Control device for a vehicle and related vehicle

Abstract

A control device (16) suitable for integration into a vehicle (10) to display control information for the vehicle (10), the control device (16) comprising: (a) an opaque panel (20) having a useful surface (21), at least a portion of the opaque panel (20) suitable for being positioned opposite the upper body of a driver (18) in a driving position; (b) a reflective element covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), the reflective element being at least partially reflective; and (c) a radiation unit (24) for the control information of the vehicle (10), the radiation unit (24) suitable for emitting at least one light beam towards the reflective element, such that reflection of the light beam at the reflective element forms at least one useful image in an observation window of the driver (18) in the driving position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles, especially automobiles, are equipped with control devices, also called instrument clusters or dashboards, for presenting useful information to the driver for driving and operating the vehicle, and for this purpose the control devices comprise the vehicle's dashboard instruments, some of which are subject to legal regulations.

[0003] In automobiles, control devices are traditionally integrated into the vehicle dashboard behind the steering wheel and below the windshield. Typically, such control devices are located at least -15° from the average driver's line of sight to the road, approximately 50 centimeters from the eyes. In this case, the driver must avert their eyes from the road to view the control device, which reduces vigilance and increases eye fatigue due to the constant visual accommodation effort required.

[0004] It is known to use a head-up display which retransmits some information from the control device to the driver in order to enable useful information to be visualized more safely.

[0005] However, such displays take up additional space in the vehicle, are redundant to the control device, and some are large and cumbersome. Furthermore, these displays provide useful image visualization only within a limited observation window (eyebox).

[0006] Furthermore, the visibility of the useful image produced by these display devices depends on the ambient brightness. Therefore, in high brightness (clear weather), the visibility of the useful image is frequently reduced due to insufficient power of the projection screen. One possibility would be to increase the brightness of the projection screen. However, doing so would increase energy costs and heating. Furthermore, projection screens have limited power.

[0007] An alternative is to replace mechanical dashboard instruments with digital dashboard instruments. For this purpose, control devices in the form of screens are known. There is a trend to position such control devices higher in the driver's field of view in order to reduce the angle of looking down at the dashboard instruments.

[0008] However, such a device then obscures part of the vehicle's windscreen and in particular part of the driver's field of vision, which is not optimal with regard to driving comfort and safety. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 96 / 19347 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle control device that can display useful driving information in a comfortable viewing window for the driver without affecting driving safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To this end, the present specification is directed to a control device suitable for integration into a vehicle for displaying vehicle control information, including all dashboard instruments of the vehicle, the control device comprising: an opaque panel having a usable surface, at least a portion of the opaque panel being suitable for being placed opposite the upper body of a driver in a driving position; a reflective element covering a useful surface of the opaque panel, the reflective element being at least partially reflective; a radiation unit for controlling information of the vehicle, the radiation unit being suitable for emitting at least one light beam towards a reflective element, so that reflection of the light beam on the reflective element forms at least one useful image in an observation window of a driver in a driving position; Equipped with.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects, the control device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: - a vehicle comprising a windshield comprising a transparent surface and a screen printed area surrounding the transparent surface, the screen printed area comprising a lower portion having a base and a raised portion protruding from the base, an opaque panel formed by the raised portion; - the vehicle includes a post connected to a side portion of the base of the windshield, the raised portion comprising a strip projecting from the base, the strip extending substantially across the width of the transparent surface except for opposite ends of the base of a screen printed area that is transparent to provide clear visibility of the environment at the vehicle post; - the raised portion is more raised than the fascia and comprises a raised area protruding from the fascia, the raised area being an area opposite the driver's upper body when in a driving position; the control device is suitable for being integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle; - the radiation unit is suitable for emitting a ray of light polarized according to a primary polarization, called the incident beam, towards the reflective element, the incident beam reaching the reflective element with an angle of incidence and defining a plane of incidence with the reflective element, the primary polarization being a polarization included in the plane of incidence, called P polarization, and the reflective element is optimized to have a greater reflectivity for P polarized light over a range of angles of incidence including the angle of incidence than a non-optimized reflective element; the reflective element has a greater reflectivity over a range of angles of incidence for P-polarized light than for light of different polarities; The control device is configured to be automatically turned on when the vehicle is started and automatically turned off when the vehicle is turned off.

[0013] The present specification also relates to a vehicle in which the above-mentioned control device is integrated.

[0014] Optionally, the vehicle dashboard does not have mechanical dashboard instruments integrated into the dashboard and digital dashboard instruments integrated into the dashboard that are distinct from the control device.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle interior in which a control device is integrated according to a first integration mode. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an example of an interior in which the control device is integrated according to a second integration mode. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle windshield (viewed from the outside) according to a second integration mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A vehicle 10 is shown in FIG.

[0018] In this example, the vehicle 10 includes an interior 11 with a windshield 12 , a dashboard 14 , a support pillar 15 , and a control device 16 .

[0019] The vehicle 10 may be, for example, a land vehicle, an air vehicle, or a watercraft. The land vehicle may be, for example, a car (FIG. 1), a rail vehicle, or even a motorcycle.

[0020] The dashboard 14 is defined as the surface extending across the width of the vehicle 10 below the windshield 12 and above the feet of the driver 18 and, if applicable, the passenger.

[0021] The support pillars 15 are connected to the windshield 12 and the roof of the vehicle 10 .

[0022] 1 , the control device 16 is integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. By the term "integrated" it is understood that the control device 16 is incorporated in a suitable manner into the dashboard 14. Such an integration occurs, for example, during the design of said dashboard 14 (during the industrialization stage of the vehicle 10). The control device 16 is therefore different from a device that is fitted as an add-on, which is simply placed on the vehicle 10 without being specifically integrated into the dashboard 14. The control device 16 is suitable for displaying control information for the vehicle 10, including all dashboard equipment 19 of the vehicle.

[0023] Dashboard instruments 19 are indicators or warning lights that inform the driver 18 of vehicle 10 about operating parameters (speed, acceleration, temperature, etc.) and operation of vehicle 10, and in particular, the engine of vehicle 10. In the case of an automobile, dashboard indicators may, for example, include at least a tachometer, a speedometer, a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature indicator.

[0024] Optionally, the control device 16 is also suitable for displaying useful driving information, such as navigation (mapping, position, direction), traffic conditions (traffic jams, road works) or more generally driver assistance systems (ADAS for "Advanced Driver Assistance Systems"). Optionally, the control device 16 is also suitable for displaying other information, such as multimedia services or information about the vehicle's air conditioning.

[0025] Advantageously, the control device 16 is the only element incorporated into the vehicle 10 that displays dashboard instruments 19. Thus, the vehicle 10 lacks integrated mechanical dashboard instruments or other integrated digital means of displaying dashboard instruments.

[0026] Advantageously, the control device 16 is configured to automatically turn on when the vehicle 10 is started (i.e., when the vehicle engine is started) and to automatically turn off when the vehicle 10 is turned off (when the engine is turned off).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 16 comprises an opaque panel 20, a reflective element 22, and a radiation unit 24 for controlling information of the vehicle 10.

[0028] By the term "opaque" it is understood to mean zero transparency.

[0029] Preferably, the transparent panel 20 is black, which allows a useful image to be obtained with good contrast.

[0030] Preferably, the opaque panel 20 is made of glass or plastic. If glass, the glass (e.g., windshield) forming the opaque panel 20 may be coated with, for example, a ceramic to impart opacity. If plastic, the plastic forming the opaque panel 20 may be tinted or coated with, for example, a film to impart opacity.

[0031] The opaque panel 20 has a usable surface 21, at least a portion of which is adapted to be placed opposite the upper body (torso, head) of a driver 18 in a driving position.

[0032] In an implementation, the useful surface 21 extends across the entire dashboard, i.e., in the case of an automobile, also extending opposite the passenger seat. More generally, the useful surface 21 also advantageously has a portion that is not opposite the driver in a driving position.

[0033] Useful surface 21 is preferably flat, which reduces aberrations and provides a larger viewing window than a recessed surface. Alternatively, useful surface 21, or at least a portion of useful surface 21, is concave.

[0034] A reflective element 22 covers the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20 .

[0035] The reflective element 22 is at least partially reflective.

[0036] The reflective element 22 may be, for example, a coating or treatment (eg, obtained by physical or chemical deposition), or a film (eg, deposited or held by electrostatic effects).

[0037] The emitting unit 24 is suitable for emitting at least one light beam towards the reflecting element 22, so that the reflection of the light beam by the reflecting element 22 forms at least one useful virtual image in the observation window of the driver 18 in the driving position.

[0038] The light rays are, for example, in the visible wavelength range (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers). Thus, a useful image allows the driver 18 to visualize control information for the vehicle 10.

[0039] Preferably, the radiation unit 24 comprises at least one screen 40 on which an image is displayed. The at least one useful image is then a virtual image IM of the image displayed on the screen 40. Such a virtual image IM is obtained by reflection of a beam from the screen 40 onto the reflective element 22 (due to the semi-reflective properties of the reflective element 22).

[0040] The screen 40 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0041] Advantageously, the control device 16 is devoid of optical elements on the path of the light rays between the emitting unit 24 and the reflecting element 22, which allows for compactness and does not limit the observation window.

[0042] An example of the operation of the control device 16 integrated into the vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0043] Advantageously, the control device 16 automatically turns on when the vehicle 10 is started and automatically turns off when the vehicle 10 is turned off.

[0044] During operation, the emitting unit 24 sends information in the form of a beam of light towards the reflective element 22 , which then forms a useful image containing useful information for operating the vehicle 10 .

[0045] Thus, the control device 16 allows useful driving information (control, navigation, traffic conditions) to be displayed without obscuring the windshield and thus affecting driving safety. Such a control device 16 is small and can be easily integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the opaque panel 20 is different from the windshield of the vehicle 10 (as the control device 16 is intended to be integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle).

[0046] Furthermore, such a control device 16 allows useful images to be viewed in a larger, and therefore more comfortable, viewing window (eyebox) than a head-up display.

[0047] Furthermore, due to the opacity of the opaque panel 20, a better contrast is obtained for the useful image compared to a transparent panel, which therefore allows the brightness of the radiating unit 24 to be reduced (e.g., by a factor of two, from 12,000 nits, the current minimum standard for head-up displays, to 6,000 nits or less), which eases the creation of the control device 16 and reduces heating, resulting in energy savings compared to a transparent panel.

[0048] In the following, with reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the control device is described, which optionally complements the embodiments described herein above.

[0049] In this embodiment, the reflective element 22, also called a reflective polarizer, is an element suitable for reflecting an incident light ray Fi having a given range of wavelengths depending on the angle of incidence Θi of the incident beam Fi relative to the reflective element 22 and the polarization of said incident beam Fi.

[0050] The given wavelength range of the incident beam Fi belongs, for example, to the visible range (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers).

[0051] The angle of incidence Θi of the incident beam Fi is the angle between the beam axis and the normal N to the reflective element 22 at the point of incidence Pi of the incident beam Fi on the reflective element 22. The axis of the incident beam Fi and the normal N to the reflective element 22 at the point of incidence Pi define the plane of incidence. In the example shown in Figure 3, the plane of incidence is the plane of the drawing. In particular, the reflective element 22 is suitable for reflecting the incident beam Fi to form a useful virtual image (corresponding to the useful beam Fu) observable through the observation window.

[0052] In the following, linearly polarized light contained in the plane of incidence is also called P-polarized light, and linearly polarized light perpendicular to the plane of incidence is also called S-polarized light.

[0053] Reflective element 22 is optimized to reflect P-polarized light.

[0054] Preferably, the reflective element 22 has a greater reflectivity for P polarized light than for light of different polarizations (S, circular, elliptically polarized) over a range of angles of incidence and over a given range of wavelengths.

[0055] In a variant (particularly on an industrial scale), reflective element 22 has an optimized reflectivity for P-polarized light, compared to the reflectivity for a non-optimized reflective element, but the reflectivity of reflective element 22 remains large for S-polarized light, but not for P-polarized light, over a range of angles of incidence and a given range of wavelengths.

[0056] Preferably, over a range of angles of incidence and a given range of wavelengths, the reflectivity of reflective element 22 for P-polarized light is 10 percent or greater, preferably 15 percent or greater, advantageously 20 percent or greater, advantageously 40 percent or greater.

[0057] Advantageously, the reflectivity of reflective element 22 for light polarized other than P-polarized light is 10 percent or less, preferably 5 percent or less, over a range of angles of incidence and a given range of wavelengths.

[0058] Advantageously, the range of angles of incidence exceeds at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, advantageously at least 60 degrees.

[0059] The reflective element 22 includes, for example, a stack of dielectric layers.

[0060] The reflective element 22 is, for example, a polarizer having a specific reflectivity for P-polarized light, as described in US Pat. No. 6,249,999.

[0061] In particular, the reflective element 22 may comprise, for example, a multilayer polymer film comprising a layer of a crystalline or semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester, such as 2,6 polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”) or a copolymer derived from ethylene glycol, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and some other acid such as terephthalate (“co-PEN”), i.e., having a positive optical stress coefficient such that when stretched, its refractive index in the stretched direction increases, and having an average thickness greater than 0.5 microns, and a layer of a second selected polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) or co-PEN, having an average thickness not greater than 0.5 microns.

[0062] In another example, the reflective element 22 comprises a multilayer polymer film comprising a layer of a crystalline or semi-crystalline polyester, such as PET, having an average thickness not exceeding 0.5 microns, and a layer of a second selected polymer, such as polyester or polystyrene, having an average thickness not exceeding 0.5 microns, the film being stretched in at least one direction at least twice its unstretched dimension in that direction.

[0063] In example implementations, the reflective element 22 also has at least one coating that imparts additional optical and / or mechanical properties, such as heat protection, a neutralizing color treatment, or even an anti-scratch or anti-fog coating.

[0064] The radiation unit 24 is suitable for emitting an incident light beam towards the reflective element 22. The incident beam Fi carries information, for example as mentioned herein above.

[0065] The incident beam Fi emitted by the radiation unit 24 is a beam polarized with a particular polarization, called the primary polarization.

[0066] The predominant polarization, called P polarization, is linear polarization contained in the plane of incidence. It is therefore distinct from S polarization, circular polarization, or elliptically polarized light.

[0067] The wavelength of the incident beam Fi is typically in a given wavelength range for the reflective element 22 that is visible.

[0068] The radiating unit 24 is configured so that the incident beam Fi reaches the reflective element 22 at an angle of incidence Θ i within the range of angles of incidence defined herein above for the radiating element 22 .

[0069] The operation of the control device 16 according to this embodiment is the same as in the general case, the difference in operation being in the polarization of the beam sent by the radiation unit 24 and the optimized reflection of the reflective element 22 for P-polarized light.

[0070] This particular embodiment therefore has the advantage of being compatible with polarized sunglasses. Such glasses are indeed traditionally configured to transmit only P-polarized light and to filter out other types of polarized light. The combination of the specific polarization of the beam transmitted by the emitting unit 24 and the optimized reflection of the reflective element 22 thereby allows for optimized reflection, and therefore visibility, of a useful image through polarized sunglasses.

[0071] A second method of integrating the control device 16 into the vehicle 10 is shown with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The second method of integration has the same features and variations as the first method of integration (shown in Figure 1), except for the following features. The second method of integration will therefore be described in terms of its differences from the first method of integration, and identical features will not be repeated. In particular, the features described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 also apply here.

[0072] In a second method of integration, the control device 16 is not integrated into the vehicle dashboard 14 but uses elements of the windshield 12 .

[0073] In particular, as shown in detail in FIG. 5, windshield 12 comprises a transparent surface 12A and a screen printed area 12B surrounding transparent surface 12A.

[0074] Screen printed area 12B is an opaque area.

[0075] The screen printed area 12B is typically made from ceramic.

[0076] The screen printed area 12B comprises a lower portion 40, two side portions 42, and an upper portion 44.

[0077] The lower portion 40 of the screen printed area 12B comprises a base 50 and a raised portion 52 relative to the base 50. The base 50 and the raised portion 52 are typically made from the same material.

[0078] The base 50 is typically a strip that extends substantially across the width of the transparent surface 12A (and thus across the extent of the windshield 12). The base 50 is common to all windshields.

[0079] The raised portion 52 forms the opaque panel 20. In particular, the surface of the raised portion 52 facing the inside of the vehicle 10 forms the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20. The raised portion 52 is therefore a particularity of this method of integration and allows control information to be displayed on the windshield 12. The maximum height of the raised portion 52 usually does not exceed the standard given to the opaque base of the windshield so as not to obstruct the driver's view 18.

[0080] Preferably, raised portion 52 includes at least one raised area 60 on an opposite side of the upper body of driver 18 when in a driving position.

[0081] Preferably, raised portion 52 comprises a strip 62 that extends substantially across the width of transparent surface 12A, excluding transparent edge 64, protruding from base 50. In other words, raised portion 52 does not extend across the area of ​​base 50 adjacent vehicle support 15. This allows visibility of the environment at vehicle support 15 to remain transparent.

[0082] Preferably, raised area 60 is an area that is more raised than and protrudes from strip 62. Raised area 60 provides driver 18 with access to a larger viewing surface.

[0083] Alternatively, raised portion 52 only includes raised area 60 .

[0084] Alternatively, raised portion 52 may have a different design or shape depending on the desired head-up display for vehicle 10 .

[0085] The operation and advantages of the second method of integration are the same as those described herein above for the first method of integration and its variations.

[0086] The second method of integration also has the advantage of further optimizing the space within the vehicle and simplifying the design of the dashboard, which is not altered to integrate the opaque panel 20. Ergonomics and visibility are also improved, as the dashboard information is displayed directly on the opaque part of the windshield (and therefore with good contrast in the driver's field of view).

[0087] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will further understand that although the present description is based on the particular case of a motor vehicle, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle, and the control device is therefore applicable to all types of vehicles, in particular air vehicles and watercraft. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Vehicles 11 Inside 12 Windshield 12A Transparent Surface 12B Screen printed area 14 Dashboard 15 Posts 16 Control Devices 18 Driver, driver's visibility 19 Dashboard equipment 20 Opaque Panels 21 Useful Surfaces 22 Reflective Elements 24 Radiation Units 40 Screen, lower part 42 Side part 44 Upper part 50 base 52 Raised area 60 raised area 62 Belt 64 Edge IM Virtual Image Fi incident beam Fu useful beam N normal Pi incident point

Claims

1. A control device (16) suitable for integration into a vehicle (10) to display control information for said vehicle (10), including all dashboard instruments (19) of said vehicle (10), comprising: a. an opaque panel (20) having a usable surface (21), at least a portion of said opaque panel (20) adapted to be positioned opposite the upper body of a driver (18) in a driving position; b. a reflective element (22) covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), the reflective element (22) being at least partially reflective; c) a radiation unit (24) for control information of the vehicle (10), the radiation unit (24) being adapted to radiate at least one light beam towards the reflective element (22), so that reflection of the light beam on the reflective element (22) forms at least one useful image in an observation window of the driver (18) in the driving position; A control device (16) comprising:

2. 2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a windshield having a transparent surface and a screen-printed area surrounding the transparent surface, the screen-printed area having a lower portion having a base and a raised portion protruding from the base, and the opaque panel is formed by the raised portion.

3. 3. The control device of claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a support pillar connected to a side portion of the base of the windshield, and the raised portion comprises a strip extending from the base and extending substantially across the width of the transparent surface except for opposite ends of the base of the screen-printed area, which is transparent to provide clear visibility of the environment at the support pillar of the vehicle.

4. 4. The control device (16) of claim 3, wherein the raised portion (52) is further raised than the band portion (62) and includes a raised region (60) that protrudes from the band portion (62), the raised region (60) being an area opposite the upper body of the driver (18) in the driving position.

5. The control device (16) of claim 1, wherein the control device (16) is adapted to be integrated into a dashboard (14) of the vehicle (10).

6. 6. The control device (16) of claim 1, wherein the radiation unit (24) is suitable for emitting a ray of light polarized according to a primary polarization, referred to as an incident beam (Fi), towards the reflective element (22), the incident beam (Fi) reaching the reflective element (22) with an angle of incidence (Θi) and defining an incidence plane with the reflective element (22), the primary polarization being a polarization contained within the incidence plane, referred to as P polarization, and the reflective element (22) is optimized to have a greater reflectivity for P-polarized light over a range of incidence angles including the angle of incidence (Θi) than a non-optimized reflective element.

7. 7. The control device (16) of claim 6, wherein the reflective element (22) has a greater reflectivity for P-polarized light than for light polarized other than P-polarized light over the range of angles of incidence.

8. 8. The control device (16) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device (16) is configured to be automatically turned on when the vehicle (10) is started and to be automatically turned off when the vehicle (10) is turned off.

9. A vehicle (10) in which a control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is integrated.

10. 10. The vehicle (10) of claim 9, wherein the dashboard (14) does not have mechanical dashboard equipment integrated within the dashboard (14) and digital dashboard equipment integrated within the dashboard (14) that are different from the control device (16).

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