Display structure, in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a display structure (1), in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle, the display structure (1) comprising: - at least one pattern support (2) comprising at least one pattern (3) to be displayed, the pattern support (3) being configured to receive light so as to illuminate the pattern in order to make it visible on an observation face (4) of the display structure (1); - at least one active opacifying filter (7) that can be switched from a transparent state to an opacifying state, the active opacifying filter (7) being positioned between the pattern support and the observation face (4) and opposite the pattern to be displayed on the pattern support, so as to conceal the pattern of the pattern support when the active opacifying filter (7) is in the opacifying state, and the active opacifying filter (7) also being switchable to the transparent state when the pattern is illuminated.

Description

Display structure, specifically configured to be mounted on a vehicle

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

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

[0003] It is known that some vehicles have a panel displaying symbols visible to people inside the vehicle. These symbols are, for example, icons or decorative motifs.

[0004] There is a demand 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 meets aesthetic requirements within 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 having 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 opaque filter is in its 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 opaque filter becomes transparent (for example, following the application of an electrical voltage) and allows light to pass through with virtually no loss or minimal loss. This allows the pattern(s) to be displayed without substantial loss of light passing through the opaque filter.

[0008] The invention is particularly advantageous, for example, compared to the use of a passive smoke layer, which generates a significant loss of light (up to 90%) when light passes through it. With such a smoke layer, the pattern(s) are indeed rendered invisible when the display is off, but the illumination of these patterns must be sufficiently strong when the display is on to ensure they are clearly visible on the viewing surface after the light has passed through the smoke layer. Thus, with such a passive smoke layer, there is a significant loss of efficiency, since displaying the patterns requires a light source powerful enough to compensate for the smoke 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 light sources in backlighting 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 its 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), reversibly, in response to an electrical voltage applied to this opacifying filter.

[0014] The opacifying filter can thus modify its opacity using 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 panel which defines the viewing face through which the pattern(s) 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 consists of a transparent plate, for example made of PMMA, on which the pattern(s) to be displayed are formed.

[0024] The pattern support includes a film, notably flexible, on which the pattern(s) to be displayed are formed.

[0025] The opacifying filter takes the form of a layer interposed between the pattern support and a facade that defines the viewing 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 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) on the pattern support include one or more LEDs.

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

[0039] The facade 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 switch 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, enabling a person to activate a function, for example a function to increase the volume of the music, by passing their finger over the display structure, at the location of a pattern that 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 word, a drawing or a logo.

[0045] The display structure can have dimensions, for example, 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 vehicle's steering wheel or a vehicle's center console.

[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: 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.

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

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

[0056] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a display structure configured to be placed inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. In particular, the display structure 1 is configured to be placed on the vehicle's center console, for example.

[0058] The display structure 1 includes: 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 go 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 of 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 ( ), and the active opacifying filter 7 being controllable to go into the transparent state ( ) when the patterns 3 are illuminated.

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

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

[0061] 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 using 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, 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.

[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 OCA) is present between pattern support 2 and active opacifying filter 7.

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

[0074] The 10 light sources for backlighting the 3 patterns on 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 to control this opacifying filter 7.

[0077] The display structure 1 is configured as a panel, which thus presents the viewing 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 3 backlit patterns become visible to the person or persons on board the vehicle.

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

[0081] The facade 9 can be flat or 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 enabling the opacifying filter 7 to switch from the transparent state () to the opacifying state (), and vice versa.

[0085] Where appropriate, the display structure 1 includes a capacitive layer, in particular a capacitive film, enabling a person to activate a function, for example a function to increase the volume of the music, by passing their finger over the display structure 1, at the location of a pattern 3 which is illuminated.

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

[0087] Display structure 1 can 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

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