to the table top 10 and independent of the position of the display screen 110 about a first axis 1120.

[0033] The carrier 112 can comprise a housing with a passage, and the flexible support layer 1101 of the display screen 110 can extend through the passage of the housing, at least in the working position.

[0034] The housing can be arranged below the tabletop 10 with respect to a z-direction 4 of the vehicle, the first axis 1120 can extend parallel to the tabletop 10, and the flexible support layer 1101 of the display screen 110 can extend through a passage in the tabletop 10 at least in the working position.

[0035] The display device 11 preferably comprises an actuating arm 111 which is pivotably mounted on the housing about a second axis 1110 which extends parallel to the table top 10 and is different from the first axis 1120, and which extends from the second axis 1110 to an edge of the flexible support layer 1101 of the display screen 110.

[0036] By way of example only and without limitation, the display arrangement 1 comprises two display devices 11 mounted on the tabletop 10. The flexible support layers 1101 of the two display screens 110 are advantageously arranged facing each other. Alternatively, the display arrangement can comprise exactly one display device 11 or more than two display devices 11.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1 Display arrangement shown 1 with the display screen in a working position.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a display arrangement 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention for a vehicle. The display arrangement 2 can belong to a vehicle which is consequently designed according to the invention.

[0039] The display arrangement 2 comprises a table top 20 of the vehicle and a display device 21 mounted on the table top 20. The display device 21 includes a support 212 and a display screen 210 held on the support 212 and movable relative to the support 212 between a parking position and a working position.

[0040] The display screen 210 comprises a flexible support layer 2101 and a display layer 2100 arranged on the flexible support layer 2101. The carrier 212 is pivotably mounted on the table top 20 relative to the table top 20 and independent of the position of the display screen 210 about a first axis 2120.

[0041] The support 212 can comprise a housing with an opening, and the flexible support layer 2101 of the display screen 210 can extend through the opening of the housing, at least in the working position. The housing can be arranged above the tabletop 20 with respect to a z-direction 4 of the vehicle, and the first axis 2120 can extend perpendicular to the tabletop 20.

[0042] The display device 21 preferably comprises an actuating arm 211 which is pivotably mounted on the housing about a second axis 2110 which extends parallel to the table top 20 and which is different from the first axis 2120 and extends from the second axis 2110 to an edge of the flexible support layer 2101 of the display screen 210.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 Display arrangement 2 shown with a display screen in a parked position.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 Display arrangement 2 shown with the display screen in a working position.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a display arrangement 3 according to a third embodiment of the invention for a vehicle with a display screen in a parked position. The display arrangement 3 can belong to a vehicle which is consequently designed according to the invention.

[0046] The display arrangement 3 comprises a tabletop 30 of the vehicle and a display device 31 mounted on the tabletop 30. The tabletop 30 can also be designed as an instrument panel, a center console, or other interior trim of the vehicle. The display device 31 includes a support 312 and a display screen 310 held on the support 312 and movable relative to the support 312 between a parked position and a working position.

[0047] The carrier 312 can include a telescopic arm with a free end to which the flexible support layer 3101 of the display screen 310 is attached.

[0048] The display screen 310 comprises a flexible support layer 3101 and a display layer 3100 arranged on the flexible support layer 3101. The carrier 312 is pivotably mounted on the table top 30 relative to the table top 30 and independent of the position of the display screen 310 about a first axis 3120.

[0049] The display device 31 preferably comprises an actuating arm 311 which is pivotably mounted about a second axis 3110 which extends parallel to the table top 30 and is different from the first axis 3120, and which extends from the second axis 3110 to an edge of the flexible support layer 3101 of the display screen 310.

[0050] The display arrangement 3 advantageously includes a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a processor 313, an angle sensor connected to the processor 131 for detecting a swivel angle 3121 of the carrier 312 about the first axis 3120, and a motor connected to the processor 131 for providing a thrust force 314 for moving the flexible support layer 3101 of the display screen 310, and is configured to move the flexible support layer 3101 by means of the provided thrust force 314 by a feed path 315 which depends on a detected swivel angle 3121.

[0051] Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 6 Display arrangement 3 shown with the display screen in a working position. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Display arrangement 10 Tabletop 11 Display device 110 Display screen 1100 Display layer 1101 flexible support layer 111 Actuating arm 1110 second axis 112 carriers 1120 first axle 2 Display arrangement 20 tabletop 21 Display device 210 Display screen 2100 Display layer 2101 flexible support layer 211 Actuating arm 2110 second axis 212 carriers 2120 first axle 3 Display arrangement 30 tabletop 31 Display device 310 Display screen 3100 Display layer 3101 flexible support layer 311 Actuating arm 312 carriers 3120 first axle 3121 swivel angle 313 processor 314 thrust 315 Feed path 4 z-direction

Claims

[1] Display arrangement (1, 2, 3) for a vehicle, comprising a table top (10, 20, 30) of the vehicle and a display device (11, 21, 31) mounted on the table top (10, 20, 30) with a carrier (112, 212, 312) and a display screen (110, 210, 310) held on the carrier (112, 212, 312) and movable relative to the carrier (112, 212, 312) between a park position and a working position, which includes a flexible support layer (1101, 2101, 3101) and a display layer (1100, 2100, 3100) arranged on the flexible support layer (1101, 2101, 3101), wherein the carrier (112, 212, 312) is mounted on the tabletop (10, 20, 30) relative to the tabletop (10, 20, 30) and independently of a position of the display screen (110, 210, 310) pivotable about a first axis (1120, 2120, 3120). [2] Display arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the carrier (112, 212) comprises a housing with a passage and the flexible support layer (1101, 2101) of the display screen (110, 210) extends through the passage of the housing at least in the working position. [3] Display arrangement according to claim 2, in which the display device (11, 21) comprises an actuating arm (111, 211) pivotably mounted on the housing about a second axis (1110, 2110) extending parallel to the table top (10, 20) and different from the first axis (1120, 2120), which extends from the second axis (1110, 2110) to an edge of the flexible support layer (1101, 2101) of the display screen (110, 210). [4] Display arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing is arranged above the table top (20) with respect to a z-direction (4) of the vehicle and the first axis (2120) extends perpendicular to the table top (20). [5] Display arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing is arranged below the table top (10) with respect to a z-direction (4) of the vehicle, the first axis (1120) extends parallel to the table top (10) and the flexible support layer (1101) of the display screen (110) extends through a passage in the table top (10) at least in the working position. [6] Display arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support (312) comprises a telescopic arm with a free end to which the flexible support layer (3101) of the display screen (310) is attached. [7] Display arrangement according to claim 6, comprising a drive mechanism comprising a processor (313), an angle sensor connected to the processor (313) for detecting a swivel angle (3121) of the carrier (312) about the first axis (3120) and a motor connected to the processor (313) for providing a thrust force (314) for moving the flexible support layer (3101) of the display screen (310) and configured to move the flexible support layer (3101) by means of the provided thrust force (314) by a feed path (315) dependent on a detected swivel angle (3121). [8] Display arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising two display devices (11) mounted on the table top (10). [9] Display arrangement according to claim 8, in which the flexible support layers (1101) of the two display screens (110) are arranged facing each other. [10] Vehicle, with a display arrangement (1, 2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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