Display structure, specifically configured to be mounted on a vehicle

Abstract

Display structure, in particular configured for mounting on a vehicle. The invention relates to a display structure (1), in particular configured for mounting on a vehicle, the display structure (1) comprising: at least one transparent film (2) having at least one pattern (3) to be displayed, this transparent film (2) being configured to receive injected light and guide the injected light to the pattern (3) to be displayed so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible; at least one active opacifying filter (5) placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the transparent film (2), the active opacifying filter (5) being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Display structure, in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a display structure, in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle may be of land, sea or air type.

[0003] A current trend among some car manufacturers is to use a transparent panel which, when illuminated, displays certain information. When no display is required, for example when the vehicle's engine has not started, the panel is transparent. The transparency of this panel contributes to the aesthetics of the vehicle's interior.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an improved display structure.

[0005] The invention thus relates to a display structure, in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the display structure comprising: - at least one transparent film having at least one pattern to be displayed, this transparent film being configured to receive injected light and guide the injected light to the pattern to be displayed so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible; - at least one active opacifying filter placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the transparent film, the active opacifying filter being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, when the transparent film is illuminated and the pattern is lit, it is possible to improve the contrast of the displayed pattern so that the person viewing it or these patterns can clearly distinguish it. In particular, when the ambient light is strong, this contrast can be degraded, and the illuminated pattern on the transparent film may no longer be clearly visible, or even visible at all, to a person viewing the display structure.

[0007] Thanks to the display structure according to the invention, and in particular to the opacifying filter used in the display structure, it is possible to shield the ambient light to block it from reaching the pattern on the transparent film. Thus, strong ambient light does not degrade the contrast of the pattern.

[0008] When the pattern on the transparent film is not illuminated, the opacifying filter can be left in a transparent state so that the entire display structure appears transparent. This makes it possible to give the display structure an aesthetic appearance.

[0009] The opacifying filter can be switched into the opacifying state only when it is considered that the ambient light exceeds a predetermined brightness threshold.

[0010] In summary, when necessary, the opacifying filter is commanded to be in the opacifying state so as to provide satisfactory contrast to the display of the pattern on the transparent film.

[0011] The invention thus enables people to clearly perceive the illuminated pattern(s) on the transparent film regardless of ambient light conditions (i.e. whether in low light or high light).

[0012] When the transparent film is not backlit, the pattern(s) are not visible.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is in the form of a layer.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the layer forming the opacification filter extends over substantially the entire surface of the transparent film.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is in the form of a film or a plate.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure thus presents a stacking of the transparent film and the layer forming the opacifying filter.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is disposed on one side of the transparent film which is opposite to the display side of the pattern(s).

[0018] In other words, the opacifying filter is arranged on the rear side of the display structure.

[0019] The opacifying filter can thus, in the opacifying state, form an opaque background.

[0020] The illuminated pattern(s) can thus be clearly visible against this opaque background.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is of the electrochromic type.

[0022] Thus the opacifying filter is configured to change color, reversibly, in response to an electrical voltage applied to this opacifying filter.

[0023] The opacifying filter can thus modify its opacity by means of an applied electrical voltage.

[0024] The invention thus proposes placing a switchable electrochromic type layer behind the symbol(s) in order to control the darkness of the background of the panel.

[0025] The opacifying filter includes, in particular: - a first electrode used to apply the voltage, - a storage layer for ions, containing the ions that allow the movement of chemical species leading to the color change, - an electrolyte, namely a substance that allows the passage of an electric current by the movement of ions but without the movement of electrons, - an electrochromic layer producing the color change, - a second transparent electrode, allowing current to pass through the device.

[0026] In the example described, the opacifying filter is transparent when no electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied.

[0027] In the present invention, the term "transparent" refers to the ability to transmit light totally or partially. In any event, in the present invention, the term "transparent" corresponds to a light transmission coefficient of at least 50%.

[0028] In the present invention, the term “transparent” may encompass the property of being translucent.

[0029] The transparent film can be a flexible film.

[0030] Alternatively, the film has rigidity.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure comprises at least one layer of transparent material disposed between the transparent film and the opacifying filter.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the transparent film is glued onto this layer of transparent material, in particular using an optically transparent adhesive (or OC A for "Optically Clear Adhesive" in English).

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is glued onto this transparent material layer, in particular using an optically transparent adhesive.

[0034] Alternatively, the transparent film and / or the opacifying filter are bonded by overmolding to the layer of transparent material.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the transparent film has a slice configured to allow the injection of light into the mass.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the transparent film serves as a light guide to guide the injected light towards the pattern(s) to be displayed.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the pattern or patterns to be displayed are formed on a main face of the transparent film.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the pattern is formed by an area of ​​the transparent film.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the area may have microreliefs to reflect the light guided in the transparent film outwards so as to make the pattern visible.

[0040] The pattern can be formed by micro-reliefs on the surface of the transparent film.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure may include one or more light sources configured to inject light into the transparent film.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the light source(s) comprise one or more LEDs.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying film is configured to exhibit several levels of opacity that can be activated by a voltage that is modulated.

[0044] The invention can thus make it possible to generate a background that is more or less opaque depending on the ambient light.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the layer of transparent material between the opacifying filter and the transparent film can be made of PC or PMMA.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure includes a brightness sensor configured to measure ambient brightness, in particular of the photodiode type.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure is configured to allow a comparison of the brightness measured by the sensor to a brightness threshold and to control the switching from the transparent state to the opacifying state of the opacifying filter in case the brightness threshold is exceeded.

[0048] Thus, as long as the ambient light does not exceed the predetermined brightness threshold, the opacifying filter remains in the transparent state and when the brightness threshold is exceeded, an electrical voltage is applied to the opacifying filter (in particular of the thermochromic type) so as to make it opaque.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example being about 0.2 mm.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure may include a control unit for determining whether the ambient brightness exceeds a predetermined brightness threshold and triggering a voltage application to switch the opacifying filter from the transparent state to the opacifying state.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure includes a capacitive layer, in particular a capacitive film, allowing a person to activate a function, for example a function to increase the volume of the music, by passing their finger over the display structure, at the location of a pattern which is illuminated.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, a layer of transparent material may be provided between the transparent film and the capacitive film.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the motif includes a symbol, for example a plus or minus symbol, a letter or a word, a drawing or a logo.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure comprises several transparent films stacked so as to be able to display patterns sequentially.

[0055] Thus, it is possible to illuminate a first transparent film to display a first pattern and then turn it off, and illuminate a second transparent film to display other patterns.

[0056] The illumination of the different transparent films can be done simultaneously or sequentially, for example by illuminating one film and then switching the illumination to another transparent film.

[0057] When several transparent films are used, it is possible to display the patterns in the form of an animation.

[0058] The display structure may have dimensions, for example, of 120 mm by 120 mm.

[0059] The microstructures that form the pattern can be printed.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the microstructures have a characteristic size of 50 microns, for example.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive film comprises transparent conductive tracks to detect the approach and contact, for example, of a person's finger.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure is configured to be placed inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure is configured to be placed at the level of a steering wheel of the vehicle or a central console of the vehicle.

[0064] The display structure thus allows symbols to be displayed and, if there is a capacitive film, can serve as a control panel.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter can take on a color, for example black, red or blue, when it is in the opacifying state.

[0066] The invention thus makes it possible to darken, where appropriate with a specific color, the background of the transparent panel in case of overexposure to sunlight.

[0067] The invention further relates to a display method using a display structure provided with at least one transparent film having at least one pattern to be displayed, this transparent film being configured to receive injected light and guide the injected light to the pattern to be displayed so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible, the display structure further comprising at least one active opacifying filter placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the transparent film, the active opacifying filter being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the method comprising the following step: - switching between the transparent and opacifying states of the opacifying filter, particularly depending on the ambient light.

[0068] The opacifying filter is said to be "active" in the sense that it is controllable, in particular by control electronics.

[0069] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawing on which:

[0070] - Fig. 1 illustrates, schematically and partially, in cross-section, a structure display 1 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention, the opacifying filter being in the transparent state;

[0071] - [Fig. 2] illustrates the electrical diagram of the structure of [Fig. 1], the filter opacifier being in a transparent state;

[0072] - Figure 3 illustrates, schematically and partially, in cross-section, the structure display 1 according to [Fig.l], the opacifying filter being in the opacifying state;

[0073] - [Fig. 4] illustrates the electrical diagram of the structure of [Fig. 1], the filter opacifier being in the opacifying state.

[0074] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0075] Figure 1 shows a display structure 1 configured to be placed inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. In particular, the display structure 1 is configured to be placed at the level of a steering wheel 100 of the vehicle or a center console of the vehicle, for example.

[0076] Display structure 1 comprises: - a transparent film 2 having patterns 3 to be displayed, this transparent film 2 being configured to receive light injected into its mass and guide the injected light to the patterns 3 to be displayed so as to illuminate the patterns 3 to make it visible; - at least one active opacifying filter 5 placed at the right of the patterns 3 to be displayed of the transparent film 2, the active opacifying filter 5 being controllable to go from a transparent state (see figures 1 and 2) to an opacifying state (see figures 3 and 4).

[0077] When the transparent film 2 is illuminated and the patterns 3 are lit, it is possible to improve the contrast of the displayed patterns 3 so that the person P viewing these patterns 3 can clearly distinguish them. In particular, when the ambient light is strong, this contrast may be degraded, and it may happen that the illuminated pattern 3 on the transparent film 2 is no longer clearly visible, or even not visible at all, to a person looking at the display structure.

[0078] Thanks to the display structure 1 according to the invention, and in particular to the opacifying filter 5 used in the display structure 1, it is possible to shield the ambient light to block it from reaching the pattern on the transparent film 2 (see Figures 3 and 4). Thus, strong ambient light does not degrade the contrast of the pattern 3.

[0079] When the pattern on the transparent film 2 is not illuminated, the opacifying filter 5 can be left in a transparent state so that the entire display structure 1 appears transparent. This makes it possible to give the display structure an aesthetic appearance.

[0080] The opacifying filter 5 can be switched into the opacifying state only when it is considered that the ambient light exceeds a predetermined brightness threshold.

[0081] In summary, when necessary, the opacifying filter 5 is commanded to be in the opacifying state so as to provide satisfactory contrast to the display of the patterns 3 on the transparent film 2.

[0082] The invention thus enables people to clearly perceive the illuminated pattern(s) on the transparent film 2 regardless of the ambient light conditions (i.e. whether in low light or high light).

[0083] When the transparent film 2 is not backlit, the patterns 3 are not visible.

[0084] The opacifying filter 5 is in the form of a layer which extends over substantially the entire surface of the transparent film 2.

[0085] For example, the opacifying filter 5 is in the form of a film or a plate.

[0086] The display structure 1 thus presents a stacking of the transparent film 2 and the layer forming the opacifying filter 5.

[0087] The opacifying filter 5 is disposed on one side of the transparent film 2 which is opposite the display side DS of the patterns 3.

[0088] In other words, the opacifying filter 5 is arranged on the rear side of the display structure 1.

[0089] The opacifying filter 5 can thus, in the opacifying state, form an opaque background.

[0090] The opacifying filter 5 is of the electrochromic type.

[0091] Thus the opacifying filter 5 is configured to change color, reversibly, in response to an electrical voltage applied to this opacifying filter 5.

[0092] The opacifying filter 5 can thus modify its opacity by means of an applied electrical voltage. A voltage source 7 is therefore connected to the opacifying filter 5.

[0093] The opacifying filter 5 comprises, in a known manner: - a first electrode used to apply the voltage, - a storage layer for ions, containing the ions that allow the movement of chemical species leading to the color change, - an electrolyte, namely a substance that allows the passage of an electric current by the movement of ions but without the movement of electrons, - an electrochromic layer producing the color change, - a second transparent electrode, allowing current to pass through the device.

[0094] In the example described, the opacifying filter 5 is transparent when no electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied.

[0095] In the present invention, the term "transparent" refers to the ability to transmit light totally or partially. In any event, in the present invention, the term "transparent" corresponds to a light transmission coefficient of at least 50%, advantageously a light transmission of at least 90%.

[0096] In the present invention, the term “transparent” may encompass the property of being translucent.

[0097] The transparent film 2 can be a flexible film.

[0098] Alternatively, the film exhibits rigidity.

[0099] The display structure 1 comprises a layer of transparent material 8 (in PC or PMMA) disposed between the transparent film 2 and the opacifying filter 5.

[0100] The transparent film 2 is glued onto this transparent material layer 8, using an optically clear adhesive (or OCA for "Optically Clear Adhesive" in English).

[0101] The opacifying filter 5 is glued onto this transparent material layer 8, using an optically transparent adhesive.

[0102] Alternatively, the transparent film 2 and the opacifying filter 5 are bonded by overmolding to the transparent material layer 8.

[0103] The transparent film 2 has a slice 10 configured to allow light injection into the mass. The transparent film 2 acts as a light guide to direct the injected light towards the patterns 3 to be displayed.

[0104] The patterns 3 to be displayed are formed on a main face 11, which can be flat or slightly curved, of the transparent film 2.

[0105] The pattern 3 is formed by an area of ​​the transparent film 2, which has micro-reliefs to reflect the light guided in the transparent film 2 outwards so as to make the pattern 3 visible.

[0106] The display structure 1 includes one or more light sources 12 configured to inject light into the transparent film 2.

[0107] The light source(s) 12 comprises one or more LEDs.

[0108] The opacifying film 5 is configured to exhibit several levels of opacity that can be activated by a voltage that is modulated.

[0109] The invention can thus make it possible to generate a background that is more or less opaque depending on the ambient light.

[0110] The display structure 1 includes a photodiode-type light sensor 14, configured to measure ambient light.

[0111] The display structure 1 is configured to allow a comparison of the brightness measured by the sensor 14 to a brightness threshold LT and to control the switching from the transparent state to the opacifying state of the opacifying filter 5 in case of exceeding the brightness threshold LT.

[0112] Thus, as long as the ambient light does not exceed the predetermined brightness threshold LT, the opacifying filter 5 remains in the transparent state and when the brightness threshold is exceeded, an electrical voltage is applied to the opacifying filter 5 so as to make it opaque.

[0113] The opacifying filter 5 has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example being about 0.2 mm.

[0114] The display structure 1 may include a control unit 15 for determining whether the ambient brightness exceeds the predetermined brightness threshold LT and triggering a voltage application to switch the opacifying filter 5 from the transparent state to the opacifying state.

[0115] The display structure 1 includes a capacitive layer 17, here in the form of a capacitive film, allowing a person to activate a function, for example a function to increase the volume of the music, by passing their finger over the display structure, at the location of a pattern 3 which is illuminated.

[0116] A layer of transparent material 18 may be provided between the transparent film 2 and the capacitive film 17.

[0117] Motif 3 includes a symbol, for example a plus or minus symbol, a letter or a word, a drawing or a logo.

[0118] In an unillustrated variant, the display structure 1 comprises several transparent films 2 stacked so as to be able to display patterns sequentially.

[0119] Thus, it is possible to illuminate a first transparent film 2 to display a first pattern and then turn it off, and illuminate a second transparent film 2 to display other patterns.

[0120] The illumination of the different transparent films can be done simultaneously or sequentially, for example by illuminating one film and then switching the illumination to another transparent film 2.

[0121] When several transparent films 2 are used, it is possible to display the patterns in the form of an animation.

[0122] The display structure may have dimensions, for the surface area of ​​its main face 11, for example of 120 mm by 120 mm.

[0123] The capacitive film 17 has transparent conductive tracks to detect the approach and contact, for example, of a person's finger.

[0124] The opacifying filter 5 can take on a color for example black, red or blue when it is in the opacifying state.

[0125] The invention thus makes it possible to darken, where appropriate with a specific color, the background of the transparent panel in case of overexposure to sunlight.

[0126] In summary, the display method comprises the following step: - switch between the transparent and opacifying states of the opacifying filter 5, depending on the ambient light.

Claims

Demands

1. Display structure (1), in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the display structure (1) comprising: - at least one transparent film (2) having at least one pattern (3) to be displayed, this transparent film (2) being configured to receive injected light and guide the injected light to the pattern (3) to be displayed so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible; - at least one active opacifying filter (5) placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the transparent film (2), the active opacifying filter (5) being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state;- a light sensor (14) configured to measure ambient light, the display structure (1) being configured to allow a comparison of the light measured by the sensor (14) to a light threshold (LT) and to control the switching from the transparent state to the opacifying state of the opacifying filter (5) in case of exceeding the light threshold.;

2. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opacifying filter (5) is in the form of a layer, in particular one that extends over substantially the entire surface of the transparent film (2).

3. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opacifying filter (5) is in the form of a film or a plate.

4. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opacifying filter (5) is of the electrochromic type, and in particular the opacifying filter (5) can change its opacity by means of an applied electrical voltage.

5. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opacifying filter (5) is transparent when no electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied.

6. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) comprises at least one layer of transparent material (8) disposed between the transparent film (2) and the opacifying filter (5).

7. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent film (2) has a slice (10) configured to permit the injection of light into the mass.

8. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern (3) is formed by an area of ​​the transparent film (2), which in particular has microreliefs to reflect the light guided in the transparent film (2) outwards so as to make the pattern visible.

9. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) comprises one or more light sources (12) configured to inject light into the transparent film (2).

10. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opacifying filter (5) is configured to present several levels of opacity that can be activated by a voltage that is modulated.

11. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) comprises a capacitive layer (17), in particular a capacitive film, enabling a person to activate a function, for example a function to increase the volume of the music, by passing their finger over the display structure (1), at the location of a pattern which is illuminated.

12. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) comprises several transparent films stacked so as to be able to display patterns sequentially.

13. A display method using a display structure (1) having at least one transparent film (2) having at least one pattern to be displayed, this transparent film (2) being configured to receive injected light and guide the injected light to the pattern to be displayed so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible, the display structure (1) further having at least one active opacifying filter (5) positioned over the pattern to be displayed on the transparent film (2), and a light sensor (14) configured to measure the ambient light, the active opacifying filter (5) being

14. controllable to change from a transparent state to an opaque state, the process includes the following step: - compare the ambient brightness measured by the sensor (5) to a brightness threshold (LT); - switch between the transparent and opacifying states of the opacifying filter (5), in case the brightness threshold is exceeded.

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