Vehicle with a display unit for showing the opening angle of a trunk lid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (9) with a trunk (10) and with a trunk lid (11) as well as a display unit (1) for displaying an opening angle of a trunk lid (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle with a trunk and a trunk lid, as well as a display unit for displaying an opening angle of a trunk lid.

[0002] From DE 10 2013 009 892 A1, a lighting device for illuminating the trunk of a vehicle is known. The lighting device is arranged on a gas spring to illuminate the trunk from above.

[0003] A lighting assembly is also known from DE 10 2019 124 115 A1, by means of which a vehicle's trunk can be illuminated. The lighting assembly can be arranged in a trim component of the trunk.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2015 208 922 A1 discloses a vehicle with a trunk and a trunk lid. The trunk lid is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body by means of two hinges. Up to four light sources are arranged on the hinges, which can be used to create a lighting effect when the trunk is opened and closed. The light sources also serve to illuminate the trunk. For this purpose, the light sources can preferably be designed as high-performance LEDs.

[0005] US Patent 3,553,448 A describes a trunk light with a lamp. A lever, which is pushed into a neutral position by a spring, switches the lamp on when the trunk lid is opened and moves the lever, and switches it off again when the lid is closed and the lever is returned to its original position by the spring.

[0006] EP 0 413 308 A2 describes a motor vehicle with a storage compartment and a lid that closes the compartment. A gas spring is provided to facilitate opening and closing the lid. A light source, attached to the gas spring, is also provided to illuminate the storage compartment when the lid is opened.

[0007] German patent DE 27 03 236 A1 describes a gas spring for a vehicle. The gas spring is designed as an electrical conductor with a switching effect to automatically switch a trunk light on or off when the trunk is moved.

[0008] A disadvantage of the aforementioned designs is that they neglect safety and user-friendliness when opening the trunk lid. For example, a person could injure themselves on a partially opened trunk lid while loading or unloading. Additionally, there is a risk of damage to the partially opened trunk lid during loading or unloading.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular to create a device that increases safety and user-friendliness when loading and unloading the trunk, especially with individually adjusted opening heights of the trunk lid.

[0010] The problem is solved by a vehicle and / or a display unit with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.

[0011] The proposed design is a vehicle with a trunk and a trunk lid. This basic structure allows cargo to be stored in the rear of the vehicle and accessed by opening the trunk lid.

[0012] Furthermore, the vehicle includes at least one display unit designed to visually indicate the opening angle of the trunk lid. This display unit is located in or near the trunk, for example, within the trunk's interior. As a result, the user receives immediate feedback on the opening angle when looking into the trunk. The integration of this display unit aims to provide the user with visual feedback on the trunk lid's opening status. This enhances usability and safety by making the current opening status of the trunk lid visually perceptible. It also allows the user to immediately recognize the actual opening status without having to inspect the trunk lid itself.The user is thus informed that, for example, the trunk lid is not fully open, and therefore increased caution is advised to prevent personal injury or damage to the vehicle. Furthermore, loading and unloading cargo is facilitated and, if necessary, only made possible once the user recognizes via the display unit that the trunk lid is not open far enough for loading or unloading.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one display unit has at least one light source. It is even more advantageous if at least one display unit includes multiple light sources. Using multiple light sources allows for segmented display of different opening angles. This results in differentiated feedback that remains clearly visible even under varying lighting conditions. The at least one light source can be an LED. With multiple light sources, the individual LEDs can each be of a different color.

[0014] The light source visually indicates the opening angle of the trunk lid. The light source acts as an optical status indicator, marking the current swivel range. This allows the user to assess the opening status from a distance.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one display unit features at least one illuminated symbol. An illuminated symbol enables a symbolic, intuitive representation of the trunk's status. This facilitates, in particular, quickly comprehensible information for the user. The opening angle of the trunk lid can be symbolically displayed by means of the illuminated symbol. The symbolic representation promotes comprehensibility and reduces the cognitive load when recognizing the status. This ensures clear feedback even with brief glances or in stressful situations.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one light source can generate different colored light. The use of colored light signals serves to clearly visually encode different opening states. This enables a quick and reliable interpretation of the current angle. Different colors can indicate different opening angles of the trunk lid. For example, red can indicate a minimum opening angle, while green marks a fully open state. This increases safety, for example, when opening the trunk in garages or other confined spaces. A medium opening angle can also be indicated, for example, by yellow light.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one display unit has multiple light sources, particularly three. A multi-stage arrangement of light sources allows for the clear differentiation of various opening ranges. This enables cost-effective implementation without complex display logic. The light sources are selectively controlled to generate segmented feedback corresponding to the degree of opening. Thus, a clear assessment of the lid's status is possible even with limited visibility. For example, multiple light sources can indicate a high degree of opening of the trunk lid when more light sources are illuminated. Conversely, fewer light sources illuminated can indicate that the trunk lid is more closed. Therefore, there is a relationship between the number of illuminated light sources and the opening angle.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one display unit has a screen. A screen allows for the flexible presentation of more complex information, such as numerical angle values ​​or stylized graphics. The screen can display the opening angle in real time and react dynamically to changes in the swivel position. This provides precise and continuous feedback, making operation more convenient. Furthermore, the opening angle can be displayed very accurately, for example, within a range of 0° to 90° or up to a maximum opening angle. The opening angle can be displayed in increments of 1°, 5°, or 10°, for example.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one display unit is arranged on a gas spring. The gas spring can pivot the trunk lid. An advantage is that no additional mounting points on the vehicle are required. This makes it possible to directly measure the opening angle via the movement of the gas spring. This contributes to a reduction in component complexity and simplified integration.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if at least one display unit is mounted on a hinge and / or a spindle drive. Mounting the display unit on a hinge or spindle drive also allows it to be directly linked to the opening process. This ensures reliable operation regardless of the chosen drive concept. The spindle drive can then automatically open and close the trunk lid.

[0021] This positioning of at least one display unit on the gas spring and / or the hinge allows the display to be placed in a clearly visible area of ​​the trunk. Furthermore, this arrangement of at least one display unit on the gas spring and / or the hinge has the advantage that the display unit is not obscured by cargo in the trunk and is therefore always visible.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the vehicle and / or at least one display unit has at least one opening angle sensor. The opening angle of the trunk lid can be determined using this sensor. Such a sensor serves to precisely detect the current position of the trunk lid. The data obtained can be used directly to control the display. In this way, visual feedback can be generated based on precise real-time data. This increases reliability and reduces the susceptibility to errors compared to purely mechanical displays.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one display unit has at least one interface. This interface connects the display unit to the vehicle for power supply and / or data exchange. This enables bidirectional communication between the display unit and the vehicle's control unit and / or power supply. The result is an intelligently networked display that precisely depicts the status of the trunk lid. The interface also allows the display unit to receive information from the vehicle, such as the current status of a drive mechanism that opens and closes the trunk lid. This eliminates the need to measure the opening angle; instead, the information provided by the vehicle can be used.

[0024] The interface can be wired. A fixed cable connection ensures high transmission stability.

[0025] This ensures that the display always functions correctly and the connection is not interrupted, even under dynamic driving conditions. Alternatively or additionally, a wireless interface offers advantages. A wireless design allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the display unit. This also simplifies retrofitting in existing vehicles without the need for complex wiring.

[0026] Furthermore, a display unit for a vehicle is proposed to show the opening angle of the vehicle's trunk lid. This display unit is a structurally integrated module that serves as visual support for the operating process. The aim is to actively assist the user when opening and closing the trunk.

[0027] The display unit comprises the features mentioned in the preceding and / or following description, whereby the mentioned features may be present individually or in any combination.

[0028] It is advantageous if the display unit can be retrofitted. This allows vehicles that do not yet have a display unit to be equipped with it.

[0029] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1. A rear view of a vehicle with the trunk lid open. Fig. 2 a first embodiment of the display unit with multiple light sources, Fig. 3 a second embodiment of the display unit with a display and Fig. 4 a third embodiment of the display unit with several illuminated symbols.

[0030] The in Fig. Figure 1 shows a rear view of a vehicle 9 with the trunk lid 11 open. The vehicle 9 comprises a vehicle body 17 on which the trunk lid 11 is pivotally mounted.

[0031] The trunk lid 11 provides access to a trunk 10. The trunk 10 is located in the rear of the vehicle body 17 and serves to hold cargo. The open position of the trunk lid 11 allows for ergonomic loading and unloading of the trunk 10.

[0032] According to Fig. The trunk lid 11 is connected to the vehicle body 17 via a first hinge 14 and a second hinge 15. The first hinge 14 is located on the left side of the vehicle 9. The second hinge 15 is positioned on the right side of the vehicle body 17. The two hinges 14 and 15 allow the trunk lid 11 to pivot in a controlled manner between a closed and an open position.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, it offers advantages if the trunk lid 11 can be opened and closed by means of a spindle drive. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, corresponding spindle drives are arranged in the hinges 14, 15 or form a unit with the hinges 14, 15. The spindle drives are not visible here. This positioning allows for direct force transmission to the trunk lid 11, enabling reliable and smooth movement along the intended pivot path. The trunk lid 11 can be opened and closed automatically with the aid of the spindle drive.

[0034] Furthermore, the in Fig. Figure 1 shows a first gas spring 12. The first gas spring 12 is arranged on the left side of the trunk lid 11 between the trunk lid 11 and the vehicle body 17. A second gas spring 13 is also provided. The second gas spring 13 is located, mirrored, on the right side between the trunk lid 11 and the vehicle body 17.

[0035] The first gas spring 12 and the second gas spring 13 support the pivoting movement of the trunk lid 11. This gas-assisted movement enables convenient opening and controlled closing of the trunk lid 11. Positioning the gas springs 12 and 13 on the inside of the trunk 10 allows for a space-saving and functional arrangement.

[0036] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the illustrated structure forms the basis for further embodiments in which a display unit 1 can be provided to indicate the opening angle of the trunk lid 11. For example, the display unit 1 described below can be arranged on the trunk lid 11, on the vehicle body 17 on one of the hinges 14, 15 and / or on one of the gas springs 12, 13.

[0037] The in Fig. The illustrated embodiment 2 shows a display unit 1 designed to visually indicate the opening angle of the trunk lid 11 of the vehicle 9. The display unit 1 is shown here in the form of a display field in which several light sources 3, 4, 5 and a vehicle symbol 2 are integrated.

[0038] The display unit 1 includes a vehicle symbol 2. The vehicle symbol 2 represents a stylized vehicle with its trunk lid 11 open. The vehicle symbol 2 serves as a symbolic representation of the function of the display unit 1.

[0039] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 1, through the arrangement of several light sources 3, 4, 5, provides differentiated feedback on the opening status. The display can be, for example, in the form of a color code or by sequential activation of the light sources 3, 4, 5, which facilitates unambiguous interpretation by the user. As illustrated in this embodiment, the first two light sources 3, 4, namely the first and second light sources 3, 4, are activated and illuminated. The third light source 5 is off. This can indicate, for example, that the trunk lid 11 is open to a second angular range. If all three light sources 3, 4, 5 are illuminated, it can indicate that the trunk lid 11 is fully open. Only one illuminated light source 3, 4, 5, for example, only the first light source 3, can indicate that the trunk lid 11 is open to a first angular range.

[0040] Furthermore, the three light sources 3, 4, 5 shown here can display three different colors to indicate different opening states. If a light source 3, 4, 5 is red, this can mean that the trunk lid 11 is open between 0% and 30%. If a light source 3, 4, 5 is yellow, this can mean that the trunk lid 11 is open between 31% and 70%. If a light source 3, 4, 5 is green, this can mean that the trunk lid 11 is open between 71% and 100%. In an alternative embodiment, the different colors can also be displayed with a single light source 3, 4, 5. The same angular ranges can be represented, for example, by the number of illuminated light sources 3, 4, 5.

[0041] According to Fig. 2. The display unit 1 offers a clear, visually easily perceptible display, which is particularly advantageous under changing lighting conditions.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the display unit 1, which is designed to display the opening angle of the trunk lid 11 of the vehicle 9. The illustrated embodiment of the display unit 1 differs from the Fig. 2. A display 16 and a numeric value 6 are displayed, thus creating an extended numeric display. The display 16 can be, for example, an OLED display or a matrix display.

[0043] The display 16 is positioned on the right side of the display unit 1 and occupies a significant portion of the available display area. The display 16 is suitable for displaying variable information and, in the illustrated embodiment, serves to display a numerical value 6.

[0044] The numerical value 6 is displayed as the number "60" on display 16. In this context, the numerical value 6 represents the opening angle of the trunk lid 11, for example, in degrees or as a percentage. Displaying the numerical value 6 provides precise and directly perceptible feedback on the current opening status of the trunk lid 11.

[0045] The display 16 is designed to react dynamically to changes in the opening angle. This offers advantages, particularly with regard to continuous visual monitoring of the trunk lid 11. The numerical display on the screen 16 reduces the need for interpretation by the user and increases the information density of the display unit 1.

[0046] The in Fig. Figure 4, an alternative embodiment, shows the display unit 1, which includes several illuminated symbols 7, 8 for the symbolic representation of the opening angle of a trunk lid 11. The illuminated symbols 7, 8 are each designed as stylized representations of a vehicle with an open trunk lid 11 and serve as intuitive visual feedback. The illuminated symbols 7, 8 can include a light source 3, 4, 5, or the light sources 3, 4, 5 can have the shape shown here. The illuminated symbols 7, 8 can be activated and deactivated to indicate the respective opening state.

[0047] The display unit 1 has a first illuminated symbol 7. The first illuminated symbol 7 shows a vehicle with a slightly open trunk lid 11. The trunk lid 11 is shown in a moderately inclined position, so that a first opening angle of the trunk lid 11 is symbolically represented.

[0048] Additionally, the display unit 1 has a second illuminated symbol 8. This second illuminated symbol 8 represents a vehicle with the trunk lid 11 shown in a more fully opened position. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous to use the second illuminated symbol 8 to represent a further open position of the trunk lid 11, thus enabling graduated symbolic feedback. In a further embodiment, the display unit 1 can also include several illuminated symbols 7, 8 to represent the opening angle in an even more differentiated manner.

[0049] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the indicator lights 7 and 8 are arranged side by side within the display unit 1. Each of the two or more indicator lights 7 and 8 can be controlled separately, so that depending on the actual opening angle of the trunk lid 11, either the first indicator light 7 or the second indicator light 8 is activated.

[0050] The display unit 1 is designed so that the current opening status of the trunk lid 11 can be displayed symbolically and therefore independently of language. This reduces the cognitive load on the user and enables quick comprehension of the information even in stressful situations or with limited visibility.

[0051] The exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 provides clear, abstracted feedback on the opening status of the trunk lid 11 through the use of several illuminated symbols 7, 8.

[0052] The at least one display unit 1 described in the present invention is assigned to the trunk 10. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display unit 1 is arranged in the area of ​​the trunk 10. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display unit 1 is arranged such that it is immediately visible when looking into the trunk 10. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display unit 1 is arranged in an interior space of the trunk 10. It is advantageous if the display unit 1 is arranged on one of the gas springs 12, 13 and / or on one of the hinges 14, 15. Reference symbol list 1 display unit 2 Vehicle symbol 3 first light source 4 second light source 5 third light source 6 numerical value 7 first light symbol 8 second light symbol 9 vehicles 10 trunk 11 Trunk lid 12 first gas spring 13 second gas spring 14 first hinge 15 second hinge 16 Display 17 Vehicle body 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 10 2013 009 892 A1

[0002] DE 10 2019 124 115 A1

[0003] DE 10 2015 208 922 A1

[0004] US 3,553,448 A

[0005] EP 0 413 308 A2

[0006] DE 27 03 236 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (9) with a trunk (10) and with a trunk lid (11) characterized by , that the vehicle (9) includes at least one display unit (1) assigned to and / or arranged in the area of ​​the trunk (10), which is designed and / or configured in such a way that it can visually indicate an opening angle of the trunk lid (11). [2] Vehicle (9) according to the previous claim, characterized by , that the at least one display unit (1) comprises at least one, in particular several, light sources (3, 4, 5) by means of which the opening angle of the trunk lid (11) can be visually displayed. [3] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one display unit (1) includes at least one light symbol (7, 8) by means of which the opening angle of the trunk lid (11) can be symbolically displayed. [4] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one light source (3, 4, 5) can produce different colored light, so that different opening angles of the trunk lid (11) can be indicated by different colors. [5] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one display unit (1) comprises several, in particular three, light sources (3, 4, 5) by means of which different opening angles of the trunk lid (11) can be symbolically displayed. [6] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one display unit (1) includes a display (16) by means of which the opening angle of the trunk lid (11) can be displayed. [7] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least one display unit (1) is arranged on a gas spring (12, 13) which can pivot the trunk lid (11), and / or that the at least one display unit (1) is arranged on a hinge (14, 15) and / or a spindle drive by means of which the trunk lid (11) is pivotably arranged on a vehicle body (17). [8] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle (9) and / or the at least one display unit (1) includes at least one opening angle sensor by means of which the opening angle of the trunk lid (11) can be determined. [9] Vehicle (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least one display unit (1) comprises at least one, in particular wired and / or wireless, interface by means of which the at least one display unit (1) is connected and / or can be connected to the vehicle (9) for power supply and / or data exchange. [10] Display unit (1) for a vehicle (9) for displaying an opening angle of a trunk lid (11) of the vehicle (9), characterized by that the display unit (1) has at least one feature mentioned in the preceding claims relating to the display unit (1).

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