Display Assembly for Imaging Device

Abstract

To provide a display assembly in which electromagnetic radiations coming out of the display assembly can be reduced and at the same time elements or components can be thermally insulated.SOLUTION: A display assembly for an imaging device includes: a display panel 20 having a display 21 and a first control unit 22; a second control unit 60; a thermally insulating layer 40 arranged between the first control unit and the second control unit; and a conductive housing 10. The thermally insulating layer divides the housing into at least a first cavity 100 including the first control unit and a second cavity 200 including the second control unit, and prevents heat generated in the first cavity or the second cavity from reaching the other cavity. The thermally insulating layer further includes an electrically conductive material 42 so that electromagnetic radiations generated in the first cavity or the second cavity are at least partially shielded to prevent the electromagnetic radiations from reaching the other cavity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a display assembly for an imaging device for a vehicle, in particular an imaging device arranged to be located on an automobile, which mitigates drawbacks due to heat dissipation and electromagnetic interference between components within the device and with other components of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Traditionally, vehicles, such as automobiles, have required reflective mirrors to allow the driver to see the area behind the vehicle.

[0003] Nowadays, some of these mirrors are being replaced by electronic mirrors, such as Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS). A CMS consists of a rear-facing camera positioned on the side of the vehicle. The captured image is received by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which performs image processing, i.e. the CMS ECU.

[0004] The CMS ECU generates the display images that are displayed on a display panel, which is located inside the vehicle, typically on the door, although other locations are not excluded.

[0005] Known display panels of the prior art are typically Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) and a Display Control Unit (ECU) generates the instructions for said display.

[0006] It is well known that control units generate a lot of heat, which is therefore very harmful to displays. High temperatures can cause displays to malfunction or even reduce their lifespan significantly.

[0007] Also well known is the effect of electromagnetic radiation generated by electronic components such as electronic control units (ECUs). Electromagnetic radiation causes many performance issues and this radiation increases significantly when a device has two or more electronic control units (ECUs).

[0008] The second control unit is a control unit configured to perform at least image processing operations, more preferably configured to control a camera surveillance system (CMS).

[0009] A current CMS consists of two electronic control units, specifically a first ECU associated with the display and a second ECU that controls / manages the CMS, the second control unit also being connected to the first control unit for sending and / or receiving data to said second control unit.

[0010] The first and second ECUs can be arranged adjacent to each other in a plane parallel to the display panel, or, to save space, both ECUs can be arranged one after the other, e.g., the first control unit is arranged between the display panel and the second control unit.

[0011] The heat generated by the second ECU, i.e. the ECU of the CMS, will have a negative effect on the display panel. A heat insulating layer, for example a plastic frame, is placed between the display and the second control unit. The plastic frame can prevent the display from being affected by the heat generated by the second ECU. The heat insulating layer helps to prevent the temperature from rising around the display, acting as a thermal insulator.

[0012] In the above embodiment, it is well known that plastic materials are good thermal insulators, therefore the plastic frame prevents the heat generated by the ECU of the CMS from reaching the display.

[0013] It is understood that plastic is a synthetic material made from a variety of organic polymers, such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., which can be molded into a rigid or slightly elastic shape while still softening.

[0014] So you have to balance two different technical effects: on the one hand, you want to isolate the display from the temperature of the second ECU and avoid the EMC issues of using both PCBs in the same device.

[0015] The above-mentioned known display assembly also includes a housing. The housing may include a first portion and a second portion to allow assembly of the electronic components. The housing may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum, for example. Summary of the Invention

[0016] (Summary of the invention) It is an object of the present invention to reduce electromagnetic radiation emanating from a display assembly while at the same time allowing thermal insulation of components or parts.

[0017] The display assembly of the present invention is of the type including the following components: a display panel, a second control unit, a thermal barrier, and a housing, as described below. The display panel shown above is A display and a first control unit connected to the display for controlling the display; has. The second control unit is connected to the first control unit which transmits and / or receives data for the second control unit. The thermal insulation layer is disposed between the first control unit and the second control unit. The housing is configured to be electrically conductive and configured to partially house the first control unit, the second control unit, and the thermal insulation layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ends of the housing surround the ends of the display such that the first control unit, the second control unit and the insulating layer are encapsulated, i.e., completely surrounded by the housing and the display.

[0019] The insulating layer is configured to divide the housing into at least a first cavity and a second cavity. Thus, the cavity in the housing is divided into two cavities. The first cavity includes a first control unit and the second cavity includes a second control unit. The insulating layer is adapted to prevent heat generated in the first cavity from reaching the second cavity and to prevent heat generated in the second cavity from reaching the first cavity.

[0020] The thermal insulation layer further comprises an electrically conductive material such that the thermal insulation layer is electrically conductive. The thermal insulation layer is adapted to at least partially, i.e. at least incompletely, shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the first cavity from reaching the second cavity and / or to at least partially shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the second cavity from reaching the first cavity.

[0021] The above assembly overcomes the conventional problems and drawbacks, namely high temperature and EMC of the display panel, by virtue of the thermal insulation layer further comprising a conductive material such that the thermal insulation layer is electrically conductive.

[0022] When the insulating layer becomes conductive, it improves the shielding effect of the second control unit, which is covered by the already conductive housing and the insulating layer, which is also conductive.

[0023] Furthermore, since the insulating layer is electrically conductive, the first control unit can be shielded by the electrically conductive insulating layer.

[0024] A balance is achieved between heat dissipation and EMC. The insulation layer should not consist entirely of conductive material, as this could lead to heat dissipation problems. On the other hand, if the insulation layer consists entirely of insulating material, EMC problems could arise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] Description of the drawings To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, the drawings are provided, which form an integral part of the description and which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. The accompanying drawings consist of the following figures:

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-section of a schematic embodiment of a display assembly. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a display assembly. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a display assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a display assembly housing. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a display assembly. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a display assembly disposed in a vehicle door. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Detailed Description of the Invention FIG. 1 discloses a schematic embodiment of a display assembly subject of the present invention.

[0028] The display assembly shown includes: A display panel (20), o a display (21), said display (21) being an OLED display; a first control unit (22) connected to said display (21) for controlling said display (21); The display panel (20) having a second control unit (60) connected to the first control unit (22) for transmitting and / or receiving data for said second control unit (60); an insulating layer (40) disposed between the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (60); a housing (10) configured to be electrically conductive, the housing (10) being configured to partially accommodate the display panel (20), the second control unit (60), and the thermal insulation layer (40); The housing (10) disclosed in Figure 1 comprises a U-shape with an open entrance covered by a display (21).

[0029] In one embodiment, the ends of the housing (10, 11) surround the ends of the display (21) and thus the first control unit (22), the second control unit (60) and the insulating layer (40) are encapsulated, i.e., completely surrounded by the housing (10, 11) and the display (21).

[0030] The insulating layer (40) further comprises an electrically conductive material (42) such that the insulating layer (40) is electrically conductive.

[0031] The insulating layer (40) is configured to divide the interior of the housing (10, 11) into at least a first cavity (100) and a second cavity (200). The first cavity (100) includes a first control unit (22) and the second cavity (200) includes a second control unit (60). The insulating layer (40) is adapted to prevent heat generated in the first cavity (100) from reaching the second cavity (200) and to prevent heat generated in the second cavity (200) from reaching the first cavity (100).

[0032] The thermal insulation layer (40) is adapted to at least partially shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the first cavity (100) to prevent said electromagnetic radiation from reaching the second cavity (200) and / or to at least partially shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the second cavity (200) to prevent said electromagnetic radiation from reaching the first cavity (100).

[0033] When the insulating layer (40) becomes conductive, the shielding effect of the second control unit (60) housed by the housing (10, 11), which is conductive and can be connected to a ground (ground element), and the insulating layer (40), which is conductive and can be connected to a ground, is improved, thus forming a Faraday cage.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the first control unit (22) is disposed between the display (21) and the insulating layer (40). Furthermore, the insulating layer (40) is configured to contact the housings (10, 11).

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation layer (40) has two opposing sides, and the conductive material (42) of the insulation layer (40) is a conductive coating applied to at least one side of the insulation layer (40). In the illustrated embodiment, the coating is disposed on both sides of the insulation layer (40).

[0036] Preferably, the coating may have a thickness between 4 and 15 micrometers, preferably 12 micrometers. If the insulation layer (40) is thicker, it will be more rigid and problems may arise in mounting / locating / positioning the insulation layer (40). If the coating is thinner than 4 micrometers, EMC problems may arise, since electrical contact is not guaranteed.

[0037] The entire insulation layer (40) may have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm for plastic injection problems. The insulation layer (40) may have ridges or ribs that help dissipate heat, but in these parts the thickness may reach 2 mm. For example, if the coating is 0.1 mm thick and the insulation layer (40) is 1 mm, the relationship (ratio) of both thicknesses is 10. For example, such a relationship of both thicknesses may be between 0.5 and 4.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the insulating layer (40) is made of a plastic material, and the conductive material is a metallic material, for example aluminum.

[0039] The display panel (20) includes a metal layer (24) disposed between the display (21) and the first control unit (22). Additionally, the metal layer (24) is larger than the first control unit (22) to shield or obscure the first control unit (22) from the display (21).

[0040] Furthermore, the display assembly includes a ground portion (ground element) that is part of the housing (10, 11) or is attached to the housing (10, 11).

[0041] The conductive material (42) of the thermal insulation layer (40) is electrically connected to the second control unit (60), for example by a coating that contacts the second control unit (60).

[0042] Additionally, the housing (10, 11) is configured to be electrically connected to the insulating layer (40) and the display (21).

[0043] The housing (10, 11) of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 comprises two parts (10, 11), namely a first part (10) and a second part (11). The second part (11) is coupled to the first part (10) and is in electrical contact with the first part (10). The first part (10) of the housing is connected to the insulating layer (40), in particular they are in contact.

[0044] The first part (10) of the housing is connected to the insulating layer (40) and the second part (11) of the housing is connected to a second control unit (60).

[0045] Furthermore, the insulating layer (40) is connected to the first part (10) of the housing via at least a metallic fastening means (49), which may be a set of screws.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat insulating layer (40) is in contact with the display panel (20). As mentioned above, the display panel (20) may include a metal layer (24), preferably made of a metal material, for example copper, arranged between the display (21) and the first control unit (22) and in contact with both (21, 22). The first control unit (22) is in contact with the display (21) through the metal layer (24) located between the first control unit (22) and the display (21). The display (21) is in contact with the housing (10, 11) through the heat insulating layer (40) made conductive. Thus, the display (21) is in contact with the housing (10, 11) and therefore with the ground. In one embodiment, the first part (10) of the housing is the ground part.

[0047] Preferably, the metal layer (24) extends / covers the entire first control unit (22). The metal layer (24) acts as a heat dissipator to dissipate heat emanating from the display (21) and the first control unit (22).

[0048] In this way, a Faraday cage is formed that encases both PCBs (22, 60), with the first control unit (22) surrounded by the display (21) and the thermal insulation layer (40), which are electrically conductive. The second control unit (60) is surrounded by the thermal insulation layer (40) and the housing (10, 11), which are also electrically conductive. In addition, appropriate grounding is included. The entire Faraday cage, including the internal components, has the same electrical potential.

[0049] Faraday cages are known to reduce electromagnetic radiation emanating from electronic assemblies. A Faraday cage is an enclosure used to block or shield electromagnetic fields. A Faraday cage can be formed by a continuous covering of conductive material or a mesh of such material. Additionally, for a Faraday cage to be effective, it must also include a proper ground, meaning that the entire Faraday cage, including the components inside, must be at the same potential.

[0050] Furthermore, since the insulating layer (40) is electrically conductive, the second control unit (60) can be electrically connected to the grinding section and therefore has the same electrical potential as the first control unit (22), the display (21) and the housing (10, 11) which are electrically connected to the grinding section. In this way, the grinding of the Faraday cage is also improved thanks to the insulating layer (40), and therefore the Faraday cage is further improved.

[0051] The first housing portion (10) further comprises a conductive means (30) for electrically connecting the conductive layer (24) of the display panel (20) to the first housing portion (10). The first conductive means (30) is a resilient material, such as foam, surrounded by a conductive material. The foam includes a conductive cover shroud.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first (22) and second (60) ECUs are arranged one after the other with respect to the display (21). In particular, the first control unit (22) is arranged between the display panel (20) and the second control unit (60). Alternatively, both control units (22, 60) may be arranged adjacent to each other in a plane parallel to the display panel (20), or even the first control unit (22) may be arranged in line with the display (21).

[0053] The insulating layer (40) is also connected to a second control unit (60) via at least a first metallic fastening means (61).

[0054] If the housing (10, 11) is formed by two or more parts, it must be taken into account that there are gaps between the different parts, which allow the electromagnetic field to escape the Faraday cage, thus reducing the cancellation effect.

[0055] Figure 3 discloses a rear view of the embodiment of the display assembly of Figure 2. The rear of the first portion of the housing (10) and its heat spreader (23), and the second portion of the housing (11) and its heat spreader (91).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the first housing part (10) and the second housing part (11) is made via at least metallic fastening means (48). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, four metallic fastening means (48) are adopted, e.g., four screws. This is a weak electrical connection that is not relevant for avoiding electromagnetic problems. The more screws, the better the electrical connection, but conversely, the more difficult it is to assemble the device.

[0057] Since the insulating layer (40) is electrically conductive in the present invention, an alternative path for the current is achieved, thereby improving the grounding of the second part (11) of the housing. In addition to said electrical connection to the first part (10) of the housing via the metallic fastening means (48), the second part (11) of the housing is also electrically connected to the second control unit (60), then to the insulating layer (40) and then to the first part (10) of the housing. When the insulating layer (40) is in contact with the first part (10) of the housing, the current reaching the first part (10) is increased. Thus, the Faraday cage is improved thanks to said additional path, without the need for an increase in the number of fastening means (48) between the first part (10) and the second part (21) of the housing.

[0058] The second control unit (60) is connected to the second part (11) of the housing via at least a metal spring (50), which is adapted to elastically deform to assume different geometric tolerances and is electrically conductive.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (60) are connected by a flex connector (70) adapted to transmit data.

[0060] Thus, the first and second cavities (100, 200) hold electronic components configured to exchange electronic data, and both cavities (100, 200) are at least partially insulated from electromagnetic radiation (i.e., EMI) and thermal radiation. The thermal insulation layer (40) further comprises an opening (not shown) to allow the flex connector (70) to pass through. A thermal insulation member, such as a rubber gasket (not shown), may be attached to the opening to at least partially prevent the exchange of heat from the first cavity (100) to the second cavity (200) and / or from the second cavity (200) to the first cavity (100) through said opening. The insulating member may be made of a resilient, thermally non-conductive material adapted to deform when, in use, a flex connector (70) electrically connecting the first and second control units (22, 60) passes through an opening to enable transmission of electronic data from the first control unit (22) to the second control unit (60) and / or from the second control unit (60) to the first control unit (22).

[0061] Also, the thermally conductive material (51), such as a commercially available gap filler, is a non-conductive material having a thermal conductivity of, for example, 3 W / mK-5 W / mK. The thermally conductive and non-conductive material (51) can be in contact with at least one electronic component of the second control unit (60) and the second part of the housing (11), and in use, the material (51) can guide the heat generated by the second control unit (60) to be dissipated through the second part of the housing (11), in particular through the heat dissipator (91). A preferred thermally conductive material (51) is one that dissipates the heat generated by the electronic components at least 10 times faster than air, and preferably 40 times faster than air. Furthermore, stable properties in the temperature range from -20°C to 150°C are also preferred for the material of the insulating member. The hardness and strength of the material constituting the insulating member do not decrease over time.

[0062] The second housing part (11) includes a heat dissipator (91), preferably including a plurality of protrusions, more preferably the protrusions are arranged substantially perpendicular to the second control unit (60). The first housing part (10) includes a first heat dissipator (23). Thus, heat generated in the first cavity (100) is not transferred to the second cavity (200) due to the thermal insulation layer, for example by the first control unit (22) and / or the display (21). Instead, it is dissipated from the display assembly through the first heat dissipator (23). Similarly, heat generated in the second cavity (200) is not transferred to the first cavity (100) due to the thermal insulation layer, for example by the second control unit (60), but is instead dissipated from the display assembly through the second heat dissipator (91). As described above, the thermally conductive and non-conductive material (51) disposed in the second cavity (200) is adapted to contact one or more electronic components of the second control unit (60) and the inner surface of the back housing (11). Thus, the conductive and non-conductive material (51) allows heat within the second cavity (200) to be dissipated through the second heat dissipator (91).

[0063] According to the above, the imaging device comprises a camera monitoring system (CMS) configured to be arranged on the side of a vehicle and configured to capture images of an adjacent rear zone of said vehicle. A second control unit (60) is configured to be connected to the camera monitoring system (CMS) for processing images captured by the camera monitoring system (CMS) to generate display image portions, and a display panel (20) is configured to receive and display said image portions. The camera is rear-facing. The display panel (20) is therefore configured to display a video signal from the camera, such that the display panel displays in real time (i.e. with very little delay) what is being captured by said camera. The video signal may operate at least 30 frames per second (30frs), in particular 60 frames per second (60frs).

[0064] Thus, the car: (i) Two camera surveillance systems (CMS); (ii) Winglets (i.e., support / camera mounting assemblies); and (iii) a display assembly according to any of the above embodiments. would include:

[0065] The first CMS may be located in a driver's side zone and the second CMS may be located in a co-driver's side or passenger's side zone. The first and second CMS are mounted on the winglets and both cameras are configured to capture images encompassing at least a portion of the exterior side of the vehicle. The display assembly may be located inside the vehicle and may perform image processing operations by the control unit (60) based on the captured images. The required display assembly is further configured to display the video signal, preferably at least 60 frames per second.

[0066] A method of assembling an assembly device corresponding to the embodiment shown in the drawings would include the following steps. · Adhesively bonding the display panel (20) to the thermal insulation layer (40). Clipping (grazing) the insulating layer (40) to the first part of the housing (10). Other bonding methods are possible. The first part of the housing (10) comprises some foam with conductive means (30) in contact with the copper layer (24). Providing screws (49) for additionally connecting the insulating layer (40) to the first part (10) of the housing. This step is optional. Fixing the second control unit (60) to the insulating layer (40) with screws (61). Specifically, four screws (61) are included, but the number of screws is arbitrary. Providing a conductive foam in the second part (11) of the housing. · Connecting the second part (11) of the housing to the first part (10) using four screws (48). The spring (50) is already equipped with the second control unit (60). Providing the assembly to a vehicle door.

Claims

1. 1. A display assembly for an imaging device, comprising: a display panel (20) having a display (21) and a first control unit (22) connected to the display (21) for controlling the display (21); a second control unit (60) connected to the first control unit (22) for transmitting and / or receiving data for the second control unit (60); a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (60); and a housing (10, 11) configured to be electrically conductive, the housing (10, 11) configured to partially accommodate the display panel (20), the second control unit (60) and the thermal insulation layer (40); Equipped with The insulating layer (40) is configured to divide the housing (10, 11) into at least a first cavity (100) and a second cavity (200), the first cavity (100) containing the first control unit (22) and the second cavity (200) containing the second control unit (60), the insulating layer (40) is configured to prevent heat generated in the first cavity (100) from reaching the second cavity (200) and to prevent heat generated in the second cavity (200) from reaching the first cavity (100). the thermal insulation layer (40) further comprises an electrically conductive material (42) such that the thermal insulation layer (40) is electrically conductive, and the thermal insulation layer (40) is adapted to at least partially shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the first cavity (100) to prevent the electromagnetic radiation from reaching the second cavity (200) and / or to at least partially shield electromagnetic radiation generated in the second cavity (200) to prevent the electromagnetic radiation from reaching the first cavity (100). Display assembly.

2. the first control unit (22) is disposed between the display (21) and the thermal insulation layer (40); 10. The display assembly of claim 1.

3. The insulating layer (40) is configured to contact the housing (10, 11).

3. A display assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the insulating layer (40) includes two opposing surfaces, and the electrically conductive material (42) of the insulating layer (40) is an electrically conductive coating applied to at least one surface of the insulating layer (40); A display assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The coating is made of a metallic material and the thickness of the coating is between 4 micrometers and 15 micrometers.

5. The display assembly of claim 4.

6. The preferred thickness of the conductive material (42) is 12 micrometers.

6. The display assembly of claim 5.

7. The insulation layer (40) is made of a plastic material and the thickness of the insulation layer (40) is between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. A display assembly according to any preceding claim.

8. the display panel (20) includes a metal layer (24) disposed between the display (21) and the first control unit (22), the metal layer (24) being larger than the first control unit (22) to shield the first control unit (22) from the display (21); A display assembly according to any preceding claim.

9. A ground portion that is a part of the housing (10, 11) or that is attached to the housing (10, 11) A display assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising:

10. the thermal insulation layer (40) is at least electrically connected to the second control unit (60); The housing (10, 11) is configured to be electrically connected to the thermal insulation layer (40) and the display (21).

10. The display assembly of claim 9.

11. the conductive material (42) of the thermal insulation layer (40) is electrically connected to the second control unit (60); 11. The display assembly of claim 10.

12. The heat insulating layer (40) is in contact with the display panel (20). A display assembly according to any preceding claim.

13. the housing (10, 11) includes a first part (10) and a second part (11), the second part (11) is coupled to the first part (10) and is in electrical contact with the first part (10), the first part (10) is electrically connected to the insulating layer (40), and the second part (11) is electrically connected to the second control unit (60); A display assembly according to any preceding claim.

14. The first portion (10) of the housing (10, 11) is a ground portion. A display assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. a flex connector (70) connected to the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (60) for transmitting data between the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (60); Preparation, the insulating layer (40) includes an opening for allowing the flex connector (70) to pass therethrough, the insulating layer (40) further including an insulating member attached to the opening to at least partially prevent heat exchange from the first cavity (100) to the second cavity (200) and / or from the second cavity (200) to the first cavity (100) through the opening. A display assembly according to any preceding claim.

Images