Display structure, specifically configured to be mounted on a vehicle

Abstract

Display structure, in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The invention relates to a display structure (1), in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the display structure (1) comprising: at least one pattern support (2) having at least one pattern (3) to be displayed, this pattern support (3) being configured to receive light so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible on an observation face (4) of the display structure (1); at least one active opacifying filter (7) being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the active opacifying filter (7) being placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the pattern support, between the pattern support and the observation face (4), so as to mask the pattern of the pattern support when the active opacifying filter (7) is in the opacifying state, and the active opacifying filter (7) being controllable to switch to the transparent state when the pattern is illuminated.Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2.

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] It is known that some vehicles are equipped with a panel for displaying designs that are visible to people on board the vehicle. These designs are, for example, icons or decorative motifs.

[0004] There is a requirement to make these icons or decorative motifs completely invisible when the panel is off. The motifs are visible on the panel, via backlighting, when the panel is on. This allows for compliance with aesthetic requirements in the passenger compartment.

[0005] The invention aims to optimally meet this demand.

[0006] The invention thus relates to a display structure, in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the display structure comprising: - at least one pattern support comprising at least one pattern to be displayed, this pattern support being configured to receive light so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible on an observation face of the display structure; - at least one active opacifying filter being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the active opacifying filter being placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the pattern support, between the pattern support and the observation face, so as to mask the pattern of the pattern support when the active opacifying filter is in the opacifying state, and the active opacifying filter being controllable to switch to the transparent state when the pattern is illuminated.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, when the opacifying filter is in the opaque state, the pattern(s) on the pattern support are masked so that they are not visible on the viewing face of the display structure. When the display structure is activated and the pattern(s) on the pattern support are illuminated, the opacifying filter becomes transparent (for example, following the application of an electrical voltage) and allows light to pass through substantially without loss or with very little loss. This makes it possible to display the pattern(s) without substantial loss of light passing through the opacifying filter.

[0008] The invention is particularly advantageous, for example, compared to the use of a (passive) smoked layer, which generates a significant loss of light (up to 90%) when light passes through it. With the use of such a smoked layer, the pattern(s) are indeed rendered invisible when the display structure is off, but it is necessary that the illumination of these patterns be sufficiently strong when the display structure is activated / lit up, to allow the patterns to be clearly visible on the viewing surface after the light has passed through the smoked layer. It can thus be seen that with such a passive smoked layer, there is a significant loss of efficiency since displaying the patterns requires a light source powerful enough to compensate for the smoked layer.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, by making the active opacifying filter transparent when it is necessary to display the patterns, the loss of light through the opacifying filter is significantly reduced so that it is possible to use backlighting light sources of limited power, while allowing good visibility of the displayed patterns.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce electrical consumption to obtain a satisfactory display.

[0011] In the opacifying state, the opacifying filter may have a smoky appearance.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is of the electrochromic type.

[0013] Thus the opacifying filter is configured to change color (or tint), from reversibly, in response to an electrical voltage applied to this opacifying filter.

[0014] The opacifying filter can thus modify its opacity by means of an applied electrical voltage.

[0015] For example, the opacifying filter can change from a smoky appearance (opacifying state) to a transparent state.

[0016] The invention thus advocates, for example, placing a switchable electrochromic type layer within the display structure.

[0017] The opacifying filter includes, in particular: - a first electrode used to apply the voltage, - an ion storage layer, containing the ions allowing the movement of chemical species leading to the color change, - an electrolyte, namely a substance allowing the passage of an electric current by movement of ions but without movement of electrons, - an electrochromic layer producing the color change, - a second transparent electrode, allowing the passage of current in the device.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter is transparent when no electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied. Alternatively, the opacifying filter is transparent when a non-zero electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when no electrical voltage is applied.

[0019] In the present invention, the term "transparent" refers to the ability to transmit light totally or partially. In any case, in the present invention, the term "transparent" corresponds to a light transmission coefficient greater than 50%, or greater than 80%, or greater than 90%.

[0020] In the present invention, the term “transparent” may encompass the property of being translucent.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure comprises a transparent front which defines the viewing face through which the pattern or patterns are visible.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure comprises one or more light sources configured to backlight the pattern(s) on the pattern support.

[0023] The pattern support comprises a transparent plate, for example made of PMMA, on which the pattern or patterns to be displayed are formed.

[0024] The pattern support comprises a film, in particular flexible, on which the pattern or patterns to be displayed are formed.

[0025] The opacifying filter is in the form of a layer interposed between the pattern support and a facade which defines the observation face.

[0026] An optically clear adhesive (or OCA for "Optically Clear Adhesive" in English) is present between the pattern support and the active opacifying filter.

[0027] An optically transparent adhesive is present between the active opacifying filter and the facade.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the pattern is formed by an area of ​​the pattern support.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the area may have microreliefs to reflect the light guided in the transparent pattern support outwards so as to make the pattern visible.

[0030] The pattern can be formed by micro-reliefs on the surface of the transparent film.

[0031] The light source(s) for backlighting the pattern(s) of the pattern support comprise one or more LEDs.

[0032] The display structure includes an electronic board carrying one or more LEDs which define one or more light sources for backlighting the pattern(s) of the pattern support.

[0033] The electronic board is electrically connected to the active opacifying filter to control this opacifying filter.

[0034] The display structure is configured as a panel.

[0035] The panel thus presents an observation face on which the motif or motifs are made visible.

[0036] When this panel is off, i.e. the patterns are not backlit, the viewing face appears for example uniformly, in a chosen color, and no pattern is visible.

[0037] When the panel is lit, the pattern(s) which are backlit then become visible to the person(s) on board the vehicle.

[0038] In the opacifying state, the opacifying filter is configured to completely mask the pattern(s) which are on the pattern support.

[0039] The front of can be flat or curved.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter extends over substantially the entire surface of the pattern support.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example being about 0.2 mm.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure may include a control unit enabling the opacifying filter to be switched from the transparent state to the opacifying state.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The display structure may have dimensions, for example, of 120 mm by 120 mm.

[0046] The microstructures that form the pattern can be printed.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the microstructures have a characteristic size of 50 microns for example.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the display structure is configured to be placed inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The invention also relates to a display method using a display structure as described above, the method comprising the following step: - switch between the transparent and opaque state of the opacifying filter, depending on the display of the pattern(s) on the pattern support.

[0052] The opacifying filter is said to be "active" in the sense that it is controllable, in particular by control electronics.

[0053] 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:

[0054] - Fig. 1 illustrates, schematically and partially, in cross-section, a structure display according to an example of an embodiment of the invention, the opacifying filter being in the opacifying state;

[0055] - [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, in cross-section, the structure display of [Fig.1], the opacifying filter being in the transparent state.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 on a central console of the vehicle, for example.

[0058] Display structure 1 comprises: - a pattern support 2 having patterns 3 to be displayed, this pattern support 2 being configured to receive light so as to illuminate the patterns 3 to make them visible on an observation face 4 of the display structure 1; - an active opacifying filter 7 being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the active opacifying filter 7 being placed at the right of the patterns 3 to be displayed on the pattern support 2, between the pattern support 2 and the observation face 4, so as to mask the patterns 3 of the pattern support 2 when the active opacifying filter 7 is in the opacifying state ([Fig.1]), and the active opacifying filter 7 being controllable to switch to the transparent state ([Fig.2]) when the patterns 3 are illuminated.

[0059] The observation face 4 is on the side of an observer P.

[0060] The pattern support 2 is, for example, formed by a transparent plate or film with impressions to form the patterns 3 or with microreliefs (or microstructures) that form the patterns 3. Each pattern 3 is, for example, formed by an area that includes micro-reliefs to reflect the light guided in the plate or film outwards so as to make the pattern visible 3.

[0061] The opacifying filter 7 is of the electrochromic type, in the form of a layer (for example a deposit or a film or a plate).

[0062] Thus the opacifying filter 7 is configured to change color, reversibly, in response to an electrical voltage applied to this opacifying filter 7.

[0063] The opacifying filter 7 can thus modify its opacity by means of an applied electrical voltage.

[0064] The invention thus advocates, for example, placing a switchable electrochromic type layer within the display structure 1 to form the opacifying filter 7.

[0065] The opacifying filter 7 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.

[0066] In the example described, the opacifying filter 7 is transparent when no electrical voltage is applied and becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied.

[0067] In the present invention, the term "transparent" refers to the ability to transmit light totally or partially. In any case, in the present invention, the term "transparent" corresponds to a light transmission coefficient greater than 50%, or greater than 80%, or greater than 90%.

[0068] In the present invention, the term “transparent” may encompass the property of being translucent.

[0069] The display structure 1 includes a transparent front 9 which defines the viewing face 4 through which the patterns 3 are visible.

[0070] The display structure 1 includes several light sources 10 configured to backlight the patterns 3 on the pattern support 2.

[0071] The opacifying filter 7 is in the form of a layer interposed between the pattern support 2 and a facade 9 which defines the observation face 4.

[0072] Where appropriate, an optically clear adhesive (or OC A for "Optically Clear Adhesive" in English) is present between the pattern support 2 and the active opacifying filter 7.

[0073] Where appropriate, an optically transparent adhesive is present between the active opacifying filter 7 and the front panel 4.

[0074] The light sources 10 for backlighting the patterns 3 of the pattern support 2 include LEDs.

[0075] The display structure 1 includes an electronic board 11 carrying the LEDs.

[0076] The electronic board 11 is electrically connected to the active opacifying filter 7 for order this opacifying filter 7.

[0077] The display structure 1 is configured as a panel, which thus presents the observation face 4 on which the patterns 3 are made visible by the lighting by the LEDs 10.

[0078] When this panel is off, i.e. the patterns 3 are not backlit, the viewing face 4 appears for example uniformly, in a chosen color, and no pattern is visible.

[0079] When the panel is lit, the patterns 3 which are backlit then become visible to the person or persons on board the vehicle.

[0080] In the opacifying state, the opacifying filter 7 makes it possible to completely mask the patterns 3 which are on the pattern support 2.

[0081] The front 9 of can be flat or be curved.

[0082] The opacifying filter 7 extends over substantially the entire surface of the pattern support 2.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter 7 has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example being about 0.2 mm.

[0084] The display structure 1 may include an electronic control unit 12 allowing the opacifying filter 7 to be switched from the transparent state ([Fig.2]) to the opacifying state ([Fig.1]), and vice versa.

[0085] Where appropriate, the display structure 1 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 1, at the location of a pattern 3 which is illuminated.

[0086] Each motif 3 includes a symbol, for example a plus or minus symbol, a letter or a word, a drawing or a logo.

[0087] The display structure 1 may have dimensions, for example, of 120 mm by 120 mm.

[0088] The microstructures that form the pattern can be printed.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the microstructures have a characteristic size of 50 microns for example.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the opacifying filter 7 can take on a color, for example black, red or blue, when it is in the opacifying state.

Claims

Demands

1. Display structure (1), in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the display structure (1) comprising: - at least one pattern holder (2) having at least one pattern (3) to be displayed, this pattern holder (3) being configured to receive light so as to illuminate the pattern to make it visible on an observation face (4) of the display structure (1); - at least one active opacifying filter (7) being controllable to switch from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the active opacifying filter (7) being placed opposite the pattern to be displayed on the pattern holder, between the pattern holder and the observation face (4), so as to mask the pattern on the pattern holder when the active opacifying filter (7) is in the opacifying state, and the active opacifying filter (7) being controllable to switch to the transparent state when the pattern is illuminated.

2. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the active opacifying filter (7) is configured to switch from the opacifying state to the transparent state as a function of an electrical voltage applied to the opacifying filter.

3. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opacifying filter (7) is of the electrochromic type.

4. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) comprises one or more light sources (10) configured to backlight the pattern(s) (3) on the pattern support (2).

5. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern support (2) comprises a transparent plate on which the pattern(s) to be displayed are formed, in particular the pattern support comprises a film, in particular flexible, on which the pattern(s) to be displayed are formed.

6. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opacifying filter (7) is in the form of a layer interposed between the pattern support (2) and a facade (4) which defines the viewing face.

7. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display structure (1) is configured as a panel, and the panel has a viewing face on which the pattern(s) (3) are made visible.

8. Display structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein when this panel is off, i.e. the patterns are not backlit, the viewing face (4) appears for example uniformly, in a chosen color, and no pattern is visible, and when the panel is on, the pattern(s) (3) which are backlit then become visible to the person(s) on board a vehicle.

9. Display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the opacifying state, the opacifying filter (7) is configured to totally mask the pattern(s) (3) which are on the pattern support.

10. A display method using a display structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following step: switching between the transparent state and the opacifying state of the opacifying filter, depending on the display of the pattern(s) of the pattern support.

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