DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system intended to be mounted in a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

[0002] There are several different display systems in a motor vehicle. The most well-known is the speedometer, which is usually installed behind the steering wheel. The use of a digital display has become very common, particularly on the back of the steering wheel, to display information on speed, distance traveled, and even the vehicle's fuel consumption.

[0003] It is quite common, for simplification, to call this digital display "digital counter" or more simply "counter" even if it is not limited to displaying only speed or distance counting information.

[0004] Traditionally, the display system includes software, a digital screen or analog displays, such as needle dials, and thick protective glass.

[0005] One of the disadvantages of this solution is the clutter it takes up on the dashboard. The protective glass is very thick, and the installation takes up a lot of space on the dashboard.

[0006] To free up this space, several manufacturers have designed systems Head-Up Display, in English "Head-Up Displays" which allow a virtual image of the meter to be created in line with the windshield of the motor vehicle. This solution frees up the space used by the digital display on the dashboard.

[0007] However, the illuminated screen used must be powerful for the virtual image to be visible and the technical infrastructure put in place is relatively complex, which significantly increases production costs. And, a virtual image on the windshield of the motor vehicle can hinder the driver's vision when driving, since they can then focus on the screen and not on the road.

[0008] Other solutions propose a user interface allowing flexible display of information by means of a display device generating a virtual image of the user interface such as document DE102019206196 A1. The device also comprises a sensor system for detecting and / or tracking operating objects and a signaling device which is configured to generate perceptible signals depending on the operation of the virtual user interface to generate signals. However, this interface is bulky.

[0009] Documents DE 10 2017 202490 A1, FR 3 093 962 A1, FR 3 101 579 A1 and GB 1 086 133 A present various known display systems for a vehicle dashboard. Thus, the solutions proposed in the prior art have disadvantages in terms of production cost, size and readability.

[0010] Also, there is a need for a display system that frees up technical clutter in favor of a new and attractive perception of information display, storage space as well as serving the design of the dashboard, showing the trim material (textile or other) and simulating incoming daylight while reducing production costs compared to more advanced solutions.

[0011] A display system is proposed for mounting in a dashboard of a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel projecting from the dashboard, said dashboard comprising a cavity delimited by an upper wall, a lower wall opposite the upper wall, a bottom and an opening opening opposite the steering wheel, said system comprising: a source screen installed horizontally in the upper part not visible to the driver in the cavity, the source screen having a front edge extending in the vicinity of the steering wheel and a rear edge distant from the steering wheel, a translucent plate installed inside the cavity adapted to form an image offset from the source screen, the translucent plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and defines a free space with the bottom of the dashboard, said offset image being formed in the free space defined by the plate and on the side opposite the source screen with respect to the translucent plate.

[0012] The source screen is installed in the upper wall of the cavity horizontally and the upper edge of the translucent plate is located towards the bottom of the cavity and the lower edge of the translucent plate is located towards the opening.

[0013] An advantage of the subject of the invention is to propose a simple and efficient display system in a motor vehicle making it possible to free up technical space compared to a traditional display system.

[0014] In addition, when the user looks towards the space where the remote image is formed, he will have the impression that the source screen is displayed there while the space is empty and that it is only the remote image, by a holographic process. The user will therefore have the perception of an open and bright space and a larger storage space and a refined design.

[0015] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the translucent plate can form a predefined angle with the source screen, and the angle is adjustable.

[0016] The angle can be adjusted by changing the inclination of the translucent plate. Adjusting the angle allows the remote image to be displayed where the user wants it to be seen while sitting in the vehicle, and it also allows the depth of the image to be enlarged or reduced.

[0017] In one embodiment, the display system may include a housing provided in the upper wall of the dashboard and opening into the free space.

[0018] The accommodation will allow for the installation of equipment to modify the environment of the free space around the remote image.

[0019] According to the invention, the housing can open outside the dashboard so as to illuminate the free space with natural light. The natural light will make it possible to illuminate the free space differently throughout the day since this light changes according to the external conditions.

[0020] Advantageously and not forming part of the invention, the housing can accommodate a light source opposite the lower wall so as to illuminate the free space. The light source can be adjusted so as to modify its brightness and its color, which will make it possible to modify the environment of the free space to define atmospheres around the remote image according to the desire of the user of the vehicle.

[0021] In another embodiment, at least one other light source may be installed in contact with the translucent plate.

[0022] This light source can be a light-emitting diode or a light guide to guide the light to create light effects in the remote image.

[0023] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the at least one other light source can be installed in the vicinity of the steering wheel, in the free space extending towards the bottom and / or intersecting with the translucent plate.

[0024] The invention also relates to a dashboard of a motor vehicle comprising: a steering wheel projecting from the dashboard, a cavity delimited by an upper wall, a lower wall opposite the upper wall, a base, and an opening opening opposite the steering wheel.

[0025] The dashboard includes the display system as described previously.

[0026] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the dashboard as described above.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of several particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic top view of the front of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view of an axial section of the object of the invention integrated into a motor vehicle. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a view of an axial section of the embodiment of the invention integrated into a motor vehicle. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a view of an axial section of another embodiment not forming part of the invention integrated into a motor vehicle. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a view of an axial section of another embodiment of the invention integrated into a motor vehicle.

[0028] For the purposes of the description, we will refer to a direct orthogonal XYZ reference frame conventionally used in automotive design, in which the X axis designates the front-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards. The XY plane is therefore horizontal when the vehicle is conventionally resting on a horizontal surface.

[0029] The invention relates to a display system 1 intended to be mounted in a dashboard 2 of a motor vehicle.

[0030] Usually, a motor vehicle comprises a passenger compartment having a front part intended to accommodate the driver of the vehicle and possibly a passenger. The dashboard 2 is installed in front of the driver and passenger seats.

[0031] With reference to the [ Fig. 1 ], the dashboard 2 extends along a main lateral axis (Y), between the right side and the left side of the motor vehicle.

[0032] This dashboard includes three distinct parts 3-5: a driving portion 3, from which the steering wheel 6 projects and in front of a driver's seat 7. a central portion 4 generally overhanging or incorporating the central console; and, a passenger portion 5 opposite the driving portion 3 with respect to the central portion 4, generally overhanging or incorporating a glove box, and being in front of the passenger seat 8.

[0033] The display system 1 is mounted in the dashboard 2 at the driving part 3 behind the steering wheel 6.

[0034] However, the invention is not limited to a display system 1 mounted in the driving part 3 since it can also be installed at the central part 4 or the passenger part 5, thus allowing use of the screens by all users of the motor vehicle. The invention may, upon reading the description, be adapted so that the system is mounted in another part of the dashboard.

[0035] Furthermore, a plurality of display systems according to the invention could be provided installed in different locations on the dashboard, for example for the driver and for the passenger. In an alternative embodiment not shown, it could also be provided that the display system slides, for example between a central part of the dashboard and a passenger part located opposite the driver.

[0036] Indeed, many motor vehicles include display systems, particularly in the central part of the dashboard, such as a GPS, for example, or an interface for controlling the music to be played in the passenger compartment.

[0037] With reference to the [ Fig. 2 ], the dashboard 2 comprises a cavity 9 delimited by an upper wall 10, a lower wall 11 opposite the upper wall 10, a bottom 12, and an opening 13 opening opposite the steering wheel 6.

[0038] The display system 1, according to the invention, is installed in the cavity 9 of the dashboard 2. Its location is then equivalent to the usual location of the digital display of the prior art comprising the speedometer.

[0039] The display system 1 comprises a source screen 14, a translucent plate 15 adapted to form a remote image 16 of the source screen 14.

[0040] The source screen 14 is installed in the upper wall 10 of the cavity, it has a front edge 17 extending towards the steering wheel 6, in other words in the vicinity of the steering wheel 6, and a rear edge 18 distant, or spaced apart, from the steering wheel 6. The source screen 14 can be an LCD screen, an LED screen, OLED, or any type of screen known from the prior art, however having sufficient brightness so that the information to be displayed can be reproduced in the form of a remote image. Since the user does not look directly at the screen but at an image produced from it, then the screen does not necessarily need to have a particularly high resolution.

[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an upper hatch can be provided in the dashboard 2 so as to be able to access this source screen 14 for maintenance and intervention, and if it is removable, so as to be able to remove or install it. It can also be inserted through a slot giving access to the cavity.

[0042] Optionally, the screen can be removable and can therefore be moved by the user, in particular via the hatch described above.

[0043] The translucent plate 15 has an upper edge 19 and a lower edge 20. It defines, with the bottom 12 of the dashboard 2, a free space 21 in which the remote image 16 is formed. The remote image 16 is thus formed by refraction of the light rays emitted by the source screen 14 on the side opposite the source screen 14 relative to the translucent plate 15.

[0044] The translucent plate 15 may for example be made of glass or a polymer material such as plexiglass. Such a plate has particular optical properties, and in particular semi-reflective properties, which are due to the materials used and its manufacturing process. An example of a plate, not exclusive, is that described in document EP2919045 A1 from ASUKANET CO LTD. However, the invention is not limited to this specific plate; any conventional translucent plates making it possible to create an image remote from a source screen may be used.

[0045] The translucent plate 15 is installed in the cavity 9 obliquely relative to the source screen 14 so that the upper edge 19 of the translucent plate is located towards the bottom 12 of the cavity 9 and the lower edge 20 of the translucent plate 15 is located towards the opening 13.

[0046] In particular, the translucent plate 15 forms a predefined angle with the source screen 14. The angle is adjustable according to the location and the inclination of the remote image 16 desired so that a user of the vehicle can see it when seated in the vehicle. The angle is adjustable between 35° and 55° relative to the horizontal of the dashboard, that is to say relative to an XY plane. Preferably, it is substantially equal to 45°. The angle can be adjusted by modifying the inclination of the translucent plate relative to the longitudinal direction X.

[0047] According to the invention, with reference to the [ Fig. 3 ], the upper wall 10 of the dashboard 2 comprises a housing 22 formed in the upper wall 10 of the dashboard 2 and opening into the free space 21.

[0048] Housing 22 opens to the outside of dashboard 2, with reference to the [ Fig. 3 ], so that the free space can be illuminated with natural light.

[0049] Alternatively and not forming part of the invention, the housing 22 can accommodate a light source opposite the lower wall so as to illuminate the free space. This light source can be a light-emitting diode (abbreviated LED in English) whose brightness and color can be modified.

[0050] With reference to the [ Fig. 4 ], at least one other light source 23 can be installed in contact with the translucent plate. This light source 23 can be a light-emitting diode or a light guide making it possible to guide the light to create light effects at the level of the remote image 16.

[0051] The at least one light source 23 can be installed in the vicinity of the steering wheel, in the free space extending towards the bottom 12 and / or in intersection with the translucent plate depending on the desired effect.

[0052] Finally, in another embodiment, with reference to the [ Fig. 5 ], the lower edge 20 of the translucent plate 15 is in contact and cooperates with the lower wall 11 of the cavity to isolate the free space 21 with respect to the opening 13. With reference to the [ Fig. 5 ], the lower edge 11 of the cavity has an edge 24 covered by the lower edge 20 of the translucent wall 15. The width of the covering surface is typically a few millimeters, for example between 2 and 10 millimeters.

[0053] In another example of the invention not illustrated, the lower edge 20 of the plate 15 can cooperate in contact with the lower wall 11 of the cavity, to isolate in the same way the free space 21 from the opening 13.

Claims

1. Display system (1) intended to be mounted in a dashboard (2) of a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel (6) projecting from the dashboard (2), said dashboard (2) comprising a cavity delimited by an upper wall (10), a lower wall (11) opposite the upper wall (10), an end wall (12) and an opening (13) which emerges facing the steering wheel (6), said system (1) comprising: - a source screen (14) installed in the cavity, the source screen (14) having a front edge (17) extending adjacent to the steering wheel (6) and a back edge (18) remote from the steering wheel (6), - a translucent plate (15) installed inside the cavity and designed to form an offset image (16) of the source screen (14), the translucent plate (15) having an upper edge (19) and a lower edge (20), and defining a free space (21) with the end wall (12) of the dashboard (2), said offset image (16) being formed in the free space (21) defined by the plate (15) and on the opposite side to the source screen (14) with respect to the translucent plate (15), characterized in that the source screen (14) is installed in the upper wall (10) of the cavity and in that the upper edge (19) of the translucent plate (15) is situated towards the end wall (12) of the cavity and the lower edge (20) of the translucent plate (15) is situated towards the opening (13), the display system further comprising a slot (22) formed in the upper wall (10) of the dashboard (2) and emerging in the free space (21), said slot (22) emerging towards the outside of the dashboard (2) such that the free space (21) is illuminated by natural light.

2. Display system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the translucent plate (15) forms a predefined angle with the source screen (14), and in that the angle is adjustable.

3. Display system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower edge (20) of the translucent plate (15) is in contact and cooperates with the lower wall (11) of the cavity to isolate the free space (21).

4. Display system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one other light source (23) is installed in contact with the translucent plate (15).

5. Display system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one other light source (23) is installed adjacent to the steering wheel (6) in the free space (21) while extending towards the end wall (12) and / or intersecting with the translucent plate (15).

6. Motor vehicle dashboard (1) comprising: - a steering wheel (6) projecting from the dashboard (2), - a cavity delimited by an upper wall (10), a lower wall (11) opposite the upper wall (10), an end wall (12) and an opening (13) which emerges facing the steering wheel (6), characterized in that it comprises the display system (1) according to Claims 1 to 6.

7. Motor vehicle comprising a dashboard (2) according to Claim 7.