Display system for a vehicle and method for operating the display system

Abstract

The invention relates to a display system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a steering column (4) with a housing (26) and a steering wheel (2) rotatably arranged thereon, wherein the display system has at least one optical module, an opening (28) in an upper side of the housing (26) and a display disk (12), wherein the at least one optical module is arranged within the housing (26) of the steering column (4), wherein the display disk (12) is arranged on the upper side of the housing (26) so as to be movable relative to the opening (28) and is designed to cover the opening (28) in the upper side of the steering column (4) in a covering position and to uncover it in a projection position, wherein the at least one optical module is designed to emit an image (14) through the uncovered opening (28) in the housing (26) onto the display disk (12) located in the projection position, wherein the display disk (12) is designed toto reflect the image (14) emitted onto it into an interior of the vehicle.,

Description

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

[0002] The document DE 10 2005 012 848 A1 describes a built-in communication instrument for a motor vehicle.

[0003] A display device for a motor vehicle is known from the document US 5 059 956 A.

[0004] The document DE 10 2022 117 236 A1 describes an arrangement for a head-up display of a vehicle.

[0005] A fixing structure of an information display device is described in the document DE 10 2013 017 629 A1.

[0006] Document EP 0 824 216 A1 describes a head-up display with a mechanism for installation.

[0007] From the document DE 10 2010 046 125 A1 an operating device for integration into a vehicle with a steering arrangement is known.

[0008] Against this background, one task was to provide a space-saving display for a vehicle.

[0009] This object is achieved by a display system and a method having the features of the independent patent claims. Embodiments of the display system and the method are evident from the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0010] The display system according to the invention is designed for a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle. The vehicle has a steering column with a housing and a steering wheel rotatably arranged thereon. The display system has at least one optical module, i.e. only one optical module or a plurality of optical modules, for generating and / or reflecting light for an image to be displayed or represented. In addition, the display system has an opening in, on and / or on an upper side of the housing and a display disk. The at least one optical module is arranged within the housing of the steering column or in an interior space of the steering column enclosed by the housing. The display disk is arranged on the upper side of the housing so as to be movable relative to the opening and is designed to cover the opening in the upper side of the housing of the steering column in a covering position or covering position as a rest position or rest position and in a projection position orProjection position as a release position or release position to the outside. The at least one optical module is designed to generate an image or light for the image and to emit or radiate it through the released opening in the housing onto the display panel located in the projection position. The display panel is designed to reflect the image emitted onto it into the interior of the vehicle.

[0011] In one embodiment, a display panel or display is provided as an optical module of the display system, whereby such a display panel can also be designed or referred to as a projector, image transmitter, and / or image generator. The display panel is arranged within the housing of the steering column and is designed to generate the image or light for it.

[0012] It is possible for the display system to have only the display panel as a single optical module, which is designed to emit the image generated by it through the released opening in the housing directly onto the display panel located in the projection position, wherein the display panel is designed to reflect the image emitted onto it into the interior of the vehicle.

[0013] Additionally, it is possible for a mirror to be arranged as a further optical module within the housing of the steering column. In this embodiment, the display panel is designed to first generate an original image and to emit and / or project it onto the mirror. The mirror is designed to reflect the original image as a reflected or mirrored image through the released opening in the housing outwards onto the display panel in the projection position. The display panel in the projection position is designed to reflect or mirror the image reflected or mirrored onto it as a virtual image into the interior of the vehicle. The image originally generated by the display panel is emitted indirectly via the mirror onto the display panel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mirror is arranged in the steering column and / or in its housing in front of the display panel, e.g., a projector, with respect to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the display panel can be arranged in front of the mirror with respect to the forward direction of travel. The display disc is arranged above the mirror, at least in the projection position. Furthermore, the mirror, the display disc, and the display panel are arranged in front of the steering wheel with respect to the forward direction of travel. The display disc faces the steering wheel in the projection position.

[0015] The display disc or its surface is at least partially, possibly completely, usually concave, curved, and / or at least partially, possibly completely, planar or even or flat. Furthermore, the display disc or its surface is at least partially, possibly completely, opaque or non-transparent and / or at least partially, possibly completely, transparent. Furthermore, the display disc or its surface is at least partially, possibly completely, mirrored or light-reflecting and is dark in design, e.g., black. The reflective surface of the display disc is oriented towards the steering wheel when the display disc is in the projection position.

[0016] The housing of the steering column is opaque. If the display panel is in the projection position, light can escape from the interior of the steering column, which is enclosed by the housing except for the released opening, if it is reflected by the mirror onto the display panel or emitted by the image generator onto the display panel. In one embodiment, a light-transparent cover panel is arranged in the opening to protect the interior from environmental influences, e.g. dust. If the display panel is in the covering position, it rests on the cover panel. In the projection position, light that is reflected upwards by the mirror or emitted upwards by the display panel can be reflected through the opening and the transparent cover panel to the display panel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the display system comprises an electrical mechanism or mechanism configured to automatically pivot and / or rotate the display disc, which serves as a cover for the opening in the housing, relative to the opening between the covering position and the projection position, which are two possible positions of the display disc. The mechanism may comprise a hinge, via which the display disc is pivotably and / or rotatably arranged at an edge of the opening.

[0018] The display system also includes the steering column and / or its housing, in which the at least one optical module, i.e., the display panel and the mirror, is arranged. The display system is intended for a vehicle with a steering column in which a steering shaft is arranged, which connects the steering wheel to a steering system for the vehicle's wheels as a transmission element. The wheels are in contact with a surface on which the vehicle is located and are designed to drive and / or propel the vehicle.

[0019] The method according to the invention is provided for operating a display system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a steering column with a housing and a steering wheel rotatably arranged thereon. The display system has at least one optical module, namely an optical module designed as a display panel or image generator for an original image, and in one embodiment also a mirror as a further optical module. Furthermore, the display system has an opening in, on and / or at an upper side of the housing and a display disk. The at least one optical module is arranged within the housing of the steering column. The display disk is arranged in or on the upper side of the housing so as to be movable relative to the opening, wherein the opening in the upper side of the housing of the steering column is covered by the display disk in a covering position and uncovered in a projection position.In addition, an image is generated by the at least one optical module and emitted through the released opening in the housing directly or indirectly onto the display panel located in the projection position, wherein the image is reflected from the display panel into an interior of the vehicle to a viewer.

[0020] If the display system has the display panel and the mirror as optical modules, an original image is emitted and / or projected from the display panel onto the mirror, wherein the original image is reflected as a reflected or mirrored image by the mirror through the released opening in the housing onto the display panel in the projection position, wherein the image reflected or mirrored onto the display panel in the projection position is reflected or mirrored by the display panel as a virtual image into an interior of the vehicle to a viewer, e.g. driver behind the steering wheel.

[0021] It is possible for an embodiment of the method presented here to be carried out with an embodiment of the display system presented here that is connected to and / or integrated into the steering column of the vehicle, wherein the display system comprises either only the display panel as a single optical module or the display panel and the mirror as two optical modules in an interior of the steering column. It is also possible for the display system to comprise multiple mirrors and / or at least one lens as optical modules.

[0022] In a refinement of the method, the display panel is moved, i.e., pivoted and / or rotated, between the covering position (the rest position) and the projection position. Starting from the covering position, when it is in the opening, it is pivoted and / or folded upwards into the projection position. Conversely, it is pivoted and / or folded from the projection position into the covering position and placed back in the opening. It can be moved automatically by the mechanism if the mechanism is controlled by an input command from the viewer.

[0023] If the display system has only the mirror as an optical module, light for the original image or for a display content to be shown is reflected from the display field upwards onto the display screen and is reflected by the display screen into the interior against the forward direction of travel and at least partially in the direction of the steering wheel.

[0024] If the display system comprises both optical modules, it is possible for the mirror to be positioned in front of the display panel with respect to the vehicle's forward direction of travel, with the mirror being oriented relative to the forward direction of travel, for example, opposite to the forward direction of travel, and upward. The display panel is located between the mirror and the steering wheel. Light for the original image or for a display content to be presented is emitted from the display panel forward onto the mirror, from there reflected upward onto the display panel, and reflected by the display panel into the interior, opposite to the forward direction of travel and at least partially toward the steering wheel.

[0025] Conversely, if the display panel is positioned in front of the mirror with respect to the vehicle's forward direction of travel, the mirror is oriented relative to the forward direction of travel, e.g., in the forward direction, and upward. The mirror is located between the display panel and the steering wheel. Light for the original image or for a display content is emitted from the display panel rearward onto the mirror, from there reflected upward onto the display panel, and reflected by the display panel into the interior, opposite the forward direction of travel and at least partially toward the steering wheel.

[0026] The display system can be designed or referred to as a black-print display on the steering column and / or as a head-up display (HUD) if the display panel or its surface is black, e.g., coated in black. The image is either emitted from the display panel in the steering column onto the display panel, which is folded out of the opening in the projection position. Alternatively, the image generated by the display panel and emitted onto the mirror is reflected via the mirror in the steering column onto the display panel, which is folded out of the opening in the projection position. Based on a reflection of the image on the display screen, a virtual image is created for a viewer in front of the steering column.

[0027] The display screen is typically no wider than the steering column. The virtual image is typically wider than the steering column and / or the display screen. The display system can be used to show cluster content as images, similar to an instrument panel, that includes functions and / or operating parameters of the vehicle. The virtual image is shown in the interior regardless of the shape and inclination of a windshield. The display system is suitable for both a flat windshield that is tilted at a small angle, less than, for example, 60°, relative to the forward direction of travel, and a steep windshield that is tilted at a large angle, of at least 60° and a maximum of 90°, relative to the forward direction of travel. A vehicle with a flat windshield has low air resistance.

[0028] The display system presented here can compensate for structural tolerances, for example. Furthermore, the display system requires minimal installation space in the vehicle.

[0029] In a head-up display, as is known from the prior art, the image is reflected from a windshield into the interior and presented as a virtual image. In this display system, a reflective surface for the virtual image is decoupled from the windshield and positioned on the pivoting display panel on the steering column.

[0030] In this display system, the display screen is positioned very close to the steering wheel. The image is redirected via the display panel or the mirror in the steering column and then via the folded-out, usually mirrored, display screen well in front of the steering column. The mirror is usually fixed, e.g., stationary, or rigid in the steering column. It is also possible for it to be mounted within the steering column so it can rotate about a transverse axis of the vehicle, with the transverse axis being oriented perpendicular to the forward direction of travel. Alternatively or additionally, the display panel or display is usually fixed, e.g., stationary, or rigid in the steering column. It is also possible for it to be mounted within the steering column so it can rotate about a transverse axis of the vehicle, with the transverse axis being oriented perpendicular to the forward direction of travel.

[0031] As a result, the resulting virtual image appears to the viewer in the area of ​​the lower edge of the windshield. The viewer only needs to accommodate their eyes slightly when switching between the virtual image and the vehicle's surroundings, e.g. the road. If the display screen is or will be folded in, the steering column is compact and / or slim. Since the display system is completely housed in the steering column, the dashboard in front of it can be slim, providing a better view ahead and a greater sense of space. In one embodiment of the method, it is possible for the display panel and the mirror to move together and / or synchronously, with both being rotated about a respective transverse axis. The virtual image to be displayed is always clearly visible to the viewer, regardless of the current setting and / or position of the steering wheel.

[0032] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using embodiments and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c show a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0034] The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

[0035] The Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c show, from different perspectives, a steering wheel 2 of a vehicle, in this case a motor vehicle, which is arranged on a steering column 4 of the vehicle. The steering column 4 comprises an opaque housing 26 in which a steering shaft 6 is arranged as a mechanical transmission element, connecting the steering wheel 2 to a steering system for the vehicle's wheels.

[0036] The first embodiment of the display system according to the invention comprises an opening 28 arranged in an upper side of the housing 26 of the steering column 4. It also comprises a display panel 8 or a display as the first optical module and a mirror 10 as the second optical module, which are arranged in an interior space of the steering column 4 above the steering shaft 6, which is enclosed by the housing 26. The mirror 10 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the steering shaft 6. Furthermore, the display system has a concavely curved display disk 12, which is pivotably and / or rotatably mounted relative to the opening 28 via a mechanism 30 having at least one hinge, at an edge of the opening 28, as indicated in the figures by curved arrows 16a, 16b. Alternatively, the display disk 12 can also be planar.

[0037] Here, the display panel 8 is arranged between the steering wheel 2 and the mirror 10. The opening 28 and the display panel 12 are arranged above the mirror 10. In addition, Fig. 1c Switching elements 20a, 20b, which here, for example, are arranged on the left and right ends of wing-shaped components of the housing 26 on the housing 26 of the steering column 4, wherein actuation of the switching elements 20a, 20b can control a function of the vehicle and / or the display system presented here. These can be wireless or radio-based switching elements 20a, 20b (SBW, shift-by-wire).

[0038] In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two positions are available for the display panel 12, namely a projection position which can be used in all three Fig. 1a to 1c, and a covering position (not shown in more detail) is provided. In the covering position, the indicator disc 12 is pivoted downward, whereby the opening 28 is covered and / or closed by the indicator disc 12. It is possible for the indicator disc 12 to be arranged in the opening 28 as part of the housing 26.

[0039] In contrast, the display panel 12 is pivoted upwards out of the opening 28 in the projection position, whereby the opening 28 is released and / or opened. In this case, a reflective or mirrored surface of the display panel 12 is facing the steering wheel 2. In the method, an original image 14 is generated by the display panel 8 and emitted and / or projected parallel to the steering shaft 6 to or onto the mirror 10. It is then reflected upwards as the first reflected image 14 by the mirror 10 onto the mirrored surface of the display panel 12. From there, the image 14 is reflected in the direction of the steering wheel 2 and into the interior. In this case, a viewer, usually a driver of the vehicle, in the interior behind the steering wheel 2 visually perceives a resulting virtual image 14, which is displayed to the viewer in a form indicated by a double arrow 18 ( Fig. 1a) appears behind the indicator disc 12.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a steering wheel 102 of a vehicle, in this case a motor vehicle, which is arranged on a steering column 104 of the vehicle. The steering column 104 comprises an opaque housing 126 in which a steering shaft 106 is arranged as a mechanical transmission element, connecting the steering wheel 102 to a steering system for the vehicle's wheels.

[0041] The second embodiment of the display system according to the invention comprises an opening 128 arranged in an upper side of the housing 126 of the steering column 104. Furthermore, it comprises, as a single optical module, a display panel 108 or a display arranged in an interior space of the steering column 104 above the steering shaft 106, which is enclosed by the housing 126. The display panel 108 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the steering shaft 106. Furthermore, the display system has a concavely curved display panel 112, which is pivotably and / or rotatably mounted relative to the opening 128 via a mechanism 130 having at least one hinge. Alternatively, the display panel 112 can also be planar.

[0042] In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two positions are available for the indicator disc 112, namely one in Fig.2 and a covering position (not shown in detail) are provided. In the covering position, the display disc 112 is pivoted downward, with the opening 128 being covered and / or closed by the display disc 112. It is possible for the display disc 112 to be arranged in the opening 128 as part of the housing 126.

[0043] In contrast, in the projection position, the display panel 112 is or will be pivoted upwards out of the opening 128, whereby the opening 128 is or will be exposed and / or opened. In this case, a reflective or mirrored surface of the display panel 112 is or will be facing the steering wheel 102. In the method, an original image 114 is generated by the display field 108 and emitted and / or projected upwards onto the mirrored surface of the display panel 112. From there, the image 114 is reflected towards the steering wheel 102 and into the interior. In this case, a viewer, usually a driver of the vehicle, in the interior behind the steering wheel 102 visually perceives a resulting virtual image 114, which appears to the viewer behind the display panel 112. REFERENCE SYMBOL: 2 steering wheel 4 Steering column 6 Steering shaft 8 Display field 10 mirrors 12 Indicator disc 14 Image 16a, 16b curved arrow 18 Double arrow 20a, 20b switching element 26 housings 28 Opening 30 Mechanism 102 Steering wheel 104 Steering column 106 Steering shaft 108 Display field 112 Indicator disc 114 Image 126 housings 128 Opening 130 Mechanism

Claims

[1] Display system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a steering column (4, 104) with a housing (26, 126) and a steering wheel (2, 102) rotatably arranged thereon, wherein the display system has at least one optical module, an opening (28, 128) in an upper side of the housing (26, 126) and a display disc (12, 112), wherein the at least one optical module is arranged within the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104), wherein the display disc (12, 112) is arranged on the upper side of the housing (26, 126) so as to be movable relative to the opening (28, 128) and is designed to cover the opening (28, 128) in the upper side of the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104) in a covering position and to uncover it in a projection position, wherein the at least one The optical module is designed to emit an image (14, 114) through the released opening (28, 128) in the housing (26, 126) onto the display panel (12, 112) in the projection position,wherein the display panel (12, 112) is designed to reflect the image (14, 114) emitted onto it into an interior of the vehicle., [2] Display system according to claim 1, wherein an optical module is arranged as a display panel (8, 108) within the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104) and is designed to generate the image (14, 114). [3] Display system according to claim 2, wherein the display panel (8, 108) is designed to emit the image (14, 114) through the released opening (28, 128) in the housing (26, 126) onto the display panel (12, 112) in the projection position. [4] Display system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a further optical module is arranged as a mirror (10) within the housing (26) of the steering column (4), wherein the display panel (8) is designed to emit the image (14) onto the mirror (10), wherein the mirror (10) is designed to reflect the image (14) through the released opening (28) in the housing (26) onto the display screen (12) located in the projection position. [5] Display system according to claim 4, wherein the mirror (10) is arranged in front of the display panel (8) with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle in the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4), the display disc (12) being arranged above the mirror (10) in the projection position. [6] Display system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the display panel (12, 112) is at least partially concave and / or at least partially planar, and / or in which the display panel (12, 112) is at least partially transparent, at least partially opaque and / or at least partially mirrored. [7] A display system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mechanism (30) adapted to pivot the display panel (12, 112) relative to the opening (28, 128) between the covering position and the projection position. [8] Display system according to one of the preceding claims for a vehicle having a steering column (4, 104) in which a steering shaft (6) is arranged, which connects the steering wheel (2, 102) to a steering system for wheels of the vehicle. [9] Method for operating a display system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a steering column (4, 104) with a housing (26, 126) and a steering wheel (2, 102) rotatably arranged thereon, wherein the display system has at least one optical module, an opening (28, 128) in an upper side of the housing (26, 126) and a display disc (12, 112), wherein the at least one optical module is arranged within the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104), wherein the display disc (12, 112) is arranged on the upper side of the housing (26, 126) so as to be movable relative to the opening (28, 128), wherein the opening (28, 128) in the upper side of the housing (26, 126) of the steering column (4, 104) is covered by the display disc (12, 112) in a covering position covered and released in a projection position, wherein an image (14, 114) from the at least one optical module is projected through the released opening (28, 128) in the housing (26,126) onto the display screen (12, 112) in the projection position, the image (14, 114) being reflected from the display screen (12, 112) into an interior of the vehicle. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the display disc (12, 112) is moved between the covering position and the projection position.

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