Display device for the interior of a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device (1) for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a housing (20) with a lighting assembly (30) and a mirror assembly (40). Within the mirror assembly (40) a mirror chamber (46) is formed, which is bounded by two spaced-apart and parallel mirror surfaces of a first mirror (41) and a second mirror (42). The lighting assembly (30) comprises a light source (331) and a display (32), wherein a light source of the light source (331) is arranged next to the first mirror (41) and adjacent to the mirror chamber (46). A light source of the display (32) is oriented towards the mirror chamber (46), with the first mirror (41) being arranged between the display (32) and the mirror chamber (46). The transparency and reflectivity of the mirror surfaces of the first mirror (41) and the second mirror (42) are each variably adjustable.The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating a display device (1) and a vehicle with a display device (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a display device for the interior of a vehicle, a method for operating a display device, and a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] German patent application No. 102024200386.7 discloses a lighting device for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a light source for generating a luminous structure within a housing. The housing includes a mirror arrangement with a non-transparent mirror and a partially translucent mirror, which are arranged relative to the light source such that the luminous structure is reflected multiple times by the mirror arrangement. Due to the multiple reflections between the two mirrors, the luminous structure appears at different depths, creating not only a volume effect but also a visual infinity effect. Brief description of the invention

[0003] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing a display device for the interior of a vehicle that combines a display for the reproduction of graphic information with such a lighting effect.

[0004] Accordingly, a display device according to the main claim and a method and a vehicle according to the dependent claims are proposed. Further embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a display device for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a housing with a lighting assembly and a mirror assembly.

[0006] Within the mirror assembly, a mirror chamber is formed, which is bounded by two spaced-apart and parallel mirror surfaces of a first mirror and a second mirror.

[0007] The lighting assembly comprises a light source and a display, wherein a light-emitting surface of the light source is arranged next to the first mirror and adjacent to the mirror chamber. Furthermore, a light-emitting surface of the display is oriented towards the mirror chamber, wherein the first mirror is arranged between the display and the mirror chamber, and wherein the transparency and reflectivity of the mirror surfaces of the first and second mirrors are each variably adjustable.

[0008] The variable transparency and reflectance levels of the first and second mirrors allow the optical properties of the mirror assembly to be changed, enabling different operating modes or display states to be provided for a lighting and / or display function.

[0009] According to a further development of the display device, the mirror surface of the first and the second mirror can each have an electrochromic layer, wherein a transparency and reflectance degree of the electrochromic layer can be adjusted depending on an electrical signal.

[0010] The electrochromic layers provide mirrors with variable transparency, allowing the mirror surface to be varied from completely transparent to completely reflective.

[0011] According to a further development of the display device, the electrochromic layer can be arranged between two planar, transparent and electrically conductive layers, so that the electrochromic layer between the conductive layers can be subjected to an electric field.

[0012] The electrically conductive layers each form a transparent electrode, which can consist, for example, of indium tin oxide (ITO). A layer sequence can comprise a first ITO layer for a first electrode, an electrochromic layer, and a second ITO layer for a second electrode. The layer sequence can be built up using thin-film technology, which allows layer thicknesses in the range of a few micrometers to a few nanometers.

[0013] The optical properties of the electrochromic layer can be influenced by an electric field proportional to an applied electrical voltage. The transparency and reflectance can therefore be adjusted by varying the voltage level.

[0014] According to a further development of the display device, at least one of the two electrically conductive layers can be divided into at least two planar areas, wherein the planar areas can be independently subjected to an electrical potential.

[0015] In particular, for the first mirror, which is positioned between the display and the mirror chamber, several surface areas can be provided that can be controlled with different levels of transparency and reflection. Thus, a surface area extending directly in front of the display can be operated with a higher transparency value than an area at the edge of the display.

[0016] According to a further development of the display device, the mirror surfaces of the first and the second mirror can each be designed as an electrochromic film arranged on a transparent disc.

[0017] A two-part design of a controllable mirror allows for flexible assembly and connection techniques. An electrochromic film can be bonded to the transparent disc using adhesive bonds. A two-part or modular mirror design makes it possible to use films from different sources and with varying optical properties.

[0018] According to a further development of the display device, a control unit can be assigned to the lighting assembly and the mirror assembly, which includes a first analog signal output for adjusting the transparency and reflectance of the mirror surface of the first mirror and a second analog signal output for adjusting the transparency and reflectance of the mirror surface of the second mirror.

[0019] The separately controllable transparency and reflection levels of the first and second mirrors allow the mirror assembly to be set to a graphical reproduction of display information and / or a lighting pattern with or without an infinity and volume effect.

[0020] According to a further development of the display device, the control unit can also include a first driver output for regulating the brightness of a light source associated with the luminaire.

[0021] According to a further development of the display device, the control unit can also include a second driver output for regulating the brightness of the display.

[0022] The optical properties of the display device can be further optimized by adjusting the brightness of the light source and the display differently.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a method for operating a display device for the interior of a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. In this method, a value for a variable transparency and reflectance of a mirror surface of a first mirror and a second mirror of a mirror assembly is set based on a predetermined pair of values, which is assigned to a requested display state.

[0024] According to a further development of the procedure, a brightness value for a light source of a luminaire and / or a brightness value for a display can also be set based on predetermined values ​​that are assigned to the requested display state.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a vehicle with an interior, wherein at least one display device according to the first aspect of the invention is arranged in the interior. Brief description of the drawing figures

[0026] Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. The features described and / or illustrated constitute the subject matter individually or in any meaningful combination, possibly also independently of the claims, and may in particular also be the subject matter of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are designated with the same reference numerals. These include: Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a display device; Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the display device; Fig. 3. Parts of the display device with a control unit; Fig. 4 shows a first display state of the display device; Fig. 5 shows a second display state of the display device; Fig. 6 shows a third display state of the display device; Fig. Figure 7 shows a fourth display state of the display device. Description of the execution types

[0027] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a display device 1 for the interior of a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the display device 1 in assembly.

[0028] The display device 1 has a multi-part housing 20 comprising a rear housing wall 21, a side housing wall 22, and a front panel 23. The housing 20 contains two interacting system assemblies of the display device 1. A light assembly 30 is arranged on the rear housing wall 21 and extends in a rear section of the display device 1. A mirror assembly 40 is located in a front section that terminates at the front panel 23.

[0029] The lighting assembly 30 comprises a light module 31, a screen 32, a diffuser element 33, and a circuit board 34 with a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 35. The light module 31 has a receiving area 312 suitable for receiving the display 32. The receiving area 312 is surrounded by an annular light box 311. The circuit board 34 is arranged directly on the rear side of the light module 31, so that the LEDs 35 can emit light into the light box 311.

[0030] The display 32 can, for example, comprise an LCD or TFT display unit. A backlight for the display 32 can be provided in the central area 311 behind the display 32. Alternatively, a display 32 with integrated backlighting or with self-illuminating pixels or light structures can be used.

[0031] The light module 31 is closed at the front during assembly by the diffuser element 33, with the light box 311 being covered at the front by a ring-shaped light source 331. During operation, light emitted from the LEDs 35 into the light box 311 can pass through the light source 331, which can thus illuminate with a uniformly diffused light.

[0032] The diffuser element 33 has a recessed receiving area 332 relative to the ring-shaped light source 331, in which a first mirror 41 of the mirror assembly 40 described below can be received. The receiving area 332 also includes an opening 333 that allows a view of the display 32.

[0033] The mirror assembly 40 forms an optical system capable of generating an infinitely appearing light pattern arrangement. For this purpose, a mirror chamber 46 is formed between two mirrors 41 and 42 aligned parallel to each other, with a partially transparent second mirror 42 provided at least between an external observer and the mirror chamber 46.

[0034] The first mirror 41 comprises a first transparent disk 411 and a first electrochromic mirror film 412. The second mirror 42 has a second electrochromic mirror film 421, which is supported by a second transparent disk 422. The first and second electrochromic mirror films 412 and 421 are each mounted on a surface of the first and second transparent disks 411 and 422, respectively, oriented towards the mirror chamber 46. The mirror chamber 46 is thus bounded by a first mirror surface of the first mirror 41 and a second mirror surface of the second mirror 42.

[0035] Light can be coupled into the mirror chamber 46 via the light source 331. An adjustable percentage of this light is reflected by the second electrochromic mirror film 421, which is positioned between the mirror chamber 46 and an external observer. The reflected light can then be reflected back through the first electrochromic mirror film 42 to the second electrochromic mirror film 42. The light coupled in via the light source 331 is repeatedly reflected between the two mirrors 41 and 42 until the light intensity of the final reflection falls below a threshold of perception.

[0036] In the display device 1, the mirror surfaces of the first and second mirrors 41 and 42 are formed by the first and second electrochromic mirror films 412 and 421, respectively. The electrochromic mirror films 412 and 421 are each configured to change their degree of transparency and reflectivity in response to electrical signals. For example, applying an electrical voltage can switch each mirror film between a transparent and a reflective state. In the transparent state, a mirror film allows light to pass through, thus enabling a view of an object behind it. In the reflective state, however, a mirror film reflects the light and thus functions as a mirror. The degree of transparency and reflectivity of the mirror films 412 or 421 can also be, for example,The voltage level of the applied voltage can be adjusted so that states between full transparency, partial transparency or full mirroring are possible.

[0037] A transparent disc 411 or 422, in conjunction with a respective electrochromic mirror film 412 or 421, forms a controllable mirror 41 or 42 of the mirror assembly 40.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a control unit 60 with electrically controllable components of the display device 1, comprising the circuit board 34 with a number of LEDs 35, the display 32 with an integrated backlight and a display matrix, as well as the first and second mirror films 412 and 421. The optical properties with respect to transparency and reflectance of the first and second mirror films 412 and 421 can be adjusted, for example, by an electric field or by a current flowing through the respective film. Accordingly, the control unit 60 has a first analog signal output S1, via which a constant voltage or a constant current can be provided for the first mirror film 412. Similarly, a second analog signal output S2 can output a voltage or current signal to control the second mirror film 421. Depending on the respective signal strength, for example,The reflectance of the mirror foils 412 and 421 can be varied between 0% and 100%, so that the transparency accordingly has a degree between 100% and 0%.

[0039] The control unit 60 also has a first driver output T1 with which the LED 35 on the circuit board 34 can be switched and / or dimmed. A second driver output T2 can be used to regulate the brightness of the display 32. The brightness of LED-based light sources can be set, for example, between 0 and 100% by means of a pulse-width modulated current source, in which the duty cycle of a corresponding PWM signal is varied to modulate a current between 0 and 1.

[0040] Image signals describing image information to be displayed can be transmitted to the display 32 via a data output D.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 60 has a CAN interface to a vehicle's communication network (e.g., a CAN bus), through which messages about information to be displayed and / or about a requested display state can be received.

[0042] Based on the Fig. Figures 4 to 7, which show different display states of the display device 1, illustrate the mode of operation of the display device 1 according to the invention.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a first display state in which the first and second controllable mirrors 41 and 42 are switched to be completely transparent. The LEDs 35 in the light box 311 are deactivated. Only the display 32 is active and reproduces pictorial information 50, which appears as a light pattern through the two transparent mirrors 41 and 42 from the outside in the display device 1.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a second display state in which, in addition to the display 32, the LED 35 is also activated. The first and second controllable mirrors 41 and 42 remain fully transparent. In contrast to the Fig. 3. An analog time is displayed as pictorial information 50 on the display 32. Furthermore, light is coupled into the mirror chamber 46 by the luminaire 331, which is perceptible from the outside in the display device 1 as an image of a uniformly luminous ring 51.

[0045] A third display state is in the Fig. Figure 6 shows that the LEDs 35 in the light box 311 are activated, so that light is coupled into the mirror chamber 46 via the light source 331. The first controllable mirror 41 is controlled as a full mirror, meaning that a maximum electrical voltage is applied to the first electrochromic mirror film 412, causing the film to assume a reflective and non-transparent state. A lower electrical voltage is applied to the second electrochromic mirror film 421, which adjusts the transparency and reflection properties of a translucent mirror to a specific ratio. A second controllable mirror 42, acting as a partial mirror, can allow between 20% and 80% of the light from the mirror chamber 46 to pass towards an external viewer. Correspondingly, between 80% and 20% of the light is reflected by the second mirror film 421. The resulting multiple reflections 52 create an infinity and volume effect.

[0046] In a fourth representation state according to the Fig. In state 7, both controllable mirrors 41 and 42 are operated as partial mirrors or as translucent mirrors. In this switching state, light from both the light source 331 and the display 32 can be coupled into the mirror chamber 46. This state enables additional information to be displayed on the display 32. The light ring 51 is reflected multiple times in the mirror assembly 40, whereby the multiple reflections 52 and the infinity and volume effects are somewhat weakened due to the lower reflectance of the first mirror film 412 compared to the third display state. However, by appropriately adjusting the reflectances, potential ghost images of the display content can be avoided.

[0047] Although the subject matter has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not to be interpreted in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

[0048] List of reference symbols 1 Display device 20 cases 21 Rear panel 22 Housing wall 23 Front panel 30 Lighting assembly 31 light box 32" Display 33 Diffuser element 331 light sources 332 Recording area 333 Opening 34 circuit board 35 LEDs 40 Mirror assembly 41 first controllable mirror 411 first transparent disc 412 first electrochromatic mirror film 42 second controllable mirror 421 second electrochromatic mirror film 422 second transparent disc 46 Mirror Chamber 60 Control unit S1 first analog signal output S2 second analog signal output T1 first driver output T2 second driver output D Image signal output CAN interface 50 pictorial information 51 Light ring 52 multiple reflections QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102024200386.7

[0002]

Claims

[1] Display device for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a housing (20) with a lighting assembly (30) and a mirror assembly (40), wherein a mirror chamber (46) is formed within the mirror assembly (40) which is bounded by two spaced-apart and parallel mirror surfaces of a first mirror (41) and a second mirror (42), and wherein the lighting assembly (30) comprises a light source (331) and a display (32), wherein a light surface of the light source (331) is arranged next to the first mirror (41) and adjacent to the mirror chamber (46), and wherein a light surface of the display (32) is oriented towards the mirror chamber (46), wherein the first mirror (41) is arranged between the display (32) and the mirror chamber (46), and wherein the transparency and reflectance of the mirror surfaces of the first mirror (41) and the second mirror (42) are each variably adjustable. [2] Display device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror surfaces of the first and second mirrors (41, 42) each have an electrochromic layer, wherein the transparency and reflectance of the electrochromic layer is adjustable depending on an electrical signal. [3] Display device according to claim 2, wherein the electrochromic layer is arranged between two planar, transparent and electrically conductive layers, such that the electrochromic layer between the electrically conductive layers can be subjected to an electric field. [4] Display device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the two electrically conductive layers is divided into at least two planar areas, and wherein the planar areas can be independently applied to an electrical potential. [5] Display device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mirror surface of the first and the second mirror (41, 42) each comprises an electrochromic film (412, 421) arranged on a transparent disk (411, 422). [6] Display device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the light assembly (30) and the mirror assembly (40) are associated with a control device (60) which comprises a first analog signal output (S1) for adjusting the transparency and reflectance of the mirror surface of the first mirror (41) and a second analog signal output (S2) for adjusting the transparency and reflectance of the mirror surface of the second mirror (42). [7] Display device according to claim 6, wherein the control device (60) further comprises a first driver output (T1) for regulating the brightness of a light source (35) associated with the luminaire (331). [8] Display device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device (60) further comprises a second driver output (T2) for regulating the brightness of the display (32). [9] Method for operating a display device (1) for the interior of a vehicle, wherein a value for a variable transparency and reflectance of a respective mirror surface of a first mirror (41) and a second mirror (42) of a mirror assembly (40) is set based on a predetermined pair of values ​​which is associated with a requested display state. [10] Vehicle with an interior, wherein at least one display device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is arranged in the interior.

Images