U.S. patent application number 09/213503 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for display device.
Invention is credited to WEHNER, MANFRED.
Application Number | 20020017232 09/213503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7853202 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020017232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WEHNER, MANFRED |
February 14, 2002 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to a display device, in particular for a
vehicle, having a pointer, which can be actuated by a measuring
mechanism, for the analog representation of measured values, fixed
scale marks which are assigned to the pointer, and a display,
arranged in a region over at least part of which the pointer
travels, for representing variable information, it being possible
to represent scale labeling on the display. In order to reduce the
manufacturing costs of the display device and to improve its
legibility, the invention proposes that the scale marks be arranged
outside a display region which can be actuated, and that at least
one region of the display extends along the scale marks and that it
is possible to represent the scale labeling in this region.
Inventors: |
WEHNER, MANFRED;
(WOLFERSHEIM, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARTIN A FARBER
SUITE 473
866 UNITED NATIONS PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10017
|
Family ID: |
7853202 |
Appl. No.: |
09/213503 |
Filed: |
December 17, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
116/284 ;
116/62.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2370/33 20190501;
B60K 37/02 20130101; G01D 7/002 20130101; B60K 2370/698 20190501;
B60K 2370/155 20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
116/284 ;
116/62.1 |
International
Class: |
G09F 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 1997 |
DE |
197 57 564.1 |
Claims
1. A display device, in particular for a vehicle, having a pointer,
which can be actuated by a measuring mechanism, for the analog
representation of measured values, fixed scale marks which are
assigned to the pointer, and a display, arranged in a region over
at least part of which the pointer travels, for representing
variable information, it being possible to represent scale labeling
on the display, wherein the scale marks (3) are arranged outside a
display region which can be actuated, and wherein at least part of
the display (4) extends along the scale marks (3) and the scale
labeling (5) can be represented in this region.
2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scale
labeling (5) can be varied.
3. The display device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the
display (4) is a dot matrix display.
4. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the display (4) has a liquid crystal cell.
5. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the pointer (2) can be pivoted about an axis (12) which is
approximately perpendicular to the representational plane of the
display (4).
6. The display device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pointer
(2) has, in a region turned away from a pointer tip (6), a pointer
hub (13) which is connected to a pointer shaft (7), and wherein the
axes of rotation of the pointer shaft (7) and of an output shaft
(9) of the measuring mechanism (1) are arranged so as to be
congruent or approximately parallel to one another.
7. The display device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the point
shaft (7) and the measuring mechanism output shaft (9) are
connected to one another so as to form a single component.
8. The display device as claimed in one of claims 5 or 6, wherein a
gear mechanism (10) which transmits a rotary movement of the
measuring mechanism output shaft (9) to the pointer shaft (7) is
arranged between the measuring mechanism output shaft (9) and the
pointer shaft (7).
9. The display device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the gear
mechanism (10) is a flexible drive mechanism, friction wheel
mechanism or gearwheel mechanism.
10. The display device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein at least
part of the gear mechanism (10) is arranged in front of the side of
the representational plane of the display (4) which faces a
viewer.
11. The display device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the parts of
the gear mechanism (10) which are arranged in front of the
representational plane of the display are covered on the viewer
side with a panel (11).
12. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the pointer (2) can be covered on the viewer side with a
panel (11).
13. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the scale marks (3) are arranged in the direct vicinity of,
or within, a region of the display device over which the pointer
tip (6) travels.
14. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the scale marks (3) are located on the display (4).
15. The display device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein
the scale marks (3) are located on a frame element (14), the frame
element engaging at least partially around the display (4).
16. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the display
(4) is inserted into a recess in the frame element (14).
17. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the frame
element (14) is fitted onto the display (4).
18. The display device as claimed in one of claims 15 to 17,
wherein the frame element (14) is a light guide.
19. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the scale marks (3) are elevated or countersunk with
respect to the representational plane of the display (4).
20. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the scale marks (3) can be illuminated.
21. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein part of the display (4) is covered by a panel (15).
22. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the display (4) can be actuated freely in at least one
part.
23. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the display (4) has a region which cannot be actuated.
24. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the display (4) can be illuminated.
25. The display device as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
wherein the display device has a dial, the scale marks (3) being
represented on the dial, and at least one region of the display (4)
which can be actuated being arranged in a recess of the dial.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a display device, in particular for
a vehicle, having a pointer, which can be actuated by a measuring
mechanism, for the analog representation of measured values, fixed
scale marks which are assigned to the pointer, and a display,
arranged in a region over at least part of which the pointer
travels, for representing variable information, it being possible
to represent scale labeling on the display.
[0002] Such display devices are known and are used in the form of
analog pointer instruments in measuring equipment, for example. In
the known devices, scale labeling which is located on the scale
plate can be generated and changed by electronic actuation. In such
cases, the location of the scale labeling is permanently predefined
in relation to the scale marks.
[0003] Other known display devices having an analog pointer
instrument and a display, over which the pointer travels, for
representing variable information have a large scale area which can
be actuated, in which context all the display elements including
the scale marks can be actuated in a variable fashion and
represented on the display. However, the size of the display area
which can be actuated is a direct measure of the manufacturing
costs of the display, and thus of the display instrument, making
these known display instruments very costly. Furthermore, the
representation on the display is defined as a planar display,
something which restricts the optical configuration possibilities
of this display device in terms of both ergonomic and aesthetic
criteria.
[0004] In order to remedy this, the object of the present invention
is to design a display device in such a way that it provides an
analog representation of measured values with a flexible
representation of information on the scale area, accompanied by low
manufacturing costs for the display device.
[0005] The object is achieved with a display device of the type
mentioned at the beginning by virtue of the fact that the scale
marks are arranged outside a display region which can be actuated
and that at least part of the display extends along the scale marks
and the scale labeling can be represented in this region. A display
device according to the invention thus makes it possible, without
having to dispense with an extensive representation of
information--to keep the display region which can be actuated
small. A display device according to the invention can therefore be
manufactured in a particularly cost-effective way. In addition, in
a device according to the invention the scale marks are designed
independently of the display, making it possible, for example, to
make it easier to perceive for a viewer and/or enabling it to be
matched in terms of design to the surrounding instrumentation (for
example the dashboard of an motor vehicle).
[0006] According to one advantageous development of the invention,
the scale labeling can be varied, enabling both the display region
of the measuring instrument and the unit which is being displayed
to be varied very easily without the instrument having to be
adapted mechanically. This is significant, for example, in the case
of the speedometers of motor vehicles if they are to be marketed
throughout the world. The displayed unit can then be converted
from, for example, kilometers per hour to miles per hour by simply
changing the actuation of the display and of the pointer measuring
mechanism. It is particularly easy if this change is carried out by
actuation software.
[0007] For a flexible representation of information in a way which
is dependent only on the respective actuation it is of particular
advantage if the display is a dot-matrix display. With the display
it is possible to display any number of representations which are
each composed of a quantity of actuated dots of a dot-matrix.
[0008] It is advantageous that the display is particularly
inexpensive and can be manufactured in large series if it has a
liquid crystal cell. Liquid crystal cells provide the additional
advantage that owing to their low power consumption they do not
heat up during operation and thus do not contribute to an undesired
heating of the display instrument.
[0009] According to another advantageous development of the
invention, the pointer can be pivoted about an axis which is
approximately perpendicular to the representational plane of the
display. Such round instruments are particularly easy to read and
require only a small installation area.
[0010] The display device can advantageously be of very compact
design if the pointer has, in a region which is turned away from a
pointer tip, a pointer hub which is connected to a pointer shaft
and if the axes of rotation of the pointer shaft and of an output
shaft of the measuring mechanism are arranged so as to be congruent
or approximately parallel to one another. Preferably, the pointer
shaft and the measuring mechanism output shaft are connected to one
another so as to form a single component. As a result, owing to a
reduction in the number of individual components, the number of
mounting processes during the fabrication of the display device is
reduced and the inventory holding of the required individual parts
is simplified.
[0011] According to another advantageous development of the
invention, a gear mechanism which transmits a rotary movement of
the measuring mechanism output shaft to the pointer shaft is
arranged between the measuring mechanism output shaft and t-he
pointer shaft. This makes it possible to separate the measuring
mechanism from the pointer spatially and to select a flexible
arrangement of the measuring mechanism such that the installation
space which is available in the display device is used to an
optimum degree. Preferably, the gear mechanism is a flexible drive
mechanism, friction wheel mechanism or gearwheel mechanism, so that
the rotary movements are transmitted in a simple and reliable way
with only a few movable components. The installation space which is
available at the rear of a display and/or of a dial of a display
device is very limited owing to the large number of electronic and
mechanical components to be accommodated so that it is of great
advantage if at least part of the gear mechanism is arranged in
front of the side of the representational plane of the display
which faces a viewer. In order to avoid disrupting the structural
impression of the display device and in order to protect the gear
mechanism against dirt, the parts of the gear mechanism which are
arranged in front of the representational plane are preferably
covered on the viewer side with a panel.
[0012] If large areas of information, such as, for example, traffic
guidance information, is represented on the display of the display
device according to the invention, during which the pointer is not
required, it is advantageous if the pointer can be covered on the
viewer side with a panel. This makes the display panel clearly
visible without superfluous, distracting elements, as a result of
which the attention of a viewer is directed completely at the
represented information. Preferably, the panel which covers a gear
mechanism is identical to the panel with which the pointer is
covered.
[0013] The legibility of measured values which are represented with
the pointer is particularly good if the scale marks are arranged in
the direct vicinity of, or within, a region of the display device
over which the tip of the pointer travels. Here, it is particularly
easy if the scale marks are located on the display. The ergonomic
and design possibilities which are provided by the display device
according to the invention can, however, be particularly well
exploited if, according to one advantageous development of the
invention, the scale marks are located on a frame element, and the
frame element engages at least partially around the display. Here,
the display is preferably inserted into a recess of the frame
element, as a result of which the frame may simultaneously be a
holder of the display.
[0014] Especially because of the possibility of-easier fabrication,
displays usually have a rectangular shape. In order to be able to
give the frame element a shape other than a rectangular shape, for
example a round or elliptical shape, it is of particular advantage
if the frame element is fitted onto the display. As a result, edge
regions of the display which are possibly not used do not need to
be available as a display area which can be actuated--because they
are covered--and can therefore be implemented easily and
cost-effectively as untreated carrier surface.
[0015] It would be conceivable to illuminate the display device
according to the invention by means of uplight, in particular in
order to make it legible in surrounding darkness. However, the
legibility is particularly good if, according to one advantageous
development of the invention, the frame element is a light guide.
As a result, it is possible both to illuminate directly the scale
marks which are provided on the frame element and to illuminate the
display by means of light which may have been possibly extracted
from the frame element in a selective fashion. The legibility and
the visual impression of the display device is further improved if
the scale marks are elevated or countersunk with respect to the
representational plane of the display. In this way a plastic
structure can be achieved.
[0016] In particular when--there is surrounding darkness it is
advantageous if the scale marks can be illuminated so that one can
be sure of perceiving the represented information reliably even in
darkness.
[0017] It would be conceivable to use the entire display region for
representing information. However, it is frequently sufficient to
use only parts of the display region. In this case, it is
advantageous if part of the display is covered by a panel and a
uniform structure of the display device is thus possible in this
way.
[0018] It is conceivable, depending on the case, to represent only
specific information on the display, for example alternative scale
labeling or warning information. However, it is of particular
advantage if the display can be actuated freely in at least one
part, as a result of which information can be represented flexibly
on the display and even images, such as for example excerpts from
maps of a traffic guidance system or video sequences, can be
displayed.
[0019] The display is advantageously of simplified design if it has
a region which cannot be actuated. This region which cannot be
actuated is, for example, a region which is covered by a panel.
[0020] In order to safeguard an emergency operating function of the
display device, for example in the case of a fault in the
electronic system of a vehicle, it is advantageous if the display
can be read without illumination. If a liquid crystal cell is used,
said cell is therefore preferably transflective or reflective. It
is of particular advantage if the display can be illuminated so
that even when there is surrounding darkness the information
represented on the display can be perceived.
[0021] According to another advantageous development of the
invention, the display device has a dial, the scale marks being
represented on the dial, and at least one region of the display
which can be actuated being arranged in a recess of the -dial. Such
a design is suitable particularly if the display device is a
component of a combination instrument, for example of a motor
vehicle.
[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with
reference to exemplary embodiments represented in the appended
drawing, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a display device according to the
invention,
[0024] FIG. 2 shows the display device according to FIG. 1 in
another actuation state,
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a further display device according to the
invention, and
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a section along the line IV-IV of the display
device according to FIG. 3.
[0027] A display device (illustrated in FIG. 1) of a motor vehicle
has two display units 22, 23, each with a pointer 2, which can be
actuated by a measuring mechanism 1, for the analog representation
of measured values. Corresponding components are provided, as also
in the following figures, with identical reference symbols. The
display units 22, 23 are arranged in a dial 8, which is also
provided with symbol fields 28 which can be illuminated. In each
case one scale mark 3 of the display units 22, 23 can, as shown
here, be printed onto the dial 8 or be a component of an additional
frame element. The scale marks 3 are fixed and nonvariable. In each
case one display 4 is arranged in a recess of the dial 8 and in a
region which is surrounded by the scale marks 3 in a ring shape. A
type of scale labeling 5, inter alia, can be represented on the
display 4. The respective scale labeling shows that the, in FIG. 1,
left-hand display unit 23 is a rev counter display and the
right-hand display unit 22 is a vehicle speed display. The scale
labeling 5 can be varied so that, for example, the display region
varies, the displayed unit changes over or additional marks, such
as for example speed limit marks 29 or rev counter warning marks 30
can be actuated. This also makes it possible to use the display
device for displaying a vehicle speed in km/h or in miles/h, for
example, without mechanical changes or without printing the dial of
a display device differently. Moreover, further displays, such as a
fuel tank/remaining distance display 21, are provided on the
display 4 in specific fields.
[0028] Both the scale labeling 5 and a tip 6 of the pointer 2 are
directly assigned to marks on the scale 3 so that it is ensured
that the analog pointer instruments of the display units 22, 23 are
easily legible.
[0029] In the display unit 23, the measuring mechanism 1 of the
pointer instrument is arranged directly opposite a pointer shaft 7
so that the pointer shaft 7 and a measuring mechanism output shaft
9 can be connected to one another so as to form a single component.
For this purpose, the display 4, which is an LC dot matrix display
in the present exemplary embodiment, is provided with a recess, for
example a through-hole, so that the measuring mechanism output
shaft 9 engages through it. It is also conceivable to couple the
measuring mechanism output shaft 9 and the pointer shaft 7 not by
positive locking but rather magnetically so that a recess is not
required in the display 4. The pointer 2 is connected to the
pointer shaft 7, and also to the measuring mechanism output shaft
9, via a pointer hub 13 so that movement of the measuring mechanism
output shaft 9 leads to pivoting of the pointer 2 about a pointer
pivot axis 12.
[0030] The analog pointer instrument of the display unit 22 has a
measuring mechanism 1 which is at a distance from the pointer pivot
axis 12. The measuring mechanism output shaft 9 drives the pointer
shaft 7 of the pointer 2 via a flexible drive mechanism 10. On the
viewer side, the gear mechanism 10 is covered by a panel 11. The
panel 11 serves at the same time as a cover or guard for the
pointer 2 when the latter is in a position of rest. For this
reason, the panel 11 is also provided in the display unit 23. The
measuring mechanisms 1 of the display units 22 and 23 are arranged
on the side of the dial 8 which is turned away from a viewer and in
FIG. 1 only the installation position is represented for the sake
of clarification.
[0031] Furthermore, a boundary 16 of the display 4 is shown by
broken lines on the display unit 22. It is apparent that the
display 4 is rectangular and the corner regions 32 of the display 4
which are arranged underneath the scale marks 3 and the dial 8 are
not visible to a viewer. These corner regions 32 are not available
for a representation of information and therefore do not need to
have any elements which can be actuated.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows the display device from FIG. 1 in a different
actuation state of the display unit 23. Here, the pointer of the
display unit 23 is in a position of rest behind the panel 11. Thus,
the entire display 4 is available for representing operating
information of the motor vehicle. A display panel 19 for
representing a gear speed display of an automatic transmission is
constantly kept free. In contrast, the rest of the display 4 is no
longer used--as in FIG. 1--for a rev counter and instead serves to
represent a warning display 20 for an overheated catalytic
converter in the motor vehicle's exhaust system. In order to
increase the attentiveness of the viewer, the warning display 20
may be represented, for example, in a flashing color or in a color
which differs from the color of the rev counter in FIG. 1 and gives
a powerful signal. Additional display fields 17 for a display of
the distance from the next vehicle and 18 for the display of the
distance traveled are provided in the travel speed display of the
display unit 22.
[0033] A further exemplary embodiment of a display device is shown
in FIG. 3. Here, a display 4 of a display unit 24 is inserted into
a frame element 14 which has scale marks 3. The display 4 has a
display field 19 for a gear speed display of an automatic
transmission and represents a traffic guidance display 25 in the
rest of the display region. In the display unit 24, a pointer of an
analog display instrument is also covered by a panel 11 in a
parking position. However, it is also conceivable that the display
unit 24 does not have a pointer instrument but rather merely a
display 4 with a frame element 14. Such an embodiment is
appropriate, for example, if the intention is to create a uniform
appearance of display units with a pointer instrument--as
illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 and 2--and without a pointer
instrument in a dashboard of a motor vehicle.
[0034] In order to clarify the three-dimensional structure of the
display unit 24, a section along the line IV-IV from FIG. 3 is
shown in FIG. 4. The frame element 14 is fitted onto the display 4
and clicked or bonded to it. The display 4, in this case a liquid
crystal cell, is provided at its front and at its rear sides with
in each case an electro-luminescent film 27 or 26 for illuminating
the display 4. The frame element 14 which bounds the display region
to be actuated is designed as a light guide and can be illuminated
by a light source (not illustrated) which feeds light into the
light guide. Scale divisions 31 of the scale 3 on the frame element
14 can, for example, be printed onto said element or engraved in
it. The display region arranged outside the frame element 14 is
covered for a viewer by a panel 15 which may, for example, be
connected to a dial or a symbol field film of a combination
instrument of the motor vehicle so as to form a single
component.
* * * * *