VEHICLE DIAL WITH AN ANNULAR SHAPE AND MULTIPLE INDICATORS

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle display (10) and a method for displaying vehicle information using the display (10). The display (10) comprises an annular portion (11) extending around a central axis. The display (10) is characterized in that the annular portion (11) comprises a plurality of indicators (12), each configured to display an on and an off configuration. The plurality of indicators (12) are distributed circumferentially around the central axis. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE DIAL HAVING AN RING SHAPE AND MULTIPLE INDICATORS

[0001] The invention relates to vehicle dials, for example motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of indicators intended to present visual information to a driver.

[0002] US patent application 10203229 describes a dial having a central axis. The dial includes a component configured to slide circumferentially about the central axis. The component includes a projection surface, a light source, and a focusing means, the light source being configured to emit a light beam toward the focusing means, the focusing means being configured to project a luminous image onto the projection surface when the light source emits a light beam. In this way, depending on the sliding circumferential direction of the component about the central axis, the luminous image is projected to a given position on the dial. Based on the given position of the projected image, the driver deduces a parameter value of the vehicle, for example, the vehicle's speed.

[0003] However, such a focusing means projects an image only at a specific position for a given parameter value, causing inaccuracies in reading the parameter value, for example, when the light source emits a beam of light that deviates slightly from the focusing means. Furthermore, in some cases, the focusing means collects reflections or diffuse radiation from other light sources, for example, those located in the vehicle's exterior environment or even inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, causing an erroneous reading of the vehicle's parameter value. In still other cases, when the focusing means is totally or partially obstructed by particles, for example, dust particles, the focusing means projects a partial or distorted luminous image onto the dial, compromising the reliability of the parameter value reading.

[0004] Furthermore, such a component moves circumferentially around the central axis for each new vehicle parameter value, which increases electrical energy consumption, particularly for describing precise value deviations. Moreover, the projection surface occupies part of the dial, for example, within the functional volume of the instrument panel.

[0005] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and offers a simple and reliable dial.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a dial for a vehicle, the dial comprising an annular portion extending around a central axis, the dial being remarkable in that the annular portion comprises a plurality of indicators distributed circumferentially around the central axis, each indicator of the plurality of indicators being configured to present an on configuration and an off configuration.

[0007] Such a dial allows the plurality of indicators to be distributed circumferentially around the central axis so as to present an intuitive and accessible visual reference for the driver while facilitating its integration into the vehicle. The annular shape, when positioned on the vehicle's dashboard, for example above the steering wheel, allows the driver to maintain visual contact with the road so that they can monitor both the dial and the road without obstruction.

[0008] Advantageously, the annular portion has a first non-zero predetermined angle with respect to the central axis.

[0009] The predetermined angle is chosen so as to give an inclination to the plurality of indicators for easy and ergonomic reading by the driver without requiring a change of driving position.

[0010] Advantageously, the first predetermined angle is substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0011] Advantageously, each indicator of the plurality of indicators extends substantially along a longitudinal axis having a second predetermined angle with respect to the central axis.

[0012] Advantageously, the plurality of indicators is arranged between a first radial direction and a second radial direction with respect to the central axis.

[0013] The distribution of the plurality of indicators on the arc of the circle makes it possible to group the plurality of indicators in such a way as to offer a faster reading for the driver.

[0014] Advantageously, each indicator of the plurality of indicators comprises a light-emitting diode.

[0015] The light-emitting diode ensures reduced energy consumption and improves the lifespan of the plurality of indicators so that the dial remains reliable over a prolonged period of use while maintaining constant brightness.

[0016] Advantageously, each indicator of the plurality of indicators is configured to emit a light wave according to a predetermined wavelength value.

[0017] The predetermined wavelength value is chosen so that the plurality of indicators each present, for example, different vehicle parameters, or to clearly distinguish the values, for example, of gradation, of a vehicle parameter, in particular when the value of the vehicle parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0018] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising: - a dial defined as previously; - a digital display electronically connected to the dial.

[0019] The integration of a digital screen into the dial allows additional vehicle parameters to be displayed so that the driver can view them, depending on the complexity of the vehicle parameters, on the digital screen or on the dial.

[0020] Advantageously, the vehicle further includes an additional dial defined as before, the additional dial being electronically connected to the digital display.

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for presenting visual indications to the driver, implementing the dial defined as above, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of measuring a value of a vehicle parameter; - a step of lighting up part of the plurality of indicators when the value of the measured parameter is greater than a predetermined parameter value, so as to present visual indications to the driver.

[0022] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and in the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a dial for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart representing the steps of a process for presenting visual indications to the driver, implementing the dial illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0023] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a dial 10 illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Preferably, the dial 10 is located on the vehicle's dashboard. Alternatively, the dial 10 is recessed into the vehicle's dashboard. The dial 10 is electronically connected to a digital display by means of a connecting bar. The digital display has, for example, a diagonal dimension of approximately 12.7 cm.

[0024] The vehicle advantageously includes an additional dial. An additional mounting bar electronically connects the digital display to the additional dial. The digital display typically shows navigation and driver assistance information.

[0025] The dial 10 typically comprises a transparent material, preferably Plexiglas or alternatively plastic. The dial 10 advantageously comprises engravings to indicate the vehicle parameter. Preferably, the engravings are arranged on the transparent material. The vehicle parameter is, for example, the vehicle speed, power, engine speed. For example, the vehicle speed includes engravings ranging from 0 km / h to 200 km / h.

[0026] The dial 10 comprises an annular portion 11 extending around a central axis. The dial 10 further comprises a plurality of indicators 12 distributed circumferentially around the central axis. The annular portion 11 advantageously has a first predetermined non-zero angle with respect to the central axis. In the first embodiment, the predetermined angle is substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0027] Each indicator in the plurality of indicators 12 is advantageously configured to emit a light wave with a predetermined wavelength. For example, the plurality of indicators 12 comprises a first indicator and a second indicator. The first indicator is configured to emit a first light wave with a first predetermined wavelength. Furthermore, the second indicator is configured to emit a second light wave with a second predetermined wavelength. Even more advantageously, the first predetermined wavelength is shorter than the second predetermined wavelength. For example, the first predetermined wavelength is preferably between 495 nm and 570 nm. Thus, the first light wave appears green.Furthermore, the second predetermined wavelength value is preferably between 620 nm and 750 nm. Thus, the second light wave appears red. In this way, the first light wave is visually distinguished from the second light wave, making it easier for the vehicle driver to locate the plurality of indicators 12.

[0028] The annular portion 11 comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is defined as being positioned facing the driver of a vehicle. Preferably, the first surface comprises the plurality of indicators 12. Indeed, the first surface is more accessible and more visible to the driver. Alternatively, the second surface comprises the plurality of indicators 12.

[0029] Advantageously, the attachment bar is fixed to the second surface. Thus, the attachment bar provides a means of fixing the discreet dial 10. Similarly, the additional attachment bar is fixed to the second surface.

[0030] Generally, the dial 10 partially comprises the annular portion 11. Thus, the dial 10 advantageously comprises a plurality of lobes distributed circumferentially around the central axis. The plurality of lobes forms a ring extending preferably over the first end. In this case, at least a portion of the plurality of indicators 12 is each arranged on the plurality of lobes. Thus, the plurality of indicators 12 can each be distinguished even more easily by the driver of the vehicle.

[0031] The annular portion 11 comprises the plurality of indicators 12, each indicator of the plurality of indicators 12 being configured to have an on configuration and an off configuration. Advantageously, each indicator of the plurality of indicators 12 comprises a light-emitting diode. For example, the plurality of indicators 12 comprises a strip of light-emitting diodes. The plurality of indicators 12 is fixed to the first surface by a fastening means, typically by gluing.

[0032] By way of illustration, for vehicle speed engravings ranging from 0 km / h to 200 km / h, the plurality of indicators 12 is 80 indicators, i.e., 1 indicator per 2.5 km / h segment. To give another example, for vehicle power engravings ranging from 0 to 100 kWh, the plurality of indicators 12 is 80 indicators, i.e., 1 indicator per 2 kWh segment.

[0033] The annular portion 11 has a first and a second periphery extending circularly around the central axis. The plurality of indicators 12 is preferably arranged along the first periphery. Furthermore, the plurality of indicators 12 is advantageously arranged along the second periphery. The plurality of indicators 12 is even more advantageously distributed over a portion of the engravings, for example, indicating tens or twenties of the vehicle speed engravings. Thus, due to their distribution over the first and second peripheries, the plurality of indicators 12 facilitates the readability of the vehicle parameter, for example, the vehicle speed.

[0034] The annular portion 11 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end has a first contour, while the second end has a second contour. The first and second contours extend circularly about the central axis. In particular, the first and second contours are concentric. The dial 10 advantageously comprises a display circumscribed by the second contour.

[0035] The first contour has a first diameter, the second contour has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. For example, the first diameter is 12 cm and the second diameter is 10 cm.

[0036] Alternatively, the section of the annular portion 11 has an elliptical shape. The central axis then corresponds to the axis passing through the center of all the elliptical sections.

[0037] The plurality of indicators 12 is advantageously arranged between a first radial direction and a second radial direction with respect to the central axis. The first radial direction and the second radial direction form a predetermined equal angle, for example, of 240 degrees.

[0038] In a second embodiment not shown, the annular portion 11 has a first non-zero predetermined angle with respect to the central axis. Thus, in the second embodiment, the annular portion 11 is approximated by a frustoconical shape.

[0039] In the following, the elements closest to the central axis will be referred to as "internal" in relation to other elements referred to as "external." In this case, the first surface corresponds to an internal surface, while the second surface corresponds to an external surface. Preferably, the plurality of indicators 12 is arranged on the internal surface. In this way, the plurality of indicators 12 is visible to the driver of the vehicle.

[0040] The first end and the second end respectively have a first section and a second section, respectively transverse to the central axis. Furthermore, the first section has a first cross-sectional surface while the second section has a second cross-sectional surface, the first cross-sectional surface preferably being larger than the second cross-sectional surface.

[0041] Each indicator of the plurality of indicators 12 extends substantially a second predetermined angle with respect to the central axis. Preferably, the second predetermined angle is equal to the first predetermined angle.

[0042] Each indicator of the plurality of indicators 12 extends longitudinally along a trajectory intersecting the generatrices of the annular portion 11 at a predetermined trajectory angle. Thus, each indicator of the plurality of indicators 12 extends along a trajectory coinciding with the generatrices of the annular portion 11, the predetermined trajectory angle being substantially equal to 0 degrees.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart representing the steps of a method for presenting visual indications to the driver, implementing dial 10, the steps of the method being described below.

[0044] In a measurement step El, a value of a vehicle parameter is measured.

[0045] In an ignition step E2, a portion of the plurality of indicators 12 is illuminated when the measured parameter value is greater than a predetermined parameter value, so as to present visual indications to the driver.

[0046] For example, when the measured vehicle speed value is equal to 20 km / h, the part of the plurality of indicators 12, considered radially with respect to the central axis, between the engraving "0 km / h" and the engraving "20 km / h", is lit up.

Claims

Demands

1. Dial (10) for vehicle, the dial (10) comprising an annular portion (11) extending around a central axis, the dial (10) being characterized in that the annular portion (11) comprises a plurality of indicators (12) distributed circumferentially around the central axis, each indicator of the plurality of indicators (12) being configured to have an on configuration and an off configuration.

2. Dial (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular portion (11) has a first non-zero predetermined angle with respect to the central axis.

3. Dial (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first predetermined angle is substantially equal to 90 degrees.

4. Dial (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each indicator of the plurality of indicators (12) extends substantially along a longitudinal axis having a second predetermined angle with respect to the central axis.

5. Dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plurality of indicators (12) is arranged between a first radial direction and a second radial direction with respect to the central axis.

6. Dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each indicator of the plurality of indicators (12) comprises a light-emitting diode.

7. Dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each indicator of the plurality of indicators (12) is configured to emit a light wave according to a predetermined wavelength value.

8. Vehicle comprising: - a dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; - a digital display electronically connected to the dial (10).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the vehicle further comprises an additional dial according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the additional dial being electronically connected to the digital display.

10. A method for presenting visual indications to the driver, implementing the dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - a measurement step (E1) of a value of a vehicle parameter; - a lighting step (E2) of a portion of the plurality of indicators (12) when the value of the measured parameter is greater than a predetermined parameter value, so as to present visual indications to the driver.

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